WO2013046111A2

WO2013046111A2 - Assembly with concealable sockets for flush-mounting in a wall

Info

Publication number: WO2013046111A2
Application number: PCT/IB2012/055065
Authority: WO
Inventors: Francesco Bruno; Pietro MALANCA; Giorgio RENDE; Arturo IOSSA FASANO
Original assignee: 4 Box S.R.L.
Priority date: 2011-09-28
Filing date: 2012-09-24
Publication date: 2013-04-04
Also published as: WO2013046111A3; WO2013046110A3; WO2013046110A2

Abstract

A particular box assembly for flush-mounting (1, 100, 200, 340, 400) containing concealable sockets of the electrical, telephone, TV/satellite antennae, RJ45, USB and similar type is described, said assembly comprising a box element (3, 110, 330) which can be flush-mounted in an interior or exterior wall, and a frame (4, 120, 220, 310, 404) which has at least one wall incorporating the sockets. The frame is provided with a cavity (13) for receiving the plugs and is designed to be inserted inside the box element where it is fixed for example using screws for which the suitable receiving holes 12 are provided. The assembly also comprises a closing lid (2, 101, 312, 401) which is engaged on the frame by means of suitable connection systems so that it can be opened in a sliding manner and/or in a hinged or rotating manner. An opening is present between the lid and frame for allowing the plug cables, which are concealingly inserted inside the frame cavity, to pass out.

Description

ASSEMBLY WITH CONCEALABLE SOCKETS FOR FLUSH-MOUNTING

IN A WALL

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a box assembly which can be flush-mounted in a wall, said assembly containing a frame incorporating one, two or more sockets of the electrical or other type and provided with a cavity suitable for receiving the plugs and concealing them once the corresponding lid has been closed, thus overcoming the drawback of plugs which project from walls.

Visible sockets, in particular electrical sockets, and the corresponding plugs, have always posed a problem both in terms of safety and in terms of aesthetics.

From a safety point of view, for example, children are often attracted by plugs and the holes in sockets or, in the case of service rooms and kitchens, there is the risk that accidental water spray may cause a short-circuit.

From an aesthetic point of view, a projecting plug is not attractive in particular in the presence of a luxury or, in any case, superior-quality furniture unit, and conventional sockets, although over the years they have changed in terms of the materials used and their form, have not managed to solve this problem. From a practical point of view, projecting plugs prevent the positioning of furniture against the walls, unless a gap is left between the furniture and the wall so that plugs may be connected to the sockets; this, however, results in the risk that repeated accidental knocking of the furniture against the plug may damage it and adversely affect operation thereof, causing even a short-circuit.

A system of sockets mounted fully inset so as to house in a concealed manner the corresponding sockets could be useful, but it would nevertheless be preferable to close the compartment containing the plugs by means of a lid both when the socket is not in use and when it is being used.

The need to allow movement of the lid, however, creates a problem with regard to positioning of the box since the presence of wall corners, furniture and/or other external objects may prevent the movement of a normal lid. For example, the movement of a sliding lid may be stopped if it is too close to the corner of a room or to a furniture unit arranged against the wall. This reduces the flexibility of use of the box. On the other hand, a hinged lid may be awkward or constitute an obstacle when open or may interfere with objects present in the vicinity thereof.

For easy positioning it is important that the assembly should have small dimensions, for example also so as to allow the possibility of using small-size boxes of the standard type. It is therefore important to be able to make maximum use of the space inside the box. This, however, creates difficulties with regard to positioning of the wires and closing of the assembly once these wires have been connected to the sockets. The difficulty in positioning is even greater in the case where the point of entry of the wires through the walls of the box must be left relatively free, as is usual in the case of conventional flush-mounted installations.

The main object of the present invention is provide a socket assembly which is able to overcome one or more of the problems described above, which is safer, and with which a more elegant design, smaller dimensions and easier positioning are possible. in view of the this object, the idea which has occurred is to provide an assembly with concealable sockets of the electrical or other type, which can be flush-mounted in a wall, said assembly having the characteristic features indicated in the independent claim 1.

Further advantageous features of the invention form the subject of the dependent claims.

An assembly according to the invention may, for example, be used both in the civil building sector and in all those cases where it is required to reduce as far as possible the danger in certain situations, (public premises, kindergartens, schools, paediatric establishments or other premises frequented by children; canteen or hotel kitchens, bars, restaurants, public baths, thermal baths and other premises, where there is the risk of contact with water or other liquids) and/or where a refined design is required (e.g. in luxury hotels, villas, boats, etc.).

