WO2018138449A1

WO2018138449A1 - Modular socket assembly and electrical module

Info

Publication number: WO2018138449A1
Application number: PCT/FR2018/050185
Authority: WO
Inventors: Loïc OSHOWSKI; Jérémy SAUVAGE
Original assignee: Groupe Adeo
Priority date: 2017-01-28
Filing date: 2018-01-26
Publication date: 2018-08-02
Also published as: FR3062528B1; FR3062528A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a socket assembly (1) comprising at least two successive sockets (2) forming, relative to each other, an upstream socket (2a) and a downstream socket (2b). Each socket comprises at least a first (3) and a second (4) cell in an electrically conductive material, which cells are configured to receive, respectively, pins (10, 11), of an electrical module. The cells of the upstream socket (2a) are connected both to the respective cells of the downstream socket (2b) by virtue of first (5) and second (6) conductive elements and to the respective phases (P, N) of an electrical power supply. At least the first cell (3) of at least the upstream socket (2a) consists of mutually independent first (3a) and second curved portions (3b). Resilient means (9) allow these two curved portions to make contact in the resting state and allow said curved portions to be separated when a pin is inserted between them; the first curved portion (3a) being supplied with power by a phase (P) and the second curved portion (3b) being linked to the first conductive element (5) so as to be connected to the respective cell (3) on the downstream socket (2b).

Description

MODULABLE CATCH SET AND ELECTRICAL MODULE

Technical area

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

The invention aims to allow a modulation of such a set of sockets to adapt it best as a function of electrical devices connected to said outlets and their provisions.

State of the art A set of sockets can take various forms:

In a first form, the socket assembly consists of several single, double or triple wall outlets distributed within one or more rooms of a building, said outlets being interconnected by electrical wiring, the socket located in upstream of the electrical circuit being connected to a power supply cable connected itself to the different phases of the power supply through a circuit breaker or fuse disposed in an electrical protection board. By "phase" is meant a phase as such but also the neutral on the power supply.

In a second form, the set of sockets consists of a power strip on which are arranged several successive plugs interconnected by conductive strips for each of the phases (including the neutral) and for the earth. The power strip may be in the form of a one-piece housing incorporating said conductive sockets and bars or in the form of an assembly of several blocks, the power strip being able to be powered by a power cord having at its end a plug (referred to as a "plug") that engages in a wall outlet arranged in a room of a building. This power strip can also be in the form of a double or triple wall outlet (or a socket with more than three wells), as mentioned above for the first form, which is then connected directly to the electrical circuit and fixed protruding or recessed on the wall.

In the context of a single-phase power supply, a single socket comprises a well provided with two cells, one connected to the phase and the other to the neutral of the power supply, and possibly a contact (for example in the form of a pin or a lyre) connected to the ground. The cells respectively receive the two pins of a plug arranged at the end of a cord supplying an electrical appliance, for example a lamp, a television set, a video player or the like. The male plug is lodged in the well. There are also double and triple sockets respectively comprising two and three wells each provided with two cells and a ground contact. It is understood that the double and triple plugs are in themselves power strips in the second form above.

In the case of a three-phase power supply, the single socket may comprise two or three cells connected to different phases (two or three phases), depending on whether the electrical appliance connected to said socket requires a three-phase power supply or not, as well as possibly a ground contact.

The aforementioned sets of outlets offer no possible modulation.

Indeed, when this set of outlets is in the first form above, the electrical circuit thereof is frozen once and for all, except to change the electrical installation. For example, it is known to control the power supply of a socket in a room of a house by means of a switch or a dimmer placed in said room and connected to said socket. Such a socket generally allows the connection of a lamp-type or other type of lamp that can be turned on or off directly by controlling the switch or the dimmer. The position of the luminaire is however fixed in the room since it is impossible to control it by connecting it to another socket, independent of the switch or the dimmer.

This electrical circuit is also fixed in the case of a set of sockets in the second form above, namely the power strip. For example, it is known power strip blocks that incorporate a switch configured to control the power supply of all or only a portion of the plugs on said power strip. Such power strip is for example used to power electrical appliances such as TV, video player, telephone base, telephone modem and digital. While some of these devices can be cut to avoid leaving them in standby (TV, video player, etc.), others must remain permanently powered (phone base, modem, etc.). The presence of the switch allows to cut the power of the concerned plugs to keep the other active. However, when the user wishes to modify the connection of his electrical appliances or add, the power strip may no longer be adapted to the desired configuration, the only way is to replace said power strip by another suitable.

