FR3137800A1 - ELECTRICAL OUTLET EQUIPPED WITH A PLUG EXTRACTION SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

TO BE COMPLETED Electrical outlet including: - at least one well (101) formed in a main body (100) of said socket, each well extending mainly along a first axis (X) between an opening and a bottom of said well and being adapted to be able to receive an electrical plug , - at least one plate (320) adapted to be able to be moved inside said well along said first axis (X) between at least one low position and at least one high position, - a system for extracting said electrical plug, characterized in that said socket extraction system comprises: - an extraction button (400) adapted to be able to be moved along a second axis (X1), - at least one lever (500) extending between a first end portion (22), linked to said extraction button (400), and a second end portion (24), linked to said plate (320) , said lever having a movable fulcrum. Figure for abstract: figure 1

Description

ELECTRICAL OUTLET EQUIPPED WITH A PLUG EXTRACTION SYSTEM Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to an electrical outlet equipped with a plug extraction system.

Technological background

Connecting an electrical appliance involves inserting an electrical plug into an electrical outlet socket until the contact pins of the electrical plug fit into the connection sockets of the socket, the latter being connected to electrical supply conductors of the electrical network at the place where the appliance is connected.

The dimensions of the contact pins of the plug and the sockets of the electrical socket base are standardized so as to generate significant friction between the pins and the sockets to prevent any inadvertent extraction of the plug from the socket. In addition, the socket generally comprises a well whose internal dimensions are substantially equal to the external dimensions of the plug such that once housed in the well, the external surface of the plug rubs on the internal surface of the well, which also helps to maintain the plug in the socket base.

This significant friction means that removing a plug from an electrical outlet from its base requires exerting sufficient pulling force to be able to separate the contact pins from the connection sockets and counteract the friction of the outer surface of the plug on the inner surface of the base well.

This pulling force required to extract an electrical plug can be problematic, especially for the elderly. In addition, regardless of the person's condition, it is not uncommon for this extraction action to cause the person to lose their balance slightly as soon as the plug becomes detached from the base, which can cause the person to fall.

The applicant has already proposed in patent EP3707783 an electrical socket equipped with an extraction mechanism that facilitates the extraction of the electrical plug from the socket base. This extraction system comprises a movable plate in the well of the base between a low position and a high position, springs extending between the bottom of the base and the movable plate, and means for locking the plate in the low position. The system is configured so that a first pushing force on the plate when the plug is connected moves the plate to the low position and actuates the locking means, and a second pushing force, once the plate is in the low position, unlocks the locking means and allows the springs to spontaneously move the plate to the high position, which separates the plug from the socket base.

One of the advantages of this solution is that the extraction of the socket results from a pushing force on the plug and not from a pulling force so that the aforementioned imbalance is avoided. However, in practice it turns out that a force of around 60N is necessary to be able to operate the mechanism, which may be excessive for some elderly people with limited strength.

The inventors therefore sought to propose an alternative solution to facilitate the extraction of a plug from an electrical outlet, while limiting the effort required to extract the plug.

Objectives of the invention

The invention aims to provide an electrical outlet equipped with an extraction mechanism which overcomes at least some of the drawbacks of known systems.

The invention aims in particular to provide, in at least one embodiment, a socket which allows extraction of the socket without requiring a pulling force on the plug.

The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a grip that can be used by any person, including the elderly or people with limited strength.

The invention also aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a socket whose extraction system is easy to handle, whatever the position of the person in relation to the socket.

The invention further aims to provide, in at least one embodiment, a socket whose extraction system also allows easy insertion of an electrical plug into its base.

To do this, the invention relates to an electrical outlet comprising:

- at least one well formed in a main body of said socket, each well extending mainly along a first axis between an opening and a bottom of said well and being adapted to be able to receive an electrical plug,

- at least one plate adapted to be able to be moved inside said well along said first axis between at least one low position and at least one high position, said plate being closer to said bottom of the well in the low position than in the high position,

- a system for extracting said electrical plug,

characterized in that said extraction system comprises:

- an extraction button adapted to be able to be moved along a second axis within a housing receiving said extraction button,

- at least one lever extending between a first end portion, linked to said extraction button, and a second end portion, linked to said plate, said lever having at least one movable support point.

