EP0505256B1 - Two part adapter for connection of an electrical apparatus by plug and socket - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates generally to the connection of any electrical appliance to a socket outlet.

As is known, it is done to do this engagement in this base of the plug which is usually provided with the power cord of the electrical appliance.

This obviously supposes an adequate complementarity between this plug and this base.

However, due to the different standards in use in certain countries, this complementarity may be lacking.

It is then necessary to implement, at the interface, an adapter, that is to say a connection accessory comprising, on the one hand, a base part, suitable for receiving the plug of the electrical appliance, and, on the other hand, a plug part, suitable for being engaged in the socket outlet.

To date, this base part and this plug part are in one piece, and the whole is in one piece.

Most often, moreover, the electrical contact members that such an assembly comprises respond to immutable standard configurations.

Given the number of different standards to be taken into account, and the various combinations to be expected between them, it is then necessary to have, to cover all possible possibilities, a relatively high number of different adapters, of the order for example seventeen or eighteen.

As a variant, an adapter has been proposed which can lend itself to various standards, if not to all of them.

But that implies intervening on its electrical contact organs, to organize them accordingly.

Some, at least, of these electrical contact members are therefore adjustable in position.

As a result, in addition to a certain complexity in the use, a certain uncertainty about the quality of the contacts corresponding internal electrics, to the detriment of safety.

The present invention generally relates to a provision making it possible to avoid these drawbacks.

More specifically, it relates to an adapter for an electrical appliance to be connected by a plug to a socket outlet of the kind comprising a socket part, suitable for receiving the plug of the electrical appliance, and a clean plug part to be engaged in the socket outlet, this adapter being generally characterized in that the socket part and the plug part each individually form separate parts.

Preferably, but not necessarily exclusively, there are provided, between this base part and this plug part, disengageable securing means suitable for a relative temporary joining thereof.

Anyway, by ensuring a systematic partition between the base part and the plug part, the invention advantageously makes it possible to reduce the number of different parts to be provided to cover all the possible combinations between the various standards to be taken into account. consideration, which advantageously minimizes the necessary investments accordingly.

It is enough for the owner of an electric appliance to have the base part of this adapter corresponding to the standard of this electric appliance, then to pair this base part with the plug part corresponding to the standard of socket outlets available to him.

In all cases, the base parts are interchangeable with each other, and the same is true of the plug parts.

In other words, there is total compatibility between any of the possible base parts and any of the corresponding plug parts.

Thus, for a national of any given country, in which a specific standard is in force, it is enough to have, on the one hand, the pedestal part corresponding to this standard, and, on the other hand, depending on its movements, of such or such sheet parts corresponding to other standards.

But, overall, for a given country, the number of different references to be made available to its nationals, that is to say the number of separate documents which they must be able to have, is advantageously reduced, since, for the base part, one piece, always the same, is enough for them.

In practice, for the case where the plug part of the adapter according to the invention risks remaining permanently in place on a socket outlet, this plug part comprises, associated, at least, with its phase cells, a retractable flap mounted movable between a rest position, for which, on hold, it obscures these phase cells, and a working position for which, in service, it releases them.

Security is thus ensured in all circumstances.

In some cases, when the contact member provided for an earth connection on the socket-outlets is a socket, the socket part of the adapter according to the invention can very simply and economically be devoid of any electrical contact member.

It then constitutes only a simple inert part, made of insulating material, having only holes suitable for the passage of pins, in this case those of the plug of an electrical appliance adapted to the corresponding standard.

Indeed, these pins then only pass through the base part of the adapter according to the invention, to cooperate directly with the cells of the plug part which must jointly be implemented.

However, as a variant, in other cases, the base part of the adapter according to the invention comprises, on the one hand, at least one electrical contact member, for cooperation with a contact member for earthing on the plug of the electrical appliance concerned, and, on the other hand, a plug-in connection, for cooperation with a complementary plug-in connection member provided in correspondence on the associated plug part, with, from said contact member to said connection member, an electrical connection.

Thus, in all cases, the earth connection is ensured.

