EP1110280A1

EP1110280A1 - Electrical outlet for optional/variable insertion of plugs

Info

Publication number: EP1110280A1
Application number: EP99946548A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Anders Svensson
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1998-09-01
Filing date: 1999-09-01
Publication date: 2001-06-27
Also published as: AU5894299A; SE9802934L; SE9802934D0; SE512777C2; WO2000016450A1

Abstract

The invention concerns an electrical outlet for electrical connectors having two parallel pins of circular cross-sectional shape, comprising a plurality of holes (2a - 2d), behind which voltage supply means are disposed, said holes being paired to form pairs of holes, into the holes of which an electrical connector is receivable in order to be supplied with a certain predetermined voltage by said voltage supply means. A first hole (2b) associated with one of the pairs of holes and a second hole (2c) associated with the second pair of said pairs of holes are spaced apart the same distance as the two holes (2a, 2b and 2c and 2d, respectively) of a pair of holes, such that one of the pins of the electrical connector is receivable in said first hole while at the same time the other pin of said electrical connector is receivable in said second hole to be supplied with the predetermined voltage also in this position.

Description

ELECTRICAL OUTLET FOR OPTIONAL/VARIABLE INSERTION OF PLUGS, Technical Field

The present invention relates to an electrical outlet intended for example for wall sockets or multiple outlet devices, for electrical connectors having two parallel prongs or pins of circular cross-sectional shape. The outlet comprises a plurality of holes arranged in pairs, behind which holes voltage supply means are located, said voltage supply means behind the holes of each pair having a predetermined potential difference, the pins of the electrical connector being receivable in said pairs of holes to supply said pins with a certain predetermined voltage.

Technical Background

Electrical appliances available on the market are equipped with connectors of various kinds . The most common type of connector, used in Sweden among other countries, comprises two parallel pins having a circular cross-sectional shape and dimensioned in conformity with European standards .

The configuration of the enclosing housing, usually made from plastics, may vary, and there are mainly two common configurations of connectors intended to be used in non-earthed outlets. The first configuration connector features an essentially round cross-sectional shape perpendicularly to the pins whereas the second one features an essentially oblong cross-sectional shape perpendicularly to the pins. The advantage of the oblong electrical connector is that it may be fitted into an earthed outlet as well . Since conventional outlets are intended originally to be used together with connectors of the first- mentioned round type, they normally comprise two holes surrounded by a usually circular face. As a result, when electrical connectors having an oblong cross-sectional shape are used, considerable space around the holes is not used. This is often a cause of irritation, when several electrical appliances, fitted with electrical connector of the thin type, are to be plugged into the same outlet, since although in principle the available space would be sufficient to accommodate at least four connectors, there is only room for two, owing to the configuration of the outlets.

In order to solve this problem, multiple connectors are available on the market, said connectors being receivable in a conventional outlet and formed on their face turned away from the outlet with several, for example four, oblong sockets into which electrical connectors of the thin type may be plugged. These oblong sockets are arranged in juxtaposed relationship for maximum space economy. The disadvantage is that connectors of round configuration cannot be plugged into the oblong sockets, and consequently the freedom of choice is still limited. Another solution is an electrical connector with associated cord and multiple outlet device, the latter being formed with a combination of conventional round sockets and oblong sockets. Owing to this arrangement it becomes possible to make better use of the space but for optimum space usage the number of connectors of the two types mentioned must agree with the number of sockets of the types mentioned. In other words, if the multiple outlet device comprises four sockets of each type and it is desired to plug in five round connectors and two thin ones, this cannot be done, despite the fact that the dimensions of the multiple outlet device would more than suffice to allow this. It should be appreciated that eventually all combinations of electrical connectors may be plugged into a wall socket-outlet , provided that a sufficient number of multiple connecting means are used. However, this solution could prove to be comparatively complicated, if the number of multiple connecting means becomes too large, in addition to which it is expensive to provide multiple connecting means to meet all possible needs.

Summary of the Invention The object of the present invention is to solve the problem outlined above and to provide an electrical outlet allowing optimum usage of the space occupied by the outlet. Furthermore, a second object of the present invention is to eliminate the need for a plurality of various multiple connecting means for example of the kinds defined above.