An electrical socket according to the invention makes it possible to eject an electrical plug plugged into the socket by exerting a very low pushing force on an extraction button. This is made possible by a lever operating with at least one non-fixed support point, but changing position during the movement of each of its end portions.

Such a system for extracting an electrical plug actuated by at least one such lever of which at least one support point is not fixed but can move during the implementation of the lever arm effect makes it possible to limit the effort required to allow the extraction of the plug. Thus, any person, including any person with limited strength, can use an electrical socket according to the invention without risking being unbalanced and without having to exert excessive effort.

Advantageously and according to the invention, each lever has at least one support point arranged between the first end portion and the second end portion of said lever. It is therefore a so-called first-class lever, each support point being arranged between the two forces coming into play, here a force exerted by the electrical plug on the plate and a force exerted on the extraction button.

Advantageously and according to the invention, said well and said extraction system are configured such that said second axis is substantially parallel to said first axis.

Advantageously and according to the invention, said extraction button is movable in translation along said second axis within said receiving housing. In particular, said extraction button has a generally cylindrical shape whose external dimensions are substantially identical to or slightly smaller than the internal dimensions of said receiving housing so as to allow said extraction button to slide inside its receiving housing. Each extraction button has, for example, a generally cylindrical shape, in particular a right circular cylindrical shape, as does its receiving housing. They may also have any other polyhedral shape, in particular a cylinder with a polygonal base. Furthermore, nothing prevents each extraction button from being able, in combination or alternatively, to be guided in translation within said receiving housing via at least one rectangular slide arranged longitudinally parallel to said second axis.

Advantageously and according to the invention, said plate extends mainly along a plane substantially orthogonal to said first axis of said well. Advantageously and according to the invention, said plate can be moved in translation along said first axis inside said well.

Advantageously and according to the invention, said plate and said extraction button are configured to be able to be moved between at least one position for connecting an electrical plug in which said plate is in the low position, and at least one disconnection position in which said plate is in the high position, said extraction button being further recessed inside its receiving housing in said position for disconnecting an electrical plug than in the connection position. Advantageously and according to the invention, the extraction button is therefore at least partly projecting relative to the opening of said receiving housing thereof at least in said connection position.

Throughout the text, the term connection position refers to any position in which the elements of said electrical outlet are arranged when an electrical plug is positioned at least partly in said well (electrical plug “plugged in”) or corresponding to the position of these elements when an electrical plug is plugged in, and the term disconnection position refers to any position in which the elements of said electrical outlet are arranged when said well is free and an electrical plug can be inserted therein.

Advantageously and according to the invention, in the connection position, said extraction button projects relative to said receiving housing thereof. This allows better accessibility of the extraction button by a user of the socket in order to extract an electrical plug.

In the disconnection position, said extraction button has an actuating face substantially aligned with the opening of the housing for receiving the extraction button. Advantageously and according to the invention, in the disconnection position, said extraction button projects less from said housing for receiving the latter than in said connection position. Advantageously and according to the invention, in at least one disconnection position, said extraction button abuts the bottom of said housing for receiving the latter (at least partly “retracted” position of the extraction button). In particular, it is provided that in the disconnection position, the actuating face of said extraction button is flush with the opening of said housing for receiving the latter.

Thus, the two end portions of the lever each being connected in movement to said extraction button and to said plate, the movements of said button and said plate are coordinated via said lever. Thus, the position in which the extraction button projects the most relative to the main body of the socket corresponds to a position of the plate in which the latter is in the lowest position furthest back inside said well. And, conversely, the position in which the extraction button projects the least relative to the main body of the socket and/or closest to the bottom of the housing for receiving said button corresponds to a position of the plate in which the latter is in the highest position closest to the opening of said well (and furthest from the bottom of said well).

Advantageously and according to the invention, each lever has an elongated general shape. Advantageously and according to the invention, each lever has a general shape extending longitudinally in a non-rectilinear manner. In particular, advantageously and according to the invention, each lever has a non-straight longitudinal edge. Such a non-straight longitudinal edge, for example a curved longitudinal edge, forms in particular at least in part a support portion of said lever.

Advantageously and according to the invention, each lever has a support portion having a non-zero curvature, at least one point of said support portion of said lever being in contact with at least one rear contact surface. Thus, in any position of said plate and said extraction system (connection or disconnection positions and/or all intermediate positions thereto), at least one point of the lever is in contact with a rear contact surface. This may for example be a surface portion of the main body of the electrical socket or a tab having a bevel whose surface forms said rear contact surface for said lever, this tab being integral with the main body.

