EP3231042A1

EP3231042A1 - Electrical socket device comprising at least one locking and unlocking element

Info

Publication number: EP3231042A1
Application number: EP15797138.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Franck Robinet
Original assignee: Legrand SNC; Legrand France SA
Current assignee: Legrand SNC; Legrand France SA
Priority date: 2014-12-09
Filing date: 2015-10-30
Publication date: 2017-10-18
Anticipated expiration: 2035-10-30
Also published as: FR3029703B1; WO2016092163A1; US20170338591A1; US9991633B2; CN107004999A; DK3231042T3; FR3029703A1; EP3231042B1; PL3231042T3; CN107004999B

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical socket device (1) comprising: a receptacle (2) provided with at least one electrical socket intended to receive a connection portion of an electrical plug (4), the receptacle (2) defining at least one inner cavity and having on one of the surfaces thereof at least one opening leading into the inner cavity and at least one groove extending circumferentially with regards to the electrical socket, which comprises an opening (27) leading into the inner cavity and is intended to receive a peripheral flange (5) of the electrical plug; - at least one mechanism (28) for locking and unlocking the electrical plug (4) in position, comprising: o a mount; o a flexible part comprising an end portion extending through the opening (27); o a push member extending through the opening, which comprises an actuation member arranged in the inner cavity opposite the end portion and which is movably mounted in longitudinal translation between a first position of rest, and a second of position of abutment on the push member.

Description

ELECTRICAL SOCKET DEVICE COMPRISING AT LEAST ONE LOCKING AND UNLOCKING ELEMENT

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of electrical installations. In particular, it relates to an electrical plug device comprising at least one mechanism for locking and unlocking a corresponding electrical plug. More specifically, the invention relates to electrical connectors and plugs, such as those defined by the international standard IEC60320, for example type C13 and C19. These plugs and plugs (connectors) find their application or use in particular in a building with a network, for example LAN type (Local Area Network), or in a data center ("Data Center" in English) , in which are installed several equipment supplied with electrical energy.

These electrical equipment store, make the connection between servers storing information or process information that can be important or sensitive for companies using this type of equipment. It is therefore essential that the electrical connection between the electrical plug of this equipment and the electrical outlet is permanent, especially when they are active.

STATE OF THE PRIOR ART

There are various electrical plug devices comprising at least one locking and unlocking mechanism which are intended to retain a corresponding electrical plug. An example of such a plug device is known from US 2010/0255708. The device described in this document comprises a base provided with at least one electrical outlet for receiving an electrical plug provided with conductive pins. The base defines at least one inner housing and is provided with on one of its surfaces at least one orifice opening into the inner housing and several holes for receiving the pins of the electrical plug. The device also comprises a locking mechanism and unlocking in position of the electrical plug disposed in the housing. This locking and unlocking mechanism comprises a flexible part, a portion of which is placed opposite a hole of the electrical socket and which is intended to abut against the conductive pin once it is engaged in the hole so that to block it. In addition, the locking and unlocking mechanism comprises a pusher movably mounted in translation on the support through the opening orifice. By actuating the pusher, it exerts pressure on the flexible part so as to move the flexible part and thus unlock the electrical plug.

One of the problems associated with this electrical plug device is that the locking is achieved by clamping the pin of the electrical plug by the flexible part. According to this configuration, the locking and unlocking mechanism must be adapted to the conductive pin of the electrical plug for their engagement, the size of the slot of the locking mechanism and unlocking to be adapted to that of the pin. In addition, the flexible part being in contact with an active pin, special measures of insulation and resistance to heating must be taken.

