DE20204382U1 - Housing with a support element for a connection element - Google Patents

Abstract

The housing (2) has a cable insertion opening (1) and an internal connection element (6) for at least one cable. A bearer element (3) can be pulled out via the opening, is connected to the connection element and has an attachment section at one end with a cable opening and an attachment region for the connection element at the other end. The bearer and connection element can be pulled out to connect the cable then pushed back into the housing. AN Independent claim is also included for the following: a bearer element for a connection element.

Description

Adels-contact Elektrotechnische Fabrik GmbH & Co. KG Buchholzstr. 40-46 51469 Bergisch Gladbach

"Housing with a support element for a connection element"

The invention relates to a housing, in particular a lamp housing, with an insertion opening and a connection element for connecting at least one electrical line, wherein the insertion opening is provided for inserting the electrical line from the outside into the housing, and wherein the connection element is arranged inside the housing.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a carrier element, in particular for a housing of the generic type.

There are known lights that have two halves of the housing, with a connecting terminal and a lighting device attached to one half. This half of the housing is provided with an inlet opening so that a connecting cable can be led from the outside into the inside of the housing to be connected to the connecting terminal. The second half of the housing is translucent and is made of glass, for example. In order for the connecting cable to be connected to the connecting terminal at all, the second half of the housing must be removed. This is particularly inconvenient if such a light is already attached to a ceiling.

The invention is based on the object of improving a housing of the generic type in such a way that the electrical cable can be connected without opening the housing.

This task is solved by a carrier element which can be pulled out through the insertion opening and which is connected to the connection element, whereby the

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The carrier element comprises at one end a fastening section - having an opening for an electrical line - which can be connected to the housing and at its other end has a fastening area for the connection element, and wherein the carrier element and the insertion opening are designed such that the carrier element together with the connection element can be pulled out of the housing at least far enough that the connection element is accessible from the outside for connecting the electrical line and can be inserted into the housing together with the electrical line after the connection of the electrical line.

This problem is further solved by the features of independent claim 20.

By detaching the carrier element from the housing, it is possible to pull the connection element out of the housing without having to open the housing. According to the invention, connection cables can be connected outside the housing in a simple manner. After connecting the electrical cable, the carrier element can be pushed back into the housing and reconnected to it.

This type of installation is very easy to install and saves installation time, especially for luminaires with a housing according to the invention that are already attached to a ceiling and/or wall.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the carrier element is designed in such a way that it can be completely pulled out of the housing. This means that it can be completely pulled out to such an extent that it can move freely.

The fastening section can be designed in such a way that a sealing function against moisture is achieved. It is advantageous if such a seal is provided, with which the housing meets protection class IP 65. For this purpose, it is advantageous if the fastening section is provided with a cable sealing element - preferably with an elastic cable insulation sleeve - and additionally a

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Housing sealing element - preferably a sealing ring or a sealing frame.

An assembly-friendly connection of the carrier element with the housing can be achieved by connecting the fastening section to the housing using a bayonet lock or a screw connection. To seal a cable, a cable sealing element is integrated in a form-fitting manner in a handling section.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the insertion opening is essentially circular and that the carrier element has a carrier body adapted to the insertion opening with an arcuate, in particular circular segment-shaped, cross-section. Due to the circular segment-shaped design of the carrier body, the carrier element can be easily rotated in the insertion opening, whereby the carrier body receives increased dimensional stability. The insertion opening in the housing wall of the housing can have opposing cutouts. These cutouts serve to insert the bayonet lock and create an enlargement of the insertion opening for the connection element, so that the diameter of the insertion opening can be reduced.

Instead of a round insertion opening, an alternative embodiment of the invention provides that the carrier element has a fastening section that is rectangular, in particular square, with the insertion opening being adapted to be rectangular or square. In this embodiment, it is expedient if the carrier element has a plate-shaped carrier body adapted to the insertion opening. For the connection of the carrier element to the housing, it is provided that the fastening section comprises a corresponding, frame-like holder, with housing edges being enclosed between the fastening section and the holder. In particular, the fastening of the carrier part is possible in that the holder consists of a contact section arranged in the housing, a collar section formed perpendicularly on the contact section and protruding outwards through the insertion opening, and a locking collar pointing radially outwards and formed on the collar section. Locking elements are formed on a base body of the fastening section, which

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To secure the fastening section with the locking collar, form a locking connection.