The invention in question comprises a box of the type which can be flush-mounted in a wall, housing internally, for example fixed by means of screws, a frame for holding sockets of various types.

Also envisaged, moreover, is a closing lid, which can be inserted, for example by means of sliding, inside special guides and can be advantageously opened by means of a sliding movement, hinged movement, or combination of a sliding movement and hinged movement, by means of suitable lid/frame connection systems. The lid may cover the entire flat surface of the frame and on one side thereof a recess is advantageously provided so as to allow the cables of the respective plugs to pass out once the lid is closed.

The lid may have any form and be made of any material, without departing from the scope of the invention, and may perform other functions in addition to the simple closing of the device, for example incorporating wireless pushbuttons or multi-function monitors for home automation, clocks, alarm clocks, etc. In order to increase further the safety of the invention in certain cases, the lid may be locked by means of a lock with a combination number or similar mechanisms.

As will be evident to the person skilled in the art on the basis of the description which follows, the assembly according to the invention may be designed for sockets of any type: of the electrical, telephone, TV/satellite antennae, RJ45, USB or other type, and for use in any country as for example defined by the NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association).

The invention will now be described in detail with reference to embodiments, for example in form of a rectangular box comprising two or three modules, which are provided purely by way of example and therefore do not limit the present invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and where:

- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an assembly according to the invention with the lid closed;

- Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the assembly according to Figure 1 with the sliding lid open;

- Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the assembly according to Figure 1 with the hinged lid open;

- Fig. 4 is an exploded axonometric view of the components of a possible variation of the embodiment according to Figure 1;

- Fig. 5 is an exploded axonometric view of the components of a further variation of the embodiment according to Figure 1;

- Fig. 6 is an axonometric view of a frame element 4 of another variation of the embodiment according to Figure 1, with a double socket 5 incorporated without contact modules, viewed from the rear;

- Fig. 7 is an axonometric view, similar to that of Figure 6, but with the socket elements or contact modules inserted in position;

- Fig. 8 is an axonometric view showing a detail of the guide for inserting the lid; - Fig. 9 is an axonometric view of an assembly according to the invention with a different type of socket and with the lid removed;

- Fig. 10 is an exploded axonometric view of an embodiment of the present invention;

- Fig .11 is a longitudinally sectioned view of the embodiment according to Figure 1 with a plug inserted;

- Fig. 12 is a view of an assembly for flush-mounting in a wall according to the invention mounted in a wall;

- Fig. 13 is an exploded axonometric view of a further embodiment of an assembly according to the present invention with a different system for supporting the sockets;

- Figure 14 is an exploded perspective view of the assembly according to Fig. 13 containing concealable electrical sockets with in-line plugs, for example according to the Italian standard, during assembly;

- Figure 15 is an exploded perspective view of the assembly according to Fig. 13 containing concealable sockets of the "round" type, for example according to the German "schuko" standard, during assembly;

- Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the assembly according to Figure 13, with concealable sockets in the assembled condition and during use, with an in-line plug, for example according to the Italian standard, inserted;

- Figure 17 is an exploded axonometric view of a further embodiment of the assembly for concealable sockets of the present invention;

- Figure 18 is a partially sectioned perspective view, with the lid open, of a further embodiment of the assembly for concealable sockets according to the present invention;

- Figure 19 is a view similar to that of Figure 18, but with the lid closed;

- Figures 20 and 21 are side views of the embodiment according to Figure 18, with the lid closed and with the lid open, respectively;

- Figure 22 shows a schematic perspective view of another possible embodiment according to the invention.

In particular, the accompanying drawings show the examples of boxes incorporating either one electrical socket of the round type (for example schuko type) or two sockets with in-line plugs (for example of the Italian type), but the same box may be designed for other sockets, also for use in different countries and of different types (i.e. electrical, telephone, TV/satellite antennae, RJ45, USB and other sockets). With reference to the Figures, Figures 1 and 2 show a first embodiment of an assembly or box for sockets flush-mounted in a wall according to the invention.

The figures show the box for flush-mounting denoted overall by the reference number 1. Said box 1 comprises a box element 3, which contains the frame 4 with the sockets 5 incorporated and which is closed by a suitable lid 2 and which may be flush- mounted in an interior or exterior wall.

