EP1064704B1 - Multiple plug for different connection systems - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-pole multiple plug for connecting (small) electric appliances to a selection of different mains connection systems. The plug has internationally standardized pin arrangements (2) an the four sides of its housing (1) and an the base of the housing (1) is fitted with a recess for adjustably housing a contact tube (4-7) situated at the free end of a connecting cable (3) so that the strands of the connecting cable (4-7) can be connected inside the housing (1) With the pin arrangement (2) required at any particular time.

Description

The invention relates to a multiple connector for a multi-pole, in particular two- or three-pole, mains connection of electrical consumers, especially small devices such as computer and telecommunications devices, electric shavers or Hair dryers on internationally different connection systems.

For this purpose, so-called travel plug sets are known, which consist of several intermediate plugs exist, each of which is only for customizing the existing one Plug system to a certain other is provided. In contrast, an attempt was made to and the same adapter with the help of a sliding mechanism and by unscrewing single connector pins can alternatively be used for several different connector systems make (DE 297 01 285 UI). However, this version is from a non-specialist not to be handled properly or safely with the help of the operating instructions.

In view of this, the use of special plug adapters has prevailed with which the electrical appliances equipped with the power plugs used in their home country in the manner of a combined adapter plug also in those in other countries and Allow continents to use existing sockets.

Such a multiple adapter is in DE 36 01 469 A1 described. It has a housing that has the shape of a has pentagonal prisms, being on the side surfaces Groups of connector pins are arranged. Every side carries a configuration for a standardized power plug system suitable is. From one of the front sides of the housing leads to an opening in the interior. In this opening is a rotating body mounted on its from the Provide housing protruding side with sockets is. The rotating body can be turned by hand, whereby in a group of plug pins for each detent position on a side wall section with the contacts of the socket is electrically connected.

The socket arranged on the rotating body limits the Miniaturization of the well-known adapter. It collapses in use relatively far from the socket, whereby considerable leverage occurs at the socket.

In addition, such a separate adapter has the disadvantage that to be easy to move, or even to get lost.

In view of this, the object of the invention is a common one Mains plug on the connecting cable of small electrical devices directly, d. H. without that To make use of additional intermediate elements in such a way that they are the same can optionally be plugged into the sockets of several other plug systems. In doing so this change is as simple and safe as possible. The opportunity should also be be given an uninterrupted protective conductor on the network side via the plug connection to be able to lead to the consumer.

According to the invention, the object is essentially achieved in that the multiple plug a connector housing having first and second side surfaces, of which different groups of connector pin configurations, wherein a second side surface has a recess into which a at the free end Connection cable fixed contact carrier is used and defined adjustable, the Contacts are connected to wires of the connecting cable, the connector pins with mating contacts are connected, and the group of pins according to a configuration selected position of the contact carrier in the recess with the contacts of the contact carrier can be brought into conductive contact.

In a further embodiment, the invention is characterized in that preferably cuboidal connector housing on its side surfaces in particular four different executed plug carries and on a base with a central inward reaching, circular in cross-section recess is provided, in the one at the free Inserted and defined end of a connecting cable cylindrical contact sleeve is adjustable, the wires of the connecting cable with contact tracks on the outer circumference of the Contact sleeve are connected and the connector pins with on the inner wall of the Recess or mating contacts arranged in their area of action, the depending on the selected position of the contact sleeve in the recess with the contact tracks on The outer circumference of the contact sleeve can be brought into conductive contact.

In this way, there is the possibility of connecting the power plug (multiple plug) to the connecting cable of the electrical device in question after simply aligning the cable entry (Contact sleeve) on the required plug version with this one in the local to use an existing socket. In particular, the connecting cable goes directly from the electrical device.

A preferred embodiment is characterized in that the connector housing for Holder for the recesses inserted in both sides and on the connection side connector pins provided as resilient mating contact sets is formed in two parts.

The two-part design of the connector housing enables profiling on both sides Recesses in the edge area of the half-shells during assembly a simple bracket the free-standing in four directions and on the connection side inside the Housing with counter contacts designed as counter contact sets in the area of used contact sleeve reaching connector pins. This arrangement also contributes to this to keep the entire multiple connector small and robust and correspondingly easy to be able to manufacture.

Furthermore, it is provided that the contact sleeve on the outer circumference in the insertion direction parallel to each other or staggered one behind the other and against each other has isolated contact tracks. For manual adjustment of the contact sleeve inside of the connector housing, the contact sleeve has one on the base of the connector housing knurled flange reaching the stop. It is also provided that within the contact sleeve several the sheathing of the cable end all around against the direction of insertion the same strain relief slats are arranged.

These measures, on the other hand, are divided into hollow plastic cylinders the flying end of the connecting cable is pushed into a contact sleeve on its outer circumference provided with two contact tracks spaced apart in the longitudinal direction Contact sleeve on the back with an annular knurled flange for manual adjustment the contact sleeve is provided within the connector housing. This contact sleeve also has in the area of its central drilling through suitable strain relief measures for the connection cable, e.g. B. in the form of the same tangent all around slats spread elastically in its sheath under tensile stress on the cable.

