CA1102895A - Interlocking mechanisms for switched socket outlets - Google Patents
Interlocking mechanisms for switched socket outletsInfo
- Publication number
- CA1102895A CA1102895A CA310,249A CA310249A CA1102895A CA 1102895 A CA1102895 A CA 1102895A CA 310249 A CA310249 A CA 310249A CA 1102895 A CA1102895 A CA 1102895A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- switch
- interlock
- plug
- interlock member
- key
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
- H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
- H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
- H01R13/70—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch
- H01R13/707—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch interlocked with contact members or counterpart
Landscapes
- Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
Disclosed is an interlocking mechanism for a switched socket outlet having a manually-actuatable switch and a socket for accepting a plug having an external key. The mechanism has an interlock member displaceable by operation of the switch between a switch-open position and a switch-closed position, and a pin movable by the key upon insertion of the plug into the socket. In the switch-open position, the interlock member allows the plug to be inserted and move the pin from an extended position wherein it prevents attempted closure of the switch by obstructing displacement of the interlock member to the switch-closed position, to a retracted position in which the pin allows such movement of the interlock member. The interlock member may be so arranged as, when in the switch-closed position, to obstruct the return path of the key to prevent attempted withdrawal of the plug from the socket while the latter is electrified. The key on the plug also prevents the displacement of the interlock member from the switch-open position until the plug is fully inserted in the outlet.
Disclosed is an interlocking mechanism for a switched socket outlet having a manually-actuatable switch and a socket for accepting a plug having an external key. The mechanism has an interlock member displaceable by operation of the switch between a switch-open position and a switch-closed position, and a pin movable by the key upon insertion of the plug into the socket. In the switch-open position, the interlock member allows the plug to be inserted and move the pin from an extended position wherein it prevents attempted closure of the switch by obstructing displacement of the interlock member to the switch-closed position, to a retracted position in which the pin allows such movement of the interlock member. The interlock member may be so arranged as, when in the switch-closed position, to obstruct the return path of the key to prevent attempted withdrawal of the plug from the socket while the latter is electrified. The key on the plug also prevents the displacement of the interlock member from the switch-open position until the plug is fully inserted in the outlet.
Description
B OUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to interlocking mechanisms for switched socket outlets.
In a known interlocked switched socket outlet, a plug inserted therein is secured against withdrawal by direct pull from the socket by a bayonet-type fixing, the operation of which simply requires the plug to be given a small twist after inser-tion. The socket is surrounded by a ring which is moved axially against the action of springs by insertion of the plug through engagement with a skirt projecting therefrom, The ring is capable of rotation between a plug-accepting position, in which a key projecting inwardly from the ring is receivable within a corresponding cut-out on the skirt when the plug is aligned for insertion, and a plug-inserted position into which the ring is rotated by the twisting movement required to secure the plug in the socket, Rotation between these two positions is limited by two pins, each having a flat, circular head and each projecting through a respective diametrically opposite arcute slot formed in a flange projecting from the ring, Each flange is recessed
This invention relates to interlocking mechanisms for switched socket outlets.
In a known interlocked switched socket outlet, a plug inserted therein is secured against withdrawal by direct pull from the socket by a bayonet-type fixing, the operation of which simply requires the plug to be given a small twist after inser-tion. The socket is surrounded by a ring which is moved axially against the action of springs by insertion of the plug through engagement with a skirt projecting therefrom, The ring is capable of rotation between a plug-accepting position, in which a key projecting inwardly from the ring is receivable within a corresponding cut-out on the skirt when the plug is aligned for insertion, and a plug-inserted position into which the ring is rotated by the twisting movement required to secure the plug in the socket, Rotation between these two positions is limited by two pins, each having a flat, circular head and each projecting through a respective diametrically opposite arcute slot formed in a flange projecting from the ring, Each flange is recessed
2~ at one end of the slot to receive a pillar head when the ring is in the accepting position; as the ring is resiliently urged against the heads by the above-mentioned springs, it is locked against rotational movement in either direction, The ring is also formed with a cam projecting into a recess at one end of a slide bar located tangentially of the ring and arranged so that rotation of the ring caused by twisting the plug causes longitudinal displacement of the slide bar in a corresponding sense. The bar is apertured at the other end to receive the free end of an operating rod, the other end of which is pivotally connected to a crank on a switch spindle, such that operation of the switch from the "off" to the "on" position causes the rod to move axially and ~2895 1 project further through the aperture, the pivotal connection allowing the free end of the rod to move with the bar. A stop screw passes through the housing in a position which is opposite the end of the rod when the ring is in the plug-accepting position.