It is also known from US 2013/0109213 an electrical outlet device of the same type. The base of this device comprises on one of its surfaces at least one opening opening into an inner housing defined by the base and a groove extending circumferentially to the electrical outlet. The groove is intended to receive a peripheral collar of the electrical plug. This device also comprises a locking mechanism and unlocking in position of the electrical plug disposed in the housing and which comprises a part flexible provided with a pivoting portion relative to a fixed portion of this piece. The pivoting portion includes a slot placed opposite a hole of the electrical outlet, the slot being intended to engage with a pin of the electrical plug when it connects to the socket. The pivoting portion is configured so that it is always oriented towards the face provided with the hole and that it exerts a constraint on the pin once engaged so that it is maintained. A pusher also allows to separate the pivoting portion of the pin via additional elements of the mechanism to unlock the electrical plug. However, the lock is also achieved by clamping the pin of the electrical plug via the pivoting portion of the flexible part and by friction. The locking and unlocking mechanism must also be adapted to a certain type of electrical plug or vice versa to allow the locking and unlocking thereof. This also implies significant modifications of the existing electrical outlets and therefore a cost for manufacturing. In addition, the flexible part is in contact with the grounding pin, which is then mechanically stressed, which introduces an additional risk on a safety member.

The document US 2013/244468 also discloses an electric plug device of the same type comprising a base which comprises on one of its surfaces at least one orifice opening into an inner housing defined by the base and a groove extending circumferentially to the electrical outlet to receive a peripheral collar of the electrical plug. This device also comprises a mechanism for locking and unlocking in position of the electrical plug disposed in the housing and which comprises a spring cooperating with a perforated rectangular plate from frictionally locking the peripheral collar then received in the groove. An unlocking member also allows to move the perforated plate of the peripheral collar to unlock the electrical plug. However, as for the devices described above, this device is difficult to adapt to existing outlets because it is composed of various parts that are particularly large and separate from each other, and intervene in the environment other parts making up the electrical outlet. Furthermore, the perforated plate frictionally locks an inclined edge a long contact zone of the peripheral collar which creates a risk of wear of the peripheral collar and the plate.

OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

The electrical plug device of the invention aims to overcome all or part of the disadvantages of the state of the art and allows in particular to provide a universal solution, that is to say, adaptable to all types of existing electrical plugs, while being simple, reliable and compact.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This objective is achieved through an electrical outlet device comprising:

A base provided with at least one electrical outlet intended to receive a connection part of an electric plug, the base defining at least one inner housing and being provided on one of its surfaces with at least one opening opening into the inner housing, and at least one groove extending circumferentially to the electrical outlet and comprising an opening opening into the inner housing, the groove being intended to receive a peripheral collar of the electrical plug;

At least one locking and unlocking mechanism in position of the electrical plug, the locking and unlocking mechanism comprising:

a support arranged in the inner housing of the base; a flexible part mounted on the support, said flexible part comprising an end portion extending through the opening, the end portion being provided at its free end with a locking member in translation of the electrical plug, the locking member extending into the groove and being adapted to retract and retain by buttresses the peripheral collar of the electrical plug when the peripheral collar is received in the groove;

a pusher mounted on the support and extending through the orifice, the pusher comprising an actuating member arranged in the inner housing facing the end portion of the flexible part, the pusher being mounted movable in translation by with respect to the support along an axis between a first rest position, in which the actuating member is away from the locking member of the end portion which extends into the groove, retaining the peripheral collar of the electrical plug when the peripheral collar is received in the groove, and a second support position on the pusher, in which the actuating member exerts a bearing on the end portion of the flexible part which is retracted in the inner housing of the base so as to move the locking member of the electrical plug for the release of the electrical plug.

Thus, this solution achieves the aforementioned objective. In particular, the electrical outlet device according to the invention allows to retain or lock simply and effectively the peripheral collar of an electrical plug. Such a configuration also allows the electrical outlet device to adapt and receive all types of electrical plugs provided with a peripheral collar. Added to this is the fact that the proposed locking and unlocking mechanism is compact, intuitive, reliable and simple since it consists of a sub-frame. set which is independent of the assembly and operation of the other parts constituting the electrical outlet, is intended to be housed in a housing formed in the base of the electrical outlet device, and only one action on the part of the user locks or unlocks the electrical plug of the electrical outlet.

According to a feature of the invention, the flexible part can be configured so that, in the second support position on the pusher, the end portion exerts a resilient biasing force on the body of the body. actuation of the pusher, to the first rest position of the pusher, causing a longitudinal displacement of the pusher from the second position to the first position when the electric plug is disengaged from the electrical outlet and the groove.

