EP2297822B1 - Adapter plug - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a three-pin adapter between a socket German and / or French standard and a plug British standard.

As is well known, hybrid Schuko plugs can be plugged into sockets of German and French standards. An adapter plug with such a hybrid Schukostecker and plug-in sockets for a plug British standard is known from the GB-A 2 366 087 , This is formed on one end face so that there can be arranged a plurality of different end plates with plug contacts of different standard. The back of the adapter is designed to accommodate a variety of different doses. So it can be combined different standards of plug contacts with different standards of cans. This can be assembled from a set of parts desired for the specific situation adapter plug. One embodiment shows such an adapter plug with a Schuko plug and a multiple socket for the standards of UK, US, AU, IT and other territories.

To be able to insert the UK plug into the male body of the Schuko plug, the symmetry levels of the Schuko plug and the UK socket had to be tilted against each other for reasons of space. The wall of the Schuko-Einsteckkörpers has on the inside grooves, which appear on the outside of the Schuko-Einsteckkörpers as Führungsgrate. The grooves resp. Guide ridges are provided according to standards in the two mutually opposite flattened areas of the Schuko plug-in body. Two such inner slots for the ground pin and for the phase pin are each formed between opposite earth contacts of the Schuko plug and one of the two flattened areas. A third groove engages with a corner in one of the two guide ridges. As a result, not only the plane of symmetry of the U-box is tilted relative to the plane of symmetry of the Schukosteckers, but the cutting line is not exactly on the cylinder axis of the Schuko-Einsteckkörpers.

The tilting of the two planes of symmetry not only has the aesthetically disadvantageous effect that a UK plug can not be plugged into the orientation of the Schuko socket in the wall, but requires that the internal electrical connections between the pins of the Schukosteckers and the plug-in sockets for the plug different standards relatively complicated and above all asymmetrical.

An intermediate plug according to the preamble of claim 1 is made EP 0 616 389 known. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a three-pin adapter with a preferably hybrid Schuko plug and at least one socket for plugging plugs other, especially British standard, in which a simple internal structure is realized. Yet another goal is to provide an adapter, in which plugs of other countries standards can be inserted. Another goal is to propose a compact connector as compact as possible.

This object is achieved by an adapter plug according to claim 1.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the three-pole intermediate plug has on a first side a Schuko plug with two pins and in the region of the male body two Erdeleisten, and on one of the first side opposite side a box for at least one plug British standard. Preferably, the can for British (UK) standard plugs is combined with other cans from other countries such as US, AU, IT etc., so that a multiple socket is realized. The housing of the intermediate plug forms a Schuko plug-in body. Contact sockets for British standard plugs are arranged to save space inside the Schuko plug-in body. The fact that the contact pin is arranged for the ground pin British standard in the same plane of symmetry as the mentioned ground strips of the Schukosteckers, one of the mentioned Erdeleisten the Schuko plug on its inside can serve as a contact for the UK ground pin. It can thus be arranged symmetrically to a symmetry plane, the contact sockets for the UK pins, which is determined by the symmetry of the Schukosteckers. This level goes through the earth strips of Schukosteckers. Both the pins of the Schukosteckers and the contact sockets of the box are thus formed symmetrically with respect to a common plane of symmetry through the ground strips of the Schukosteckers. This arrangement has the advantage that the contact strips can be designed very simply with the contact sockets. For a UK plug plugged into the UK power outlet is a narrow side of the UK ground pin in direct contact with the disposed in a recess of the connector housing ground bar. Further, the opposing flat sides of the UK ground pin may be in contact with a clamping bush of the earth clamping element.

Preferably, a hybrid plug according to the standard CEE 7/7 is additionally formed with a female contact for FR ground pin on the connector housing. Such a connector has the advantage that it can be plugged into standard-compliant Schuko sockets and in FR sockets. The Schuko-Einsteckkörper has at least in the range of the UK neutral and UK phase contact sockets one of a hypothetical circular cylinder whose center is in the center of the intersection of the plane of symmetry and a plane passing through the Schukopins, deviating shape. Advantageously, the Schuko plug-in body in a second region, which is diametrically opposed to the UK neutral and UK phase contact sockets, also have a deviating from a hypothetical circular cylinder shape. In the mentioned ranges, the radius can be smaller by a corresponding amount, so that the required standard diameter of 37 mm is maintained.

