EP2824770B1 - Multiple plug socket - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a socket, in particular travel adapter according to the preamble of claim 1.

The EP-A-1 917 701 discloses a receptacle for a plug having a first and a second receptacle portion electrically connected together for alternative use. Both the first and second receptacle areas each have a base pair of contact receptacles and a third contact receptacle and are configured to receive plugs of a first and a second type. In order to prevent that a wrong electrical plug is plugged into a socket area, a protective device is provided. The protective device consists of two separate closure elements, which are displaceable between a closed position and an open position and cover a single dose area. Both closure elements are biased by coil springs in the same direction in the closed position. Now, if a plug of a first type is inserted into the first socket area, only the first closure element is displaced by the plug pins against the spring force in the open position. If, however, a plug of a second type is inserted into the second socket area, then both the first and the second closure element are moved to the open position, because the first closure element rests against the second closure element. In this case, all the insertion openings are open, which is a security risk.

From the WO 2009/15229 an adapter part is known, which on the front of a Schuko plug housing with Schuko plug contacts and on the back of a connector plate with insertion for inserting the connector pins of plugs of different national standards. In Schuko plug housing behind the connector plate a plurality of terminals for receiving the connector pins of different country standards is provided. Between the terminals, a so-called. Hold-down is arranged, which is supported on the one hand on the front side of the Schuko plug housing and on the other hand on the underside of the plug plate. Between the plug plate and the plug-side end of the blank holder a child safety device is provided. This is arranged displaceably on the hold-down in a certain direction. By means of a spring, which at one end at the Housing wall and the other end is supported on the child safety device, the child safety device is biased into an end position in which a part of the insertion openings are blocked. If the plug pins of a plug are inserted into the insertion holes, the child safety device is pushed back against the force of the spring. A disadvantage of the parental lock described, however, is that all insertion openings are released when a plug is inserted into the adapter part. This can be a safety problem, because in this state, electrical contact with a live terminal could come about by means of another plug or with the aid of a pointed, metallic object through one of the other insertion openings. Another disadvantage of the known adapter part is that the plug-in openings of the US standard are not blocked by the child safety device.

Furthermore, the patent discloses US 5,919,060 a safety socket adapter including a body with two front longitudinal slideways and two rear longitudinal slideways used to fit different front panels and different backs to adapt the adapter to any pairings of different plug and socket standards. The front panels have safety locks that close the openings as soon as a plug is pulled out.

task

It is therefore an object of the present invention to remedy the drawbacks of the prior art and to further develop a socket or an adapter plug of the type described above in such a way that even the strictest safety standards are met. In particular, it is a goal to prevent that with the aid of a pointed object, an electrical contact with a current-carrying terminal can be achieved when a plug is inserted in the adapter part. Yet another goal is to provide a child safety device that can withstand manipulation attempts.

description

These and other objects are achieved by the subject matter of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the inventive subject matter are defined in the subclaims.

The invention relates to a socket, in particular a travel adapter, with a plug plate having a first socket arrangement with first insertion openings for corresponding plug pins of a plug of a first standard. Furthermore, the connector plate has a second socket arrangement with second insertion openings for corresponding plug pins of a plug of a second standard. In the distance to the connector plate are contact receptacles of a first type for receiving connector pins of the first standard, and contact receptacles of a second type for the Recording of plug pins of the second standard provided. A first protective element is movable from a closed position, in which at least the first insertion openings are blocked, into an open position in which the first insertion openings are open. Likewise, a second protective element is movable from a closed position, in which at least the second insertion openings are blocked, into an open position, in which the second insertion openings are open. The protective elements are biased by spring elements in their respective closed positions and the first and second protective elements are biased by the spring elements in different directions of movement in their respective end positions. In this case, the first and second directions of movement of the first and second protective elements may be different and in particular opposite or at an angle to each other. This arrangement initially has the great advantage that thus a compact design can be realized. This is of great importance to a power outlet or travel adapter.

The invention is now characterized in that the second protection element is arranged in the form of a slider on the first protection element, which is arranged to be movable at right angles to the direction of movement of the first protection element. This embodiment is characterized by its compactness, because the slider is arranged directly on the first protective element.

