WO2013017589A1 - Device for connection between a load and an electric power supply - Google Patents

Device for connection between a load and an electric power supply Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013017589A1
WO2013017589A1 PCT/EP2012/064941 EP2012064941W WO2013017589A1 WO 2013017589 A1 WO2013017589 A1 WO 2013017589A1 EP 2012064941 W EP2012064941 W EP 2012064941W WO 2013017589 A1 WO2013017589 A1 WO 2013017589A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
grounding
conductor
cable
active connecting
conductor cable
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2012/064941
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Federico DI ROCCO
Original Assignee
Di Rocco Federico
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 Di Rocco Federico filed Critical Di Rocco Federico
Publication of WO2013017589A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013017589A1/en

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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
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/648—Protective earth or shield arrangements on coupling devices, e.g. anti-static shielding  
    • H01R13/652—Protective earth or shield arrangements on coupling devices, e.g. anti-static shielding   with earth pin, blade or socket
    • 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
    • H01R13/66—Structural association with built-in electrical component
    • H01R13/70—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch
    • H01R13/713—Structural association with built-in electrical component with built-in switch the switch being a safety switch
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R2103/00—Two poles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
    • H01R24/28—Coupling parts carrying pins, blades or analogous contacts and secured only to wire or cable
    • H01R24/30—Coupling parts carrying pins, blades or analogous contacts and secured only to wire or cable with additional earth or shield contacts

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a device for connection between a load and an electric power supply.
  • devices for providing the connection between a load and an electric power supply have, in general, on a supporting body made of insulating material, a pair of active connecting conductors, which are, in turn, connected, by means of respective terminals, to corresponding active conducting cables, which are, respectively, constituted by an optional neutral conductor and by one or more phase conductors and which originate from an electrical load or from a mains electricity supply or system, depending on whether the device is a plug or a socket.
  • the supporting body is also provided with at least one protective conductor, which is connected, by means of a respective grounding connector, such as a grounding terminal or other, equivalent element, to a grounding conductor cable.
  • a respective grounding connector such as a grounding terminal or other, equivalent element
  • a drawback of the known art is that, even in the event of accidental separation of the grounding conductor cables from the respective grounding terminals, the active connecting conductors can still be live, with evident risks for the safety of users.
  • the aim of the present invention is to provide a solution to this problem by providing a device for connection between a load and an electric power supply which makes it possible to maintain high levels of safety even in the event of accidental separation of the grounding conductor cables from the grounding connectors of the protective conductors which are present on the device.
  • an object of the invention is to provide a device for connection between a load and an electric power supply which offers high reliability of operation.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for connection between a load and an electric power supply which can be produced at low cost.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view from above of the device according to the invention, in a first embodiment, in which it has the form of a plug, and with an outer containment enclosure omitted in order to show its internal elements;
  • Figure 2 is a schematic plan view from above of the embodiment in
  • Figure 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment in Figure 1 of the device according to the invention, in the condition of separation of a grounding conductor cable from the corresponding grounding connector;
  • Figure 4 is a plan view from above of the embodiment in Figure 1 of the device according to the invention, in the condition of Figure 3;
  • Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view from above of the device according to the invention, in a second embodiment, in which it has the form of a socket, and with an outer containment enclosure omitted in order to show its interior;
  • Figure 6 is a plan view from above of the embodiment in Figure 5;
  • Figure 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment in Figure 5, in the condition of separation of a grounding conductor cable from the corresponding grounding connector;
  • Figure 8 is a plan view from above of the embodiment in Figure 5 in the condition of Figure 7;
  • Figure 9 is a perspective view of two devices according to the invention, one in the form of a plug and the other in the form of a socket, without the outer containment enclosure, coupled to each other;
  • Figure 10 is a perspective view from above of a third embodiment of the device according to the invention, in which the latter takes the form of a plug;
  • Figure 11 is a schematic view from below of the embodiment in Figure 10;
  • Figure 12 is a perspective sectional view, along a longitudinal plane, of the embodiment of Figure 10;
  • Figure 13 is a perspective sectional view, along a longitudinal plane, of the embodiment of Figure 10 in the condition of separation of grounding conductor cables from the corresponding grounding connectors;
  • Figure 14 is a perspective sectional view of the embodiment of Figure
  • Figure 15 is a perspective sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 16 is a perspective sectional view of the embodiment of Figure
  • Figure 17 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the device according to the invention.
  • Figure 18 is a perspective view from a different angle of the fifth embodiment of the device according to the invention in the condition in which the grounding conductor cable is detached from the corresponding grounding connector.
  • the device for the connection between load and electric power supply comprises a supporting body 2 made of electrically insulating material, which supports at least one protective conductor 3, which can be connected, by means of at least one grounding connector 4, to at least one grounding conductor cable 5, optionally insulated.
