FR3062528A1 - MODULABLE CATCH SET AND ELECTRICAL MODULE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a set of sockets (1) comprising at least two successive sockets (2) constituting one towards the other of the upstream (2a) and downstream (2b) sockets. Each receptacle comprises at least a first (3) and a second (4) cell in an electrically conductive material, configured to receive pins (10, 11) of an electrical module, respectively. The cells of the upstream socket (2a) are connected, on the one hand, to the respective cells of the downstream socket (2b) through first (5) and second (6) conductive elements and, on the other hand, to the phases (P, N) respective of a power supply. At least the first cell (3) of at least the upstream socket (2a) consists of first (3a) and second (3b) portions curved independently of one another. Elastic means (9) make it possible to bring the two curved portions into contact in the idle state and to move said curved parts apart when a pin is inserted between them, the first curved portion (3 a) being fed with by a phase (P) and the second curved portion (3b) being connected to the first conductive element (5) to be connected to the respective cell (3) on the downstream socket (2b).

Description

Holder (s):

ADEO GROUP Limited company.

O Extension request (s):

® Agent (s): CABINET RIFFLART VANDENBOSSCHE.

(54) MODULAR SOCKET ASSEMBLY AND ELECTRIC MODULE.

FR 3,062,528 - A1

The invention relates to a set of sockets (1) comprising at least two successive sockets (2) constituting one opposite the other of the upstream (2a) and downstream (2b) sockets. Each outlet comprises at least a first (3) and a second (4) cell in an electrically conductive material, configured to receive pins (10, 11) respectively of an electrical module. The cells of the upstream outlet (2a) are connected, on the one hand, to the respective cells of the downstream outlet (2b) thanks to first (5) and second (6) conductive elements and, on the other hand, to the phases (P, N) respective of a power supply. At least the first cell (3) of at least the upstream outlet (2a) consists of first (3a) and second curved parts (3b) independent of each other. Elastic means (9) make it possible to bring these two curved parts into contact in the rest state and to separate said curved parts during the introduction of a spindle between them, the first curved part (3a) being supplied by a phase (P) and the second curved part (3b) being connected to the first conductive element (5) to be connected to the respective cell (3) on the downstream outlet (2b).

i

MODULAR SOCKET ASSEMBLY AND ELECTRIC MODULE

Technical area

The present invention relates to the field of electrical equipment and particularly relates to an electrical outlet, a set of electrical outlets and an electrical module which can be connected to at least one of the outlets of said assembly.

The invention aims to allow modulation of such a set of sockets in order to best adapt it as a function of the electrical devices connected to said sockets and their arrangements.

State of the art

A set of sockets can come in different forms:

According to a first form, the outlet assembly consists of several single, double or even triple wall outlets distributed within one or more rooms of a building, said outlets being connected together by electrical wiring, the outlet located in upstream of the electrical circuit being connected to an electrical supply cable itself connected to the various phases of the electrical supply by means of a circuit breaker or a fuse disposed in an electrical protection panel. "Phase" means a phase as such but also neutral on the power supply.

According to a second form, the set of sockets consists of a multi-socket block on which are arranged several successive sockets connected together by conductive bars for each of the phases (including the neutral) and for the earth. The power strip can be in the form of a monobloc box incorporating said sockets and conductive bars or in the form of an assembly of several blocks, the power strip can be powered by a power cord provided at its end with a male plug (called "plug") plugging into a wall outlet arranged in a room of a building. This power strip can also be in the form of a double or triple wall socket (or even a socket with more than three wells), as mentioned above for the first form, which is then connected directly to the electrical circuit and fixed to the surface or recessed on the wall.

In the context of a single-phase supply, a simple outlet comprises a well provided with two cells, one connected to the phase and the other to the neutral of the electrical supply, and possibly a contact (for example under the shape of a spindle or a lyre) connected to earth. The cells respectively receive the two pins of a male plug arranged at the end of a cord supplying an electrical appliance, for example a lamp, a television set, a video player or the like. The male plug is housed in the well. There are also double and triple sockets with two and three wells respectively, each with two cells and an earth contact. It is understood that the double and triple sockets constitute in themselves multi-socket blocks according to the second aforementioned form.

In the context of a three-phase supply, the simple socket may include two or three cells connected to different phases (two or three phases), depending on whether the electrical appliance connected to said socket requires a three-phase supply or not, as well as possibly an earth contact.

The aforementioned socket sets offer no possible modulation.

Indeed, when this set of sockets is in the first aforementioned form, the electrical circuit thereof is frozen once and for all, except for modifying the electrical installation. For example, it is known to control the supply of a socket in a room of a dwelling by means of a switch or a variator placed in said room and connected to said socket. Such a socket generally allows the connection of a lamp type lamp or other type which can be turned on or off directly by controlling the switch or dimmer. The position of the luminaire is however fixed in the room since it is impossible to control it by plugging it into another socket, independent of the switch or dimmer.

This electrical circuit is also frozen in the case of a set of sockets in the second aforementioned form, namely the power strip. By way of example, multi-socket blocks are known which incorporate a switch configured to control the power supply to all or even only part of the sockets on said multi-socket block. Such a power strip is for example used to power electrical devices such as television, video player, telephone base, telephone and digital modem. While some of these devices can be switched off to avoid leaving them on standby (TV, video player, etc.), others must remain permanently powered (telephone base, modem, etc.). The presence of the switch therefore makes it possible to cut the supply to the sockets concerned to keep the other active. However, when the user wishes to modify the connection of his electrical devices or to add them, the power strip may no longer be adapted to the configuration sought, the only way being to replace said power strip with another suitable one.

Summary of the invention

The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.