The contact sleeve also has on its outer circumference and in interaction with it Knurled flange via an annular groove into which when the connector housing is assembled The guide bar engages at its opening. Alternatively, the contact sleeve have at least one locking element, which on a contact sleeve when inserted The underside of the guide bar rests. This allows easy twisting, whereby however, movement in the axial direction is not possible without destroying the connector.

For the exact determination of the four positions for the contact sleeve of the connection cable inside the connector housing it is provided that between the base of the connector housing and the stop surface of the knurled flange on the contact sleeve a locking device is provided for the four setting positions, for example in the form of a locking suspension or the like is formed.

For using the multiple connector in a connection system according to Australian The standard provides that the flat contact pins are at an angle to each other Australian standard a unlocking (flat) pin protruding further in the direction of insertion is assigned, which from its rest position in a slot-shaped housing pocket on the Surface of the connector housing within a slot guide on a housing-fixed Rotation axis in the front connector area by 180 ° into the actual contact position is pivotable above the flat contact pins.

In a preferred embodiment it is provided that the unlocking pin has a has lateral shoulder cams, which in the rest position as a handle from the housing surface protrudes and for the contact position in a frontal extension of the Housing pocket locked.

It is also provided that the elongated hole guide for mounting the unlocking pin the slot has a slot for reversible bending of one of the two slot guides has forming guide leg.

In a preferred embodiment of a multiple plug for the mains connection of small electrical devices on internationally different connection systems Task essentially solved in that the contact carrier as a rotatable contact sleeve in the area of a quadrant of their cylindrical surface over three inches certain configuration staggered to each other and each with a certain Line wire end of the connecting cable has connected contact pads, which in the Interior of the housing at the connection ends of the preferably 90 ° against each other offset plug pin arrangements corresponding counter-contacts in spatially the same as opposed to poles.

In this way, the manual alignment defined within the housing adjustable contact sleeve on the connector pin arrangement required on a case-by-case basis in itself the simultaneous contact of the three points of contact from main, Neutral and protective conductors, with the remaining connector pin arrangements for safety reasons remain completely tension-free.

A further development is characterized in that the contact linings on the contact sleeve on two rows of contacts one behind the other in the direction of insertion, from which the front one is equipped with and the one behind it has two. In this way the required contact can be made with the relevant three counter contacts Side of the connector pin arrangement advantageously in the area of a cylinder quadrant Pull out the contact sleeve.

Another advantageous embodiment provides that the mating contact pieces of the different Connector pin arrangements each as a spring-loaded contact finger on the rotatable Get the contact sleeve to the system. The counter contacts of the different present themselves Plug pin arrangements on the inside of the housing on their connection side in four by 90 ° zones differing from each other as spring-loaded sliding contact fingers, which depend on the manual The setting with the same polar coverings on the contact sleeve come into conductive contact.

An alternative embodiment provides that at least the one connected to the protective conductor Contact is resilient and on a rigid counter contact of a Earthing contact pin is present. In a preferred embodiment, the protective conductor contact is as axially displaceable pin contact formed with at least one contact surface one counter contact of the respective configuration can be brought into conductive contact. To obtain a compact structure, the protective conductor contact extends within the Contact sleeve along a diagonal, preferably between a connection point a pad, and an inner wall of the sleeve a compression spring coaxial to the pin axis is arranged to generate the necessary spring preload.

A multiple connector is used as an embodiment with an independent inventive character proposed the slidable and / or pivotable and / or tiltable connector pins to connect the multiple connector to other, internationally different connection systems to be able to adapt. A particularly preferred embodiment is distinguished characterized in that the multiple plug at least one group of configurations of Has connector pins, a protective contact pin from a first position, which is preferably corresponds to a connector configuration according to Italian standards, in a second position, which preferably corresponds to a connector configuration according to the Swiss standard is.

The protective contact pin can be moved in a first plane that is perpendicular to one second level spanned by main contacts. The first position stands out characterized in that the protective contact pin is in the first level, the protective contact pin in its second position, a triangle spans with the main contacts.

To prevent accidental movement of the protective contact pin, it is provided that that the protective contact pin is spring-biased in the axial direction, one Moving the protective contact pin along the first level is only possible if the Protective contact pin is moved into the inside of the plug against the spring preload.

To make an electrical contact with the protective conductor contact of the contact sleeve the protective contact pin on the inside of the plug is conductively connected to a contact rail, where the contact rail has a guide at one end for receiving the protective contact pin has and forms a counter contact at another end.

The guide within the contact rail is preferably designed as an elongated hole, comprising two shots formed as blind holes of larger diameter, which over a slot of smaller diameter are interconnected, the recordings for receiving an arranged at the inside of the plug of the protective contact pin in Cross-section T-shaped stamp are formed.

