EP1843434A1 - Electric socket with controlled insertion and extraction forces - Google Patents

Abstract

The socket has female contacts (3) with a retaining unit placed in an active or inactive configuration and formed of a retractable hook and a corresponding stop. The hook retains the stop, in the active configuration, and maintains a slider, with respect to a base, in an armed position in which the contacts are placed in a spaced configuration, by retractors (61). A bistable slider (6) is returned elastically, in the inactive configuration, by springs (R) to a rest position in which the retractors are disengaged from the contacts and permit the contacts to adopt a locked configuration.

Description

The invention relates, in general, to the design of electrical equipment.

More specifically, the invention relates to an electrical socket adapted to receive a plug having at least two connection pins selectively inserted into the socket in an insertion direction and under the effect of an insertion force. , this socket comprising a base, a front face covering the base and pierced with orifices intended to be traversed by the pins of the plug, at least two female contacts, and retaining means selectively placed in active configuration or in an inactive configuration, each female contact being disposed in the base, being intended to receive a pin, and taking the form of a clamp adopting by default a tight configuration under the effect of an elastic bias.

A plug of this type is for example described in the patent application WO 96/13081 , which relates to a plug designed to oppose a relatively modest force to the insertion and voluntary extraction of a plug, but to oppose a significantly greater force to any inadvertent extraction of the plug.

This result is achieved in particular through the use of pins with specific pins.

In this context, the purpose of the invention is to propose a socket having the same advantages as the known socket of this document, without nevertheless requiring the use of plugs with particular pins.

To this end, the taking of the invention, moreover in accordance with the generic definition given in the preamble above, is essentially characterized in that it furthermore comprises an actuating finger, a bistable slide with at least two spacers, and a probe, in that the probe is movable relative to the base and selectively driven by the insertion force between an advanced position and a retracted position, in that the retaining means in active configuration hold the slide relative to the base in an armed position for which each female contact is placed by one of the spacers in a remote configuration, in that the probe, from its advanced position to its retracted position, the retaining means in inactive configuration, in that the slider, in the inactive configuration of the retaining means, is resiliently biased towards a rest position in which each retractor is disengaged from the corresponding female contact and thus enables it to adopt its tight configuration , and in that the actuating finger is kinematically connected to the slide and movable between first and second extreme positions s whose second requires the slider to adopt its armed position.

Preferably, the invention furthermore provides that this plug comprises at least one lever having a free end forming said feeler, that the actuating finger, when passing from the first extreme position to its second extreme position, drives the feeler of its position. moved back to its advanced position, and that the probe pushes the plug away from the female contacts by moving from its retracted position to its advanced position.

The slide advantageously takes the general form of a moving flat frame in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of insertion, this slide having two points each forming a spacer.

For example, it may be wise to provide that the slider slides parallel to the bottom of the base, the retaining means comprise at least one retractable hook connected to the base and at least one stop carried by the slider, the retractable hook is movable next a direction substantially parallel to the direction of insertion and elastically biased towards a projecting position, that, in the active configuration of these retaining means, the hook holds the stop and holds the slide relative to the base, and that the lever, when the passage of the probe from its advanced position to its retracted position, pushes the hook out of the stop and places these retaining means in the inactive configuration.

The actuating finger can in particular be articulated on the base around a pivot axis, be dimensioned to come into contact with a bearing surface of the slide in its second extreme position at least, and have a gripping portion accessible on the front of the socket.

It is also possible to provide that the lever has a hinged end articulated on the base and remote from the free end forming a probe, that the actuating finger carries a cam sized to bear on the lever between its free and bound ends , and that the cam drives the probe from its retracted position to its advanced position by pivoting the actuating finger about its axis, from its first extreme position to its second extreme position.

The ergonomics and the compactness of the grip of the invention can be further improved by arranging the actuating finger so that it moves from its first extreme position to its second extreme position by pivoting towards the insertion orifices of the plug.

According to a possible embodiment of the invention, the front face may have an insertion jig in which the insertion openings of the plug are made, this jig being movable in translation relative to the base, being selectively driven by the plug between an advanced position and a retracted position under the effect of the insertion force, and being selectively driven in the opposite direction by the free end of the probe lever.

