EP2240983B1 - Verrouillage de réceptacles électriques - Google Patents

Verrouillage de réceptacles électriques Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2240983B1
EP2240983B1 EP08732302.8A EP08732302A EP2240983B1 EP 2240983 B1 EP2240983 B1 EP 2240983B1 EP 08732302 A EP08732302 A EP 08732302A EP 2240983 B1 EP2240983 B1 EP 2240983B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
clamping mechanism
prong
receptacle
prongs
plug
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Active
Application number
EP08732302.8A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP2240983A4 (fr
EP2240983A1 (fr
Inventor
Steve Chapel
William Pachoud
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Zonit Structured Solutions LLC
Original Assignee
Zonit Structured Solutions LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Zonit Structured Solutions LLC filed Critical Zonit Structured Solutions LLC
Priority to EP19170632.4A priority Critical patent/EP3540868B1/fr
Publication of EP2240983A1 publication Critical patent/EP2240983A1/fr
Publication of EP2240983A4 publication Critical patent/EP2240983A4/fr
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2240983B1 publication Critical patent/EP2240983B1/fr
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/62—Means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts or for holding them in engagement
    • H01R13/629—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances
    • H01R13/633—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances for disengagement only
    • H01R13/6335—Additional means for facilitating engagement or disengagement of coupling parts, e.g. aligning or guiding means, levers, gas pressure electrical locking indicators, manufacturing tolerances for disengagement only comprising a handle
    • 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
    • H01R13/639—Additional means for holding or locking coupling parts together, after engagement, e.g. separate keylock, retainer strap
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R13/00—Details of coupling devices of the kinds covered by groups H01R12/70 or H01R24/00 - H01R33/00
    • H01R13/648—Protective earth or shield arrangements on coupling devices, e.g. anti-static shielding  
    • H01R13/652—Protective earth or shield arrangements on coupling devices, e.g. anti-static shielding   with earth pin, blade or socket
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R43/00—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors
    • H01R43/26—Apparatus or processes specially adapted for manufacturing, assembling, maintaining, or repairing of line connectors or current collectors or for joining electric conductors for engaging or disengaging the two parts of a coupling device
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R2103/00—Two poles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01R—ELECTRICALLY-CONDUCTIVE CONNECTIONS; STRUCTURAL ASSOCIATIONS OF A PLURALITY OF MUTUALLY-INSULATED ELECTRICAL CONNECTING ELEMENTS; COUPLING DEVICES; CURRENT COLLECTORS
    • H01R24/00—Two-part coupling devices, or either of their cooperating parts, characterised by their overall structure
    • H01R24/76—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

Definitions

  • Connectors typically include prong type terminals, generally referred to as plugs, and female connectors designed for receiving the prong type terminals, generally referred to as receptacles, often described as electrical outlets, or simply outlets.
  • the most common types of outlets include a pair of terminal contacts that receive the prongs of a plug that are coupled to "hot” and "neutral" conductors. Further, outlets include a terminal contact that receives a ground prong of a plug.
  • the design of aforementioned plug and receptacle system generally incorporates a friction only means of securing the two in the mated position.
  • the frictional coefficient varies depending on a variety of conditions, including, but not limited to, manufacturing processes, foreign materials acting as lubricants, and wear and distortion of the assemblies. This characteristic results in a non-secure means of interconnecting AC power between two devices. It is arguably the weakest link in the power delivery system to electrical or electronic devices utilizing the system. However, it has been adopted worldwide as a standard, and is used primarily due to low cost of manufacture, ease of quality control during manufacture, and efficient use of space for the power delivery it is intended to perform.
  • connection technique simply the friction fit component.
  • a technique to secure the mated connection may be desirable to improve the reliability. This may especially be true in mechanically active locations, such as where vibration is present, or where external activity may cause the cords attached to the plugs and receptacles to be mechanically deflected or strained in any manner.