Such a configuration allows the device to be operational for the subsequent connection of an electrical plug in the electrical outlet and all this with a simple gesture on the part of the user.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the flexible piece is a metal blade comprising a first leg extending into the inner housing, a second leg forming the end portion, and a bent portion connecting the first leg. in the second branch. According to another embodiment of the invention, the support is formed of two complementary half-shells defining an internal cavity, the cavity opening through a window, and the first branch and the bent portion are arranged in the cavity of the support, the second branch extending outside the support, through the window. This configuration of the support facilitates the assembly of the flexible part and the good management of its positioning and support points. According to another embodiment of the invention, the support is formed of a one-piece piece comprising a lug, and the first leg is provided with a light adapted to receive the lug for clipping the flexible blade. on the support, the flexible blade being clipped onto the support at the bent portion.

Such a configuration is particularly economical in production and inventory management thanks to the reduced number of components.

According to another advantageous feature, but optional of the invention, the support is provided on an outer face of at least one recess, and the pusher comprises at least one lug adapted to cooperate with the or one of the recess (s). ) of the support.

Thus, the pusher is clipped onto the support so that it is always maintained on the support and while promoting the movement of the pusher relative to the support. According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the support forms a stud, the end portion of the flexible piece extending to the front of the stud, to the electrical socket, and in that the pusher is formed of a monoblock tube adapted to be engaged on the stud.

This arrangement promotes the guidance of the pusher in the support and enhances the autonomy and reliability of operation of the subassembly.

According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the one-piece tube comprises a portion projecting forwards, said portion forming the actuating member, and the monoblock tube further comprises a chamber provided with an opening. opening under the protruding portion forwards, the end portion of the flexible piece extending through the opening. According to yet another feature of the invention, the support and / or the pusher is made of a plastic material which facilitates the manufacture and provide a mechanism at lower cost.

According to another embodiment of the invention, the base is provided with a plurality of electrical sockets, each electrical socket being intended to receive a connection portion of an electrical plug, and the electrical socket device comprises a plurality of locking and unlocking elements, each locking and unlocking element being able to lock and unlock a plug received in one of the electrical outlets.

Such a configuration allows the electrical connection of several electrical equipment on the same electrical outlet device and thus reduce clutter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Other features and innovative advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the description below, provided for information only and in no way limitative, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 illustrates in perspective an example electrical socket device according to the invention; FIG. 2 is a view from above of an example of an electrical plug device according to the invention; Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of an example of a plug device according to the invention; illustrates in perspective an example of locking mechanism and unlocking in position of an electrical plug according to the invention; Figure 5 illustrates from another perspective the locking mechanism and unlocking of Figure 4; Figure 6 shows an exploded view of the locking and unlocking mechanism of Figure 4; FIGS. 7a, 7b, 7c and 7d illustrate embodiments of a flexible part forming part of the locking and unlocking mechanism according to the invention;

Figure 8 is a sectional view A-A and in perspective of an example of a base of the locking and unlocking device according to Figure 1;

Figure 9 is a sectional view BB and perspective of the locking mechanism and unlocking of Figure 4; FIG. 10 is a front view of an assembled electrical plug with an example of an electrical plug device according to the invention; Figures 11a, 12a, 13a are partial sectional views C- C- of this electrical plug and this device assembled in different positions; Figures 1 1b, 12b, 13b are detail views of Figures 1 1a, 12a, 13a in which are illustrated different positions of the locking mechanism and the peripheral collar of an electrical outlet; Figures 14a and 14b illustrate an embodiment of the locking mechanism and unlocking in position of the electrical plug; and Figure 15 is a perspective view of an electrical outlet device with a base provided with a plurality of electrical outlets.

For clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference signs throughout the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

Figures 1 and 2 is respectively shown in perspective and exploded a device 1 electrical outlet according to one embodiment of the invention. This device 1 of electrical outlet is intended to equip an electrical equipment box that can be fixed in a cabinet or an electrical box or on a wall of a building or a data center or to be part of a mobile block for extension for example.

