ES2877232T3 - Closing system for a socket - Google Patents

Abstract

Socket for producing a detachable connection to a connector (8), comprising a device socket (4) and a front element (6) placed in front of and fixed on the front side, which has a central insert for accommodating a connector (7) with contact holes (14), whereby a locking element (13) is arranged between the central insert (7) and the device base (4), through which the contact holes ( 14) in the central insert (7), and where contact elements (10) located in the device base (4) are arranged flush with the contact holes (14) and can be connected at a voltage of the mains, wherein: - a locking mechanism (19) is arranged in the socket (1), through which a movement of the locking element (13) can be blocked and which can be deactivated and activated via of an access system (20), - the blocking element (13) has a slider (16) housed movable in a support element (15) fixed on the underside of the central insert (7), - the locking mechanism (19) has a locking means (23) and a drive (21, 31) for moving the locking means (23), - where the blocking means (23) is movable from a blocking position, in which the slider (16) is not movable through a connector (8), to an unlocking position, in which that the slider (16) is movable through the connector (8), and - in which the locking means (23) is guided in the support element (15) of the locking element (13), in such a way that it can fit into the path of movement of the slider (16).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Closing system for a socket

The invention relates to a socket outlet. Electrical consumers are often detachably connected to an electrical supply voltage. Such a connection can be made via a connector, which can be inserted into a fixedly arranged socket.

The socket outlets comprise a device base, which surrounds a supporting frame on the outside, which makes it possible to fix them in an installation housing. and a front element arranged in front of the appliance base, which can be configured in one or more parts depending on the embodiment, and can have a central insert for housing the connector.

Contact protection can be integrated into the socket outlets, which can prevent, especially in children, that contact with the current-conducting elements of a socket outlet is possible through tampering. In this case, free access through contact holes of the central insert to contact elements of the appliance base can be prevented by arranging a movable locking element between the appliance base and the central insert. Simply by inserting connector pins into the contact holes of the central insert, the locking element can be displaced, and the connector can engage with the contact elements. After a withdrawal of the connector, the locking element is automatically returned by means of spring elements back to its starting position.

In addition, the socket outlets can be provided, depending on the field of application and the object of application, with closable covers or inserts in order to prevent unauthorized or false use. The covers are arranged in the structure of the socket outlets and require a high manufacturing cost.

Documents EP 0771 051 A1 and EP 0646990 A1 show on the front side insert bodies mounted on a central insert of a socket, with a locking element and a locking mechanism arranged on the insert element, which are activated by the connector.

In FR 2824962 A1, a locking means moves through an external pin on a connector fitting out of the position that locks a locking element. In CN 2 166 532 Y a rotary locking means is published, which is arranged on a base plate, which also carries a locking element.

The object of the present invention is to create a socket, which can only be used by authorized personnel and which is compact and optically attractive.

This task is solved by means of the characteristics indicated in claim 1 of the patent. Advantageous configurations of the socket outlet appear from the description, the drawings and the dependent claims.

The socket outlet according to claim 1 of the patent comprises a locking system integrated with a locking element and with a locking mechanism, wherein the locking system can be controlled through a respective access system, which only grants access to authorized users. The closure system has the advantage that no additional or separate closure elements are needed and in this way the former functionality of a socket outlet can be clearly improved. The elements of the closure system can be arranged invisible and protected in the socket box, so that no damage and / or manipulation are possible. The socket outlet can be kept in its basic structures, so that only the necessary parts need to be replaced or additionally installed. More advantageously, the appearance can be maintained compared to conventional socket outlets, since no closable boxes or closable inserts are necessary.

The socket can comprise an appliance socket and a front element visible to the user, wherein the front element can have at least one central insert for housing a connector. Between the central insert and the appliance base, a locking element and a locking mechanism can be arranged, wherein the locking element can block free access through contact holes of the central insert to contact elements of the appliance base. and wherein the locking mechanism can prevent a movement of the locking element and thus can lock the contact holes until the locking mechanism is deactivated through the access system.

After a deactivation of the locking mechanism, the locking element locks the contact holes of the center insert onwards and maintains a contact protection. Only through the plug of the connector in the contact holes of the socket is the locking element displaced. In the unused state of the socket, the contact protection operates without interruption, regardless of the position of the locking mechanism.