In order to seal the cable on the one hand and to close the insertion opening on the other, the fastening section or a base body of the fastening section can be box-shaped with an open side close to the housing and a hollow cylindrical extension for a cable sealing element on the other side further away from the housing. The open box shape makes it possible to seal the edges of the box-shaped part.

In a further development of the invention that is easy to assemble and connect, the connecting element is designed as a connecting terminal that can be locked onto the carrier element. The connecting terminal is expediently designed as a screwless connecting terminal.

Known cable strain reliefs can also be integrated into the support element, particularly in an entry area.

The invention can be used not only for luminaire housings but also in connection with completely different housings. Installation boxes or other small installation housings as well as all types of electrical and electronic devices can be provided with support elements according to the invention.

Advantageous design features of the invention are contained in the subclaims.

The invention and further advantages thereof are explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

Showing:

Fig. 1 is a perspective, exploded view of a first

inventive embodiment, wherein a terminal is located outside a housing,

Fig. 2 a housing half according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1

with a cable that is connected to a terminal but not yet inserted into a housing,

Fig. 3 shows a representation with a latched on a carrier element

Terminal positioned outside a housing, this embodiment corresponding to that in Fig. 1,

Fig. 4 the embodiment according to Fig. 1 in fully assembled state,

Fig. 5 is a representation of the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 4

with several sub-figures to illustrate the assembly and connection sequence,

Fig. 6 a second embodiment of a housing according to the invention

with a square insertion opening, with the parts shown exploded,

Fig. 7 is a representation of the variant according to Fig. 6 but in the assembled

Condition,

Fig. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7, but from a different

Perspective,

Fig. 9 a third embodiment of the invention in a sectional view and

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the variant shown in Fig. 9.

In the figures of the drawings, identical parts are always provided with the same reference symbols.

Fig. 1 illustrates a first embodiment with a round insertion opening 1. The insertion opening 1 is on a front side of a first

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Housing half of a known lamp housing 2. The housing 2 is only partially shown in Fig. 1. The housing 2 can be seen better in Fig. 2, or in Figures 6 to 9, whereby in the latter representations the insertion opening 1 is designed differently.

In this first variant, there is a carrier element 3 with a circular segment-shaped cross-section adapted to the diameter of the round insertion opening 1. This arcuate area forms a carrier body 4. At one end of the carrier element 3, a fastening area 5 is provided for fastening a connection element 6, wherein the connection element 6 is designed as a screwless connection terminal that can be locked vertically from above onto the carrier element 3. The connection terminal 6 is locked in such a way that conductor insertion openings 7, which are present in a known manner, are arranged essentially parallel and in the direction of the insertion opening 1 when the connection terminal 6 is inserted into the housing 2. To lock the connection terminal 6, two locking webs 9a are formed on it, which can be inserted into locking openings 9b of the carrier body 4.

Behind the locking openings 9b, the carrier element 3 is provided with a step 10 such that a smaller arc-shaped segment is created at this end. This facilitates insertion into the insertion opening 1.

A cutout with comb-like arranged webs 11 is formed in the fastening area 5. The webs 11 serve as a conductor or cable trap and are intended to clamp the internal conductors 12 that are connected to the connection terminal 6.

A fastening section 13 is integrally formed on the end opposite the connection terminal 6. This consists of a round insertion section 14 that can be inserted into the insertion opening 1 and a likewise round handling section 15a with a diameter that is so large that it cannot be inserted into the insertion opening 1. The insertion section 14 is designed as a bayonet lock and has two ramp-shaped cams 16 that are formed on opposite sides of the housing and protrude radially outwards. When the carrier element 3 is connected, the cams 16 engage behind a housing wall 17, with two

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Cutouts 18, 19 are provided which are arranged to the right and left of the insertion opening 1. The cutouts 18, 19 are also provided so that the connection terminal 6 can be inserted or pulled out more easily through the insertion opening 1, whereby the diameter of the insertion opening 1 can be reduced.

The connection and release of the carrier element 3 is achieved by a 90° rotation, whereby the ramp shape of the cams 16 permanently presses the fastening section 13 against the housing 2, which is advantageous for a sealing function.

For better gripping, two gripping sections 15b are arranged on the handling section 15a, perpendicular and parallel to the insertion direction. In the handling section 15a, a cable insulating sleeve 19 made of elastic material is also integrated in a form-fitting manner in this section 15a, so that a connecting cable 8, which is inserted from the outside into the housing interior and is shown in Fig. 2, is sealed. As can be seen, the cable 8 is guided through an opening 20 in the cable insulating sleeve 19 or through an opening 21 formed axially in the fastening section 13.

