ES2654307T3 - Rotating power socket - Google Patents

Abstract

Rotary power outlet comprising a base (4) and a moving part (2) suitable for pivoting in rotation with respect to the base (4), mechanical means (15, 16) to limit the amplitude of the rotation, said being base (4) provided with a passage (8), said moving part (2) being also provided with a passage (6) and a plurality of conductive alveoli (10) suitable for receiving the pins of a male electric plug, means suitable for fixing the base with a support, flexible electrical wires (24) surrounded by an insulating sheath and electrically connected to said conductive sockets (10) by electrical connections (26); characterized in that said flexible electrical wires pass through said passage (6) of said mobile part (2) and said passage (8) of said base (4) and because it comprises: - conductive terminals (17) on said base, said electrical wires being flexible electrically connected to said conductive terminals (17) by electrical connections (28); - immobilization means (14, 18) comprising shoring means that tighten the ends of the flexible electric wires (24) on the base (4) and on the moving part (2) in rotation, the shoring means comprising a pair of protuberances (14, 18) in solidarity with the base and with the mobile part in rotation, said protuberances (14, 18) tightening the end of the insulating sheath of the flexible electric wires (24), as well as a protuberance (19 ) in solidarity with the conductor terminal (17) that tightens the electric wire to the level of its bare part; and because the steps (6, 8) are arranged on the axis of rotation of said moving part (2) and tighten the part of the flexible electric wires (24) that passes through said steps (6, 8).

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Rotary power socket Field of the invention

The invention is related to rotary sockets.

The invention is also related to feeding blocks comprising rotary sockets of this type.

State of the art

In order to avoid that the consumer exerts a traction directly on the power cable of electrical appliances, which, in the long run, causes the breakage of the conductive wires, more and more appliances are provided with pins that form an angle with the power cord. The problem is that these plugs are obviously more bulky and, in particular in the case of multiple sockets, the different plugs run the risk of bothering each other. This problem also arises with the splicing of power blocks that combine a plug and a power supply for shavers, mobile phones, computers, etc.

US 2011/0312194 A1 discloses a multi-jack housing provided with socket inserts provided with a rotating mobile part and a fixed part integral with the housing. The mobile part is equipped with flexible wires that pass through a hole that is in the fixed part and that are electrically connected to the electrical link lines present inside the housing. Some stops limit the amplitude of the rotation. The device disclosed by US 2011/0312194 A1, however, has weaknesses at the level of the electrical connections between the flexible wires and the electrical link lines in the housing and the plug contacts. In fact, during the rotation of the insert, mechanical stresses are exerted on these electrical connections, which, in the long run, entails the breaking of these connections. In addition, in this configuration, repeated rotation movements entail an important solicitation of the electric wires, which causes them to wear out.

EP 0768737 A1 is known as a socket block provided with rotary socket inserts equipped with flexible wires. These flexible wires ensure the connection between the electrical link poles of the block and the sleeves of the socket inserts intended to receive the pins of electric plugs. The grounding of each insert is also linked to the corresponding pole of the block by means of flexible wires. In the device described by EP 0768737 A1, the sleeves and the grounding of each insert are not directly connected to the corresponding poles of the block, but the electrical connection is made by an interconnection between the sleeves (and the earth connections ) of the different socket inserts using flexible threads. In order for each jack insert to have an independent rotary movement, it is necessary that the link threads have a considerably more important length than the direct distance between two adjacent jack inserts.

Document EP 0702433 A2 also discloses a block of sockets provided with rotary socket inserts, making it possible this time the rotation of the inserts by an arrangement of sliding contacts between shoes integral with the socket inserts and ring sections of friction. Such a system offers a limited range of possible angles for jack inserts.

Document CN 201781169 discloses a system in which the electrical connection between the socket inserts and the block connection poles is made by a contact between two conductive plates and the external surfaces of the socket inserts. Such a system does not allow an earth connection to be connected to the socket inserts.

US 7,740,484 discloses a rotating power outlet comprising a base and a rotating mobile part provided with conductive sockets suitable for receiving the pins of a male electrical plug, the electrical contacts between the base and the mobile part being in rotation secured by conductive rings.

