EP2045881A1 - Plug-in power socket including an opening socket body and a switching mobile terminal block - Google Patents

Abstract

The plug-in connector (1) has an insulted body (5) with two parts (6, 7), where the parts form a case when the two parts are embedded with each other. Mobile insulated support units (12) are housed in the body, so that a male or female conductive plug connector (3) is accessible form an exterior of the body via a passage (10), and the parts are embedded with each other, when the support units are in a position. The support units are placed at the exterior of the body when the support units are in another position. Locking units (16) locks the parts with each other in the former position.

Description

The present invention relates to a mobile power outlet, of the male and / or female type, intended to be taken in hand to be associated with a fixed socket of the female and / or male respectively complementary type, in order to establish an electrical connection, and further intended to be connected to at least one electrical cable. Such a mobile power outlet is used to allow the electrical connection of any electrical device, including a luminaire. The mobile power socket according to the invention is more particularly suitable in the context of the Lighting Connection Devices, said DCL. By fixed current socket is meant for the present invention essentially a power outlet of an electrical installation for example of a building or similar construction, but also a mobile construction for residential purpose, fixed to said construction, to a wall, ceiling or floor. By fixed power socket is also meant a plug on a mobile device, for example an electricity generator, but the destination is to be placed at a specific location to allow the electrical connection of an electrical device.

Such mobile power outlets are known from the prior art, however, they have the disadvantage of requiring a significant time to achieve the connection of the electric cable or cables to the socket, usually three connections, phase, neutral and earth. In addition, these known mobile power outlets are most commonly in the form of at least two pieces assembled to each other, often of a fairly small size and that can be lost or dropped relatively easily, so not very ergonomic.

• un bloc de connexion comportant plusieurs fiches de connexion conductrices dotées respectivement des moyens de raccordement à un câble électrique,
• un corps de prise isolant, comprenant une première et une deuxième parties latérales, et une paroi de bout formée par le bloc de connexion, les parties latérales et la paroi de bout étant liées deux à deux les unes aux autres par des liaisons souples, mobiles les unes par rapport aux autres, et destinées à être emboîtées les unes dans autres pour former le corps de prise. Une telle prise facilite et améliore la rapidité de la connexion des fils électriques, et évite la perte d'accessoires, mais n'apporte pas toute satisfaction, notamment en matière de compacité, rigidité, solidité, et ergonomie.

Document is also known US 4,563,049 a movable plug, of the male type, intended to be taken in hand to be associated with a complementary fixed power socket, in order to establish an electrical connection, and also intended to be connected to an electric cable, which overcomes in part the disadvantages above, and which includes:

• a connection block comprising a plurality of conductive connection plugs respectively provided with means for connecting to an electric cable,
• an insulative plug body, comprising a first and a second side portion, and an end wall formed by the plug block, the side portions and the end wall being connected in pairs by flexible, movable links; the ones with respect to the others, and intended to be nested in one another to form the body of capture. Such a plug facilitates and improves the speed of the connection of electrical wires, and avoids the loss of accessories, but does not provide any satisfaction, especially in terms of compactness, rigidity, strength, and ergonomics.

The document is also known FR 2,414,261 which relates to an electrical connection device without visible parts under tension, for which the description given above of the socket of the document US 4,563,049 apply.

• au moins une fiche de connexion conductrice comportant des moyens de raccordement à au moins un fil électrique dudit câble électrique,
• un corps de prise isolant, comprenant une première et une deuxième parties, emboîtées l'une sur l'autre et liées l'une à l'autre par une première liaison souple, en sorte qu'un logement soit défini à l'intérieur desdites première et deuxième parties,
• des moyens de support isolant de ladite au moins une fiche de connexion, mobile par rapport au dit corps de prise, liés à l'une desdites première ou deuxième partie dudit corps de prise, par une deuxième liaison souple en sorte de permettre deux positions au moins desdits moyens de support isolant mobile,

caractérisée en ce que :

• lesdites première et deuxième parties dudit corps de prise forment boîtier lorsqu'elles sont emboîtées l'une sur l'autre, et définissent au moins un premier passage pour ladite au moins une fiche de connexion, et un deuxième passage pour ledit au moins un câble électrique, ledit logement étant accessible à partir de l'extérieur dudit corps de prise par écartement desdites première et deuxième parties l'une de l'autre, en ce que
• lesdites deux positions au moins desdits moyens de support isolant mobile sont définies comme suit :
  • * une première position dans laquelle lesdits moyens de support isolant mobile sont logés dans le corps de prise de telle sorte que ladite au moins une fiche de connexion soit accessible à partir de l'extérieur du corps de prise via ledit premier passage, lesdites première et deuxième parties dudit corps de prise étant emboîtées l'une sur l'autre, et
  • * une deuxième position dans laquelle lesdits moyens de support isolant mobile sont placés à l'extérieur du corps de prise, lesdites première et deuxième parties de ce dernier étant écartées l'une sur l'autre, et en ce que
• ladite prise de courant comprend des moyens de verrouillage desdites première et deuxième parties du corps de prise, l'une sur l'autre, dans ladite première position desdits moyens de support isolant mobile.

The present invention proposes to overcome these disadvantages and to provide other advantages. More specifically, it consists of a mobile power outlet, of the male and / or female type, intended to be taken in hand to be associated with a complementary fixed power socket, in order to establish an electrical connection, and furthermore to be connected to an electric cable, comprising:

• at least one conductive connection plug comprising means for connecting to at least one electrical wire of said electrical cable,
• an insulative plug body, comprising a first and a second portion, interlocked with one another and bonded to each other by a first flexible connection, such that a recess is defined within said first and second parts,
• insulating support means of said at least one connecting plug, movable relative to said plug body, connected to one of said first or second part of said socket body, by a second flexible connection so as to allow two positions in the least of said movable insulating support means,

characterized in that

• said first and second portions of said socket body form a housing when nested one upon the other, and define at least a first passage for said at least one connection plug, and a second passage for said at least one cable electrical, said housing being accessible from the outside of said socket body by spacing said first and second parts from each other, in that
• said at least two positions of said movable insulating support means are defined as follows:
  • a first position in which said movable insulating support means are housed in the socket body so that said at least one plug is accessible from the outside of the socket body via said first passage, said first and second portions of said grip body being interlocked with one another, and
  • a second position in which said movable insulating support means are placed outside the plug body, said first and second parts of the latter being spaced apart from one another, and in that
• said socket comprises means for locking said first and second parts of the socket body, one on the other, in said first position of said movable insulating support means.