A sealing ring 22 for sealing the introduction opening 1 is detachably attached to the outer circumference of the introduction section 14. This is arranged between a step surface 23 (Fig. 1) and the housing 2, wherein it rests against the handling section 15a.

The cable insulation sleeve 19 and the sealing ring 22 ensure protection class IP 65.

Figures 3 and 4 illustrate the sealing and connecting parts connected to the carrier element 3 in two different positions. These figures show the connecting terminal 6 in the attached state.

The assembly sequence and installation are explained in more detail below using Fig. 5, which shows three partial figures.

To connect the cable 8 indicated by a dashed line in Fig. 5, first the pre-assembled carrier element 3 with its bayonet lock is attached to its

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Handling section 15a rotated 90° anti-clockwise. The right-hand part of the figure shows the pre-assembled or locked connection terminal 6 with its internal lines 12, which were already wired beforehand. The middle part of the figure shows the position after this 90° rotation, in which the connection terminal 6 and the cams 16 are aligned with the cutouts 18, 19. From this position (middle part of the figure), the carrier element 3 can be pulled out together with the connection terminal 6 and together with the internal lines 12 connected to the connection terminal 6, as the left-hand part of the figure shows.

The carrier element 3 can be pulled out completely from the insertion opening 1 without a stop or the like and is freely movable. It can then be held in any position. Alternatively, it can also be connected to the housing 2 in a captive manner (not shown) or designed to be less than 100% pull-out.

In this position (left part of the figure), the connecting cable 8 with its individual conductors, which are indicated on the left in Fig. 5, can now be inserted through the opening 21 or through the cable insulating sleeve 19 and connected to the connecting terminal 6 outside the housing 2.

When the individual conductors of the cable 8 are connected to the connection terminal 6, the carrier element 3 is inserted into the housing 2 in the reverse order, i.e. from left to right in Fig. 5, and is fastened together with the cable 8 by its cams 16 by a 90° clockwise rotation.

The arcuate cross sections of the carrier body 4 described above facilitate insertion and in particular rotation of the carrier element 3.

A strain relief (not shown) can also be integrated in the fastening section 13, which prevents the cable 8 from being pulled out.

Angles other than 90° are also possible for connecting the bayonet lock. The lock does not have to be a bayonet lock. A screw lock is also possible.

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A second embodiment in which a carrier element 24 has at one end a fastening section 25 for fastening to an insertion opening 26 and at its other end a fastening region 27 for the connection element or the connection terminal 6 is illustrated in Figures 6 to 8, wherein two housing halves 2a, 2b of the housing 2 are shown in Figure 6.

In contrast to the first embodiment, the insertion opening 26 is square. This shape has the advantage that it can be adapted to the shape of the connection terminal 6.

The carrier element 24 has a snap-in fastening section 25 which is square and can be connected to a corresponding square, frame-like holder 28 which can be inserted from the inside of the housing. This consists of a frame-like contact section 29 which rests on the housing 2 and is arranged inside the housing 2 and which can be seen in Fig. 6. The holder 28 is also provided with a collar section 30 which is formed perpendicularly on the contact section 28 and protrudes from the housing 2 through the insertion opening 26. A locking collar 31 which points outwards is formed on the section 30 in the shape of a collar. This is intended for locking with a base body 32 of the fastening section 25. So that the fastening section 25 can form a locking connection with the locking collar 31, locking elements (not shown in detail) are formed on the base body 32.

In this example, a square, frame-shaped seal 34 for sealing the housing 2 and the carrier element 24 is also arranged in such a way that the base body 32 rests with its edges directly on the seal 34, thus sealing the carrier element 24 with respect to the insertion opening 26.

As can be seen in Figures 7 and 8, the fastening section 25 or the base body 32 is provided with an open side close to the housing (see Figure 8) and a hollow cylinder-like extension 33 for the cable sealing element 19 on the other side further away from the housing. The cable sealing element is also designed here as a cable insulating sleeve 19 and is integrated in the extension 33 in a form-fitting manner.

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Alternatively, the fastening section 25 can also be designed without a holder 28 so that it can be directly locked to the housing 2.

The carrier element 24 is provided with a plate-shaped carrier body 35, which is not formed in one piece, but is designed to be connectable.