To expand the possible uses of the multiple connector, is according to a training provided with an independent inventive character that at least one group For configurations of connector pins, preferably an adapter according to British standards is pluggable, with which further groups of configurations in particular according to German / Austrian standard and French / Belgian standard.

In a preferred embodiment, the adapter has a receptacle for a protective contact clip of the multiple plug, at least in some areas a first protective contact path according to German / Austrian standards and via sliding contact with a second protective contact track is connected according to German / Austrian standards and that the Adapter has another receptacle into which a socket-side protective contact pin follows French / Belgian standard can be introduced, this protective contact pin with the multiple contact plug earthing contact is conductively connectable.

A particularly simple construction is characterized in that the sliding contact a resilient bracket in the area of the receptacle for the protective contact pin French / Belgian standard, with the bracket the plug-side protective contact pin pressed against the protective contact bracket when inserting the multiple plug.

For detachable connection of the adapter to the multiple plug, it is provided that the Adapter has a locking element, which in a recess on an upper side of the Multiple connector engages. The connector can be easily, i. H. without With the help of tools.

To give a user a way to check the operational readiness of a To give existing local socket, it is provided that the multiple plug has visual display device connected to the contacts of the contact carrier is. The indicator lights up whenever the socket configuration used is functional and the user has selected the correct switch position. Preferably is the visual display device a glow lamp or light emitting diode, which is parallel to the selected voltage supply is switched. The visual display is guaranteed that the housing has a preferably colored viewing window and / or at least is designed to be transparent in some areas. In any case, the operator immediately recognizes that he when the display lights up the rotatable contact carrier or the shift drum in the has turned the correct position and the desired voltage is present at the socket, i.e. he can put his electrical device into operation.

The glow lamp can be connected to the contacts via a protective resistor connected in series be connected. In a preferred embodiment, the viewing window and / or the transparent housing area arranged on a surface opposite the base surface, the display being arranged within the contact housing. The contact sleeve can also themselves consist at least in regions of a transparent material and / or have a viewing window.

The inventive design of the multiple connector results in compared to State of the art according to DE 36 01 469 A1 in particular the advantage that the multiple connector firmly connected to the electrical device and is therefore captive. He can also Multiple plugs with reduced outer dimensions can be produced as not mandatory a standard safety socket is provided in one side surface, which the housing enlarged unnecessarily.

Further details, advantages and features of the invention result not only from the Claims, the features to be extracted from them - individually and / or in combination - but also from the following description of one of the drawings preferred embodiment.

Fig. 1 und 2

zwei Seitenansichten des Mehrfachsteckers mit den verschiedenen Steckerausführungen,

Fig. 3

eine Ansicht der Grundfläche mit der verstellfähigen Kabeleinführung,

Fig. 4

eine Seitenansicht einer Kontaklhülse,

Fig. 5

eine teilweise geschnittene Seitenansicht des Mehrfachsteckers gemäß Fig. 1,

Fig. 6

eine teilweise geschnittene Draufsicht der Grundfläche gemäß Fig. 3,

Fig. 7

eine Steckerstiftanordnung nach australischer Norm,

Fig. 8 und 9

Seitenansichten eines Mehrfachsteckers gemäß Fig. 1 und 2 mit Stift- anordnung nach australischer Norm,

Fig. 10

eine Ansicht der Oberfläche des Gehäuses des Mehrfachsteckers,

Fig. 11 bis 13

die Verstellbarkeit des Entriegelungskontaktes mit Ruhe-, Ausschwenk- und Betriebsposition im vergrößerten Maßstab 2 : 1 dargestellt,

Fig. 14 und 15

zwei Seitenansichten eines dreipoligen Mehrfachsteckers mit den verschiedenen Schutzkontaktsteckerausführungen,

Fig. 16

eine Ansicht der Grundfläche des Mehrfachsteckers gemäß Fig. 14 und 15 mit verstellfähiger Kabeleinführung,

Fig. 17

eine Seitenansicht einer Kontakthülse mit optischer Anzeigevorrichtung,

Fig. 18

eine teilweise im Kontaktierungsbereich geschnittene Seitenansicht gemäß Fig. 14,

Fig. 19

eine teilweise im Kontaktierungsbereich geschnittene Seitenansicht der Grundfläche gemäß Fig. 16,

Fig. 20

eine teilweise geschnittene Seitenansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer Kontakthülse,

Fig. 21

eine geschnittene Seitenansicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform eines Mehrfachsteckers mit Adapter,

Fig. 22

eine Draufsicht einer weiteren Ausführungsform einer Kontakthülse,

Fig. 23

eine Vorderansicht einer Gruppe von Konfigurationen mit verschiebbarem Steckerstift,

Fig. 24

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Adapters zur Erweiterung einer Konfiguration des Mehrfachsteckers nach britischer Norm auf Konfigurationen nach deutscher/österreichischer Norm und französischer/ belgischer Norm,

Fig. 25

eine Draufsicht des Mehrfachsteckers mit Adapter in perspektivischer Ansicht und

Fig. 26

eine Unteransicht des Mehrfachsteckers mit Adapter in perspektivischer Ansicht.