  • US 2,266,130 describes an electrical connector comprising a flat casing having a square front end and a tapered rear end and including a longitudinal central partition, and a pair of longitudinal channels therein upon opposite sides of said partition, respectively, and with front ends opening onto said front end of the casing and rear ends openings onto opposite side edges of said tapered rear end of said casing, a pair of straight elongated jaw plates in said channels fixed to opposite sides of said partition, respectively, to extend longitudinally thereof and flat against the same, a pair of laterally extending ears on each jaw plate adjacent the inner ends of said channels, a pair of elongated pivoted jaw members complemental to said jaw plates, respectively, swingable on the ears of the complemental jaw plates for movement between said ears and in said channels into and from clamping relation to said jaw plates, said jaw members embodying a pair of hand grip ends extending obliquely therefrom out of said rear ends of said channels, and a pair of leaf springs interposed between said hand grip ends and said jaw plates and tensioning the jaw members against swinging
  • US 3,710,304 describes an electric plug of the female type, including a rod and toggle arrangement having pushbuttons so as to frictionally engage the tongs. of a male plug received within the plug to prevent the male plug from slipping out of the female plug.
  • US 4,586,770 describes an electrical receptacle comprising a housing having apertures for receiving blade-type contacts of a plug in which the plug is formed with an aperture at its free end, and a pair of contacts secured in the interior of the housing in longitudinal alignment with the apertures for electrically conductively contacting plug contacts inserted through the apertures, each contact member having a flexible contact portion having a projection releasably interlockable with the aperture of a plug contact to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of the plug contacts from the housing and an arrangement for selectively manually displacing the contact portions for releasing the plug contacts,
  • GB2383202A describes a connector wherein the connector comprises a socket for receiving a plug having a plurality of pins wherein the socket presents a greater resistance to withdrawal of at least one pin than to insertion of the pin.
  • the connector socket has a moveable resiliently biased location plate with a series of holes to match a cooperating plug. Said location plate moving during assembly of the plug and socket to present a chamfered edge to the sides of the plug terminals. Tensile forces acting to pull apart the plug and socket cause the chamfered edge to further grip the plug terminals increasing loading. Thus removal of the pin is substantially prevented except by means of a release mechanism which may be optionally provided.
  • a lock release grip arranged to contact a clamping mechanism and including a release grip handle arranged about two opposing sides of the locking receptacle wherein when the clamping mechanism is in the locked condition, application of axial tension between the release grip handle and the male assembly causes the clamping mechanism to release the prong such that the male assembly can be separated from the female assembly,
  • US 7 041 918 describes a power outlet comprising two elastic pieces being formed at the rears of two insertion holes of the outlet panel, wherein one end of each elastic piece, including a fastening hole corresponding with the insertion holes, is disposed on a fastening board connected with the outlet panel and the other end of each elastic piece facing a base of a chassis of the power outlet is connected with one end of an elastic element. The other end of the elastic element is connected with the base of the chassis.
  • a switch comprising a spring is connected between the fastening board and the base of the chassis, when the panel being compressed towards the inside of the chassis, the switch can be locked in position, enabling a user to safely and easily operate the electricity power outlet.
  • a lock release grip arranged to contact a clamping mechanism including a release grip handle arranged about two opposing sides of the locking receptacle wherein when the clamping mechanism is in the locked condition, application of axial tension between the release grip handle and the male assembly causes the clamping mechanism to release the prong such that the male assembly can be separated from the female assembly.
  • the present invention is directed to securing an electrical connection.
  • mating plug and socket electrical connections may be the least secure link in the power delivery system.
  • these connections are secured only by means of a friction fit. A number of factors may affect the security of this connection.
  • the present invention provides a clamping mechanism whereby the very forces that would otherwise tend to pull the connection apart serve to actuate the clamping mechanism thereby securing the mated pair.
  • the invention is of simple construction and highly reliable in operation. Moreover, the invention can be implemented simply in connection with new or retrofitted receptacle devices. Thus, the system is compatible with existing plugs and other infrastructure.
  • an apparatus for use in securing an electrical connection.
  • the electrical connection is formed by a mating structure including prongs of a male assembly and receptacles of a female assembly (e.g., a cord cap or outlet receptacle) where the connection is broken by withdrawal of the prongs from the receptacles.
  • a wall outlet receptacle is female, while cord caps may be either male or female.
  • the apparatus includes a clamping element movable between a clamping configuration, where the clamping element holds the mating structure in a connected state, and a release configuration.
  • An activating element urges the clamping element into the clamping configuration responsive to a force tending to withdraw the prongs from the receptacles. In this manner, a force that would otherwise tend to pull the connection apart will now cause the apparatus of the present invention to clamp the connection in a secure state.
  • clamping functionality may be associated with the male assembly and/or the female assembly.
  • the apparatus is implemented solely in the female assembly.
  • the clamping element may act on one or more of the prongs of the male assembly.