• la figure 1 est, avec un arrachement local, une vue en perspective d'un adaptateur suivant l'invention ;
• la figure 2 en est une vue en perspective éclatée ;
• la figure 3 est, avec un arrachement local, une vue en perspective éclatée de la seule partie fiche de cet adaptateur, l'un des composants de celle-ci étant vu par dessus, tandis que ses autres composants sont vus par dessous ;
• la figure 4 est, à échelle inférieure, et suivant la flèche IV de la figure 2, une vue de dessus de la partie fiche de cet adaptateur, pour la position de repos du volet escamotable qu'elle comporte ;
• la figure 4A est une vue de dessus analogue à celle de la figure 4, pour la position de travail de ce volet escamotable ;
• la figure 5 est, à l'échelle de la figure 4, et suivant la flèche V de la figure 2, une vue de dessous de la partie socle de l'adaptateur suivant l'invention ;
• la figure 6 est, à la même échelle, et suivant la flèche VI de la figure 2, une vue de dessus de cette partie socle ;
• la figure 7 est, à échelle supérieure, et suivant la ligne VII-VII de la figure 2, une vue en coupe axiale de l'adaptateur suivant l'invention, après un simple engagement axial de sa partie socle sur sa partie fiche ;
• la figure 8 en est une vue en coupe transversale, suivant la ligne VIII-VIII de la figure 7 ;
• la figure 9 en est une vue partielle en coupe axiale reprenant la partie de la figure 7 repérée par un encart IX sur cette figure 7 ;
• la figure 10 est, à l'échelle de la figure 9, une autre vue partielle en coupe axiale de l'adaptateur suivant l'invention, suivant la ligne X-X de la figure 7 ;
• la figure 11 est une vue partielle en coupe axiale analogue à celle de la figure 9, après un engagement axial plus accentué de la partie socle dans la partie fiche nécessaire au déverrouillage du volet escamotable de cette dernière ;
• la figure 12 est une vue en coupe transversale analogue à celle de la figure 8, après rotation de la partie socle par rapport à la partie fiche ;
• les figures 13, 14, 15, 16 sont, à échelle inférieure, des vues en perspective qui, reprenant chacune respectivement pour partie celle de la figure 2, se rapportent à d'autres parties fiches susceptibles d'être également mises en oeuvre ;
• les figures 17, 18, 19 sont, de manière semblable, des vues en perspective, qui, reprenant elles aussi, chacune respectivement, pour partie, celle de la figure 2, se rapportent conjointement à d'autres parties socles susceptibles d'être mises en oeuvre.

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description which follows, by way of example, with reference to the appended schematic drawings in which:

• Figure 1 is, with a local cutaway, a perspective view of an adapter according to the invention;
• Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view;
• Figure 3 is, with a local cutaway, an exploded perspective view of the single plug part of this adapter, one of the components thereof being seen from above, while its other components are seen from below;
• Figure 4 is, on a smaller scale, and according to arrow IV of Figure 2, a top view of the plug part of this adapter, for the rest position of the retractable flap which it comprises;
• Figure 4A is a top view similar to that of Figure 4, for the working position of this retractable flap;
• Figure 5 is, on the scale of Figure 4, and along the arrow V of Figure 2, a bottom view of the base part of the adapter according to the invention;
• Figure 6 is, on the same scale, and according to arrow VI of Figure 2, a top view of this base part;
• Figure 7 is, on a larger scale, and along the line VII-VII of Figure 2, an axial sectional view of the adapter according to the invention, after a simple axial engagement of its base part on its plug part;
• Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along the line VIII-VIII of Figure 7;
• Figure 9 is a partial view in axial section showing the part of Figure 7 identified by an insert IX in this Figure 7;
• Figure 10 is, on the scale of Figure 9, another partial view in axial section of the adapter according to the invention, along the line XX of Figure 7;
• FIG. 11 is a partial view in axial section similar to that of FIG. 9, after a more accentuated axial engagement of the base part in the plug part necessary for unlocking the retractable flap of the latter;
• Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view similar to that of Figure 8, after rotation of the base part relative to the plug part;
• Figures 13, 14, 15, 16 are, on a smaller scale, perspective views which, each taking up respectively that of Figure 2, relate to other sheet parts may also be implemented;
• Figures 17, 18, 19 are, similarly, perspective views, which, also repeating, each respectively, in part, that of Figure 2, relate jointly to other base parts may be put in action.