These objects are achieved by means of an electrical outlet of the kind defined in the introduction, wherein at least two pairs of holes and the voltage supply means behind them are so orientated relative to one another that one pin of an electrical connector is receivable in one of the holes of one of the pairs while at the same time the second pin of the electric connector is receivable in one of the holes of the second pair of holes for the purpose of being supplied with said voltage also in this position.

The two pins of an electrical connector thus may be inserted in three different ways into the four holes forming two pairs of holes. Firstly, a connector is receivable in either one of the two pairs of holes and secondly a connector is receivable inter-pair fashion with one of its pins received in a hole of one of the pairs of holes and the other pin in a hole of the other pair.

Preferably, the holes are arranged in a manner allowing two thin electrical connectors to be plugged simultaneously into one pair of holes each, and alternatively either a round or a thin electrical connector to be plugged into two holes, each one of which belongs to a different pair of holes.

For example, the pairs of holes may be disposed in inter-parallel relationship, and in this case also preferably in slightly staggered parallel relationship. Owing to this disposition it becomes possible to make optimum use of the space occupied by the electrical outlet, since thin connectors may be inserted in parallel with one another without any significant waste of space. The electrical outlet may be mounted in wall socket - outlets, which makes them versatile and allows optimum use of the space. Preferably, the electrical outlet is advantageously used for example for multiple sockets. A multiple socket equipped with outlets in accordance with the invention is very versatile and eliminates the need for different kinds of multiple sockets.

Since the need for several multiple sockets has been eliminated less material is required, which in turn has positive effects on the environment.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Presently preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail in the following with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Fig 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment of an electrical outlet in accordance with the invention. Fig 2 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of an electrical outlet in accordance with the invention.

Fig 3 is a perspective view illustrating how two thin connectors may be plugged into one wall socket- outlet equipped with an electrical outlet in accordance with Fig 1.

Fig 4 is a perspective view illustrating how a round electrical connector may be inserted in a wall socket- outlet equipped with an electrical outlet in accordance with Fig 1. Fig 5 illustrates a third embodiment of an electrical outlet in accordance with the invention,

Figs 6 and 7 are views of two electrical outlets designed in accordance with prior-art technology.

Description of a Preferred Embodiment

Figs 1 and 2 are schematic views as seen directly from the front, of two electrical outlets in accordance with the invention, each equipped with only four holes 2a-2d, i.e. with two pairs of holes. The spacing x between the holes 2a, 2b and 2c, 2d, respectively, of each pair of holes is such as to equal the spacing between the two pins of an electrical connector of standard design. In addition, the vertical spacing, with respect to the drawing figures, between two pairs of holes is such as to allow one thin electrical connector to be plugged into each pair of holes, as illustrated in Fig 3. The pair of holes 2a, 2b and the pair of holes 2c,

2d are furthermore disposed in staggered inter-parallel relationship in such a manner that the spacing y between hole 2b and hole 2c also equals the spacing between the two pins 4 of an electrical connector 3, 5 of standard design. In other words, the spacings x and y are of equal length. A round connector 5 may be inserted into these holes 2b, 2c, as shown in Fig 4. (Alternatively, a thin connector 3 may of course be plugged into these holes) . In Fig 1, the pair of holes 2a, 2b and the pair of holes 2c, 2d are disposed in such a manner that the spacing between holes 2a and 2c and between holes 2b and 2d, respectively, is shorter than the spacing between holes 2b and 2c, in the shown example 2 mm shorter. As a result, an electrical connector 3, 5 cannot be plugged into the pairs of holes that are formed by holes 2a, 2c and holes 2b, 2d, respectively.

In Fig 2, the pair of holes 2a, 2b and the pair of holes 2c, 2d are disposed somewhat further apart than in Fig 1, making the spacing between holes 2a and 2c and between holes 2b and 2d, respectively, longer than between holes 2b and 2c, in the shown example 2 mm longer. As a result, an electrical connector cannot either in this case be plugged into the pairs of holes formed by holes 2a, 2c and holes 2b, 2d, respectively.

Voltage supply means (not shown) are arranged behind the holes 2a-2d shown in Figs 1 and 2 in a manner known per se . In the same way as in prior-art electrical outlets, the voltage supply means associated with the pair of holes 2a, 2b and with the pair of holes 2c, 2d, respectively, maintain a certain predetermined potential difference relative to one another, ensuring that pins 4 of an electric connector 3, 5, when received in the pair of holes is supplied with said predetermined voltage.