This device 1 of electrical outlet comprises, more specifically, a base 2 provided with at least one electrical outlet 3 for receiving an electrical plug 4 (see Figures 10 to 13) of an electrical equipment for that- it is connected to the electricity network. The electrical plug 4 comprises for this purpose electrical connection means generally consisting of at least one conductive pin (not shown) and a peripheral flange 5 for protecting the conductive pin. The electrical socket 3 comprises holes 12 for the passage of the conductive pin of the electric plug 4.

To facilitate the understanding of the invention with reference to the figures, particularly Figures 1, 2 and 3, we consider that the base 2 extends along a longitudinal axis Z vertical, the height of the base being defined according to the Z axis. Also shown is the horizontal axis X which is perpendicular to the vertical longitudinal axis Z and to a transverse axis Y such that these three axes X, Y, Z form a direct orthogonal reference. The terms "inferior" and "superior" are defined with respect to the axis vertical Z, the term "lateral" is defined with respect to the transverse axis X and the terms "front" and "back" are defined with respect to the transverse axis Y.

The base 2 generally comprises a base 6 extending along a plane A (formed in Figure 1 by the X and Y axes). Side walls 7 extend from the base 6 in a direction perpendicular to the base 2 and an opening 8 which is opposite the base 6 is delimited by a peripheral edge 9 of the side walls 7. The base 2, in particular the base 6, has a surface 19 which is directed towards the electrical plug 4 when it is connected to the electrical socket 3 and an opposite surface 19 '(see FIG. 8) which is oriented towards the opening 8. At least one orifice 22 provided in the base 6 through the surfaces 19, 19 'on either side and opens into the opening 8. Is also provided in the base 6, at least one groove 23 which extends circumferentially to the electrical outlet 3 , the groove 23 being intended to receive the peripheral collar 5 of the electrical plug 4. The orifice 22, the holes 12 of the electrical outlet 3 and the groove 23 are distinct from each other.

More specifically and as illustrated in FIG. 8, the groove 23 comprises a bottom 24 connected to opposite side walls 10 which extend in a direction parallel to the axis Z. The lateral walls 10 of the groove 23 are also connected respectively to the base 6 and the electrical socket 3. The latter provided in the base 2 comprises an upper wall 1 1 which is defined in a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the base 6. The upper wall 1 1 comprises the holes 12 for the passage of the pin or pins.

Referring to Figure 3, a base 13 forming part of the electrical outlet device 1 can accommodate the base 2 so as to form a housing. The base 13 generally comprises a bottom 14 and sections 15 rising from the bottom 14 and open at the opposite end to the bottom 14. The bottom 14 of the base 13 is provided with holes for receiving an electrical wiring (not shown). The base 13 is intended to receive metal connectors 16 which are connected to the electrical wiring by connection terminals formed in their lower part and which, by cells formed in their upper part, are recipients of the conductive pins of the electrical plug 4 These electrical connectors are housed in a chamber 26 formed by one of the side walls 10 of the groove 23. The base 2 embedded in the base 13 is held and retained therein by complementary retention elements. For this purpose, the side panels 15 of the base 13 are provided with lugs 17 intended to cooperate with slots 18 that comprise the side walls 7 of the base 2.

The base 2 defines an inner housing 20 which is located between one of the side walls 10 of the groove 23 and a side wall 7 of the base 6. The inner housing 20 is separate from the groove 23. In other As can be seen in FIG. 8, the inner housing 20 is separated from the electrical socket 3 by the groove 23. The inner housing 20 is open at the bottom of the base 2 as shown in FIG. when the base 2 and the base 13 are assembled, the inner housing 20 is closed and comprises six sides, four of which are formed by a side wall 10 of the groove 23, a side wall 7 of the base 2 opposite that of the groove 23, the base 6, and the bottom 14 of the base 13 and opposite the base 6. The other two remaining sides 21 are opposite and each connect the side wall 7 of the base 2 to the side wall of the groove.