The mobile power socket according to the invention offers good ergonomics in that the insulating assembly of the socket, thanks to the flexible double connection and the mobility of the connection support with respect to the socket body, can advantageously consist of one piece, monobloc, or the conductive connection plugs being reported by any known means for example clipping or the like. The electrical connection of the socket according to the invention to a cable is thus carried out in a practical manner, after having removed from the socket body the movable insulating support means which carry the connection plug or plugs, and connected the cable to these plugs of connection, then reinserted the movable insulating support means in the socket body, no accessory part of the socket can not be dropped or lost by the operator who makes the electrical connection. In addition, the insulating assembly of the socket, consisting of a single piece, can advantageously be obtained by molding from a single mold which reduces manufacturing costs. In addition, the socket according to the invention offers good compactness, rigidity, strength, and ergonomics, because of the insertion of the means for supporting the plugs inside the socket body, the two parts of this body socket defining a passage for the one or more sheets.

According to an advantageous characteristic, said at least one connection plug is a plug.

According to an advantageous characteristic, said at least one connection plug is a female plug.

According to an advantageous characteristic, said first flexible connection between first and second parts of said plug body adopt the form of a hinge type connection comprising at least one thin web of material connecting edge to edge said first and second parts of the socket body.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the preceding one, said at least one fine web of material is rectilinear.

According to an advantageous characteristic, said first flexible connection is disposed on a first side of said grip body, and said second flexible connection is disposed on a second side of said grip body, opposite said first side, so that said support means movable insulation are able to be extracted from said grip body by a rotating movement in the opposite direction to that for moving apart the first and second parts of the grip body.

According to an advantageous characteristic, said second flexible connection comprises at least one band-type flexible fastener, adapted to allow said movable insulating support means to pivot about said band-type flexible fastener from said first position to said second position or vice versa.

According to an advantageous characteristic, said second flexible connection comprises at least one flexible fastener of the strip type linked by one of its ends to an edge of said first or second part of said grip body, and by the other of its ends to an edge of said mobile insulating support means.

According to an advantageous characteristic, said means for locking said first and second parts, one on the other, in said first position of said movable insulating support means comprise at least one resiliently deforming fastener integral with said gripping body.

This feature provides an ergonomic and quick way to lock the housing constituting the socket body after connecting the power cable and replaced the movable insulating support means in the socket body, by a simple clipping operation or the like.

According to an advantageous characteristic, said at least one connection plug comprises means for connecting to an electric cable, screw type or self-locking.

• ladite prise de courant fixe comprenant :
  • un logement au fond duquel est disposée au moins une fiche de branchement électrique, complémentaire de ladite au moins une fiche de connexion de ladite prise de courant mobile,
  • une ouverture d'entrée dudit logement comportant des bords définis par une surface de couverture de ladite prise de courant fixe,
  • ledit logement étant apte à loger ladite prise de courant mobile en sorte que ledit corps de prise de courant mobile soit encastré au moins en partie dans ledit logement de la prise de courant fixe lorsque ladite prise de courant mobile est branchée dans ladite prise de courant fixe,
• lesdits moyens d'étanchéité couvrant lesdits bords de ladite ouverture dudit logement de la prise de courant fixe.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the mobile power socket according to the invention comprises means for sealing said electrical connection, disposed on a third side of said socket body, opposite a fourth side of said socket body from which is accessible from outside said at least one connector plug,

• said fixed socket comprising:
  • a housing at the bottom of which is disposed at least one electrical connection plug, complementary to said at least one plug of said mobile power socket,
  • an inlet opening of said housing having edges defined by a covering surface of said fixed electrical outlet,
  • said housing being adapted to accommodate said mobile power socket so that said movable socket body is recessed at least partially in said socket of the fixed power socket when said mobile power socket is connected to said fixed power socket ,
• said sealing means covering said edges of said opening of said housing of the fixed power socket.

It should be noted that this sealing characteristic of the electrical connection can be made independent of the invention as characterized above and responds to a different technical problem from those already stated. However, this sealing characteristic remains in the technical field as defined at the beginning of this memo. Indeed, this characteristic of sealing means, taken in dependence of the present invention or considered independently, makes it possible to seal the electrical connection when a mobile power socket is inserted into the complementary housing of a socket of fixed current, the mobile power socket being embedded in the fixed power socket, in order to make an electrical connection between the mobile socket and the fixed socket, as is the case, for example, with the DCL technology in which the mobile power connected to the luminaire is inserted in a housing made in a fixed electrical connection box generally embedded in the masonry, ceiling or wall. The housing made in the recessed connection box or fixed socket allows housing the mobile socket so that only the electrical cable protrudes from said housing. The sealing means as defined above, arranged on one side of the socket body opposite to that where the passages of the connection or connection plugs are made, advantageously make it possible to seal the electrical connection by covering the opening of the housing of the connection box in which the socket according to the invention is housed to make an electrical connection, at the end of insertion of the mobile socket in the housing of the fixed socket, the sealing means covering the edges of said housing of the fixed grip in order to prevent any liquid from entering said housing.

• au moins une fiche de connexion conductrice dotée de moyens de raccordement à un câble électrique,
• un corps de prise isolant, incluant ladite au moins une fiche de connexion, définissant au moins un premier passage pour ladite au moins une fiche de connexion, et un deuxième passage pour ledit câble électrique.

This characteristic of sealing means as defined above can thus be applied to any mobile power outlet, of the male and / or female type, intended to be taken in hand to be associated with a fixed socket of the female type. and / or respectively complementary male, in order to establish an electrical connection, and further intended to be connected to at least one electrical cable, said mobile power socket comprising:

• at least one conductive connection plug provided with means for connection to an electric cable,
• an insulative plug body, including said at least one plug, defining at least a first passage for said at least one plug, and a second passage for said electrical cable.