The dimensions of the box element 3 may be those of standard boxes which are already commercially available and therefore very common, but the box may also have other dimensions in order to cater for any new standards and may be flush-mounted in a wall made of any material.

This box element 3 is open at the front or at the top and has, in its other walls, removable portions so as to allow insertion of at least one tube 17 (for example as can be seen in Figure 10) which conveys the power supply cables to said box element 3. The box element 3 is designed to receive the frame 4 which is fixed to it by fixing means which are conventional and therefore known and already available commercially, such as threaded screws 19 or the like, which are conveniently fixed to the frame 4 or the box element 3 as shown for example in Fig. 10.

In particular, Figure 9 shows the box 3, with frame 4 fitted inside the box 3 and plug 9 inserted inside the appropriate cavity 13, without any lid 2. This figure shows the receiving holes 12 for the fixing screws 19.

The frame 4 has at least one rear wall 20, which is advantageously inclined and which incorporates the sockets 5 by means of the formation, on the frame 4 itself, of special holes for allowing insertion of plugs 9.

Contact modules 8 are engaged behind said wall 20 of the frame 4 in which the sockets 5 are incorporated, so that, when the plugs 9 are inserted, contact between plug 9 and contact module 8 occurs.

Advantageously, the assembly according to the invention has a frame with a parallelepiped or cylindrical shaped form and the wall containing the sockets is arranged along one edge of the cavity defined by the frame.

Engagement of the contact modules 8 inside the frame 4 is performed by means of suitable connection systems; the frame 4 is for example provided with special tongues 14 which lock the contact module 8 by means of the mutual engagement of said tongues 14 and the corresponding flanges 18 present on the contact module 8, using systems which are known per se.

The front access opening of the frame is provided with a closing lid 2 which is supported on the frame by means for connecting together frame and lid, which allow both lateral sliding of the lid between a closed position and an open position along the side of the frame and rotation of the lid about an edge thereof on the frame, so that both sliding opening and hinged opening are possible.

In particular, in order to form the connection means, two opposite sides of the frame 4 advantageously each have a groove or channel 7 which acts as a guide designed to receive a corresponding projection 52 present on a respective side of the lid 2 which is thus able to slide along said guides 7 with respect to the frame 4, said frame 4 being fixed to the box 3 mounted in the wall, as described above.

The channel or groove 7 and the projections have cross-sections which are designed to allow also a relative disengaging movement and a rotational movement of one projection inside the corresponding channel so as to allow disengagement of the lid from one side thereof and a hinged opening movement about the axis of the channel on the other side.

Sliding of the lid 2 allows opening/closing of the device, as can be seen from a comparison of Figures 1 and 2. When the lid is completely closed, it may be opened, not only by sliding, but also by means of a hinged movement owing to the shape of the guides 7, which advantageously have a circular form, as can be clearly seen in Figure 3.

The lid 2 may be made of the same material as the frame 4 or of a different material, may be designed with different forms, or may incorporate touch-sensitive or wireless pushbuttons, multi-function monitors or other devices.

Two grooves 11 are present on two opposite sides of the frame 4 for easy positioning of the wires 22 for connecting the contact modules 8 to the network (see for example Figs. 7 and 10). For example, Figure 7 shows the frame 4 with contact modules 8 engaged, ready to be used inside the box 3, this figure showing more clearly one of the two grooves 11 formed on opposite outer sides of the frame 4 facing corresponding inner sides of the box and designed for easy positioning of the socket connection wires. Advantageously, as can be clearly seen for example in Figure 10, the grooves 11 comprise at the ends slots for receiving the wires so as to keep them in position inside the grooves.

As can be clearly understood from the Figures, the wires which are directed towards the space present behind the sockets for connection of the wires to said sockets, thus hug the frame and do not interfere during insertion of the frame inside the box, making it easier to design a frame which makes adequate use of all the interior of the box, even if small in size, and which can be easily closed after connecting the wires. The through- slots may be close to the rear space and/or close to the front space of the frame, as will be clarified below.

As can be clearly seen for example in Figure 1, a groove present on one side or a corner of the frame leaves open a slot 6 between frame 4 and lid 2 through which the cables 10 of the plugs 9 may pass.

As can be clearly noted from a comparison of the various figures, adaptors which allow insertion of different sockets or the same sockets with a different orientation may be provided.