  • Such supporting body can, for example, be bar-shaped, as in the embodiments of Figures 1 and 5, or substantially cylindrical, as in the embodiment of Figure 10 or in the embodiment of Figure 15, or any other shape deemed suitable, as in the embodiment of Figures 17 and 18.
  • the device according to the invention can have the form of a plug, as in the embodiments shown, for example, in Figures 1 , 10, 15 and 17, and, in such case, the active connecting conductors 6 can have the traditional shank shape or, more generally, can be male.
  • the device according to the invention can also have the form of a socket, as in the embodiment shown, in particular, in Figure 5, and, in such case, the active connecting conductors 6 can have the traditional female shape, capable of accommodating the active connecting conductors of a plug.
  • the particularity of the invention consists in that it is provided with safety means which are adapted to uncouple at least one of the connection elements 7 from the respective active connecting conductor 6, in case an accidental separation of the grounding conductor cable 8 from the grounding connector 4 should occur.
  • the possible separation of the grounding conductor cable 5 from the protective conductor 3 involves removing the possibility for current to pass between the active connecting conductors 6 and the corresponding active conducting cables 8, thus rendering the device unusable, at least until the restoration of the connection between the grounding conductor cable 5 and the protective conductor 3, with an evident advantage for the safety of users.
  • the cited safety means comprise at least one contact conductor 9, which is connected to at least one of the connection elements 7.
  • such contact conductor 9 can be electrically, and also mechanically, coupled to a corresponding active connecting conductor 6, when the grounding conductor cable 5 is connected to the grounding connector 4, and it is adapted to be uncoupled from the corresponding active connecting conductor 6, if the grounding conductor cable 5 should be separated from the grounding connector 4.
  • such contact conductor 9 is supported by a movable supporting element 10 made of electrically insulating material, which is adapted to pass, by the action of elastic means 11 , from an active position, shown, in particular, in Figures 1 , 5, 10, 15 and 17, which is assumed when the grounding conductor cable 5 is connected to the grounding connector 4 and in which the contact conductor 9 is coupled to the corresponding active connecting conductor 6, to an inactive position, shown, for example, in Figures 3, 7, 13, 16 and 18, which is assumed following the separation of the grounding conductor cable 5 from the grounding connector 4 and in which the contact conductor 9 is uncoupled from the corresponding active connecting conductor 6.
  • the elastic means 11 are constituted simply by a spring 11a, which is interposed between the supporting body 2 and the movable supporting element 10.
  • each connection element 7 is connected to a respective contact conductor 9, which can be coupled to the corresponding active connecting conductor 6, when the protective conductor cable 5 is connected to the grounding connector 4, and it is able to be decoupled from the corresponding active connecting conductor 6, if the grounding conductor cable 5 should be accidentally separated from the grounding connector 4.
  • each one of the connection elements 7 is supported, together with the respective contact conductor 9, by the movable supporting element 10.
  • the movable supporting element 10 can be, for example, constituted by a frame that supports, on two sides opposite to each other, the connection elements 7.
  • each contact conductor 9 can be, conveniently, provided by an elastically flexible tab, which is associated with the corresponding connection element 7 and intended to be clamped between the corresponding connection element 7 and the corresponding active connecting conductor 6, when the movable supporting element 10 is in the active position.
  • the movable supporting element 10 can be slideably mounted on a linear guide 10a.
  • the grounding connector 4 for the grounding conductor cable 5 is defined along the linear guide 10a.
  • the linear guide 10a is made of electrically conductive material and is connected with the protective conductor 3, which is, conveniently, arranged in an intermediate position between the two active connecting conductors 6.
  • the grounding connector 4 forms an insertion seat for the grounding conductor cable 5; with the engagement of the grounding conductor cable 5 in the insertion seat of the grounding connector 4 it is possible to lock the movable supporting element 10 in the active position, in contrast to the action of the elastic means 11, since the movement of the movable supporting element is prevented by the grounding conductor cable 5.
  • the grounding connector 4 can be constituted by an eyelet 4a, which passes through the linear guide 10a.
  • the free end of the grounding conductor cable 5 can be inserted in the eyelet 4a, in order to allow it to be wound around the linear guide 10a, so as to provide the electrical connection between the grounding conductor cable 5 and the linear guide 10a and, thus, between the grounding conductor cable 5 and the protective conductor 3.
  • connection elements 7 can be provided by terminals which are provided with screws for clamping one end of the active conducting cables 8.
  • the protective conductor 3 is also shank- shaped or, more generally, is male, intended to be inserted into the corresponding female seat of a socket.
  • each one of the two active connecting conductors 6 advantageously comprises a respective pair of conductor elements 6a, 6b which are mutually facing and shaped so as to define a female accommodation seat for a corresponding active connecting conductor of a plug.
  • the protective conductor 3 of the second embodiment can also be formed from respective conductor elements 3a, 3b which define the female accommodation seat for the protective conductor of a plug.