Advantageously, the protective elements are arranged relative to one another in such a way that in the case of a plug of the first or second standard plugged into the first or second plug-in openings, the respective other protective element and / or the respective other plug-in openings is / are blocked. This is an important safety aspect, because it makes it impossible to insert a pointed object into the free socket arrangement.

According to a preferred embodiment, the two protective elements for opening respectively. Close each movable in opposite directions. This has the advantage that thereby a mutual influence, in particular blocking, is possible.

The two protective elements can each be biased by separate spring element in their respective closed position. Advantageously, the first and second Protective elements by the at least one first spring element mechanically interconnected resp. coupled. Because the first and second protective elements are biased in opposite directions, a spring element acting between the protective elements is already sufficient to bias the protective elements into their closed position.

In the socket or adapter housing can be provided in a built-in part for receiving the contact receptacles, for example in the form of contact terminals in a known manner. The built-in part projects beyond the contact receptacles in the insertion direction of the plug, so that sliding or guide surfaces for the protective elements can be formed on the mounting part. The partially current-carrying contact receptacles are thus completely absorbed in the mounting part.

Ramps are preferably formed on the protective elements in the region of the insertion openings, which are sloping when viewed in the closing direction. By the ramps, a force component is generated opposite to the closing direction, which moves the protective element when inserting a matching connector in the open position.

Advantageously, an elevation is provided approximately in the middle of at least one of the protective elements, on which the protective element can rock. The increase can be provided on the protective element itself or on the insert or housing. The increase has the advantage that when trying to insert a pointed object in a single insertion, the protective element is pressed with the other end in the other insertion, where the ramp jammed in the insertion.

It proves to be advantageous if the first and / or second protective element can only be converted into the open position by simultaneous insertion of a current conductor and neutral conductor pin of a plug. This feature provides increased safety against electric shock as the insertion of a single elongate object into one of the insertion openings can not displace any of the protective elements. The Protective element acts with a hook-shaped elevation in the ramp area and the rocker with one-sided load such that it hooked on one side with the plug-in and blocked both insertion.

Figur 1:

Eine Draufsicht auf die Einsteckplatte eines ersten Vergleichsbeispiels einer Mehrfachsteckdose, welche Einstecköffnungen für die Aufnahme von Steckern verschiedener Ländernormen aufweist;

Figur 2:

Schematisch die hinter den Einstecköffnungen angeordneten Schutzelemente, jeweils alle in der Schliessstellung;

Figur 3:

Die Schutzelemente von Figur 2 mit einem ersten Schutzelement in der Offenstellung;

Figur 4:

Die Schutzelemente von Figur 2 mit einem zweiten Schutzelement in der Offenstellung;

Figur 5:

Die Schutzelemente von Figur 2 mit einem dritten Schutzelement in der Offenstellung;

Figur 6:

Eine Draufsicht auf ein zweites Vergleichsbeispiel, bei der das erste und zweite Schutzelement durch ein einziges Federnpaar gegeneinander vorgespannt sind;

Fig. 7:

Eine Draufsicht auf die Einsteckplatte eines Ausführungsbeispiels einer Mehrfachsteckdose, welche Einstecköffnungen ebenfalls für die Aufnahme von Steckern verschiedener Ländernormen ausgebildet sind;

Fig. 8:

Eine perspektivische Ansicht eines ersten geschlossenen Schutzelements in welches ein drittes Schutzelement integriert ist;

Fig. 9:

Das erste Schutzelement mit integriertem dritten Schutzelement, wobei sich das erste Schutzelement in der Offenstellung befindet;

Fig. 10:

Das erste Schutzelement in einer blockierten Schrägstellung;

Fig. 11:

Eine Schnittdarstellung durch das erste Schutzelement mit dem dritten Schutzelement in einer blockierten Schrägstellung und

Fig 12:

Eine Schnittdarstellung durch das erste Schutzelement mit dem dritten Schutzelement in der Offenstellung.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. It shows:

FIG. 1:

A plan view of the plug-in plate of a first comparative example of a multiple socket, which has insertion openings for receiving plugs of various national standards;

FIG. 2:

Schematically arranged behind the insertion protective elements, all in the closed position;

FIG. 3:

The protective elements of FIG. 2 with a first protection element in the open position;

FIG. 4:

The protective elements of FIG. 2 with a second protection element in the open position;

FIG. 5:

