MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR ELECTRICAL CONNECTION

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an electrical connection socket system comprising an electrical connection socket and a controlled locking mechanism configured to lock / unlock a complementary electrical connection socket connected with the electrical connection socket. The present disclosure also relates to an assembly comprising such an electrical connection socket system and a complementary electrical connection socket. Prior art

[0002] Known electrical connection socket systems are generally expensive, have a large footprint and sometimes pose reliability problems. Indeed, known systems generally have an oversized electromagnet to ensure acceptable reliability, but on the one hand such a design proves to be expensive while the overall footprint is significant, and on the other hand it sometimes happens that the electromagnet is nevertheless damaged after a certain period of use. There is therefore a need in this regard. Document DE102010040787 thus presents an example of a known electrical connection socket system. Statement of the invention

[0003] An embodiment relates to an electrical connection socket system as defined by claim 1, comprising an electrical connection socket and a controlled locking mechanism configured to lock / unlock a complementary electrical connection socket connected with the electrical connection socket, the locking mechanism comprising at least a first lever and a second lever, and an electromagnet, the first lever forming a latch movable between a locking position and an unlocking position while the second lever is mechanically coupled to the electromagnet and cooperates with the first lever, whereby an actuation of the electromagnet allows the first lever to be moved from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0004] It is understood that the electrical connection base may be a socket base or a connector base, while the complementary electrical connection base may be a connector base or a socket base, respectively. Hereinafter and unless otherwise indicated, by "base" is meant "electrical connection base", by "complementary base" is meant "complementary electrical connection base" and by "the bases" is meant "the electrical connection base and the complementary electrical connection base".

[0005] Generally speaking, it is recalled that a socket base forms a female part which can belong to a power outlet (where the socket base is generally secured to a wall, a box, or equivalent), an extension cord, or a connector (where the socket base is generally part of a socket) while a connector base forms a male part which can belong to a power outlet (where the connector base is generally part of the plug), an extension cord, or a connector (where the connector base is generally secured to a device, a box, or equivalent).

[0006] It is also recalled that, generally speaking, a socket comprises a socket base and a handle or cover secured to said socket base; a plug comprises a connector base and a handle or cover secured to said connector base; an extension cord is an assembly comprising a socket and a plug; a power outlet is an assembly comprising a socket base and a plug; a connector is an assembly comprising a socket and a connector base. Generally speaking, electrical connection bases can, in addition to connecting power electrical lines, allow other lines to be connected, such as, for example, data transfer lines, fluid lines, for example gases, etc.

[0007] The sockets may be of the "butt contact" type or of the "honeycomb contact" type. A butt contact is a contact where the electrical connection with a complementary contact, for example a pin, is ensured by a contact face substantially perpendicular to the axial direction. Such a contact is configured to cooperate in abutment with a complementary face, for example a distal end face of a pin, the contact between these two faces generally being made with a certain pressure to ensure the passage of current from one contact to the other. A honeycomb contact is a contact where the electrical connection with a complementary contact, for example a pin, is ensured by a jacket coaxial with the pin.

[0008] The system comprises two levers, namely the first lever and the second lever, or more than two levers. The second lever may cooperate directly or indirectly with the first lever. For example, in the case where the system comprises more than two levers, the second lever may cooperate with the first lever via one or more other levers. Hereinafter, and unless otherwise indicated, by "the levers" is meant "the at least one first lever and one second lever".

[0009] It is understood that the electromagnet makes it possible to actuate the second lever, which itself cooperates with the first lever, whereby the first lever is moved from the locking position to the unlocking position. This makes it possible to release the complementary base which was locked by means of the first lever. For example, in the case of an electrical connection with end contact, the compression springs of the end contact make it possible, when the first lever moves to the unlocking position, to automatically eject the complementary base from the base. According to another example, in the case of an electrical connection by cellular contact, an ejection spring provided on one of the bases makes it possible, when the first lever moves to the unlocking position, to automatically eject the complementary base from the base. For example, the actuation of the electromagnet makes it possible to move the first lever only from the locking position to the unlocking position.This further simplifies the system and makes it more robust.

[0010] For example, the electrical connection base system is mounted on a vehicle to enable the power supply of various electrical devices of the vehicle, in particular when the vehicle is stationary. The electromagnet is for example coupled to the starter and / or the brake of the vehicle. Thus, when the vehicle is started, the first lever is actuated, whereby the possible additional base connected to the base is ejected when the vehicle is started, and the vehicle can leave without risk of damage to the power supply line.

