GB2541367A - Electrical plug and socket assembly - Google Patents

Electrical plug and socket assembly Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2541367A
GB2541367A GB1512409.2A GB201512409A GB2541367A GB 2541367 A GB2541367 A GB 2541367A GB 201512409 A GB201512409 A GB 201512409A GB 2541367 A GB2541367 A GB 2541367A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
plug
socket
inner conductor
section
conducting rod
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB1512409.2A
Other versions
GB2541367B (en
GB201512409D0 (en
Inventor
Mennell Tom
Evans Brian
Manning Gary
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Schneider Electric Ltd
Original Assignee
Schneider Electric Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Schneider Electric Ltd filed Critical Schneider Electric Ltd
Priority to GB1512409.2A priority Critical patent/GB2541367B/en
Publication of GB201512409D0 publication Critical patent/GB201512409D0/en
Priority to NZ722221A priority patent/NZ722221A/en
Priority to AU2016204978A priority patent/AU2016204978B2/en
Publication of GB2541367A publication Critical patent/GB2541367A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2541367B publication Critical patent/GB2541367B/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R4/00—Electrically-conductive connections between two or more conductive members in direct contact, i.e. touching one another; Means for effecting or maintaining such contact; Electrically-conductive connections having two or more spaced connecting locations for conductors and using contact members penetrating insulation
    • H01R4/54—Bayonet or keyhole
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/10—Sockets for co-operation with pins or blades
    • H01R13/11—Resilient sockets
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R11/00—Individual connecting elements providing two or more spaced connecting locations for conductive members which are, or may be, thereby interconnected, e.g. end pieces for wires or cables supported by the wire or cable and having means for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal, or conductive member, blocks of binding posts
    • H01R11/11—End pieces or tapping pieces for wires, supported by the wire and for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal or conductive member
    • H01R11/28—End pieces consisting of a ferrule or sleeve
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/10—Sockets for co-operation with pins or blades
    • H01R13/11—Resilient sockets
    • H01R13/111—Resilient sockets co-operating with pins having a circular transverse section
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02B—BOARDS, SUBSTATIONS OR SWITCHING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02B1/00—Frameworks, boards, panels, desks, casings; Details of substations or switching arrangements
    • H02B1/16—Earthing arrangements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R11/00—Individual connecting elements providing two or more spaced connecting locations for conductive members which are, or may be, thereby interconnected, e.g. end pieces for wires or cables supported by the wire or cable and having means for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal, or conductive member, blocks of binding posts
    • H01R11/11—End pieces or tapping pieces for wires, supported by the wire and for facilitating electrical connection to some other wire, terminal or conductive member

Abstract

An electrical plug and socket assembly for a low-voltage distribution network can be used to temporarily ground a section to be worked on. The plug 1 includes a conducting rod having an outer surface. The socket 2 includes an outer shroud 8 and an inner conductor 9 within it, the inner conductor having a plurality of flexible contact portions 13 for engaging the outer surface of the conducting rod. This ensures that any magnetic attraction due to the current will tend to increase the grip on the plug.

