AU2014240199A1

AU2014240199A1 - Connecting element, box part and assembly kit for forming a box that is to be built into a wall recess

Info

Publication number: AU2014240199A1
Application number: AU2014240199A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Sergi Tornos Nunez; Markus Theuer
Original assignee: Hager Electro GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Hager Electro GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2013-10-17
Filing date: 2014-09-30
Publication date: 2015-05-07
Also published as: EP2863501B1; EP2863501A3; AU2016102388A4; ES2949973T3; EP2863501A2; AU2016204325A1; AU2016204325A2

Abstract

Abstract "Connecting Element, Box Part and Assembly Kit for forming a Box that is to be built into a wall recess" The invention relates to a connecting element (4), a box part (2,3) and an assembly kit for forming a box (1) that is to be built into a wall recess and is intended for the purpose of receiving devices for the purpose of distributing electrical energy in buildings and/or other components of the electric installation. In accordance with the invention, the box (1) comprises box parts (2,3) that are open on at least in each case one side, and the connecting element (4) is designed for the purpose of connecting the box parts (2,3) to one another at the open sides preferably in such a manner that when assembled the box that is to be formed (1) is rigid. In an expedient manner, the connecting element (4) and at least one of the box parts (2,3) can be plugged one inside the other and/or can be latched together and/or are designed for the purpose of being mutually connected by means of a fastening means. In one embodiment of the invention, the connecting element (4) comprises for the purpose of forming a through-going passage between the box parts (2, 3) a through-going opening and/or a cut-out that is open on one side, wherein the through-going opening and/or the cut-out can be closed preferably by means of a closure plate that where necessary can be inserted into the grooves. (Fig. 3) 5809878_1 (GHMatters) P98181.AU LYNT ft '477 2311 J < s'. 2:4 41 16 ,10 It ~ ~~(N Awl'k 39j444'44c~4 *Q:N 2