To this end, the invention relates firstly to a set of sockets comprising at least two successive sockets constituting one vis-à-vis the other an upstream outlet and a downstream outlet. Upstream and downstream are defined by the direction of current flow in the electrical circuit. Preferably, each outlet comprises a well in which is housed at least partially the male outlet of an electrical appliance or an electrical module fulfilling a function. Each outlet comprises at least a first cell and a second cell in an electrically conductive material, or even a complex of electrically conductive materials, said cells being configured to receive pins of an electrical module, which can be a specific module, such as that which will be described below within the meaning of the invention, or even an electrical device such as a television set or the like. The first and second cells of the upstream outlet are connected, on the one hand, respectively with the first and second cells of the downstream outlet thanks to first and second electrically conductive elements and, on the other hand, respectively with two phases of an electrical supply by means of connection. These conductive elements can be, for example, conductive cables or conductive bars. In addition, the term "phase" covers a phase as such of a power supply, but also the neutral of a power supply. By way of example, the connection means may consist of connectors or connection elements subject to the cells of the upstream socket, on which the wires (one per phase, including neutral) of the electric power cable are connected, or even consist of a cord of wires (one per phase, including neutral), the upstream end of which has a male plug which plugs into a wall outlet and the downstream end of which is connected to the cells of the upstream plug via connectors or soldering.

Remarkably, according to this set of sockets which are the subject of the invention, at least the first socket of at least the upstream socket consists of first and second curved parts independent of one another. In addition, elastic means allow these two curved parts to be brought into contact in the rest state and to separate said two curved parts when a pin is introduced between them. Furthermore, the first curved part is supplied directly or indirectly by a phase (including the neutral) of the power supply and the second curved part is connected to the conductive element to be connected to the respective cell on the downstream outlet. .

By direct supply is meant the fact that the first curved part of the cell is directly connected to the phase of the electrical supply and by indirect supply the fact that the first curved part is connected to said phase via the or sockets arranged upstream and themselves connected to this phase.

The term "curved part" is not limiting; it can be any other form, part of which is configured to come into contact on a pin of an electrical module as it will be presented in the following description.

In an embodiment of the set of sockets according to the invention, the first and second cells of at least the upstream socket each consist of first and second curved parts. The first curved parts are supplied directly or indirectly by the two phases (including the neutral) of the power supply and the second parts are connected respectively to the first and second conductive elements to be connected to the first and second cells of the outlet outlet.

In another embodiment of the set of sockets according to the invention, at least the first cells of the upstream outlet and of the downstream outlet each consist of first and second curved parts. In addition, the first curved part on the upstream outlet is supplied directly or indirectly by a phase (including the neutral) of the power supply and the second curved part on the upstream outlet is connected to the first curved part on the downstream outlet through the first conductive element.

In another embodiment of the set of sockets according to the invention, combining the two aforementioned embodiments, the first and second cells of the upstream outlet and the downstream outlet each consist of first and second curved parts. In addition, the first curved parts of the first and second cells of the upstream outlet are supplied directly or indirectly by the two phases (including the neutral) of the power supply and the second curved parts of said first and second cells of the upstream outlet are connected respectively to the first curved parts of the first and second cells of the downstream outlet by means of the first and second conductive elements.

In a preferred embodiment of the set of sockets according to the invention, it comprises between two and ten sockets connected successively to each other by electrical conductive elements, at least two successive sockets of said sockets constituting an upstream socket and a downstream socket such as defined above according to the various variants.

In a preferred embodiment of the set of sockets according to the invention, all the sockets successively constitute an upstream outlet and a downstream outlet between them. One could however provide alternative embodiments of the set of sockets combining, according to various arrangements, at least one upstream socket and a downstream socket with at least one traditional socket, as will appear in the following detailed description. It will therefore be understood that many alternative embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention.

According to an embodiment of the set of sockets which are the subject of the invention, the two curved parts of at least the first cell of at least the upstream socket have a flared shape configured to facilitate the introduction of the pin and to ensure a continuity of electrical contact between said curved parts when removing the spindle. It will be understood that each cell comprising two curved parts has such a flared shape. This facilitates the connection of the electrical module and avoids micro-cuts during the removal of said electrical module.

According to a first design, the set of sockets according to the invention is in the form of a power strip. This power strip may include a power cord provided at its end with a male plug which can be plugged into a wall socket in a room of a dwelling, which makes it possible to position said power strip in different places of the room according to the positions of the wall sockets in it. Such a power strip can also consist of a double or triple wall outlet, or even more than three, the difference being that this power strip is installed recessed or surface-mounted at a defined location in the room and it is connected directly to the electrical circuit. connecting several sockets in said room. In the latter case, the set of sockets extends to the other wall sockets connected to the same electrical circuit as said double or triple wall socket, which falls within the scope of the second design detailed below.

According to a second design, the set of sockets according to the invention is in the form of single, double and / or triple sockets connected together on the same electrical circuit and configured to be installed recessed or projecting on the walls of 'a room or a room. It is understood that the set of sockets can be composed of a combination of traditional single, double or triple sockets (or even more than three) and, on the contrary, single, double or triple sockets (or even more than three) having the characteristics essential of the invention, these sockets being distributed in a room and connected together by the electrical circuit, one of these sockets being connected to the phases of the electrical supply (and being able to be connected to earth).

It is therefore understood that the invention also relates to a simple electrical outlet, or individual, allowing the implementation of the set of sockets according to the second above-mentioned design. Thus, this socket comprises at least a first cell and a second cell in an electrically conductive material. The term “electrically conductive material” also covers complexes of electrically conductive materials. For a single-phase supply, only two cells are present on the socket, one for the phase and the other for the neutral, with possibly a contact or an additional cell connected to the earth of the house. The invention can also be envisaged with a three-phase power supply, in which case the socket may include three cells, one for each phase. According to the invention, the cells are configured to receive pins of an electrical module respectively. In addition, connection means are configured to connect the cells respectively to the phases (including the neutral) of the power supply. Remarkably, at least the first alveolus consists of first and second curved parts independent of each other. In addition, elastic means allow these two curved parts to be brought into contact in the rest state and to separate said two curved parts when a pin is introduced between them. Furthermore, the connection means comprise a first connector connected to the first curved part and a second connector connected to the second curved part. The first connector allows the direct or indirect connection of the phase of the power supply with the first curved part and the second connector allows the connection of the second curved part with the respective socket of the single, double or triple socket arranged downstream , by means of a conductive element of cable or strip type, depending on the position of said sockets constituting a socket assembly according to the invention.

