SE540431C2 - Electric Power Socket and Socket and Holder Arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

Herein an electric power socket (10) is disclosed. A socket body (14) of the electric power socket comprises a socket interface member (26). The electric power socket (10) comprises a mechanical adaptor (18). The mechanical adaptor (18) comprises a first interface member (32) for engagement with the socket interface member (26) and a second interface member (34) for engagement with a holder interface member (56) of a socket holding structure (12), the second interface member (34) permitting at least two different rotational positions in relation to the holder interface member (56). Also a socket and holder arrangement, and a vehicle comprising a socket and holder arrangement are disclosed herein.

Description

Electric Power Socket and Socket and Holder Arrangement TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to an electric power socket, to a socket and holder arrangement and to a vehicle comprising a socket and holder arrangement.

BACKGROUND An electric power socket comprises electrically conductive connectors configured to engage with, or to abut against, conductors of an electric power plug. The electric power socket is configured for mounting to a structure, and is foreseen to remain mounted to the structure over longer periods of time. The electric power socket is connected to cabling for conducting electric power to or from the electric power socket.

Via the electric power socket and the electric power plug a provider of electric power may be connected to a user of electric power. The electric power plug is configured to be plugged into the electric power socket. The electric power plug is connected via conductors to a user or a provider of electric power and is engaged with the electric power socket when the user of electric power requires electric power. The user of electric power may either be connected to the electric power socket, or to the electric power plug.

In the context of power adapters, plugs and sockets which are rotatable into different positions in relation to housings of the power adapters are known, see e.g. WO 2009/037604, US 2015/0251551, and US 2009/0225486.

US 5066247 discloses an electrical wiring system for use in construction of buildings comprising inter alia an electrical fitting assembled in a panel and retained in a hole in the panel by a clip.

US 6179654 discloses three different embodiments of a cord set including a housing and a coupling mechanism adapted to couple the housing to a structure. A first embodiment of the coupling mechanism includes axially spaced ribs extending from an outer surface of the housing body and a snap ring connectable to the structure and the housing. A second embodiment of the coupling mechanism includes a peg protruding from the housing and a lock nut with a detent for coupling the peg to the lock nut. A third embodiment of the coupling mechanism includes a saddle and cup each having a ridge that cooperates with the axial spaced ribs to couple the housing to an automobile body.

For sockets configured to be mounted to structures, there is a need to provide a flexible solution for positioning a socket in more than one rotational position.

SUMMARY It is an object of the present invention to provide a socket and holder arrangement, which provides flexibility with respect to a positioning of the socket in the holder arrangement.

According to an aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a socket and holed arrangement as defined in claim 1.

An electric power socket comprises a socket body configured for attachment to a structure, at least two conductive contacts arranged in the socket body, and a fastening device for fastening the socket body to the structure. The socket body comprises a socket interface member configured for positioning the socket body in one rotational position only in relation the structure. The electric power socket comprises a mechanical adaptor. The mechanical adaptor comprises a first interface member for engagement with the socket interface member and a second interface member for engagement with a holder interface member of a socket holding structure, the second interface member permitting at least two different rotational positions in relation to the holder interface member.

Since the mechanical adaptor comprises a first interface member for engagement with the socket interface member and a second interface member for engagement with a holder interface member of a socket holding structure, and since the second interface member permits at least two different rotational positions in relation to the holder interface member, the electric power socket may be positioned in at least two different rotational positions in relation to the socket holding structure, instead of being positionable in one rotational position only in relation to the socket holding structure.

Electric power sockets may be mass produced items. Designing and manufacturing a specific electric power socket, in particular in small numbers, may be expensive in comparison with buying an off-the-shelf mass produced electric power socket. Some types of electric power sockets comprise socket interface members configured for positioning the electric power socket in one rotational position only in relation to a structure, to which the electric power socket is attached.

It has been realised by the inventor that an off-the-shelf electric power socket, comprising a socket interface member configured for positioning the electric power socket in one rotational position only in relation to a structure, may be utilised in applications where the electric power socket may require to be positioned in at least two different rotational positions in relation to a structure, to which the electric power socket is to be attached. Utilising the mechanical adaptor discussed above together with such an off-the-shelf electric power socket, the off-the-shelf electric power socket may be positioned in at least two different rotational positions.

The at least two conductive contacts may suitably be configured for engagement, mating and/or abutment against contacts of a plug configured to engage with the electric power socket. The socket holding structure may be any structure, to which the socket body is attachable, such as e.g. a wall, a flange, or a dedicated socket holding structure which in turn is attachable to a further structure. The socket holding structure may be positioned in a number of different positions, e.g. in a vehicle.