The protective elements of FIG. 2 with a third protection element in the open position;

FIG. 6:

A plan view of a second comparative example, in which the first and second protective element are biased by a single pair of springs against each other;

Fig. 7:

A plan view of the plug-in plate of an embodiment of a multiple socket, which insertion openings are also designed for receiving plugs of different national standards;

Fig. 8:

A perspective view of a first closed protection element in which a third protection element is integrated;

Fig. 9:

The first protection element with integrated third protection element, wherein the first protection element is in the open position;

Fig. 10:

The first protection element in a blocked inclination;

Fig. 11:

A sectional view through the first protective element with the third protective element in a blocked inclined position and

Fig. 12:

A sectional view through the first protective element with the third protective element in the open position.

The Fig. 1 shows a plug-in plate 21, in which insertion openings are provided for receiving plugs of various national standards. Concretely, plug-in patterns of the countries Great Britain, USA, Australia, Italy and Switzerland are formed in plug-in plate 21, wherein the plug can each have a protective contact pin. In the plug pattern according to FIG. 1 are insertion openings 23a, 23b provided for receiving the conductor and neutral pins of plugs British standard (plug type G) and Australian standard. The slots 25a, 25b of the insertion openings 23a, 23b which are oriented at an angle relative to one another serve to receive the flat conductor and neutral conductors of the Australian plug.

The insertion openings 27a, 27b serve to accommodate the conductor and neutral pins of connectors of the Swiss standard (connector type J) and the Italian standard (connector type L).

The insertion openings 29a, 29b serve to accommodate the conductor and neutral pins of connectors of the US standard (connector type B).

The insertion openings for the protective contact pins of the respective country standard are provided in the median plane between the insertion of the conductor and neutral pins. Thus, the insertion opening 31 serves to receive the protective conductor pin of the Australian plug and the elongate insertion opening 33 to receive the protective conductor pins of the Swiss, Italian and US plug. In this case, the slot-like extension 35 of the insertion opening 33 is provided for receiving the Australian grounding pin. The circular broadening 37 in the middle of the elongated insertion opening 33 serves to receive the Italian grounding pin, and the bag-like broadening 39 of receiving the grounding pins of the US and the Swiss plug.

Behind the insertion openings, contact bushes, for example in the form of contact springs, are provided for the respective plug pins. Training and arrangement of such contact sockets are in the WO 2009/15229 described in detail, so it need not be discussed in detail at this point.

For safety reasons, it is recommended that between the live contact sockets and the insertion each have a protective element between them is switched. The protective element is intended to prevent false connector types can be inserted into a specific insertion and the possibility exists that inadvertent contact with a live contact socket is made. Also, the protective element should prevent children from being able to insert pointed objects into the contact sockets.

To prevent access to the current-carrying contact sockets by means of pointed objects or incorrectly inserted plugs at any time, the inventors propose to provide a plurality of movable protective elements which in the initial state close at least all insertion openings leading to the current-carrying contact sockets.

In the present case, a first protective element 41 for the insertion openings 23a, 23b, 25a, 25b, a second protective element 43 for the insertion openings 27a, 27b and a third protection element 45 for the insertion openings 29a, 29b are provided. If no second protective element 45 is present, then the third protective element 45 can be referred to as the second protective element 43. Each protective element 41, 43, 45 is preferably prestressed into the closed position by an at least separate spring element 47, 49, 51 Fig. 2 ). As an abutment for the spring elements 47,49,51 are projections of the socket housing resp. of stationary components. Significantly, the first and second guard members 41, 43 are biased in opposite directions to their final positions by the spring members 47, 49. As a result, the protective elements 41,43 move toward each other during opening and thereby block the respective other protective element in the closed position in the open position (see FIG. FIGS. 3 and 4 ).

In order for the protective elements 41,43,45 to move into the open position upon insertion of a suitable plug, they have sloping ramps 53,54 below the insertion openings, the bevels of which slope obliquely in the closing direction. When inserting a plug, this results in a force component opposite to the closing direction, which presses the protective element in the open position. This is in the FIGS. 8 to 12 shown.