Thus, the UK pins for neutral and phase find inside the male body, the distance of the contact socket for the UK earth pin forming earth bar is chosen by a cylinder comprising the male body advantageously lower than usual. This can be realized by arranging the opposing grounding strips eccentrically to the center by <1 mm, preferably <0.5 mm, and displacing them in the direction of the UK ground pin. This can be gained additional space for the placement of the UK plug. However, the displacement is preferably so small that it is still within a margin which is compatible with standard compliant Schuko sockets.

So that there is sufficient space for the UK plug pins, the outer shape of the plug-in body is advantageously extended to two points opposite the earth socket forming the contact socket. This expansion may be limited to that part of the outer wall of the male body which is immediately adjacent to the female terminals for the UK neutral and phase pins. The bulge of the connector housing is but suitably kept so small that it is within the minimum prescribed cylindrical space of the Schuko box.

The inventive Schukoeinsteckkörper is therefore not rotationally symmetrical in the rounded sections, so that it both provides enough space for the symmetrical arrangement of the UK pins within the male body as well as fits into a Schuko box, even if it has only the minimum required inner mass. The clearance between the maximum outer dimensions of a Schuko plug and the minimum internal masses of a Schuko box is sufficient to give the UK plug contact within the Schuko-Einsteckkörpers enough space that this can be arranged symmetrically to the Schukostecker.

Advantageously, that ground bar, which is adjacent to the contact socket of the UK ground pin, a smaller distance from a cylinder embracing the male body than usual. However, this is preferably within a range that is compatible with standard compliant Schuko sockets. In this way, additional space can be created for the arrangement of the UK plug pins. The opposing ground strips can therefore have an unequal distance to the edge of the recess in which they are arranged.

Alternatively, it can also be provided in the grounding strip and / or in the shape of the male body, that the male body at two points, which lying opposite the contact socket earth bar, has two slots in the housing, of the neutral and phase pins of a in the can be plugged into the UK plug. If the Schukoeinsteckkörper is plugged into a Schukodose, the slots lie in the recess of the box and are therefore covered, so there is no danger for users that could come into contact with the current-carrying pin. This is not because the UK phase pin is isolated to the tip. Therefore, conductive metal is only accessible again when the Schuko pins are out of contact with the sockets of the socket into which the plug was inserted.

In a symmetrical arrangement of the contact sockets also clear conditions arise in the interior of the intermediate connector. Advantageously, a ground contact element is present, all earth contact sockets for the box, for the ground strips of the Schuko plug and, where appropriate, the contact socket for forms the FR ground pin. The ground contact element may be formed in one piece. It is symmetrical to the mentioned plane of symmetry.

Conveniently, of course, a phase contact element and a neutral contact element is present, which form the corresponding contact sockets for the can. These contact elements are connected to the pins of the Schukosteckers and symmetrical to each other and arranged.

A simple construction for these contact elements results when the phase contact element as well as the neutral conductor contact element each consist of two conductor parts. These conductor parts are connected to each other by the pin of the Schuko plug. The pin passes through the two parts and is connected by spot welding or riveting with the two parts of a contact element.

So that the contact sockets are not pushed out of the intended location by the insertion and removal of pins, a hold-down device is advantageously present. This hold-down supports the contact sockets within the male body relative to the housing. In particular, it supports the ground contact element, the phase contact element and the neutral contact element. This results in a very simple construction and a simple assembly of the parts of the intermediate connector.

The hold-down conveniently separates the contact sockets for the phase and the contact sockets for the earth and the contact sockets for the neutral conductor from each other. He creates so within the male at least three rooms that are separated from each other so far that the required air and creepage distances between the phase, neutral and earth contacts are met.

To guide and hold the hold-down grooves and / or ridges are advantageously formed on the inside of the housing in the male body, in and / or between which extends the hold-down. These can also serve the extension of air and crawl paths.