Show it:

1 and 2

two side views of the multiple connector with the different connector designs,

Fig. 3

a view of the base with the adjustable cable entry,

Fig. 4

a side view of a contact sleeve,

Fig. 5

2 shows a partially sectioned side view of the multiple connector according to FIG. 1,

Fig. 6

3 shows a partially sectioned top view of the base area according to FIG. 3,

Fig. 7

a plug pin arrangement according to the Australian standard,

8 and 9

1 and 2 with pin arrangement according to the Australian standard,

Fig. 10

a view of the surface of the housing of the multiple connector,

11 to 13

the adjustability of the unlocking contact with rest, swivel and operating position is shown on an enlarged scale 2: 1,

14 and 15

two side views of a three-pin multiple connector with the various earthed plug designs,

Fig. 16

14 and 15 with an adjustable cable entry,

Fig. 17

2 shows a side view of a contact sleeve with an optical display device,

Fig. 18

14 shows a side view, partly in section in the contacting area, according to FIG. 14,

Fig. 19

16 shows a side view, partially in section in the contacting area, of the base area according to FIG. 16,

Fig. 20

2 shows a partially sectioned side view of a further embodiment of a contact sleeve,

Fig. 21

2 shows a sectional side view of a further embodiment of a multiple plug with adapter,

Fig. 22

a plan view of a further embodiment of a contact sleeve,

Fig. 23

a front view of a group of configurations with sliding pin,

Fig. 24

a perspective view of an adapter for expanding a configuration of the multiple connector according to the British standard to configurations according to German / Austrian standard and French / Belgian standard,

Fig. 25

a top view of the multiple connector with adapter in perspective view

Fig. 26

a bottom view of the multiple connector with adapter in perspective view.

As can be seen from the individual representations, the cross-divided connector housing has 1 made of insulating material on its side surfaces, the connector pin arrangements of four different internationally standardized connection systems, of which the clarity for the sake of only the European plug on the left in FIGS. 1, 3, 5 and 6 of the drawing with the Reference number 2 is provided. For the adjustable entry of the connection cable 3 in the connector housing 1 is that shown separately in FIG. 4 at the relevant cable end Contact sleeve 4 provided.

This contact sleeve 4 consists of a plastic hollow cylinder in which the connecting cable 3 is inserted in order to with its two cable cores each with the on the outer circumference of the hollow cylinder, exactly spaced apart in the longitudinal direction Contact tracks 5 to be connected. This is inserted into the contact sleeve 4 Connection cable 3 on its sheath from a plurality within the insertion opening all around in the direction of insertion facing slats 9, which are subject to tensile stress of the connecting cable 3 by means of their tapered ends in the jacket pierce and prevent it from being pulled out.

Furthermore, the contact sleeve 4 is in the axial direction behind the contact tracks 5 and in front a knurled flange 6 for adjusting the cable entry with an annular groove 7, in which has a guide lip on the part of the recess opening when mounting the plug engages in the connector housing 1. As not particularly shown in the drawing, can a common between the connector housing 1 and the movable knurled flange 6 Locking device are used, through which the contact sleeve 4 in a manual Adjust according to the existing connector pin arrangements exactly in four each Use positions offset from each other by 90 °.

This defined adjustability of the contact sleeve attached to the end of the connecting cable 3 4 is used, the two contact tracks 5 in the interior of the connector housing 1 depending on the setting in any setting direction with the provided counter contact lugs 8 bring into conductive contact from the connector ends of the various Reach connector pins 2 with the correct polarity and spring in the area of action of the contact sleeve 4.

In this way it is possible to use the multiple connector presented before using it simply by hand by turning the cable entry in the direction of the required one Adjust plug system and with its plug pins safely into place to use an existing socket. After that, it is necessary to change the connector system just as easily and safely by simply turning the knurled handle 6 in the area the cable entry.

For the connection to a socket according to the Australian standard is beyond taken into account the peculiarity that the connector arrangement provided for this purpose except for the two diagonally projecting flat contact pins according to FIGS. 2 and 3 Drawing above the same, and as shown separately in Fig. 7, additionally over a somewhat longer unlocking (flat) suft, through which the two pole contact sockets inside the Australian outlet while plugging in before an electrical one Contact must first be mechanically released.