In a preferred embodiment of the socket according to the invention, the first and second cells each consist of first and second curved parts connected respectively to first and second connectors. This facilitates the fitting of the socket assembly while avoiding connection errors.

In one embodiment of the socket according to the invention, the two curved parts of at least the first cell (preferably of the two cells) have a flared shape configured to facilitate the introduction of the pin and to ensure continuity of the electrical contact between said curved parts when removing this pin.

The invention also relates to an electrical module configured to be plugged into a set of sockets according to the invention. The module includes a body incorporating a mechanism configured to perform a function and at least the first and second pins, in the case of a single-phase electrical circuit. In the case of a three-phase electrical circuit, a third pin will be present on the module. Remarkably, at least the first pin comprises two portions of electrically conductive material configured to come into contact respectively with the two curved parts of at least the first cell of the upstream socket of the socket assembly according to the invention, during the introduction of said first pin into said first cell. In addition, said two conductive portions are separated from each other by a central portion of electrical insulating material, said two conductive portions being in connection with the mechanism.

In a preferred embodiment of the electrical module according to the invention, the first and second pins (or even the third for a module connected to a three-phase electrical circuit) each comprise two conductive portions and an insulated central portion.

According to the electrical module which is the subject of the invention, the two conductive portions and the insulated central portion are configured so that the distance in the air separating the respective edges of said conductive portions on the peripheral contour of the spindle is at least three millimeters ( 3 mm). This makes it possible to comply with the normative requirements.

According to the electrical module that is the subject of the invention, the mechanism is configured to fulfill a cutoff, modulation or / and measurement function.

When the module includes a mechanism configured to perform a cut-off function, with a manual control (switch, mechanical relay, etc.) or a remote control (electronic relay with radio frequency control, Bluetooth or any other protocol, etc.), this function allows the current to pass or not to pass between the two conductive portions. Thus, when the module is plugged into a socket comprising one or more cells in two curved parts, of a set of sockets according to the invention, said module fulfills a switch function making it possible to control the electrical supply of the sockets arranged in downstream on this set of sockets. It is also possible to move the electrical module on the socket assembly to plug it into another socket having one or more cells in two curved parts so as to control a different number of downstream sockets on this set of sockets, according to the desired configuration for connecting electrical devices such as, for example, a television, a video player, a telephone and / or digital modem or the like. It will therefore be understood that the combination of a set of sockets and an electrical module according to the invention offers a very advantageous modulation capacity making it possible to best adapt the control of the electrical supply according to the configuration and the type of electrical appliances plugged into the outlet assembly.

When the mechanism fulfills a reading function, the electrical module will allow for example the measurement of the power consumed by the electrical appliances connected to the sockets downstream of the socket receiving said electrical module.

When the mechanism fulfills a combined reading and control function, it will, for example, be possible to implement a standby function, to control the supply of the downstream sockets to which the video player, TV decoder or for example are connected. other, when the television which is connected to said module consumes an intensity greater than a defined threshold, for example five milliamps (i = 5 mA). It is understood that, in addition to the combined reading and control function, such an electrical module according to the invention also fulfills a socket function for the connection of the television.

Brief description of the figures

The characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description based on figures, among which:

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate two block diagrams of a set of sockets according to the invention comprising an upstream outlet and a downstream outlet, a specific electrical module being plugged into the upstream outlet in Figure 2;

Figures 3 to 6 illustrate in a nonlimiting manner four block diagrams of variants of set of sockets, a traditional electrical module being plugged into one of the sockets in Figures 3, 5 and 6, and a specific electrical module according to l the invention being plugged into one of the sockets in Figures 4 and 6;

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate an implementation of cells in two curved parts on a power strip;

FIG. 9 illustrates an electrical module according to the invention;

Figure 10 shows schematically a layout of a set of sockets according to the invention in a room or a room of a building;

FIG. 11 illustrates a set of sockets according to the invention in the form of a power strip comprising seven sockets, on which are plugged an electrical module according to the invention and two traditional electrical modules;

FIGS. 12 to 14 illustrate a multiple socket block according to the invention comprising four sockets and an electrical module according to the invention from being plugged into different sockets of said multiple socket block FIGS. 15 to 17 illustrate another implementation of cells in two curved parts on a power strip comprising four sockets as illustrated in Figures 12 to 14;

18 to 21 show diagrammatically four non-limiting variants of electrical modules;

Figures 22 to 26 illustrate another implementation of cells in two curved parts on a power strip comprising four sockets as illustrated in Figures 12 to 14.

detailed description

In the following description, the same references are used to describe the same or similar characteristics according to the various alternative embodiments.

As illustrated with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, a set of sockets 1 according to the invention comprises a minimum of two successive sockets 2, one constituting an upstream socket 2a and the other a downstream socket 2b. In Figures 1 and 2, only an upstream outlet 2a and a downstream outlet 2b are illustrated. In FIGS. 3 to 6, seven sockets 2 are illustrated and connected successively to each other, at least part of these sockets 2 implementing upstream sockets 2a and downstream sockets 2b. It would obviously be possible to provide a set of sockets 1 comprising more or less sockets 2 according to the power supply requirements of electrical devices (not illustrated), for example four or ten sockets 2.