According to embodiments, the electric power socket may comprise a lid pivotably connected to the socket body and configured to close a socket opening, and wherein the at least two conductive contacts are arranged in the socket opening. In this manner, the at least two conductive contacts may be protected by the lid when no plug is connected to the electric power socket.

According to embodiments, the mechanical adaptor may comprise an indicator mark configured to indicate one rotational position of the socket body when the first interface member is engaged with the socket interface member. In this manner, an operator about to mount the electric power socket to a socket holding structure may know in what position the electric power socket will be mounted by observing, or actively positioning, the indicator mark.

According to embodiments, the indicator mark may be positioned at a pivotal connection between the lid and the socket body when the first interface member is engaged with the socket interface member. In this manner, mounting of the electric power socket with the pivotal connection, and thus the lid, in a particular position may be facilitated.

According to embodiments, the second interface member comprises protrusions and/or recesses, and wherein the protrusions and/or recesses have an even pitch. In this manner, the electric power socket may be rotationally positioned, in a number of different positions in relation to the socket holding structure.

According to embodiments, the mechanical adaptor extends around the socket body. In this manner, the mechanical adaptor may easily engage with the socket interface member of the socket body.

The socket and holder arrangement comprises a socket holding structure, the socket holding structure comprising a holder interface member configured for engagement with a mating interface member. The arrangement comprises an electric power socket according to any one of aspects and/or embodiments discussed herein mounted to the socket holding structure.

Since the electric power socket comprises the mechanical adaptor, as discussed above, the electric power socket may be mounted to the socket holding structure in at least two different rotational positions, the second interface member of the mechanical adaptor forming the mating interface member.

According to embodiments, the socket holding structure may comprises a mounting member for releasably connecting the socket holding structure to a further structure. In this manner, the electric power socket may be attached to any desired further structure by the mounting member being connected to the further structure. Moreover, the mounting member may be released from a further structure and reconnected to the same or a different further structure in a different position. In the different position of the mounting member, the electric power socket may be repositioned in a different desired rotational position in the holder interface member, such as e.g. a rotational position, in which a pivotal connection of a lid of the electric power socket is arranged at an upwardly facing portion of the electric power socket.

According to embodiments, the socket holding structure may comprise a body member comprising a through opening, wherein the socket body may extend through the through opening, and wherein the holder interface member may be arranged in connection with the through opening. In this manner, electric power socket may be mounted to the socket holding structure by the socket body extending through the through opening.

According to embodiments, the through opening may form a recess in the body member. In this manner, a cabling connected to the electric power socket does not have to be removed from the electric power socket when the electric power socket is mounted to the socket holding structure, but may be place through the through opening by being inserted via the recess.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a vehicle with a socket and holder arrangement, which is provides flexibility with respect to a positioning of the socket in the holder arrangement.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the further object is achieved by a vehicle comprising a vehicle body. A socket and holder arrangement according to any one of aspects and/or embodiments is attached to the vehicle body.

Since the electric power socket comprises the mechanical adaptor, as discussed above, the electric power socket may be mounted to the socket holding structure in at least two different rotational positions. As a result, the further object is achieved.

According to embodiments, the electric power socket may be configured for receiving external mains voltage to the vehicle.

Further features of, and advantages with, the present invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Various aspects of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the example embodiments discussed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 illustrates a vehicle according to embodiments, Figs. 2a and 2b illustrate an electric power socket according to embodiments, Figs. 3a - 3d illustrate four different views of a mechanical adaptor, and Figs. 4a - 4c illustrate socket and holder arrangements according to embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Aspects of the present invention will now be described more fully. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

Fig. 1 illustrates a vehicle 2 according to embodiments. The vehicle may be e.g. a heavy goods vehicle, a lorry, a truck, a pickup, a van, a wheel loader, a bus, a car or other similar motorized manned or unmanned vehicle, designed for land-based propulsion. The vehicle 2 comprises a vehicle body 4. A socket and holder arrangement 6 according to any one of aspects and/or embodiments discussed herein is attached to the vehicle body 4. Thus, the vehicle 2 comprises one or more socket and holder arrangements 6 according to any one of aspects and/or embodiments discussed herein.