Even if a hold-down device is present, a slidably mounted closer may be present. Such a closer can against a spring force by the inserted into the can UK ground pin of a Insertion openings for the UK pins closing position are moved to a position that releases this insertion freely. If a hold-down device is present, it can form a guide for the closer. The hold-down is then supported by openings in the closer through the housing, in particular on the lid.

A simple construction is achieved in a three-pin adapter, which has on a first side a Schuko plug with two pins and two Erdeleisten and on a first side opposite side a box for at least one plug other standard, then achieved when a housing of the Intermediary plug with a first housing part a Schuko-male body and a can-side second housing part forms a cover and contact sockets for such other standard plugs within the Schuko-Einsteckkörpers are arranged, and if the contact sockets held by a lid independent hold-down against the inside of the first housing part and are supported against the lid. In addition, a slidably mounted closer can be arranged between the hold-down part and the lid, which is guided on the holding part and / or on the lid.

This construction allows the following assembly. The conductive contact elements are produced by stamping and bending and, if a contact element is multi-part, the parts of the contact element are joined together. Parallel to this, the two parts of the housing, the hold-down part and, if appropriate, the closing device made of plastic are produced by injection molding. The contact elements with the contact sockets for the ground pins, the phase pins and the neutral pins are placed symmetrically to the plane of symmetry of the male in the housing part, which forms the male body, wherein the Schukopins associated with these contact elements are inserted through the openings provided for the pins in the bottom of the male body , Alternatively, these contact elements can be inserted into an injection mold and the housing part, which forms the male body, is then sprayed around these parts. The hold-down part is then inserted. If necessary, a closer is placed on the hold-down part. Finally, the lid is placed on it and screwed lid and male body together.

Advantageously, the contact elements are integrally formed. This greatly simplifies the assembly of the intermediate connector. Conveniently, the Multiple socket one UK socket and at least two sockets of the following country standards USA, Switzerland, Italy (IT), Australia (AU), Denmark (DK), India (IN) or Israel (IL) on, but no safety socket.

Fig.

1 den Zwischenstecker perspektivisch von der Steckerseite her.

Fig.

2 den Zwischenstecker perspektivisch von der Dosenseite her.

Fig.

3 die Teile des Zwischensteckers in der Reihenfolge des Zusammenstellens aufgereiht.

Fig.

4 die selben Teile (ohne Deckel) wie in Figur 3 nebeneinander.

Fig.

5 eine Innenansicht des Deckels mit Schliesser in Schliesstellung.

Fig.

6 die Innenansicht gemäss Figur 5 mit dem Schliesser in Offenstellung.

Fig.

7 perspektivisch die drei stromführenden Kontaktelemente.

Fig.

8 perspektivisch die drei stromführenden Kontaktelemente zusammen mit dem Niederhalter und

Fig.

9 einen Querschnitt durch den Zwischenstecker und

Fig.

10 eine Darstellung der Modifikation des Steckergehäuses relativ zur konventionellen Gestalt.

The invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the figures. Showing:

FIG.

1, the intermediate connector in perspective from the connector side.

FIG.

2 the adapter in perspective from the can side.

FIG.

3 strung the parts of the intermediate connector in the order of assembly.

FIG.

4 the same parts (without lid) as in FIG. 3 side by side.

FIG.

5 an interior view of the lid with a closer in the closed position.

FIG.

6 the interior according to FIG. 5 with the shutter in open position.

FIG.

7 perspectively the three current-carrying contact elements.

FIG.

8 in perspective, the three current-carrying contact elements together with the downholder and

FIG.

9 shows a cross section through the intermediate plug and

FIG.

10 is an illustration of the modification of the connector housing relative to the conventional form.

In the Figures 1 and 2 is an intermediate connector 11 is shown, which has formed a standard Schuko plug on one side and a multiple socket 15 on the Schuko plug 15 opposite side.

In order to ensure the correct polarity of the shape of the non-polar Schuko plug has the adapter 11 has a collar 17 in which a recess 19 is provided. This recess 19 can cooperate with a corresponding projection on the edge of a Schukosteckdose, so that a not properly polarized insertion of the intermediate plug is made impossible in the Schuko box. However, the collar is also at least partially necessary to meet the prescribed distances of the can rim from the holes for inserting the pins can.