According to a feature of the present invention, said sealing means take the form of a flexible cap secured to said jack body via said second passage for said electric cable, and covering said third side of said jack body.

This characteristic also applies to the characteristic of the sealing means taken independently of the present invention as explained above. This feature provides a convenient and ergonomic cabochon attachment mode conferring a double sealing function to said cabochon: the achievement of the sealing of the electrical connection both vis-à-vis the housing of the fixed socket and vis-à-vis -vis the electrical cable connected to the mobile socket.

• ledit corps de prise de la prise de courant mobile comporte une languette flexible, destinée à verrouiller ladite prise de courant mobile à l'intérieur dudit logement de ladite prise de courant fixe en position de branchement électrique, et
• lesdits moyens d'étanchéité adoptent une forme apte à couvrir les bords de l'ouverture dudit logement et ladite languette flexible en sorte de rendre étanche la connexion de ladite prise de courant mobile dans ladite prise de courant fixe.

According to a feature of the present invention,

• said socket body of the mobile power socket has a flexible tongue for locking said movable power socket within said housing of said fixed power socket in the electrical connection position, and
• said sealing means adopt a shape adapted to cover the edges of the opening said housing and said flexible tongue so as to seal the connection of said mobile power socket in said fixed power socket.

This characteristic also applies to the characteristic of the sealing means taken independently of the present invention as explained above. It relates more particularly to the DCL technology in which a mobile socket is provided with a locking tab of the electrical connection, this flexible tongue having a first end fixed to the socket body, generally in the area of the socket located at the bottom housing, and a second end, free, opposite to the first and flush with the opening of the housing or beyond it, and by which an operator can unlock the mobile power socket to remove it from the housing and thus disconnect the outlet.

According to a feature of the present invention, dependent on the two preceding, said flexible cabochon comprises at least one protuberance on its outer surface defining a recess on its inner opposite surface, in which is intended to be housed a free end of said flexible tongue.

This characteristic also applies to the characteristic of the sealing means taken independently of the present invention as explained above. It offers a solution to reconcile the tightness of the electrical connection and maneuvering by an operator of the tongue to remove the plug.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the following examples of several embodiments of the invention, accompanied by the accompanying drawings, examples given by way of non-limiting illustration.

The figure 1 is a perspective view of a first example, partial exploded, embodiment of a mobile power socket according to the invention.

The figure 2 represents a full perspective view of the example of the figure 1 , according to an advanced stage of connection of the plug to an electric cable.

The figure 3 is a perspective view of a second example, partial exploded, embodiment of a mobile power socket according to the invention.

The figure 4 is a perspective view of a third example, partial exploded, embodiment of a mobile power socket according to the invention.

The figure 5 represents a perspective view of the example of the figure 4 , partial exploded, according to a first stage of mounting of the mobile power socket.

The figure 6 represents a full perspective view of the example of the figure 4 , according to a first stage of connection of the plug to an electric cable.

The figure 7 represents a full perspective view of the example of the figure 4 , according to a second stage of connection of the plug to an electric cable.

The figure 8 represents a full perspective view of the example of the figure 4 , according to a third stage of connection of the plug to an electric cable.

The figure 9 represents a full perspective view of the example according to the figure 8 , in position ready to be connected to a fixed socket.

The figure 10 represents a full perspective view of the example according to the figure 9 , in electrical connection position performed on a fixed power socket.

• deux fiches 3 de connexion conductrice, du type fiche mâle, comportant des moyens 4 de raccordement aux deux fils électriques 13, 14 du câble électrique 2, respectivement,
• un corps 5 de prise isolant formant boîtier, comprenant une première 6 et une deuxième 7 parties, emboîtées l'une sur l'autre et liées l'une à l'autre par une première liaison 8 souple, en sorte qu'un logement 9 soit défini à l'intérieur des première 6 et deuxième 7 parties, ce logement 9 étant accessible à partir de l'extérieur du corps 5 de prise par écartement des première 6 et deuxième 7 parties l'une de l'autre, ces première 6 et deuxième 7 parties du corps 5, lorsqu'elles sont emboîtées l'une sur l'autre, définissant un premier passage 10 pour les deux fiches 3 de connexion, respectivement et un deuxième passage 11 de traversée pour le câble électrique 2,
• des moyens de support 12 isolant des deux fiches 3 de connexion, le support 12 étant mobile par rapport au corps 5 de prise, liés par exemple à la première partie 6 de ce dernier, par une deuxième liaison 15 souple en sorte de permettre deux positions au moins des moyens de support 12 isolant mobile, comme suit :
  • * une première position, comme représenté sur la figure 2, dans laquelle les moyens de support 12 isolant mobile sont logés dans le corps 5 de prise de telle sorte que les deux fiches 3 de connexion soient accessibles à partir de l'extérieur du corps 5 de prise via le premier passage 10, les première 6 et deuxième 7 parties du corps 5 de prise étant emboîtées l'une sur l'autre (non représenté sur la figure 2), et
  • * une deuxième position, comme représenté sur la figure 1, dans laquelle les moyens de support 12 isolant mobile sont placés à l'extérieur du corps 5 de prise, les première 6 et deuxième 7 parties de ce dernier étant écartées l'une sur l'autre,
• des moyens de verrouillage 16 des première 6 et deuxième 7 parties du corps 5 de prise, l'une sur l'autre, dans la première position des moyens de support 12 isolant mobile.