Advantageously and according to the invention, each lever is fixed to said main body by means of a sliding mechanism or a mechanism comprising a slide and/or a slider. In particular, advantageously and according to the invention, each lever has a longitudinal bore in which a roller is arranged, said roller also being arranged inside a bore of a slide secured to a rear plate of said main body of the electrical socket. Said roller can also be replaced by an axis in the form of a rod or a bar.

Advantageously and according to the invention, each lever is formed of at least one material chosen from the group formed of metals and metal alloys. The same is true for each element of said extraction system. This makes it possible to propose an extraction system having excellent mechanical strength and thus excellent reliability. However, nothing prevents the lever and each element of said extraction system from being formed of polymer material (or polymer matrix composite material).

In a particularly advantageous embodiment according to the invention, said electrical socket further comprises at least one device for locking said plate in the low position. Such a locking device makes it possible to prevent any unwanted untimely extraction of the frieze in the event of an impact, for example.

A system for extracting an electrical plug from an electrical outlet according to the invention may comprise a single lever. It is also possible to provide that each extraction system comprises at least two levers. In a particularly advantageous embodiment according to the invention, said extraction system comprises two levers.

The invention also relates to an electrical outlet characterized in combination by all or part of the features mentioned above or below.

List of figures

Other aims, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description given solely as a non-limiting example and which refers to the appended figures in which:

is a schematic side view of an electrical socket according to the invention in the disconnected position.

is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrical socket according to the invention in the disconnected position.

is a schematic side view of an electrical socket according to the invention in the connection position.

is a schematic front view of an electrical outlet according to the invention.

is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electrical outlet according to the invention with a connected electrical plug.

is a schematic perspective view of an electrical outlet according to the invention in the disconnected position.

is a schematic perspective view of an electrical socket according to the invention in the connection position.

is a schematic exploded perspective view of an electrical outlet according to the invention.

is a schematic exploded perspective view of a plate of an electrical socket according to the invention.

Detailed description of an embodiment of the invention

In the figures, scales and proportions are not strictly respected, for the purposes of illustration and clarity.

Furthermore, identical, similar or analogous elements are designated by the same references throughout the figures.

There illustrates an electrical outlet viewed from the side without an electrical plug connected. Such an electrical outlet may, for example, be intended to be installed as a wall outlet, or may be part of a power strip type electrical outlet base.

The electrical outlet comprises a main body 100 in which is provided at least one well 101 adapted to be able to receive an electrical plug 9 and extending mainly along a first axis X between an opening and a bottom. A plate 320 is arranged inside each well. Each plate 320 is adapted to be able to be moved inside the well 101 along the first axis X between at least one low position and at least one high position, the plate being closer to the bottom of the well in the low position than in the high position.

The electrical outlet also comprises at least one system for extracting an electrical plug making it possible to facilitate the disconnection and extraction of an electrical plug arranged at least partly inside the well 101 comprising the plate 320. The outlet extraction system comprises an extraction button 400 adapted to be able to be moved along a second axis X1 within a housing for receiving the extraction button. The socket extraction system also comprises at least one lever 500 extending between a first end portion 22, linked to the extraction button 400, and a second end portion 24, linked to the plate 320. Thus, the first end portion 22 of the lever 500 is integral with the movements of the extraction button 400 and the second end portion 24 of the lever 500 is integral with the movements of the plate 320. Each lever 500 has a movable support point, that is to say which is not fixed during the movements of the lever 500, the plate 320 and the extraction button 400.

The well and the extraction system are configured such that said second axis X1 is substantially parallel to the first axis X. As can be seen in the , from its front face intended to be oriented towards a user of the electrical outlet, the axes X and X1 are orthogonal to the front face of the main body 100 forming a facing masking and protecting the extraction system of the electrical outlet.

The plate and the extraction button can be moved between at least one connection position in which the plate 320 is in the low position and at least one disconnection position in which the plate 320 is in the high position. In the connection position, the extraction button 400 projects relative to the receiving housing 104 thereof and to the main body 100. The receiving housing 104 of each extraction button 400 is formed by a cylindrical bore formed in the main body 100.