The Schukostecker has a Schukoeinsteckkörper 21, whose shape is given for example by the standard DIN 49441. Likewise, the shape of the Schuko box is prescribed by a standard, namely by the standard DIN 49440-1. According to these Norin regulations exist for the individual Dimensions Tolerances within which the actual dimensions may vary. These regulations ensure that any Schuko plug can be plugged into any Schuko socket and plug of the CEE 7/7 standard in any Schuko socket or FR socket. The prescribed dimensions including the tolerances ensure that there is still a margin between the minimum masses of the Schuko socket and the maximum masses of the plug-in body 21.

If, for the production of an adapter plug, the pins of a UK plug are to be plugged into a Schuko plug-in body, the contact pins for the UK pins must be arranged inside the plug-in body 21. Due to the prescribed dimensions for the UK plug and the Schukostecker so far only one possible arrangement was known, namely, when the planes of symmetry of the UK plug and Schuko plug 21 in the by GB-A 2 366 087 have become known type tilted towards each other. If the UK pins are to be arranged symmetrically to the plane of symmetry of the plug-in body 21, the UK pins and the contact bushes for these are generally arranged behind the plug-in body. However, the intermediate plug according to the invention has arranged the contact sockets for the UK pins symmetrically to the plane of symmetry of the Schuko plug-in body 21 in this plug-in body. This was achieved by slightly deviating from the usual form of Schuko plug housing, but only to the extent that the compatibility of the modified male body 21 is still guaranteed with standard-compliant cans.

A first modification may be provided on Schukostecker 13 in the region of Erdeleiste 23. The Erdeleisten 23 are arranged in recesses 22 of the plug housing, wherein the outer distance of the Erdeleisten according to DIN 49 441 32 mm may be + 0.5 mm. In the ground bar 24, which connects to the plug-in socket 25 for the FR ground pin, it is not possible to insert the UK ground pin. FR ground pin and UK ground pin would occupy the same space inside the male body 21. Therefore, when the Schuko plug has the advantageous hybrid embodiment, the Erdeleiste 23 arranged adjacent to the plug-in socket 25 for the FR ground pin forms a contact surface for the ground pin of the UK plug. This contact point is related below FIG. 7 explained in more detail. In order to create more space for the UK plug, arranged on a common contact element Erdeleisten 23,24 by a small distance of <1 mm, preferably about 0.5 mm towards Erdeleiste 23 may be shifted, ie the Erdeleisten may have an unequal distance to the distance to the outer edge of the recess.

In the illustrated embodiment, the Schuko plug is hybrid and thus has a plug-in socket 25 for the FR ground pin. This plug-in socket 25 and the arranged inside the contact socket 49.5 thereto are integrally formed with the ground strips 23 and 24 of the Schukosteckers. The ground strip 23, which forms the contact socket 49.3 for the UK ground pin ( Fig. 7 ), is guided on the face of Schuko-Einsteckkörpers 21, so that the depth of the intermediate connector 11 is minimal and the length of the UK ground pin exceeds only by the strength of the material of the Erdeleiste 23 and the length of Schukopins.
A deviation from the usual shape of the plug housing is provided in the embodiment shown in the region of the circular cross-section housing wall portion 29 of the male body 21. This housing wall section 29 does not follow a circular path with the center 80 at the points indicated at 29, but has a larger radius or one in places, in particular at the edge, which are adjacent to the contact sockets 45.3, 47.3 of the UK neutral and UK phase pins Bulge 82 ( Fig. 8 ). This deviation is, however, within the minimum diameter of the insertion of the Schukodose. Compatibility is therefore not questioned by the minimum deviation from the circular cylinder. This deviation, however, makes it possible to completely accommodate the female contacts 45.3, 47.3, 49.3 for a three-pole UK plug inside a closed Schuko plug housing without any of the UK pins laterally protruding out of the plug housing. As in particular from FIG. 10 can be seen, the housing wall of the plug housing 21 in the region 29 of the contact sockets for the UK neutral and phase pin still have a thickness of 0.3 to 0.7, preferably about 0.5 mm.