Description

- 1 CONNECTING ELEMENT, BOX PART AND ASSEMBLY KIT FOR FORMING A BOX THAT IS TO BE BUILT INTO A WALL RECESS Description: The invention relates to a connecting element, a box 5 part and an assembly kit for forming a box that is to be built into a wall recess and is intended for the purpose of receiving devices for the purpose of distributing electrical energy in buildings and/or other components of the electric installation. 10 Distribution boxes that have a predetermined size and are equipped in a predetermined manner are known from usage. In the case of the electric installation, one box that is suitable for receiving the respective devices that are to be installed is selected from the available 15 distribution boxes. The object of the invention is to provide a box of the type mentioned in the introduction that can be easily adapted to suit the demands that are posed by the electric installation. 20 The connecting element that achieves the object is characterized in that for the purpose of forming the box said connecting element is designed for the purpose of connecting to one another at the open sides the provided box parts that are open on at least one side. 25 The box part in accordance with the invention achieves the object by virtue of the fact that it is open on at least one side and is designed at the open side for the purpose of receiving a connecting element by means of which 5809878_1 (GHMatters) P98181.AU LYNT - 2 the box part can be connected to a further box part for the purpose of forming the box. The inventive assembly kit that achieves the object comprises at least two of the aforementioned box parts, 5 where necessary a cover that is provided for said box parts, said cover being for example a cover frame, a door, a flap or the like, and the aforementioned connecting element for the purpose of connecting the box parts. The box can be assembled from the box parts and the 10 connecting element in a size and functionality that suits the demands posed by the electric installation. For this purpose, different box parts can be provided that, where necessary, have different sizes and/or are equipped in a different manner. The box can be prepared in the preferred 15 embodiment of the invention by means of the box parts both for receiving conventional devices of the electric installation and also miniature circuit breakers, residual current circuit breakers and the like and also for receiving devices used in telecommunications, by way of 20 example a broad band connection switch, a modem, a router, a telephone system or the like. In a further embodiment of the invention, the box consists of more than two box parts and more than one connecting element, wherein at least one inner box part 25 that is preferably to be arranged between two other box parts is open on opposite lying sides and is designed on these sides for the purpose of being connected to this side by way of the connecting element. The box can as desired be built up from any number of box parts and it is possible 30 retrospectively to retrofit one box part or multiple box 5809878_1 (GHMatters) P98181.AU LYNT - 3 parts into a box in accordance with the invention that has already been installed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the connecting element is provided for the purpose of 5 connecting the box parts in a rigid manner to one another so that said connecting element can transmit bending movements between the box parts. The box parts can be connected to one another in an expedient manner by means of the connecting element in such a manner that when assembled 10 the box that is to be formed has a similarly high resistance to elastic deformation as a comparable one-piece box. Said assembled box can be handled as easily as the one-piece box. In a further embodiment of the invention, the 15 connecting element and the box part can be plugged one inside the other. The connecting element comprises for this purpose in an expedient manner a plug-in element that is provided for insertion into a plug receiving device that is formed in the box part. Said connecting element can 20 comprise a connecting member that is designed to grip an edge of a side wall of the box part, preferably for the purpose of being arranged on the side wall by assuming a stable seated position. Moreover, the connecting element can be inserted into 25 a guide groove that is formed on the box part, said connecting element can be latched to the box part and/or can be designed for the purpose of being connected to the box part by means of a fastening part, preferably a screw, a rivet or the like, by way of example by means of a bore 30 hole that is already formed on the connecting element, where necessary with a thread. 5809878_1 (GHMatters) P98181.AU LYNT - 4 In one embodiment of the invention, the connecting element separates the box parts from one another in such a manner that the box parts form compartments in the interior of the box. In an advantageous manner, the individual 5 compartments can be used to receive devices of a particular function range. Thus, one of the compartments can be designed for the purpose of receiving the mentioned devices of the electric installation and another one of the compartments can be designed for the purpose of receiving 10 devices that are used in telecommunications. In order to form a through-going passage between the box parts or rather compartments that are delimited by the connecting part, the connecting element comprises in an expedient manner a through-going opening or a cut-out that 15 is open on one side through which it is possible to feed the cable or rather cables. It is preferred that the through-going opening and/or the cut-out can be closed by means of a closure plate that can where necessary be inserted into grooves in order to be able to completely 20 separate the compartments from one another. In one embodiment of the invention, the connecting element is formed in such a manner that it holds the box parts at a distance from one another. In an advantageous manner, space is consequently provided for an arrangement 25 of the mentioned cover, preferably the mentioned blind frame or the door on each one of the box parts. The cover is preferably formed in such a manner that it can be placed on an upper edge of the side walls of the respective box part and where necessary on an upper face of the connecting 30 element, wherein said cover preferably grips the side walls. 5809878_1 (GHMatters) P98181.AU LYNT - 5 It is feasible to provide the spacing between the box parts and the size of the cover in such a manner that the cover covers half the side of the connecting element so that when assembled the box is outwardly closed when the 5 individual box parts are covered. In a further embodiment of the invention, an at least in part outwardly closed, preferably box-shaped receiving chamber is formed in the connecting element and said receiving chamber can be used as a storage space for small 10 parts, plans or the like that are required possibly during subsequent installation work, for the purpose of receiving a cooling device for thermally regulating the inner chamber of the distribution box and/or for receiving a means for illuminating the box. 15 Moreover, the receiving chamber can be provided for the purpose of receiving a connection element, preferably at least one plug socket, a connection strip and/or a cable clamp. In an expedient manner, an opening is provided in each case on its two sides that face the box parts so that 20 the connection element can be contacted by the two sides of the connecting elements, in other words by each box part. The plug socket can be provided for the purpose of connecting the devices that are to be arranged in the box or for the purpose of supplying the devices with electrical 25 current. In an expedient manner, the connecting element can be provided in such a manner that lines that are routed to or from the connection element can be routed from the connecting element directly outwards, preferably through 30 the connecting element between the box parts to the outer 5809878_1 (GHMatters) P98181.AU LYNT - 6 side of the assembled box. The connecting element can be used to feed lines into the box. In a further embodiment of the invention, the connecting element is provided with a holding device that 5 is provided for the purpose of arranging a means for fastening cables that are to be routed in the box. The holding device comprises preferably a top-hat rail, a spigot or a groove of a dove-tail joint, a receiving device for clamps and/or a bore hole for receiving screws or the 10 like. The fastening means can be formed by means of a cable tie or a cable clamp. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the box can be fastened in the wall recess by means of the connecting part. In an expedient manner, the 15 connecting part is provided for the purpose of fastening the box in the wall recess with at least one anchor element that can preferably be pivoted outwards and that renders it possible to clamp the box to the wall. The invention is further explained hereinunder with 20 reference to exemplary embodiments and the attached drawings that relate to the exemplary embodiments. In the isometric drawings: Fig. 1 illustrates box parts in accordance with the invention, 25 Fig. 2 illustrates various views of a connecting element in accordance with the invention, Fig. 3 illustrates a box in accordance with the invention, 5809878_1 (GHMatters) P98181.AU LYNT - 7 Fig. 4-6 illustrate details of the box according to fig. 3 in different configurations, Fig. 7 illustrates details of a further box in accordance with the invention, and 5 Fig. 8 illustrates details of the box parts according to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 illustrates two box parts 2,3 that can be assembled together by means of a connecting element 4 that is illustrated in Fig. 2 to form a box 1 that is 10 illustrated in Fig. 4. The box 1 is designed for the purpose of forming an electrical distributor and/or to receive other components of the electrical installation in buildings, by way of example devices that are used in telecommunications, and said box is provided for the 15 purpose of being fastened into a wall recess that is formed underneath the plaster or in a hollow wall. As is particularly evident in Fig. 1, each of the box parts 2,3 is open at the sides 5,6 where the box parts 2,3 can be connected to one another. Plug receiving devices 20 9,10,11,12 that are of an identical form and lie in each case opposite one another are provided on the sides 5,6 of the box parts 2,3 for the purpose of receiving the connecting elements 4 that are illustrated in more detail in Fig. 8. 25 As is evident in Figs. 2 and 8, the connecting element 4 is provided with four plug-in elements 13,14,15,16 that can be plugged into one of the respective plug receiving devices 9,10,11,12. Each of the plug-in elements 13,14,15,16 comprises a retaining member 17 that is 30 provided at the sides 5,6 for the purpose of gripping an 5809878_1 (GHMatters) P98181.AU LYNT - 8 edge 35 of a side wall 36 of the box parts 2,3, said side wall being formed only in sections, and a plug-in member 18 that is provided for the purpose of inserting into a cut out 37 of the plug receiving devices 9,10,11,12 (reference 5 numbers 35 to 37 are provided in fig. 8 only for the box part 2). The plug-in elements 13,14,15,16 are each provided with a bore hole 38,39,40,41 by means of which it is possible to guide in each case a screw, not illustrated, 10 for the purpose of fastening the connecting elements to the box parts 2,3 and said screws can be screwed into the threaded bore holes 42 in the base of the cut-out 37 of the plug receiving devices 9,10,11,12. It is evident in Fig. 3 how the connecting element 4 15 is arranged for the purpose of forming the box 1 by arranging the plug-in elements 13,14,15,16 in the plug receiving devices 9,10,11,12 between the box parts 2,3. The box parts 2,3 are rigidly connected to one another by means of the connecting element 4 in such a manner that the box 1 20 that is formed is resistant to bending and can be handled as easily as a comparable one-piece box. A receiving chamber 23 that is closed at the side is formed in the connecting element 4 and said receiving chamber comprises on its sides facing the box parts 2,3 in 25 each case an opening 19. As is illustrated in Fig. 4b, it is possible to insert plug sockets 25 into the openings 19, where necessary from both sides of the connecting element 4. Moreover, the receiving chamber 23 can be used for storing small parts or plans or for receiving an 30 illuminating device for the inside of the box or for receiving a cooling device for the box 1. 5809878_1 (GHMatters) P98181.AU LYNT - 9 Lines can be routed in the receiving chamber 23 through a duct 24 from ends of the connecting elements 4 to the plug socket 25, said ends being arranged at the sides of the box 1. 5 Moreover, a cut-out 20 is provided in the connecting element 4 and it is possible to route the cable through said cut-out from one box part 2,3 to the other box part 2,3. Devices for receiving fastening means for the cable are provided in the cut-out 20, said devices being namely 10 cut-outs 26,27 for the purpose of inserting a traverse 33 that is provided with a cable clamp 34 (Fig. 6a) or for directly inserting a clamp 30 that is provided with corresponding fastening means (Fig. 6b). In addition, connecting pieces 28 are formed on the base of the cut-out 15 20 for the purpose of receiving cable ties. Moreover, connecting pieces of this type are also formed at locations 29 on the rear face of the base of the cut-out 20. The latter mentioned connecting pieces are used to receive the cable ties for lines that are arranged along the rear face 20 of the box 1. Two grooves 21 are formed in parallel and at a distance from one another in the connecting element 4 and if desired it is possible to insert a closure plate 22 with which it is possible to close the cut-out 20, as 25 illustrated in Fig. 5, in order to separate the two box parts 2,3 from one another. Fig. 7 illustrates a further connecting element 4a in accordance with the invention that comprises at its two ends an anchor 31 by means of which it is possible to clamp 30 a box that is formed from the box parts 2a,3a and the connecting element 4a to a wall on which the box is to be 5809878_1 (GHMatters) P98181.AU LYNT - 10 installed. As is particularly evident in Fig. 7b, a lever 32 is formed on the upper face of the connecting elements 4a and it is possible by means of said lever to move the anchor 31 into its anchoring position. In an advantageous 5 manner, the box can be arranged in a stable manner in the wall recess in particular by virtue of the rigid design of the box parts 2a,3a and the connecting element 4a merely by placing the anchor 31a against the side wall. In the claims which follow and in the preceding 10 description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not 15 to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part 20 of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. 5809878_1 (GHMatters) P98181.AU LYNT