In these Figures 1 to 6, each outlet 2 comprises two cells 3 and 4 designed in an electrically conductive material, for example copper or brass. The first cell 3 is supplied by phase P of the single-phase power supply and the second cell 4 is supplied by the neutral N of the single-phase power supply. In the context of a three-phase power supply, the socket 2 could include three cells supplied respectively by the three phases of said power supply. The first cells 3 of the sockets 2 are successively connected to each other by first conductive elements 5 and the second cells 4 of said sockets 2 are successively connected to each other by second conductive elements 6, as illustrated in these figures 1 to 6. The first and second conductive elements 5, 6 are made for example of copper or brass to ensure good electrical conduction.

In FIGS. 1 and 2, each socket 2 also comprises an earth contact 7, the earth contacts 7 of said sockets 2 being successively connected together by third conductive elements 8 and to the earth T of the building. In Figures 3 to 6, these earth contacts 7 are not shown on the sockets 2, these will however also be provided. These third conductive elements 8 are preferably also made of copper or brass.

In Figure 1, the upstream outlet 2a comprises a first cell 3 consisting of a first curved part 3a and a second curved part 3b, independent of each other. The first curved part 3a is connected to phase P of the power supply and the second curved part 3b is connected to the first cell 3 of the downstream outlet 2b via the first conductive element 5. An elastic element 9 provides a reminder first and second curved parts 3a, 3b of the first cell 3 in contact with one another, when no pin is introduced into this cell 3, as illustrated in particular in Figure 1, which ensures a electrical continuity and makes it possible to connect the first cell 3 of the downstream socket 2b to phase P of the electrical supply, via the first cell 3 of the upstream socket 2a. On the contrary, the introduction of a first pin 10 into the first socket 3 of the upstream socket 2a allows the elastic element 9 to ensure the spacing between the first and second curved parts 3a, 3b, which makes it possible to break the direct contact between said elements, as illustrated in particular in FIG. 2. A second pin 11 is introduced into the second cell 4 of the upstream socket 2a, as illustrated in FIG. 2. In these Figures 1 and 2, l 'elastic element 9 is shown schematically as a separate element from the first and second curved parts 3a, 3b of the cell 3 and the conductive element 5; it goes without saying that this elastic element 9 can be integrated into said curved parts 3a, 3b and / or said conductive element 5 and result from their mechanical characteristics, as will appear in the following description through the embodiments of Figures 8 , 15 to 17 and 22 to 26.

These first and second pins 10, 11 in FIG. 2 are those of a specific electrical module 12, illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 18 to 21. Such an electrical module 12 is very particularly designed to be inserted in an upstream socket 2a, such as previously described. The first pin 10 comprises two portions 10a, 10b in an electrically conductive material, for example copper or brass. These two conductive portions 10a, 10b are separated by a central portion 10c in an electrical insulating material, for example a thermo-hard plastic or porcelain or even a polycarbonate having a high temperature resistance. Of course, other electrically conductive materials and other electrically insulating materials can be envisaged in the context of the invention. The creeping, that is to say the arc length L1 (illustrated in FIG. 18) or the peripheral contour on the insulated portion 10c, 11c separating the two conductive portions 10a, 10b, measures at least three millimeters (L1> 3 mm) for reasons of normative conformity of the electrical module

12.

It can be seen in FIG. 2 that when the pin 10 is inserted into the first cell 3 of the upstream socket 2a, the first curved part 3a is in contact with the first conductive portion 10a and the second curved part 3b is in contact with the second conductive portion 10b. The presence of the insulated central portion 10c on this pin 10 makes it possible to break the electrical continuity between the two conductive portions 10a, 10b and, consequently, between the two curved portions 3a, 3b separated from one another. As a result, the connection of the first cell 3 of the downstream socket 2b to phase P of the power supply, via the first cell 3 of the upstream socket 2a, depends on the electrical module 12.

In FIG. 2, the second pin 11 of the electrical module 12 also comprises two conductive portions 11a, 11b separated by an insulated central portion 11c, which makes it possible to break the electrical continuity between said conductive portions 11a, 11b. However, when this second pin 11 is inserted into a second traditional socket 4 - in a single conductive part - of an upstream socket 2a, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6, the electrical continuity remains between the second socket sockets upstream 2a and downstream 2b; the second cell 4 of the downstream outlet 2b therefore remains connected to the neutral N of the power supply.

In FIG. 3, the set of sockets 1 comprises seven sockets 2 all having a design identical to the upstream socket 2a in FIGS. 1 and 2. These seven sockets 2 successively constitute upstream sockets 2a and downstream sockets 2b between them, in which case said downstream sockets 2b have a design different from that of FIGS. 1 and 2. In this FIG. 3, pins 10 ′, 1Γ are respectively introduced into the first and second cells 3, 4 of the fifth socket 2 (starting from from the left); these pins 10 ′, 11 ′ are however those of a male plug of an electrical appliance or of a traditional electrical module and have a traditional design in a single conductive part, unlike pins 10, 11 in FIG. 2. It as a result, electrical continuity is ensured between the first curved part 3a and the second curved part 3b of the first cell 3 of this fifth socket

2, although said curved parts 3a, 3b are no longer in direct contact due to the presence of the first pin 10 ’; the sixth and seventh sockets 2 therefore remain supplied by phase P of the power supply.

In FIG. 4, the set of sockets 1 comprises seven sockets 2, all having an identical design and successively constituting between them upstream sockets 2a and downstream sockets 2b. On each outlet 2, the first cell 3 comprises a design identical to that of the first cell 3 on the upstream outlet 2a of FIG. 2. In addition, the second cell 4 comprises a design identical to that of the first cell 3, c that is to say that it comprises two curved parts 4a, 4b independent of each other and an elastic element 9, so that when a second pin 11 is introduced into the second socket 4, the first part curved 4a is no longer in direct contact with the second curved part 4b. In this FIG. 4, pins 10, 11 of a specific electrical module 12, such as those described above, are introduced respectively into the first and second cells

3, 4 from the fourth take 2 (from the left); the connection of the first and second cells 3, 4 of the following three sockets 2 with phase P and the neutral N of the electrical supply therefore depends on the electrical module 12.