  • the device according to the invention can also have the typical form of a plug of the type known in commerce as Schuko, which is provided, conveniently, as in the two previous embodiments, with two active connecting conductors 6, which can be connected, by means of the connection elements 7, to active conducting cables 8 which are respectively constituted by a neutral conductor and by a phase conductor.
  • the two protective conductors 3 can be arranged on mutually opposite sides of the supporting body 2 and, conveniently, they can be arranged on a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane on which the two active connecting conductors 6 lie.
  • the safety means can intervene to uncouple one or both of the connection elements 7 from the corresponding active connecting conductor 6, if all the grounding conductor cables 5 provided should be separated from the respective grounding connector 4.
  • the movable supporting element 10 is provided by a pan, which is arranged facing the supporting body 2, while the elastic means 11 are again constituted by a spring 11a, which is interposed between the supporting body and the movable supporting element 10.
  • the two grounding connectors 4 can be, for example, provided by means of grounding terminals, which are fixed to the protective conductors 3 and are adapted to clamp, in a respective insertion seat, the ends of the two grounding conductor cables 5, while the contact conductors 9 which are connected to the connection elements 7 are, preferably, constituted by two blocks which are embedded, at least partially, in the movable supporting element 10 and are facing the respective active connecting conductors 6.
  • connection elements 7 can be provided by terminals which are provided with screws for clamping one end of the active conducting cables 8.
  • Figures 15 and 16 show a fourth embodiment of the invention, similar to the third embodiment, with the difference that the connection is provided to both of the protective conductors 3 of a single grounding conductor cable 5.
  • one of the two grounding connectors 4 is, conveniently, constituted by a through hole, which is provided in the corresponding protective conductor 3 and through which a single grounding conductor cable 5 can pass, whereas the other grounding connector 4 can be provided by a grounding terminal, which is intended to lock the free end of the grounding conductor cable 5.
  • grounding conductor cable 5 can be held taut between the two protective conductors 3, so as to lock the movable supporting element 10 in the active position, as shown in Figure 15.
  • the movable supporting element 10 can pass, under the thrust of the elastic means 11, into the inactive position, as shown in Figure 16.
  • Figures 17 and 18 show a fifth embodiment, in which the device according to the invention takes a multipolar form, i.e. with more than two active connecting conductors 6.
  • connection element 7 there can be four active connecting conductors 6, three of which are intended to be connected, by means of the respective connection elements 7, to active conducting cables 8 which are constituted by the phase conductors of a three-phase circuit, whereas one is intended to be connected to an active conducting cable 8 which is constituted by the neutral cable of the three-phase circuit, by means of the corresponding connection element 7.
  • connection elements 7 it is also possible to have three active connecting conductors 6, each one of which is intended to be connected, by means of the connection elements 7, to a respective phase conductor of a three-phase circuit.
  • the supporting body 2 has, conveniently, a central cylindrical portion 2a, from which arms 2b radially branch off and which support, at their free ends, the active connecting conductors 6 and the protective conductor 3.
  • a rod-like portion which provides the linear guide 10a, on which the movable supporting element 10 is mounted, which in this case is constituted, conveniently, by a reticular frame with axial portions 10b, which are mounted slideably on the linear guide 10a, and lateral portions 10c, which are distributed around the axial portions 10b and one of which slideably faces, with its free end, the protective conductor 3, so as to ensure the lateral stability of the movable supporting element 10, whereas the others support, at their free ends, respective connection elements 7, which are constituted for example by terminals, with which corresponding contact conductors 9 are associated, which are constituted, advantageously, by elastically flexible tabs, in a similar manner to the first and second embodiments.
  • the spring 11a which provides the elastic means 11 is, advantageously, mounted around the central cylindrical portion 2a of the supporting body 2, between an abutment which is formed by at least one of the arms 2b of the supporting body 2 and an abutment which is formed by at least one of the lateral portions 10c of the movable supporting element 10.
  • a through hole 12 is provided along the linear guide 10a, through which the grounding conductor cable 5 is made to pass, which must be connected to the protective conductor 3 by means of the corresponding grounding connector 4, which is constituted in this case by a grounding terminal.
  • the active conducting cables 8 can originate directly from an electrical load, to which they are connected with their ends which are opposite to the ends connected to the connection elements 7, and the active connecting conductors 6 are intended to be connected, by means of an adapted complementary socket, to a mains electricity supply.
  • the grounding conductor cables 5 are, conveniently, connected to the ground of the electrical load.
  • the device according to the invention is constituted by a socket, as in the second embodiment, then the active conducting cables 8 are connected, with their ends which are opposite to the ends connected to the connection elements 7, to the mains electricity supply, and the grounding conductor cables 5 are connected to the grounding of the mains electricity supply and the active connecting conductors 6 are intended to accommodate a plug which is connected to an electrical load which is to be supplied with power by way of the mains electricity supply.