It is known the patent application FR2357082A1 which discloses a control switch of the power supply of a lamp type electrical appliance, electrical device or electrical machine. The electrical appliance is powered by a power cord, at the end of which is connected a plug to be connected to a traditional power socket. A specific socket can be arranged directly on the connection plug or elsewhere on the power cable of the electrical device or directly on the body of the electrical device. This specific plug allows the insertion of a switch type control module. The specific jack has normally closed jack type terminals that provide electrical continuity between the connector plug and the electrical device (via the power cord) when the control module is not plugged into the specific catch. On the contrary, when the control module is plugged into this specific socket, the power supply between the connection plug and the electrical device passes through said module which then controls the ignition of said apparatus. The control module comprises two terminals which snap onto the jacks of the specific socket, one of the two terminals comprising two separate conductors connected to each other, inside said module, by means of a switching element. an electronic circuit controlling the ignition of the electrical apparatus. Thus, according to this application FR2357082A1, the connection plug can be connected to a socket of a socket assembly, the electrical power supply of the electrical device being either made instantaneously when the module is not plugged into the specific socket is realized on command of the module when said module is plugged into the specific socket. This implementation, however, does not allow a modulation of the set of taking into account the electrical devices connected to the outlets of said set.

Summary of the invention

The present invention aims to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.

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

Remarkably, according to this set of inlets object of the invention, at least the first cell of at least the upstream socket is constituted of first and second curved parts independent of one another. In addition, resilient means make it possible to bring these two curved parts into contact in the idle state and to move said two curved parts apart when inserting a pin therebetween. Furthermore, the first curved portion is fed directly or indirectly by a phase (including the neutral) of the power supply and the second curved portion is connected to the conductive element to be connected to the respective cell on the downstream socket .

By direct supply is meant that the first curved portion of the cell is directly connected to the phase of the power supply and by indirect power supply the fact that the first curved portion is connected to said phase via the outlets arranged upstream and themselves connected to this phase. The term "curved portion" is not limiting; it can be any other form a part of which is configured to come into contact with a pin of an electrical module as will be presented in the following description. In one embodiment of the set of sockets according to the invention, the first and second cells of at least the upstream socket each consist of first and second curved parts. The first curved portions are fed directly or indirectly by the two phases (including the neutral) of the power supply and the second portions are respectively connected to the first and second conductive elements to be connected to the first and second cells of the downstream socket.

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

In another embodiment of the set of sockets according to the invention, combining the two aforementioned embodiments, the first and second cells of the upstream and downstream intake are each formed of first and second curved portions. In addition, the first curved portions of the first and second cells of the upstream socket are fed directly or indirectly by the two phases (including the neutral) of the power supply and the second curved portions of said first and second cells of the upstream socket. are respectively connected to the first curved portions of the first and second cells of the downstream socket via the first and second conductive elements.

In a preferred embodiment of the set of sockets according to the invention, it comprises between two and ten sockets successively connected to each other by electrical conductors, at least two successive sockets of said sockets constituting an upstream socket and a downstream socket such than previously defined according to the various variants. In a preferred embodiment of the set of sockets according to the invention, all the plugs successively constitute between them an upstream and a downstream socket. However, it would be possible to provide alternative embodiments of the set of taps combining, according to various arrangements, at least one upstream tap and one downstream tap with at least one traditional tap, as will appear in the following detailed description. It will therefore be understood that many alternative embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention.

According to one embodiment of the set of plugs according to the invention, the two curved parts of at least the first cell of at least the upstream socket have a flared shape configured to facilitate insertion of the pin and to provide continuity of electrical contact between said curved portions upon removal of the pin. It will be understood that each cell having two curved parts has such a flared shape. This facilitates the connection of the electrical module and avoids micro-cuts during removal of said electrical module.

According to a first design, the set of sockets according to the invention is in the form of a multi-socket block. This power strip may include a power cord having at its end a plug that can be plugged into a wall socket in a room of a house, which allows to position said power strip in different parts of the room according to the wall socket positions in it. Such a power strip may also consist of a double or triple wall outlet, or more than three, the difference being that this power strip is placed in recessed or projecting at a defined location in the room and is connected directly to the electrical circuit connecting several plugs in said room. In the latter case, the set of outlets extends to other wall outlets connected to the same electrical circuit as said double or triple wall outlet, which falls within the scope of the second design detailed below.