  • the clamping element acts on a ground prong, maintained at ground potential, such that it is unnecessary to consider potentials applied to the clamped prong in relation to the design of the clamping element. This also enables or facilitates compatibility with safety body/code regulations.
  • the clamping element may include a contact surface for contacting one of the prongs in the clamping configuration.
  • the activating element may translate movement of the prong in relation to the receptacle into movement of the contact surface into the clamping configuration.
  • movement of the prongs may be translated into rotational movement of the contact surface into an abutting relationship with the clamped prong.
  • the apparatus further includes a release element for moving the clamping element into the release configuration.
  • the release element may be operated by a user by squeezing or sliding an element of the plug housing.
  • a method for using a securing device includes a clamping element and an activating element as described above.
  • the user can activate the securing device by inserting the prongs of the male assembly into the receptacles of the female assembly.
  • the electrical connection is secured as described above.
  • the user can further deactivate the securing device by forcing the clamping element into the release configuration, for example, by squeezing the housing of the male assembly. In this manner, the electrical connection can be simply secured and released as desired by the user.
  • Figures 1A-1C illustrate the operation of an embodiment of a clamping mechanism for securing a mated electrical connection that may be included in a locking receptacle of the present invention.
  • the bottom portion represents a side view of a prong 16 and a clamping mechanism 12, while the top portion represents a perspective view.
  • the prong 16 of a plug is shown prior to insertion into a receptacle 10.
  • the prong 16 may be a ground prong of a standard plug (e.g., an IEC 320 plug, a NEMA 5-15, or the like) and may be various sizes and shapes.
  • the receptacle 10 may be the ground receptacle of a standard outlet (e.g., a NEMA standard cord cap, an IEC 320 cord cap, or the like) that is operative to receive a standard plug.
  • the receptacle 10 also includes the clamping mechanism 12 that is coupled to a pivot 14.
  • the clamping mechanism 12 includes an aperture that is sized to be slightly larger than the prong 16, such that the prong 16 may only pass through the aperture when the length of the clamping mechanism is substantially perpendicular to the length of the prong 16. That is, the design of the clamping mechanism 12 is such that a simple slide on and capture technique is utilized.
  • Figure 1B illustrates the prong 16 when inserted into the receptacle 10.
  • the prong 16 passes through the aperture in the clamping mechanism 12 and into the receptacle 10, such that the corresponding plug and outlet are in a mated position.
  • the clamping mechanism 12 further may include a stop (not shown) to prevent the clamping mechanism 12 from pivoting during the insertion of the prong 16.
  • the length of the clamping mechanism 12 will remain substantially perpendicular to the length of the prong 16, which permits the passage of the prong through the aperture of the clamping mechanism 12.
  • Figure 1C illustrates the gripping function of the clamping mechanism 12 in reaction to a force on the prong 16 that tends to withdrawal the prong 16 from the receptacle 10.
  • the clamping mechanism 12 In reaction to a withdrawal of the prong 16, the clamping mechanism 12 angularly deflects (i.e., rotates) about the pivot 14, causing the aperture in the clamping mechanism 12 to grip the prongs 16.
  • the very force that tends to withdraw the prong 16 from the receptacle acts to actuate the clamping mechanism 12 to engage the prong 16, thereby preventing the withdrawal of the prong 16, and maintaining the electrical connection of the mated assembly.
  • the clamping mechanism 12 may be constructed of any suitable material, including a high strength dielectric with an imbedded metallic gripping tooth. An all-metallic clamping mechanism may also be used if the prong 16 is a ground prong.
  • FIGS 2A-2B illustrate a cross section of one embodiment of a locking electrical receptacle 20.
  • the receptacle 20 is an IEC type 320 cord cap receptacle that includes a locking mechanism.
  • the receptacle 20 includes an inner contact carrier module 24 that houses contact sockets 26 and 28. Attached to the contact sockets are wires 36 and 38 that extend out of the receptacle 20 through a cord 34.
  • the carrier module 24 may be attached to a cord strain relief 32 that functions to prevent the breaking of the electrical connections when a force is applied to the cord 34.
  • a spring prong retainer 40 is disposed adjacent to a surface of the carrier module 24, and extends across a prong-receiving portion 44 of the receptacle 20.
  • the spring prong retainer 40 includes an aperture sized to permit the passage of the ground prong of a plug into the socket 26.
  • the aperture in the spring prong retainer 40 may be sized to be slightly larger than one prong (e.g., the ground prong) in a standard plug such that the aperture may function as the clamping mechanism for the locking receptacle 20. The operation of the clamping feature of the spring prong retainer 40 is discussed in detail below.