As can be clearly seen in Figures 4 and 5, engaging guides which allow one or two different contact modules to be inserted in the same frame may be provided. In particular, Figure 4 shows a frame 4 with seats for a double socket 5, for example according to the Italian standard, with contact modules 8 for insertion behind the wall 20.

Figures 6, 7 and 8 show in greater detail the guide channel 7 for sliding of the cover on the frame 4, which also allows a hinged movement of the cover. With reference to the figures, the operating principle may be readily understood. In particular, it can be seen how the groove is advantageously formed semi-circular (preferably C-shaped), preferably with a closed end which forms an end-of-travel stop for the sliding movement of the cover when the cover reaches its completely closed position.

Means are also advantageously provided for blocking rotation of the lid and frame and allowing the hinged movement of the lid only when the lid is in the lateral sliding position corresponding to the closed position.

As can be seen in particular in Figure 8, the blocking means are advantageously formed with each groove 7 having a bottom edge in which transverse grooves 50 are formed at intervals. The cover 2 has advantageously complementary projecting teeth 51 on the edge of its corresponding semi-cylindrical projections 52, complementing the groove 7. As can be clearly understood from the figures, the projecting teeth 51 do not interfere with sliding of the cover, being situated outside of the groove 7, but prevent hinged rotation of the cover until the cover has reached the completely closed position (Figure 1). In this position, the teeth 51 are aligned with the corresponding transverse grooves 50 and the cover may rotate, with each tooth which enters slidably inside the corresponding groove (Figure 3).

The sliding groove 7 of the cover and the complementary projection 52 have dimensions such that, when the cover is closed, a pulling force on one of the two edges of the cover disengages by means of a snap action the projection 52 from the groove 7, allowing, also owing to the elasticity of the materials, the projection 52 to pass through the open channel of the sliding groove 7 and therefore hinged opening of the cover as shown in Figure 3. When the cover is closed again, the edge 52 may snap-engage again inside the groove 7, forming a snap-type retaining system for the hinged cover.

The cut-away view shown in Figure 11 clearly shows the inside of the box 3 with the frame 4 inserted with the lid 2 closed and the cable 10 of the plug 9 passing outwards, the plug being concealingly inserted inside the corresponding compartment 13 inside the frame. This figure also shows how the contact module 8 and frame 4 are connected together so as to form a single unit. It can also be seen how advantageously free zones are present between the frame and box at opposite ends for accommodating the incoming wires. From a comparison with the other figures it can be seen how these zones are connected together via the lateral channels 11 for receiving and guiding the wires, as shown for example in Figure 10.

Figure 12 shows an assembly according to the invention after mounting in a wall. It can be seen how the external dimension is minimum and how the aesthetic appearance is pleasing even with a plug inserted (only the cable 10 can be seen projecting, parallel to the surface of the wall).

With reference to Figure 13, this shows a box assembly for flush-mounting according to another embodiment of the invention, denoted by the reference number 100.

This box or assembly 100 is composed essentially of a box element 110 inside which a frame 120 suitable for receiving and fixing a contact-module holder 130, a screen or closing cover 101 is inserted.

In the embodiment shown, the cover 101 is slidable and/or hingeably mounted on said frame 120 so as to cover or expose the sockets contained inside the contact-module holder 130, depending on the need at any one time.

Obviously, as mentioned above, the cover 101 may be of another type, for example snap-engaged in the frame 120, or able to be opened by means of a hinging action. The box element 110 is similar to an ordinary flush-mounted box normally used for housing contact modules and able to be flush-mounted in a wall made of any material.

This box element 110 has a parallelepiped shaped body which is open at the front or at the top.

As in the case of the preceding embodiments, the side walls, and optionally the end wall, of this body may be provided with removable wall portions (not shown in the figures), for allowing the insertion of at least one PVC tube 13 (Fig. 14) which conveys the electric power supply cables to said box element 110.

Again, as in the case of the preceding embodiments, the box element 110 also has advantageously, in the vicinity of its top edge 112, a perimetral edge 111 (Fig. 13) projecting outwards from said body, suitable for being covered with cement mortar during installation so as to increase the tractional strength. Said top edge 112 is instead arranged substantially flush with the wall in which the box is mounted.

The box element 110 is designed to receive the frame 120 which is fixed to it by conventional fixing means which are known per se as already described above, such as threaded screws or the like, which are conveniently fixed to the frame 120 or the box element 110 as shown in Fig. 14.