In FIG. 5, the first five sockets 2 (starting from the left) have a design identical to the upstream socket 2a in FIGS. 1 and 2, the last two sockets 2 having a design identical to the downstream socket 2b in FIGS. 1 and 2. The first six sockets 2 therefore constitute successively upstream sockets 2a and downstream sockets 2b, the electrical continuity of which depends on the insertion into one of these sockets 2 of an electrical module 12 as illustrated in FIG. 9 and the function fulfilled by this electrical module 12. In this case, in FIG. 5, pins 10 ′, 11 ′ of an electrical appliance or of a traditional electrical module are illustrated, in a single conductive part, which guarantees electrical continuity between the fourth and fifth sockets 2. The electrical continuity is permanent between the sixth and seventh sockets 2 which each include the first and second cells 3, 4 in a single conductive part.

In FIG. 6, the last five sockets 2 (starting from the left) have a design identical to the upstream socket 2a in FIGS. 1 and 2 and successively constitute between them upstream sockets 2a and downstream sockets 2b. The first two sockets 2 each comprise first and second cells 3, 4 in a single conductive part (like traditional sockets), which makes it possible to permanently connect the first curved part 3a of the first cell 3 to the third socket 2, with phase P of the power supply. Pins 10, 11 of an electrical module 12 as illustrated in FIG. 9 are inserted in the first and second cells 3, 4 of the fourth socket 2, the electrical continuity with the fifth socket 2 therefore depends on said electrical module 12. On the contrary, pins 10 ′, 11 ′ in a single conductive part are inserted into the cells 3, 4 of the fifth socket 2, which maintains contact between the first and second curved parts 3a, 3b on this fifth socket 2 and therefore ensures electrical continuity with the sixth socket 2.

As described above, Figures 1 to 6 show various implementations of a set of sockets 1 within the meaning of the invention. It is understood that many variants remain possible, such a set of sockets 1 being implemented as soon as a diagram similar to FIGS. 1 and 2 appears on a circuit of sockets connected together, with an upstream socket 2a and a downstream outlet 2b, at least the upstream outlet 2a comprising at least one of its cells 3, 4 in a first curved portion 3a, 4a, a second curved portion 3b, 4b and an elastic element 9, the first curved portion 3a, 4a being connected to phase P and / or to neutral N of the electrical supply and the second part 3b, 4b being connected to the corresponding socket 3, 4 of the downstream outlet 2b via the conductive element 5, 6 .

The electrical module 12 illustrated in FIG. 9 is configured to fulfill a determined function in association with an upstream outlet 2a which has at least one of its cells 3, 4 in two curved parts 3a, 4a, 3b, 4b as explained above. For this, the electrical module 12 includes a mechanism 13 configured to implement said determined function. Different examples of mechanism 13 are shown diagrammatically in FIG. 18 to 21.

In FIG. 18, the electrical module 12 is of the bipolar switch type. The mechanism 13 incorporates two mechanical controls 14, 15 respectively connecting the two conductive portions 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b on the pins 10, 11, these mechanical controls 14, 15 being actuated by a button 16 disposed on the front 12a of said electrical module 12 , as illustrated in FIG. 9. The actuation of the button 16 allows the mechanical controls 14, 15 to be closed and, thus, to ensure contact between the two conductive portions 10a, 10b, lia, 1 lb on each pin 10 , 11, which makes it possible to connect the cells 3, 4 of the downstream outlet 2b to the phase P and to the neutral N of the electrical supply. Thus, the mechanism 13 in FIG. 18 fulfills a switch function.

The function of the mechanism 13 in FIG. 19 is similar to that of the mechanism 13 in FIG. 18, the electric module 12 here being of the remote control bipolar switch type. In this figure 19, the mechanism 13 comprises two electrical relays 17, 18 respectively connecting the two conductive portions 10a, 10b, lia, 11b of the pins 10, 11. These electrical relays 17, 18 are actuated by an electronic unit 19 integrating either a touch sensitive or capacitive type control, either a remote control type radio frequency, Bluetooth, infrared, PLC or using any other protocol.

In FIG. 20, the electrical module 12 is of the “Master / Slave” type. The mechanism 13 comprises two traditional cells 20, 21 connected respectively to the terminals 10, 11. A box A for measuring the intensity is positioned between the first terminal 10 and the first cell 20. This box A controls the closing of two electrical relays 17, 18 respectively arranged between the conductive portions 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b on the two terminals 10, 11, when the intensity exceeds a threshold signifying that the electrical appliance connected to the cells 20, 21 is in operation. This makes it possible to electrically supply the sockets 2 of the socket assembly 1 arranged downstream of the socket 2 receiving the electrical module 12, only when the electrical appliance plugged into said electrical module 12 is in operation. Such an electrical module 12 constitutes a standby switch. According to this design, the electrical module 12 also includes a cell (not shown) for receiving the earth contact 7 from the socket 2. The first conductive portions 10a, lia of the terminals 10, 11 are in contact with the first curved parts 3a , 4a of the cells 3, 4 of the upstream socket 2a, which are connected to phase P and to the neutral N of the electrical supply, thus making it possible to electrically supply the cells 20, 21 on the mechanism 13 of said electrical module 12.

In FIG. 21, the electrical module 12 is of the wattmeter type. The mechanism 13 comprises a box W for measuring the power consumed by the sockets 2 arranged downstream of the socket 2 receiving the electrical module 12 on the set of sockets 1. According to this implementation, the two conductive portions 10a, 10b on pin 10 are permanently interconnected via the wattmeter W which measures the intensity between said conductive portions 10a, 10b, while the two conductive portions 11a, 11b on the other pin 1 are permanently interconnected by a conductive link 26, said wattmeter W measuring the voltage between the two terminals 10, 11. This design ensures electrical continuity with the downstream socket 2b when the electrical module 12 is connected to the upstream socket 2a.