  • the supporting body 2 and the movable supporting element 10, as well as the grounding connectors 4 and the connection elements 7, are, conveniently, accommodated inside a box-like containment enclosure, made of electrically insulating material, not shown for the sake of simplicity.
  • the movable supporting element 10 is arranged in the active position. In such position, the movable supporting element 10 is close to the supporting body 2, so as to provide electrical continuity between the active connecting conductors 6 and the contact conductors 9, and the spring 11a is in the compressed condition.
  • the movable supporting element 10 is locked in the active position by the connection of the grounding conductor cable or cables 5 to the corresponding grounding connector 4.
  • the movable supporting element 10 will be freed from being locked in the active position and will pass, as a result of the extension of the spring 11a, to the inactive position, in which the contact conductors 9 are separated from the active connecting conductors 6, so as to break the electrical continuity between the active connecting conductors 6 and the active conducting cables 8.
  • connection between the active connecting conductors 6 and the corresponding active conducting cables 8 can thus be restored only if the movable supporting element 10 is first returned to the active position and then locked by connecting the grounding conductor cable or cables 5 to the grounding connectors 4.

Abstract

A device for connection between a load and an electric power supply, which comprises a supporting body (2) made of electrically insulating material which supports at least one protective conductor (3), which can be connected by means of at least one grounding connector (4) to at least one grounding conductor cable (5), and at least two active connecting conductors (6), which are electrically coupled to respective connection elements (7), each one of which can be connected to a corresponding active conducting cable (8). Safety means are provided which are adapted to uncouple at least one of the connection elements (7) from the respective active connecting conductor (6) following the separation of the grounding conductor cable (5) from the grounding connector (4).

Description

DEVICE FOR CONNECTION BETWEEN A LOAD AND AN ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY
The present invention relates to a device for connection between a load and an electric power supply.
It is known that devices for providing the connection between a load and an electric power supply, such as sockets or plugs, have, in general, on a supporting body made of insulating material, a pair of active connecting conductors, which are, in turn, connected, by means of respective terminals, to corresponding active conducting cables, which are, respectively, constituted by an optional neutral conductor and by one or more phase conductors and which originate from an electrical load or from a mains electricity supply or system, depending on whether the device is a plug or a socket.
For safety reasons, the supporting body is also provided with at least one protective conductor, which is connected, by means of a respective grounding connector, such as a grounding terminal or other, equivalent element, to a grounding conductor cable.
A drawback of the known art is that, even in the event of accidental separation of the grounding conductor cables from the respective grounding terminals, the active connecting conductors can still be live, with evident risks for the safety of users.
The aim of the present invention is to provide a solution to this problem by providing a device for connection between a load and an electric power supply which makes it possible to maintain high levels of safety even in the event of accidental separation of the grounding conductor cables from the grounding connectors of the protective conductors which are present on the device.
Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a device for connection between a load and an electric power supply which offers high reliability of operation. Another object of the present invention is to provide a device for connection between a load and an electric power supply which can be produced at low cost.
This aim and these and other objects which will become better apparent hereinafter are achieved by a device for connection between a load and an electric power supply as defined in claim 1.
Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of some preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the device, according to the invention, which are illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view from above of the device according to the invention, in a first embodiment, in which it has the form of a plug, and with an outer containment enclosure omitted in order to show its internal elements;
Figure 2 is a schematic plan view from above of the embodiment in
Figure 1 ;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the embodiment in Figure 1 of the device according to the invention, in the condition of separation of a grounding conductor cable from the corresponding grounding connector;
Figure 4 is a plan view from above of the embodiment in Figure 1 of the device according to the invention, in the condition of Figure 3;
Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view from above of the device according to the invention, in a second embodiment, in which it has the form of a socket, and with an outer containment enclosure omitted in order to show its interior;
Figure 6 is a plan view from above of the embodiment in Figure 5; Figure 7 is a perspective view of the embodiment in Figure 5, in the condition of separation of a grounding conductor cable from the corresponding grounding connector;
Figure 8 is a plan view from above of the embodiment in Figure 5 in the condition of Figure 7;
Figure 9 is a perspective view of two devices according to the invention, one in the form of a plug and the other in the form of a socket, without the outer containment enclosure, coupled to each other;
Figure 10 is a perspective view from above of a third embodiment of the device according to the invention, in which the latter takes the form of a plug;
Figure 11 is a schematic view from below of the embodiment in Figure 10;
Figure 12 is a perspective sectional view, along a longitudinal plane, of the embodiment of Figure 10;
Figure 13 is a perspective sectional view, along a longitudinal plane, of the embodiment of Figure 10 in the condition of separation of grounding conductor cables from the corresponding grounding connectors;
Figure 14 is a perspective sectional view of the embodiment of Figure
10, along a longitudinal plane perpendicular to the sectional plane of Figure
12;
Figure 15 is a perspective sectional view of a fourth embodiment of the invention;
Figure 16 is a perspective sectional view of the embodiment of Figure
14 with the grounding conductor cable detached from its grounding connectors;
Figure 17 is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of the device according to the invention;
Figure 18 is a perspective view from a different angle of the fifth embodiment of the device according to the invention in the condition in which the grounding conductor cable is detached from the corresponding grounding connector.
