DE102008057204A1 - Electrical outlet - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical socket for producing a detachable connection with a plug, comprising a device base and a front-mounted front element, which has a cup-shaped central insert with a surrounding side wall and with lighting elements.

Description

The The invention relates to an electrical socket according to the preamble of claim 1.

in the Framework of building installation technology electrical outlets used to power electrical loads over one Appliance plug detachable to connect a mains voltage. Such a socket is usually fixed in place and comprises a device base, the outside surrounds a support frame, which allows attachment in an installation housing. front panel is attached a front element, which depends on the embodiment may be formed one or more parts. For special applications, for example to display special functional states, can Sockets have optical signal devices, which in different Way in the front element can be integrated.

at a known embodiment has a socket side of the device base a signaling device with a glow lamp on, over a front-sided window in a front element of the outlet light emits on the user side. Furthermore, a socket with lighting disclosed in the light-emitting diodes in the two contact holes for the contact pins a device plug are arranged.

Furthermore are bulbs known that plugged as a compact body directly into a power outlet can be and on the side facing away from the electrical terminals light sources have, as a marker light a room at least partially illuminate or be used as an orientation light in a room.

The Object of the present invention is to provide an electrical To create a socket that the lighting functions external Devices has and at the same time designed to be compact and optically easy to perceive is.

Is solved This object is achieved by the features specified in patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments will become apparent from the description, the drawings and the claims.

The Invention according to claim 1 has the advantage that by integrating a lighting element in a socket no external devices for orientation in the room or to find the outlet needed and thus the previous functionality a socket is significantly improved. The insertion of a plug at unfavorable light is facilitated and it is also the orientation in the room allows.

The Socket includes a device socket and a superior user-side visible front element, wherein the Front element at least a cup-shaped central insert for recording a device plug having. According to the invention is at least a lighting element on or in the side wall of the cup-shaped central insert arranged and radiates light into the central insert.

According to the invention of Effort to create Lichtaus- or -durchlässen at the often elaborately designed front panels are avoided and It can have an uninterrupted surface and over standard features especially the same appearance are maintained. Just is on high quality or sophisticated designed surfaces this is desired by the user. The Lighting elements can to be integrated into the central deployment virtually invisibly yourself in a protected Position, causing damage or manipulations are not possible.

The Lighting element, the light through a recess or a translucent Beam the area into the central insert. The light output or passage near a peripheral edge or near the top edge of the Central insert be designed so that the radiated light remains visible even when the plug is plugged in and continues to mark and orientation serves or illuminates the plug. Here can the light through the ring gap, which is still present even when the plug is plugged in emerge between plug and central insert

The Light can be radiated radially into the central insert to a uniform illumination to enable and at the same time clearly mark the receiving area for a device plug. In an advantageous embodiment, the emitted light the lighting element directed against the bottom of the cup-shaped central insert, which in this case serves as a reflection surface, leaving a concentration the light rays and at the same time any glare effects across from to avoid a user. However, other Einstrahlgeometrien can also be advantageous be. About that can out additional reflection devices on the central insert and / or on the lighting element provided or adapted to that of the lighting element direct radiated light to defined areas of the central insert to be able to.

In particular, by the arrangement, number, shape, color and / or control of the lighting elements can be different light effects and / or distributions form, for example, figures, patterns, letters and / or Schriftzei chen. On the one hand, such a marker or orientation light can be designed and beyond an additional information can be displayed. In this way, in addition to the pure lighting function, applications in the area of the representation of information or the previously arranged elsewhere signaling of states, eg. As alarms or overloads realize.

in the Under the invention, the lighting element is considered the element understood, the light radiates into the central insert. Depending on Execution can the lighting element on the one hand as a light source or on the other designed as a light-conducting body be. The lighting element and / or its support can be releasably attached to the central insert be fixed to allow replacement if necessary. You can do this positive Shooting be provided, in which optionally complementary locking means an additional Create fixation. In a further embodiment, however, are also insoluble compounds possible, which can be made adhesive.

The Light can be generated by one or more light sources. Unless the light source itself is the lighting element, Can it be replaceable on the device base be arranged and on a support, such as a board, a Socket or a housing, are located. As light sources can Light-emitting diodes (LEDs, OLEDs), laser diodes, Glimmlampen, cold cathode lamps, incandescent and / or electroluminescent Lamps (EL foil) can be used.

In an advantageous embodiment, the lighting element as formed light-conducting body be, in which the light is radiated by a light source. The light-conducting body has the advantage that light-emitting surfaces are arranged at positions can be for example for the arrangement of a light source are unsuitable. Furthermore allows the light-conducting body opposite one Light source a larger emission area and an appealing design. Since the radiation of an identical Amount of light over a big area less glaring and dazzling, the use of a light-conducting body be beneficial. In particular, by the design of the radiation area can be different lighting effects and / or distributions define and can chamfered and / or graduated Abstrahlbereiche be provided.