I-~en the socket is out of use, the ring is in the plug-accepting position and the switch is in the "off" position.
Any inadvertent attempt to move the switch to the "on" position is prevented by abutment of the end of the rod against the stop screw. Insertion of the plug into the socket initially causes engagement of the key on the ring into the recess on the plug skirt, and continued insertion causes the ring to be moved axially against the action of the springs t~ disen~age the pillar heads from the recesses and allow rotation of the ring with the skirt o~ the plug when the latter is twisted to lock the plug into position. By this rotation of the ring, the slidebar is moved away from the stop screw to a position which allows the operating rod to move sufficiently for the switch to be moved to the "on"
position. If an attempt is made to remove the plug while the switch is in the "on" position, the necessary movement of the slide bar is prevented by the abutment of the end of the rod against the side of the set screw.
The above-described construction is, however, dependent on the rotation of the plug in the socket outlet.
SUr~MARY OF T~E INVENTION
According to the present invention, there is provided an interlock mechanism for a switched socket outlet having a switch and a socket for accepting a plug having an external key, the mechanism comprising an interlock member which is mounted for sliding movement between a switch-open position and a switch-closed position, an eccentric cam member rotatable by operation of the switch for imparting said movement to the interlock member and a 1 pin which is displaceable against the action of resilient means by the key upon insertion of the plug, the arrangement being such that in the switch-open position the interlock member allows in-sertion of the plug to cause depression of the pin from a normal position, in which the pin prevents attempted closure of the switch by obstructing displacement of the interlock member to the switch-closed position, to a retracted position in which the pin allows such movement of the interlock member. The interlock member may be so arranged as, when in the switch-closed position, to obstruct the return path of the key to prevent attempted withdrawal of the plug from the socket when the latter is live. Preferably, the interlock member is also so arranged that the key prevents its being displaced from the switch-open position until the plug is fully inserted. Preferably the switch is a/rotary switch, that is a switch actuated by the rotation of a spindle or shaft.
The mechanism according to the invention is particula~ly suitable for a side-by-side arrangement of the socket and switch which allows the interlock member to be arranged for sliding move-ment imparted by an eccentric on the switch spindle. However, where the socket and switch have other relative dispositions, it may be necessary to employ some form of linkage between the inter-lock member and the switch in order to impart the necessary movement to the interlock member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a side elevation, partly in section, showing a switched'socket outlet incorporating an interlocking mechanism according to the invention, with the plug withdrawn;
~2895 `~
1 Figure 2 is an elevation similar to that of Figure 1 showing the socket with the plug inserted;-and Figure 3 is a horizontal section through the socket outlet of Figure 1 viewed from beneath.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As best shown in Figure 1, the interlocked switched socket outlet 10 of this invention is housed in a box 11 to which a cover 12 is secured at each corner by a screw 13, The outlet is typically rated at 15 amperes and 250 volts. A socket 14 having a basal flange 15 is supported from the cover 12 by posts 16 to which the flange 15 is screwed; access to the socket 14 is through a circular aperture provided with a small-keyway 17 and closable by a spring cover 18. A plunger 19 is arranged for reciprocal movement within corresponding apertures through the flange 15 and a plate 20, the lower portion 21 passing through the plate 20 being of reduced thickness and~surrounded by a spring 22 which urges the plunger 19 upwardly, Also depending from cover 12 is a switch 23 having a spindle 24 on which is mounted a knob 25 and an eccentric 26.
As shown in Figure 2, a plug 27, having a depending skirt 28 from which projects a key 29 having a distal end face 30 and a proximal end face 31, may be inserted into the socket 15.
As may best be seen from Figure 3, a slide plate 32 embracing the socket 15 is slidable mounted on the underside of the cover 12, movement being imparted by the camming action of the eccentric 26 against the wall of an orifice 33. The slide plate 32 is formed with two depending support plates 34 and 35 between which extends a web constituting detent plate 36. That portion of the slide plate 32 bounded hy the plates 34 and 35, and the plate 36 constitutes a catch 37.
~JZB95 1 With the switch 23 in the "off" position, the passage of the key 29 through the keyway 17 i~ unobstructed and the plug 27 may ~e inserted until the leading end face 30 of the key 29 has engaged the end face of the plunger 19 and depressed it against the action of the spring 22. In the fully inserted position of the plug 27, the switch 23 may be closed because the associated movement of the eccentric 26 causes sliding movement of the slide plate 32 to the right as seen in the Figures. This sliding movement is impeded neither by the plunger 19, which is held depressed by the key 29, or by the key 29 itself~ as its upper face 31 is cleared by the catch 37. Clearly, the plug cannot be withdrawn until the switch 23 is in the "off" position and the slide plate in the position shown in Figures 1 and 3.