In an advantageous configuration, after a removal of the connector, in addition to the automatic restoration of the contact protection, an automatic recovery of the locking mechanism can also be carried out, so that the socket can only be used again after the new one. deactivation of the locking mechanism. More advantageously, the locking element and the locking mechanism are coupled to each other for this purpose and can be moved via recovery components, for example springs and / or motors to the original position.

The locking mechanism engages the movement cycle of the locking element, for example axially, perpendicularly and / or radially to a plugging direction of the connector. The locking mechanism may have movable housed mechanical components, such as levers, pins, racks, and / or ratchets. Furthermore, the locking mechanism can comprise motor components, through which the mechanical components can be actuated. For the coupling of mechanical components and motors, for example gear wheels, worm wheels and / or shafts can be used.

More advantageously, the use of a motor drive enables activation / deactivation of the locking mechanism without manual expense and a remote control embodiment of the socket, for example, in places that are difficult to access. In the sense of the invention, a motor can be understood as an electric motor, which converts the electrical energy supplied into a translational or rotational movement. The electrical supply of the motor can then be carried out via the supply voltage anyway present in the socket.

In another configuration (not claimed), electrically, magnetically and / or piezo-electrically operating components can act as locking mechanisms directly on the locking element. More advantageously, an electromagnetically working locking mechanism can act on a magnetic counter part arranged on the locking element. As soon as the electromagnet is disconnected, the locking element can move freely. Furthermore, a piezo drive may also be suitable which, when an electrical voltage is applied, causes a deformation of the material and thus a useful movement.

More advantageously, the locking element and the locking mechanism can be arranged in the central insert, so that the manufacture and retrofitting of a socket outlet is possible while maintaining the basic configuration. The locking element and the locking mechanism can be arranged in this case in a common housing body (not shown) and / or on a common support element, which can be fixed with a retention effect, for example, in the insert. central.

In another embodiment, the locking element can be arranged in the central insert, while the locking mechanism can be found in the appliance socket, and separate housing / support elements can be used. The locking element and the locking mechanism are then connected to each other through an interface.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a motor, a gear and / or other components of the locking mechanism can be arranged in a functional unit, which is surrounded by a housing and which can be modularly integrated into the socket. In an advantageous configuration, the known socket structure can be maintained through a space-saving arrangement of components and an additional storage space for the functional unit can be created. Preferably, such a receiving space can be configured together or in the appliance base or in the central unit of the socket. The modular design of the functional unit enables simple retrofitting without replacement of the device base. During assembly, the module can advantageously be inserted self-locking and / or self-contacting into the existing receiving space, preferably from the front side.

Activation / deactivation of the locking mechanism can be done in different ways through an access system, which only grants access to authorized users. In one configuration, a lock-type mechanism can be arranged on the front member and can mechanically actuate the locking mechanism. A key that fits into a lock can be used as an identification mechanism.

As a means of identification, it is also possible to use access codes or biometric data of users, which, verified by means of separate or integrated detection facilities and conditioned according to signal technology, can activate a motor-driven locking mechanism. .

In an advantageous embodiment, contactless identification means can also be used, so that direct contact with the socket is not necessary, especially in places that are difficult to access. Corresponding signals are received by electrical components in the socket and not specifically conditioned so that the locking mechanism can be activated. For example, by means of remote control or transponder technique, radio signals or infrared signals can be transmitted to the socket, so that access to the socket can only be activated in the presence of an authorized person.

Furthermore, remote control can also be carried out via a bus line, the signals of which are fed into the socket, where a cable (bus) signal activates the locking mechanism in the socket. . Thus, for example, external socket outlets can only be used by authorized personnel or in hospitals, only instructed and authorized persons can connect the necessary devices to an emergency power supply to avoid overloads in the network.

In addition to user-dependent activation, a locking mechanism with electrically actuated components can also be controlled depending on consumption, time, program or event. In this way, the most different parameters such as, for example, time, consumption, temperature, load, can be recorded by means of corresponding sensors and with the help of definable specifications signals for the activation of the locking mechanism can be generated. In this way, the socket outlets can be released by time control only at specified time intervals or event controlled at certain events.