According to a second design, the set of sockets according to the invention is in the form of single, double and / or triple sockets connected to one another on the same electrical circuit and configured to be installed flush or projecting on the walls of the sockets. a room or a room. It is understood that the set of sockets can be composed of a combination of traditional single, double or triple (or more than three) sockets and, conversely, of single, double or triple sockets (or more than three) with the characteristics These outlets are distributed in a room and connected together by the electric circuit, one of these outlets being connected to the phases of the power supply (and being able to be connected to the ground).

It is therefore clear that the invention also relates to a single electrical outlet, or individual, allowing the implementation of the set of outlets according to the second aforementioned design. Thus, this plug comprises at least a first cell and a second cell in an electrically conductive material. The term "electrically conductive material" also covers complexes of electrically conductive materials. For a single-phase supply, only two cells are present on the socket, one for the phase and the other for the neutral, possibly with a contact or an additional cell connected to the earth of the house. The invention is also conceivable with a three-phase power supply, in which case the catch may include three cells, one for each phase. According to the invention, the cells are configured to receive respectively pins of an electrical module. In addition, connection means are configured to connect the cells respectively to the phases (including the neutral) of the power supply. Remarkably, at least the first cell consists of first and second curved parts independent of one another. In addition, resilient means make it possible to bring these two curved parts into contact in the idle state and to move said two curved parts apart when inserting a pin therebetween. In addition, the connection means comprise a first connector connected to the first curved portion and a second connector connected to the second curved portion. The first connector allows the direct or indirect connection of the phase of the power supply with the first curved portion and the second connector allows the connection of the second curved portion with the respective cell of the single plug, double or triple arranged downstream , by means of a conductive element of the cable or bar type, according to the position of said plugs constituting a socket assembly according to the invention. In a preferred embodiment of the socket according to the invention, the first and second cells each consist of first and second curved parts respectively connected to first and second connectors. This facilitates the installation of the socket assembly avoiding connection errors.

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

The invention also relates to an electrical module configured to be connected to a set of outlets according to the invention. The module comprises a body incorporating a mechanism configured to perform a function and at least first and second pins, in the case of a single-phase electrical circuit. In the case of a three-phase electrical circuit, a third pin will be present on the module. Remarkably, at least the first pin comprises two portions of electrically conductive material configured to come into contact respectively with the two curved portions of at least the first cell of the upstream socket of the socket assembly according to the invention, when introducing said first pin into said first cell. In addition, said two conductive portions are separated from each other by a central portion of electrical insulating material, said two conductive portions being in connection with the mechanism. In a preferred embodiment of the electrical module according to the invention, the first and second pins (or even the third for a module connected to a three-phase electrical circuit) each comprise two conductive portions and an insulated central portion.

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

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

When the mechanism performs a reading function, the electrical module will for example measure the power consumed by the electrical devices connected to the outlets downstream of the socket receiving said electrical module.

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

It is understood that the set of sockets according to the invention is of interest when modules according to the invention are implemented on said set, according to the electrical devices connected to said set of sockets.

As such, the invention also relates to a power supply of electrical appliances, said installation comprising a set of sockets having one and / or the other of the aforementioned features of the invention and at least one module having one and / or the other of the aforementioned characteristics of the invention.

According to the installation, each module comprises a body incorporating a mechanism configured to perform a function and at least first and second pins, at least the first pin comprising two portions of electrically conductive material which come into contact respectively with the two curved parts of the body. at least the first cell of an upstream socket during the introduction of said first pin into said first cell of an upstream socket. The two conductive portions are separated from one another by a central portion of electrical insulating material, said two conductive portions being in connection with the mechanism, said mechanism fulfilling its function in relation to the outlets arranged downstream of said upstream receptacle receiving said module, as this is described previously. In one embodiment of the installation, the first and second pins of the at least one electrical module each comprise two conductive portions and an insulated central portion, the two conductive portions coming into contact respectively with the two curved portions of the first and second cells. of the upstream plug during the introduction of said first and second pins into said first and second cells. Depending on the installation, the mechanism of the at least one electrical module is configured to perform a cutoff function and / or measurement, as described above.