The first example of embodiment of mobile power socket according to the invention shown on the Figures 1 and 2 , is a socket 1 of male type mobile power, intended to be taken in hand to be associated with a fixed socket (not shown) of complementary female type, in order to establish an electrical connection, and further intended to be connected to an electrical cable 2. The mobile power socket 1 comprises:

• two plugs 3 of conductive connection, plug type, having means 4 for connection to two electrical son 13, 14 of the electric cable 2, respectively,
• an insulating housing-forming body 5, comprising a first 6 and a second 7 parts, nested one on the other and connected to each other by a first flexible connection 8, so that a housing 9 is defined inside the first 6 and second 7 parts, this housing 9 being accessible from the outside of the body 5 taken by spacing the first 6 and second 7 parts from each other, these first 6 and second 7 parts of the body 5, when they are fitted one on the other, defining a first passage 10 for the two connection plugs 3, respectively and a second passage 11 for the electrical cable 2,
• support means 12 insulating the two connection plugs 3, the support 12 being movable relative to the socket body 5, for example connected to the first part 6 of the latter, by a second flexible connection 15 so as to allow two positions at least one movable insulating support means 12, as follows:
  • * a first position, as shown on the figure 2 , in which movable insulating support means 12 are accommodated in the socket body 5 so that the two connection plugs 3 are accessible from the outside of the socket body 5 via the first passage 10, the first 6 and second 7 parts. of the gripping body 5 being interlocked with one another (not shown on the figure 2 ), and
  • * a second position, as shown on the figure 1 in which the movable insulating support means 12 are placed outside the gripping body, the first 6 and second 7 parts thereof being spaced apart from one another,
• locking means 16 of the first 6 and second 7 parts of the gripping body 5, one on the other, in the first position of the movable insulating support means 12.

Take 1 of Figures 1 and 2 therefore comprises two male plugs 3 or pins for two electrical son, for example phase and neutral. In the example shown in these figures, there is no grounding plug, but its housing in the movable insulating support between the two plugs 3 is provided and has been shown, as well as its passage 10 through the body 5 taken, so that the socket 1 shown can accommodate three connection plugs 3 whose pins are identical or different. The connection plugs used are of known type and will therefore not be described here. These plugs 3 all have connection portions 4 to the respective electrical wires, with screws or self-locking type, preferably identical, in order to simplify the movable insulating support 12 which will thus comprise three preferably identical housings for the three connection plugs, respectively. All plugs for all types of connection may be suitable.

The socket body is in the form of a small hollow housing 5 for housing the movable support 12 and the end of the electric cable 2 as shown in FIG. figure 2 . The figure 2 represents the socket 1 with the housing 5 open, allowing access to the mobile support 12 for connecting the electrical son 13, 14. This housing 5 is in a substantially parallelepipedal shape, the cutting plane defining the two parts 6, 7 of the body 5 intersecting the smaller sides of the parallelepiped, in order to offer a large access to the housing 9. The housing 5 has its two largest opposite faces 17, 18 respectively forming the bottoms of the two complementary parts 6 and 7 of the housing 5.

• dont les bords supérieurs peuvent venir en contact l'un avec l'autre, avec un moyen de centrage, lorsque le boîtier 5 de prise est fermé dans la première position des moyens 12 de support mobile (position complète non représentée pour l'exemple des figures 1 et 2, et représentée partiellement sur la figure 2), ou
• s'emboîtant l'une dans l'autre, dans ce dernier cas une des parois latérales 19, 20 pouvant venir en appui sur la face opposée, respectivement 18, 17. Dans l'exemple des figures 1 et 2 représenté, la paroi latérale périphérique 20 de la face 18 s'emboîte autour de la paroi périphérique latérale 19 de la face 17, et le bord supérieur de la paroi périphérique latérale 20 vient en appui sur les bords de la face 17.

The two faces 17 and 18 are respectively surmounted on their periphery by two side walls 19, 20:

• whose upper edges can come into contact with each other, with a centering means, when the engagement housing 5 is closed in the first position of the movable support means 12 (complete position not shown for the example of the Figures 1 and 2 , and partially represented on the figure 2 ), or
• fitting one into the other, in the latter case one of the side walls 19, 20 can bear on the opposite face, respectively 18, 17. In the example of Figures 1 and 2 shown, the peripheral lateral wall 20 of the face 18 fits around the lateral peripheral wall 19 of the face 17, and the upper edge of the lateral peripheral wall 20 bears on the edges of the face 17.

The first passage 10 for the plugs 3 respectively comprises three indentations 21 on the upper edge of each of the two lateral walls 19 and 20 which are respectively opposite each other when the two parts of the socket body are fitted one into each other. the other, so that two notches 21 vis-à-vis define the cross section of passage of a connection plug 3, through the side peripheral walls, taken at the pin 22 of the plug, as shown on the figure 2 , or taken at the passage hole of the male pin through the side peripheral walls, in the case of a female plug. The passage hole of each plug is thus partially formed on one of the parts 6 or 7 of the socket body 5 and partly on the other part 7 or 6 of the socket body 5, so that the notches 21 intended to cooperate vis-à-vis one another, do not have undercut to match the outer shape of the cross section of the spindle 22. The notches 22 are formed on the same side 29 of the side walls 19 and 20 .

The second passage 11 for the electric cable 2 through the housing 5, has a notch 23 formed on the upper edge of each of the two side walls 19 and 20 which are respectively vis-à-vis when the two parts of the body 5 The plugs are nested one inside the other, so that two notches 23 facing each other define the transverse cross section of the electrical cable 2, as shown in FIG. figure 2 . The passage hole of the cable 2 is thus partially formed on one of the parts 6 or 7 of the gripping body 5 and partly on the other part 7 or 6 of the gripping body 5, so as to define a substantially circular cross-section. preferably. The indentations 23 are made on the same side 30 of the walls 19 and 20, and on the side opposite the indentations 21 of the connection plugs 3, so that the openings for the connection of the electrical wires 13, 14 in the appropriate holes of the plugs 3, opposite the pins for plugs males, are disposed opposite the passage 11 for the cable when the connection support 12 is placed in the housing 5 as shown in FIG. figure 2 .

In the example of Figures 1 and 2 , the passage 11 of the cable 2 is offset in an angle of the housing, and the housing 5 comprises, integral with one of its parts 6, 7, preferably the part to which is connected the connection support 12, an inner wall 24 disposed near the side 30 of the housing 5 having the notch 23, as shown in FIG. figure 1 or 2 , and having a passage 25, for the cable 2, forming with the passage 11 a baffle for the cable 2, which thus defines a cable gland means for protecting the electrical connection of the wires 13 and 14 formed on the connection plugs 3 tearing off via the cable 2.