As illustrated in these figures, the adapter 10 according to the invention, which is intended for an electrical appliance, not shown, to be connected by a plug to a socket outlet, also not shown, generally comprises: in known manner, a socket part 10A, suitable for receiving the plug of this electrical appliance, and a plug part 10B, suitable for being engaged in the corresponding socket outlet.

According to the invention, the base part 10A and the plug part 10B each individually form separate parts, to be paired with one another.

In the embodiment more particularly shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, the base part 10A corresponds to the standards in force in France and in Belgium.

It therefore comprises, surrounded by a collar 11, a bottom 12, of circular outline, on which protrudes, in the eccentric position, as a contact member for earthing, a pin 14.

At the same time, its bottom 12 has, at a distance from each other, along a diameter, two holes 15, of circular outline, suitable for the passage of the phase pins of a plug meeting the same standard.

For reasons which will appear below, and according to the invention, the base part 10A further comprises, in the embodiment shown, on the one hand, two mounting feet 16, which, arranged in diametrically opposite positions l 'relative to each other, extend downward the flange 11, beyond its bottom 12, and which, at their end, each have, radially projecting outwards, a return angle 17, and , on the other hand, alternately with the mounting feet 16, and arranged crosswise with respect thereto, two pins 18, which, projecting from the bottom surface of the bottom 12, at the periphery thereof, they also extend locally downwards, but over a much smaller height, the flange 11.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, the sheet part 10B corresponds to the standard in force in Germany, while also satisfying the standards in force in France and in Belgium.

It therefore comprises, each disposed respectively in two grooves 20 laterally affecting in diametrically opposite positions relative to each other a base 21, as contact members for earth connection, two contact blades 22, of the type called "SCHUKO", with, alternately with these contact blades 22, and crosswise with these, while projecting from flats 24, two ribs 25.

Jointly, on the bottom 30 of the base 21, which is of generally circular contour, protrude, at a distance from each other, along a diameter, two phase pins 26, which are each in electrical connection with two internal phase 27 cells, for example, and as shown, directly crimped on them.

In the embodiment shown, the phase cells 27 are simply formed by lyre-shaped contact blades.

Between the phase cells 27 extends, in the base 21, a grounding cell 28.

For reasons which will appear below, this earthing socket 28, which is also formed by two lyre-shaped contact blades, is extended radially on at least one side of the axis of the plug part 10B .

In the embodiment shown, it is elongated along a diameter of this plug part 10B, perpendicular to the diameter along which the phase cells 27 also extend.

In practice, the contact blades 22 are directly formed, one by a square return from one of the contact blades constituting the earth socket 28, the other by a square return from the other of these, with, each time, a crossing of the corresponding side wall 29 of the base 21.

To access the earth socket 28, the bottom 30 of this base 21 has, at a distance from each other, along the corresponding diameter, and therefore crosswise with the phase pins 26, two holes 32 , figure 7.

At its upper part, the base 21 is closed by a fixed plate 34, while being surmounted by a well 35, which, in practice, has a diameter greater than it.

For example, and as shown, the plate 34 is fitted, by a flange 36, on a flange 37 extending the side wall 29 of the base 21 beyond the bottom 38 of the well 35, while being wedged on this flange 37 by lugs 40 which, arranged in diametrically opposite positions with respect to each other, each engage respectively in two notches 41 thereof, FIG. 3.

For reasons which will appear below, the flange 36 of the plate 34 extends recessed with respect to its peripheral edge, so that, thanks to the well 35, this plate 34 extends slightly in overhang beyond the flange 37 of the base 21, at a distance from the bottom 38 of this well 35.

For access to the phase cells 27, the plate 34 has, at a distance from each other, along a diameter, two holes 42.

In the embodiment shown, these phase bores 42 are both elongated in the buttonhole, according to the corresponding diameter.

For access to the earth connection socket 28, the plate 34 also has, between the phase bores 42, an earth connection bore 44.

In the embodiment shown in solid lines in the figures, this earth connection hole 44 has a circular contour, and it extends in the center of the plate 34.