The invention also relates to a kit comprising a set of sockets having one and / or the other of the aforementioned characteristics and at least one electrical module having one and / or the other of the aforementioned characteristics. Brief description of the figures The features and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description based on figures, among which: FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate two schematic diagrams of a set of sockets according to the invention comprising an upstream socket and a downstream outlet, a specific electrical module being seated in the upstream socket in FIG. 2;

FIGS. 3 to 6 illustrate, in a nonlimiting manner, four schematic diagrams of socket assembly variants, a traditional electrical module being plugged into one of the taps in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, and a specific electrical module according to FIG. the invention being skewered on one of the sockets in Figures 4 and 6;

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

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

Figure 10 shows schematically an implementation of a set of outlets according to the invention in a room or room of a building;

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

FIGS. 12 to 14 illustrate a multi-socket unit according to the invention comprising four sockets and an electrical module according to the invention coming to grip different outlets of said multi-socket block

Figures 15 to 17 illustrate another implementation of cells in two curved parts on a multi-socket unit comprising four sockets as illustrated in Figures 12 to 14;

18 to 21 show four non-limiting variants of electrical modules; - Figures 22 to 26 illustrate another implementation of cells in two curved parts on a power strip with four receptacles as illustrated in Figures 12 to 14.

detailed description

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

As illustrated with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, a set of sockets 1 according to the invention comprises a minimum of two successive sockets 2, one constituting an upstream socket 2a and the other a downstream socket 2b. In Figures 1 and 2, only an upstream socket 2a and a downstream socket 2b are illustrated. In FIGS. 3 to 6, seven taps 2 are illustrated and successively connected to each other, at least a portion of these taps 2 using upstream taps 2a and downstream taps 2b. One could of course provide a set of sockets 1 with more or fewer sockets 2 according to the power requirements of electrical appliances (not shown), for example four or ten sockets 2.

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

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

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

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

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

In FIG. 2, the second pin 11 of the electrical module 12 also comprises two conductive portions 11a, 11b separated by an insulated central portion 1c, which makes it possible to break the electrical continuity between said conductive portions 1a, 1b. However, when this second pin 11 is inserted into a second traditional cell 4 - in a single conducting part - an upstream socket 2a, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the continuity electrical remains between the second cells upstream sockets 2a and 2b downstream; the second cell 4 of the downstream socket 2b remains connected to the neutral N of the power supply.

In FIG. 3, the set of taps 1 comprises seven taps 2 all having a design identical to the upstream tap 2a in FIGS. 1 and 2. These seven taps 2 successively constitute between them upstream taps 2a and downstream taps 2b, in which case said downstream outlets 2b have a different design from that of FIGS. 1 and 2. In this FIG. 3, pins 10 ', 11' are respectively introduced into the first and second cells 3, 4 of the fifth tap 2 (in from the left); these pins 10 ', 1 1' are, however, those of a plug of an electrical appliance or of a traditional electrical module and have a traditional design in a single conductive part, unlike the pins 10, 11 in Figure 2. It follows that the electrical continuity is ensured between the first curved portion 3a and the second curved portion 3b of the first cell 3 of the fifth socket 2, although said curved portions 3a, 3b are no longer in direct contact because of the presence of the first pin 10 '; the sixth and seventh outlets 2 therefore remain powered by the phase P of the power supply.

In Figure 4, the set of sockets 1 comprises seven sockets 2 having all identical design and constituting successively between them upstream sockets 2a and downstream sockets 2b. On each socket 2, the first cell 3 comprises a design identical to that of the first cell 3 on the upstream socket 2a of FIG. 2. In addition, the second cell 4 comprises a design identical to that of the first cell 3, c that is to say it comprises two curved parts 4a, 4b which are independent of one another and an elastic element 9, so that when a second pin 11 is introduced into the second cell 4, the first part curved 4a is no longer in direct contact with the second curved portion 4b. In this figure 4, pins 10, 11 of a specific electrical module 12, such as those described above, are respectively introduced into the first and second cells 3, 4 of the fourth socket 2 (starting from the left); the connection of the first and second cells 3, 4 of the three following sockets 2 with the phase P and the neutral N of the power supply therefore depends on the electrical module 12.

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

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

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

The electrical module 12 illustrated in Figure 9 is configured to perform a specific function in combination with an upstream socket 2a which has at least one of its cells 3, 4 in two curved parts 3a, 4a, 3b, 4b as explained above. For this, the electrical module 12 includes a mechanism 13 configured to implement said determined function. Different examples of mechanism 13 are shown diagrammatically in FIGS. 18 to 21. In FIG. 18, the electrical module 12 is of the bipolar switch type. The mechanism 13 incorporates two mechanical controls 14, 15 respectively connecting the two conductive portions 10a, 10b, 1a, 1bb on the pins 10, 11, these mechanical controls 14, 15 being actuated by a button 16 disposed on the front 12a of said module 12, the actuation of the button 16 allows the closing of the mechanical controls 14, 15 and, thus, to ensure the contact between the two conductive portions 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b on each pin 10, 11, which makes it possible to connect the cells 3, 4 of the downstream socket 2b to the phase P and the neutral N of the power supply. Thus, the mechanism 13 in Fig. 18 performs a switch function. The function of the mechanism 13 in FIG. 19 is similar to that of the mechanism 13 in FIG. 18, the electrical module 12 being here of the bipolar switch type with remote control. In this FIG. 19, the mechanism 13 comprises two electrical relays 17, 18 respectively connecting the two conductive portions 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b of the pins 10, 11. These electrical relays 17, 18 are actuated by an electronic control unit 19 integrating either a touch sensitive or capacitive touch, or a remote control type radio frequency, Bluetooth, infrared, CPL or using any other protocol.

In Figure 20, the electrical module 12 is of the type "Master / Slave". The mechanism 13 comprises two traditional cells 20, 21 respectively connected to the terminals 10, 11. An intensity measuring box A is positioned between the first terminal 10 and the first cell 20. This box A controls the closing of two electrical relays 17, 18 respectively arranged between the conductive portions 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b on the two terminals 10, 11, when the intensity exceeds a threshold signifying that the electrical apparatus connected to the cells 20, 21 is in operation . This makes it possible to electrically supply the sockets 2 of the socket assembly 1 disposed downstream of the socket 2 receiving the electrical module 12, only when the electrical apparatus connected to said electrical module 12 is in operation. Such an electrical module 12 constitutes a sleep interrupter. According to this design, the electrical module 12 also comprises a cell (not shown) for receiving the earth contact 7 of the socket 2. The first conductive portions 10a, 11a of the terminals 10, 11 are in contact with the first curved parts 3a, 4a cavities 3, 4 of the upstream socket 2a, which are connected to the phase P and the neutral N of the power supply, thus enabling the cells 20, 21 to be powered electrically on the mechanism 13 of said electrical module 12 . In FIG. 21, the electrical module 12 is of the wattmeter type. The mechanism 13 comprises a housing W for measuring the power consumed by the sockets 2 disposed downstream of the socket

2 receiving the electrical module 12 on the set of sockets 1. According to this implementation, the two conductive portions 10a, 10b on the pin 10 are interconnected permanently via the wattmeter W which measures the intensity between said conductive portions 10a, 10b, while the two conductive portions 11a, 11b on the other pin 1 are permanently interconnected by a conductive connection 26, said wattmeter W measuring the voltage between the two terminals 10, 11. This design ensures a electrical continuity with the downstream socket 2b when connecting the electrical module 12 to the upstream socket 2a. Variants of mechanisms 13 are conceivable on the electrical module 12, in the context of the invention, to fulfill a specific function when connecting said electrical module 12 to an upstream socket 2a of a set of sockets 1. schematically shown in Figures 18 to 21 are particularly relevant when the upstream outlet (s) 2a on the set of sockets 1 are similar to those of FIG. 4, that is to say when the two cells 3, 4 on the upstream intake 2a are in two curved parts 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b. When this upstream socket 2a is similar to that of FIG. 2, only the first cell

3 being in two curved parts 3a, 3b, a mechanism 13 could be provided on the electrical module 12 which would be solely in relation with the first terminal 10 of said electrical module 12, in particular when it is a question of fulfilling a switch function by means of a mechanical control 14 or an electric relay 17.

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

In FIG. 11, the set of taps 1 is in the form of a multi-tap block 100 comprising seven taps 2 with a configuration that corresponds, for example, to one of the figures 3 or 4. An electrical module 12, as shown in Figure 9, is inserted into the third socket 2 (from the left) and performs a switch function to feed or not the next four outlets 2. The fourth and seventh outlets 2 each receive a traditional electrical module 25 that performs a USB plug function for charging electrical devices such as mobile phones or touch pads.

Figures 12 to 14 show a set of sockets 1 in the form of a power strip 100 having a configuration similar to that of Figure 4, the number of sockets 2 is however four instead of seven. an electrical module 12 performing a switch function, this electrical module 12 can be placed in the first socket 2 as shown in Figure 13, in the second socket 2 as shown in Figure 14, or in the third socket 2 (Configuration not shown), thus allowing to modulate the number of permanently fed 2 sockets (upstream of the electrical module 12) and sockets 2 subject to the movable switch (downstream of the electrical module 12).

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

The end connector 300 comprises a base 301 and a tab 302 mounted flexibly to the base 301. This tab 302 comprises a curved end 303 forming a curved portion 3a, 4a, 3b, 4b of a cell 3 The base comprises a bent portion 304 which is attached to the body 101 of the power strip 100. A connector or connecting member (not shown) will be provided on the base 301 to allow connection to a cable. power supply or distribution, or to a power cord with a plug at its end and intended to be plugged into a wall outlet. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the intermediate bar 400 comprises a more or less baffled body 401 with a curved first end 402 which has a curved portion 403 constituting a first curved portion 3a of a first cell 3 or a second curved portion 4b of a second socket 4 on a socket 2. The body 401 comprises a second end 404 with a curved portion 405 constituting a second curved portion 3b of a first cell 3 or a first curved portion 4a of a second cell 4 on a socket 2. The two curved parts 403, 405 are in opposite directions on the intermediate bar 400. As illustrated in FIG. 15, the intermediate bars 400 are held in position on the body 101 of the power strip 100 by the presence of pads 102 and abutment element 103, 104, 105. The intermediate bars 400 are flexible, which allows the deformation of the ends 402, 404 during the introduction of the pins 10, 11 of an electrical module 12; the bars exert by their elastic deformation a clamping force on the pins 10, 11 inserted into the cells 3, 4 in two curved parts 403, 405, thus ensuring the quality of the electrical contact between said elements. The withdrawal of the pins 10, 11 allows the return of the curved portions 403, 405 in the initial position, the curved parts 303, 403, 405 being in contact with one another and providing electrical continuity. When the curved portion 403 of the first intermediate bar 400a is in contact with the curved portion 405 of the second intermediate bar 400b, and vice versa, the cell 3, 4 formed has a flared shape, that is to say more or less conical, which facilitates the introduction of the pins 10, 11 of the electrical module 12 or the pins 10 ', 11' of an electrical apparatus. This flared shape also ensures a continuity of contact during the introduction or withdrawal of said pins 10, 11, 10 ', 11', which avoids micro-cuts. The same characteristics are reproduced when the curved end 303 of an end connector 300 is in contact with one of the curved portions 403, 405 of an intermediate bar 400.

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

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

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

This implementation of Figure 22 also requires the presence of a first end connector 800 and a second end connector 900, respectively illustrated in Figures 25 and 26. The end connectors 800, 900 have a form of C or C inverted and each comprise a base 801, 901 and a tab 802, 902 mounted flexibly to the base 801, 901. The tabs 802, 902 each comprise a curved end 803, 903 respectively constituting the first curved portions 3a, 4a of the cells 3, 4 of the first upstream socket 2a of the power strip 100, as shown in FIG. 22. End connectors 800, 900 also constitute the second curved parts 3b, 4b of the cells. 3, 4 of the last outlet 2b of said power strip 100, as shown in Figure 22. The bases 801, 901 on the upstream socket 2a allow the connection to the phase and neutral of a power cable or distribution or power cord provided with a plug, thanks to the presence of connectors or connecting elements (not shown). These connectors end 800, 900 are held on the body 101 of the power strip 100 through holding elements (not shown).

According to this implementation of FIGS. 22 to 26, in a manner similar to those of FIGS. 7 and 8 and FIGS. 15 to 17, the first and second intermediate bars 600, 700 and the first and second end connectors 800, 900 have a flexibility allowing, on the one hand, the deformation of the curved parts 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b of the cells 3, 4 during the insertion of the pins 10, 11, by exerting a clamping force on said pins 10, 11 and, on the other hand, the elastic return of said curved portions 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b in contact with each other during the removal of said pins 10, 11. The implementation of FIGS. 15 to 17 offers the advantage of have a single intermediate bar design 400 and end connector 300, compared to that of Figures 22 to 26 requiring the implementation of two types of intermediate bars 600, 700 and two types of end connectors 800, 900 Conversely, the implementation FIGS. 22 to 26 offer for advantage a symmetry of the curved portions 3a, 3b of the first cells 3 with the curved portions 4a, 4b of the second cells 4 on the sockets 2 of the power strip 100. This symmetry has the advantage of allowing the reception of an electrical module 12 without imposing the direction of connection of the latter to the socket 2.

It is understood that double or triple sockets can be implemented on the basis of a power strip 100 as shown in Figure 15 by reducing the number of intermediate bars 400 so as to have only two or three sockets 2. We could at the extreme limit, implement a simple hold by keeping only the end connectors 300 with the curved ends 303 arranged facing to form cells 3, 4 in two curved parts 3a, 4a, 3b, 4b, the flexibility of the tabs 302 maintaining the contact when no pin 10, 11, 10 ', 11' is inserted into said cells 3, 4. Obviously, this last variant is only relevant if other plugs are connected downstream thereof to form a set of sockets 1 within the meaning of the invention. Such single, double or triple sockets could also be implemented on the same principle by reducing more or less the number of intermediate bars 600 and 700 between the end connectors 800 and 900, on the power strip 100 of FIG. The foregoing detailed description is in no way limiting. On the contrary, it aims to remove any imprecision as to its scope. Thus, numerous variants may be envisaged in the context of the invention, in particular as regards the design of the set of sockets 1 and the electrical module 12, or also of the socket 2 as such when it comprises at least one of its cells 3, 4 in two curved parts 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b.

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

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

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

It would also be possible to provide electrical modules 12 with mechanisms 13 fulfilling other appropriate functions, for example a shedding function for temporarily cutting the sockets 2 disposed downstream of the socket 2 receiving said electrical module 12, when the power consumed by these outlets 2 downstream is greater than a threshold.

The set of sockets 1 and the electrical module 12 allow the implementation of an installation. Several electrical modules 12 fulfilling different functions, or even identical functions, can equip the installation. These electrical modules 12 will be positioned on sockets 2 having a first cell 3 comprising two curved parts 3a, 3b, or even plugs 2 having a first cell 3 and a second cell 4, each comprising two curved parts 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, as previously described. For example, it is possible to provide a first electrical module 12 that performs a cut-off function and operates on all the sockets 2 disposed downstream of the socket 2a receiving said first electrical module 12. A second electrical module 12 can then be added, downstream from the first module 12, said second electrical module fulfilling a function of measuring the consumption of the electrical appliances connected to the sockets 2 disposed downstream of the socket 2a receiving this second electrical module 12. The set of sockets 1 and the electrical module 12 will also allow the implementation of a kit. The kit may consist of single, double or triple sockets, some or all of which have the features that are the subject of the invention, or even of a multi-socket block 100, and of one or more electric modules 12 filling one or the other various functions presented previously.

Claims

Set of sockets (1) comprising at least two sockets

(2) successive constituting one vis-à-vis the other an upstream intake (2a) and a downstream outlet (2b), each outlet comprising at least a first (3) and a second (4) cells in a electrically conductive material, said cells being configured to respectively receive pins (10, 11, 10 ', 11') of an electrical module (12, 25), the first and second cells of the upstream socket (2a) being connected, on the one hand, respectively with the first and second cells of the downstream socket (2b) by means of first (5) and second (6) conductive elements and, on the other hand, respectively with two phases (P, N) of an electrical power supply by means of connection means, characterized in that at least the first cell (3) of at least the upstream socket (2a) consists of first (3a) and second independent curved portions (3b) l of the other and that elastic means (9) make it possible to bring these two curved parts into contact with each other. rest state and to separate said two curved parts during the introduction of a pin between them, the first curved portion (3 a) being fed by a phase (P) of the power supply and the second curved portion (3b) being connected to the first conductive element (5) to be connected to the respective cell (3) on the downstream socket (2b).

Set of sockets (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first (3) and second (4) cells of at least the upstream socket (2a) each consist of first (3a, 4a) and second (3b, 4b curved portions, the first curved portions (3a, 4a) being fed by the two phases (P, N) of the power supply and the second curved portions (3b, 4b) being connected to the first (5) and second (3b, 4b) respectively ( 6) conductive elements to be connected to the first (3) and second (4) cells of the downstream socket (2b).

Set of sockets (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, wherein at least the first cells (3) of the upstream intake (2a) and the downstream intake (2b) each consist of first (3a) and second (3b) curved portions, the second curved portion (3b) on the upstream socket (2a) being connected to the first curved portion (3a) on the downstream socket (2b) through the first conductive element (5).

Set of sockets (1) according to claim 3 attached to claim 2, wherein the first (3) and second (4) cells of the upstream intake (2a) and the downstream outlet (2b) each consist of first ( 3a, 4a) and second (3b, 4b) curved portions, the first curved portions (3a, 4a) of the first (3) and second (4) cells of the upstream intake (2a) being fed by the two phases (P, N) and the second curved portions (3b, 4b) of said first (3) and second (4) cells of the upstream intake (2a) being respectively connected to the first parts curved (3 a, 4a) of the first

(3) and second

(4) cells of the downstream socket (2b) through the first (5) and second (6) conductive elements.

5. Set of sockets (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, which comprises between two and ten sockets (2) connected in succession to each other by electrical conductors (5, 6), at least two successive sockets of said sockets constituting an upstream socket (2a) and a downstream socket (2b).

6. Set of sockets (1) according to claim 5 attached to one of claims 3 or 4, wherein all the plugs (2) constitute between them an upstream socket (2a) and a downstream socket (2b).

7. Set of sockets (1) according to one of claims 5 or 6, which is in the form of a power strip (100).

8. Set of sockets (1) according to one of claims 5 or 6, which is in the form of individual sockets (2) and / or multi-socket blocks (100) connected to each other and configured to be placed on walls a room (22).

9. Set of sockets (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the two curved portions (3a, 3b) of at least the first cell (3) of at least the upstream socket (2a) have a flared shape configured to facilitate insertion of the pin (10) and to provide continuity of electrical contact between said curved portions (3a, 3b) upon removal of the pin.

10. Installation comprising a set of sockets (1) having the features of one of claims 1 to 9 and at least one electrical module (12) seated on said socket assembly (1), wherein each module comprises a body incorporating a mechanism (13) configured to perform a function and at least first (10) and second (11) pins, at least the first pin (10) comprising two portions (10a, 10b) of electrically conductive material which come into contact respectively with the two curved portions (3a, 3b) of at least the first cell (3) of an upstream socket (2a) during the introduction of said first pin (10) into said first cell (10) of a upstream socket (2a), said two conductive portions being separated from each other by a central portion (10c) of electrical insulating material, said two conductive portions (10a, 10b) being in connection with the mechanism (13), said mechanism (13) performing its function in relation to the sockets (2) disposed downstream of said upstream socket (2a) receiving said module (12).

11. Installation according to claim 10 attached to claim 2, wherein the first (10) and second (11) pins of the at least one electrical module (12) each comprise two conductive portions (10a, 10b, 11a, 11b) and an insulated central portion (10c, 11c), the two conductive portions (10a, 10b, 11a, 11b) respectively coming into contact with the two curved portions (3a, 3b, 4a, 4b) of the first and second cells (3, 4) of the upstream plug (2a) upon insertion of said first and second pins (10, 11) into said first and second cells (3, 4).

12. Installation according to one of claims 10 to 11, wherein the mechanism (13) of the at least one electrical module (12) is configured to perform a cutoff function and / or measurement.

13. Kit comprising a set of sockets (1) having the features of one of claims 1 to 9 and at least one electrical module (12), wherein each module comprises a body incorporating a mechanism (13) configured to fill a function and at least first (10) and second (11) pins, at least the first pin (10) comprising two portions (10a, 10b) of electrically conductive material configured to contact respectively the two curved portions (3a, 3b) of at least the first cell (3) of an upstream socket (2a) during the introduction of said first pin (10) into said first cell (10) of an upstream socket (2a), said two conductive portions being separated from each other by a central portion (10c) of electrical insulating material, said two conductive portions (10a, 10b) being in connection with the mechanism (13).

The kit of claim 13, wherein the first (10) and second (11) pins of the at least one electrical module (12) each comprise two conductive portions (10a, 10b, 1a, 1b) and a insulated central portion (10c, 11c).

15. Kit according to one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the two conductive portions (10a, 10b, 11a, 11b) and the insulated central portion (10c, 11c) on the at least one electrical module (12). are configured so that the distance between the respective edges of said conductive portions on the peripheral contour (L1) of the spindle is at least three millimeters (3 mm).

16. Kit according to one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the mechanism (13) of the at least one electrical module (12) is configured to perform a cutoff function and / or measurement.