  • Figure 2A illustrates the locking receptacle 20 when there is little or no strain on the cord 34.
  • the portion of the spring prong retainer 40 disposed in the prong-receiving portion 44 of the receptacle 20 is not in a substantially vertical position.
  • the apertures of the spring prong retainer 40 in this configuration will allow the prongs of a plug to pass freely into the socket 26 when the prong is inserted. This is due to the unrestricted change of position of the spring prong retainer 40 to the substantially vertical position as the prongs of a plug acts upon it.
  • Figure 2B illustrates the locking receptacle 20 when a force is applied to the cord 34 of the receptacle 20 in the opposite direction of the grip release handle 30. This is the "release position" of the receptacle 20 and is shown without the mating prongs for clarity of operation. Actions that initiate this position are illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B .
  • FIG 3A illustrates the operation of the locking electrical receptacle 20 shown in Figures 2A-2B .
  • a prong 54 of a plug 50 When a prong 54 of a plug 50 first enters the receptacle 20 via an aperture in the lock release grip 22, it encounters the spring prong retainer 40, which is not in the perpendicular orientation at that time. Upon additional insertion, the spring prong retainer 40 is deflected into the perpendicular position by the force applied to it by the prong 54. The prong 54 passes through the aperture in the spring prong retainer 40 and into the contact socket 26, making the electrical connection as required. Upon release of the insertion force, and when no axial strain is applied to the mated plug 50 and receptacle 20, the spring prong retainer 40 is only partially displaced from the perpendicular axis.
  • Figure 3B illustrates in an exaggerated manner the condition of applying axial tension to the cord 34 of the receptacle 20.
  • the slight retraction motion pulls on the spring prong retainer 40, thereby increasing the angle of grip and subsequent tightening of the offset angle of the spring prong retainer 40 and prong 54.
  • the receptacle 20 and the plug 50 are then fully locked in this condition.
  • the position of the spring prong retainer 40 is returned to the near-perpendicular position as illustrated in Figure 3A , thereby releasing the spring prong retainer 40 from the prong 54.
  • the receptacle 20 is easily separated from the plug 50.
  • the safety of the receptacle 20 may be greatly improved.
  • the effect of the application of various electrical potentials to clamping mechanism of the assembly is avoided, which may simplify the manufacturing of the receptacle, as well as improve its overall safety.
  • FIGs 4A-4C illustrate a locking device 60 for providing a locking feature for a standard receptacle, which does not form part of the invention.
  • the locking device 60 includes a top holding member 62 and a bottom holding member 64 for positioning the locking device 60 onto a standard receptacle.
  • the locking device 60 also includes a portion 66 that couples the holding member 62, 64 in relation to each other to provide a secure attachment to a receptacle.
  • the locking device 60 also includes a clamping mechanism 68 that is coupled to a pivot 70. The operation of the clamping mechanism 68 is similar to that of the clamping mechanism 12 illustrated in figures 1A-1C .
  • the locking device 60 may also include a release mechanism 72 that is operative to enable a user to disengage the clamping mechanism 68 when it is desired to remove a receptacle from a plug.
  • Figure 4B illustrates the locking device 60 positioned on to a standard receptacle 80.
  • the holding members 62 and 64 may be made of an elastic material such that a user may bend them outward and position the device 60 onto the receptacle 80.
  • the holding members 62, 64 may be made of plastic.
  • the holding members 62, 64 are shaped such that once installed onto the receptacle 80, the device 60 is not easily removed without a user deforming the holding members 62, 64. That is, the holding members 62, 64 may be shaped to closely fit onto standard receptacle, such that normal movements will not disengage the device 60 from the plug 80.
  • Figure 4C illustrates the operation of the locking device 60 when the receptacle 80 is mated with a standard plug 84.
  • the ground prong 86 of the plug 84 passes through an aperture in the clamping mechanism 68 and into the receptacle 80. If a withdrawing force tending to break the mated connection is applied to either the cord of the standard plug 84 or the cord of the receptacle 80, the clamping mechanism 68 will rotate, causing it to grip the ground to prong of the standard plug 84, thereby maintaining the electrical connection.
  • a locking device 60 may be engaged to release element 72, which is operative to maintain the clamping mechanism 68 in a substantially perpendicular position relative to the ground prong 86, thereby permitting the prong 86 of the standard plug 84 to be withdrawn from the receptacle 80. It should be appreciated that although one particular embodiment of a locking device 60 has been illustrated, there may be a variety of ways to implement a locking device that may be retrofitted to a standard receptacle that uses the techniques of the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a standard duplex locking receptacle 100.