Variants of mechanisms 13 can be envisaged on the electrical module 12, in the context of the invention, in order to fulfill a determined function when connecting said electrical module 12 to an upstream socket 2a of a set of sockets 1. shown schematically in Figures 18 to 21 are particularly interesting when the upstream outlet (s) 2a on the set of sockets 1 are similar to those of Figure 4, that is to say when the two cells 3, 4 on the upstream outlet 2a are in two curved parts 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b. When this upstream outlet 2a is similar to that of FIG. 2, only the first cell 3 being in two curved parts 3a, 3b, provision could be made for a mechanism 13 on the electrical module 12 which would only be in relation to the first terminal 10 of said electrical module 12, in particular when it is a question of fulfilling a switch function by means of a mechanical control 14 or an electrical relay 17.

The set of sockets 1 according to the invention may consist of several simple sockets 2 distributed in a room 22 of a dwelling 23, as illustrated in FIG. 10, said sockets being successively connected to each other by means of elements conductors 5, 6, 8, for example those of a distribution cable 24, said distribution cable 24 being connected to phase P, to neutral N and to earth T. As an example, in FIG. 10, all the sockets 2 successively constitute between them an upstream socket 2a and a downstream socket 2b as shown schematically for example in FIGS. 3 or 4 (with ten sockets instead of seven sockets). One could also provide double or triple sockets instead of single sockets, these double or triple sockets can themselves have the characteristics of a set of sockets 1 formed from a power strip, as will appear below. Preferably, the total number of sockets 2 on an electrical circuit will be limited to eight for reasons of standardization.

In FIG. 11, the set of sockets 1 is in the form of a multi-socket block 100 comprising seven sockets 2 with a configuration which corresponds for example to one of FIGS. 3 or 4. An electrical module 12, such as 'illustrated in Figure 9, is inserted into the third socket 2 (from the left) and fulfills a switch function allowing to power or not the following four sockets 2. The fourth and seventh sockets 2 each receive a traditional electrical module 25 which fulfills a USB socket function for recharging electrical devices such as mobile phones or touch pads.

Figures 12 to 14 show a set of sockets 1 in the form of a power strip 100 having a configuration similar to that of Figure 4, the number of sockets 2 being however four instead of seven. This power strip 100 receives an electrical module 12 fulfilling a switch function, this electrical module 12 being able to be placed in the first socket 2 as illustrated in FIG. 13, in the second socket 2 as illustrated in FIG. 14, or even in the third socket 2 (configuration not illustrated), thus making it possible to modulate the number of sockets 2 permanently supplied (upstream of the electrical module 12) and of sockets 2 subject to the mobile switch (downstream of the electrical module 12).

Figures 15 to 17 show an implementation of the cells 3, 4 in two curved parts 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b and conductive elements 5, 6 connecting the sockets 2 on the power strip 100. This power strip 100 includes end connectors 300 illustrated in FIG. 17 and intermediate bars 400 illustrated in FIG. 16.

The end connector 300 comprises a base 301 and a lug 302 mounted flexible with respect to the base 301. This lug 302 comprises a curved end 303 constituting a curved part 3a, 4a, 3b, 4b of a cell 3 , 4 of a socket 2. The base includes a curved portion 304 which is fixed to the body 101 of the power strip 100. A connector or connection element (not shown) will be provided on the base 301 to allow its connection to a cable supply or distribution, or even a power cord with a male plug at its end and intended to plug into a wall outlet.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the intermediate bar 400 comprises a body 401 more or less in the form of a baffle with a first curved end 402 which comprises a curved part 403 constituting a first curved part 3a of a first cell 3 or a second curved part 4b of a second cell 4 on a socket 2. The body 401 comprises a second end 404 with a curved part 405 constituting a second curved part 3b of a first cell 3 or a first curved part 4a of a second cell 4 on a socket 2. The two curved parts 403, 405 are in opposite directions on the intermediate bar 400.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, the intermediate bars 400 are held in position on the body 101 of the power strip 100 thanks to the presence of studs 102 and of stop element 103, 104, 105. The intermediate bars 400 are flexible, which allows the deformation of the ends 402, 404 during the introduction of the pins 10, 11 of an electrical module 12; the bars exert, by their elastic deformation, a clamping force on the pins 10, 11 inserted in the cells 3, 4 in two curved parts 403, 405, thus guaranteeing the quality of the electrical contact between said elements. The withdrawal of the pins 10, 11 allows the curved parts 403, 405 to return to the initial position, the curved parts 303, 403, 405 being in contact with one another and ensuring electrical continuity. When the curved part

403 of the first intermediate strip 400a is in contact with the curved part 405 of the second intermediate strip 400b, and conversely, the cavity 3, 4 formed has a flared shape, that is to say more or less conical, this which facilitates the introduction of pins 10, 11 of the electrical module 12 or pins 10 ', 11' of an electrical appliance. This flared shape also makes it possible to ensure contact continuity during the insertion or removal of said pins 10, 11, 10 ’, 1Γ, which avoids micro-cuts. The same characteristics are reproduced when the curved end 303 of an end connector 300 is in contact with one of the curved parts 403, 405 of an intermediate bar 400.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate an alternative embodiment of the cells 3, 4 in two curved parts 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b by means of an intermediate bar 500 which has a body 501 with a slight baffle shape 502, the two ends 503, 504 of the body 501 each having a curved part 505, 506, the two curved parts 505, 506 being in opposition. Thus the curved part 505 of a first intermediate bar 500a forms with the curved part 506 of a second intermediate bar 500b, a cell 3, 4 in two curved parts 3a, 4a, 3b, 4b. The intermediate bars 500 are held in position on the body 101 of the power strip 100 by means of studs 102. The elasticity of the intermediate bars 500 ensures a return of the cells 3, 4 in the closed position, with the curved parts 3a, 4a, 3b , 4b in contact with each other. On the contrary, this elasticity ensures their spacing during the introduction of pins 10, 11, 10 ’, 1Γ.