The can side of the intermediate plug is according to a preferred embodiment, a multiple box 15. The hole patterns for plugs of different standard are all the same polarized. Illustrated by way of example in the figures is a multiple socket 15 for plugs of the following standards: UK (designated 35 (phase), 36 (neutral) and 37 (ground)), US, AU, IT and CH.

In the in FIG. 3 shown exploded view, the essential components of the intermediate connector 11 are shown. The intermediate plug has a housing with a first housing part 41, which comprises the plug-in body 21 and a flange 17 integrally formed on a plug-in body. A second housing part in the form of a lid 43 can be placed with its edge 18 on the flange 17. Within this housing 41,43, the electrically conductive contact elements 45 (phase), 47 (neutral), 49 (earth) are arranged. The contact elements for the phase and the neutral conductor consist of a flat contact strip 45 'resp. 47 'and contact terminals 45 respectively. 47, which rise approximately perpendicularly from the contact strips 45 ', 47'. At the ground contact element 49, the ground contact strip 23 and the FR ground plug-in socket 25 can be seen ( Fig. 1 ).

A hold-down 51, which is insertable into the plug-in housing 21, is supported on the cover 43 and fixes the contact elements 45, 47, 49 in their position. The hold-down 51 has walls 52a, 52b, which separates the contact elements 45,47,49 from each other ( Fig. 4 ).

On the hold-51 a Schliesser 53 is slidably disposed. The shutter 53 is biased by means of spring elements (not shown in the figures) in an end position in which the shutter 53 partially closes the present in the lid 43 insertion of the various doses. In this way it is prevented that children can come into contact with live parts of the intermediate connector 11 when playing.

The connector housing 21 can be closed by the cover 43. Hollow pins 57 are provided on the underside of the lid, into which screws 55 can be screwed ( Fig. 1 )
The intermediate connector 11 is as in FIG. 3 assembled in the first housing part 41, the first contact elements 45, 47, 49 are inserted. Then, the hold-down 51 is inserted into the connector housing. The shutter 53 is inserted in the lid 43 and then the lid 43 can be placed on the hold-51 and the first housing part 41. Now the intermediate connector 11 can already be screwed together with the screws 55.

In the exploded view of FIG. 4 missing, in addition to screws and spring means, the lid 43. On the front side 56 of the first housing part 41 facing away from side 58 webs 57 and in the inside of the housing grooves 59 are formed. On the webs 57 are the phase contact element 45 and the neutral conductor contact element 47. These are how out Fig. 3 seen to the height of the webs 57 lifted from the end wall 56 of the male body 21. In the end wall 56, a first recess 60 for the ground contact strip 49 and a second recess 62 for the plug-in socket 27 of the FR ground pin are provided. The one-piece ground contact element 49 extends from the ground strip 23 to the opposite ground strip 24, wherein the ground contact element 49 extends in the region of the first and second recesses 60,62 approximately in alignment with the outside of the end wall. Because the phase contact element 45 and the neutral conductor contact element 47 are arranged offset in height to the ground contact element 49, the contact socket 61 of the phase contact element 45 and the contact socket 63 of the neutral contact element 47 can overlap the earth contact element 49 (in the region of the plug-in socket 27) without an electrical contact there Short circuit occurs ( FIG. 4 ). On the contact elements 45,47,49 of the hold-51 is located. On the hold-51, the closers 53 is arranged. The function of the shutter 53 will be described below with reference to FIG FIGS. 5 and 6 explained in more detail.

The hold-down 51 engages in the inserted position in the grooves 59 in the housing wall. The hold-down 51 has the walls 52a, 52b which extend to both sides of the ground contact element 49 and define a central space 64 in which the contact sockets 49,3 and 49.4 of the ground contact element 49 are arranged. The walls 52a, 52b are at the ground contact strip 23 adjacent side by means of a C-shaped wall portion 66th connected with each other. In addition, a web 63 is provided which connects the walls at a distance from the opposite edge. On the outside of the C-shaped wall portion 66, two spaced-apart locking strips 68 are provided, which can engage between two provided on the inside of the housing projections 70. Likewise, the terminal side edges 72 of the walls 52a, 52b on the opposite side of the housing can engage in a recess 74. The walls 52a, 52b have the function to separate the phase contact element 45 and the neutral contact element 47 from the ground contact element 49, to fix the contact elements in their position and to limit the contact sockets.