With reference to the figures, the device for the connection between load and electric power supply, according to the invention, generally designated in the various embodiments with la, lb, lc, Id and le, comprises a supporting body 2 made of electrically insulating material, which supports at least one protective conductor 3, which can be connected, by means of at least one grounding connector 4, to at least one grounding conductor cable 5, optionally insulated.
Such supporting body can, for example, be bar-shaped, as in the embodiments of Figures 1 and 5, or substantially cylindrical, as in the embodiment of Figure 10 or in the embodiment of Figure 15, or any other shape deemed suitable, as in the embodiment of Figures 17 and 18.
Mounted on the supporting body 2 are at least two active connecting conductors 6, which are electrically coupled to respective connection elements 7, each one of which can be connected to to a corresponding active conducting cable 8, which is conveniently insulated and can be constituted, depending on the individual case, by a neutral conductor or by a phase conductor.
It should be noted that the device according to the invention can have the form of a plug, as in the embodiments shown, for example, in Figures 1 , 10, 15 and 17, and, in such case, the active connecting conductors 6 can have the traditional shank shape or, more generally, can be male.
Alternatively, the device according to the invention can also have the form of a socket, as in the embodiment shown, in particular, in Figure 5, and, in such case, the active connecting conductors 6 can have the traditional female shape, capable of accommodating the active connecting conductors of a plug.
The particularity of the invention consists in that it is provided with safety means which are adapted to uncouple at least one of the connection elements 7 from the respective active connecting conductor 6, in case an accidental separation of the grounding conductor cable 8 from the grounding connector 4 should occur.
In this manner, the possible separation of the grounding conductor cable 5 from the protective conductor 3 involves removing the possibility for current to pass between the active connecting conductors 6 and the corresponding active conducting cables 8, thus rendering the device unusable, at least until the restoration of the connection between the grounding conductor cable 5 and the protective conductor 3, with an evident advantage for the safety of users.
Conveniently, the cited safety means comprise at least one contact conductor 9, which is connected to at least one of the connection elements 7.
In particular, such contact conductor 9 can be electrically, and also mechanically, coupled to a corresponding active connecting conductor 6, when the grounding conductor cable 5 is connected to the grounding connector 4, and it is adapted to be uncoupled from the corresponding active connecting conductor 6, if the grounding conductor cable 5 should be separated from the grounding connector 4.
Advantageously, such contact conductor 9 is supported by a movable supporting element 10 made of electrically insulating material, which is adapted to pass, by the action of elastic means 11 , from an active position, shown, in particular, in Figures 1 , 5, 10, 15 and 17, which is assumed when the grounding conductor cable 5 is connected to the grounding connector 4 and in which the contact conductor 9 is coupled to the corresponding active connecting conductor 6, to an inactive position, shown, for example, in Figures 3, 7, 13, 16 and 18, which is assumed following the separation of the grounding conductor cable 5 from the grounding connector 4 and in which the contact conductor 9 is uncoupled from the corresponding active connecting conductor 6.
Preferably, the elastic means 11 are constituted simply by a spring 11a, which is interposed between the supporting body 2 and the movable supporting element 10.
Conveniently, each connection element 7 is connected to a respective contact conductor 9, which can be coupled to the corresponding active connecting conductor 6, when the protective conductor cable 5 is connected to the grounding connector 4, and it is able to be decoupled from the corresponding active connecting conductor 6, if the grounding conductor cable 5 should be accidentally separated from the grounding connector 4.
Advantageously, each one of the connection elements 7 is supported, together with the respective contact conductor 9, by the movable supporting element 10.
In the first two embodiments, shown, in particular, in Figures 1 and 5, it can be seen that there are two active connecting conductors 6, which, by means of the respective connection elements 7, can be connected respectively to a first active conducting cable 8 constituted by a neutral conductor, and to a second active conducting cable 8 constituted by a phase conductor.
Again with reference to the first two embodiments, the movable supporting element 10 can be, for example, constituted by a frame that supports, on two sides opposite to each other, the connection elements 7.
In this case, each contact conductor 9 can be, conveniently, provided by an elastically flexible tab, which is associated with the corresponding connection element 7 and intended to be clamped between the corresponding connection element 7 and the corresponding active connecting conductor 6, when the movable supporting element 10 is in the active position.
Advantageously, the movable supporting element 10 can be slideably mounted on a linear guide 10a.
Conveniently, the grounding connector 4 for the grounding conductor cable 5 is defined along the linear guide 10a.
More specifically, with reference to the two embodiments of Figures 1 and 5, the linear guide 10a is made of electrically conductive material and is connected with the protective conductor 3, which is, conveniently, arranged in an intermediate position between the two active connecting conductors 6.