Summary of the invention

One purpose of the invention is to allow an easy splicing of several electrical plugs on the same socket block, by a suitable rotation of each socket insert connected to an electrical plug, so as to prevent adjacent plugs from disturbing each other.

Another purpose of the invention is to provide a block of solid rotating sockets whose mechanism can be requested numerous times without causing damage to its structure and not endangering users.

The object of the invention is a rotating power outlet as disclosed in independent claim 1. The advantage of this design is that it reduces, even cancels the mechanical stresses exerted on the electrical connections, at the level of the conductive alveoli and the conductive terminals

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In an advantageous embodiment, the passage of the movable part and the passage of the base gently tighten the part of the flexible electric wires that pass through said passages.

In an advantageous embodiment, the mobile part of the rotating power outlet comprises a protective cup comprising a crown that prevents contact with a live part and a bottom provided with perforations for the passage of the pins of an electric plug male.

In an advantageous embodiment, the immobilization means comprise a plurality of protrusions in solidarity with the rotating mobile part that form a guide for the flexible electric wires, so that they experience one or more changes of direction.

The steps in the base and the movable part may have different sections, to the extent that the central parts of the flexible electric wires are effectively immobilized.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the steps in the base and the moving part have a circular section. This shape for the section is particularly adapted for flexible electric wires of circular section.

According to an advantageous exemplary embodiment, the circular section passages have a diameter such that they tightly tighten the flexible electric wires so as to keep their central portion substantially immobile.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the flexible electric wires are multifilament wires. Electric wires of this type have, in effect, a better longevity due to their ability to better withstand repetitive mechanical stresses.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the electrical contacts of the fixed and mobile parts are arranged opposite to each other, that is to say that the electrical connections between the flexible electrical wires and the conductive alveoli are made at the level of the upper part of the moving part, while the connections between the flexible electric wires and the conductive terminals are made at the level of the bottom of the base. This configuration for the electrical contacts makes it possible to extend the portion of the flexible electrical wires substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the moving part.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the outlet according to the invention is also provided with a mechanical safety device that prevents unforeseen access to the conductive alveoli (safety for "child"), which could lead to inconveniences such as electrocution.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the mechanical safety device is integrated in said protective cup, said device being provided with mechanical means that obstruct the perforations of the bottom of the protective bowl, said mechanical means opening access to the conductive alveoli only under the simultaneous thrust in the perforations of the two pins of a male pin.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the electrical connections are made by welding.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the flexible electric wires are crimped at their two ends. Crimping is an advantageous alternative to welding, as it guarantees an extended life and eliminates the weak point that is the result of high temperatures in the case of welding.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the electrical connections are made by screwing.

Any other embodiment of the electrical connections can be considered, both at the level of the alveoli and the conductive terminals. In particular, electrical connections can be considered by simple contact between the bare part of the wire and the conductive socket and / or the conductor terminal, if the means of immobilization of the ends of the flexible electrical wires allow it.

Another object of the invention is a multi-jack block comprising at least one rotary outlet according to the description above. The total number of rotary sockets present on the multi-jack block depends on the needs of the user.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the multi-block block is provided with rotary sockets according to the present invention and traditional non-rotary sockets. In fact, it is not essential in some cases that all the sockets of the multi-jack block are rotary and the number of rotary sockets can be restricted in order to reduce costs, being a more expensive rotary take for design than a traditional take. The location of the rotating sockets can be chosen in various ways.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the rotating sockets are located at both ends of the multi-jack block.

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According to another example of an advantageous embodiment, the rotating sockets are in alternation with traditional sockets on the multi-jack block, allowing this to reduce the mutual discomfort generated by each pair of adjacent pins.

Another object of the invention is a block of sockets suitable for being integrated in a wall comprising at least one outlet according to the description above. As in the case of the multi-block block, a block of sockets provided with rotary sockets according to the present invention and traditional non-rotary sockets can be made. The location of the rotating sockets can be chosen in various ways.