To supplement the multiple connector described in this regard, such is in accordance the representation in FIGS. 8 to 10 of the drawing on its the adjustable cable entry opposite surface of the housing 1 with a housing-fixed Provided pivot axis flat pin 10. It is stored near the End face of the connector housing 1 within a slot guide at the rear end of the Flat pin 10, whereby it extends from its rest position in a rearward direction slot-shaped housing pocket 11 outwards and further through 180 ° into the actual contact position can be adjusted above the two inclined pole contact pins 2 ', as in the 11 to 13 are successively shown. For this purpose, the flat pin 10 is in its Rest position with a shoulder cam 12 serving as a handle from the housing surface to the other hand in the swung-out state on the front side in one to lock the front recess of the housing pocket 11 and in this way the flat pin 10 securely and without play on the connector housing 1. For the assembly of this flat pin 10 on the housing 1 of the multiple connector is its slot guide in itself provided with a slit. The flat pin 10 is a stamped part with an open guide leg, as indicated in Fig. 11, manufactured and can be attached to the housing's own axis of rotation can be adapted to the shape.

14 to 19 is a first embodiment of a three-pin protective contact multiple plug shown. As can be seen from FIGS. 14 and 15, the protective contact multiple plug carries on the side surfaces of its cross-divided housing 1 'made of plastic the pin arrangements of four different connection systems, namely 16 or 19 according to the German, left-hand side according to the Swiss, Italian standard on the top and British standard on the right. The clarity for the sake of this are only the protective contact pins of the foreign plugs or the laterally recessed metal inserts on the German connector for contacting resilient Provide sliding contacts on the side of an earthed socket with the reference number 2 '. In addition, for an adjustable entry of the connecting cable 3 'into the housing 1' of the multiple connector at the relevant cable end in Fig. 17 of the drawing for itself separately shown contact sleeve 4 'is provided.

This contact sleeve 4 'carries on the cylindrical outer surface of the cable end slipped and rotatably supported in the housing 1 'to be inserted into the sleeve body Special arrangement connected to the wires of the connecting cable 3 ' Contact pads 5 '. The contact pads 5 'are in two rows one behind the other in the insertion direction created and in the area of a quadrant of the contact sleeve 4 'as a single contact piece or designed as two contact pieces arranged side by side.

The contact pads arrive inside the insertion opening in the base area of the housing 1 ' 5 'depending on the manual setting of the contact sleeve 4' in conductive contact with the associated mating contacts 8 'at the connection end of the relevant connector pins 2' or the corresponding metal inserts (protective contacts) according to the German standard. Here correspond from the ends of the connector pins or the. Metal inserts sprung towards the inserted contact sleeve 4 'facing mating contacts 8' with respect to their support points in spatial relation to the arrangement of the corresponding contact pads 5 '.

The further embodiment of the contact sleeve which is adjustably held within the housing 1 ' 4 ', this has for the defined selection of the required pin arrangement in a manner known per se via the actual sleeve body on the insertion side of the connecting cable 3 'attached knurled flange 6' with which the contact sleeve 4 'comes to rest on the outer wall of the housing 1' and marks itself can be set by hand to the relevant pin arrangement.

To give the user an orientation as to whether the selected local socket 17 is functional at all, an optical display device 13 according to FIG. 17 is provided, which are connected via lines 14, 15 to the corresponding contact coverings 5 ' is. In the exemplary embodiment described, the display device comprises a glow lamp 16, which is connected in series with a series resistor 17 to the contact pads 5 '. The light generated by the display device 13 when the socket is functional can either through a colored window or through a completely transparent connector housing to get out. There is also the possibility of at least the contact sleeve itself to be produced in regions from a transparent material and the display device 13 to be arranged within the contact sleeve. If necessary, the base area opposite surface have a viewing window and / or at least partially transparent material exist. In any case, the operator immediately recognizes that the If the display 13 lights up, the contact sleeve 4 'has been rotated into the correct position and that the desired voltage is present at the socket used, so that a connectable Electrical device can be put into operation.

The opening edge of the housing 1 'engages with the rotatable mounting of the Contact sleeve 4 'by means of a guide lip in a between the sleeve body and the Knurled flange 6 'provided annular groove 7', while the strain relief device is in the flange area 9 'for the connecting cable 3' and one not particularly in the drawing is shown with which the contact sleeve 4 'exactly on the the desired pin arrangement can be set.

20 shows a side view of a further embodiment of a contact sleeve 18, partly in section. For a simple and low-friction mounting of the contact sleeve 18 within the multiple connector 1, 1 'are in a rotating Wall 19 of the contact sleeve 18 locking elements 20 are provided. These are more integral Part of the contact sleeve 18 and pivotable about a hinge 21. The locking element 20 has a nose 22, which on a bottom of the recess opening of the connector housing 1, 1 'delimiting guide web. This will slightly twist the Contact sleeve 18 allows, while pulling out of the contact sleeve 18 excluded is.

In order to ensure effective strain relief, there is a radial one in the knurled flange 6 ' Bore 23 is provided for receiving a screw such as a grub screw which exerts a force the strain relief device 9 'exercises.

Fig. 21 shows a second embodiment of a three-pole multiple contact plug 24 in a sectional view, the same elements being designated by the same reference numerals. The multiple plug 24 comprises a plug configuration 25 with at least one displaceable Earthing contact pin 2 ', whereby the connector configuration 25 on the one hand Connection systems according to Italian standards and on the other hand to connection systems is customizable according to the Swiss standard.