The take body 5 can adopt any form suitable for the use of mobile jack.

The first flexible connection 8 between the first 6 and second 7 parts of the gripping body 5 preferably adopts the form of a hinge-type connection advantageously comprising a fine web of material connecting the first and second 7 parts of the body edge to edge 5, for example one of the sides 27, 28 connecting the two opposite sides 29, 30 of the housing 5 having the passages 10 and 11, respectively, as shown on FIG. the figure 1 or 2 . The thin web of material constituting the hinge advantageously connects the upper edges of the peripheral side walls 19 and 20, or as represented by the upper edge of the side wall 20 of the face 18 of the second portion 7 of the grip body at an edge of the face 17 of the first part 6 of the grip body. Such an arrangement of the thin web makes it advantageously substantially invisible and without exceeding material when the housing is closed.

Advantageously, the first flexible link 8 is disposed on a first side of the tap body, and the second flexible link is disposed on a second side of the tap body, opposite the first side, so that that the movable insulating support means 12 are able to be extracted from the gripping body 5 by a rotating movement in the opposite direction to that which makes it possible to remove the first 6 and second 7 parts of the grip body.

The insulating support means 12 insulating the two plugs constitute with the latter a mobile connection block trapping, in any known manner, the connection plugs 3, for example by clipping, interlocking or forced fitting, so that the connection plugs 3 are in the operating position when the connecting block is disposed in the housing 9 of the socket body as shown in FIG. figure 2 . This movable insulating support 12 has a generally parallelepipedal general shape comprising a plurality of slots for the plugs 3, in the example three slots for three plugs. The mobile insulating support 12 has the function of rigidly holding together the connection plugs 3, in position relative to each other to form the mobile socket 1, suitable for associating with a complementary fixed power socket (not shown for the first example). The movable insulating support 12 also has the function of enabling and facilitating, by its mobility, the electrical connection of the electrical wires 13, 14 to the connection plugs 3. The movable insulating support 12 will comprise the appropriate passages for accessing screws 26 for operating the connection means of the electric wires 13 and 14, where appropriate, when the support 12 is out of the housing 5, but preferably suitable for accessing said screw 26 when the support 12 is placed in the housing 5 as shown in FIG. figure 2 .

The movable insulating support 12 will adopt external contours such that it will advantageously be automatically immobilized in contact between the walls 17, 18, 19, and 20 of the housing 5 when it is placed inside the housing in the first position of the means. 12 insulating support. Insofar as the volume of the support 12 is much smaller than that of the housing 9, which is the case in the example shown and this in order to accommodate, in the housing 5, the end of the cable 2 as shown in FIG. figure 2 , the support 12 may retain, in said first position, a degree of freedom in translation, for example parallel to the sides 27, 28 which corresponds to the axis of the pins of the connection pins 3. In this case, in order to obtain a complete immobilization of the support 12, the housing 5 will preferably comprise one or two stops 31, 32 for wedging the support according to the degree of freedom in translation remaining, as shown in FIGS. Figures 1 or 2 where the stops 31, 32 take the form of two ribs secured to the peripheral side wall 19 of the first part of the housing 5. The support 12 is preferably, in its first position, immobilized against the peripheral wall 19 on the side 29 of the housing 5, having the first passage 10 for the connection plugs 3, as shown in FIG. figure 2 .

The second flexible link 15, more particularly visible on the figure 1 , advantageously comprises a flexible fastener 33 of the strip type, adapted to allow pivoting of the movable insulating support means 12 around the band-type flexible fastener, from the first position to the second position or vice versa. The flexible fastener 33 is preferably bonded at one end to an edge of the first or second portion of the gripper body, and at the other end to an edge of the movable insulating support means. In the example shown, the flexible fastener 33 is for example linked at one of its ends to the upper edge of the side 28 of the peripheral side wall 19 and at the other end to the edge of the support 12 intended to come into contact with the inner face 17 of the first part of the housing 5. The length of the strip is determined so that the support 12 can pivot from the inside of the housing 5 to the outside of the latter, to find in a position close to the housing, and vice versa; the pivoting of the support 12 will preferably be of the order of 180 ° in order to disengage it from the housing and to facilitate the electrical connection of the electrical wires 13 and 14 by the operator, which is therefore advantageously with the support 12 outside the case. When the connection support 12 is positioned in the housing 5, the fastener 33 has the appropriate length so that it does not protrude beyond the periphery defined by the side wall 19, so as not to impede the interlocking of the parts 6 and 7 of the grip body 5 on top of one another for closure and locking of the housing.

As shown, the mobile insulating support 12 may consist of ribs integral with each other, defining the appropriate housing for the connection plugs 3, in order to lighten its structure.

The locking means 16 of the first 6 and second 7 parts of the housing 5, one on the other, in the first position of the movable insulating support means 12, advantageously comprise two fasteners 34 with elastic deformation secured to the gripping body 5 , operating on the principle of the clip or the like. For example, one of these fasteners 34 with elastic deformation may consist of a lug 35 projecting on the face of one of the side walls 19, 20 facing the other wall 20, 19, and a hollow 36 formed on the face of the other side walls 20, 19 facing the wall having the lug 35, adapted to receive said lug 35 when these walls 19, 20 overlap in the closed position of the housing 5 (FIG. first position defined above). The lug 35 will for example have an inclined face in order to facilitate the elastic deformation of the wall or walls 19, 20 so as to overlap them until the lug 35 is housed in the corresponding recess 36 on the side wall. -a-vis. Two fasteners 34 may for example be formed on the side 28 of the side walls 19, 20, opposite the side 27 comprising the first flexible connection 8.