  • clamping mechanisms 112 and 114 are integrated into the receptacle 100.
  • the top portion of the receptacle 100 includes sockets 102, 104 for receiving the prongs 128, 130, respectively, of a standard plug 126.
  • the bottom portion of the receptacle 100 includes sockets 106, 108 for receiving a second standard plug.
  • the clamping mechanisms 112, 114 are each pivotable about the pivots 116, 118 respectively.
  • the receptacle 100 also includes release elements 120, 122 that are operative to permit a user to break the connection when desired.
  • the operation of the clamping mechanism 112, 114 is similar to that in the previously described embodiment and example.
  • the clamping mechanism 112 rotates in the direction of the plug 126, and engages the ground prong 130, preventing the mated connection from being broken. If a user desires to intentionally remove the plug 126 from the receptacle 100, the user may activate the release mechanism 120 and withdraw the plug 126.
  • Figures 6A-6B illustrate side views of a receptacle 150 which does not form part of the invention and that includes a cam lock 152 for locking the prong 162 of a plug 160 to preserve a mated connection between the receptacle 150 and the plug 160.
  • Figure 6A illustrates the receptacle prior to the insertion of the plug 160, and the cam lock 152 may hang freely from a pivot 153.
  • an end of the cam lock 152 is positioned in the opening of the receptacle 150 that is adapted for receiving the prong 162 of the plug 160.
  • Figure 6B illustrates the mated connection of the plug 160 and the receptacle 150.
  • the prong 162 has deflected the cam lock 152 about the pivot 153, causing the cam lock 152 to be angled away from the plug 160 and abutted with the prong 162.
  • the friction between the cam lock 152 and the prong 162 will tend to force the cam lock 152 downward toward the prong 162, which functions to retain the plug 160 in its mated position.
  • a user desires to intentionally remove the plug 160 from the receptacle 150, they may press the actuating mechanism 154, which may be operable to rotate the cam lock 152 out of the way of the prong 162, thereby enabling the user to freely withdraw the plug 160 from the receptacle 150.
  • the cam lock 152 and the actuating mechanism may be constructed from any suitable materials.
  • the cam lock 152 is constructed out of metal, and the actuating mechanism 154 is constructed from an insulating material, such as plastic.
  • Figures 7A-7D illustrate a device 170 which does not form part of the invention that may be used to secure a mated connection between a plug and a receptacle.
  • the device 70 includes a top surface 173, a bottom surface 175, and a front surface 171.
  • the three surfaces 171, 173, 175 are generally sized and oriented to fit around the exterior of a standard receptacle 178 at the end of a cord (i.e., a cord cap).
  • the top and bottom surfaces 173 and 175 each include hooks 174 and 176, respectively, that are used for securing the device 170 to the receptacle 178 (shown in Figure 7D ).
  • FIG. 7D shows a side view of the device 170 when it is installed around the exterior of the receptacle 178.
  • the hooks 174, 176 may be bent inward towards each other, and wrapped around an end 179 of the receptacle 178 to secure the device 170 to the receptacle 178.
  • the other end of the receptacle 178 i.e., the end with the openings 181 for receiving the prongs of a plug
  • the device further includes tabs 172 that are used to securing the prongs of a plug in place.
  • the operation of the tabs 172 is best shown in Figure 7B , which illustrates the device 170 when installed over the prongs 182, 184 of a plug 180.
  • the plug 180 may be any plug that includes prongs, including typical plugs that are disposed in the back of electrical data processing equipment.
  • the tabs 172 deflect slightly toward the ends of the prongs 182, 184. In this regard, if an axial force that tends to withdraw the device 170 from the plug 180 is applied, the tabs 172 will apply a downward force against the prongs 182, 184.
  • the tabs 172 prevent the connection between the receptacle 178 and the plug 180 from being broken.
  • the device 170 may be constructed of any suitable material.
  • the device 170 is constructed from a semi-rigid plastic.
  • the device 170 may be a single use device wherein a user must forcefully withdraw the installed device 170 from the prongs 182, 184 of the plug 180, thereby deforming the plastic and/or breaking the tabs 172. It should be appreciated that if a user desired to unplug the receptacle 178, they may simply unwrap the hooks 174, 176 from the end 179 and separate the mated connection, leaving the device 170 installed on a plug.