At the end opposite the fastening section 25, the connection terminal 6 is fastened in the fastening region 27 in the same way, as is particularly illustrated in Fig. 8.

The connection of the connecting cable 8, which is only indicated in Fig. 2, is carried out in such a way that the carrier element 24 is first released from its holder 28 and the connecting terminal 6 is completely pulled out through the insertion opening 26. The wiring can then be carried out as in the previous example. The cable 8 is finally introduced into the housing 2 together with the connecting terminal 6 until the fastening section 25 engages again with its holder 28.

Figures 9 and 10 show a further embodiment of a carrier element for a rectangular, in particular square, insertion opening 39, in which a round cable sealing element 36 is positively connected to a plate-shaped, square fastening section 40 by means of locking means 38. A carrier body 35, also in the form of a plate, is connected perpendicularly to the fastening section 40, to which the connection terminal 6 is fastened. The fastening section 40 also provides a housing seal and is designed to be connectable to the housing 2 by means of one or more spring tongues 37.

The two preceding carrier elements 3, 24 can also have similar seals and locking means.

The housing wall on which the insertion opening is arranged is offset inwards (see e.g. Fig. 6 or Fig. 9), but this does not always have to be the case.

In all three embodiments shown, the fastening section 13, 25, 40 assumes a sealing function both with respect to the cable 8 and with respect to

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on the housing 2. Furthermore, in all three examples, the housing in the area of the insertion opening 1, 26, 39 is protected against the ingress of moisture or water in accordance with protection class IP 65. However, other protection classes are also possible. The carrier body 4, 35 can be designed to be connectable, e.g. lockable, or in one piece on the fastening section 13, 25, whereby it is preferably arranged vertically thereon.

Instead of a connection terminal 6, a connector or the like can also serve as a connection element.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described, but also includes all embodiments that have the same effect within the meaning of the invention. Furthermore, the invention is not yet limited to the combination of features defined in claim 1, but can also be defined by any other combination of specific features of all the individual features disclosed overall. This means that in principle practically every individual feature of claim 1 can be omitted or replaced by at least one individual feature disclosed elsewhere in the application. In this respect, claim 1 is to be understood as merely a first attempt at formulating an invention.

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Reference symbols Insertion opening (first embodiment) 1. Housing 2. Support element (first embodiment) 3. Carrier body (first embodiment) 4. Mounting area (first embodiment) 5. Connection element 6. Conductor entry opening (terminal) 7. Cable 8th. Rest bridges 9a. Locking openings 9b. Level 10. Bridges 11. internal ladder 12. Fastening section (first embodiment) 13. Introductory section 14. Handling section 15a. Gripping sections 15b. cam 16. Housing wall 17. Excerpt 18. Excerpt 19. Opening (spout) 20. opening 21. Sealing ring 22. Step surface 23. Support element (second embodiment) 24. Fastening section (second embodiment) 25. Insertion opening (second embodiment) 26. t · ··* ··· ····· ··· · ···
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27. Fastening area (second embodiment)

28. Bracket

29. Investment section

30. Collar section

31. Locking collar

32. Base body

33. Extension

34. Seal (second embodiment)

35. Support body (second and third embodiment)

36. Cable sealing element (third embodiment)

37. Spring tongue

38. Resting equipment

39. Insertion opening (third embodiment)

40. Support body (third embodiment)

Claims (21)