A locking mechanism according to the invention can be used in both electrical and optical socket outlets. In the case of an optical connection between a connector and a socket, the optical signal may be converted into an electrical signal or an electrical supply may be present to power electrical components.

Other details, characteristics and advantages of the invention appear from the following description of a preferred embodiment with the aid of the drawings.

Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a socket with a motor-driven locking mechanism in the locked position.

Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a socket with a motor-driven locking mechanism in the unlocked position.

Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of a socket with a mechanically actuated locking mechanism in the locked position, and

Figure 4 shows a schematic representation of a socket with a mechanically actuated locking mechanism in the unlocked position.

The same or equivalent components are provided in the following description with the same reference signs.

In the following, the structure and mode of operation of the socket 1 according to the invention will be schematically described in detail with the aid of alternative embodiments.

According to FIG. 1, an electrical socket 1 is fixed in an installation socket 2, which is fixed stationary on a wall of the building 3. The socket 1 has an appliance base 4, which surrounds on the outside a Support frame 5, which makes it possible to fix the socket 1 in the housing of the system 2. A specific functional front element 6 is attached to the front side, which can have one or more parts depending on the application. The front element 6 has a central insert 7 in the shape of a bowl for accommodating a connector 8. On the device base 4 there are terminals 9 and metal contact elements 10 connected to them, which can be inserted on the front side into a connector plug 11 of the connector 8 in a plug direction X. A power line 12 laid on the wall side supplies the socket 1 with a mains voltage and is detachably connected to the terminals 9.

Furthermore, the socket 1 has a locking element 13, which blocks contact holes 14 in the central insert 7, so that the contact elements 10 arranged in the appliance base 4 are protected against contact. The locking element 13 has on a support element 15 fixed with retention effect on the underside of the central insert 7 a slider 16 housed movably. In a non-activated state, ramp-shaped surfaces 17 on the slide 16 block the contact holes 14 of the central insert 7. Only through the insertion of connector pins 11 of the connector 8 does the locking element 13 move and access to the contact elements 10 is made possible. A spring 18 fixed laterally on the support element 15 and on the slider 16 makes it possible to recover the slider 16 to the starting position.

To realize a locking system for the socket 1, a locking mechanism 19 is configured, which engages in the path of movement of the slide 16 and which can only be activated by an authorized user through an access system 20. The locking mechanism 19 can be manually or motor actuated depending on the embodiment.

According to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, in the appliance base 4 there is a drive unit 21, comprising a motor 22, a locking means 23 of the locking mechanism 19, electrical components for the voltage supply and a control electronics 24 for activating the motor 10. On the bottom side, contact-protected connection contacts 25 from the drive unit 21 are guided, which are in electrical contact with the terminals 9 on the appliance base 4 and ensure the electrical supply of the motor 22. Furthermore, an access system 20 is realized in the socket 1, comprising a detector 26 arranged on the front element 6 in the form of a radio receiver, that receives signals from an identification means 27 carried by the user in the form of a transmitter to be able to connect the motor 22. Connection lines 28 of the radio receiver 26 extend along the central insert 7 and are guided by means of a plug connection 29 on drive unit 21.

The motor 22 has a toothed wheel 30 on the drive side, which transmits the rotary movement to the locking means 23 guided in the drive unit 21 in the form of a rack. The locking means 23 is guided from the drive unit 21 to the support element 15 of the locking element 13. The gear wheel 30 meshes with the locking means 23, which thus moves axially towards a plug-in direction X connector 8 and can fit into the path of movement of slide 16.

An activation of the motor 22 is carried out through the access system 20, where only signals emitted by an authorized user lead to a switching signal. In this way the voltage supply for the motor 22 is released, so that its rotational movement is transmitted through the gear wheel 30 onto the locking means 23. The locking means 23 moves from a locking position according to Figure 1, in which the slide 16 is not movable through the connector 8, to an unlocking position according to Figure 2, in which the slide 16 is movable through the connector 8 and thus the slide 8 is it can be inserted into the contact elements 10. After removal of the connector 8, the slide 16 is recovered through the spring 18 back to the locked position, while the control electronics 24 activated by means of a sensor not shown, which detects the position of the slide 16, induces the motor 22 into a reversal movement, so that the mechanically coupled locking means 23 returns again to the locking position according to FIG. 1.