However, as a variant, and as shown in broken lines in FIG. 3, it can also be lengthened along a diameter, perpendicular to the diameter along which the phase 27 cells extend, and therefore parallel to the pick-up cell. underlying earth 28.

In addition to its bottom 38, the well 35 of the plug part 10B thus formed comprises a flange 45, of circular outline.

Preferably, and as shown, this sheet part 10B further comprises, associated, at least, with its phase sockets 27, a retractable flap 47 mounted movably between a rest position, FIG. 4, for which, pending, it obscures these phase 27 cells, and a working position, Figure 4A, for which, in service, it releases them.

In the embodiment shown, this retractable flap 47 is rotatably mounted on the very surface of the plug part 10B, above the plate 34 closing its base 21, extending substantially flush with the free edge of the flange 45 from its well 35.

It comprises, on the one hand, holes 48 capable of coming into concordance with the phase cells 27, through the holes 42 of the underlying plate 34, and it is the case when it is in the working position, FIG. 4A, and, on the other hand, a central bore 49, which, arranged in accordance with the bore 44 of the plate 34, gives permanent access to the socket for taking of earth 28.

Like the holes 42 of the plate 34, the holes 48 of this retractable flap 47 are elongated in the buttonhole, while its central hole 49 is of circular outline.

However, as before, and as shown diagrammatically in broken lines in FIG. 2, this central bore 49 can be extended along a diameter perpendicular to that along which the holes 48 extend.

In practice, the retractable flap 47 is engaged, in rotation, with the underlying plate 34.

It has, to do this, projecting on its lower surface, two mounting tabs 50, which are arranged in diametrically opposite positions relative to each other, and by which it is hooked, in rotation, on the edge peripheral of the plate 34, these mounting lugs 50 each having radially inwardly projecting for this purpose a hooking boss 51.

In the embodiment shown, the outer surface of these hooking bosses 51 is biased by a chamfer, so that the mounting tabs 50 constitute latching tabs.

In other words, during assembly, the retractable flap 47 is placed on the underlying plate 34, duly secured, it, for example by welding, to the flange 37 of the base 21, is done by simple snap-fastening.

However, after this installation, the retractable flap 47 cannot be removed.

For reasons which will appear below, the mounting lugs 50 which it presents extend slightly back from its peripheral edge, at the right of notches 52 affecting the latter.

At their ends extend flanges 53 to reinforce their resistance.

At least along its peripheral edge, and for reasons which will also appear below, the retractable flap 47 extends at a distance from the underlying plate 34.

In the embodiment shown, this plate 34 has, to do this, projecting in its central zone, a boss 55, FIG. 7, on which the retractable flap 47 carries.

In any event, by means of the well 35, the peripheral edge of the retractable flap 47 also extends overhang, beyond that of the plate 34.

Finally, along its peripheral edge, the retractable flap 47 comprises at least one locking tab 56 by which, in the rest position, it is engaged with a recess 57 of the underlying plate 34, and it is at least locally elastically deformable, so that, by elastic deformation, a thrust exerted axially on its peripheral edge in line with this locking tab 56, as shown diagrammatically by an arrow F1 in FIG. 11, is sufficient to release the latter from this recess 57 of deck 34.

In the embodiment shown, the recess 57 of the plate 34 is a notch in its peripheral edge, and the locking tab 56 of the retractable flap 47 has, facing it, a boss 58 suitable for engaging therein.

In practice, the plate 34 comprises, circumferentially at a distance from each other, for the locking tab 56 of the retractable flap 47, two recesses 57, 60, one, the recess 57 for example, for the position rest of this retractable flap 47, FIG. 8, the other, the recess 60, for its working position, FIG. 12.

In practice, too, the retractable flap 47 comprises, in diametrically opposite positions with respect to each other, two locking tabs 56, which are arranged alternately with its mounting tabs 50, and, in correspondence, the plate 34 presents two sets of recesses 57, 60.

In the embodiment shown, the recesses 57, 60 which the plate 34 thus presents affect parts of the peripheral edge of this plate 34 which protrude from the current part of this peripheral edge, whereas it is on the contrary with this main part that the retractable flap 47 is in rotation with this plate 34 by its mounting lugs 50.