  • FIGS 8A-8B illustrate a plug 190 which does not form part of the invention that includes a locking mechanism prior to insertion into a receptacle 210.
  • the receptacle 210 includes recesses 212 and 214.
  • Most standard receptacles include a recess or shoulder inside the openings that are adapted to receive the prongs of a plug. This recess may be present due to manufacturing requirements, such as the molding process used to manufacture the receptacles. Further, the need to include various components (e.g., electrical connections, screws, etc.) in the receptacles may cause the need for the small recesses.
  • the plug 190 uses the recess 214 to assist in creating a locking mechanism.
  • a hollow prong 194 e.g., the ground prong
  • a spring 198 and an actuating mechanism 200 function together to enable the tab 196 to be oriented in a lock configuration (shown in Figures 8A-8B ), and a release configuration.
  • the spring 198 acts to bias the tab 198 in the release position, which may be a substantially horizontal position inside the prong 194.
  • the actuating mechanism 200 may be operable to rotate the tab 196 into the lock position (shown in Figures 8A-8B ) where the tab 196 protrudes outside the prong 194 at an angle towards the body of the prong 190.
  • a user may control the actuating mechanism 200 through a control switch 202, which may be positioned on the front of the plug 190.
  • FIG 8B illustrates the plug 190 when in a mated position with the receptacle 210.
  • the tab 196 has been placed in the lock position by the actuating mechanism 200.
  • the tab 196 will resist any axial force that tends to withdraw the plug 190 from the receptacle 210. This is the case because the recess 214 acts as a stop for the tab 196. Therefore, the plug 190 may be securely fastened onto the receptacle 210.
  • a user desires to remove the plug 190 from the receptacle 210, they may toggle the control switch 202 on the front of the plug 190, which causes the actuating mechanism 200 and the spring 198 to rotate the tab 196 into the release position.
  • FIGS 9A-9B illustrate another embodiment of a plug 220 which does not form part of the invention that includes a locking mechanism prior to insertion into a receptacle 240.
  • the plug 220 may be adapted to work with the standard receptacle 240 that includes recesses 242 and 244.
  • the plug 220 may include a hairpin spring 226 that is disposed inside a hollow prong 224 (e.g., the ground prong). In a release position, the ends 227 of the spring 226 are disposed inside of the prong 224 and adjacent to openings in the prong 224.
  • the plug 220 may further include an actuating mechanism 228, couple to a control switch 230 on the front of the plug 220, for biasing the spring 226 into a lock position, where the ends 227 of the spring 226 protrude outside of openings in the prong 224 (see Figure 9B ).
  • Figure 9B illustrates the plug 220 when installed into the standard plug 240.
  • the actuating mechanism 228 has been moved axially toward the spring 226, causing the ends 227 to spread apart and out of the openings in the prong 224.
  • the openings of the prong 224 are aligned with the recesses 242 and 244 such that the ends of the spring 226 are disposed in the recesses 242 and 244 when in the lock position.
  • a user When a user desires to remove the plug 220 from the receptacle 240, they may operate the control switch 230 which causes the actuating mechanism to axially withdraw from the spring 226. In turn, this causes the ends 227 of the spring 226 to recede back into the prong 224, such that the user may then easily remove the plug 220 from the receptacle 240.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Details Of Connecting Devices For Male And Female Coupling (AREA)

Claims (22)

  1. Appareil destiné à être utilisé lors de la sécurisation d'une connexion électrique, ladite connexion électrique étant formée par une structure de couplage comprenant des griffes (54) d'un ensemble mâle (50) et des prises (26, 28) d'un ensemble femelle, dans lequel ladite connexion électrique est rompue par retrait desdites griffes desdites prises, ledit appareil comprenant :
    un connecteur femelle de verrouillage (20) comprenant :
    un mécanisme de serrage (12, 40), le mécanisme de serrage comprenant un orifice dimensionné pour permettre le passage d'une griffe dans une prise, le mécanisme de serrage étant mobile entre une position de libération dans laquelle le mécanisme de serrage est conçu pour permettre la séparation de l'ensemble mâle de l'ensemble femelle, et un état verrouillé dans lequel le mécanisme de serrage est conçu pour garder la connexion électrique, le mécanisme de serrage étant conçu pour dévier de manière angulaire en réaction à une force sur la griffe qui tend à retirer la griffe du connecteur femelle, ce qui contraint l'orifice dans le mécanisme de serrage de saisir la griffe, empêchant ainsi le retrait de la griffe et maintenant la connexion électrique dans l'état verrouillé, et
    une prise de libération de verrouillage (22) conçue pour venir en contact avec le mécanisme de serrage, la prise de libération de verrouillage comprenant une poignée de prise de libération (30) disposée autour de deux côtés opposés du connecteur femelle de verrouillage et dans lequel
    lorsque le mécanisme de serrage est dans l'état verrouillé, l'application d'une tension axiale entre la poignée de prise de libération et l'ensemble mâle contraint le mécanisme de serrage à libérer la griffe de telle sorte que l'ensemble mâle puisse être séparé de l'ensemble femelle.