In the example shown on the Figures 1 and 2 , and more particularly visible on the figure 1 , the assembly 37 constituted by the insulating gripping body, the movable insulating support 12, the locking means 16, and the two flexible links 8 and 15, is advantageously made in one piece, in one piece, made of insulating plastic material. which can advantageously be obtained by molding. To this assembly 37, only the conductive connection plugs must be added, on the mobile support as explained above, to obtain the plug 1 of mobile power according to the invention intended to be connected to an electric cable.

The figure 3 represents an alternative embodiment of this assembly 37 constituted by the insulating-jacketing body 5, the movable insulating support 12, the locking means 16, and the two flexible links 8 and 15, of the example of FIGS. Figures 1 and 2 , in which the represented perspective is similar to that of the figure 1 . In the example of the figure 3 references to similar elements in the first example of Figures 1 and 2 , are the same. The whole 50 of the figure 3 is broadly similar to the whole 37 of the figure 1 , with the exception of the passage 11 of the cable 2 which no longer has a chicane in the example of the figure 3 . As a result, the inner wall 24 with its passage 25 does not exist on the example of the figure 3 , and the passage 11 of the electric cable 2 is reduced to the two notches 23 made in the peripheral side walls 19, 20, the two notches 23 being arranged vis-à-vis and defining the cross section of passage of the electric cable 2. The passage 11 of the cable of the figure 3 has been advantageously centered in the middle of the side of the walls 19 and 20. It should be noted that for the example of the figure 3 , connection plugs (not shown) may for example be the same as those of the example of Figures 1 and 2 .

The figure 4 represents an alternative embodiment of the assembly 60 constituted by the insulating plug body 5, the movable insulating support 12, the locking means 16, and the two flexible links 8 and 15, of the example of FIG. figure 3 , in which the represented perspective is similar to that of the figure 1 or 3 . In the example of the figure 4 references to similar elements of the first or second example of Figures 1 and 2 , 3 , are the same. The set 60 of the figure 4 is broadly similar to the 50 set of the figure 3 , with the exception of the passage 11 of the cable 2 which has been enlarged to accommodate sealing means (not shown in FIG. figure 4 ), which will be more widely described with the aid of the following figures 4 to 11 which relate to the third and last embodiment described.

In the example of mobile power socket according to the invention Figures 4 to 11 , which more particularly relates to a socket according to the DCL technology, the body 5 of the mobile power socket 61 further comprises a flexible tongue 62, intended to lock the mobile power socket 61 inside a housing 66 from the fixed power socket 63 to the electrical connection position, as explained in detail below.

The Figures 5 to 11 show the steps of assembly and connection of the socket 61 according to the third embodiment of the invention.

The figure 5 represents the first step of assembling the socket 61 relating to the combination of three connection plugs 3, to the assembly 60 constituted by the insulating plug body, the movable insulating support 12, the locking means 16, and the two flexible links 8 and 15, together 60 which is advantageously made in one piece, integral, of insulating plastic material, and which may advantageously be obtained by molding. It should be noted that the connection plugs 3, in the example identical, may for example be the same as those of the example of the Figures 1 and 2 and correspond to flat pin plugs generally used in DCL technology, comprising, for example, screw connection means 4. These plugs 3 are clipped or force-fitted into three appropriate housings of the movable insulating support 12 as shown. on the figure 5 .

The figure 6 represents the mobile socket 61 with the plugs 3 mounted, and the electric cable 2 connected to the plugs 3 by its three electrical son, phase, neutral, and earth. The cable 2 has been connected with the support 12 placed outside the grip body 5 and the arrow 64 shows the pivoting movement that remains to be exerted by the operator, the support 12 isolating to place it inside the housing 5 to obtain the representation of the figure 7 .

• la prise 63 de courant fixe comprenant, comme représenté sur la figure 10 ou 11 :
  • un logement 66 au fond duquel sont disposées trois fiches femelles (non représentées) de branchement électrique, complémentaires respectivement des trois fiches 3 de connexion mâle de la prise 61 de courant mobile,
  • une ouverture 67 d'entrée du logement 66 comportant des bords 68 définis par une surface de couverture 69 de la prise 63 de courant fixe,
  • le logement 66 étant apte à loger la prise 61 de courant mobile en sorte que le corps 5 de la prise 61 de courant mobile soit encastré au moins en partie dans le logement 66 de la prise 63 de courant fixe lorsque la prise 61 de courant mobile est branchée dans la prise 63 de courant fixe,
• les moyens d'étanchéité 65 couvrant les bords 68 de l'ouverture 67 du logement 66 de la prise 63 de courant fixe.

The mobile socket 61 of the figure 6 advantageously comprises sealing means 65 of the electrical connection, disposed on a third side of the socket body 5 opposite a fourth side 29 of the socket body 5 from which the connection plugs 3 are accessible from the outside,

• the fixed current tap 63 comprising, as shown in FIG. figure 10 or 11 :
  • a housing 66 at the bottom of which are arranged three female plugs (not shown) of electrical connection, respectively complementary to the three plugs 3 of male connection of the socket 61 of the mobile current,
  • an inlet opening 67 of the housing 66 having edges 68 defined by a covering surface 69 of the fixed current socket 63,
  • the housing 66 being able to accommodate the mobile power socket 61 so that the body 5 of the mobile power socket 61 is recessed at least partly in the housing 66 of the fixed current socket 63 when the mobile power socket 61 is connected to the fixed current socket 63,
• the sealing means 65 covering the edges 68 of the opening 67 of the housing 66 of the fixed current socket 63.

At the assembly stage of the figure 6 , as shown, the operator advantageously threaded on the cable 2, before making the electrical connection of the latter to the pins 3, the sealing means 65, the latter adopting in the example the form of a flexible cabochon 70 secured to the grip body via the second passage for the electrical cable 2, and covering the third side of the grip body.

The flexible cap 70 is made for example of rubber or similar flexible waterproof material, and adopts the shape of a cap approximating a generally cone-shaped veil but whose base consists of a peripheral strip 71 material intended to be supported on the cover surface 69 of the fixed current socket 63, around the opening 67 of the housing 66 and on the edges 68 thereof. The band 71 of material adopts the shape of the periphery of the opening 67 of the housing 66, and from this periphery, the tightness of the cap 70 is raised with a slope towards the cable 2, the top 72 of the cap being perforated to the passage of this cable, as shown on the Figures 6 to 11 .