The orifice 22 opens preferably into the inner housing 20 defined in the base 2. In addition, as shown in Figure 8, the groove 23 comprises an opening 27 also opening into the inner housing 20, and particular, made in the side wall 10 of the throat 23 in other words, the opening opening 22 and the opening 27 are communicating. The opening orifice 22, the opening 27 and the inner housing 20 are distinct.

The device 1 of electrical socket also comprises a mechanism 28 for locking and unlocking in position of the electrical plug 4 which is housed, at least in part, in the inner housing 20 of the base 2. In reference to Figures 4 to 6 , 9 and 14, the mechanism 28 for locking and unlocking comprises a support 29, a flexible part 30 and a pusher 31 described below [0038] The support 29 of the mechanism 28 for locking and unlocking is received in the inner housing 20 of the base 2 and is elongate in a direction parallel to the Z axis with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 between a head 32 and a foot 33 of the support 29. According to one embodiment of the support illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6 and 9, the latter is formed by two complementary half-shells 34 of substantially identical shape and which form a stud. Each half-shell 34 has a partition 35 provided with an outer face 36 and an inner face 37. An inner edge 47 connects the inner 37 and outer 36 faces of each half-shell 34 and defines the periphery of the partition 35 The internal faces 37 comprise complementary fixing elements 38 so that the half-shells 34 fit easily into one another. Advantageously, but optionally, the complementary fastening elements 38 are male / female type members and fit together for rapid assembly. The flexible part 30 is also arranged in the inner housing, in particular, it is mounted on the support 29. According to the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 4 to 6 and 9, the flexible part 30 is formed between the two half-shells 34 of the support 29. For this, the assembly of the two half-shells 34 forms a cavity 39 which is defined by the internal faces 37 of the half-shells 34. At least one of the half-shells 34 comprises on the inner face 37 two bearing surfaces 40 which are opposite in the direction parallel to the axis Z (c ' that is between the head 32 and the foot 33) and which are raised from the partition in a plane B substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the half-shell 34 extends. At least a part of the flexible part 30 takes support between these support surfaces 40 and is maintained inside the support 29 and at least a portion of the flexible part extends outside the support 29. [0040] In FIGS. 6 and 7, the part flexible 29 has a substantially V-shaped section. In particular, the flexible part 29 comprises a first branch 41 extending in the inner housing 20, a second branch 42 and a bent portion 43 connecting the first branch

41 to the second branch 42. [0041] Thus, according to this embodiment, the free end 48 of the first branch 41 is supported on the bearing surface 40 located towards the foot 33 of the support 29 while the bent portion 43 is supported on the bearing surface 40 located towards the head 32 of the support 29. Moreover, each of the half-shells 34 also comprises on its inner surface 37 a stop 44 for retaining the first branch 41 of the flexible part 30 in the inner housing 20 (when the half-shells 34 are assembled) between an inner rear surface 45 of the support 29 and the stops 44. More specifically, the first 41 and second 42 branches are mounted on either side of the one of the stops 44. The other stop 44 is formed by a shoulder of the inner face 37 of a half-shell 34 and has a shape complementary to that of a notch 51 made in the first branch 41.

According to one characteristic of the invention, the second branch

42 of the flexible member 30 forms an end portion extending through a window 46 opening into the internal cavity 37 formed in the support 29. The window 46 is formed between the head 32 and the foot 33 of the support 29 and has a closed periphery which is delimited here by the inner edges 47 themselves delimiting the inner and outer faces of the walls of the half-shells 34. The fact that the first leg 41 is kept locked between the inner rear surface 45 and the stops 44 configures the end portion so that the latter formed by the second leg 42 , or mobile between a first unsolicited said position in which it is outside the internal cavity 39, and therefore the window 46, in front of the support and a second so-called retracted position in which, under action of the pusher 31, it is retracted into the internal cavity 39 of the support 29.