  2. Appareil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit mécanisme de serrage permet d'exercer une force de serrage sur au moins l'une desdites griffes.
  3. Appareil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit mécanisme de serrage permet d'exercer une force de serrage sur une griffe de mise à la terre maintenue à un potentiel à la terre.
  4. Appareil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit mécanisme de serrage comprend une surface de contact pour venir en contact avec l'une desdites griffes dans ledit état verrouillé et permet de convertir un mouvement de retrait desdites griffes en mouvement de ladite surface de contact.
  5. Appareil selon la revendication 4, dans lequel ledit mécanisme de serrage convertit ledit mouvement de retrait de ladite griffe en mouvement de ladite surface de contact ayant un composant transversal audit mouvement de ladite griffe.
  6. Appareil selon la revendication 4, dans lequel ledit mécanisme de serrage convertit ledit mouvement de retrait de ladite griffe en mouvement de rotation de ladite surface de contact.
  7. Appareil selon la revendication 1, ledit appareil étant intégré dans un connecteur femelle électrique standard.
  8. Appareil selon la revendication 1, ledit appareil étant intégré dans un connecteur femelle à capuchon à cordon standard.
  9. Appareil selon la revendication 1, ledit appareil étant conçu pour être fixé sur un connecteur femelle à capuchon à cordon standard.
  10. Procédé destiné à être utilisé lors de la sécurisation d'une connexion électrique, ladite connexion électrique étant formée par une structure de couplage comprenant des griffes (54) d'un ensemble mâle (50) et des prises (26, 28) d'un ensemble femelle, ladite connexion étant rompue par retrait desdites griffes desdites prises, comprenant les étapes consistant :
    à fournir un connecteur femelle de verrouillage (20) comprenant un mécanisme de serrage (12, 40), le mécanisme de serrage comprenant un orifice dimensionné pour permettre le passage d'une griffe dans une prise, le mécanisme de serrage étant mobile entre une position de libération dans laquelle le mécanisme de serrage est conçu pour permettre la séparation de l'ensemble mâle de l'ensemble femelle, et un état verrouillé dans lequel le mécanisme de serrage est conçu pour garder la connexion électrique, le mécanisme de serrage étant conçu pour dévier de manière angulaire en réaction à une force sur la griffe qui tend à retirer la griffe du connecteur femelle, ce qui contraint l'orifice dans le mécanisme de serrage de saisir la griffe, empêchant ainsi le retrait de la griffe et maintenant la connexion électrique dans l'état verrouillé, une prise de libération de verrouillage (22) étant conçue pour venir en contact avec le mécanisme de serrage, la prise de libération de verrouillage comprenant une poignée de prise de libération (30) disposée autour de deux côtés opposés du connecteur femelle de verrouillage et, lorsque le mécanisme de serrage est dans l'état verrouillé, l'application d'une tension axiale entre la poignée de prise de libération et l'ensemble mâle contraignant le mécanisme de serrage à libérer la griffe de telle sorte que l'ensemble mâle puisse être séparé de l'ensemble femelle,
    à activer ledit mécanisme de serrage en appliquant une force sur la griffe qui tend à retirer la griffe du connecteur femelle, et
    à libérer ledit mécanisme de serrage en exerçant une tension entre ladite poignée de prise de libération et ledit ensemble mâle.
  11. Procédé selon la revendication 10, comprenant en outre l'étape de désactivation dudit mécanisme de serrage en forçant ledit mécanisme de serrage dans ladite position de libération et en rompant ladite connexion par retrait desdites griffes desdites prises.
  12. Procédé selon la revendication 11, dans lequel l'étape de désactivation consiste à tirer ladite poignée de prise de libération sensiblement dans la même direction que ledit retrait desdites griffes.