Comprising a grounding pin 14 adapted to cooperate with a contact member for a complementary grounding on the plug of the electrical appliance concerned, the base part 10A of the adapter 10 according to the invention constitutes, from this point of view, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 12, an active part, and, therefore, it comprises, jointly, for cooperation with the plug-in connection member that constitutes the earthing socket 28 provided in correspondence on the plug part 10B, a complementary plug-in connection member, in this case a pin 62 which extends projecting along its axis on the lower surface of its bottom 12, with, the contact member that constitutes the spindle 14 projecting from the upper surface of this bottom 12 to the connection member constituted by this spindle 62, a suitable electrical connection.

In the embodiment shown, this electrical connection is provided by a metal strip 63, which extends to the bottom surface of the bottom 12, along a diameter thereof, and on which the pins 14 and 62 are each crimped, the spindle 14 passing through the bottom 12 by a bore 64 thereof.

Finally, between the base part 10A and the plug part 10B thus formed, there are preferably disengageable securing means suitable for a relative temporary joining thereof.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 12, these disengageable securing means are mounting means of the bayonet mounting type.

To do this, the plug part 10B has two grooves 65 with which each are respectively suitable to engage the two mounting feet 16 of the base part 10A.

In practice, these grooves 65 affect the interior surface of the flange 45 of the well 35 of the plug part 10B.

They each have an axial section 66, which extends from the free edge of the flange 45, and whose circumferential development is at least equal to that of the mounting feet 16 of the base part 10A, being in practice slightly greater than this, and a circumferential section 67, which, in continuity with the previous axial section 66, extends, it, at a distance from the free edge of the flange 45.

Jointly, the notches 52 of the retractable flap 47 also have a circumferential development at least equal to that of the mounting feet 16 of the base part 10A, being in practice slightly greater than the latter.

For the rest position of the retractable flap 47, FIGS. 4, 7 and 8, these notches 52 are each located respectively in line with the axial section 66 of the grooves 65 of the plug part 10B, so that, while penetrating by their return at bracket 17 in the axial section 66 of these grooves 65, the mounting feet 16 of the base part 10A come together with these notches 52 when this base part 10A is engaged axially on the plug part 10B.

At the end of such an axial engagement, the base part 10A comes to rest, by its lugs 18, on the retractable flap 47 of the plug part 10B, in line with its locking tabs 56.

It suffices, therefore, to continue, slightly by force, this engagement, so that, as shown diagrammatically by the arrow F1 in FIG. 11, this results in the exercise, locally, on the retractable flap 47, of a axial thrust leading to an elastic deformation of this retractable flap 47 sufficient for the bosses 58 of its locking tabs 56 to escape the corresponding recesses 57 of the plate 34 underlying, and so that this retractable flap 47 is thus released in rotation relative to the latter.

As, jointly, the square returns 17 of the mounting feet 16 of the base part 10A are then each located respectively in line with the circumferential section 67 of the grooves 65 of the plug part 10B, it suffices, then, to ensure the subjection of this base part 10A on the plug part 10B, to rotate it on itself in the direction corresponding to that of this circumferential section 67.

Rotated by the base part 10A because the mounting feet 16 thereof are engaged with its notches 52, the retractable flap 47 itself turns jointly in the same direction, as shown schematically by the arrow F2 to Figure 12.

At the end of this rotation, which takes place around the axis of the spindle 62 of the base part 10A then engaged in the earth connection socket 28 of the plug part 10B by virtue of the corresponding bore 44 of the plate 34 thereof, the holes 48 of the retractable flap 47 are each respectively in correspondence with the holes 42 of this plate 34, which frees access to the phase cells 27 of the plug part 10B.

As, jointly, the base part 10A is duly secured, by the bayonet fitting corresponding to this plug part 10B, the adapter 10 according to the invention thus formed is therefore ready for use.

The possible separation of the base part 10A from the plug part 10B obviously takes place according to a process opposite to that previously described.

In addition, according to provisions similar to the preceding ones, and although the components of the corresponding bayonet mounting are not represented there, this base part 10A can indifferently be attached to any of the plug parts 10B shown in FIGS. 13 to 16.