The first and the second protective element 41,43 consist in the embodiment shown of a rod-shaped plastic part, at the ends of pins 55,56 are formed. On the pins 55, the spring elements 47,49, which are preferably designed as compression springs, attached. The spring elements 47,49 are based on counter bearings 57,59, which is part of the housing or a built-in of the housing. The protective elements 41,43 have in the middle of a V-shaped recess 60a, 60b, which is necessary due to the compact arrangement of the various socket pattern. Otherwise, the insertion of a 3-pin US plug into the plug 21 is not possible in the closed position of the second protection element.

The third protective element 45 is block-shaped with notches 61, 63, which leave the insertion openings 31, 33 for the British and Australian protective conductor pins free in the closed position. On the third protection element 45, a pin 67 is formed, on which the spring element 51 is attached. The spring element 51, a helical spring, is supported on the abutment 65 and biases the protective element 45 in the closed position.

In FIG. 3 is the first protective element 41 shown in its open position 69, while it is pressed by the conductor and Nulleiterstift a UK or AU plug against the second protective element 43 against the pressure of the first spring elements 47. FIG. 3 shows that the first protective element 41 in the open position blocks the second protective element 43 in the closed position. The V-shaped recess 60 a is pushed over the V-shaped extension 71 of the second protective element when opening. An insertion of several plugs in the plug-in plate 21 is prevented.

FIG. 4 shows the reverse case, in which the second protective element 43 is displaced from the conductor and neutral pin of a CH or IT connector in the open position 73. In this case, the second spring elements 49 are compressed, so that the second protective element 43 snaps back into the closed position after pulling an IT or CH plug. In the open position 73, the first protective element 41 is blocked in its closed position.

In the first exemplary embodiment of the multiple socket according to the invention, the third protective element 45 is designed independently of the other protective elements 41, 43. FIG. 5 shows the third protective element in its open position 75. The effect of the cuts 61,63 has already been described above. Out Space reasons and thus the outer dimensions of the plug 21 are not too large, the third protective element 45 is arranged transversely to the first and second protective element 41,43.

The FIG. 6 shows a second comparative example in which the first and second protective element 41,43 are biased by a first spring element pair 47 against each other. This example is particularly compact and simple, since it can be dispensed with counter bearing 57,59. First and second protective element are in fact supported against each other and act together. Is a protective element in the open position so it pushes through the different directions of movement of the protective elements 41,43 the other protective element in the closed position.

The FIGS. 7 to 12 show an embodiment of the invention. In this case, the insertion openings 23a, 23b are provided with extensions 77a, 77b in such an upward direction that a US plug can also be inserted into the insertion openings 23a, 23b. The insertion opening 33 is provided in this example between the insertion openings 23a, 23b, so that IT and CH plug can be accommodated. The first second and third protection element 41, 43, 45 are replaced in this exemplary embodiment by a single, compact protection module 79, which acts as the first protection element 41. FIG. 8 shows the protection module 79 in the closed position and FIG. 9 in the open position. In the protection module 79, a slider 80 for closing the US plug openings, together with the third spring element 51 is integrated. The slider 80 acts like the third protection element 45 but is arranged on the protection module 79. The slider 80 can only be brought into its open position when the protection module 79 is in the closed position. Otherwise, the US plug openings are at least partially covered by a UK, AU, IT or CH plug and the slider 80 partially covered by the plug-21. The protection module 79 is biased by a first spring element 47 in its closed position.

The blocking function of the protection module 79, which essentially also applies to the protection elements 41, 43, 45, is disclosed in US Pat FIGS. 10 to 12 shown. Both the protection module 79 and the slider 80 are provided with ramps 53, 54 which have already been described above. The ramps 53,54 have in Displacement direction of the open position a hook-shaped elevation 81.82 which in the FIGS. 8 . 9 . 11 and 12 is shown. In the closed position, the protection module 79 and the slide 80 are hooked by the survey 81,82 on the plug-in plate 21 and on the protection module. Protective module 79 and slide 80 can only be displaced if they are pressed down by the conductors 53 and 54 at the same time as the conductor and neutral conductor. Otherwise, one of the surveys 81, 82 continues to block the move ( FIG. 10 and 11 ).