Description

ELECTRICAL PLUG AND SOCKET ASSEMBLY
Conventionally, power flow in electricity distribution networks has been in one direction; from the power station, through the transmission and distribution systems, to the consumer. In a unidirectional power flow network it is relatively easy to isolate a part of the network from the power source if this is required and so as to ensure the isolated part is safe to touch and that it will not be inadvertently re-energised.
However, with the increasing use of distributed generation, for example by photovoltaic generation in a residential property, it is very difficult to ensure that part of a low-voltage distribution network, when isolated, is still safe to touch and that it will remain so until intentionally re-energised. This is because it is possible that the section of the network that has been isolated from the main public network supply i.e. “the grid” can be energised locally from distributed generation. This can present a serious risk of electric shock.
The only method for ensuring part of the low-voltage network is safe to touch, and that it will remain so, is to connect the isolated part of the low-voltage network directly to earth.
The most convenient place to connect the isolated part of the network directly to earth is via the feeder pillar or fuse board which forms part of the low-voltage network.
As appropriate, a single phase or all three phases may be connected to earth. Depending on the need, the cable terminals of a single feeder may be earthed if only one circuit is isolated, or, the busbars of the feeder pillar or fuse board may be earthed if all the supplied from the feeder pillar or fuse board are isolated.
This is achieved by means of an earth plug and socket assembly which connects a cable, from the earth connection of the isolated part of the low-voltage network, to the earth connection of the feeder pillar or fuse-board.
In a known arrangement a socket is connected to the feeder pillar or fuse board and the earth cable is terminated in a plug. The plug has a split profile that provides some radial flexibility. To provide the earth connection, the plug is inserted into the socket and retained together by means of a simple bayonet locking mechanism.
These known arrangements have a number of disadvantages. Firstly, if a short circuit occurs due to unintentional energising, then significant magnetic forces can be generated which have a tendency to cause the split plug to reduce in diameter due to the attraction of the split portions towards each other. This causes the earth connection between the plug and socket to be lost. Furthermore, the plug and socket can become decoupled due to strain within the earth cable as the socket is twisted relative to the plug as part of the bayonet connection.
According to the present invention, there is provided an electrical plug and socket assembly for a low-voltage distribution network, the electrical plug and socket assembly comprising a socket configured for attachment to a first electrical conductor and a plug configured for coupling to a second electrical conductor, the plug comprising a conducting rod having an outer surface, and the socket comprising an outer shroud and an inner Conductor arranged within the shroud, the inner conductor having a first section and a second section, the first section including a first bore for receiving an end of the first electrical conductor and the second section including a second bore for receiving the plug, the second section further including a plurality of flexible contact portions for engaging the outer surface of the conducting rod when the plug and socket are connected together.
The first electrical conductor may be an earth cable and the second electrical conductor may be a connection to earth, for example via feed pillar or fuse board.
Providing flexible contact portions on the socket means that any magnetic forces generated in response to current flow has the effect of further tightening of the contact portions around the conducting rod of the plug. This means that the socket and plug are much less likely to become disconnected from each other in the event of heavy fault current carrying conditions. Thus, plug and socket assembly also has a higher short circuit current capability than known plug and socket assemblies.
The plug and socket assembly can be used in a single phase or three phase applications.
The inner conductor may include a biasing means to bias the flexible contacts towards the outer surface of the conducting rod. The biasing means may be a circular spring provided around the flexible contacts.
The circular spring may be provided in a groove provided on the second section. The circular spring applies pressure to the contacts under normal operating conditions.
The socket may further including a locking mechanism for locking the plug and socket together and configured to engage with the outer surface of the conducting rod when the plug is inserted into the socket so as to apply a locking force against the conducting rod in a direction transverse to the outer surface of the plug. The conducting rod may be cylindrical and the transverse direction is a radial direction.