For instance, the socket and holder arrangement 6 may be attached to a frame 8 of the vehicle body 4. The two partial enlargements, Figs. 1a and 1b, show to alternative mounting directions of the socket and holder arrangement 6. Due to the invention, an electric power socket 10 of the socket and holder arrangement 6 may be mounted in at least two different rotational positions in relation to a socket holding structure 12 of the socket and holder arrangement 6. Accordingly, the electric power socket 10 may be mounted in the same rotational position in relation to the vehicle body 4, irrespective of the mounting direction of the socket holding structure 12. The electric power socket 10 may be configured for receiving external mains voltage to the vehicle 2. The mains voltage may be utilised e.g. in a cab heater, and/or an engine heater, and/or battery charger of the vehicle 2.

Figs. 2a and 2b illustrate two views of an electric power socket 10 according to embodiments. Fig. 2a illustrates an exploded view of the electric power socket 10. The electric power socket 10 comprises a socket body 14 configured for attachment to a structure. The structure may be a socket holding structure, e.g. such as the socket holding structure 12 shown in Figs. 1a and 1b. The electric power socket 10 further comprises a fastening device 16 for fastening the socket body 14 to the structure, and a mechanical adapter 18. In these embodiments, the socket body 14 comprises external threads 20 and the fastening device 16 comprises internal threads 22. Thus, the electric power socket 10 may be connected to the structure by means of the fastening device 16 being threaded onto the external threads 20 of the socket body 14 such that structure is engaged between the fastening device 16 and a flange 24 of the socket body 14, and/or the mechanical adaptor 18.

The socket body 14 comprises a socket interface member 26 configured for positioning the socket body 14 in one rotational position only in relation to a structure. In these embodiments, the socket interface member 26 comprises ridges 28 and grooves 30 extending along a longitudinal direction of the socket body 14. The socket body 14 is configured to extend through a hole in the structure and protrusions of the structure extend into the grooves 30 thus, positioning the socket body 14 in a rotational position in relation to the structure. The ridges 28 and the grooves 30 are not evenly distributed circumferentially around the socket body 14. Similarly, the protrusions of the structure are arranged in a corresponding asymmetrical manner in order to fit the grooves 30. Thus, if the socket interface member 26 would be used to position the socket body 14 in relation to a structure, it would be possible to position the socket body 14 in one rotational position only. Naturally, the socket interface member 26 may comprise any alternative arrangements for rotationally positioning the socket body 14 than the shown ridges and/or grooves.

However, the mechanical adaptor 18 of the electric power socket 10 according to the invention comprises a first interface member 32 for engagement with the socket interface member 26 and a second interface member 34 for engagement with a holder interface member of a socket holding structure. The second interface member 34 permits at least two different rotational positions in relation to the holder interface member and thus, also in relation to the socket holding structure. Thus, the first interface member 32 will engage with the socket interface member 26, and the second interface member 34 will permit the mechanical adapter 18 to be positioned in at least two different rotational positions.

Accordingly, the mechanical adaptor 18, together with it the socket body 14, may be positioned in at least two different rotational positions in relation to a correspondingly devised holder interface member of the socket holding structure.

The mechanical adaptor 18 may be a separate member which accordingly, as such may be positioned in a rotational position independently of the socket body 14 prior to the socket interface member 26 engages with the first interface member 32 of the mechanical adaptor 18. According to these embodiments, the mechanical adaptor 18 extends around the socket body 14.

At least two conductive contacts 36 arranged in the socket body 14. The at least two contacts 36 are configured for contacting electrically conductive contacts of a plug configured to be plugged into the electric power socket 10. In these embodiments, three conductive contacts 36 are arranged in the socket body 14.

According to some embodiments, the electric power socket 10 may comprise a cabling 35. Individual conductors of the cabling 35 each are connected to one of the at least two conductive contacts 36. According to alternative embodiments, the electric power socket 10 may be provided without the cabling 35. In such embodiments, the cabling 35 may be mounted to the socket body 14 and the individual conductors of the cabling 35 may be connected to the conductive contacts 36 before or after the socket body 14 has been mounted to a relevant structure.

In these embodiments, the socket body 14 comprises a socket opening 37. The at least two conductive contacts 36 are arranged in the socket opening 37. Thus, the at least two conductive contacts 36 are arranged in a protected manner in the socket body 14. However, the at least two conductive contacts may be arranged in any other manner suited for making electrically conductive contact with contacts of a relevant electric power plug.

The electric power socket 10 comprises a lid 38 which is pivotably connected to the socket body 14. The lid 38 is configured to close the socket opening 37. Thus, an inside of the socket opening 37 may be protected by the lid 38 when no electric power plug is connected to the electric power socket 10.

In these embodiments, the mechanical adaptor 18 may comprise an indicator mark 40 configured to indicate one rotational position of the socket body 14 when the first interface member 32 is engaged with the socket interface member 26. Suitably, in such embodiments the first interface member 32 may engage with the socket interface member 26 in one rotational position only. During mounting of the electric power socket 10, the mechanical adaptor 18 may first be positioned in a rotational position guided by the indicator mark 40, and thereafter the socket body 14 may be positioned in the mechanical adaptor 18 with the socket interface member 26 engaging with the first interface member 32 of the mechanical adaptor 18.

The lid 38 is connected to the socket body 14 via a pivotable connection 42. The pivotable connection 42 provides for the lid 38 to be pivoted about a pivot axis 44. The indicator mark 40 may be positioned at the pivotal connection 42 when the first interface member 32 is engaged with the socket interface member 26. Thus, mounting of the electric power socket with the pivotal connection 42 in a particular position, such as an upwardly facing position, may be facilitated.

Figs. 3a - 3d illustrate four different views of the mechanical adaptor 18. The mechanical adaptor 18 comprises a ring-shaped body 46. The first interface member 32 is arranged at an inner circumference of the ring-shaped body 46, and the second interface member 34 is arranged radially outside the inner circumference. More specifically, the first interface member 32 of the mechanical adaptor 18 is formed by an inner circumferential portion of the adaptor member 18. The first interface member 32 comprises four protrusions 48 in these embodiments. The second interface member 34 is arranged at an axial face 50 of the ringshaped body 46. Since the second interface member 34 is arranged radially outside the inner circumference of the ring-shaped body 46, the first and second interface members 32, 34 do not interfere with each other.

The second interface member 34 comprises protrusions 52 provided at an even pitch around the ring-shaped body 46. However, the second interface member 34 may alternatively, or additionally, comprise recesses or any other means for positioning the mechanical adaptor 18 in relation to a socket holding member.

Figs. 4a -4c illustrate socket and holder arrangements 6 according to embodiments. The socket and holder arrangement 6 comprises a socket holding structure 12 and in electric power socket 10. The socket holding structure 12 is configured to hold at least one electric power socket 10. In these embodiments socket holding structure 12 is configured to hold two electric power sockets 10. In Fig. 4a one electric power socket 10 is about to be mounted to the socket holding structure 12. In Fig. 4b two electric power sockets 10 are mounted to the socket holding structure 12. In Fig. 4c one electric power socket 10 is shown mounted to the socket holding structure 12 and an electric power plug 54 is plugged into the electric power socket 12. Alternative embodiments of the socket holding structure 12 may be configured for mounting of only one electric power socket 10, or for mounting more than two electric power sockets 10.

The electric power socket 10 is an electric power socket 10 according to any one of aspects and/or embodiments discussed herein. The socket holding structure 12 comprises a holder interface member 56 configured for engagement with a mating interface member. The holder interface member 56 may form part of a body member 58 of the socket holding structure 12. The mating interface member is the second interface member 34 of the mechanical adaptor 18 of the electric power socket 10. Since the socket holding structure 12 according to these embodiments is configured to hold two electric power sockets 12, the socket holding structure 12 comprises two holder interface members 56.

The body member 58 may be made e.g. from sheet metal and comprises a through opening 60. The holder interface member 56 is arranged in connection with the through opening 60. The socket body 14 of the electric power socket 10 extends through the through opening 60. According to some embodiments, the through opening may be a through hole having a circumferential edge extending around the entire through opening.

According to the shown embodiments, the through opening 60 forms a recess in the body member 58, i.e. the through opening 60 opens up to a lateral side of the body member 58. Thus, during mounting of the electric power socket 10, a cabling 35 of to the electric power socket 10 may be positioned in the through opening 60 from a lateral side of the body member 58, and thus, does not have to be removed from the electric power socket 10 in order to be positioned through the through opening 60. Thereafter, the mechanical adaptor 18 is positioned to engage with the holder interface member 56 and the socket body 14 is positioned to engage with the mechanical adaptor 18. Finally, the fastening device 16 is brought to engage with the socket body 14 and tightened to hold the electric power socket 10 to the socket holding structure 12 thus, forming the socket and holder arrangement 6.