Advantageously, when the end portion of the flexible part 30 occupies the first inactive position, it also extends through the opening 27 opening into the groove 23. In other words, the end portion 42 of the flexible part 30 is inside the groove 23. The end portion 42 also has a locking member 49 which is located at its free end 50 and which is configured to lock and by retaining the peripheral flange 5 of the electrical plug 4 in the groove 23 of the base 2 when the peripheral flange is received in the groove 23. Various variants of the locking member 49 of the end portion 42 illustrated on Figures 7a to 7d allow effective and durable locking of the peripheral flange 5 without damaging it. The locking member 49 illustrated in FIGS. 7a to 7c comprises a "T" shaped section whose "T" head comprises a flat edge 67 (FIGS. 7a and 7c) or teeth 52 (FIG. 7b). ) to improve the locking or anchoring of the locking member in the peripheral collar 5. The locking member may also have a tongue shape as shown in Figure 7d. he is also it is possible to provide a curved portion 68 between the locking member 49 and the end portion 42 so as also to improve the locking and anchoring of the locking member 49 which will be more oriented towards the peripheral collar 5. [ 0045] The flexible part is preferably a metal blade.

Another embodiment of the support 29 is illustrated in FIGS. 14a and 14b. The support 29 differs from the previous embodiment illustrated in Figures 4, 5 and 6 in that it is formed of a single piece, that is to say in one piece. This support 29 is also in the form of a pad and also differs in that it comprises on an outer rear surface 53 opposite to the inner rear surface 45 a lug 69 intended to cooperate with a light 55 formed in the first branch 41 of the flexible part 30. In this embodiment, the flexible part 30 is mounted on the support 29 so that the bent portion 43 overlaps the head 32 of the support. The light 55 is then able to receive the lug 69 for the clipping of the flexible part 30, here the flexible blade, on the support 29 and for the locking of the first branch 41 on the support 29.

The pusher 31 is housed in part in the inner housing 20 and also extends through the opening 22 opening. This comprises an elongated body in a direction parallel to the Z axis with reference to FIGS. 7 and 9. The body is here in the form of a one-piece tube with an upper edge 56, a front wall 57 and a a side wall 58 which cooperate to form an internal chamber 59 open at the bottom of the pusher 31. The chamber 59 is intended to receive the support 29 of the locking and unlocking mechanism, that is to say that the upper edge 56, the front wall 57, and the side wall cover the head 32 and at least part of the partitions. 35 of the support 29 when the pusher 31 is mounted on the support 29. The upper edge 56 is accessible by a user from the surface 19 of the base 2.

The pusher 31 is mounted in longitudinal translation relative to the support 29 along the Z axis between a first rest position and a second support position described below. The pusher 31 has two legs 60 which respectively extend from each side wall 58 and which have at their free end 62 a tab 61. When the pusher 31 moves in translation relative to the support 29 and in a direction parallel to the Z axis, the tab 61 slides along a recess 63 formed on the outer face 36 of the support 29 and between an abutment surface 64 formed by the foot 33 of the support 29 and a shoulder

65 formed by the recess 63 (see Figure 5). In this way, the pusher 31 is clipped onto the support and its disengagement from the support 29 is avoided.

The pusher 31 also comprises a projecting portion forward of the pusher which is arranged at the free end of the front wall 57 of the pusher 31, the opening of the chamber 59 opening under the protruding portion. This protruding portion forms an actuating member 66 and is, when the pusher 31 is mounted on the support 29, arranged facing the end portion 42 of the flexible part 30 which extends outside the window 46 of the support 29. More precisely, the actuating member

66 is housed and moves in the inner housing 20. When the pusher 31 moves in a longitudinal translation, the actuating member 66 performs an identical displacement.

According to a configuration of the pusher 31, it is movably mounted in longitudinal translation (in a direction parallel here to the Z axis) relative to the support 29 between:

- The first rest position, in which the actuating member 66 is away from the end portion 42 and the locking member 49 extends into the groove 23, thereby retaining the peripheral collar 5 of the electrical plug 4 when the peripheral collar 5 is received in the groove; and,

- The second support position on the pusher 31, wherein the actuating member 66 bears on the end portion 42 of the flexible part 30 so as to move the locking member 49 away from the electrical plug 4 and move the locking member 49 from the groove 23 to the inner housing 20, for the release of the peripheral collar 5 and thus the electrical plug 4.