Claims

1. Connecting element of an assembly kit for forming a box (1) that is to be built into a wall recess, said box being designed for the purpose of receiving devices for the 5 purpose of distributing electrical energy in buildings and/or other components of the electric installation and comprising box parts (2,3) in particular box parts (2,3) in accordance with Claim 9 that are open at least on one side (5,6), wherein the connecting element (4) is designed for 10 the purpose of connecting the box parts (2,3) to one another at the open sides (5,6).

2. Connecting element according to Claim 1, characterized in that the connecting element (4) is provided for the 15 purpose of connecting the box parts (2,3) to one another in such a manner that the box (1) that is to be formed is rigid when assembled.

3. Connecting element according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that 20 the connecting element (4) and at least one of the box parts (2,3) can be plugged into one another and/or can latch with one another and/or are designed for the purpose of being mutually connected by means of a fastening means.

4. Connecting element according to any one of Claims 1 25 to 3, characterized in that the connecting element (4) comprises a connecting member (17) that is designed for the purpose of gripping an edge (35) of a side wall of the box part (2,3). 30 5809878_1 (GHMatters) P98181.AU LYNT - 12

5. Connecting element according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that for the purpose of forming a through-going passage 5 between the box parts (2,3) the connecting element (4) comprises a through-going opening (19) and/or a cut-out (20) that is open on one side wherein the through-going opening (19) and/or the cut-out (20) can be closed preferably by means of a closure plate (22) that where 10 necessary can be inserted into the grooves (21).

6. Connecting element according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the connecting element (6) is designed for the 15 purpose of holding the box parts (2,3) at a distance from one another.

7. Connecting element according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that 20 the connecting element (4) is designed for the purpose of receiving a connection element preferably a plug socket (25) or a connection strip and/or a means (29;30) for fastening cables, or is provided with the connection element. 25

8. Connecting element according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the connecting element (4) comprises a device (18) for fastening the box (1) in the wall recess that 30 preferably comprises at least one anchor element (18) that where necessary can pivot outwardly. 5809878_1 (GHMatters) P98181.AU LYNT - 13

9. Box part of an assembly kit for the purpose of forming a box (1) that is to be built into a wall recess, said box being designed for the purpose of receiving devices for the purpose of distributing electrical energy 5 in buildings and/or other components of the electric installation, wherein the box part (2,3) is open at least on one side (5,6) and is designed on the open side (5,6) for the purpose of receiving a connecting element (4), in particular a connecting element (4) according to any one of 10 Claims 1 to 8, by means of which the box part (2,3) can be connected to a further box part (2,3) for the purpose of forming the box (1).

10. Assembly kit for the purpose of forming a box (1) that is to be built into a wall recess, said box being 15 designed for the purpose of receiving devices for the purpose of distributing electrical energy in buildings and/or other components of the electric installation, comprising at least one connecting element (4) according to any one of Claims 1 to 8 and at least two box parts (2,3) 20 according to Claim 9. 5809878_1 (GHMatters) P98181.AU LYNT