Advantageously, the grounding connector 4 forms an insertion seat for the grounding conductor cable 5; with the engagement of the grounding conductor cable 5 in the insertion seat of the grounding connector 4 it is possible to lock the movable supporting element 10 in the active position, in contrast to the action of the elastic means 11, since the movement of the movable supporting element is prevented by the grounding conductor cable 5.
In particular, with reference to the two embodiments of Figures 1 and 5, the grounding connector 4 can be constituted by an eyelet 4a, which passes through the linear guide 10a. The free end of the grounding conductor cable 5 can be inserted in the eyelet 4a, in order to allow it to be wound around the linear guide 10a, so as to provide the electrical connection between the grounding conductor cable 5 and the linear guide 10a and, thus, between the grounding conductor cable 5 and the protective conductor 3.
Conveniently, the connection elements 7 can be provided by terminals which are provided with screws for clamping one end of the active conducting cables 8.
In the first embodiment, the protective conductor 3 is also shank- shaped or, more generally, is male, intended to be inserted into the corresponding female seat of a socket.
It should also be noted that in the second embodiment, each one of the two active connecting conductors 6 advantageously comprises a respective pair of conductor elements 6a, 6b which are mutually facing and shaped so as to define a female accommodation seat for a corresponding active connecting conductor of a plug. Similarly, the protective conductor 3 of the second embodiment can also be formed from respective conductor elements 3a, 3b which define the female accommodation seat for the protective conductor of a plug. With reference, in particular, to the third embodiment, shown in Figures 10 to 14, the device according to the invention can also have the typical form of a plug of the type known in commerce as Schuko, which is provided, conveniently, as in the two previous embodiments, with two active connecting conductors 6, which can be connected, by means of the connection elements 7, to active conducting cables 8 which are respectively constituted by a neutral conductor and by a phase conductor.
As in the third embodiment, it is optionally possible to mount at least two different protective conductors 3 on the supporting body 2, each one of which can be connected, by means of a respective grounding connector 4, to a corresponding grounding conductor cable 5.
For example, the two protective conductors 3 can be arranged on mutually opposite sides of the supporting body 2 and, conveniently, they can be arranged on a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane on which the two active connecting conductors 6 lie.
In such case, the safety means can intervene to uncouple one or both of the connection elements 7 from the corresponding active connecting conductor 6, if all the grounding conductor cables 5 provided should be separated from the respective grounding connector 4.
In the third embodiment, the movable supporting element 10 is provided by a pan, which is arranged facing the supporting body 2, while the elastic means 11 are again constituted by a spring 11a, which is interposed between the supporting body and the movable supporting element 10.
Also in the third embodiment, the two grounding connectors 4 can be, for example, provided by means of grounding terminals, which are fixed to the protective conductors 3 and are adapted to clamp, in a respective insertion seat, the ends of the two grounding conductor cables 5, while the contact conductors 9 which are connected to the connection elements 7 are, preferably, constituted by two blocks which are embedded, at least partially, in the movable supporting element 10 and are facing the respective active connecting conductors 6.
As can be seen in Figure 12, by positioning the grounding conductor cables 5 toward the inside of the movable supporting element 10 and securing them with the respective grounding terminals, it is possible to lock the movable supporting element 10 in the active position, since the grounding conductor cables 5 act as a holdback against the movement of the movable supporting element 10 toward its inactive position.
Preferably, also in the third embodiment, the connection elements 7 can be provided by terminals which are provided with screws for clamping one end of the active conducting cables 8.
Figures 15 and 16 show a fourth embodiment of the invention, similar to the third embodiment, with the difference that the connection is provided to both of the protective conductors 3 of a single grounding conductor cable 5.
In this case, as can readily be seen from the figures, one of the two grounding connectors 4 is, conveniently, constituted by a through hole, which is provided in the corresponding protective conductor 3 and through which a single grounding conductor cable 5 can pass, whereas the other grounding connector 4 can be provided by a grounding terminal, which is intended to lock the free end of the grounding conductor cable 5.
In this manner, the grounding conductor cable 5 can be held taut between the two protective conductors 3, so as to lock the movable supporting element 10 in the active position, as shown in Figure 15.
If the grounding conductor cable 5 should be separated from the grounding terminal and consequently come out of the through hole, the movable supporting element 10 can pass, under the thrust of the elastic means 11, into the inactive position, as shown in Figure 16.
Figures 17 and 18 show a fifth embodiment, in which the device according to the invention takes a multipolar form, i.e. with more than two active connecting conductors 6.
More specifically, in such embodiment, there can be four active connecting conductors 6, three of which are intended to be connected, by means of the respective connection elements 7, to active conducting cables 8 which are constituted by the phase conductors of a three-phase circuit, whereas one is intended to be connected to an active conducting cable 8 which is constituted by the neutral cable of the three-phase circuit, by means of the corresponding connection element 7.