In accordance with the invention said potential is maintained also between the voltage supply means behind holes 2b and 2c. This is achieved primarily by connecting the voltage supply means behind holes 2a and 2c to earth or to neutral, and by supplying the voltage supply means behind holes 2b and 2d with A.C. voltage.

An essentially flat face 6 preferably surrounds the holes, in the prior-art manner encircled by a rim or border 7. In the electrical outlets according to Figs 1 and 2 the surrounding face is essentially circular and adapted to receive a round electrical connector 5, which is inserted into holes 2b and 2c. The surrounding border is formed with enlarged recesses at the level of the holes 2a and 2d, allowing a thin electrical connector to be received in the holes 2a, 2b and the holes 2c, 2d, respectively, without the body of the connector 3 striking the border 7. According to another embodiment, not shown, the spacing between holes 2a, 2c and holes 2b, 2d, respectively, equals the spacing between holes 2b and 2c. In this case, the border 7 preferably is arranged so as not to allow insertion of a connector into the pair of holes 2a, 2c and the pair of holes 2b, 2d, respectively. Fig 5 shows a third embodiment of the invention, according to which a plurality of pairs of holes are arranged in staggered inter-parallel relationship and located one pair below the other. The surrounding border 7 or the mutually different inter-hole spacings prevent reception of an electrical connector 3, 5 of standard configuration in two holes between the voltage-supply means of which the aforementioned potential difference is not maintained.

This is a safety-function feature, which additionally eliminates the risk of erroneous use.

The electrical outlet may be utilised for instance in a wall socket-outlet as shown in Figs 3 and 4 but may advantageously also be utilised for example in multiple sockets .

Into the electrical outlet in accordance with the invention may thus be plugged round or thin electrical connectors in various combinations, depending on the current need. Existing electrical outlets of conventional design, normally arranged in pairs (see Fig 7) , may be replaced by two electrical outlets in accordance with Fig

1 or 2. Alternatively, one outlet in accordance with Fig 5 may satisfy the need met by the two conventional electrical outlets shown in Figs 6 and 7. Thus, economy of space and material is achieved.

It should be realised that a number of different electrical outlets adopting the inventive idea described herein are possible.

Claims

1. An electrical outlet for electrical connectors (3, 5) having two parallel pins (4) of circular cross- sectional shape, comprising a plurality of holes (2a - 2d) , behind which voltage supply means are disposed, said holes being paired to form pairs of holes (2a, 2b; 2c, 2d) , said voltage supply means behind the holes of each pair maintaining a predetermined potential difference, the pins of the electrical connector being receivable in said pairs of holes to be supplied with a certain predetermined voltage by said voltage supply means, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that a first hole (2b) associated with a first pair of the pairs of holes and a second hole

(2c) associated with a second pair of said pairs of holes are spaced apart the same distance as the two holes (2a, 2b and 2c and 2d, respectively) of any one pair of holes, and in that the voltage supply means behind said first and said second holes maintain the predetermined potential difference, such that one (4) of the pins of the electrical connector is receivable in said first hole while at the same time the other pin (4) of said electrical connector is receivable in said second hole to be supplied with the predetermined voltage also in this position.

2. An electrical outlet as claimed in claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that said pairs of holes (2a, 2b; 2c, 2d) are disposed in parallel with one another.

3. An electrical outlet as claimed in claim 1 or 2, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the pairs of holes (2a, 2b; 2c, 2d) are disposed in staggered parallel relationship.

4. An electrical outlet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the holes (2a, 2b) of one of the pairs of holes form an equilateral triangle together with said second hole (2c) .

5. An electrical outlet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the holes (2a, 2b) of one of the pairs of holes form an equilateral triangle together with said second hole (2c) , the base of which triangle is shorter than the remaining two equal-length sides of the triangle.

6. An electrical outlet as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that the holes (2a, 2b) of one of the pairs of holes form an equilateral triangle together with said second hole (2c) , the base of which triangle is longer than the remaining two equal -length sides of the triangle.

7. A wall socket equipped with an electrical outlet in accordance with any one of claims 1-6.

8. A multiple outlet device equipped with an electrical outlet in accordance with any one of claims 1-6.