This locking mechanism prevents the plug being ejected as a result of a heavy fault current conditions.
The outer shroud and the inner conductor may share a longitudinal axis, with the outer shroud and the inner conductor being configured for relative rotation around the shared longitudinal axis between a first position and a second position, and the conducting rod may include a locking recess provided around the outer surface of the conducting rod, the outer shroud may have an internal surface with a stepped profile defining a first step and a second step, with two diametrically-opposed recesses formed in the first step, each recess having a groove extending from the recess and defining a respective cam surface, and the inner conductor may include a pair of diametrically-opposed apertures which, in the first position, are aligned with the recesses, and wherein each recess includes a ball bearing which sits within a respective one of the diametrically-opposed apertures, such that, as the outer shroud and the inner conductor are rotated to the second position, the ball bearing acts against the cam surface so as to move into engagement with the locking recess.
This locking mechanism requires that the outer case of the socket is rotated a few degrees clockwise relative to the first electrical conductor and the flexible contact portions of the socket. Where this is an electrical cable, this ensures that any twisting of the cable does not tend to undo the locking mechanism.
The inner conductor may comprise a radial bore provide in the central section of the inner conductor with a pin provided in the radial bore, and the outer shroud may include a pair of diametrically-opposed, circumferentially-extending apertures wherein each end of the pin are received in respective one of the pair of diametrically-opposed, circumferentially-extending apertures so as to provide stop surfaces for the pin so as to limit the range of relative rotational movement between the outer shroud and the inner conductor.
The first section of the inner conductor may be crimped to retain the first electrical conductor in the inner conductor.
The present invention has the additional advantage that it cannot be accidentally uncoupled by strain within the cable twisting the socket relative to the plug.
The shroud maybe made from an insulating material and the inner conductor and conducting rod are made from tin-plated copper.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a socket for an electrical plug and socket assembly for a low-voltage distribution network, wherein the socket is configured for attachment to a first electrical conductor and comprises an outer shroud and an inner conductor arranged within the shroud, the inner conductor having a first section and a second section, the first section including a first bore for receiving an end of the first electrical conductor and the second section including a second bore for receiving a plug, the second section further including a plurality of flexible contact portions for engaging the outer surface of the conducting rod when the plug and socket are connected together.
The socket may further include a locking mechanism for locking the socket together with a plug when connected together, the socket being configured to engage with an outer surface of the plug when the plug is inserted into the socket so as to apply a locking force against the plug in a direction transverse to the outer surface of the plug.
The outer shroud and the inner conductor may share a longitudinal axis, with the outer shroud and the inner conductor being configured for relative rotation around the shared longitudinal axis between a first position and a second position, the outer shroud may have an internal surface with a stepped profile defining a first step and a second step, with two diametrically-opposed recesses formed in the first step, each recess having a groove extending from the recess and defining a respective cam surface, and the inner conductor may include a pair of diametrically-opposed apertures which, in the first position, are aligned with the recesses, and wherein each recess includes a ball bearing which sits within a respective one of the diametrically-opposed apertures, and wherein, as the outer shroud and the inner conductor are rotated to the second position, the ball bearing acts against the cam surface so as to move into engagement with a locking recess.
The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings of which:
Figure 1 is an assembled view of an electrical plug and socket assembly;
Figure 2 is an exploded view of the assembly of Figure 1;
Figure 3 is an isometric view of the inner conductor of the socket of the assembly of Figure 1;
Figure 4 is an isometric view of the outer shroud of the socket of the assembly of Figure 1; Figure 5 is an isometric view of the plug of the assembly of Figure 1;