  13. Procédé selon la revendication 10, dans lequel ledit mécanisme de serrage permet d'exercer une force de serrage sur au moins l'une desdites griffes.
  14. Procédé selon la revendication 10, dans lequel ledit mécanisme de serrage permet d'exercer une force de serrage sur une griffe de mise à la terre maintenue à un potentiel à la terre.
  15. Procédé selon la revendication 10, dans lequel ledit mécanisme de serrage comprend une surface de contact pour venir en contact avec l'une desdites griffes dans ledit état verrouillé et permet de convertir un mouvement de retrait desdites griffes en mouvement de ladite surface de contact.
  16. Procédé selon la revendication 15, dans lequel ledit mécanisme de serrage convertit ledit mouvement de retrait de ladite griffe en mouvement de ladite surface de contact ayant un composant transversal audit mouvement de ladite griffe.
  17. Procédé selon la revendication 15, dans lequel ledit mécanisme de serrage convertit ledit mouvement de retrait de ladite griffe en mouvement de rotation de ladite surface de contact.
  18. Procédé selon la revendication 10, dans lequel ledit mécanisme de serrage est conçu pour une opération par un utilisateur de sorte à rompre ladite connexion lorsque cela est souhaité.
  19. Procédé selon la revendication 10, dans lequel ledit mécanisme de serrage est libéré par le mouvement de ladite poignée de prise de libération sensiblement dans la même direction que le mouvement de retrait desdites griffes.
  20. Procédé selon la revendication 10, dans lequel ledit appareil est intégré dans un connecteur femelle standard.
  21. Procédé selon la revendication 10, dans lequel ledit appareil est intégré dans un connecteur femelle double standard.
  22. Procédé selon la revendication 10, dans lequel ledit appareil est conçu pour être fixé sur un connecteur femelle standard.
EP08732302.8A 2007-03-14 2008-03-14 Verrouillage de réceptacles électriques Active EP2240983B1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP19170632.4A EP3540868B1 (fr) 2007-03-14 2008-03-14 Réceptacle électrique de verrouillage

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US89484907P 2007-03-14 2007-03-14
PCT/US2008/057149 WO2009114022A1 (fr) 2008-03-14 2008-03-14 Verrouillage de réceptacles électriques

Related Child Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19170632.4A Division EP3540868B1 (fr) 2007-03-14 2008-03-14 Réceptacle électrique de verrouillage

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EP2240983A1 EP2240983A1 (fr) 2010-10-20
EP2240983A4 EP2240983A4 (fr) 2011-05-04
EP2240983B1 true EP2240983B1 (fr) 2019-04-24

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EP08732302.8A Active EP2240983B1 (fr) 2007-03-14 2008-03-14 Verrouillage de réceptacles électriques

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EP (2) EP3540868B1 (fr)
CN (1) CN101682154B (fr)
AU (1) AU2008352557B2 (fr)
CA (1) CA2680871C (fr)
WO (1) WO2009114022A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

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US11239615B2 (en) 2019-03-22 2022-02-01 Boe Technology Group Co., Ltd. Power supply socket, power receiving head, display device, power supply device and power supply method thereof

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CN104124579B (zh) * 2013-04-28 2017-12-26 海尔集团技术研发中心 无尾电器有线与无线供电模式兼容的插座及无尾电器
CN103825144B (zh) * 2013-12-11 2016-01-20 科都电气有限公司 一种具有锁定装置的电源连接器
CN104064918B (zh) * 2014-06-30 2017-04-05 张行钢 自锁式安全电源插座
CN111391685B (zh) * 2020-03-31 2021-09-28 深圳供电局有限公司 充电装置
CN112731212A (zh) * 2020-11-16 2021-04-30 宜兴市鸿雁电器有限公司 一种电气插座生产用质量检测装置

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2009114022A8 (fr) 2010-01-07
WO2009114022A1 (fr) 2009-09-17
BRPI0808793A2 (pt) 2017-05-02
CN101682154A (zh) 2010-03-24
EP2240983A4 (fr) 2011-05-04
CA2680871A1 (fr) 2009-09-17
CN101682154B (zh) 2013-07-03
AU2008352557B2 (en) 2014-09-25
EP3540868B1 (fr) 2023-05-17
EP3540868A1 (fr) 2019-09-18
EP2240983A1 (fr) 2010-10-20
AU2008352557A1 (en) 2009-09-17
CA2680871C (fr) 2013-05-28

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