According to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a locking mechanism 19 is shown which acts exclusively mechanically. On the side of the central insert 7 a rotatable supported shaft 31 is arranged, which has a locking means 23, which is guided in the support element 15 of the locking element 13 and can engage radially in a plug direction X of the connector 8 in the path of movement of the slide 16.

An operation of the locking mechanism 19 is carried out via an access system 20, in which the shaft 31 is mechanically coupled with a detector 26 arranged on the front element 6 in the form of a lock, which can be activated via an identification means 27 in the form of a key. In this way, a rotary movement is generated, which is transmitted through the locking means 23. The locking means 23 moves from a locking position according to Figure 3, in which the slider 16 is not movable through a slide 8, to an unlocking position according to figure 4, in which the slide 16 is movable through the connector 8 and in this way the connector 8 can be inserted into the contact elements 10. After removal of the connector 8, the slide 16 is recovered through the spring 18 back to the locking position, while the locking means 23 can be returned through the operation of the lock 26 manually back to the locking position according to figure 1 .

List of reference signs

1 Socket box

2 Installation housing

3 Building wall

4 Device base

5 Support frame

6 Front element

7 Central insert

8 Connector

9 Terminals

10 Contact elements

11 Connector pins

12 Power line

13 Locking element

14 Contact holes

15 Support element

16 Sliding

17 Surface

18 Pier

19 Locking mechanism

20 Access system

21 Drive unit 22 Motor

23 Locking medium

24 Control electronics 25 Connection contacts 25 Detector

27 Means of identification 28 Connection lines 29 Plug connection 30 Gear wheel

31 Tree

X Plug direction

Claims (12)

1. Socket box to produce a detachable connection with a connector (8), comprising an appliance socket (4) and a front element (6) placed upstream and fixed on the front side, which has a connector housing a central insert (7) with contact holes (14), wherein between the central insert (7) and the appliance base (4) there is arranged a locking element (13), through which the holes can be locked. contact (14) in the central insert (7), and where contact elements (10) found in the appliance base (4) are arranged flush with the contact holes (14) and can be connected in a grid voltage, where: - a locking mechanism (19) is arranged in the socket (1), through which a movement of the locking element (13) can be blocked and which can be deactivated and activated through an access system ( twenty), - the locking element (13) has a slide (16) housed movably in a support element (15) fixed on the lower side of the central insert (7), - the locking mechanism (19) has a locking means (23) and a drive (21, 31) for moving the locking means (23), - wherein the locking means (23) is movable from a locking position, in which the slide (16) is not movable through a connector (8), to an unlocking position, in which the slide ( 16) is movable through connector (8), and - wherein the locking means (23) is guided in the support element (15) of the locking element (13), in such a way that it can fit into the movement path of the slide (16). 2. Socket box according to patent claim 1, characterized in that the access system (20) is electrically or mechanically connected to the locking mechanism (19). Socket box according to one of the preceding patent claims, characterized in that the locking means (23), which engages in the movement path of the slide (16), is movable axially, perpendicularly and / or radially to the plug direction (X) of connector (8). Plug socket according to one of the preceding patent claims, characterized in that the locking mechanism (19) is recoverable in its starting position. Plug socket according to one of the preceding patent claims, characterized in that the actuation of the locking mechanism (19) for the locking means (23) is provided as a motor or mechanical drive. Socket box according to one of the preceding patent claims, characterized in that the locking mechanism (19) is arranged on the appliance base (4) and / or on the central insert (7). Plug socket according to one of the preceding patent claims, characterized in that the drive of the locking mechanism (19) is arranged in a housing (21). Socket box according to one of the preceding patent claims, characterized in that the access system (20) has an identification means (27) and a detector (26). Plug socket according to one of the preceding patent claims, characterized in that the access system (20) is arranged in the socket (1) and / or is remote controlled. Socket box according to one of the preceding patent claims, characterized in that the access system (20) has a lock (26) and a key (27). Socket box according to one of the preceding patent claims, characterized in that the access system (20) is designed to be activated without contact. Socket box according to one of the preceding patent claims, characterized in that the access system (20) has a radio receiver (26) and a radio transmitter (27).