Figure 6 is a side view of the inner conductor of Figure 3, with hashed lines illustrating the inner profile of the hollow conductor;
Figure 7 are combined side and end views of the inner conductor of Figure 3;
Figure 8A is a side view of the outer shroud of Figure 4, with hashed lines illustrating the inner profile of the outer shroud;
Figure 8B is an end view of the outer shroud of Figure 4, in the direction of arrow VIII in Figure 8A;
Figure 9 is a cross-section along the line A-A of Figure 8;
Figure 10 is a cross-section along the line B-B of Figure 8; and Figure 11 is a side view of the plug of Figure 5.
An electrical earth plug and socket assembly 100 comprises a plug 1 and a socket 2.
The plug 1 is a cylindrical rod 3 with a chamfered first end 4. The cylindrical rod 3 has a bore 5 running longitudinally within a portion of the cylindrical rod 3 at a second end 6. The bore 5 is threaded for receiving a threaded screw 35 with a washer 36, within it to clamp a connection plate (not shown) to the second end 6 of the plug 1. The connection plate is connected to a suitable part of the feeder pillar or fuse board (not shown) and so enables the plug 1 to be connected to an earth connection of the feeder-pillar of fuse-board that is part of the low-voltage network. A locking recess 7 is provided towards the chamfered first end 4. The locking recess 7 is in the form of a circumferential groove provided in the outer surface 14 of the cylindrical rod 3.
The plug 1 is made from tin-plated copper.
The socket 2 comprises an outer shroud 8 and an inner conductor 9 in the form of a cylinder. The inner conductor 9 is arranged concentrically within the outer shroud 8 such that the outer shroud 8 and the inner conductor 9 have a shared longitudinal axis X. The inner conductor 9 has a first end 10 and a second end 11.
Both the first end 10 and the second end 11 have respective longitudinal bores 18,19 provided therein which define first and second sections 20, 21 of the inner conductor 9.
An earth cable 34 can be inserted into the first longitudinal bore 18 at the first end 10 and a portion of the first section 20 of the inner conductor 9 crimped to retain the earth cable 34 within the first longitudinal bore 18.
The second section 21 of the inner conductor 9 has four of longitudinal slits 12 extending from the second end 11 and which define, with the second longitudinal bore 19, four flexible contact portions 13 which are configured to flex in the transverse or radial direction of the inner conductor 9, and as indicated by the double-headed arrows X in Figure 7. The flexible contact portions 13 serve to make electrical contact between the inner conductor 9 and the conducting rod 3 of the plug 1, A pair of diametrically opposed apertures 15 are provided in the second section 21 at a region that does not form the flexible contact portions 13. Each of the first pair of diametrically opposed apertures 15 has a chamfered profile. A radial bore 16 is provided in a central section 17 of the inner conductor 9 between the first and second longitudinal bores 18, 19.
Towards the second end 11 there is a circumferential groove 23 extending orthogonally to the longitudinal slits 12. A circular spring 22 is retained within the circumferential groove 23 and configured to apply inwardly-directed radial pressure to the flexible contact portions 13.
The inner conductor 9 is made from tin-plated copper.
The outer shroud 8 is a cylindrical tube into which the inner conductor 9 can be concentrically arranged as mentioned above.
The outer shroud 8 comprises three portions 24,25, 26 with different diametrical dimensions. The dimensions of the three portions 24,25, 26 diameters are determined by the need to; (i) shroud the inner conductor 9 within shroud 8, (ii) minimise the space necessary to accommodate the plug 1 and socket 2 within the space in which it is to be located, and (iii) minimising material usage and cost.
The inner conductor 9 is located with in the outer shroud 8 such that a first shroud portion 24 extends beyond the first end 10 of the inner conductor 9. A second shroud portion 25 encloses the first section 20 and the central section 17 of the inner conductor 9, and a third shroud portion 26 encloses the second section 21 of the inner conductor 9.
The inner diameter of the second shroud portion 25 is such that it retains the inner conductor 9 concentrically within the outer shroud 8.
The internal surface 27 of the third shroud portion 26 has a two-stepped profile defining a first step 28 and a second step 37. The second step 37 defines an annular ledge portion 38 and the first step 28 defines a riser wall 39.. Formed in the first step 28, at diametrically-opposed locations, are two hemi-spherical recesses 29. The annular ledge portion 37 extends from each hemi-spherical recess 29 below the first step 28 along an underside of the first step 28 to define a circumferentially-extending groove 30 formed by the riser wall 39 of the first step 28 and the annular ledge portion 37 .