Furthermore, the multiple plug 24 is detachably connected to an adapter 26, the adapter 26 is preferably arranged on a side surface of the multiple plug 24, the one British standard connector configuration. This is characterized by an outstanding Protective contact bracket 27 from, together with the main contacts, not shown essentially forms an equilateral triangle. The protective contact clip 27 is one Receptacle 28 completely accommodated within the adapter 26, an external one Surface area of the contact bracket 27 via a recess 31 within the wall 32 of the Adapter 26 is accessible as the first protective contact 30 according to the German / Austrian standard.

A second protective contact 33 is provided diagonally opposite, which is also via a recess 34 is accessible within the circumferential wall 32 of the adapter 26. The protective contact 33 is part of a sliding contact 35, which is preferably spring-biased an underside 36 of the protective contact bracket 27 is present. To adapt further Configurations, especially according to French / Belgian standards, is another inclusion 37 provided, which are parallel or substantially parallel and below the protective contact clip 27 extends. This is used to hold a socket-side protective contact pin, which is received by the receptacle 37 and with the underside 36 of the contact bracket is connected conductively when the multiple plug is inserted. In addition, the Socket-side protective contact pin via a bow-shaped section 38 of the sliding contact 35 pressed against the underside 36 of the protective contact bracket 27 to a sufficient establish electrically conductive contact.

This takes advantage of the fact that the arrangement of the main contacts 39 according to German / Austrian Standard and French / Belgian standard essentially match. The The external design of the adapter 26 is essentially the same as that of a standardized one Shock-proof plug.

To fasten the adapter 26 to the multiple plug 24, this has a locking element 40, which in a recess 41 in the outer housing area of the multiple connector 24 is anchored securely. In the embodiment shown here, a nose of the Locking element 40 on a protruding edge 42 of the substantially L-shaped Protective contact bracket 27, so that it takes on a double function. The springy bow-shaped section 35, 38 is fixedly connected to the adapter 26.

The contact sleeve 9 'comprises a contact sleeve 43, which has essentially the same structure has like the previously described contact sleeves 4, 4 '. Unlike the previous ones In the described embodiments, the contact sleeve 43 has a protective conductor contact 44 which is resilient, with counter contacts 45, 46 of the protective contact pins 27, 2 ' are rigid. The protective conductor contact 44 is fixed, preferably via a solder connection, connected to the protective conductor 47 of the connecting cable 3.

22 shows a top view of the contact sleeve 43. Here is the protective conductor contact 44 is designed as a contact pin, with a contact surface 48 which extends through an opening 49 protrudes within a wall 50 of the contact sleeve 43 and with the mating contacts 45, 46 can be brought into conductive connection. To create the necessary contact pressure, a coil spring 52 is arranged coaxially to a section 51 of the contact pin 44, the between an inner wall 53 of the sleeve 43 and a soldering lug 54 of the Protective conductor contact 44 extends. An element 55 opposite the contact surface 48 is stored in a further opening 56 in the wall 50 of the contact sleeve 43.

As already mentioned above, the multi-connector 24 has a configuration 25 that by Moving a connector pin from a configuration according to Italian standards into one Configuration can be changed according to the Swiss standard. The protective contact 2 'is off a first position 57, preferably a connector configuration according to the Italian standard corresponds to a second position 58, which is preferably a connector configuration according to the Swiss standard.

The protective contact 2 'is on the one hand in the axial direction against the force of a spring element 59 displaceable by a displacement from the first position 57 into the second 58 to enable at all.

On the inside of the plug, the protective contact 2 'is conductive with an anchor-shaped end 59 Contact rail 60 connected, which on the one hand forms the counter-contact 46 and on the other one Guide 61 for the anchor-shaped end 59 includes. The contact rail 60 is fixed to the Housing of the multiple connector 24 connected, so that thereby also the protective contact 2 ' can be locked. The protective contact 2 'is essentially cylindrical and has in the end region 59 has a taper 62 which is longitudinally displaceable in the guide 61. How 23, the guide 61 is designed as an elongated hole 62, with in the end regions of the slot 62 arranged blind hole-shaped receptacles 63, 64, in which the stamp-shaped end region 59 of the protective contact 2 'can be received. It is the receptacle 63 assigned to position 57 and the receptacle 64 to position 58. By the spring element 56 is on the one hand a locking of the protective contact 2 'in the respective Position 57, 58 guaranteed and on the other hand sufficient electrical contact to the Contact rail 60 made.

23, main contacts 65, 66 are in a first level arranged, the protective contact 2 'is displaceable in a second plane, which is perpendicular to the plane spanned by the main contacts 65, 66. In position 57 is the protective contact 2 'in the spanned by the main contacts 65, 66 Level, with the protective contact 2 'in position 58 with the main contacts 65, 66 Triangle.