The socket of the invention may also include a pin or a grounding contact, secured to the base.

The use of the socket of the invention can be further improved by providing that the lever is elastically biased towards its first extreme position.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, in which the actuating finger is articulated on the base around a pivot axis, the retaining means may comprise a selectively locking linkage by exceeding the neutral point, commonly known as "knee" by the skilled person.

It is for example possible to provide that this linkage comprises first and second connecting rods articulated to one another, that the first connecting rod has a fixed point of articulation relative to the base, and that the second link is articulated on the slide, the first and second connecting rods adopting a relative position of dead point exceeded in the second extreme position of the actuating finger.

The socket may then further comprise an actuator kinematically connected to the probe and selectively adopting, for the retracted position of the probe, a deactivation position in which the actuator moves the connecting rods from their relative position of dead point exceeded.

To facilitate the use of this jack, the actuating finger is preferably provided with a support member, such as a roller, cooperating selectively with a cam carried by the first connecting rod to place the rods in their relative position. of dead point exceeded and correspondingly cause the slide in its armed position.

• la figure 1 est une vue en perspective d'une prise conforme à l'invention, en attente de branchement d'une fiche, et correspondant à un premier modèle;
• la figure 2 est une vue en perspective d'une prise conforme à l'invention, en attente de branchement d'une fiche, et correspondant à un deuxième modèle;
• la figure 3 est une vue en perspective d'une prise telle qu'illustrée à la figure 2, dans laquelle est insérée une fiche dont le cordon électrique, représenté sectionné, permet un branchement à la terre;
• la figure 4 est une vue en perspective d'une prise telle qu'illustrée à la figure 2, dans laquelle est insérée une fiche dont le cordon électrique, dépourvu de fil de branchement à la terre, est représenté sectionné;
• la figure 5 est une vue en coupe de la prise illustrée à la figure 2, représentée en attente de branchement d'une fiche;
• la figure 6 est une vue en perspective écorchée de la prise illustrée à la figure 4, représentée après l'insertion d'une fiche;
• la figure 7 est une autre vue en perspective écorchée de la prise illustrée à la figure 4, représentée après l'insertion d'une fiche;
• la figure 8 est une vue en perspective de l'intérieur du socle de la prise illustrée à la figure 4, illustrée dans la configuration qu'adopte cette prise après l'insertion d'une fiche, elle-même non représentée par souci de clarté;
• la figure 9 est une vue en coupe de la prise illustrée à la figure 4, représentée dans une configuration qu'elle adopte transitoirement lors de l'extraction d'une fiche préalablement insérée dans cette prise;
• la figure 10 est une vue en perspective écorchée et partiellement éclatée de la prise illustrée à la figure 9, représentée dans la configuration qu'elle adopte à la fin de l'extraction d'une fiche préalablement insérée dans cette prise;
• la figure 11 est une vue agrandie d'un détail de la figure 10;
• la figure 12 est une vue en élévation de l'intérieur du socle de la prise illustrée à la figure 4, représentée dans la configuration qu'adopte cette prise lors de l'extraction d'une fiche;
• la figure 13 est une vue en perspective d'une prise conforme à un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention, en attente de branchement d'une fiche;
• la figure 14 est une vue schématique en élévation d'une cinématique avantageusement utilisable dans une prise conforme à l'invention, le doigt d'actionnement étant représenté dans sa deuxième position extrême;
• la figure 15 est une vue de dessus d'un écarteur et d'un contact femelle dans la configuration illustrée à la figure 14;
• la figure 16 est une vue schématique en élévation de la cinématique illustrée à la figure 14, le doigt d'actionnement étant représenté dans sa première position extrême;
• la figure 17 est une vue de dessus d'un écarteur et d'un contact femelle dans la configuration illustrée à la figure 16;
• la figure 18 est une vue schématique en élévation de la cinématique illustrée à la figure 14, le doigt d'actionnement étant représenté dans une position intermédiaire et évoluant vers sa deuxième position extrême; et
• la figure 19 est une vue de dessus d'un écarteur et d'un contact femelle dans la configuration illustrée à la figure 18.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge clearly from the description which is given hereinafter, by way of indication and in no way limitative, with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