Operation of the switch 23 with the plug 27 withdrawn is prevented by abutment of the 32 against the projecting plunger 19; and operation of the switch 23 before full insertion of the plug 27 is additionally prevented by abutment of the catch 37 against the key 29, Although the mechanism has been described with reference to a relatîvely small socket outlet, it can be adapted for use with much larger outlets and with any outlets for use with plugs having similar locking key features, While one advantageous embodiment has been chosen to illustrate the invention~ it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims,
I-~en the socket is out of use, the ring is in the plug-accepting position and the switch is in the "off" position.
Any inadvertent attempt to move the switch to the "on" position is prevented by abutment of the end of the rod against the stop screw. Insertion of the plug into the socket initially causes engagement of the key on the ring into the recess on the plug skirt, and continued insertion causes the ring to be moved axially against the action of the springs t~ disen~age the pillar heads from the recesses and allow rotation of the ring with the skirt o~ the plug when the latter is twisted to lock the plug into position. By this rotation of the ring, the slidebar is moved away from the stop screw to a position which allows the operating rod to move sufficiently for the switch to be moved to the "on"
position. If an attempt is made to remove the plug while the switch is in the "on" position, the necessary movement of the slide bar is prevented by the abutment of the end of the rod against the side of the set screw.
The above-described construction is, however, dependent on the rotation of the plug in the socket outlet.
SUr~MARY OF T~E INVENTION
According to the present invention, there is provided an interlock mechanism for a switched socket outlet having a switch and a socket for accepting a plug having an external key, the mechanism comprising an interlock member which is mounted for sliding movement between a switch-open position and a switch-closed position, an eccentric cam member rotatable by operation of the switch for imparting said movement to the interlock member and a 1 pin which is displaceable against the action of resilient means by the key upon insertion of the plug, the arrangement being such that in the switch-open position the interlock member allows in-sertion of the plug to cause depression of the pin from a normal position, in which the pin prevents attempted closure of the switch by obstructing displacement of the interlock member to the switch-closed position, to a retracted position in which the pin allows such movement of the interlock member. The interlock member may be so arranged as, when in the switch-closed position, to obstruct the return path of the key to prevent attempted withdrawal of the plug from the socket when the latter is live. Preferably, the interlock member is also so arranged that the key prevents its being displaced from the switch-open position until the plug is fully inserted. Preferably the switch is a/rotary switch, that is a switch actuated by the rotation of a spindle or shaft.
The mechanism according to the invention is particula~ly suitable for a side-by-side arrangement of the socket and switch which allows the interlock member to be arranged for sliding move-ment imparted by an eccentric on the switch spindle. However, where the socket and switch have other relative dispositions, it may be necessary to employ some form of linkage between the inter-lock member and the switch in order to impart the necessary movement to the interlock member.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a side elevation, partly in section, showing a switched'socket outlet incorporating an interlocking mechanism according to the invention, with the plug withdrawn;
~2895 `~
1 Figure 2 is an elevation similar to that of Figure 1 showing the socket with the plug inserted;-and Figure 3 is a horizontal section through the socket outlet of Figure 1 viewed from beneath.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As best shown in Figure 1, the interlocked switched socket outlet 10 of this invention is housed in a box 11 to which a cover 12 is secured at each corner by a screw 13, The outlet is typically rated at 15 amperes and 250 volts. A socket 14 having a basal flange 15 is supported from the cover 12 by posts 16 to which the flange 15 is screwed; access to the socket 14 is through a circular aperture provided with a small-keyway 17 and closable by a spring cover 18. A plunger 19 is arranged for reciprocal movement within corresponding apertures through the flange 15 and a plate 20, the lower portion 21 passing through the plate 20 being of reduced thickness and~surrounded by a spring 22 which urges the plunger 19 upwardly, Also depending from cover 12 is a switch 23 having a spindle 24 on which is mounted a knob 25 and an eccentric 26.
As shown in Figure 2, a plug 27, having a depending skirt 28 from which projects a key 29 having a distal end face 30 and a proximal end face 31, may be inserted into the socket 15.
As may best be seen from Figure 3, a slide plate 32 embracing the socket 15 is slidable mounted on the underside of the cover 12, movement being imparted by the camming action of the eccentric 26 against the wall of an orifice 33. The slide plate 32 is formed with two depending support plates 34 and 35 between which extends a web constituting detent plate 36. That portion of the slide plate 32 bounded hy the plates 34 and 35, and the plate 36 constitutes a catch 37.