The flexible cap 70 also seals around the electric cable 2 by the walls of the top hole 72 of the cap 70, which bear on the periphery of a cross section of the cable 2. The cap 70 advantageously comprises a ring 73 to the inside the top thereof, for example round, oval as shown or square, intended to be put into force in the passage 11 of cable 2 of the housing 5 socket 61 mobile, via the notches 23, as shown in the figure 8 . For this purpose, from the position of the socket 61 shown on the figure 7 , the operator slides the cabochon 70 along the cable 2, along the arrow 74 of the figure 7 , so that the ring 73 is positioned in the notch 23 of the first part 6 of the gripping body 5, then obtaining a mounting stage of the socket 61 shown in FIG. figure 8 . The ring 73 which is preferably one-piece with the cap web to form the cap 70, is of elastic material and is placed in force in the notch 23, then in the other notch 23 forming with the first the passage 11 of the housing 5, in order to advantageously seal between the housing 5 of the movable socket and the ring 73, insofar as the housing 5 is itself sealed. The ring 73 may include a groove 80 intended to house the edges of the notches 23 and thus make a solid connection preventing the cabochon out of its housing and slide along the cable 2.

So, if we refer to the figure 8 , the operator (not shown) must now close the housing 5 of the mobile socket by pivoting the housing part 7 around the hinge-shaped flexible connection 8, along the arrow 75 on the figure 8 , part 7 performing for this purpose a rotation of about 180 °. At the end of the pivoting movement, the part 7 is placed around the ring 73 of the cabochon 70 in order to accomplish the fixing of the sealing cap 70 on the gripping body 5, and around the pins of the plugs 3 of connection to immobilize also with respect to the housing 5 the support 12 and its connection plugs. Once the housing 5 closed, as shown on the figure 9 , the mobile power socket 61 connected to the cable 2 is ready to be used, that is to say to be connected to the fixed power socket 63, as shown in FIGS. Figures 10 and 11 .

• le corps 5 de prise de la prise 61 de courant mobile comporte une languette 62 flexible, destinée à verrouiller la prise 61 de courant mobile à l'intérieur du logement 66 de la prise 63 de courant fixe en position de branchement électrique (figure 11), et
• les moyens d'étanchéité 65 adoptent une forme, comme décrite précédemment, apte à couvrir les bords 68 de l'ouverture 67 du logement 66 et la languette 62 flexible en sorte de rendre étanche le branchement de la prise 61 de courant mobile dans la prise 63, à partir de l'ouverture 67, c'est à dire empêcher tout liquide de pénétrer dans le logement 66 après que la prise 61 y ait été insérée et branchée.

As shown on the figure 10 ,

• the socket body of the movable current socket 61 has a flexible tongue 62 for locking the movable socket 61 inside the housing 66 of the fixed current socket 63 in the electrical connection position ( figure 11 ), and
• the sealing means 65 adopt a shape, as described above, capable of covering the edges 68 of the opening 67 of the housing 66 and the flexible tongue 62 so as to seal the connection of the mobile power socket 61 in the socket 63, from the opening 67, that is to say to prevent any liquid from entering the housing 66 after the plug 61 has been inserted and connected.

As shown on the figure 10 , the elastic tongue 62 has shoulders 77 is clipped into a recess 76 is provided for this purpose in the housing 66 at the end of connection; the recess 76 is provided to allow the free passage of the tongue in the housing 66 throughout the insertion of the socket 61. When the movable socket 61 is connected to the fixed socket 63, the end of the tongue 62 protrudes out of the housing 66 so that an operator can grasp and manipulate the tongue 62 so as to release the lock provided by the shoulders 77, and remove the socket 61 of the housing 66. Such a locking technology of the socket 61 in the socket 63 is known in itself, for example in DCL technology.

The flexible cap 70 advantageously comprises at least one protrusion 78 on its outer surface defining a recess 79 on its inner opposite surface, in which is intended to be housed the free end of the flexible tongue 62, when the cabochon 70 is in place on the socket body 61, as shown in the figure 9 . Preferably, two protuberances 78 are formed on the cap 70, arranged diametrically opposite to each other with respect to the axis of the cable 2 so as not to index it, or to be suitable for a socket comprising two flexible tongues 62. A protrusion 78 must be provided to allow free movement of the tongue 62 so as not to impede its locking in the housing 66. As shown on the figure 9 , the cabochon 70 extends all around the gripping body 5, in order to leave the contact strip 71 of the cabochon intended to rest on the surface 69 of the fixed catch 63.

The band 70 will preferably be parallel or substantially to the outer surface of the case body 5, to ensure a relatively constant sealing safety distance with the edges of the opening 67, and therefore, its shape will preferably be defined at from the outer shape of the housing 5, itself in accordance with the shape of the housing 66 of the fixed grip 63. In the example shown, the band 70 adopts a rectangular shape with rounded corners.

To connect the mobile socket 61 in the fixed socket 63, it is sufficient for the operator to take the mobile socket 61 between his fingers or resting on the outer surface of the cabochon 70, and to push it in the housing 66 of the fixed socket 63, in the direction of the arrow 83 as shown in the figure 10 , the tongue 62 also serving as a commitment key, until a click is heard, informing the operator that the plug 61 is connected and locked in its housing 66. The click is conferred by the triggering the locking of the tongue 62 at the end of the connection. At this time, the cap 70 attached to the body 5 of the socket 61 has been pressurized against the cover surface 69 of the fixed socket 63, establishing a tight connection between the mobile socket 61 and the fixed socket 63, as shown in FIG. the figure 11 .

To disconnect the socket 61, that is to say to extract it from its housing, the operator will have to exert an appropriate pressure on the protrusion (s) 78 in order to manipulate the flexible tab (s) 62 through the cabochon in order to or unlock them, while simultaneously exerting traction on the movable socket 61 in order to take it out of the housing 66 of the fixed socket 63. In the example shown, the operator will have to exert pressure on the protuberance (s) 78 towards the cable 2 to release the tongue or tongues engaged against the wall of the recess 76.