• Figure 1 is a perspective view of a socket according to the invention, waiting for connection of a plug, and corresponding to a first model;
• Figure 2 is a perspective view of a socket according to the invention, waiting for connection of a plug, and corresponding to a second model;
• Figure 3 is a perspective view of a socket as shown in Figure 2, wherein is inserted a plug whose electrical cord, shown sectioned, allows a connection to the ground;
• Figure 4 is a perspective view of a socket as illustrated in Figure 2, wherein is inserted a plug whose electrical cord, without ground wire is shown sectioned;
• Figure 5 is a sectional view of the socket shown in Figure 2, shown waiting for connection of a plug;
• Figure 6 is a cutaway perspective view of the socket shown in Figure 4, shown after the insertion of a plug;
• Figure 7 is another cutaway perspective view of the socket shown in Figure 4, shown after inserting a plug;
• FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the inside of the base of the socket illustrated in FIG. 4, illustrated in the configuration that this socket adopts after the insertion of a plug, itself not shown for the sake of clarity. ;
• Figure 9 is a sectional view of the socket shown in Figure 4, shown in a configuration that adopts transiently during the extraction of a plug previously inserted in this socket;
• Figure 10 is a cutaway and partially exploded perspective view of the socket shown in Figure 9, shown in the configuration it adopts at the end of the extraction of a plug previously inserted in this socket;
• Fig. 11 is an enlarged view of a detail of Fig. 10;
• Figure 12 is an elevational view of the interior of the base of the socket shown in Figure 4, shown in the configuration adopted by this socket during the extraction of a plug;
• Figure 13 is a perspective view of a socket according to another embodiment of the invention, waiting for connection of a plug;
• Figure 14 is a schematic elevational view of a kinematic advantageously used in a socket according to the invention, the actuating finger being shown in its second extreme position;
• Figure 15 is a top view of a spacer and a female contact in the configuration shown in Figure 14;
• Figure 16 is a schematic elevational view of the kinematic illustrated in Figure 14, the actuating finger being shown in its first extreme position;
• Figure 17 is a top view of a spacer and a female contact in the configuration shown in Figure 16;
• Figure 18 is a schematic elevational view of the kinematic illustrated in Figure 14, the actuating finger being shown in an intermediate position and moving towards its second extreme position; and
• Figure 19 is a top view of a spacer and a female contact in the configuration shown in Figure 18.

As previously announced, the invention relates to an electrical socket adapted to receive a plug F typically having two or three connection pins, the electrical connection being made by pressing these pins into the socket in an insertion direction X and by applying an insertion force.

Such a socket comprises in known manner a base 1, a front face 2 and two or three female contacts, the front face covering the base 1 and being pierced with orifices 210 to be traversed by the pins of the plug F.

Depending on the type of connection desired and the applicable standard, this socket may include a pin 8 or a contact 8 secured to the base 1 and specifically provided to provide a connection to the ground.

Each female contact 3 is disposed in the base 1 and intended to receive a pin.

To allow control of the force required to insert a plug into the socket and the force required to extract the plug, each female contact 3 of the socket takes the form of a resilient clip adopting by default a tight configuration, this plug comprising further retaining means 41 and 42 placed at will in an active configuration or in an inactive configuration.

The socket of the invention further comprises at least one actuating finger 5, a bistable slide 6, and a feeler 70, the latter may be single or associated with each side of the socket.

The slider 6 takes for example the general shape of a flat frame slidably mounted in the bottom 10 of the base 1 and in a plane substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction X, this slider 6 having two points each forming a spacer 61.

The retaining means can then be constituted by a retractable hook connected to the base 1 and a corresponding stop 42 carried by the slide 6, each of the elements that constitute the hook and the stop that can be unique or associated with each side of the socket.