Said frame 120 has the function of supporting a contact-module holder or adaptor 130 which consists of a parallelepiped structure, with a central through-cavity, which acts as a surround for the contact modules housed inside it, so that both the front of the contact module with the socket holes and the rear of the contact module with the terminals for connection to the electric power supply cables are accessible (Fig. 13).

Said contact-module holder 130 also has, on the inside of its two opposite walls, engaging clips for allowing fixing of the contact modules to said contact-module holder 130, rigidly connecting them thereto.

Respective projecting flanges 131 for engagement with the frame 120 are provided on the outside of the other two opposite walls of the contact-module holder 130.

Said opposite flanges 131 are designed to be slidably inserted inside at least one pair of inclined grooves 122 formed on opposite side walls 121 of said frame 120.

As shown in Fig. 1, preferably at least two pairs of grooves 112 are provided on said opposite side walls 121 : this allows the insertion, in the same frame 120 and same box element 100, of sockets designed according to different standards, for example in-line sockets (e.g. according to the Italian standard) or round sockets (e.g. according to the German "schuko" standard) (Fig. 15), the contact modules of which generally have a larger axial dimension compared to the contact modules of other types of sockets.

In the case of round sockets (for example "schuko" sockets), as shown in Fig. 15, where the plane of the sockets, namely the plane containing the holes of the sockets, is inset with respect to the contact module (Fig. 15) and therefore the contact-module holder 130, said contact-module holder 130 will be inserted inside the two grooves 122 situated further forwards so that the plane of the schuko sockets is located at the same height as the plane of the in-line sockets (e.g. according to the Italian standard), the holder 130 of which is inserted inside the two grooves 122 set further back as shown in Fig. 14, since in said sockets the plane of the socket is flush with the contact module and consequently with the contact-module holder 130, as can be seen in Fig. 16. The inclined and opposite grooves 122 have the function therefore of supporting the contact modules housed in the contact-module holder 130, in an inclined position with respect to the surface of the wall in which the box according to the present invention is flush- mounted (as advantageously also in the case of the preceding embodiments) and keeping them in this inclined position, so as to facilitate insertion of the plugs in the respective contact modules when the lid 101 is open. In fact the contact-module holder 130 is inserted slidably along said guides 122 until it encounters the stop formed by the end of the groove or by the end wall of the frame, depending on whether the grooves 122 extend partially or completely along the opposite side walls 121 of the frame 120.

Fastening means which prevent accidental extraction of the contact modules from the frame 120 may be provided in the end-of-travel position. The two opposite side walls 121 of the frame 120 are advantageously connected together by a transverse wall 132 forming part of said frame 120 and situated opposite an opening 124 provided in order to facilitate the passage of the rear part of the contact modules and the electric cables of said contact modules which are inserted in in the contact-module holder 130: once the contact-module holder 130 has been inserted in said inclined grooves 122 and the associated contact modules have been inserted in said contact-module holder 130, the cavity 124 of the frame 120 will be passed through by the rear of each of the contact modules and by the associated electrical wires which must be conveyed by the flexible tube 113 (Fig. 14) to the terminals of said contact modules, running along the outside of said frame 120. The wall 123 defines advantageously, together also where necessary with a bottom projection thereof, a space for entry of the wires via the front end of the box.

In this connection, said frame 120 envisages advantageously, in its bottom portion, four slots 128 situated approximately at the four corners of the frame 120 for receiving the electric wires so as to prevent tangling thereof should they be left free. As can be clearly seen in the Figures, on the two side walls of the frame the slots 128 are connected in pairs via grooves 140 for receiving the electric wires, as in the embodiment according to Figure 1.

Said frame 120 has moreover a top opening, the edge 125 of which, with a rectangular or square shape, projects outwards relative to the body of said frame 120 so as to form a step able to come into contact against the top edge 112 of the box element 110, as shown in Fig. 16.

Two opposite and parallel sides of said projecting edge 125 each have a groove 127 (Fig. 13) which acts as a guide designed to receive a corresponding projection present on a respective side of the cover or lid 101: in this way the cover 101 is slidable along said guides 127 with respect to the box element 110 flush-mounted in the wall so as to cover or expose the sockets, depending on the need at any one time.

The closing sliding movement of the cover 101 terminates when the end part thereof comes up against a transverse section of the edge 125 of said frame 120.

Moreover, the cover may perform a hinging movement as already described using the principles described for the previous embodiment in order to form the frame/cover connection means.

One of the two remaining sides with said projecting edge 125, which do not have guiding grooves 127, has a depression 126 such as to facilitate the passage of the cable outside of the plug, once the cover 101 has been closed over the box 110, as shown in Fig. 16.

In the exploded view of Figure 14 it can be seen how easy it is to insert the contact modules into the adaptor 130 and then slidably insert the latter into the frame. In Figure 15 it can be seen how the adaptor may also receive a different socket. For the person skilled in the art it is moreover clear from the figures how adaptors may be provided for different types of sockets without having to change the frame. Figure 16 shows the entire assembly fitted inside the box mounted in the wall.

With reference to Fig. 17, in another embodiment of the present box for flush- mounting, indicated in the figure overall by the reference number 200, the box element 110 and the cover or lid 101 are substantially identical to the other embodiments so as to allow a sliding and hinged movement of the cover, while the frame and the contact- module holder are slightly different. The lid 101 may slide or rotate hingeably as described above.

The contact-module holder, indicated in Fig. 17 by the reference number 230, is substantially similar to the contact-module holder 130 of the preceding embodiment, except for the fact that no lateral flange or projection is present. The frame, indicated in Fig. 17 by the reference number 220, is substantially similar to the frame 120 of the first embodiment, except for the fact that each of the two pairs of grooves 122 is replaced by an inclined guide 222 formed on a respective side wall 221 of said frame 220.

By way of a further variant, the frame may also not be provided with the slots for receiving the electric cables, as is instead shown for the preceding embodiments. In this case, the cables run along the outside of said frame 220. As can be clearly seen in Figure 17, steps may be provided in the side walls 221 in the vicinity of the bottom edge of the frame in order form spaces or grooves for receiving the cables.

Advantageously, each inclined guide 222 has a width substantially equal to the width of the side wall (depth) of the contact-module holder 230 such that these contact- module holder 230 may be inserted inside said inclined guides 22 in a sliding manner. In fact the contact-module holder 230 may slide along said guides 222 until it encounters the end wall of the frame which acts as a stop for sliding of said contact- module holder 230.

The inclined and opposite guides 222 have the function therefore of supporting the contact modules inside said contact-module holder 230, in an inclined position with respect to the surface of the wall in which the box according to the present invention is flush-mounted, and keeping them in this inclined position, so as facilitate insertion of the plugs inside the respective contact modules when the screen or lid 101 is open.

Figures 18-21 show a further embodiment denoted generally by 340 in which a socket holder element 311 (which may be similar to that shown in the preceding embodiments) is advantageously rotatable (at least when the lid is used in a sliding manner) from a position facing out from the frame 310 when the lid 312 is open (Figures 18-21) into a retracted and inclined position (Figures 19-20).

The movement may be performed, for example, by means of a rack system, as is clear to the person skilled in the art with reference to Figures 20 and 21.

In the case of opening of the cover with a hinged movement, the socket may remain in the position shown in Figure 20 or may move freely or resiliently between the two positions. The frame 310 is housed inside a wall-mounted box 330 in the same way as described above.

In Figures 18 and 19 it can also be seen how the wires 356 are housed in the front space of the frame.

From the figures it can be seen how a plug 341 is housed inside the frame, with the cable 314 which passes out from below the cover, as already described.

The grooves 357 located on the outer edges of the frame act as guides for sliding of the cover in order to open/close the device by means of a hinging or sliding action, as already described above. The cover/frame connection means may be similar to those of embodiment 1, optionally provided also with the blocking means (not shown).

Advantageously, the contact module is housed inside the contact-module holder 331 which is hinged in turn in the frame by means of two pins 350 inserted in suitable holes provided in the side walls on the inside of the frame 310.

The contact-module holder may be provided with two lugs which act as end-of-travel stops when the device is closed, coming into contact with corresponding teeth provided on the frame.

The frame 310 is also provided with two slots 354 and two grooves 355 for guiding the electrical wires 356 towards the terminals on the back of the socket.

As can be clearly seen in Figures 19 and 20, in a similar manner to the preceding embodiments, a groove 350 present on one side of the frame leaves open a slot between frame and cover for allowing the electric cables of the plugs to pass through.