The electric power socket 10 may be mounted to the socket holding structure 12 in at least two different rotational positions. The holder interface member 56 is configured for engagement with the second interface member 34 of the mechanical adaptor 18 of the electric power socket 10. For instance, as in these embodiments, the protrusions 52 of the second interface member 34 may be positioned in different of corresponding recesses 62 of the holder interface member 56.

Thus, the electric power socket 10 may be mounted to the socket holding structure 12 with the second interface member 34 engaging with the holder interface member 56 and the fastening device 16 of the electric power socket 10 fastening the socket body 14 of the electric power socket 10 to the socket holding structure 12.

The socket holding structure 12 comprises a mounting member 64 for releasably connecting the socket holding structure 12 to a further structure, such as e.g. a frame of a vehicle. In these embodiments, the mounting member 64 comprises a flange 66 provided with holes through which e.g. screws may extend for connecting the socket holding structure 12 to the further structure. Referring to Figs. 1a and 1b, the socket holding structure 12 may be mounted in different positions to the further structure. In each of the different positions of the socket holding structure 12, the electric power socket 10 may be positioned in a different desired rotational position in relation to the socket holding structure 12.

It is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various example embodiments and that the invention is defined only by the appended claims. A person skilled in the art will realize that the example embodiments may be modified, and that different features of the example embodiments may be combined to create embodiments other than those described herein, without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (13)

1. A socket and holder arrangement (6) comprising a socket holding structure (12) and an electric power socket (10) mounted to the socket holding structure (12), the socket holding structure (12) comprising a holder interface member (56) configured for engagement with a mating interface member, wherein the electric power socket (10) comprises a socket body (14) configured for attachment to a structure, at least two conductive contacts (36) arranged in the socket body (14), and a fastening device (16) for fastening the socket body (14) to the structure, wherein the socket body (14) comprises a socket interface member (26) configured for positioning the socket body (14) in one rotational position only in relation the structure, wherein the socket holding structure (12) comprises a body member (58) comprising a through opening (60), wherein the socket body (14) extends through the through opening (60), and wherein the holder interface member (56) is arranged in connection with the through opening (60), characterised in that the electric power socket (10) comprises a mechanical adaptor (18), the mechanical adaptor (18) comprising a first interface member (32) for engagement with the socket interface member (26) and a second interface member (34) for engagement with the holder interface member (56) of the socket holding structure (12), the second interface member (34) permitting at least two different rotational positions in relation to the holder interface member (56).

2. The socket and holder arrangement (6) according to claim 1, comprising a lid (38) pivotably connected to the socket body (14) and configured to close a socket opening (37), and wherein the at least two conductive contacts (36) are arranged in the socket opening (37).

3. The socket and holder arrangement (6) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the mechanical adaptor (18) comprises an indicator mark (40) configured to indicate one rotational position of the socket body (14) when the first interface member (32) is engaged with the socket interface member (26).

4. The socket and holder arrangement (6) according to claims 2 and 3, wherein the indicator mark (40) is positioned at a pivotal connection (42) between the lid (38) and the socket body (14) when the first interface member (32) is engaged with the socket interface member (26).

5. The socket and holder arrangement (6)) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second interface member (34) comprises protrusions and/or recesses, and wherein the protrusions and/or recesses have an even pitch.

6. The socket and holder arrangement (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mechanical adaptor (18) extends around the socket body (14).

7. The socket and holder arrangement (6) according to claim 6, wherein the mechanical adaptor (18) comprises a ring-shaped body (46), wherein the first interface member (32) is arranged at an inner circumference of the ring-shaped body (46), and wherein the second interface member (34) is arranged radially outside the inner circumference.

8. The socket and holder arrangement (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a cabling (35), wherein individual conductors of the cabling (35) each are connected to one of the at least two conductive contacts (36).

9. The socket and holder arrangement (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electric power socket (10) is mounted to the socket holding structure (12) with the second interface member (34) engaging with the holder interface member (56) and the fastening device (16) fastening of the electric power socket (10) the socket body (14) of the electric power socket (10) to the socket holding structure (12).

10. The socket and holder arrangement (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the socket holding structure (12) comprises a mounting member (64) for releasably connecting the socket holding structure (12) to a further structure.

11. The socket and holder arrangement (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the through opening (60) forms a recess in the body member (58).

12. A vehicle (2) comprising a vehicle body (4), characterised in that a socket and holder arrangement (6) according to any one of claims 1 - 11 is attached to the vehicle body (4).

13. The vehicle (2) according to claim 12, wherein the electric power socket (10) is configured for receiving external mains voltage to the vehicle (2).