There illustrates an electrical outlet viewed from the side in the disconnected position, which is a position that may precede the connection of an electrical plug. The illustrates the same electrical outlet as in , side view, in the connection position, i.e. a position which may correspond to that in which an electrical plug 9 is plugged in (or connected), before its extraction.

Each lever 500 is integral with the extraction button 400 and the plate 320 such that inserting an electrical plug 9 against the plate 320 towards the bottom of the well 101 causes, via the lever 500, the movement of the extraction button 400 in the opposite direction, towards the outside of its receiving housing, while pressure exerted on the extraction button 400 towards the bottom of its receiving housing causes, via the lever 500, the movement of the plate 320 in the opposite direction, towards the outside of the well 101, thus ejecting an electrical plug which would be placed there.

The plate 320 comprises two legs 340. The first end portion 22 of the lever 500 is fixed to the extraction button 400 via an axis 510 passing through a bore 401 provided in the thickness of the wall of the extraction button 400. On the other hand, the second end portion 24 of the lever 500 is fixed to a leg 340 of the plate 320 via an axis 530 passing through the thickness of the leg 340. The axes 510 and 530 respectively allow rotation of the end portion of the lever relative to the extraction button 400 and to the leg 340 of the plate 320.

Each lever 500 has a generally elongated shape extending longitudinally in a non-rectilinear manner. Each lever 500 has a curved longitudinal edge which forms a support portion 26 of the lever.

Each lever 500 has a support portion 26 having a non-zero curvature. In any position of the plate and the extraction system, at least one point of the support portion 26 of the lever 500 is in contact with at least one rear contact surface 201, 205. Each lever 500 can be moved in rotation about an axis of rotation Ym, orthogonal to the axes X, X1. Each lever 500 is connected by a rectilinear linear connection with the rear contact surface 201, 205 which forms the bevel of a tab fixed on a face of a rear plate 200 of the main body 100 of the electrical socket.

In the embodiment shown in the figures, each lever has a longitudinal bore 25 in which a roller 540 is arranged, said roller also being arranged inside a bore 212 of a slide 210 secured to the rear plate 200 of the main body of the electrical socket. The axis of rotation Ym moves with the roller 540, the roller 540 being movable in rotation about the axis Ym.

As can be seen in Figures 1 and 3, the distance L1 corresponds to the distance separating the projection of the center of the roller 540 and the projection of the axis 530 on an axis orthogonal to said first and second axes X1 and X. The distance L2 corresponds to the distance separating the projection of the center of the roller 540 and the projection of the axis 510 on an axis orthogonal to said first and second axes X1 and X. Thus, the distance L1 being greater than the distance L2 at the time of insertion, as in the , the pressure force to be exerted to insert the electrical plug 9 and push back the plate 320 and cause the extraction button 400 to come out of its receiving housing 104 via the lever is itself facilitated. Conversely, when the extraction button 400 is pressed to extract the electrical plug 9 in place, from the position shown in the (or figures 5 and 7), the distance L2 being greater than the distance L1 at the moment when the extraction is initiated, the efficiency of the effort provided is optimized and decreases as the lever tilts. Thus, a very low effort is necessary to trigger the extraction and the start of the lever tilting. The progressiveness of the effort to be provided also has the advantage of limiting the inertia undergone by the electrical plug at the end of extraction and of avoiding an ejection that is too abrupt.

In the embodiment shown, at the end of the extraction of the plug, the extraction button 400 comes into contact with the bottom of the housing receiving the latter, which also allows the user to perceive that the pressure exerted is sufficient and that the electrical plug has been correctly extracted.

Furthermore, the extraction button 400 has a lug 402 making it possible to limit the rotation between the extraction button 400 and its receiving housing 104.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 9, each extraction system comprises two levers arranged laterally so as to be diametrically opposed with respect to the extraction button and the plate to which they are fixed. However, nothing prevents the provision of, for example, a single lever.

As can be seen in Figures 1 to 8, the extraction button has transverse dimensions similar to the transverse dimensions of a well and/or an electrical plug 9. The extraction button therefore has a large support surface for the user so as to facilitate its actuation. Such an extraction button thus provides more pleasant support for a user of the electrical outlet because it can be actuated using one or more fingers of a hand, the palm of a hand, a foot or even an elbow. Such a button is therefore easily accessible and has improved ergonomics, particularly for people with limited strength, including the elderly.