[0011] For example, the electrical connection base system forms an electrically controlled system or a remote (electrically) controlled system.

[0012] The two-lever structure allows for relatively large forces to be handled, while having an electromagnet of modest size / power. Furthermore, it is easier to provide adequate sizing, even with high stress risks, for a modest size / power electromagnet than for a large electromagnet, while controlling production costs. Such an electrical connection base system is therefore inexpensive, compact and reliable.

[0013] The locking mechanism includes a breaker configured to break an electrical supply circuit to the electromagnet when the first lever is in the unlocked position and to connect the electromagnet to the electrical supply circuit when the first lever is in the locked position.

[0014] A breaker is a device intended for opening or closing an electrical circuit and whose moving contact element(s) have only one rest position. In this example, in the rest position, the breaker is configured to open the electrical supply circuit of the electromagnet.

[0015] Such a breaker makes the locking mechanism more reliable by preventing the electromagnet from being stressed unnecessarily, for example when the first lever is in the unlocked position. For example, when the system is mounted on a vehicle and is coupled to the vehicle's brake, the electromagnet is stressed each time the driver applies the brake. This stresses the electromagnet unnecessarily, which is a source of failure and / or deterioration of the electromagnet. Thanks to the breaker, when the first lever is in the unlocked position, the electrical supply to the electromagnet is cut off so that the latter is only stressed when necessary, i.e. when the first lever is in the locked position, i.e. when a complementary base is locked with the base. The breaker can be considered to form a position sensor for the first lever.

[0016] In some embodiments, the second lever has a distal end forming a hook and configured to cooperate with the first lever in a locking position, the second lever being movable between a hooking position in which it is configured to block the first lever in a locking position and a release position in which it is configured to release the first lever.

[0017] For example, when the system has only a first and a second lever, when a complementary base is connected with the base, the first lever is moved from the unlocking position to the locking position while it simultaneously and directly engages with the hook of the second lever, which is then in the picking position. When the system has more than two levers, it is understood that the second lever indirectly hooks / releases the first lever, by means of one or more other levers. Such a structure is robust, reliable, has a small footprint while being inexpensive.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first lever and the second lever are movable in the same plane.

[0019] Such a configuration allows to further reduce the overall footprint.

[0020] In some embodiments, the electromagnet extends in said plane.

[0021] For example, the electromagnet has a coil, the axis of this coil extending in the said plane. Such a configuration makes it possible to further reduce the overall size.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first lever has a first distal end configured to cooperate with a complementary electrical connection base, a second distal end configured to cooperate with the second lever, and a first axis of rotation, the distance D1 between the first distal end and the first axis of rotation being smaller than the distance D2 between the second distal end and the first axis of rotation, and in which the second lever has a third distal end configured to cooperate with the second distal end of the first lever, a fourth distal end coupled with the electromagnet, and a second axis of rotation, the distance D3 between the third distal end and the second axis of rotation being smaller than the distance D4 between the fourth distal end and the second axis of rotation.

[0023] It is understood that the rotation axis of each lever is distant from the distal ends of said lever. Such a configuration makes it possible to ensure a force transmission chain allowing the size / power of the electromagnet to be reduced. This makes it possible to reduce both manufacturing costs and size, while making the system more reliable.

[0024] In some embodiments, 2xD1 < D2, for example 3xD1 < D2, while 2xD3 < D4.

[0025] Such ratios make it possible to further reduce the size / power of the electromagnet and therefore the manufacturing costs and size, while making the system more reliable.

[0026] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a first biasing member configured to return the first lever from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0027] For example, the first return element is a spring, for example a torsion spring mounted around the first axis of rotation. The first return element allows the first lever to be held in the unlocked position by default, which helps ensure the reliability of the system. This facilitates the ejection of the complementary base, and allows the first lever to be automatically positioned in the unlocked position, ready to cooperate with a new complementary base.

[0028] In some embodiments, the second lever is movable between a hooking position in which it is configured to lock the first lever in the locking position and a release position in which it is configured to release the first lever, the locking mechanism comprising a second biasing element configured to return the second lever from the release position to the hooking position.

[0029] For example, the second return element is a spring, for example a torsion spring mounted around the second axis of rotation. The second return element makes it possible to maintain the second lever in the hooking position by default, which helps ensure the reliability of the system. Indeed, the second lever thus forms a pawl which is configured to hook the first lever by default. The action of the electromagnet makes it possible to move the second lever to the release position while the second return element returns the second lever to the hooking position after the action of the electromagnet. Thus, no energy input is required for the second lever to block the first lever in the locking position.