The retractable hook 41 is movable in a direction substantially parallel to the insertion direction X of a plug F and elastically biased to a projecting position.

In the active configuration of the retaining means 41 and 42, the hook 41 holds the abutment 42 (FIG. 11) and thus keeps the slider 6, with respect to the base 1, in an armed position for which each female contact 3 is placed by the one of the spacers 61 in a remote configuration as illustrated in FIG. 12.

In the inactive configuration of the retaining means 41 and 42, the slider 6 is resiliently biased by one or more springs R (FIG. 8) towards a rest position in which each spacer 61 is disengaged from the corresponding female contact 3 and thus allows it to 'adopt its tight configuration.

The probe 70 is movable relative to the base 1 between an advanced position visible in Figure 9 and a retracted position visible in Figures 6 and 7.

When connecting a plug F, this probe is moved from its advanced position to its retracted position under the effect of the insertion force, and correlatively places the retaining means 41 and 42 in their inactive configuration.

The actuating finger 5, which has a gripping portion 50 accessible on the front face 2 of the plug, is movable relative to the base between first and second extreme positions, and for example articulated on the base 1 about an axis pivoting Y.

This actuating finger 5 is further dimensioned to come into contact with a bearing surface 60 of the slider 6 and move this slider from its rest position to its armed position by itself passing from its first extreme position visible on the Figures 6 to 8 at its second extreme position visible in Figures 9 to 12.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, which is the one illustrated in the figures, the feeler 70 is in fact constituted by the free end of a lever 7 whose linked end 71, distant from this feeler 70, is articulated on the base 1.

Furthermore, the actuating finger 5 carries a cam 51 sized to bear on the lever 7 between its free ends 70 and 71 linked.

The pivoting of the actuating finger 5 about its axis Y, from its first extreme position to its second end position, thus causes rotation, about the same axis Y, of the cam 51 which in turn drives the feeler 70 of its position moved back to its advanced position.

Correlatively, the probe 70, moving from its retracted position (Figure 7) to its advanced position (Figure 9) pushes the plug F away from the female contacts 3 and causes or assists the extraction of the plug F out of the socket.

As further shown in Figure 7, the lever 7 is shaped and arranged to repel, when the probe 70 passes from its advanced position to its retracted position, the hook 41 out of the stop 42 and thus to place the means 41 and 42 in their inactive configuration.

Due to the elasticity of the retractable hook 41, these retaining means 41 and 42 are spontaneously repositioned in their active configuration when the actuating finger 5 moves from its first extreme position visible in FIGS. 6 to 8 to its second extreme position. visible in FIGS. 9 to 12.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the movement by which the actuating finger 5 moves from its first extreme position to its second end position is preferably oriented so that this finger pivots towards the insertion orifices 210. of F-card

To improve the ease of use of the socket, the latter advantageously comprises a spring 72 (Figure 5) adapted to resiliently bias the lever 7 to its first extreme position.

The operation of the socket as described is as follows.

After commissioning of the plug and in the absence of plug, the slider 6 is in its armed position shown in Figure 12, and the female contacts are in their separated configuration also shown in this figure 12.

The introduction of a plug F is relatively easy since the insertion force of the plug does not have to overcome the friction forces which, on a conventional socket, interfere with the introduction of the pins into the female contacts. 3.

During this introduction, the probe 70 moves from the advanced position shown in FIG. 9 to the retracted position illustrated in FIG. 7.

At the end of this movement, the lever 7, which carries the feeler 70, pushes (FIG. 7) the retractable hook 41 which is disengaged from the stop 42, thus freeing the slide 6 which returns to its rest position illustrated in FIG. 8.

The female contacts 3 then close again, elastically enclosing the pins of the plug F and making it very difficult to unintentionally extract the plug.

The voluntary extraction of the plug is obtained by passing the actuating finger 5 from its first extreme position illustrated in FIG. 8 to its second extreme position illustrated in FIG.

During this movement, the finger 5 presses the bearing surface 60 of the slider 6 and pushes the slider from its rest position shown in Figure 8 to its armed position illustrated in Figure 12.

Correlatively, the female contacts move apart, releasing the pins from the sockets.