24 shows a three-dimensional representation of the adapter 26 essentially adapted to the shape of a standard earthed plug, such as this is prescribed according to German / Austrian standards. The multiple connector side are Receptacles 28 and 37 formed, on the one hand, for receiving the protective contact clip 27 according to the British standard and on the other hand the receptacle 37 for the socket-side protective contact pin according to the French / Belgian standard.

Furthermore, receptacles 67, 68 are provided, into which the multiple plug 24 attached main connector pins to be inserted with the main contacts 39 of the Adapters to establish a conductive connection.

Starting from the essentially cylindrical jacket-shaped wall 32 extends at least in some areas a wall area 69 that has the same longitudinal extent as that Has locking element 40. The locking element 40 is preferably parallel or essentially formed parallel to the upper surface 30 of the protective contact bracket 27 and locked with this.

25 is a perspective view of the multiple connector 24 with adapter 26 in shown assembled state. The locking element 40 is via the recess 41 easily accessible and can be solved without the use of a tool.

26 is a top view of the multiple plug 24 with adapter 26 in perspective Representation shown, in particular the plug configuration 25 with sliding Protective contact 2 'can be seen.

In summary, the subject of the invention is a multiple connector for a multi-pin network connection of electrical consumers to internationally different Connection systems provided, which can be rotated in a housing of the multiple connector arranged contact carrier fixed to a connecting line of the electrical Connected to the consumer. This makes the multiple connector captive and is constant companion of the electrical consumer. Via the contact carrier 4, 4 ', 43 the electrical consumers with the groups of configurations arranged on the multiple plug of connector pins 2, 2 'can be connected in any conductive manner.

The inventive arrangement of a sliding contact, in particular one Earthing contact 2 ', can be a group of configurations of connector pins to both the Swiss as well as the Italian standard.

Another object with an inventive character is that with the multiple plug connecting adapter 26, the two other groups of configurations of connector pins makes accessible. In the described embodiment, the multiple plug 1, 1 ', 24 four different groups of connector pin configurations based on the Slidability of a protective contact and the use of the adapter 26 in total seven different groups of connector pin configurations of international connection systems are customizable.

Claims (27)