The contact module is housed inside the contact-module holder 311 and is fixed to it by means of an engaging clip and follows it during the rotation described above, so as to bring the plug from a position perpendicular to the surface of the wall, when the lid is open, into a position nearly parallel to the wall when the lid is closed (Fig. 20).

The position of the contact module and the associated contact-module holder perpendicular to the surface of the wall facilitates insertion of the plugs into the sockets.

By way of a rotational mechanism, two toothed half-wheels 380 (shown in broken lines in Figures 20 and 21) may be provided in the region of the pins for rotation of the contact-module holder 311 ; said half-wheels, coming into contact with two racks 381 (again shown in broken lines in Figures 20, 21) fitted inside the cover 312, automate rotation of the contact module and the contact-module holder during the sliding opening/closing movement of the cover.

The frame 310 on the opposite side of the opening 356 may be provided with two recesses which allow complete removal of the lid, allowing the associated racks to pass through.

The lateral grooves for the wires must not be necessarily closed by wire receiving grooves at both the ends or extend along the entire length of the side walls.

For example, Figure 22 shows an advantageous alternative embodiment of the frame, denoted by 400. This alternative embodiment is intended to be inserted inside a flush- mounted box of the type described above. The frame has a side profile with a generally triangular progression.

The frame, denoted generally by 404, is provided with sliding grooves 407 for lateral projections 452 of the cover 401, similar to that described for example for the embodiment of Figure 1. Again in a similar manner to the preceding embodiments, blocking means are also advantageously present, said means for example consisting of transverse grooves 450 and teeth 451 along the cover sliding guides. The cover may thus perform a sliding movement or hinged movement as already described further above.

The frame has internally the cavity for receiving the plugs and a wall surface or seat 420 for receiving the contact modules 8 with the sockets - (for the sake of simplicity not shown in Figure 22, being similar to those shown in the preceding embodiments) - which engage inside suitable engaging guides 414 known per se, as described above.

As in the preceding embodiments, the wall 420, together with the contact modules 8, lies advantageously in a plane at right angles to or inclined with respect to the plane of the opening closed by the lid. The frame also has a passage 459 for the plug cables.

The side walls of the frame are provided with grooves 455 which terminate at the rear in slot-like openings 454 which lead into the zone behind the wall 420, where the terminals of the contact modules engaged in the engaging guides 414 are positioned.

In this way, as shown in broken lines, electric wires 456 for connecting the sockets may be positioned easily and kept in place without hindering closing of the frame inside the associated box. As for the preceding embodiments, the wires may be kept along the sides of the frame such that they cannot accidentally slip between the bottom of the box and the frame and prevent perfect closing of the assembly.

At this point it is clear how the predefined objects of the invention have been achieved. The assembly according to the invention is extremely versatile in terms of its use, since it has a compact structure which may be housed inside substantially standard and/or small-size boxes and the closing lid may be opened with different movements depending on needs^'.

Again without departing from the scope of the invention, a person skilled in the art may make to the present invention all those modifications and improvements suggested by normal experience and/or by the natural progress of technology. Moreover, particular solutions and parts described for one or more of the embodiments described above may be used also for the other embodiments, even though not explicitly described or shown.

For example, in all the embodiments, the lid may be made of the same material as the frame or of a different material, depending on the needs or wishes, may be designed with different forms, or may incorporate touch-sensitive or wireless pushbuttons, multifunction monitors or other devices, as can be easily imagined by the person skilled in the art.

Moreover, the form of the frame shown for the embodiments in Figures 1-16 may also be used for the embodiments of Figures 17-21 and vice versa

Similarly, the various forms shown for the grooves and/or the slots for guiding the wires may be used in the different embodiments of the assembly for flush-mounting shown here.

The transverse grooves and the teeth of the means for blocking rotation of the cover, if used, may also consist of a number different from that shown and have different positions.

As will be obvious to the person skilled in the art, the wall-mounted boxes may also be standard boxes already present in a conventional installation, the normal external sockets of which are to be exchanged with the assembly according to the invention.

Finally, the position of projections and grooves for relative engagement of the cover and frame may also be reversed.

