US 10,411,417 B2Granted

Modular wall system and panel element for use in such a system

AssigneeOpticon Sensors Europe B.V.

InventorsDick de Haas, Rudi Groeneveld

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Abstract

A panel element is for use in a modular wall system with vertical support structures. The panel element includes a panel having a planar surface and side edges transverse to the planar surface, the planar surface can be hung up on at least one of the vertical support structures. An electrical connector is provided on the back of the panel, including a first connector pin and a connector second pin for forming electrical connections. The first and second connector pins fit within openings in a surface of one of the vertical support structure. The connector pins are movably coupled to the panel so as to allow movement of the first and second connector pins in at least one direction parallel to the planar surface between an extended position and a pulled-in position.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A panel element configured to be used in a modular wall system including a plurality of vertical support structures, at least one of the vertical support structures comprises first and second electrical power supply contacts within said at least one of the vertical support structures and an opening in a surface of the at least one of the vertical support structures, the opening configured to enable electrical conductors to contact the first and second electrical power supply contacts therethrough, the panel element comprising:

a panel having a planar surface and side edges transverse to the planar surface;
an electrical connector comprising a first connector pin and a second connector pin configured to form electrical connections, the first and second connector pins having a cross-section configured to fit within the opening of the at least one vertical support structure, the first and second connector pins being movably coupled to the panel so as to enable movement of the first and second connector pins in at least one direction parallel to the planar surface, between an extended position and a pulled-in position of the electrical connector, the electrical connector being spring loaded to exert a force towards the pulled-in position;
a housing one of within or attached to the panel;
a movable part configured to be movable relative to the housing, wherein the first and second connector pins being located on the movable part;
and
a detent configured to latch the electrical connector with the first and second connector pins in the extended position.

3 more elements

A modular wall system comprising:

a first vertical support structure and second vertical support structure;
and
a panel element, comprising:
a panel having a planar surface and side edges transverse to the planar surface;
an electrical connector comprising a first connector pin and a second connector pin configured to form electrical connections, the first and second connector pins having a cross-section configured to fit within an opening of one of the first or second vertical support structure, the first and second connector pins being movably coupled to the panel so as to enable movement of the first and second connector pins in at least one direction parallel to the planar surface, between an extended position and a pulled-in position of the electrical connector, the electrical connector being spring loaded to exert a force towards the pulled-in position;
and
a detent configured to latch the electrical connector with the first and second connector pins in the extended position,
wherein the panel element configured to be hung-up on the first and second vertical support structure, the first vertical support structure comprising first and second electrical power supply contacts and a contact opening in an outside surface of one of the first or second vertical support structure, the first and second connector pins being in contact with the first and second power supply contacts through the contact opening respectively in said extended position.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 15/542,638Filed 11 Jan 2016
Priority: NL 20141059 Jan 2015
Published: US 2018/0269637 A120 Sep 2018
Granted: 10 Sep 2019
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification14 codes

H01R 13/74
Means for mounting coupling parts to apparatus or structures, e.g. to a wall: means for mounting coupling parts in openings of a panel
A47F 5/08
Show stands, hangers, or shelves characterised by their constructional features: secured to the wall, ceiling, or the like; Wall-bracket display…
E04F 13/074
Composed of specially adapted, structured or shaped covering or lining elements: for accommodating service installations or utility lines, e.g.…
E04F 13/0803
Separate fastening elements: with load-supporting elongated furring elements between wall and covering elements