On the walls 52a, 52b, arms 65 projecting approximately at a right angle are provided. These press the two electrically conductive contact elements 45,47 on the webs 57 and engage with their side edges in the grooves 59 a. With provided on the walls 52 a, 52 b or arms 65 of the blank holder 51 nubs 75 individual contact sockets can be kept and the mobility of a plugged into the contact pins pin be restricted. The extensions 65 on the hold-down 51 extend through openings 67 in the fastener to the inside of the lid 43. These serve as guides for the fastener 53 and support the hold-51 against the lid, so that the fastener 53 is not between hold-51 and lid 43rd is trapped. Further guides 69 are formed on the cover 43 ( Figs. 5 and 6 ).

In FIG. 5 the closer 53 is in the closed position and in FIG. 6 shown in an open position. In FIG. 5 The plug-in openings for the UK plug and the phase and neutral pins of CH or IT plugs are covered. At Schliesser 53 inclined sliding surfaces 71 are formed ( FIG. 4 ). These sliding surfaces 71 ensure that when the pins are inserted into the insertion openings provided in the cover 43, the shutter 53 is pushed to the side. The shift takes place counter to a spring force. This spring force is applied by two compression springs, not shown, which are plugged onto the rods 73 and supported on the cover 43. The closer 53 can only be pushed to the side if the forces exerted on the closer by the pins are reasonably equal. When inserting the UK plug, a force is applied to the closer with the opener and ground pin in the plane of symmetry. With CH or IT plugs, the two pins for phase and neutral are used to apply the necessary force to the contactor in two symmetrically arranged positions.

In FIGS. 7 and 8th are the three electrically conductive contact elements 45,47,49, and in FIG. 8 in addition, the hold-down 51 shown. The contact elements 45 and 47 for the phase and the neutral conductor each have 4 female contacts 45.1, 45.2, 45.3, 45.4 and 47.1, 47.2, 47.3, 47.4, which are provided on the phase contact element 45 and the neutral conductor contact element 47. The ground contact element 49 also has 4 contact sockets, which are designated by the reference numerals 49.1, 49.3, 49.4 and 49.5. The contact sockets 45.1, 47.1 and 49.1 are adapted to a plug of the US standard. The contact sockets 45.2, 47.2 and the aforementioned contact socket 49.1 are suitable for accommodating plugs of the CH standard or the IT standard. The contact socket 49.1 can accommodate the ground pins of three connector standards. The contact sockets 45.3, 47.3, 49.3 are for connectors of the UK standard, and the contact sockets 45.4, 47.4 and 49.4 are designed for the plug of the AU standard. The remaining contact socket 49.5 is set up for the ground pin of a FR box. At the ground contact element 49, the ground strips 23 and 24 are further formed. At the ground strip 23, the contact socket 49.3 is formed, which receives the ground pin and NC contact of the UK plug contact and contacted. The parts 45 and 45 'are on the Schukopin 31, the parts 47 and 47' are fastened to Schukopin 33. With correct polarization, which is given in a plug according to CEE 7/7 and the FR box through the contact socket 49.5 and the FR ground pin, all plugged into the phase contact element 45 parts Phasepins, all insertable into the Nulleiterkontaktelement 47 parts Nulleiterpins and all in the ground contact element 49 insertable parts ground pin. For Schuko sockets that do not specify polarization and for plugs of the IT standard, the correct polarization is not guaranteed. However, this only applies to countries in which the correct polarization is not prescribed, or devices in which each polarization must be possible.

The walls 52a, 52b engage at the points 77 in the grooves 59 in the housing inner side of the male body 21 a. With the areas 79 (not all shown), the hold-down 51 presses on the electrically conductive contact elements 45,47,49.