In another embodiment can several light sources a uniform annular running around the socket Illuminate light guide. Another embodiment of the invention provides that only one light source is graded accordingly Illuminated fiber optic ring.

Of the light-conducting body can contain acrylic glass, whereby by polished surfaces a predominantly reflective effect and roughened surfaces predominantly emitting effect can be achieved.

In In an advantageous embodiment, modular assemblies can be formed be, for example, an electrical module with the power supply and an optical module with all lighting-relevant components or a photogenerating module including power supply and Light source and a light-distributing module with the light-conducting and light-emitting elements. In these cases, a module in the field of the device base and another module may be disposed on the central insert. The Modules can form self-contained assemblies, so that neither the device base still on the front element for their adaptation changes necessary. The modules can preferably detachable be attached, but also permanent connections are required can. Unless a change in the number, location or type of light sources or other technical Elements is necessary, this is through the simple exchange of modules possible.

advantageously, can the lighting elements user, consumption, time, program or event-dependent be controlled, with a corresponding wireless or wired (bus) signal into the power supply of the light source can intervene. Here, in the simplest case, a manually operated Commander, z. As a switch and / or a button, available at the socket be. In a further embodiment can a twilight switch be provided, the lighting of the socket only inadequate light activated. In a further embodiment, a motion detector be provided, the lighting of the socket only when present a person activated. Furthermore, activation of the lighting by further internal and / or external signal generator, z. B. by transponder, respectively. So the lighting needs no energy, if the lighting due to sufficient lighting conditions or non-use of rooms is redundant.

Further Details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent following description of a preferred embodiment based on the drawings.

It demonstrate:

1 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a socket;

2 another embodiment; and

3 another embodiment.

Same or equivalent components are in the following description provided with the same reference numerals.

Hereinafter, the structure and operation of an electrical socket according to the invention 1 schematically described in more detail with reference to alternative embodiments.

The electrical outlet 1 is in an installation housing 2 fixed, which is fixed in a building wall 3 is fixed. The electrical outlet 1 has a device base 4 on, by means of a support frame 5 in the installation housing can be fastened, the device base 4 the outside surrounds and the attachment of the socket 1 in the installation housing 2 allows. Front side is a function-specific front element 6 attached, which can be one or more parts depending on the application. The front element 6 is with a cup-shaped central insert 7 provided for receiving a device plug, not shown, which has a perpendicular to the insertion bottom, at the right angles to the bottom surrounding the bottom side wall 19 followed. In the device socket 4 are terminals 8th and associated metallic contact elements arranged in the front side plug pins of the device plug can be inserted. A wall-side laid supply line 9 supplies the socket 1 for example, with a mains voltage, with individual lines detachable in the terminals 8th are fixed.

According to the 1 and 2 are various electrical and / or optical components for realizing a lighting of the socket 1 in modules 10 and 11 arranged. The two modules 10 and 11 communicate via interfaces 12 and 13 ( 1 ), at which signals from the first module 10 to the second module 11 be transmitted. The interfaces 12 and 13 are doing in the housing body of the modules 10 and 11 integrated and due to complementary shapes easily and unmistakably plugged into each other. In this case, for example, plug contacts 16 each other. Preferably, their connection is maintained under resilient force.

The first module 10 is front in a recording room 17 of the device base 4 arranged. When unfitted, a removable cover (not shown) closes this receiving space 17 in which the complementary to the recording room 17 trained module 10 can be used and locked fixable. Bottom side are connection contacts 18 protected from contact with the module 10 guided, with the terminals 8th in the device socket 4 are electrically contacted. Upper side of the module 10 is the interface 12 to send signals to the front element 6 to be able to lead.

According to 1 be in the second module 11 the incoming electrical signals are converted into light signals. The module 11 includes a carrier 24 , For example, a board, with electrical components, not shown, and surrounds the central insert 7 both on the bottom side and in the area of the peripheral side wall 19 , The module 11 is preferably made flat and on the central insert 7 can be fixed in a form-locking or latching manner. At the back is the interface 13 with the plug contacts 16 protected from contact with the module 11 led with the interface 12 of the first module 10 in the device socket 4 is electrically contactable.