The second shroud portion 25 has two diametrically-opposing, circumferentially-extending apertures 31 which are aligned with the radial bore 16 provided in the central section 17 of the inner conductor 9. A pin 32 is inserted into the radial bore 16 and extends into the two circumferentially-extending apertures 31. This retains the inner conductor 9 within the outer shroud 8 and prevents relative longitudinal movement between the inner conductor 9 and the outer shroud 8 but does allow for a limited amount of rotational movement between the inner conductor 9 and the outer shroud 8 as indicated by the double-headed arrow in Figure 10. The ends of the two circumferentially-extending apertures 31 define stop surfaces against which the ends of the pin 32 stop thereby defining the range of rotational movement available between a first position and a second position. In the present embodiment this angular range is approximately 40°.
Each hemispherical recess 29 is also aligned with one of the pair of diametrically opposed apertures 15 that are provided in second section 21 of the inner conductor 9. Each hemispherical aperture 29 has a spherical ball bearing 33 provided within it so that it also sits within the aligned aperture 15.
The socket 2 is made from a suitable insulating plastics material. An insulating material is required so as to ensure the operator is afforded a measure of protection in the event that he or she accidentally attempts to insert the socket 2 onto a live conductor. The insulating material can be any suitable insulator, e.g. nylon, polycarbonate, synthetic resin bonded paper, glass reinforced epoxy.
The socket 2 terminates the earth cable 34 which is retained within the inner conductor 9 by means of the crimping of the first section 20 of the inner conductor 9.
The inner conductor 9 is retained concentrically within the outer shroud 8 by means of the snug fit of the inner conductor 9 within the outer shroud 8 and the engagement of the ends of the pin 32 into the circumferentially-extending apertures 31 to allow some limited rotational movement between the inner conductor 9 and the outer shroud 8. As mentioned above, the maximum angular displacement is around 40°.
In order to provide a direct earth connection, the earth cable 34 needs to be connected to a suitable earth connection. As described above, this is typically the earth connection on the feeder pillar or fuse-board. As described above, the feeder pillar or fuse-board has the plug 1 mounted at a suitable location on the feeder pillar or fuse board.
When the plug 1 and socket 2 are disconnected, the pin 32 is located at one of the furthest circumferential positions within the circumferentially-extending apertures 31. In this first position, the inner conductor 9 and outer shroud are relatively oriented so that the spherical ball bearings 33 are located in their respective hemi-spherical recess 29 and sit within the respective diametrically-opposed aperture 15 in the inner conductor 9.
In this orientation, the chamfered end 4 of the plug 1 can be inserted into the second longitudinal bore 19 until the chamfered end 4 of the plug engages the end of the second longitudinal bore 19 and the plug 1 is fully inserted into the socket 2.
The circular spring 22 biases the flexible contact portions 13 radially inwards towards outer surface 14 of the cylindrical rod 3 to optimise contact between the inner conductor 9 and the cylindrical rod 3.
At this position, the locking recess 7 of the plug 1 is aligned with the diametrically opposed apertures 15 on the second section 21 of the inner conductor 9.
To lock the plug 1 and socket 2 together, the outer shroud 8 is manually rotated with respect to the inner conductor 9 to a second position. During this relative rotation, the circumferentially-extending groove 30 acts as a cam surface moving each of the spherical ball bearings 33 radially inwards through the respective aperture 15 and into the locking recess 7. Thus, the ball bearings 33 are pushed into the locking recess of the cylindrical rod 3, preventing relative longitudinal displacement between the plug 1 and the socket 2 and locking the plug 1 and socket 2 together. In this way, a locking force is applied radially, that is transverse to the outer surface 14 of the cylindrical rod 3.
To disconnect the plug 1 and socket 2, the two are moved rotationally in the other direction back to the first position to unlock them.
When the plug 1 and socket 2 are thus connected, the earth cable 34 is electrically coupled to the plug 1 via the inner conductor 9 and, so, to earth. In this way, a robust earth connection is provided for an isolated part of the low-voltage network.
The embodiment of the invention has been described within the context of an earth connection in an isolated network. However, the electrical plug and socket assembly could be used in any electrical circuit that required occasional earthing or could be used to make any electrical connection that may need to be readily separated and re-connected. As such, the socket can be connected to any first electrical conductor and the plug could be connected to any second electrical conductor.