In another variant illustrated in Figures 22 to 26, the power strip 100 includes first intermediate bars 600 which implement the first cells 3 into two curved parts 3a, 3b of the sockets 2, said cells 3 being connected together by the elements conductors 5, and second intermediate bars 700 which implement the second cells 4 in two curved parts 4a, 4b, said cells 4 being interconnected by the conductive elements 6.

The first intermediate bars 600 and the second intermediate bars 700, illustrated respectively in FIGS. 23 and 24, have characteristics similar to those of the intermediate bars 400 and 500 in FIGS. 16 and 7, these each comprising a body 601, 701 plus or less baffled. The bodies 601, 701 each comprise a first curved end 602, 702 which comprises a curved part 603, 703 constituting respectively a second curved part 3b of a first cell 3 and a second curved part 4b of a second cell 4 on a socket 2. These bodies 601, 701 each comprise a second end 604, 704 with a curved part 605, 705 constituting respectively a first curved part 3a of a first cell 3 and a first curved part 4a of a second cell 4 on a socket 2. The two curved parts 603, 605 are in opposite directions on the first intermediate bar 600, likewise between the curved parts 703, 705 on the second intermediate bar 700. The essential difference, in comparison with the embodiment of FIGS. 15 to 17 , relates to the inversion of the curved parts 603, 605 with respect to the curved parts 703, 705, which makes it possible to reverse the first parts curved 4a and the second curved parts 4b of the second cells 4 in FIG. 22, compared with those in FIG. 15. These intermediate bars 600, 700 are held on the body 101 of the power strip 100 thanks to the presence of holding elements (not shown) similar to those (pads 102) in Figure 15.

This implementation of FIG. 22 also requires the presence of a first end connector 800 and a second end connector 900, illustrated respectively in FIGS. 25 and 26. The end connectors 800, 900 have a C or inverted C shape and each comprise a base 801, 901 and a leg 802, 902 mounted flexible with respect to the base 801, 901. The legs 802, 902 each comprise a curved end 803, 903 constituting respectively the first curved parts 3a, 4a of the cells 3, 4 of the first upstream socket 2a of the power strip 100, as illustrated in FIG. 22. End connectors 800, 900 also constitute the second curved parts 3b, 4b of the cells 3, 4 of the last downstream socket 2b of said multi-socket block 100, as illustrated in FIG. 22. The bases 801, 901 on the upstream socket 2a allow the connection to the phase and to the neutral of a supply cable or distribution o u a power cord provided with a male plug, thanks to the presence of connectors or connection elements (not shown). These end connectors 800, 900 are held on the body 101 of the power strip 100 by means of holding elements (not shown).

According to this implementation of Figures 22 to 26, similar to those of Figures 7 and 8 and Figures 15 to 17, the first and second intermediate bars 600, 700 and the first and second end connectors 800, 900 have a flexibility allowing, on the one hand, the deformation of the curved parts 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b of the cells 3, 4 during the introduction of the pins 10, 11, by exerting a clamping force on the said pins 10, 11 and, on the other hand, the elastic return of said curved parts 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b in contact with one another when said pins 10, 11 are withdrawn.

The implementation of Figures 15 to 17 offers the advantage of having a single design of intermediate strip 400 and end connector 300, compared to that of Figures 22 to requiring the implementation of two types of intermediate strips 600, 700 and two types of end connectors 800, 900. Conversely, the implementation of FIGS. 22 to 26 offers the advantage of symmetry of the curved parts 3a, 3b of the first cells 3 with the curved parts 4a, 4b of the second cells 4 on the sockets 2 of the power strip 100. This symmetry has the advantage of allowing the reception of an electrical module 12 without imposing the direction of connection of the latter on the socket 2.

It is understood that double or triple sockets can be implemented on the basis of a multiple socket block 100 as illustrated in FIG. 15 by reducing the number of intermediate strips 400 so as to have only two or three sockets 2. We could , at the extreme limit, implement a simple grip while keeping only the end connectors 300 with the curved ends 303 arranged opposite to form cells 3, 4 in two curved parts 3a, 4a, 3b, 4b, the flexibility of the legs 302 maintaining contact when no pin 10, 11, 10 ', 1Γ is inserted in said cells 3, 4. Obviously, this last variant is only relevant if other sockets are connected downstream thereof in order to constitute a set of sockets 1 within the meaning of the invention. Such single, double or triple sockets could also be implemented on the same principle by more or less reducing the number of intermediate bars 600 and 700 between the end connectors 800 and 900, on the power strip 100 of FIG. 22 .

The foregoing detailed description is in no way limiting. On the contrary, its aim is to remove any possible inaccuracy as to its scope. Thus, numerous variants could be envisaged within the framework of the invention, in particular as regards the design of the set of sockets 1 and of the electrical module 12, or even also of the socket 2 as such when it comprises at least one of its cells 3, 4 in two curved parts 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b.

When the set of sockets 1 is in the form of a multiple socket block 100, it is possible, for example, to modify the shapes of the intermediate bars 400, 500 and of the end connectors 300.

The elastic element 9 is implemented thanks to the flexibility of the intermediate bars 400, 500, 600, 700 and the tabs 302, 802, 902. However, other elastic means could be provided, for example return springs acting on curved parts 3a, 4a, 3b, 4b or conductors composed of several layers with complementary electrical and mechanical properties.

The conductive elements 5, 6 are implemented directly by the intermediate bars 400, 500, 600, 700 made of electrically conductive material, for example copper or brass. However, cables could be provided connecting the cells 3, 4 of the successive sockets 2, as is notably the case in FIG. 10 where the sockets 2 are distributed 5 in the room 22.

One could also provide electrical modules 12 with mechanisms 13 fulfilling other appropriate functions, for example a load shedding function making it possible to temporarily cut the sockets 2 arranged downstream of the socket 2 receiving said electrical module 12, when the power consumed by these downstream sockets 2 is greater than a threshold.

Claims (16)

1. electrical outlet (2a) comprising at least a first cell (3) and a second cell (4) in an electrically conductive material, the cells (3, 4) being configured to receive pins (10, 11, 10 'respectively) , 1Γ) of an electrical module (12, 25), connection means being configured to connect the cells respectively to the phases (P, N) of a supply, characterized in that at least the first cell (3) consists of first (3a) and second (3b) curved parts independent of each other and that elastic means (9) allow these two curved parts to be brought into contact in the rest state and to separate said two curved parts during the introduction of a pin between them, the connection means comprising a first connector connected to the first curved part and a second connector connected to the second curved part. 2. socket (2a) according to claim 1, in which the first (3) and the second (4) cells each consist of first (3a, 4a) and second (3b, 4b) curved parts connected respectively to first and second connectors. 3. socket (2a) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the two curved portions (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) of at least the first cell (3, 4) have a flared shape configured to facilitate the introduction of the pin (10, 11, 10 ', 1Γ) and to ensure continuity of the electrical contact between said curved parts when removing this pin. 4. Set of sockets (1) comprising at least two successive sockets (2) constituting, one opposite the other, an upstream socket (2a) and a downstream socket (2b), each socket comprising at least one first (3) and second (4) cells in an electrically conductive material, said cells being configured to respectively receive pins (10, 11, 10 ', 1Γ) of an electrical module (12, 25), the first and second cells of the upstream outlet (2a) being connected, on the one hand, respectively with the first and second cells of the downstream outlet (2b) thanks to first (5) and second (6) conductive elements and, on the other part, respectively with two phases (P, N) of an electrical supply by means of connection means, characterized in that at least the first cell (3) of at least the upstream socket (2a) consists of first (3a) and second curved parts (3b) independent of each other and that means el polishes (9) allow these two curved parts to be brought into contact in the rest state and to separate said two curved parts during the introduction of a pin between them, the first curved part (3a) being supplied by a phase (P) of the electrical supply and the second curved part (3b) being connected to the first conductive element (5) to be connected to the respective cell (3) on the downstream outlet (2b). 5. Set of sockets (1) according to claim 4, wherein the first (3) and second (4) cells of at least the upstream socket (2a) each consist of first (3a, 4a) and second (3b , 4b) curved parts, the first curved parts (3a, 4a) being supplied by the two phases (P, N) of the power supply and the second curved parts (3b, 4b) being connected respectively to the first (5) and second (6) conductive elements to be connected to the first (3) and second (4) cells of the downstream outlet (2b). 6. Set of sockets (1) according to one of claims 4 or 5, in which at least the first cells (3) of the upstream socket (2a) and of the downstream socket (2b) each consist of the first (3a ) and second (3b) curved parts, the second curved part (3b) on the upstream socket (2a) being connected to the first curved part (3a) on the downstream socket (2b) by means of the first conductive element (5) . 7. set of sockets (1) according to claim 6 attached to claim 5, wherein the first (3) and second (4) cells of the upstream outlet (2a) and the downstream outlet (2b) each consist of first (3a, 4a) and second (3b, 4b) curved parts, the first curved parts (3a, 4a) of the first (3) and second (4) cells of the upstream outlet (2a) being supplied by the two phases ( P, N) and the second curved parts (3b, 4b) of said first (3) and second (4) cells of the upstream outlet (2a) being respectively connected to the first curved parts (3a, 4a) of the first (3) and second (4) cells of the downstream outlet (2b) through the first (5) and second (6) conductive elements. 8. set of sockets (1) according to one of claims 4 to 7, which comprises between two and ten sockets (2) connected successively to each other by electrical conductive elements (5, 6), at least two successive sockets of said sockets constituting an upstream outlet (2a) and a downstream outlet (2b). 9. Set of sockets (1) according to claim 8 attached to one of claims 6 or 7, in which all the sockets (2) successively constitute between them an upstream socket (2a) and a downstream socket (2b). 10. Set of sockets (1) according to one of claims 8 or 9, which is in the form of a power strip (100). 11. Set of sockets (1) according to one of claims 8 or 9, which is in the form of individual sockets (2) and / or multi-socket blocks (100) connected together and configured to be placed on walls a room (22). 12. Set of sockets (1) according to one of claims 4 to 11, in which the two curved parts (3a, 3b) of at least the first cell (3) of at least the upstream socket (2a) have a flared shape configured to facilitate the introduction of the spindle (10) and to ensure continuity of the electrical contact between said curved parts (3a, 3b) when removing the spindle. 13. Electric module (12) configured to be connected to a set of sockets (1) according to one of claims 4 to 12, the module comprising a body incorporating a mechanism (13) configured to fulfill a function and at least first (10) and second (11) pin, characterized in that at least the first pin (10) comprises two portions (10a, 10b) of electrically conductive material configured to come into contact respectively with the two curved parts (3a, 3b ) at least the first cell (3) during the introduction of said first pin (10) into said first cell (10) of an upstream socket (2a), said two conductive portions being separated from one another by a portion central (10c) of electrical insulating material, said two conductive portions (10a, 10b) being in connection with the mechanism (13). 14. An electrical module (12) according to claim 13, in which the first (10) and second (11) pins each comprise two conductive portions (10a, 10b, lia, 1 lb) and an insulated central portion (10c, 1 le ). 15. Electric module (12) according to one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the two conductive portions (10a, 10b, lia, 11b) and the insulated central portion (10c, 11c) are configured so that the distance s' sparing the respective edges of said conductive portions on the peripheral contour (L1) of the pin is at least three millimeters (3 mm). 16. Electric module (12) according to one of claims 13 to 15, in which the mechanism (13) is configured to fulfill a breaking or / and measuring function. 1/8