In FIG. 13, it is a plug 10B part corresponding to the standard in force in Italy, and comprising, therefore, as a contact member for earth connection, between the phase pins 26, in alignment with them, a pin 22 ′.

In FIG. 14, it is a plug 10B part corresponding to the standard in force in Great Britain.

Instead of being of circular cross section, the phase pins 26 are flat pins.

In addition, the earth pin 22 ′, which is also a flat pin, is offset from the phase pins 26.

In FIG. 15, it is a plug 10B part corresponding to the standard in force in Greece.

It comprises a base 21 ′ of the same type as the base 21 described above, with the difference that it is equipped, as a contact member for earth connection, with a pin 22 ′ offset from the pins phase 26.

Both the phase pins 26 and this grounding pin 22 ′ are then of circular cross section.

In FIG. 16, it is a 10B sheet part corresponding to the standards in force in Switzerland and in Spain.

As before, it has a 21˝ base.

However, instead of having a generally circular cross section, it has a shuttle cross section.

It further comprises, projecting, two phase pins 26 and an earth pin 22 ′, all of circular cross section.

Likewise, on any of the preceding plug parts 10B, any of the base parts 10A shown in FIGS. 17 to 19 can be attached, instead of the base part 10A previously described.

In FIG. 17, it is a base part 10A corresponding to the standard in force in Germany.

It comprises, laterally, on the inner surface of its flange 11, on the one hand, as contact members for earth connection, two contact blades 14 ′, and, on the other hand part, for cooperation with complementary ribs, two grooves 25 ′.

As before, this base part 10A further comprises, projecting from its bottom, on the lower surface thereof, an earth pin 62 which extends along its axis.

In FIG. 18, on the other hand, the base part 10A, which then corresponds to the standard in force in Italy, is devoid of any electrical contact member.

It thus constitutes an inert part, produced for example from a single block of insulating material.

In practice, it then only has holes suitable for the passage of pins, namely, on the one hand, two holes 15, suitable, as before, for the passage of phase pins, and, on the other hand, a bore 62 ′, Which, arranged between the previous holes 15, in alignment with these, is suitable for the passage of an earth pin.

In FIG. 19, which corresponds to the standards in force in Switzerland and in Spain, the base part 10A can also constitute, as shown in solid lines, an inert part.

But its bore 62 ′ is then offset relative to the holes 15.

In either case, the pins of the plug of the electrical device to be connected simply pass through such an inert part, before reaching the corresponding cells of the associated base part.

It is to take account, precisely, of the possible offset, according to FIG. 19, of the bore 62 ′ provided for the passage of the grounding pin that, in the plug part 10B, the corresponding grounding cell 28 is lengthened along a diameter.

However, as a variant, and as shown therein in broken lines, the plug part 10B shown in FIG. 19 can also be provided with an earth pin 62, according to arrangements of the type described above.

In FIGS. 13 to 19, the base part 10A and the plug part 10B have in plan a curvilinear square contour, with convex sides and rounded angles, for simple aesthetic questions.

This outline, which is only one possible outline among others, is of course without affecting the very characteristics of the invention, as specified in the claims.

The present invention is moreover not limited to the embodiments described and shown, but encompasses any variant embodiment and / or combination of their various elements.

In particular, it is not necessarily necessary that securing means are provided between the two base and plug parts used, and, when such securing means are provided, it is not necessarily means mounting of the bayonet mounting type.

It could for example just as easily be snap-fastening means.

Similarly, the plug-in connection members provided for an earth connection on the base part and on the plug part could be interchanged between them, with a cell on the base part and a pin on the plug part.

Claims (21)