~JZB95 1 With the switch 23 in the "off" position, the passage of the key 29 through the keyway 17 i~ unobstructed and the plug 27 may ~e inserted until the leading end face 30 of the key 29 has engaged the end face of the plunger 19 and depressed it against the action of the spring 22. In the fully inserted position of the plug 27, the switch 23 may be closed because the associated movement of the eccentric 26 causes sliding movement of the slide plate 32 to the right as seen in the Figures. This sliding movement is impeded neither by the plunger 19, which is held depressed by the key 29, or by the key 29 itself~ as its upper face 31 is cleared by the catch 37. Clearly, the plug cannot be withdrawn until the switch 23 is in the "off" position and the slide plate in the position shown in Figures 1 and 3.
Operation of the switch 23 with the plug 27 withdrawn is prevented by abutment of the 32 against the projecting plunger 19; and operation of the switch 23 before full insertion of the plug 27 is additionally prevented by abutment of the catch 37 against the key 29, Although the mechanism has been described with reference to a relatîvely small socket outlet, it can be adapted for use with much larger outlets and with any outlets for use with plugs having similar locking key features, While one advantageous embodiment has been chosen to illustrate the invention~ it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims,
Claims (9)
1. An interlock mechanism for a switched socket outlet having a switch and a socket for accepting a plug having an external key, the mechanism comprising an interlock member which is mounted for sliding movement between a switch-open position and a switch-closed position, an eccentric cam member rotatable by operation of the switch for imparting said movement to the interlock member and a pin which is displaceable against the action of resilient means by the key upon insertion of the plug, the arrangement being such that in the switch-open position the interlock member allows insertion of the plug to cause depression of the pin from a normal position, in which the pin prevents attempted closure of the switch by obstructing movement of the interlock member to the switch-closed position, to a retracted position in which the pin allows such movement of the interlock member.
2. An interlock mechanism as claimed in claim 1, in which the interlock member is arranged to obstruct the return path of the key when it is in the switch-closed position.
3. An interlock mechanism as claimed in claim 1 or 2, in which the key is arranged to prevent said movement of the interlock member to the switch-closed position until a plug is fully inserted in the socket.
4. An interlock mechanism as claimed in claim 1, in which the switch is a rotary switch.
5. An interlock mechanism as claimed in claim 4, in which the eccentric cam member is mounted on a spindle of said switch.
6. An interlock mechanism as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 5 in which the eccentric cam member is arranged to co-act directly with said interlock member.
7. An interlock mechanism as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 5 further comprising a linkage member co-acting with said interlock member and the eccentric cam member for imparting said movement to said interlock member on operation of the switch.
8. An interlock mechanism as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 5 in which the key has a distal surface arranged to effect the displacement of said pin and a proximal surface arranged to be engaged by said interlock member when the interlock member is in the switch-closed position to prevent withdrawal of the plug.
9. An interlock mechanism as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 5 in which the interlock member comprises an abutment member arranged to abut said pin, when said pin is in its normal position thereby to prevent movement of the interlock member to the switch-closed position.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB46084/77A GB1599306A (en) | 1977-11-04 | 1977-11-04 | Interlocking mechanisms for switched socket outlets |
| GB46084/77 | 1977-11-04 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1102895A true CA1102895A (en) | 1981-06-09 |
Family
ID=10439795
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA310,249A Expired CA1102895A (en) | 1977-11-04 | 1978-08-29 | Interlocking mechanisms for switched socket outlets |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1102895A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2844478A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB1599306A (en) |
| SE (1) | SE432325B (en) |
Families Citing this family (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB9416489D0 (en) * | 1994-08-16 | 1994-10-12 | Caradon Mk Electric Ltd | Improvements in and relating to electrical switch socket outlets |
| US11387610B2 (en) | 2018-12-10 | 2022-07-12 | Leviton Manufacturing Co., Inc. | Mechanical interlock with enhanced features |
| CN117013294B (en) * | 2023-10-08 | 2024-01-19 | 珠海市钛芯动力科技有限公司 | Conversion socket |
-
1977
- 1977-11-04 GB GB46084/77A patent/GB1599306A/en not_active Expired
-
1978
- 1978-08-29 CA CA310,249A patent/CA1102895A/en not_active Expired
- 1978-10-12 DE DE19782844478 patent/DE2844478A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1978-11-03 SE SE7811402A patent/SE432325B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE2844478A1 (en) | 1979-05-10 |
| GB1599306A (en) | 1981-09-30 |
| SE7811402L (en) | 1979-05-05 |
| SE432325B (en) | 1984-03-26 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |