WO2023240312A1 - Electrical power point - Google Patents

Electrical power point Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023240312A1
WO2023240312A1 PCT/AU2023/050526 AU2023050526W WO2023240312A1 WO 2023240312 A1 WO2023240312 A1 WO 2023240312A1 AU 2023050526 W AU2023050526 W AU 2023050526W WO 2023240312 A1 WO2023240312 A1 WO 2023240312A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
power point
sockets
connection
accordance
conductive rings
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2023/050526
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Darren Lee Rowe
Edward Joseph Khoury
Original Assignee
Darren Lee Rowe
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
Priority claimed from AU2022901638A external-priority patent/AU2022901638A0/en
Application filed by Darren Lee Rowe filed Critical Darren Lee Rowe
Publication of WO2023240312A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023240312A1/en

Links

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
    • H01R35/00—Flexible or turnable line connectors, i.e. the rotation angle being limited
    • H01R35/04—Turnable line connectors with limited rotation angle with frictional contact members
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/10—Sockets for co-operation with pins or blades
    • H01R13/11—Resilient sockets
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/20—Pins, blades, or sockets shaped, or provided with separate member, to retain co-operating parts together
    • 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
    • H01R13/40—Securing contact members in or to a base or case; Insulating of contact members
    • H01R13/42—Securing in a demountable manner
    • 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
    • H01R13/40—Securing contact members in or to a base or case; Insulating of contact members
    • H01R13/42—Securing in a demountable manner
    • H01R13/428—Securing in a demountable manner by resilient locking means on the contact members; by locking means on resilient contact members
    • H01R13/434—Securing in a demountable manner by resilient locking means on the contact members; by locking means on resilient contact members by separate resilient locking means on contact member, e.g. retainer collar or ring around contact member
    • 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
    • H01R13/40—Securing contact members in or to a base or case; Insulating of contact members
    • H01R13/42—Securing in a demountable manner
    • H01R13/436—Securing a plurality of contact members by one locking piece or operation
    • 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
    • H01R24/20—Coupling parts carrying sockets, clips or analogous contacts and secured only to wire or cable
    • 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
    • H01R24/38—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts
    • H01R24/40—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts specially adapted for high frequency
    • H01R24/52—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure having concentrically or coaxially arranged contacts specially adapted for high frequency mounted in or to a panel or structure
    • H01R24/525—Outlets
    • 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
    • H01R24/76—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure with sockets, clips or analogous contacts and secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. to a wall
    • 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
    • H01R24/76—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure with sockets, clips or analogous contacts and secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. to a wall
    • H01R24/78—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure with sockets, clips or analogous contacts and secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. to a wall with additional earth or shield contacts
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R25/00—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits
    • H01R25/006—Coupling parts adapted for simultaneous co-operation with two or more identical counterparts, e.g. for distributing energy to two or more circuits the coupling part being secured to apparatus or structure, e.g. duplex wall receptacle
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R31/00—Coupling parts supported only by co-operation with counterpart
    • H01R31/06—Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R12/00—Structural associations of a plurality of mutually-insulated electrical connecting elements, specially adapted for printed circuits, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB], flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures, e.g. terminal strips, terminal blocks; Coupling devices specially adapted for printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures; Terminals specially adapted for contact with, or insertion into, printed circuits, flat or ribbon cables, or like generally planar structures
    • H01R12/70—Coupling devices
    • H01R12/7088—Arrangements for power supply
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/02—Contact members
    • H01R13/15—Pins, blades or sockets having separate spring member for producing or increasing contact pressure
    • H01R13/187—Pins, blades or sockets having separate spring member for producing or increasing contact pressure with spring member in the 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
    • H01R13/44—Means for preventing access to live contacts
    • H01R13/447—Shutter or cover plate
    • 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
    • H01R13/46—Bases; Cases
    • H01R13/514—Bases; Cases composed as a modular blocks or assembly, i.e. composed of co-operating parts provided with contact members or holding contact members between them
    • 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
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • 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
    • H01R13/64—Means for preventing incorrect coupling
    • H01R13/642—Means for preventing incorrect coupling by position or shape of contact members
    • 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
    • H01R13/73—Means for mounting coupling parts to apparatus or structures, e.g. to a wall

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an electrical power point.
  • the resulting position of the plugs may create problems.
  • the transformer housings may be in awkward positions, making it difficult or impossible to insert the pins into the apertures in the sockets.
  • the present invention relates to an electrical power point of this type having multiple rotatable sockets to allow adjustment of the position of the sockets.
  • the power point includes an improved construction to provide effective and safe connections within the electrical power point.
  • a power point comprising: a plate into which are mounted first and second sockets, each comprising a cylindrical body mounted for rotation relative to the plate; a plurality of conductive rings provided around the periphery of each of the bodies of the sockets; and a connection unit located between the first and second sockets; wherein the connection unit includes one or more resilient connection members, each of the connection members including first and second side portions to engage resiliently with corresponding conductive rings on the first and second sockets, each of the connection members including a spring extending between the first and second side portions.
  • connection members are U-shaped, including an interconnecting portion extending between the side portions.
  • lugs are provided on inner surfaces of the first and second side portions of the connection members onto which ends of the springs are engaged.
  • connection unit comprises a housing having openings in opposed side walls such that ends of the connection members extend outwardly through the openings to engage with the conductive rings on the sockets.
  • the side walls of the housing are convex having a curvature corresponding to curvature of the side of the adjacent socket.
  • one of the conductive rings on each of the sockets is connected to the earth connection of the power point.
  • one of the conductive rings on each of the sockets is connected to the neutral connection of the power point.
  • connection members are connected to a connection block for connection to external wiring, the connection block comprising a plurality of cable connectors.
  • the cable connectors are provided in recesses provided in an upper wall of the housing.
  • each of the sockets includes one or more spacer rings each located around the outer side thereof between an adjacent pair of conductive rings.
  • a further connection member is provided to connect to one of the conductive rings, the further connection member comprising a conductive elongate member having arms at opposed ends positioned to engage with the conductive rings of the first and second sockets connected to an active connection of the power point.
  • the arms are separate from the elongate member and have first ends engaged with the conductive rings of the sockets and second ends moveable between an on position, in which the second ends are engaged with the elongate member, and an off position, in which the second ends are disengaged from the elongate member.
  • switches are provided to move the second ends of the arms between the on and off positions.
  • the elongate member includes a tab located between the ends thereof to engage into the connector block.
  • Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of an electrical power point in accordance with the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is an exploded view of the power point of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 is an upper perspective view of the sockets and connection unit of the power point of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 4 is an exploded view of one of the sockets of the power point of
  • Figure 5 is a side cross sectional view of the power point of Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 6 is an upper perspective view of the power point showing a first plug connected into one of the sockets
  • Figure 7 is an upper perspective view of the power point and two plugs for connection to the sockets;
  • Figure 8 is an upper perspective view of the power point showing rotation of the first plug to allow connection of the second plug;
  • Figure 9 is an exploded view of the connection unit of the power point
  • Figure 10a is a side view of the power point
  • Figure 10b is a cross sectional view of the power point of Figure 10a through A-A.
  • a power point 10 comprising generally a plate 12 and a plurality of sockets 14.
  • the plate 12 comprises a standard wall mounting plate and there are provided first and second sockets 14a and 14b.
  • the plate 12 is connectable to a surface such as a wall by appropriate fixings, such as screws and includes a cover plate 20.
  • the power point 10 may be provided in other devices, such as a portable power board.
  • Each of the sockets 14 comprises a cylindrical body 22 having circular front and rear ends 24 and 25 and a cylindrical side 26.
  • the front end 24 includes a plurality of apertures 28 for receiving pins 11 of a plug 13.
  • the sockets 14 are received within a cradle 30 secured rearwardly of the plate 12.
  • the sockets 14 are received within the cradle 30 such that the front ends 24 are supported within holes 32 provided in the plate 12 and such that the sockets 14 are rotatable about longitudinal axes thereof passing centrally through the front and rear ends 24 and 25.
  • the sockets 14 may therefore be rotated to change the position of the apertures 28 for receiving a plug 13 in the most appropriate orientation.
  • the rear end 25 of the body 22 of each of the sockets 14 comprises a removable rear plate 34.
  • the rear plate 34 is removable to provide access to the interior of the body 22 of the socket 14.
  • the socket 14 also includes a plurality of conductive rings 36.
  • Each of the conductive rings 36 comprises a ring formed from a conductive material received around the side 26 of the socket 14.
  • Non-conductive spacer rings 38 are provided between each adjacent pair of conductive rings 36.
  • Each of the conductive rings 36 includes a pin connector 40 connected to an inner side thereof.
  • the pin connectors 40 extend through slots 42 in the side 26 of the socket 14 such that the pin connectors 40 are each located behind one of the apertures 28 to receive an end of the respective pin 11.
  • the power point 10 is provided with a connection unit 16.
  • the connection unit 16 is located between the first and second sockets 14a and 14b and is provided to connect between the conductive rings 36 and a connection block 18 to which external wiring is connected.
  • the connection block 18 comprises three cable connectors 19. Each of the cable connectors 19 is provided to each receive one of the incoming active, neutral or earth wires attached to the power point 10.
  • the cable connectors 19 are each received within a corresponding recess 68 in an upper wall of the housing 44 of the connection unit 16.
  • the connection unit 16 comprises a housing 44 and a plurality of resilient connection members 46.
  • the housing 44 includes front and rear walls 48 and 49 and first and second side walls 50 and 51 .
  • the front and rear walls 48 and 49 are oriented generally parallel to the front and rear ends 24 and 25 of the sockets 14.
  • the first side wall 50 is located adjacent the side 26 of the first socket 14a and the second side wall 51 is located adjacent the side 26 of the second socket 14b.
  • Each of the first and second side walls 50 and 51 is convex in shape to correspond to the curvature of the adjacent side 26 of the socket 14.
  • connection members 46 are provided within the interior of the connection unit 16. Each of the connection members 46 comprises a resilient conductive member which is connected to one of the cable connectors 19 of the connector block 18. In the embodiment shown, there are provided two such connection members 46 to connect to the conductive rings 36 corresponding to the earth and neutral connections of the power point 10.
  • connection members 46 comprises a U-shaped member having first and second side portions 52a and 52b and an interconnecting portion 54.
  • the side portions 52a and 52b extend outwardly through openings 56 in the side walls 50 and 51 of the connection unit 16.
  • the U-shaped members are resilient such that as the connection unit 16 is inserted between the adjacent sockets 14, the side portions 52 may flex inwardly such that the resilience of the connection member 46 then keeps the side portions 52 in engagement with the conductive rings 36. Therefore, as the sockets 14 rotate, connection is maintained between the conductive rings 36 and the connection members 46.
  • connection members 46 includes a corresponding spring 70.
  • Each of the side portions 52 of the connection members 46 includes a lug 72 on an inner side thereof. Ends of the springs 70 are received onto the lugs 72 on the side portions 52.
  • the spring 70 extends between the side portions 52 of the connector 46 to bias the side portions 52 outwardly away from each other.
  • the use of the spring 70, along with the resilient nature of the connector 46 itself provides two actions pushing the side portions 52 away from each other into engagement with the conductive ring 36. This arrangement provides additional protection against potential failure of the connection, which is particularly important, especially in relation to the earth connection of the power point 10.
  • a further connection member 58 is provided in the embodiment shown to connect between the conductive rings 36 connected to the active wire of the power point 10.
  • the further connection member 58 comprises a conductive elongate member 60 having arms 62 at opposed ends positioned to engage with the conductive rings 36 of the first and second sockets 14a and 14b to be used for the active connection in the sockets 14a and 14b.
  • the further connection member 58 includes a tab 64 located between the ends thereof to engage into the connector block 18.
  • the arms 62 are separate from the elongate member 60 and each have first and second ends thereof. The first ends of the arms 62 engage with the corresponding conductive rings 36 and second ends thereof are moveable by operation of switches 66a and 66b.
  • the switches 66a may be moved from an off position, in which second ends of the arms 62 are separated from the ends of the elongate member 60, to an on position, in which second ends of the arms 62 are moved into engagement with the adjacent ends of the elongate member 60 to cause power to flow through the further connection member 58 to the socket 14a or 14b.
  • the power point 10 may be secured to an appropriate surface, such as a wall, and may be used to receive two plugs 13. As can be seen in Figures 6 to 8, if a plug 13 is of a shape such that inserting into one of the sockets 14 blocks the other socket (as can be seen in Figure 6) the socket 14 may be rotated to a position in which the other socket 14 is not blocked (as can be seen in Figure 8).

Abstract

A power point (10) comprising a plate (12) into which are mounted first and second sockets (14a, 14b), each comprising a cylindrical body (22) mounted for rotation relative to the plate (12). A plurality of conductive rings (36) are provided around each of the sockets (14a, 14b) and a connection unit (16) is located between the first and second sockets (14a, 14b). The connection unit (16) includes one or more resilient connection members (46), each including first and second side portions (52a, 52b) to engage resiliently with corresponding conductive rings (36). Each of the connection members (46) including a spring (70) extending between the first and second side portions (52a, 52b).

Description

“Electrical Power Point”
Field of the Invention
[001 ] The present invention relates to an electrical power point.
Background to the Invention
[002] When plugging electrical plugs into an electrical power point, the resulting position of the plugs may create problems. For example, in the case where the pins extend from a transformer housing, the transformer housings may be in awkward positions, making it difficult or impossible to insert the pins into the apertures in the sockets.
[003] Various power points have been proposed in which the orientation and/or position of the socket apertures may be changed. The present invention relates to an electrical power point of this type having multiple rotatable sockets to allow adjustment of the position of the sockets. The power point includes an improved construction to provide effective and safe connections within the electrical power point.
Summary of the Invention
[004] According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a power point comprising: a plate into which are mounted first and second sockets, each comprising a cylindrical body mounted for rotation relative to the plate; a plurality of conductive rings provided around the periphery of each of the bodies of the sockets; and a connection unit located between the first and second sockets; wherein the connection unit includes one or more resilient connection members, each of the connection members including first and second side portions to engage resiliently with corresponding conductive rings on the first and second sockets, each of the connection members including a spring extending between the first and second side portions.
[005] Preferably each of the connection members are U-shaped, including an interconnecting portion extending between the side portions.
[006] Preferably lugs are provided on inner surfaces of the first and second side portions of the connection members onto which ends of the springs are engaged.
[007] In a preferred embodiment, the connection unit comprises a housing having openings in opposed side walls such that ends of the connection members extend outwardly through the openings to engage with the conductive rings on the sockets.
[008] Preferably the side walls of the housing are convex having a curvature corresponding to curvature of the side of the adjacent socket.
[009] Preferably one of the conductive rings on each of the sockets is connected to the earth connection of the power point.
[010] Preferably one of the conductive rings on each of the sockets is connected to the neutral connection of the power point.
[011 ] Preferably the connection members are connected to a connection block for connection to external wiring, the connection block comprising a plurality of cable connectors.
[012] In a preferred embodiment, the cable connectors are provided in recesses provided in an upper wall of the housing.
[013] Preferably each of the sockets includes one or more spacer rings each located around the outer side thereof between an adjacent pair of conductive rings. [014] Preferably a further connection member is provided to connect to one of the conductive rings, the further connection member comprising a conductive elongate member having arms at opposed ends positioned to engage with the conductive rings of the first and second sockets connected to an active connection of the power point.
[015] Preferably the arms are separate from the elongate member and have first ends engaged with the conductive rings of the sockets and second ends moveable between an on position, in which the second ends are engaged with the elongate member, and an off position, in which the second ends are disengaged from the elongate member.
[016] Preferably switches are provided to move the second ends of the arms between the on and off positions.
[017] Preferably the elongate member includes a tab located between the ends thereof to engage into the connector block.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[018] The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which:
[019] Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of an electrical power point in accordance with the present invention;
[020] Figure 2 is an exploded view of the power point of Figure 1 ;
[021 ] Figure 3 is an upper perspective view of the sockets and connection unit of the power point of Figure 1 ;
[022] Figure 4 is an exploded view of one of the sockets of the power point of
Figure 1 ;
[023] Figure 5 is a side cross sectional view of the power point of Figure 1 ;
[024] Figure 6 is an upper perspective view of the power point showing a first plug connected into one of the sockets;
[025] Figure 7 is an upper perspective view of the power point and two plugs for connection to the sockets; [026] Figure 8 is an upper perspective view of the power point showing rotation of the first plug to allow connection of the second plug;
[027] Figure 9 is an exploded view of the connection unit of the power point;
[028] Figure 10a is a side view of the power point; and
[029] Figure 10b is a cross sectional view of the power point of Figure 10a through A-A.
Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments
[030] Referring to the Figures, there is shown a power point 10 comprising generally a plate 12 and a plurality of sockets 14. In the embodiment shown, the plate 12 comprises a standard wall mounting plate and there are provided first and second sockets 14a and 14b. The plate 12 is connectable to a surface such as a wall by appropriate fixings, such as screws and includes a cover plate 20. It will be appreciated that while the power point 10 is shown as part of a wall plate, the power point 10 may be provided in other devices, such as a portable power board.
[031 ] Each of the sockets 14 comprises a cylindrical body 22 having circular front and rear ends 24 and 25 and a cylindrical side 26. The front end 24 includes a plurality of apertures 28 for receiving pins 11 of a plug 13.
[032] The sockets 14 are received within a cradle 30 secured rearwardly of the plate 12. The sockets 14 are received within the cradle 30 such that the front ends 24 are supported within holes 32 provided in the plate 12 and such that the sockets 14 are rotatable about longitudinal axes thereof passing centrally through the front and rear ends 24 and 25. The sockets 14 may therefore be rotated to change the position of the apertures 28 for receiving a plug 13 in the most appropriate orientation.
[033] As can be seen in Figure 4, the rear end 25 of the body 22 of each of the sockets 14 comprises a removable rear plate 34. The rear plate 34 is removable to provide access to the interior of the body 22 of the socket 14. [034] The socket 14 also includes a plurality of conductive rings 36. Each of the conductive rings 36 comprises a ring formed from a conductive material received around the side 26 of the socket 14. Non-conductive spacer rings 38 are provided between each adjacent pair of conductive rings 36. In the embodiment shown, there are provided first, second and third conductive rings 36 corresponding to each of the holes 38 in the socket 14 for receiving active, neutral and earth pins 11 of the plug 13.
[035] Each of the conductive rings 36 includes a pin connector 40 connected to an inner side thereof. The pin connectors 40 extend through slots 42 in the side 26 of the socket 14 such that the pin connectors 40 are each located behind one of the apertures 28 to receive an end of the respective pin 11.
[036] The power point 10 is provided with a connection unit 16. The connection unit 16 is located between the first and second sockets 14a and 14b and is provided to connect between the conductive rings 36 and a connection block 18 to which external wiring is connected. The connection block 18 comprises three cable connectors 19. Each of the cable connectors 19 is provided to each receive one of the incoming active, neutral or earth wires attached to the power point 10. The cable connectors 19 are each received within a corresponding recess 68 in an upper wall of the housing 44 of the connection unit 16.
[037] The connection unit 16 comprises a housing 44 and a plurality of resilient connection members 46. The housing 44 includes front and rear walls 48 and 49 and first and second side walls 50 and 51 . The front and rear walls 48 and 49 are oriented generally parallel to the front and rear ends 24 and 25 of the sockets 14. The first side wall 50 is located adjacent the side 26 of the first socket 14a and the second side wall 51 is located adjacent the side 26 of the second socket 14b. Each of the first and second side walls 50 and 51 is convex in shape to correspond to the curvature of the adjacent side 26 of the socket 14.
[038] The connection members 46 are provided within the interior of the connection unit 16. Each of the connection members 46 comprises a resilient conductive member which is connected to one of the cable connectors 19 of the connector block 18. In the embodiment shown, there are provided two such connection members 46 to connect to the conductive rings 36 corresponding to the earth and neutral connections of the power point 10.
[039] Each of the connection members 46 comprises a U-shaped member having first and second side portions 52a and 52b and an interconnecting portion 54. The side portions 52a and 52b extend outwardly through openings 56 in the side walls 50 and 51 of the connection unit 16. The U-shaped members are resilient such that as the connection unit 16 is inserted between the adjacent sockets 14, the side portions 52 may flex inwardly such that the resilience of the connection member 46 then keeps the side portions 52 in engagement with the conductive rings 36. Therefore, as the sockets 14 rotate, connection is maintained between the conductive rings 36 and the connection members 46.
[040] Each of the connection members 46 includes a corresponding spring 70. Each of the side portions 52 of the connection members 46 includes a lug 72 on an inner side thereof. Ends of the springs 70 are received onto the lugs 72 on the side portions 52. The spring 70 extends between the side portions 52 of the connector 46 to bias the side portions 52 outwardly away from each other. The use of the spring 70, along with the resilient nature of the connector 46 itself provides two actions pushing the side portions 52 away from each other into engagement with the conductive ring 36. This arrangement provides additional protection against potential failure of the connection, which is particularly important, especially in relation to the earth connection of the power point 10.
[041 ] A further connection member 58 is provided in the embodiment shown to connect between the conductive rings 36 connected to the active wire of the power point 10. The further connection member 58 comprises a conductive elongate member 60 having arms 62 at opposed ends positioned to engage with the conductive rings 36 of the first and second sockets 14a and 14b to be used for the active connection in the sockets 14a and 14b. The further connection member 58 includes a tab 64 located between the ends thereof to engage into the connector block 18. [042] The arms 62 are separate from the elongate member 60 and each have first and second ends thereof. The first ends of the arms 62 engage with the corresponding conductive rings 36 and second ends thereof are moveable by operation of switches 66a and 66b. The switches 66a may be moved from an off position, in which second ends of the arms 62 are separated from the ends of the elongate member 60, to an on position, in which second ends of the arms 62 are moved into engagement with the adjacent ends of the elongate member 60 to cause power to flow through the further connection member 58 to the socket 14a or 14b.
[043] In use, the power point 10 may be secured to an appropriate surface, such as a wall, and may be used to receive two plugs 13. As can be seen in Figures 6 to 8, if a plug 13 is of a shape such that inserting into one of the sockets 14 blocks the other socket (as can be seen in Figure 6) the socket 14 may be rotated to a position in which the other socket 14 is not blocked (as can be seen in Figure 8).
[044] It will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various modifications and improvements may be made to the foregoing embodiments, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts of the present invention.

Claims

Claims
1 . A power point comprising: a plate into which are mounted first and second sockets, each comprising a cylindrical body mounted for rotation relative to the plate; a plurality of conductive rings provided around the periphery of each of the bodies of the sockets; and a connection unit located between the first and second sockets; wherein the connection unit includes one or more resilient connection members, each of the connection members including first and second side portions to engage resiliently with corresponding conductive rings on the first and second sockets, each of the connection members including a spring extending between the first and second side portions.
2. A power point in accordance with claim 1 , wherein each of the connection members are U-shaped, including an interconnecting portion extending between the side portions.
3. A power point in accordance with claim 3, wherein lugs are provided on inner surfaces of the first and second side portions of the connection members onto which ends of the springs are engaged.
4. A power point in accordance with claim 1 , wherein the connection unit comprises a housing having openings in opposed side walls such that ends of the connection members extend outwardly through the openings to engage with the conductive rings on the sockets.
5. A power point in accordance with claim 4, wherein the side walls of the housing are convex having a curvature corresponding to curvature of the side of the adjacent socket.
6. A power point in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the conductive rings on each of the sockets is connected to the earth connection of the power point.
7. A power point in accordance with claim 6, wherein one of the conductive rings on each of the sockets is connected to the neutral connection of the power point.
8. A power point in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connection members are connected to a connection block for connection to external wiring, the connection block comprising a plurality of cable connectors.
9. A power point in accordance with claim 8, wherein the cable connectors are provided in recesses provided in an upper wall of the housing.
10. A power point in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the sockets includes one or more spacer rings each located around the outer side thereof between an adjacent pair of conductive rings.
11. A power point in accordance with any one of the preceding claims, wherein a further connection member is provided to connect to one of the conductive rings, the further connection member comprising a conductive elongate member having arms at opposed ends positioned to engage with the conductive rings of the first and second sockets connected to an active connection of the power point.
12. A power point in accordance with claim 11 , wherein the arms are separate from the elongate member and have first ends engaged with the conductive rings of the sockets and second ends moveable between an on position, in which the second ends are engaged with the elongate member, and an off position, in which the second ends are disengaged from the elongate member.
13. A power point in accordance with claim 12, wherein switches are provided to move the second ends of the arms between the on and off positions.
14. A power point in accordance with any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the elongate member includes a tab located between the ends thereof to engage into the connector block.
PCT/AU2023/050526 2022-06-16 2023-06-14 Electrical power point WO2023240312A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2022901638A AU2022901638A0 (en) 2022-06-16 Electrical Power Point
AU2022901638 2022-06-16

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WO2023240312A1 true WO2023240312A1 (en) 2023-12-21

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5484299A (en) * 1994-06-06 1996-01-16 Schlessinger; Marc A. Switching type electrical receptacles having selectively orientable plug-receiving contact carriers
US20060110946A1 (en) * 2004-11-23 2006-05-25 Intelliglobe, Inc. Reorientable electrical outlet
US20060281349A1 (en) * 2004-09-20 2006-12-14 Shui Hung Chong Socket with rotatable socket core
CN107069312B (en) * 2017-01-11 2018-11-20 上海理工大学 A kind of detachable multi-directional rotation socket
CN215266835U (en) * 2021-06-25 2021-12-21 郑丛宜 Power strip

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5484299A (en) * 1994-06-06 1996-01-16 Schlessinger; Marc A. Switching type electrical receptacles having selectively orientable plug-receiving contact carriers
US20060281349A1 (en) * 2004-09-20 2006-12-14 Shui Hung Chong Socket with rotatable socket core
US20060110946A1 (en) * 2004-11-23 2006-05-25 Intelliglobe, Inc. Reorientable electrical outlet
CN107069312B (en) * 2017-01-11 2018-11-20 上海理工大学 A kind of detachable multi-directional rotation socket
CN215266835U (en) * 2021-06-25 2021-12-21 郑丛宜 Power strip

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