Through the sectional view according to FIG. 9 through the hold-down 51, the contact elements 45,47,49 and the male body 21, the relation between the various parts of the intermediate connector 11 and their interaction is shown again. The contact socket 49.3, which is formed on the ground strip 23, is no longer shown because it is close to the surface of the multiple box is formed so that immediately after plugging in the UK ground pin, the still completely einzusteckende device is grounded.

FIG. 10 illustrates the modification of the normally circular cylindrical Schuko plug-in body in more detail. The left figure shows the minimum diameter of a 38 mm schuko socket. In the Schukosteckdose an inventive adapter plug is arranged, wherein the position of the UK pins is drawn with the dashed rectangles.

As can be seen in particular from the enlarged section (right figure), the UK neutral and phase pins would normally look out of the housing laterally from a circular-cylindrical plug-in body 21 with a diameter of 37 mm. To prevent this, according to an inventive embodiment, the radius of the cylindrical Schuko plug-in body 21 in the region 29 of the UK neutral and phase pins increased by a certain amount, so that the wall of the Schuko-Einsteckkörpers at the thinnest point immediately adjacent to the UK Pin still has a wall thickness of about 0.5 mm. In order not to exceed the maximum diameter of the Schuko plug-in body required by the standard, diametrically opposite at the points 28, the radius can also be reduced by a certain amount so that the diameter of 37 mm is maintained. These deviations of the round housing sections from the circular cylindrical shape of the male body are within the tolerances allowed, so that even in extreme cases, where the Schukosteckdose the Mindestmass and the Schuko plug-in body of the intermediate plug has the Maximalmass, the adapter is still plugged into said Schukosteckdose.

As in FIG. 10 The modification according to the invention can be achieved, for example, by displacing, for example, by 2 mm from the actual center 80, by laying a second radius of, for example, 20.5 mm over the maximum radius of 18.5. The center 28 of the plug housing is given by the intersection of the plane of symmetry 81 with a passing through the two Schukopins level 83. The center 85 of the larger radius lies in the plane of symmetry 81 and closer to the contact socket of the UK ground pin. As a result, a wall thickness of 0.5 mm can be realized in the area of the UK neutral and phase contact pins. How out FIG. 10 It can also be seen that the deviation of the outer contour of the Schuko plug-in body from a circular cylinder with a radius of 18.5 mm in the direction Symmetry plane against zero. It goes without saying that a deviation from the radius of 18.5 mm is only needed on the left half of the Schuko plug-in body, where the UK neutral and phase pins are inserted. On the right half of the cylindrical Schuko plug-in body a corresponding reduction of the radius can be provided in an analogous manner, so that the diameter of the Schuko plug-in body has a total of the required maximum 37 mm.

In principle, instead of a continuous radius, a local bulge can also be provided only in the region of the UK neutral and phase contact sockets. This would serve the same purpose, but would be less aesthetically pleasing.

Legend:

11

adapter

13

Safety plug

15

power strip

17

Collar / flange

18

edge

19

recess

21

Schuko male body

22

Recess in the plug-in body for ground strips

23.24

Earth bars of Schukosteckers

25

Plug-in socket for the FR ground pin

26

Recess in plug housing for ground strips

29

round housing wall section / area

31/33

Schukopins

35

phase

36

neutral

37

earth

41

first housing part

43

second housing part, cover

45 '

flat contact strip

45

Phase contact element

45.1- 45.4

Contact jacks

47

Neutral contact element

47 '

flat contact strip of the neutral conductor contact element

47.1 - 47.4

Contact jacks

49

Earth contact element

49.1 - 49.4

Contact jacks

51

Stripper plate

52a, 52b

walls

53

turnkey

55

screw

56

Front side of the plug housing 21st

57

Hollow pin / Stege

58

Inside of the front wall

59

groove

60

first recess in the end wall 56

61

Contact socket

63

web

62

second recess in the end wall 56th

64

Space between the walls 52a, 52b

65

projections

66

C-shaped wall area

67

openings

68a, 68b

snap-in strips

69

guides

70

projections

71

sliding surfaces

72

Side edges of the walls 52a, 52b

73

rods

74

indentation

77

Put

79

areas

80

Center of Schuko plug-in body

81

plane of symmetry

82

bulge

83

Level by Schukopins

85

Center of the larger radius

Claims (14)