Legend

21

insert panel

23a, 23b

Insert openings for GB and AU

25a, 25b

Slots of the insertion openings 23a, 23b

27a, 27b

Insert openings for CH and IT connectors

29a, 29b

Plug-in openings for US plug

31

Plug-in opening for GB and AU plugs

33

Insertion opening for CH, IT and US protective conductor pin

35

Extension of the insertion opening 33

37

circular broadening of the insertion opening 33

39

bag-like widening of the insertion opening 33

41

First protection element for insertion openings GB and AU

43

Second protection element for insertion openings CH and IT

45

Third protection element for plug-in openings US, or second

47

First spring element for protective element 41

49

Second spring element for protective element 43

51

Third spring element for protection element 45

53.54

ramp

55.56

Pin for first and second spring element

57

Counter bearing of the spring element 43

59

Counter bearing of the spring element 45

60a, 60b

V-shaped depressions

61

Nick for GB protective conductor pin

63

Notch for AU protective conductor pin

65

Counter bearing of the spring element 51st

67

Pin for third spring element

69

Open position of the first protective element

71

V-shaped extension of the first protective element

73

Open position of the second protection element

75

Open position of the third protection element

77a, 77b

plug extensions

79

Protection module as the first protection element

80

pusher

81.82

Hook-shaped elevation

Claims (11)

1. Socket, in particular a travel adaptor, with

   - a plug plate (21) with

   a first socket arrangement with

   - first plug-in openings (23a,23b) for the corresponding pins of a plug of a first standard,

   a second socket arrangement with

   - second plug-in openings (27a,23b) for the corresponding pins of a plug of a second standard,

   - contact receptacles of a first type provided at a distance from the plug plate (21) for the reception of pins of the first standard, and

   - contact receptacles of a second type for the reception of pins of the second standard, together with

   - a first protective element (41), which can be moved from a closed position, in which at least the first plug-in openings (23a, 23b) are blocked, into an open position (69), in which the first plug-in openings (23a, 23b) are open, and

   - a second protective element (43, 45), which can be moved from a closed position, in which at least the second plug-in openings (27a, 27b) are blocked, into an open position (73), in which the second plug-in openings (27a, 27b) are open, and

   - spring elements (47, 49, 51) for purposes of preloading the first and the second protective elements (41, 43, 45) into their respective closed positions, wherein the first and the second protective elements (41, 43, 45) are preloaded by the spring elements (47, 49, 51) in different directions of movement into their respective end positions,

   characterised in that,
   the second protective element is arranged on the first protective element (41) in the form of a slider (80); which is arranged such that it can be moved at right angles to the direction of movement of the first protective element (41).
2. Socket according to Claim 1,
   characterised in that,
   the protective elements (41, 43) are arranged relative to one another in such a way that, when a plug of the first or second standard is inserted into the first or second plug-in openings (23a, 23b, 27a, 27b), the respectively other protective element (41, 43), and/or the respectively other plug-in openings (23a, 23b, 27a, 27b) is/are blocked.
3. Socket according to Claim 1 or 2,
   characterised in that,
   for purposes of opening and closing the two protective elements (41, 43) can each be moved in opposite directions.
4. Socket according to one of the Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that,
   the second protective element (43) is preloaded into the closed position by a second spring element (49).
5. Socket according to one of the Claims 1 to 4, characterised in that,
   the first and second protective elements (41,43) are mechanically connected to each other by means of a common spring element (47).
6. Socket according to one of the Claims 1 to 5, characterised in that,
   a mounting component is provided in the socket to receive the contact receptacles. which mounting component protrudes above the contact receptacles in the direction of insertion of the plugs.
7. Socket according to Claim 6,
   characterised in that,
   the contact receptacles are arranged in the mounting component.
8. Socket according to Claim 6 or 7,
   characterised in that,
   guide surfaces are formed on the mounting component, and/or on the housing, along which the protective elements can slide.
9. Socket according to one of the Claims 1 to 8, characterised in that,
   ramps (53, 54) are formed on the protective elements in the region of the plug-in openings, which ramps (53, 54) are sloping when viewed in the closing direction.
10. Socket according to one of the Claims 1 to 9, characterised in that,
    approximately at the centre of at least one of the protective elements (41,43) an elevation is provided, on which the protective element can rock.
11. Socket according to one of the Claims 1 to 10, characterised in that,
    the first and/or second protective element (41, 43, 80) can only be transferred into the open position (69, 73, 75) by the simultaneously insertion of a current conductor pin and a neutral conductor pin of a plug.

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