According to a configuration of the invention, when the pusher 29 performs its displacement in longitudinal translation between the first rest position and the second support position, the end portion 42 and the locking member 49 ' retracted by substantially moving about a rotation about an axis parallel to the X axis and which is located towards the bent portion 43 of the flexible part. Similarly, when the pusher 31 is in the second position, the flexible part 30, here the metal blade, is configured so that the end portion 42 exerts a resilient biasing force on the actuating member 66 the pusher 31, to the first rest position of the pusher 31, thus causing a longitudinal displacement of the pusher 31 from the second support position to the first rest position when the electric plug 4 is disengaged from the electrical socket 3 and the throat 23.

Thus, when the pusher 31 occupies its first position, the end portion 42 is in the first inactive position and when the pusher 31 occupies its second support position, the end portion 42 is in its first position. second retracted position.

Figures 10 to 13 illustrate more precisely, in a partial sectional view BB, the different positions of the electrical plug 4 in the electrical outlet and therefore, the first position rest of the pusher 31 and the second support position of the pusher 31. More specifically, and with reference to FIG. 10, there is shown an electrical plug 4 with a peripheral flange 5 aligned with the base 2 and facing the electrical socket 3. FIGS. 1 1 a and 1 1 b show the electrical plug 4 and the electrical outlet 3 assembled with the peripheral flange engaging in the groove 23 of the base 2. In Figures 1 1 a, 1 1 b, the pusher 31 occupies its first rest position, the locking member 49 of the end portion 42 of the flexible part 30, here the flexible blade is located inside the groove 23 and the free end 54 of the peripheral collar 5 is located just above the body of the blocking 49.

In Figures 12a and 12b is also shown a partial sectional view of the assembly in which the electrical plug 4 is fully engaged in the socket 3. In this figure, the pusher 31 occupies its first rest position, the free end 54 of the peripheral flange 5 of the electrical plug 4 is located near the bottom 24 of the groove 23 and the locking member 49 is engaged with the peripheral flange 5 to retain the peripheral flange 5 in the throat 23. [0055] Figures 13a and 13b show a partial sectional view of the assembly in which the electrical plug 4 is still engaged in the socket 3. In these figures, the pusher 31 occupies its second support position, the free end 54 of the peripheral flange 5 of the electrical plug 5 is located near the bottom 24 of the groove 23 and the locking member 49 constrained by the actuating member 66 is retracted into the housing inside 20 of the base 2 so that the peripheral collar 5 can easily disengage without obstacle from the groove 23.

The support 29 and / or the pusher 31 are made (s) in a plastic material. Advantageously, the plastic is a polymer or a copolymer or a terpolymer. These may be chosen from the group of thermoplastic polymers comprising, for example, polyolefins, polyamides, polystyrenes, polyurethanes, polyesters, polycarbonates, or else acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene. Preferably, it is a polycarbonate (PC) or an acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). Other polymers and / or copolymers or terpolymers preferably having characteristics such as flammability and good performance are of course conceivable. In another embodiment of the invention as illustrated in Figure 15, the base 2 is provided with a plurality of electrical outlets 3 which are intended to receive a connection portion of an electrical plug to At least one peripheral flange 5. In this case, a plurality of locking and unlocking mechanism in position is also provided in the device 1 of electrical outlet. Here, the electrical outlet device comprises three electrical outlets 3 and three mechanism 28 for locking and unlocking the electrical plug 4 in position so that one of the mechanisms 28 releases the peripheral flange 5 from the electrical plug 4 which it Holds and locks. The electrical sockets 3 that comprises the device may be type C13 and C19 connectors cooperating with electrical connectors with peripheral collar 5.

The invention is described in the foregoing by way of example. It is understood that one skilled in the art is able to achieve different embodiments of the invention, for example by combining the various characteristics above taken alone or in combination, without departing from the scope of the invention. .