Optionally, it is also possible to have three active connecting conductors 6, each one of which is intended to be connected, by means of the connection elements 7, to a respective phase conductor of a three-phase circuit.
In this fifth embodiment, the supporting body 2 has, conveniently, a central cylindrical portion 2a, from which arms 2b radially branch off and which support, at their free ends, the active connecting conductors 6 and the protective conductor 3.
Extending axially from the central cylindrical portion 2a is a rod-like portion which provides the linear guide 10a, on which the movable supporting element 10 is mounted, which in this case is constituted, conveniently, by a reticular frame with axial portions 10b, which are mounted slideably on the linear guide 10a, and lateral portions 10c, which are distributed around the axial portions 10b and one of which slideably faces, with its free end, the protective conductor 3, so as to ensure the lateral stability of the movable supporting element 10, whereas the others support, at their free ends, respective connection elements 7, which are constituted for example by terminals, with which corresponding contact conductors 9 are associated, which are constituted, advantageously, by elastically flexible tabs, in a similar manner to the first and second embodiments.
In this case, moreover, the spring 11a which provides the elastic means 11 is, advantageously, mounted around the central cylindrical portion 2a of the supporting body 2, between an abutment which is formed by at least one of the arms 2b of the supporting body 2 and an abutment which is formed by at least one of the lateral portions 10c of the movable supporting element 10.
Also in the fifth embodiment, a through hole 12 is provided along the linear guide 10a, through which the grounding conductor cable 5 is made to pass, which must be connected to the protective conductor 3 by means of the corresponding grounding connector 4, which is constituted in this case by a grounding terminal.
The passage of the grounding conductor cable 5 through the through hole 12 and the locking of its free end to the grounding connector 4 of the protective conductor 3 make it possible to maintain the movable supporting element 10 in the active position.
Any disengagement of the grounding conductor cable 5 from the grounding connector 4, with consequent exit thereof from the through hole 12, frees the movable supporting element 10, which, pushed by the spring 11a, can pass to the inactive position.
For completeness it should be added that although the fifth embodiment shown in Figures 17 and 18 has a plug configuration, there is no reason why it cannot be a multipolar socket, substituting the shank- shaped active connecting conductors 6 with active connecting conductors 6 in the form of a female seat.
It should be noted that, if the device according to the invention is constituted by a plug, as in the first, third, fourth and fifth embodiments, then the active conducting cables 8 can originate directly from an electrical load, to which they are connected with their ends which are opposite to the ends connected to the connection elements 7, and the active connecting conductors 6 are intended to be connected, by means of an adapted complementary socket, to a mains electricity supply. Also in this case, the grounding conductor cables 5 are, conveniently, connected to the ground of the electrical load.
If, on the other hand, the device according to the invention is constituted by a socket, as in the second embodiment, then the active conducting cables 8 are connected, with their ends which are opposite to the ends connected to the connection elements 7, to the mains electricity supply, and the grounding conductor cables 5 are connected to the grounding of the mains electricity supply and the active connecting conductors 6 are intended to accommodate a plug which is connected to an electrical load which is to be supplied with power by way of the mains electricity supply.
For completeness it should be noted that the supporting body 2 and the movable supporting element 10, as well as the grounding connectors 4 and the connection elements 7, are, conveniently, accommodated inside a box-like containment enclosure, made of electrically insulating material, not shown for the sake of simplicity.
The operation of the device according to the invention is as follows.
The movable supporting element 10 is arranged in the active position. In such position, the movable supporting element 10 is close to the supporting body 2, so as to provide electrical continuity between the active connecting conductors 6 and the contact conductors 9, and the spring 11a is in the compressed condition.
The movable supporting element 10 is locked in the active position by the connection of the grounding conductor cable or cables 5 to the corresponding grounding connector 4.
Then the active conducting cables 8 are connected to the respective connection elements 7.
If the grounding conductor cable or cables 5 should accidentally be separated from the corresponding grounding connectors 4, the movable supporting element 10 will be freed from being locked in the active position and will pass, as a result of the extension of the spring 11a, to the inactive position, in which the contact conductors 9 are separated from the active connecting conductors 6, so as to break the electrical continuity between the active connecting conductors 6 and the active conducting cables 8.
The connection between the active connecting conductors 6 and the corresponding active conducting cables 8 can thus be restored only if the movable supporting element 10 is first returned to the active position and then locked by connecting the grounding conductor cable or cables 5 to the grounding connectors 4.
In practice it has been found that the invention is capable of fully achieving the set aim and objects.
All the characteristics of the invention indicated as advantageous, convenient or similar may also be missing or be substituted by equivalent characteristics.
The individual characteristics shown with reference to general teachings or to specific embodiments can all be present in other embodiments or substitute characteristics in these embodiments.
The invention, thus conceived, is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims.
In practice the materials employed, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, may be any according to requirements.
Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.
The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. VR2011A000162 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.
Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

1. A device for connection between a load and an electric power supply, comprising a supporting body (2) made of electrically insulating material which supports at least one protective conductor (3), which can be connected by means of at least one grounding connector (4) to at least one grounding conductor cable (5), and at least two active connecting conductors (6), which are electrically coupled to respective connection elements (7), each one of which can be connected to a corresponding active conducting cable (8), characterized in that it comprises safety means adapted to uncouple at least one of said connection elements (7) from the respective active connecting conductor (6) following the separation of said at least one grounding conductor cable (5) from said at least one grounding connector (4).
2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that said safety means comprise at least one contact conductor (9), which is connected to said at least one of said connection elements (7) and can be coupled electrically to the corresponding active connecting conductor (6), with said grounding conductor cable (5) connected to said at least one grounding connector (4); said at least one contact conductor (9) being adapted to uncouple itself from the corresponding active connecting conductor (6), with said grounding conductor cable (5) detached from said at least one grounding connector (4).
3. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one contact conductor (9) is supported by a movable supporting element (10) made of electrically insulating material, which is adapted to pass, by the effect of elastic means (11), from an active position, which can be occupied with said at least one grounding conductor cable (5) connected to said at least one grounding connector (4) and in which said at least one contact conductor (9) is coupled to the corresponding active connecting conductor (6), to an inactive position, which can be occupied following the separation of said at least one grounding conductor cable (5) from said at least one grounding connector
(4) , and in which said at least one contact conductor (9) is uncoupled from the corresponding active connecting conductor (6).
4. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that each one of said connection elements (7) is connected to a respective contact conductor (9), which can be coupled to the corresponding active connecting conductor (6), with said at least one grounding conductor cable (5) connected to said at least one grounding connector (4), and adapted to uncouple itself from the corresponding active connecting conductor (6), with said at least one grounding conductor cable
(5) detached from said at least one grounding connector (4).
5. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said movable supporting element (10) supports each one of the connection elements (7) and the respective contact conductors (9)·
6. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said at least one grounding connector (4) comprises an insertion seat for said at least one grounding conductor cable (5), said movable supporting element (10) being lockable in said active position, in contrast to the action of said elastic means (11), by means of the engagement in said insertion seat of said at least one grounding conductor cable (5).
7. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, on said supporting body (2), at least two protective conductors (3), each one of which can be connected, by means of a respective grounding connector (4), to a corresponding grounding conductor cable (5), said safety means being adapted to uncouple said connection elements (7) from the corresponding active connecting conductor (6) following the separation of each grounding conductor cable (5) from the respective grounding connector (4).
8. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises, on said supporting body (2), at least two protective conductors (3), each one of which can be connected, by means of a respective grounding connector (4), to a single grounding conductor cable (5), said safety means being adapted to uncouple said connection elements (7) from the corresponding active connecting conductor (6) following the separation of the single grounding conductor cable (5) from each grounding connector (4).
9. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said active conducting cables (8) are connected to a mains electricity supply, said active connecting conductors (6) being able to be connected to an electrical load.
10. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said active conducting cables (8) are connected to an electrical load, said active connecting conductors (6) being able to be connected to a mains electricity supply.
PCT/EP2012/064941 2011-08-02 2012-07-31 Device for connection between a load and an electric power supply WO2013017589A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT000162A ITVR20110162A1 (en) 2011-08-02 2011-08-02 DEVICE FOR CONNECTION BETWEEN A LOAD AND AN ELECTRIC POWER SUPPLY
ITVR2011A000162 2011-08-02

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2013017589A1 true WO2013017589A1 (en) 2013-02-07

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PCT/EP2012/064941 WO2013017589A1 (en) 2011-08-02 2012-07-31 Device for connection between a load and an electric power supply

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IT (1) ITVR20110162A1 (en)
WO (1) WO2013017589A1 (en)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6204747B1 (en) * 1997-11-21 2001-03-20 James L. Kitchens Safety devices for electrical circuits and systems
US6340926B1 (en) * 1999-12-22 2002-01-22 Defond Manufacturing Limited Power plug with circuit breaker
US20060061924A1 (en) * 2004-09-22 2006-03-23 Shanghai Ele Manufacturing Corp. Power plug with leakage current protection function
US7513782B1 (en) * 2007-08-10 2009-04-07 Sure Ground L.L.C. Three prong plug with ground safety cutout

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6204747B1 (en) * 1997-11-21 2001-03-20 James L. Kitchens Safety devices for electrical circuits and systems
US6340926B1 (en) * 1999-12-22 2002-01-22 Defond Manufacturing Limited Power plug with circuit breaker
US20060061924A1 (en) * 2004-09-22 2006-03-23 Shanghai Ele Manufacturing Corp. Power plug with leakage current protection function
US7513782B1 (en) * 2007-08-10 2009-04-07 Sure Ground L.L.C. Three prong plug with ground safety cutout

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