Claims

1. Concealable socket assembly (1, 100, 200, 340, 400) for housing at least one socket of the electrical, telephone, TV/satellite antennae, schuko, USB or similar type, characterized in that it comprises a box for flush-mounting (3, 110, 330) which receives a frame (4, 120, 220, 310, 404) which defines internally a compartment and which is provided in said compartment with a wall which houses said sockets in a concealable manner so as to face into said compartment and which has a front access opening provided with a closing lid (2, 101, 312, 401) which is movable between an open position and closed position so as to open and close the accesse from outside to said compartment, characterized in that the lid (2, 101, 312, 401) is mounted on the frame (4, 120, 220, 310, 404) by means (7, 52, 127, 357, 407, 452) for connecting together frame and lid which allow both lateral sliding of the lid between a closed position and an open position along the side of the frame, and a rotation of the lid about an edge thereof on the frame, so as to allow both sliding opening and hinged opening.

2. Assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that the connection means comprise along the sides of the frame two sliding channels (7, 127, 357, 407) inside which there slidably engage sliding projections (52, 452) present in the lid in the vicinity of its corresponding lateral edges so as to allow lateral sliding of the lid, the channel and the projections having cross-sections suitable for allowing also a relative disengaging movement and a rotational movement of a projection inside the corresponding channel, so as to allow disengagement of the lid on one side thereof and a hinged opening movement about the axis of the channel on the other side thereof.

3. Assembly according to Claim 2, characterized in that it comprises means (50 51) for blocking relative rotation of lid and frame so as to allow the hinged movement of the lid only when the lid is in the lateral sliding position corresponding to the closed position.

4. Assembly according to Claim 3, characterized in that the means for blocking rotation comprise transverse grooves (50) which are formed at intervals along the edge of the sliding groove and the sliding projection provided on the cover has complementary teeth (51) projecting on the edge so as to be aligned with the transverse grooves when the cover is in the closed sliding position, with each tooth which engages slidably inside the corresponding groove to allow rotation for hinged opening only when the cover is in said closed sliding position.

5. Assembly according to Claim 3, characterized in that said frame (4, 120, 220, 310) has at least one wall (20, 420) with inserted said sockets (5) intended to receive the plugs.

6. Assembly according to Claim 5, characterized in that on said rear wall (20) the sockets (5) are incorporated by means of the formation, in the frame itself, of suitable holes for allowing the insertion of plugs, contact modules (8) being engaged behind said wall (20) via suitable connection systems so as to form said sockets.

7. Assembly according to Claim 6, characterized in that the frame (4, 120, 220, 310, 404) is provided, in the rear part of said wall (20, 420), with suitable tongues (14, 414) which lock the contact module (8) by means of the engagement occurring between said tongues (14, 414) and corresponding flanges (13) provided on the contact module (8).

8. Assembly according to Claim 5, wherein said wall (20, 420) of the frame which contains the sockets (5) lies in a plane at right angles to or inclined with respect to the plane of the opening closed by the lid.

9. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that grooves and/or slots (11, 128, 354, 355, 454, 455) for guiding electrical wires which connect the sockets to a network are provided on two opposite sides of the frame (4, 120, 220, 310, 404).

10. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a groove (6, 126, 359, 459) is present on one side or in a corner of the frame, leaving open a slot between frame and lid for receiving cables of plugs engaged in the sockets of the assembly.

11.. Assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that two opposite side walls (21) of said frame (120;20) are provided with guide means (122;22) for receiving slidably and in an inclined position a contact-module holder (130;30) with contact modules forming said sockets.

12. Assembly according to Claim 11, wherein said guide means (122) comprise at least one pair of opposite inclined grooves (122) suitable for receiving corresponding projecting flanges (131) provided on two opposite walls of the contact-module holder (130).

13. Assembly according to Claim 12, wherein several pairs of opposite grooves (122) are provided for selectively receiving said flanges (131) of the contact-module holder (130) so as to keep the plane of the sockets always in the same position.

14. Assembly according to Claim 11, wherein said contact-module holder (130, 30) has, on opposite walls, engaging clips for retaining the contact modules in said contact- module holder (130; 30).

15. Assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that opposite side walls (121, 221) of said frame are connected together by a transverse wall (123) situated opposite an opening (124) for allowing the electric power supply cables of the sockets to pass through.

16. Assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a socket holder element (311) which is rotatable from a position facing out from the frame (310) when the lid (312) is in an open position into a retracted and inclined position.

17. Assembly according to Claim 16, characterized in that it comprises a mechanism (380, 381) for rotation of said holder element which is operated by sliding of the lid.