1. Multiple plug for a multipole, in particular two-pole or three-pole mains connection of electrical power consumers, in particular devices such as computer and telecommunications devices, electric razors or hair driers, to different international connection systems, comprising a plug housing (1, 1') with first and second side faces,
   wherein different groups of configurations of plug pins (2, 2', 2", 10) extend from the first side faces,
   wherein a second side face has a recess, into which a contact carrier (4, 4', 18) fixedly disposed at the free end of a connection cable (3, 3') is inserted and adjustable in a defined manner, the contacts (5, 5') of which are connected to the leads of the connection cable (3, 3'),
   wherein at least some of the plug pins (2, 2', 2", 10) are connected to counter-contacts (8), and the group of plug pins (2, 2', 2", 10) of one configuration may be brought into conductive contact with the contacts (5, 5') of the contact carrier (4, 4', 18) depending on the selected position of the contact carrier (4, 4', 18) in the recess.
2. Multiple plug for a two-pole mains connection of electrical power consumers, in particular electrical appliances, to different international connection systems,
   wherein its plug housing (1) bears plug configurations having several differently configured plug pins (2, 2', 2", 10) on its peripheral face and it is provided on a base with a recess of circular cross-section extending centrally inwards, into which recess a cylindrical contact carrier (4, 4', 18) fixedly disposed at the free end of a connection cable (3) is inserted and adjustable in a defined manner,
   wherein the leads of the connection cable (3) are connected to contacts (5, 5') on the outer periphery of the contact carrier (4, 4', 18),
   wherein the plug pins (2, 2', 2", 10) are connected to counter-contacts (8, 8') disposed on the inner walls of the recess or in their active range, which may be brought into conductive contact with the contact banks (5, 5') on the outer periphery of the contact carriers (4, 4', 18) depending on the selected position of the contact carriers (4, 4', 18) in the recess.
3. Multiple plug according to Claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the plug housing (1, 1') is parallelepipedal in form and has at least four different groups of configurations of plug pins (2, 2', 2", 10).
4. Multiple plug according to Claims 1 or 2, characterised in that in the region of a quadrant of its cylindrical surface, the contact carrier in the form of a rotatable contact bush (4') has at least two contacts in the form of contact layers (5, 5'), which in a specific configuration are displaced relative to one another and are respectively connected to a specific lead wire end of the connection cable (3, 3'), and to which corresponding counter-contact sections are opposed in spatially the same arrangement of corresponding pole on the inside of the housing (1, 1') at the connection ends of the plug pin arrangements preferably displaced 90° relative to one another.
5. Multiple plug according to Claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the contacts (5, 5') are disposed on the contact carrier (4') distributed along its rotational axis.
6. Multiple plug according to Claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the counter-contact sections (6, 6') of the different plug pin arrangements respectively in the form of resilient contact fingers come into abutment against the rotatable contact carrier (4, 4', 18).
7. Multiple plug according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the plug housing (1, 1') is constructed in two parts for holding the plug pins (2, 2', 2"), which are inserted into grooves profiled on both sides and are provided on the connection side with counter-contacts (8, 8') in the form of resilient sets of counter-contacts.
8. Multiple plug according to Claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the contact carrier (4, 4', 18) has a knurled flange (6, 6'), which comes into abutment against the respective face of the plug housing (1, 1'), for the manual adjustment of the contact bush (4, 4', 18) within the plug housing (1, 1').
9. Multiple plug according to Claims 1 or 2, characterised in that several strain relief segments (9, 9') acting around the casing of the cable end (3, 3') contrary to the plug-in direction thereof are disposed inside the contact carrier (4, 4', 18).
10. Multiple plug according to Claims 1 or 2, characterised in that a guide web, which engages into an annular groove (7, 7') on sides of the contact carrier (4, 4', 18), is provided at the recess opening of the plug housing (1, 1').
11. Multiple plug according to Claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the contact carrier (4, 4', 18) has at least one catch element (20), which abuts against an underside of a guide web bordering the recess opening.
12. Multiple plug according to Claim 8, characterised in that between the respective face of the plug housing (1, 1') and the abutment face of the knurled flange (6, 6') a catch arrangement is provided on the contact carrier (4, 4', 18) for the four control positions thereof.
13. Multiple plug according to Claims 1 or 2, characterised in that an unlocking (flat) pin (10), which is associated with the flat contact pins (2', 2") standing obliquely to one another according to Australian standard and projects further in the plug-in direction, is provided and said unlocking (flat) pin may be pivoted out of its resting position in a slot-like housing pocket (11) on the surface of the plug housing (1, 1') inside an elongated hole guide on a rotational axis fixed in the housing in the plug region on the face side around 180° into the actual contact position above the flat contact pins (2') and may be locked in position.
14. Multiple plug according to Claim 13, characterised in that the unlocking pin (10) has a lateral attachment toe (12), which in the resting position protrudes as a handle out of the housing surface and locks in position in a widened portion of the housing pocket (11) on the face side for the contact position.
15. Multiple plug according to Claim 13, characterised in that the elongated hole guide for assembly of the unlocking pin (10) on the rotational axis has a slot arrangement for the reversible bending of one of the two guide legs forming the elongated hole guide.
16. Multiple plug according to Claim 1, characterised in that at least one contact (44) connected to the protective conductor (47) is of resilient construction and abuts against a rigidly constructed counter-contact of a protective conductor contact pin (2', 27).
17. Multiple plug according to Claims 1 or 2, characterised in that it has displaceable and/or pivoting and/or tiltable plug pins (2, 2', 2").
18. Multiple plug according to Claim 17, characterised in that the displaceable plug pin (2, 2', 2"), which forms a protective conductor contact pin, is displaceable in a first plane, which runs perpendicular to a second plane spanned by the plug pins (2, 2', 2") forming the main contacts.
19. Multiple plug according to Claim 18, characterised in that the protective conductor contact pin (2') is displaceable in axial direction under resilient pre-stress, in which case a displacement of the protective conductor contact pin (2') along the first plane is only possible when the protective contact (2') is moved into the plug interior against the resilient pre-stress.
20. Multiple plug according to Claim 1, characterised in that an adapter (26), with which further groups of configurations on the plug side, in particular according to German/Austrian standard and French/Belgian standard can be achieved, may be plugged onto at least one group of configurations of plug pins (2, 2") preferably according to British standard.
21. Multiple plug according to Claim 20, characterised in that the adapter (26) has a seat (28) for a protective contact bow (27) of the multiple plug (24), that the protective contact bow (27), which forms at least in some sections a first protective contact (30) according to German/Austrian standard, is connected via a loop contact (35) to a second protective contact (32) according to German/Austrian standard, and that the adapter (26) has a further seat (37), into which a protective contact pin according to French/Belgian standard on the plug socket side can be inserted, wherein this protective contact pin can be conductively connected to the protective contact bow (27) on the plug side.
22. Multiple plug according to Claim 20, characterised in that the adapter (26) has a catch element (40), which engages into a recess (41) on an upper side of the multiple plug (24).
23. Multiple plug according to Claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the multiple plug has a visual display device (13), which is connected to the contacts (5, 5') of the contact carrier (4, 4', 18).
24. Multiple plug according to Claim 23, characterised in that the visual display device (13) is a glow lamp (16) or light-emitting diode.
25. Multiple plug according to Claim 23, characterised in that the housing has a preferably coloured viewing window and/or is transparent at least in some sections.
26. Multiple plug according to Claim 23, characterised in that the visual display is disposed inside the contact bush (4, 4', 18).
27. Multiple plug according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the contact carrier (4, 4") is made of a transparent material at least in some sections and/or has a viewing window.

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