1. Three-pole adapter plug (11) having on a first side an earthed German type three wire plug plug (13) with two pins (31, 33) and two earth conductors (23, 24), in particular a hybrid plug according to the standard CEE 7/7 with an additional contact sleeve (49.5) for a FR earth pin, and on a second side, opposite to the first side, the adapter has a socket (15) for at least one plug of British standard, the housing (41,43) for the adapter plug (11) forming an earthed insertion body (21) and contact sleeves (45.3, 47.3, 49.3) for plug pins to British standards being arranged within the earthed insertion body (21), whereas the contact sleeve (49.3) for the earth pin of British standard is arranged in the same plane of symmetry as said earth conductors (23) of the earthed plug (13),
   characterised in that
   the contact sleeves (45.3, 47.3, 49.3) for a three-pole UK plug are accommodated completely within the closed earthed insertion body,
   whereas the plug housing of the earthed insertion body (21) at least in the region (29) of the UK neutral conductor and UK phase contact sleeves (45.3, 47.3), the earthed insertion body (21) has a shape that differs from a cylinder.
2. Adapter plug according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that in the region (28) which diametrically opposes the regions (29) the earthed insertion body has a shape that differs from a cylinder.
3. Adapter plug according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the earth conductor (23, 24) which is adjacent to the contact sleeve (49.3) of the UK earth pin has a smaller spacing from a cylinder encompassing the insertion body (21) than usual but within a margin which is compatible with earthed sockets compliant with standards.
4. Adapter plug according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the outer shape of the insertion body (21) is widened at two of the locations opposing the earth conductor (23) that forms the contact sleeve (49.3).
5. Adapter plug according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that at two of the locations (29) opposing the earth conductor (23) that forms the contact sleeve (49.3) the insertion body (21) has two slots in a housing which are filled by the neutral conductor and phase pins of a UK plug inserted in the socket (15).
6. Adapter plug according to any one of claims 1 or 5, characterised in that an earth contact element (49) is present which forms all earth contact sleeves (49.1, 49.3, 49.4, 49.5) for the socket (15), for the earth conductors (23, 24) of the earthed plug (13) and optionally the contact sleeve (49.5) for the FR earth pin.
7. Adapter plug according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that a phase contact element (45) and a neutral conductor element (47) are present and form the corresponding contact sleeves (45.1, 45.2, 45.3,45.4 and 47.1, 47.2, 47.3, 47.4) for the socket (15) and are connected to the pins (31, 33) of the earthed plug (13).
8. Adapter plug according to claim 7, characterised in that the phase contact element (45) and the neutral conductor contact element (47) each consist of two conductor parts (45, 45' and 47, 47') which are connected to each other by the pin (31 or 33) of the earthed plug (13) (= German three wire plug).
9. Adapter plug according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that a holding-down device (51) is present which supports the contact sleeves (45.1 to 49.5) within the insertion body, in particular the earth contact element (49), the phase contact element (45) and the neutral contact element (47), with respect to the housing (41, 43).
10. Adapter plug according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the holding-down device (51) separates the contact sleeves (45.1 to 45.4) for phase and the contact sleeves (49.1 to 49.5) for earth and the contact sleeves (47.1 to 47.4) for the neutral conductor from each other.
11. Adapter plug according to either of claims 9 or 10, characterised in that grooves (59) are formed in the insertion body (21) on the inside of the housing into which the holding-down device (51) extends.
12. Adapter plug according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterised in that a displaceably mounted make contact (53) is present which may be displaced, counter to a spring force by the UK earth pin that is to be inserted into the socket (15), from a position that closes the insertion openings for the UK pins into a position that frees these insertion openings.
13. Adapter plug according to any one of claims I to 12, characterised in that the holding-down device (53) forms a guide (65) for the make contact (53).
14. Adapter plug according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterised in that the holding-down device (51) is supported on the housing, in particular a cover (43), through openings (67) in the make contact (53).

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