1. Housing ( 2 ), in particular a lamp housing, with an insertion opening ( 1 , 26 , 39 ) and a connection element ( 6 ) for connecting at least one electrical line ( 8 ), wherein the insertion opening ( 1 , 26 , 39 ) is provided for inserting the electrical line into the housing ( 2 ) from the outside, and wherein the connection element ( 6 ) is arranged inside the housing ( 2 ), characterized by a carrier element ( 3 , 24 ) which can be pulled out through the insertion opening ( 1 , 26 , 39 ) and which is connected to the connection element ( 6 ), wherein the carrier element ( 3 , 24 ) has at one end a fastening section ( 13 , 25 , 40 ) which has an opening ( 20 , 21 ) for an electrical line ( 8 ) and which is connected to the housing ( 2 ) and has at its other end a fastening region ( 5 , 27 ) for the connecting element ( 6 ), and wherein the carrier element ( 3 , 24 ) and the insertion opening ( 1 , 26 , 39 ) are designed such that the carrier element ( 3 , 24 ) together with the connecting element ( 6 ) can be pulled out of the housing ( 2 ) at least far enough that the connecting element ( 6 ) is accessible from the outside for connecting the electrical line ( 8 ) and can be inserted into the housing ( 2 ) together with the electrical line (8) after the connection of the electrical line ( 8 ). 2. Housing according to claim 1, characterized in that the carrier element ( 3 , 24 ) is designed such that it can be completely pulled out of the housing ( 2 ). 3. Housing according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the fastening section ( 13 , 25 , 40 ) is designed such that it has a sealing function. 4. Housing according to claim 3, characterized in that the fastening section ( 13 , 25 , 40 ) is provided with a cable sealing element ( 19 , 36 ) - preferably with an elastic cable insulating sleeve - and additionally has a housing sealing element - preferably a sealing ring ( 22 ) or a sealing frame ( 34 ). 5. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the introduction opening ( 1 ) is substantially circular and that the carrier element ( 3 ) has a carrier body ( 4 ) adapted to the introduction opening ( 1 ) with an arcuate, in particular circular segment-shaped, cross-section. 6. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fastening section ( 13 ) can be connected to the housing ( 2 ) by means of a bayonet lock or a screw connection, wherein a cable sealing element ( 19 ) is positively integrated in a handling section ( 15a ) for sealing a connecting cable ( 8 ). 7. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insertion opening ( 1 ) on a housing wall ( 17 ) of the housing ( 1 ) has two opposite cutouts ( 18 , 19 ), which serve on the one hand for the introduction of a bayonet closure and on the other hand as an enlargement of the insertion opening ( 1 ) for the connection element ( 6 ). 8. Housing according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the fastening section ( 25 ) is rectangular, in particular square, wherein the insertion opening ( 26 ) is adapted to be rectangular or square. 9. Housing according to claim 8, characterized in that the carrier element ( 24 ) has a plate-shaped carrier body ( 35 ) adapted to the insertion opening ( 26 ). 10. Housing according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the fastening section ( 25 ) comprises a corresponding, frame-like holder ( 28 ), wherein the fastening section ( 25 ) is designed to be connectable to the holder ( 28 ), and wherein housing edges are enclosed between the holder ( 28 ) and the fastening section ( 25 ). 11. Housing according to claim 10, characterized in that the holder ( 28 ) consists of a contact section ( 29 ) arranged in the housing ( 1 ), a collar section ( 30 ) formed perpendicularly on the contact section ( 29 ) and projecting outwards through the insertion opening ( 26 ), and a collar-shaped locking collar ( 31 ) pointing radially outwards and formed on the collar section ( 30 ), wherein locking elements are formed on a base body ( 32 ) of the fastening section ( 25 ), which form a locking connection with the locking collar ( 31 ) for fastening the fastening section ( 25 ). 12. Housing according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the fastening section ( 25 ) or a base body ( 32 ) of the fastening section ( 25 ) is box-shaped with an open side close to the housing and a hollow cylindrical extension ( 33 ) for a cable sealing element ( 19 ) on the other side further away from the housing. 13. Housing according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the fastening section is designed to be latched directly at the insertion opening. 14. Housing according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the fastening section ( 40 ) is designed as a plate-shaped, in particular square, part for a rectangular, in particular square, insertion opening ( 39 ), which is designed to be connectable to the housing ( 2 ) with at least one spring tongue ( 37 ), wherein a cable sealing element ( 36 ) is positively fastened in the fastening section ( 40 ). 15. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element ( 6 ) is designed as a connecting terminal which can be fastened, in particular latched, to the carrier element ( 3 , 24 ). 16. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element ( 6 ) is designed as a, in particular screwless, connecting terminal. 17. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one cable strain relief is integrated in the carrier element ( 3 , 24 ), in particular in an introduction region. 18. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is designed as a housing ( 2 ) of protection class IP 65 . 19. Housing according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is a luminaire housing, an installation small appliance housing, an electrical appliance housing or an electronics housing. 20. Support element ( 3 , 24 ) for a connecting element ( 6 ), which comprises at one end a fastening section ( 13 , 25 , 40 ) having an opening ( 20 , 21 ) for an electrical line ( 8 ), wherein the fastening section ( 13 , 25 , 40 ) is provided with connecting means - preferably a bayonet lock, a latching connection or at least one spring tongue ( 37 ) - for connecting to a housing ( 2 ) and has at its other end a fastening region ( 5 , 27 ) for the connecting element ( 6 ). 21. Support element according to claim 20 for use in a housing according to one of claims 1 to 19.