GB607850A - Electric connectors - Google Patents

Abstract

607,850. Two-part couplings. CURWAIN, W. G. April 1, 1946, Nos. 10072 and 15804. [Class 38 (i)] A plug for a two-part coupling has the contact pins adjustable in spacing so as to fit two and three pole outlet sockets of various sizes and current ratings. In one embodiment, Figs. 8 and 9, the live pins 22, 23 are eccentrically mounted on metal disc 29 which are fixed between insulating discs 30 and 30a. Discs 30a act as journals in holes in the top cover 62 of the body 21, whilst discs 30 have toothed peripheries which are in mesh so that rotation of either disc will alter the relative spacing of the live pins. Connections to the pins are made through fuses 26. The earth pin is mounted on a plunger held forward by a spring 65 which also acts as an electrical connection. The plunger is locked forward when necessary by a bar 67 co-operating with a cam 66 affixed to one of the discs 30. All the pins are fitted with expansible contact blades located by pins 61 'in inclined slots, and urged forward and outward by springs 73, or spring 65. In another embodiment, Figs. 1 and 13 (not shown), one live pin is mounted on a spring-loaded transverse sliding bar, arranged to be operated from outside the body of the connector. In a further embodiment, Fig. 4 (not shown), a tee-shaped plunger is used to urge both live pins along slots in the fuse of the plug body that are directed radially towards the earth pin. In any embodiment, the pins may be reversible in a screw or bayonet mounting so as to give a smaller diameter at one end than the other; or the pins may be fitted with enlarging sleeves normally housed within the body; or with resilient contact tips. Any of the plugs may be combined with outlet sockets to form adaptors. The first Provisional Specification also states that the pins should be grooved at the base, and that a switch or circuit breaker may be incorporated. The second Provisional Specification also discloses, plugs having one pin mountable in two alternative housings, whilst the second pin may be resiliently mounted; plugs in which each pin comprises a large and a small diameter pin joined at right angles and pivoted so that either end can be turned up for use. The smaller pins are offset from the larger so as to have a smaller spacing between centres. A separate reversible carrier is also disclosed carrying double-ended pins of different diameters, contact being established with blades mounted within the plug body. Reference has been directed by the Comptroller to Specification 597,963.