Claims (8)

1. An electrical plug and socket assembly for a low-voltage distribution network, the electrical plug and socket assembly comprising a socket configured for attachment to a first electrical conductor and a plug configured for coupling to a second electrical conductor, the plug comprising a conducting rod having an outer surface, and the socket comprising an outer shroud and an inner conductor arranged within the shroud, the inner conductor having a first section and a second section, the first section including a first bore for receiving an end of the first electrical conductor and the second section including a second bore for receiving the plug, the second section further including a plurality of flexible contact portions for engaging the outer surface of the conducting rod when the plug and socket are connected together.
2. An electrical plug and socket assembly according to claim 1, wherein the socket further includes a locking mechanism for locking the plug and socket together and configured to engage with the outer surface of the conducting rod when the plug is inserted into the socket so as to apply a locking force against the conducting rod in a direction transverse to the outer surface of the plug.
3. An electrical plug and socket assembly according to claim 2, wherein the outer shroud and the inner conductor share a longitudinal axis, with the outer shroud and the inner conductor being configured for relative rotation around the shared longitudinal axis between a first position and a second position, the conducting rod including a locking recess provided around the outer surface of the conducting rod; the outer shroud having an internal surface with a stepped profile defining a first step and a second step, with two diametrically-opposed recesses formed in the first step, each recess having a groove extending from the recess and defining a respective cam surface; and the inner conductor including a pair of diametrically-opposed apertures which, in the first position, are aligned with the recesses, and wherein each recess includes a ball bearing which sits within a respective one of the diametrically-opposed apertures, such that, as the outer shroud and the inner conductor are rotated to the second position, the ball bearing acts against the cam surface so as to move into engagement with the locking recess.
4. An electrical plug and socket assembly according to claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the inner conductor comprises a radial bore provide in the central section of the inner conductor with a pin provided in the radial bore, and the outer shroud includes a pair of diametrically-opposed, circumferentially-extending apertures, and wherein each end of the pin is received in a respective one of the pair of diametrically-opposed, circumferentially-extending apertures so as to provide stop surfaces for the pin thereby limiting the range of relative rotational movement between the outer shroud and the inner conductor.
5. An electrical plug and socket assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the inner conductor includes a biasing means for biasing the flexible contacts towards the outer surface of the conducting rod.
6. An electrical plug and socket assembly according to claim 5, wherein the biasing means is circular spring provided in a groove provided on the second section towards the second end of the inner conductor.
7. An electrical plug and socket assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the second section of the inner conductor is crimped to retain the first electrical conductor within the inner conductor.
8. A socket for an electrical plug and socket assembly for a low-woltage distribution network, wherein the socket is configured for attachment to art earth cable and comprises an outer shroud and an inner conductor arranged within the shroud, the inner conductor having a first section and a second section, the first section including a first bore for receiving an end of the earth cable and the second section including a second bop for receiving a plug, the second section further including: a plurality of flexible contact portions for engaging an outer surface of a conducing rod of the plug when the plugsand socket are connected together, wherein the socket further includes a locking mechanism for locking the plug and socket together and configured fo engage with the outer surface of the conducting rod when the plug is inserted into the: socket so as to apply a locking force against the conducting rod in a direction transverse to the outer surface of the plug.
8. An electrical plug and socket assembly wherein the shroud is made from an insulating material.
9. A socket for an electrical plug and socket assembly for a low-voltage distribution network, wherein the socket is configured for attachment to an earth cable and comprises an outer shroud and an inner conductor arranged within the shroud, the inner conductor having a first section and a second section, the first section including a first bore for receiving an end of the earth cable and the second section including a second bore for receiving a plug, the second section further including a plurality of flexible contact portions for engaging the outer surface of the conducting rod when the plug and socket are connected together. Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows CLAIMS