Brief description of the figures

These aspects, as well as other aspects of the invention will be clarified in the detailed description of particular embodiments of the invention, with reference to the drawings of the figures, in which:

Figure 1 is an exploded view of the lower part of an embodiment of the rotating socket;

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the lower part of another embodiment of the rotating socket;

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the top of the movable part;

Figure 4 is a perspective view of the bottom of the rotary take;

Figure 5 is an exploded view of an embodiment of the rotary take;

Figure 6 is an enlarged view of a part of the rotary take;

Figure 7 is an enlarged view of another part of the rotating socket;

Figure 8 is an exploded view of an embodiment of a multi-block according to the invention;

The figures are not drawn to scale. Generally, similar elements are indicated by similar references in the figures.

Detailed description of particular embodiments

Figure 1 is an exploded view of the lower part of the rotating socket according to an embodiment of the invention. Flexible electric wires are not represented in this figure. The upper part of the rotating socket, constituted by a protective bowl 22, is not represented in this case, but is visible in Figure 4. A part 2, movable in rotation, is inserted into a base 4. A step 6 goes through the movable part 2 in its center (corresponding to its axis of rotation) and a corresponding passage 8 crosses the base 4. The movable part 2 comprises conductive sockets 10 suitable for receiving the pins of a male electrical plug. A conductive rod 12 that allows an electrical link to a grounding is also present on the movable part 2. Shoring means 14 intended to tighten the ends of the electric wires connected to the conductive alveoli 10 are located in the proximity immediate alveoli. Mechanical means 15, 16 to limit the amplitude of the rotation between the part 2, mobile in rotation, and the base 4 are present.

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the lower part of the rotating socket according to another embodiment of the invention. This embodiment corresponds to the German standard used for power outlets, commonly called "schuko". The difference with respect to the previous embodiment resides in the connection structure of the grounding which in the latter case no longer consists of a conductive rod 12, but a pair of lateral tabs 13. Similar similar elements between the mode of embodiment of Figure 1 and that of Figure 2 are indicated by similar references.

Figure 3 shows the top of the rotating part. The elements of the rotating part described in the first paragraph appear in more detail in this figure.

Figure 4 shows the bottom of the rotating socket. The base 4 is provided with conductive terminals 17. Shoring means 18 suitable for tightening the ends of the electric wires connected to the conductive terminals 17 are also present on the base 4. Step 8 has a circular shape and its diameter It is such that the electrical wires (which do not appear in this figure) tightly squeeze with soft friction so that they pass through them in such a way as to keep them substantially motionless during the rotation of the rotating part 2. It will be noted that step 8 may have different sections, in the extent to which the conductive wires are maintained in the same way.

Figure 5 is an exploded view of a rotating socket according to the invention. In this figure, you can see the protection cup 22, constituted by a crown that prevents contact with a live part and by a

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bottom provided with perforations 23 for the passage of the pins of a male electric plug. This bowl is integral with the rotating mobile part 2. In order to avoid any electrocution incident that could occur if a user improperly comes into contact with one of the conductive cells 10, a safety device (22) can be integrated into this bowl 22 "child safety"). This is a mechanical device that only allows access to the conductive alveoli under the simultaneous thrust in the perforations 23 of the two pins of a male pin.

Figure 6 shows in more detail the area of part 2 where the conductive wires are electrically connected 24. The electrical connections 26 are made by welding. In other embodiments, the electrical connections may be made by crimping. This figure shows the effect of the shoring means 14 on the conductive threads 24. The shoring means 14 tighten the ends of the conductive threads 24 so that any mechanical solicitation at the level is greatly reduced, even suppressed. of the electrical connections 26 during a rotation of the moving part. These shoring means consist of protrusions 14 that tighten the ends of the insulating sheath of the electric wires. In this way, the electric wire is immobilized. In addition, the protuberances form a guide for the flexible electrical wires, so that they undergo a change of direction downstream of the electrical connection 26, always with the purpose of greatly reducing, even suppressing, any mechanical solicitation at the level of the electrical connections 26. The angle formed by each conductive wire at the level of step 6 also participates in the suppression of the mechanical stresses exerted on the electrical connections when part 2 makes a rotational movement with respect to the base 4. This is particularly important when the contacts are welded, since the welds are rigid joints very sensitive to mechanical demands.