Simultaneously, the cam 51 raises the lever 7 whose free end, forming probe, pushes the plug F out of the socket.

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment in which the front face 2 of the socket has an insertion jig 21 movable in translation relative to the base 1.

More specifically, this template, in which are made the insertion holes 210 of the plug F, is mounted on the base 1 so as to be driven by this plug between an advanced position and a position retracted under the effect of the force insertion.

The structure of the socket, not visible in Figure 13, may be the same as that illustrated in the other figures, the template 21 is therefore likely to be driven from its retracted position to its advanced position by the probe 70 constituted by the free end 70 of the lever 7.

Figures 14 to 19 illustrate a kinematic advantageously used in the case where the actuating finger 5 is articulated on the base 1, in this case around the pivot axis Y.

In this embodiment, the retaining means are in fact essentially constituted by a selectively locking linkage by exceeding the neutral point.

More precisely, this linkage comprises, for example, two connecting rods 41 and 42 hinged to one another at a common hinge point 441, the first connecting rod 41 having a point of articulation 440 fixed relative to the base 1, and the second connecting rod 42 being articulated on the slide 6 at a pivot point 442.

Furthermore, the actuating finger 5 is advantageously provided with a support roller 52 intended to cooperate with a concave cam 43 carried by the first connecting rod 41.

With this arrangement and as shown in Figures 14 and 15, the fact of placing the finger 5 in its second extreme position has the effect of correlatively placing the rods 41 and 42 in their relative position exceeded dead point, and place the slide 6 in its armed position.

Under these conditions, the rod 42 is for example pressed on the slider 6, and the spring R acts on the slider 6 in a proper direction to confirm the locking of the linkage 41, 42.

The socket further comprises an actuator 73 which is kinematically connected to the feeler 70 in such a way that, for the advanced position of the probe 70, this actuator 73 is placed below the line passing through the articulation points 440 and 442 ( 14) and that, for the retracted position of the probe 70, this actuator 73 is placed beyond this line (FIG. 16).

To do this, the actuator 73 is for example constituted by an end of a lever articulated on the base 1 at an intermediate point, and whose other end is constituted by the feeler 70.

Figures 14 and 15 illustrate the situation in which the socket waits for the connection of a plug F, the slider 6 being in its armed position and the finger 5 in its second extreme position.

Figures 16 and 17 illustrate the observable situation after the insertion of a plug F with a pin F1 has been shown.

In this situation, the actuator 73 adopts its deactivation position located beyond the line passing through the articulation points 440 and 442, and in which it separates the connecting rods 41 and 42 from their relative position of dead point exceeded.

The slider 6 is then in its rest position and the spindle F1 is gripped by the female contact 3.

Finally, FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate the situation observable simultaneously with the extraction of a plug F and in which the illustrated members are brought back to their position illustrated in FIGS. driving the finger 5 to its second extreme position.

Claims (14)