1, An electrical plug and socket assembly for a low-voltage distrfoution network., foe electrical plug and socket assembly comprising a socket configured for attachment to a first eleetfieal conductor and a plug configured for coupling to a second electrical conductor, the plug comprising a conducting rod having an outer surface, and foe socket comprising an outer shroud and an inner conductor arranged within foe shroud, the inner conducter having a first section and a second section, foe first section meiidmg a first bore for receiving an end of the first electrical conductor and the second section including a second bore for receiving the plug, the second section further including a plurality of flexible contact portions for engaging the outer surface of foe conducting rod when the plug and socket are connected together, wherein the socket further includes a locking mechanism for locking the plug and socket together and configured to engage with the outer surface of foe conducting rod when the plug is inserted info the socket so as to apply a locking force against foe conducting rod in a direction transverse to the outer surface of the plug; % An electrical plug and socket assembly according to claim 1, wherein the outer shroud and the inner conductor share a longitudinal axis, with foe outer shroud and the inner conductor being configured for relative rotation around the shared longitudinal axis between a. first position and a second position, foe conducting rod including a locking recess provided around the outer surface#foe conducting rod; foe outer shroud having mi internal surface with a stepped profile defining a first: step attd a second step, with two diametrically-opposed recesses formed in the first step, cachfecCSS having a groove extending from the recess and defining a respective cam surface; and the inner conductor including a pair of diametrically-opposed apertures which,: in the first position, are aligned with the recesses, and wherein each recess includes a ball bearing which sits within a respective one of die diametrically-opposed apertures, such that, as the outer shroud and the inner conductor are rotated to the second position, foe ball bearing acts against the cam surface so as to move into engagement with foe; locking; recess.
3, An electrical plug and socket assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the inner conductor comprises a radial bore provide in the central section of the inner conductor with a pin provided in the radial bore, and the outer shroud includes a pair of diameiricaMy^ppQsed, eiiwumferentialiy-extending apertures, and wherein each end of the pin is received in a respective one of the pair of diametrically-opposed, circumferentially-extending apertures so as to provide stop Surfaces for the pin thereby limiting the range of plaiye rotational movement between the outer shroud and the inner conductor,
4, An electrical plug and soehet assembly according to any peeedlng claim, wherein the inner conductor includes a biasing means for biasing the flexible contacts towards the outer surface of the conducting rod.
5, An electrical plug and socket assembly according to claim #, wherein the biasing means is bipolar spring provided in a groove provided on the second section towards the second end of fhejnner conductor. An electrical plug and socket assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the second section of the inner conductor is crimped to retain the first electrical conductor Within the inner conductor.
7. An Electrical plug and socket assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the shroud is made from an insulating material.
GB1512409.2A 2015-07-16 2015-07-16 Electrical plug and socket assembly Active GB2541367B (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1512409.2A GB2541367B (en) 2015-07-16 2015-07-16 Electrical plug and socket assembly
NZ722221A NZ722221A (en) 2015-07-16 2016-07-15 Electrical plug and socket assembly
AU2016204978A AU2016204978B2 (en) 2015-07-16 2016-07-15 Electrical plug and socket assembly

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1512409.2A GB2541367B (en) 2015-07-16 2015-07-16 Electrical plug and socket assembly

Publications (3)

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GB201512409D0 GB201512409D0 (en) 2015-08-19
GB2541367A true GB2541367A (en) 2017-02-22
GB2541367B GB2541367B (en) 2017-09-27

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AU (1) AU2016204978B2 (en)
GB (1) GB2541367B (en)
NZ (1) NZ722221A (en)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4002400A (en) * 1975-08-01 1977-01-11 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Electrical connector
GB2524502A (en) * 2014-03-24 2015-09-30 Eaton Ind Netherlands Bv Plug contact

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4002400A (en) * 1975-08-01 1977-01-11 E. I. Du Pont De Nemours And Company Electrical connector
GB2524502A (en) * 2014-03-24 2015-09-30 Eaton Ind Netherlands Bv Plug contact

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AU2016204978B2 (en) 2021-02-04
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AU2016204978A1 (en) 2017-02-02
NZ722221A (en) 2020-05-29

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