Figure 7 shows in more detail the area of the base 4 where the conducting wires 24 are electrically connected. As in part 2, shoring means 18 squeeze the ends of the conducting wires 24 with a view to reducing, even suppressing , any mechanical solicitation at the level of the electrical connections 28. The shoring means 18 comprise a pair of parallel protuberances integral with the base that tighten the end of the insulating sheath of the electric wires 24. A solidarity protuberance 19 is also present with the conductive terminal 17, tightening this electric wire to the level of its bare part. Again, the angle formed by each conductive wire at the level of step 8 also participates in the suppression of the mechanical stresses exerted on the electrical connections when part 2 makes a rotation movement with respect to the base 4. It will be noted that the contacts electrical of the fixed and mobile parts are arranged opposite to each other, that is to say, that the electrical connections between the flexible electric wires 24 and the conductive sockets 10 are made at the level of the upper part of the mobile part 2, while that the connections between the flexible wires 24 and the conductive terminals 17 are made at the level of the bottom of the base 4. This configuration for the electrical contacts makes it possible to extend the portion of the flexible electrical wires substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the part mobile 2.

Figure 8 is an exploded view of a multi-block block 30 provided with rotary sockets as described in Figure 4. This multi-block block is provided with two rotary electrical sockets and two traditional fixed sockets.

Claims (9)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 1. Rotary power outlet comprising a base (4) and a moving part (2) suitable for pivoting in rotation with respect to the base (4), mechanical means (15, 16) to limit the amplitude of the rotation, said base (4) being provided with a passage (8), said moving part (2) being also provided with a passage (6) and a plurality of conductive alveoli (10) suitable for receiving the pins of a male electrical plug, suitable fixing means to support the base with a support, flexible electrical wires (24) surrounded by an insulating sheath and electrically linked to said conductive sockets (10) by electrical connections (26); characterized in that said flexible electrical wires pass through said passage (6) of said mobile part (2) and said passage (8) of said base (4) and because it comprises: - conductive terminals (17) on said base, said flexible electrical wires being electrically connected to said conductive terminals (17) by electrical connections (28); - immobilization means (14, 18) comprising shoring means that tighten the ends of the flexible electric wires (24) on the base (4) and on the moving part (2) in rotation, the shoring means comprising a pair of protuberances (14, 18) in solidarity with the base and with the moving part in rotation, said protuberances (14, 18) tightening the end of the insulating sheath of the flexible electric wires (24), as well as a protuberance (19 ) in solidarity with the conductive terminal (17) that tightens the electric wire to the level of its bare part; and because the steps (6, 8) are arranged on the axis of rotation of said moving part (2) and tighten the part of the flexible electric wires (24) that passes through said steps (6, 8). 2. Power outlet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mobile part (2) comprises a protective cup (22), said protection cup (22) comprising a crown that prevents contact with a live part and a bottom provided with perforations (23) for the passage of the pins of a male electric plug. 3. Power outlet according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the immobilization means comprise a plurality of protuberances (14) integral with the rotating mobile part that form a guide for the flexible electric wires (24), so that It makes one or several changes of direction. 4. Power outlet according to claim 2, characterized in that a mechanical safety device is integrated in said protective cup (22), said device being provided with mechanical means obstructing the perforations (23), said mechanical means opening access to the conductive sockets (10) only under the simultaneous thrust in the perforations (23) of the two pins of a male pin. 5. Power socket according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the electrical connections (26, 28) are made by welding. 6. Power socket according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the flexible electric wires (24) are crimped at their two ends. 7. Power socket according to claim 6, characterized in that the electrical connections (26, 28) are made by screwing. 8. Power socket according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it has a multi-socket block (30) as its support. 9. Power socket according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it has as a support a block of sockets suitable for being integrated into a wall.