It should be noted that the recessed housing portion of the fixed socket 63 has not been shown in the figures because this type of recess box is widely known to those skilled in the art. The represented part of the fixed grip 63 on the Figures 10 and 11 consists of the receptacle with its housing 66, associated with the cover plate 69 of the recess box by means of two screws (not shown), the passage holes 81 of which are visible on the Figures 10 and 11 . The Figures 10 and 11 show also an electrical cable 82 for connecting the fixed socket 63.

It should be noted that the sealing means 65 described above by way of example, associated with the mobile socket 61 according to the invention, can also be associated with any mobile power socket manufactured or designed differently from that which is described in the examples above, and in particular to any DCL type conventional mobile socket. It suffices for this purpose to make a sealing cap as described above, adapted to the external shape of the socket body on which it is intended to be mounted, and in particular with respect to the sealing strip 71 as described advantageously higher, as well as the ring 73 advantageously fixed in the passage 11 which will have its outer shape in accordance with the section of the passage 11, so as to advantageously allow the fixing of the cap 70 in said passage 11 via the ring 73 as explained more high.

Claims (14)

A mobile power socket (1), of the male and / or female type, intended to be taken in hand to be associated with a complementary fixed power socket, in order to establish an electrical connection, and further intended to be connected to an electric cable (2), comprising: at least one conductive connection plug (3) comprising connecting means (4) to at least one electrical wire (13, 14) of said electric cable (2), a body (5) of insulating engagement, comprising a first (6) and a second (7) part, nested one on the other and connected to each other by a first flexible connection (8), whereby a housing (9) is defined within said first and second parts, - Support means (12) insulating said at least one plug (3) connection, movable relative to said body (5) taken, connected to one of said first (6) or second (7) part of said body (5) by a second flexible connection (15) so as to allow two positions at least of said movable insulating support means, characterized in that said first and second portions of said socket body form a casing when they are fitted one over the other, and define at least one first passage for said at least one connection plug, and a second (11) passage for said at least one electrical cable (2), said housing being accessible from the outside of said socket body by spacing said first and second parts from each other, in that said at least two positions of said movable insulating support means are defined as follows: a first position in which said movable insulating support means (12) are accommodated in the socket body (5) such that said at least one connection plug (3) is accessible from the outside of the body of the socket taken via said first passage (10), said first (6) and second (7) portions of said engagement body being interlocked with one another, and a second position in which said movable insulating support means (12) are placed outside the grip body (5), said first (6) and second (7) parts of the latter being spaced apart, and in that said socket comprises locking means (16) of said first and second parts of the socket body (5), one on the other, in said first position of said movable insulating support means. Mobile power socket according to claim 1, characterized in that said at least one plug (3) for connection is a plug. Mobile power socket according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said at least one connection plug is a female plug. Mobile power socket according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said first (8) flexible connection between the first (6) and second (7) parts of said socket body (5) adopts the form of a hinge type connection comprising at least one thin web of material connecting edge to edge said first and second parts of the gripping body. Mobile power socket according to claim 4, characterized in that said at least one thin web of material is rectilinear. Mobile power socket according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said first (8) flexible connection is disposed on a first (27) side of said grip body (5), and in that said second ( 15) flexible connection is disposed on a second (28) side of said grip body, opposite said first (27) side, so that said movable insulating support means (12) are able to be extracted from said grip body by a movement rotating in the opposite direction to that allowing to separate the first and second parts of the grip body. Mobile power socket according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said second flexible connection (15) comprises at least one flexible fastener (33) of the strip type, able to allow pivoting of said insulating support means ( 12) movable around said band-type flexible fastener, from said first position to said second position or vice versa. Mobile power socket according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said second flexible connection (15) comprises at least one flexible fastener (33) of the strip type, connected by one of its ends to an edge of said first (6) or second (7) portion of said grip body (5), and by the other of its ends to an edge of said movable insulating support means (12). Mobile power socket according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that said locking means (16) of said first (6) and second (7) parts of the body (5) of grip, one on the other, in said first position of said movable insulating support means (12) comprise at least one fastener (34) with elastic deformation integral with said gripping body. Mobile power socket according to one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the at least one connecting plug (3) has connection means (4) for a screw-type electric cable (2) ( 26) or self-locking. Plug socket (61) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that it comprises sealing means (65) of said electrical connection, arranged on a third (30) side of said body (5) gripper, opposite a fourth (29) side of said plug body from which is accessible, from outside, said at least one plug (3) connection, said fixed current tap (63) comprising: - a housing (66) at the bottom of which is disposed at least one electrical connection plug complementary to said at least one plug (3) for connecting said plug (61) of the mobile current, an inlet opening (67) of said housing comprising edges (68) defined by a covering surface (69) of said fixed electrical outlet, said housing (66) being able to accommodate said mobile power socket (61) so that said body (5) of the mobile power socket is recessed at least partly in said socket of the fixed power socket when said socket of mobile power is connected to said fixed power socket, said sealing means (65) covering said edges (68) of said opening (67) of said housing (66) of the fixed power socket. Electrical socket according to Claim 11, characterized in that the said sealing means (65) take the form of a flexible cap (70) integral with the said socket body (5) via the said second (11) passage for the said cable ( 2) electrical, and covering said third (30) side of said socket body. Electrical outlet according to Claim 11 or 12, characterized in that : said body (5) for gripping the mobile power socket (61) comprises a tongue (62) flexible connector for locking said movable power socket within said housing (66) of said fixed current socket (63) in an electrical connection position, and said sealing means (65) adopt a shape adapted to cover the edges (68) of the opening (67) of said housing (66) and said flexible tongue (62) so as to seal the connection of said intake of mobile power in said fixed power socket. Socket according to claims 12 and 13, characterized in that said flexible cap (70) has at least one protuberance (78) on its outer surface defining a recess (79) on its inner opposite surface, in which is intended to be housed a free end of said tongue (62) flexible.

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