1. An adapter for a piece of electrical equipment for plugging in by the use of a plug into a socket outlet, of the kind comprising a socket part (10A) capable of receiving the plug of the piece of electrical equipment in question, and a plug part (10B) capable of being engaged in the corresponding socket outlet, characterised in that the socket part (10A) and the plug part (10B) each individually form separate pieces.
2. An adapter according to Claim 1, characterised in that the plug part (10B) comprises at least one retractable flap (47) which is associated with the phase female connectors (27) of the plug part and which is movably mounted between a position of rest in which, in a waiting condition, it obstructs said phase female connectors (27), and an operative position in which, during operation, it frees them.
3. An adapter according to Claim 2, characterised in that the retractable flap (47) is rotatably mounted to the very surface of the plug part (10B), and it comprises holes (48) capable of coinciding with the phase female connectors (27).
4. An adapter according to Claim 3, characterised in that the retractable flap (47) is rotatably engaged with a fixed subjacent plate (34).
5. An adapter according to Claim 4, characterised in that the retractable flap (47) comprises mounting tabs (50) by means of which it is rotatably hooked to the peripheral edge of the subjacent plate (34).
6. An adapter according to Claim 5, characterised in that the mounting tabs (50) constitute snap-shut tabs.
7. An adapter according to any one of Claims 4 to 6, characterised in that along its peripheral edge, at least, the retractable flap (47) extends at a spacing from the subjacent plate (34), it comprises at least one clamping tab (56) by means of which, in a position of rest, it engages in a recess (57) in this subjacent plate (34), and it is at least locally elastically deformable in such a way that by elastic deformation a push applied axially on its peripheral edge at right angles to the clamping tab (56) is sufficient to disengage it from said recess (57) in the subjacent plate (34).
8. An adapter according to Claim 7, characterised in that the recess (57) of the subjacent plate (34) is a notch in its peripheral edge, and the clamping tab (56) of the retractable flap (47) has a boss (58) in opposite relationship which is capable of engaging into the notch.
9. An adapter according to any one of Claims 7, 8, characterised in that the plate (34) which is subjacent to the retractable flap (47) comprises two recesses (57, 60) for the clamping tab (56) of this latter, one for its position of rest and the other for its operative position.
10. An adapter according to any one of Claims 7 to 9, characterised in that to apply local pressure to the retractable flap (47) of the plug part (10B), at right angles to its clamping tab (56) the socket part (10A) comprises at least one lug (18) which projects from the lower surface of its base (12).
11. An adapter according to any one of Claims 7 to 10, characterised in that the retractable flap (47) comprises two clamping tabs (56) in mutually diametrally oppositely disposed positions.
12. An adapter according to Claims 5 and 11 taken conjointly, characterised in that the retractable flap (47) comprises two mounting tabs (50) alternating with the clamping tabs (56).
13. An adapter according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, characterised in that without any electrical contact member the socket part (10A) is an inert piece which only has holes (15, 62') for passage therethrough of plug pins.
14. An adapter according to any one of Claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the socket part (10A) comprises, on the one hand, at least one electrical contact member (14) for cooperating with a contact member for an earth electrode on the plug of the piece of electrical equipment in question, and, on the other hand, a plug-in connection member (62) for cooperating with a plug-in connection member (28) provided in corresponding relationship on the plug part (10B), with an electrical connection (63) being provided from said contact member (14) to said connecting member (62).
15. An adapter according to Claim 14, characterised in that the connecting member (62) of the socket part (10A) extends along the axis thereof.
16. An adapter according to any one of Claims 14, 15, characterised in that the connection member (62) of the socket part (10A) is a plug pin.
17. An adapter according to Claim 16, characterised in that the connection member (28) of the plug part (10B) is a female connector which is elongated radially on at least one side of the axis of the plug part.
18. An adapter according to any one of Claims 1 to 17, characterised in that interposed between the socket part (10A) and the plug part (10B) are disengageable fixing means capable of temporarily fixing together the socket part and plug part.
19. An adapter according to Claim 18, characterised in that the disengageable fixing means are bayonet-type fitting means, the socket part (10A) comprising two mounting legs (16), each respectively being capable of engaging with two grooves (65) in the plug part (10B), each of which has an axial portion (66) and a circumferential portion (67).
20. An adapter according to Claims 3 and 19 taken conjointly, characterised in that in order to rotate it the retractable flap (47) of the plug part (10B) has two notches (52) which are each respectively disposed at right angles to the axial portion (66) of the grooves (65) of the plug portion (10B) for its position of rest, and with which the mounting legs (16) of the socket part (10A) engage conjointly when this latter is engaged on the plug part (10B).
21. An adapter according to Claims 10 and 19 taken conjointly, characterised in that the socket part (10A) has two lugs (18) which alternate with its mounting legs (16).

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