Claims

An electrical outlet device (1) comprising:

a base (2) provided with at least one electrical socket (3) for receiving a connection portion of an electrical plug (4), the base (2) defining at least one inner housing (20) and being provided on one of its surfaces (19) of at least one opening opening (22) in the inner housing (20), and at least one groove (23) extending circumferentially to the electrical outlet (3) and comprising an opening opening (27) in the inner housing (20), the groove (23) being intended to receive a peripheral collar (5) of the electric plug (4);

at least one mechanism (28) for locking and unlocking the electrical plug (4) in position, the locking and unlocking mechanism (28) comprising:

a support (29) arranged in the inner housing (20) of the base (2);

a flexible part (30) mounted on the support, said flexible part comprising an end portion (42) extending through the opening (27), the end portion (42) being provided, at its free end (50), a locking member (49) in translation of the electrical plug (4), the locking member (49) extending in the groove (23) and being able to retract and retaining the peripheral flange (5) of the electrical plug (4) by bracing when the peripheral flange (5) is received in the groove (23);

a pusher (31) mounted on the support (29) and extending through the orifice (22), the pusher (31) comprising an actuating member (66) arranged in the inner housing (20) facing of the end portion (42) of the flexible piece (30), the pusher (31) being movably mounted in translation relative to the support (29) along an axis (Z):

^■ between a first rest position, wherein the actuating member (66) is away from the blocking member (49) of the end portion (42) extending into the groove ( 23), retaining the peripheral collar (5) of the electric plug (4) when the peripheral collar (5) is received in the groove (23), and

^■ a second support position on the pusher (31), in which the actuating member (66) bears on the end portion (42) of the flexible part (30) which is retracted into the housing; inside (20) of the base (2) so as to move the locking member (49) away from the electric plug (4) to release the electric plug (4).

Electrical socket device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the flexible part (30) is configured so that, in the second bearing position on the pusher (31), the end part ( 42) exerts an elastic biasing force on the actuating member (66) of the pusher (31), towards the first rest position of the pusher (31), causing a longitudinal displacement of the pusher (31) from the second position towards the first position when the electric plug (4) is disengaged from the electrical socket (3) and the groove (23).

Device (1) electrical socket according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the flexible part (30) is a metal blade comprising a first leg (41) extending in the inner housing (20), a second leg ( 42) forming the end portion (42), and a bent portion (43) connecting the first leg (41) to the second leg (42). Device (1) electrical socket according to claim 3, characterized in that the support (29) is formed of two complementary half-shells (34) defining an internal cavity (39), the cavity (39) opening through a window ( 46), and in that the first leg (41) and the bent portion (43) are arranged in the cavity (39) of the support (29), the second leg (42) extending outside the support ( 29), through the window (46).

Device (1) electrical socket according to claim 3, characterized in that the support (29) is formed of a single piece comprising a lug, and in that the first leg (41) is provided with a light (55 ) adapted to receive the lug for clipping the flexible blade on the support (29), the flexible blade being clipped onto the support (29) at the bent portion (43).

Device (1) electrical socket according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier (29) is provided on one outer face (36) of at least one recess (63), and in that the pusher (31) comprises at least one tab (61) adapted to cooperate with one or one of the recess (s) (63) of the support (29) for clipping the pusher (31) on the support (29).

Electrical outlet device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (29) forms a stud, the end portion (42) of the flexible piece (30) extending to the before the pad, to the electrical socket (3), and in that the pusher (31) is formed of a one-piece tube adapted to be engaged on the pad.

8. Device (1) electrical socket according to claim 7, characterized in that the integral tube comprises a portion projecting forwardly, said portion forming the actuating member (66), and in that the tube monoblock further comprises a chamber (59) provided with an opening opening under the protruding portion forwards, the end portion (42) of the flexible member (31) extending through the opening.

9. Device (1) electrical socket according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support (29) and / or the pusher (31) is made of a plastic material.

10. Device (1) electrical socket according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the base (2) is provided with a plurality of electrical sockets (3), each socket (3) being intended to receive a connection part of an electrical plug (4), and in that the electrical socket device (1) comprises a plurality of locking and unlocking mechanism (28), each locking and unlocking mechanism (28) being able to lock and unlock an electrical plug (4) received in one of the electrical outlets (3).