At peripheral edges 20 of the second module 11 are lighting elements in the form of light sources 14 , z. B. LEDs, provided after assembly of the module 11 in itself to the insertion radially extending recesses 21 the side wall 19 of the central employment 7 immerse and serve the user side preferably as an orientation light or marking light. In order to obtain an inward and glare-free light surface are in the recesses 21 reflection devices 25 , in the form of reflective coatings applied. Because the recesses 21 in the region of the outer peripheral edge of the pot of the central insert 7 in the sidewall 19 are formed, even when plugged in by the light sources 14 generated light through the annular gap between the plug and central insert 7 visible and continues to serve as lighting.

In the embodiment according to 2 is contrary to 1 in the second module 11 at a central location in the area of the bottom of the central insert 7 by means of a light source 22 , preferably a light emitting diode, generates light. The light is transformed into a lighting element in the form of a central insert 7 surrounding light-conducting body 15 irradiated. peripheral edges 23 of the light-conducting body 15 are angled 90 ° perpendicular to the direction of insertion and terminate in a radially the central insert 7 surrounding recess 21 , Preferably, the peripheral edges 23 chamfered at their ends so that their end face extends at about 45 ° to the insertion direction to the radiated light against the bottom of the central insert 7 to judge.

In the embodiment according to 3 is on the device base 4 , preferably in the form of a module 10 , a light source 22 arranged in the form of a light emitting diode. The generated light becomes a lighting element 15 in the form of the central one sentence 7 surrounding light-conducting body 15 irradiated. The peripheral edges 23 of the light guide 15 are as in the embodiment of 2 angled and chamfered and end in a central insert 7 surrounding recess 21 ,

The embodiment of the light-conducting body 15 is not limited to a ring shape and may have any other shape, in particular a punctual or resulting from points illumination of the central insert 7 to create.

In addition, in the module 10 a programmable switching element 26 arranged, through which the lighting element 14 is controllable. The light source 22 is dependent on program data, eg. B. switching times, lighting conditions, supplied with power to the outlet 1 to illuminate.

1

socket

2

installation Enclosures

3

building wall

4

device base

5

supporting frame

6

front element

7

central insert

8th

terminals

9

supply line

10

module

11

module

12

interface

13

interface

14

light source

15

light Executive body

16

plug contacts

17

accommodation space

18

terminals

19

Side wall

20

circumferential edge (Module)

21

recess

22

light source

23

circumferential edge optical fiber

24

carrier

25

reflection means

26

switching element

Claims (15)

Electrical outlet ( 1 ) for making a detachable connection with a plug, comprising a device base ( 4 ) and a front-mounted front element ( 6 ), which has a cup-shaped central insert ( 7 ) with a surrounding sidewall ( 19 ), characterized in that on or in the side wall ( 19 ) of the central deployment ( 7 ) at least one lighting element ( 14 . 15 ) from the light into the central insert ( 7 ) is irradiated. Electrical socket according to claim 1, characterized in that the lighting element ( 14 . 15 ) the central deployment ( 7 ) is arranged surrounding. Electrical socket according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side wall ( 19 ) at least one recess ( 21 ) and / or at least one transparent area. Electrical socket according to claim 3, characterized in that the recess ( 21 ) and / or the translucent area close to the edge in the side wall ( 19 ) is formed and in particular near a peripheral edge of the central insert ( 7 ) is designed so that the emitted light remains visible even when the plug is plugged in and serves the marking and orientation and illuminates the plug. Electrical socket according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Beleuchtungsele element ( 14 . 15 ) and / or the central insert ( 7 ) at least one reflection device ( 25 ) exhibit. Electrical socket according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting element as a light source ( 14 . 22 ) or as a light-guiding body ( 15 ) is configured. Electrical socket according to claim 6, characterized in that the light-conducting body ( 15 ) Contains acrylic glass. Electrical socket according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting element ( 14 . 15 ) detachable or non-detachable on the central insert ( 7 ) is attached. Electrical socket according to one of the preceding claims 6 to 8, characterized in that a light source ( 22 ) on the device base ( 4 ) and a light-conducting body ( 15 ) at the central insert ( 7 ) is arranged. Electrical socket according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the side wall ( 19 ) of a light-conducting body ( 15 ) is surrounded annularly. Electrical socket according to one of the preceding claims 6 to 10, characterized in that the light-conducting body ( 15 ) is graduated. Electrical socket according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Beleuchtungsele element ( 14 . 15 ) User, consumption, time, program and / or event-dependent is controllable. Electrical socket according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lighting element ( 14 . 15 ) in at least one module ( 10 . 11 ) is arranged. Electrical socket according to claim 13, characterized in that a module ( 10 ) on the device base ( 14 ) and a module ( 11 ) at the central insert ( 7 ) is arranged. Electrical socket according to one of the preceding claims 13 or 14, characterized in that a plurality of modules ( 10 . 11 ) via complementary interfaces ( 12 . 13 ) are mechanically, electrically and / or optically connectable.