Electrical socket able to receive a plug (F) with at least two connection pins selectively pressed into the socket in an insertion direction (X) and under the effect of an insertion force, this socket comprising a base (1), a front face (2) covering the base (1) and pierced with orifices (210) intended to be traversed by the pins of the plug, at least two female contacts (3), and retaining means (41, 42) selectively placed in the active configuration or in the inactive configuration, each female contact (3) being arranged in the base (1), intended to receive a pin, and taking the form of a gripper adopting by defect a tight configuration under the effect of an elastic bias, characterized in that it further comprises an actuating finger (5), a slide (6) bistable with at least two spacers (61), and a feeler (70), in that the feeler (70) is movable relative to the base (1) and s tively driven by the insertion force between an advanced position and a retracted position, in that the retaining means (41, 42) in the active configuration hold the slide (6) relative to the base (1) in a cocked position for wherein each female contact (3) is placed by one of the spacers (61) in a remote configuration, in that the probe (70), from its advanced position to its retracted position, places the retaining means (41). , 42) in inactive configuration, in that the slider (6), in the inactive configuration of the retaining means (41, 42), is resiliently biased towards a rest position in which each spacer (61) is disengaged from the corresponding female contact (3) and thus allows it to adopt its tight configuration, and in that the actuating finger (5) is kinematically connected to the slide (6) and mobile between first and second extreme positions, the second of which requires the slider (6) to adopt its armed position. Electrical socket according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises at least one lever (7) having a free end (70) forming said feeler (70), in that the actuating finger (5) from the first extreme position to the second end position, the probe (70) moves from its retracted position to its advanced position, and in that the feeler (70) pushes the plug (F) away from the female contacts (3). ) from its retracted position to its advanced position. Electrical outlet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the slider (6) takes the general shape of a flat frame movable in a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction (X) of insertion, this slider ( 6) having two points each forming a spacer (61). Electrical socket according to one of the preceding claims combined with claim 2, characterized in that the slide (6) slides parallel to the bottom (10) of the base (1), in that the retaining means (41, 42) comprise at least one retractable hook (41) connected to the base (1) and at least one stop (42) carried by the slide (6), in that the retractable hook (41) is movable in one direction substantially parallel to the insertion direction (X) and elastically biased towards a protruding position, in that , in the active configuration of these retaining means (41, 42), the hook (41) retains the stop (42) and maintains the slider (6) relative to the base (1), and in that the lever (7), during the passage of the probe (70) from its advanced position to its retracted position, pushes the hook (41) out of the stop (42) and places these retaining means (41, 42) in an inactive configuration. Electrical socket according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating finger (5) is articulated on the base (1) about a pivot axis (Y), is dimensioned to come into contact with a bearing surface (60) of the slide (6) in its at least one extreme second position, and has a gripping portion (50) accessible on the front face (2) of the grip. Electrical socket according to Claims 2 and 5, characterized in that the lever (7) has a connected end (71) articulated on the base (1) and distant from the free probe end (70). in that the actuating finger (5) carries a cam (51) dimensioned to bear on the lever (7) between its free ends (70) and linked (71), and in that the cam (51) causes the probe (70) from its retracted position to its advanced position by pivoting the actuating finger (5) about its axis (Y) from its first extreme position to its second extreme position. Electrical outlet according to Claim 6, characterized in that the actuating finger (5) moves from its first extreme position at its second extreme position by pivoting towards the openings (210) for introducing the plug (F). Electrical outlet according to one of the preceding claims, in combination with claim 2, characterized in that the front face (2) has an insertion jig (21) in which the insertion openings (210) are formed. the plug (F), in that this template (21) is movable in translation relative to the base (1) and selectively driven by the plug between an advanced position and a retracted position under the effect of the insertion force, and in that this jig (21) is selectively driven in the opposite direction by the free end (70) of the lever (7). Electrical outlet according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a pin (8) or a contact (8) for connection to the ground, integral with the base (1). An electrical outlet according to any one of the preceding claims combined with claim 2, characterized in that the lever (7) is resiliently biased towards its first end position. Electrical socket according to Claim 1, characterized in that the actuating finger (5) is articulated on the base (1) about a pivot axis (Y), and that the retaining means (41) , 42) comprise a selectively locking linkage by exceeding the neutral position. Electrical socket according to Claim 11, characterized in that the linkage comprises first (41) and second (42) linkages articulated one on the other (441), in that the first connecting rod (41) has a point of articulation (440) fixed relative to the base (1), and in that the second connecting rod (42) is articulated (442) on the slide (6), the first and second connecting rods ( 41, 42) adopting a relative position of dead point exceeded in the second extreme position of the actuating finger (5). Electrical outlet according to claim 12, characterized in that it further comprises an actuator (73) kinematically connected to the feeler (70) and selectively adopting, for the retracted position of the probe (70), a deactivation position in which this actuator (73) separates the connecting rods (41, 42) from their relative position of dead point exceeded. Electrical socket according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the actuating finger (5) is provided with a support member such as a roller (52) selectively cooperating with a cam (43) carried by the first connecting rod (41) for placing the links (41, 42) in their relative position of dead point exceeded and correspondingly cause the slide (6) in its armed position.

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