In the embodiment, the bore 401 provided in the thickness of the wall of the extraction button 400 has an oblong or elliptical shape, thus allowing not only rotational movements but also translational movements.

The electrical outlet shown is further equipped with a plate locking device 320 to prevent the untimely extraction of an electrical plug under the effect of an unexpected shock or vibrations. As can be seen more particularly in Figures 6 and 8, this locking device comprises a part 600 fixed to the rear plate 200 by means of an element 203 and having a projecting portion on which the end of a tab 340 of the plate 320 can be positioned and having a notch 323 and a slot 324. Each part 600 is movable in translation in a direction orthogonal to the axes X1 and X and in contact with a spring 610. A strip 620 is attached to the part 600. In the locked position, the notch 324 of the end of a tab 340 of the plate 320 is arranged in contact with the projecting portion of the part 600. The oblique face of the notch 323 makes it possible to unlock the locking device when the electrical plug 9 is inserted into the socket while the oblique face of the notch 324 facilitates the extraction of the plug to a disconnection position.

The electrical outlet shown also includes two arms 202 extending from the rear plate 200 of the main body 100. A spring 322 is arranged around each arm 202, each spring 322 being compressible in a direction parallel to the first axis X. The springs 322 make it possible to return the plate 320 to the lower, unlocked position following unlocking of the plate by the locking device.

A support plate 110 fixed to the main body 100 is interposed between each plate 320 and the rear plate 200 as can be seen in FIGS. 5 to 8.

As can be seen on the , the plate 320 comprises two legs 340. The plate 320 is associated with a shutter 310, a spring 330 and a plate 300 in the thickness of which are provided holes 301, 302 allowing the pins of an electrical plug to pass through and a hole 303. The longitudinal ends of the shutter 310 make it possible to close the holes 301, 302 in the absence of an electrical plug. The shutter 310 is fixed to the plate 320 by a pivot connection while being mounted on a central rod 328 and actuated using the spring 330. Each leg 340 comprises a hole 321 allowing the axis 530 to pass through.

Claims (11)

Electrical outlet including:
- at least one well (101) formed in a main body (100) of said socket, each well extending mainly along a first axis (X) between an opening and a bottom of said well and being adapted to be able to receive an electrical plug (9),
- at least one plate (320) adapted to be able to be moved inside said well along said first axis (X) between at least one low position and at least one high position, said plate being closer to said bottom of the well in the low position than in the high position,
- a system for extracting said electrical plug (9),
characterized in that said socket extraction system comprises:

• an extraction button (400) adapted to be able to be moved along a second axis (X1) within a receiving housing (104) of said extraction button,
• at least one lever (500) extending between a first end portion (22), linked to said extraction button (400), and a second end portion (24), linked to said plate (320), said lever having at least one movable support point.

Electrical outlet according to claim 1, characterized in that said well and said extraction system are configured such that said second axis (X1) is substantially parallel to said first axis (X). Electrical socket according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said plate (320) and said extraction button (400) are configured to be able to be moved between at least one position for connecting an electrical plug in which said plate is in the low position, and at least one disconnection position in which said plate is in the high position, said extraction button being further recessed inside its receiving housing in said position for disconnecting an electrical plug than in the connection position. Electrical socket according to claim 3, characterized in that, in the connection position, said extraction button (400) projects relative to said receiving housing (104) thereof. Electrical socket according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that each lever (500) has a general shape extending longitudinally in a non-rectilinear manner. Electrical socket according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each lever (500) has a support portion (26) having a non-zero curvature, and in that, in any position of said plate (320) and said extraction system, at least one point of said support portion (26) of said lever is in contact with at least one rear contact surface (201). Electrical socket according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that each lever (500) is fixed to said main body (100) by a sliding mechanism. Electrical socket according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that each lever (500) has a longitudinal bore (25) in which a roller (540) is arranged, said roller (540) also being arranged inside a bore (212) of a slide (210) secured to a rear plate (200) of said main body (100) of said electrical socket. Electrical socket according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that each lever is formed from at least one material chosen from the group formed of metals and metal alloys. Electrical socket according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises at least one device for locking said plate (320) in the low position. Electrical socket according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said extraction system comprises two levers (500).