[0030] In some embodiments, the electromagnet has a duty cycle of less than or equal to 10%.

[0031] The duty cycle FM (in %) corresponds to a ratio between the total effective maximum power supply time (i.e. number of power-ups) of the electromagnet (Du) over a reference time (Dt) at +35°C. Dt is a reference time specific to each electromagnet, which is generally between 2 min and 5 min. In other words, FM = Du / DT x 100.

[0032] The locking mechanism according to the present disclosure allows reliable use of such an electromagnet. An electromagnet with a duty cycle of less than or equal to 10% has a smaller footprint than an electromagnet with a higher duty cycle.

[0033] In some embodiments, the locking mechanism includes a mechanical manual unlock control configured to move the first lever from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0034] The manual control allows a possible additional base connected to the base to be unlocked manually, i.e. without actuating the electromagnet. For example, the electrical connection base system forms an electrically / manually controlled system. The manual control can cooperate directly with the first lever, or indirectly, for example via the second lever. This avoids actuating the electromagnet to remove a possible additional base connected to the base, for example when the vehicle is stationary. This avoids unnecessarily stressing the electromagnet, which helps to make the system more reliable.

[0035] An embodiment also relates to an assembly comprising an electrical connection base system according to any one of the embodiments described in the present disclosure, and a complementary electrical connection base, the complementary electrical connection base comprising a locking element configured to cooperate with the first lever when the complementary electrical connection base is connected with the electrical connection base in order to lock the connection between the complementary electrical connection base and the electrical connection base.

[0036] It is understood that the locking element engages with the first latch lever when the complementary base is connected with the base. For example, the complementary base and the base form a connector or a socket, the complementary base being movable and mounted with a handle while the base is mounted on a housing within the electrical connection base system, the housing being for example mounted on a vehicle. Brief description of the drawings

[0037] The object of this presentation and its advantages will be better understood by reading the detailed description given below of different embodiments given as non-limiting examples. This description refers to the pages of figures attached, on which: [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 represents a vehicle equipped with an assembly comprising an electrical connection base system and a complementary electrical connection base connected, [ Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 represents the disconnected set, [ Fig. 3 ] There figure 3 represents the disconnected assembly, the bases being approached for their connection, [ Fig.4 ] There figure 4 represents a sectional view along plane IV of the figure 3 of the locking mechanism, the first lever being in the unlocked position, [ Fig.5 ] There figure 5 a sectional view according to plan IV of the figure 3 where the complementary electrical connection base is connected to the electrical connection base, the first lever being in the locked position, and [ Fig.6 ] There figure 6 represents the engagement of the first lever with the second lever. Description of the embodiments

[0038] There figure 1 represents a vehicle 100 equipped with a set 50, shown in more detail on the figure 2 , comprising an electrical connection base system 10 having an electrical connection base 12, and a complementary electrical connection base 40. On the figure 1 , the complementary base 40 is connected to the base 12. In this example, the complementary base 40 is a socket base and is equipped with a handle 42, while the connection base 12 is a connector base. Thus, in this example, the complementary base 40, the handle 42 and the base 12 form a connector 70. The vehicle 100 is supplied with electricity by the cable 80 via the assembly 50.

[0039] THE figures 2 And 3represent the assembly 50 in perspective in the disconnected position. The socket base 40 is an end-contact socket base, and has a locking element 44 configured to cooperate with the connector base system 10 so as to lock the connection between the socket base 40 and the connector base 12. The connector base system 10 comprises the connector base 12, which is an end-contact connector base, and a controlled locking mechanism 14. It is noted that in this example, in addition to having connectors 13A1 / 13B1 for power electrical current lines, the bases also have pneumatic connectors 13A2 / 13B2 for pressurized gas. The presence of other connectors, for example electrical / electronic to allow the connection of other lines, such as for example data transfer lines, is also conceivable.The mechanism 14 is configured to lock / unlock the socket base 40 when it is connected with the connector base 12. In this example, the mechanism 14 cooperates with the locking element 44 of the socket base 40. In this example, the system 10 comprises a cover 16 configured to protect the electrical connections with the connector base 12, and a front panel 18. In this example, the connector base 12, the cover 16, and the locking mechanism 14 are assembled together. The front panel 18 is assembled with the connector base 12 and with the locking mechanism 14, and is used for mounting the system 10 on a frame, for example the vehicle 100. It is noted that the front panel 18 has a protective cover 18A, which makes it possible to protect the pins of the connector base 12 when no socket base is connected.

[0040] There figure 4 represents in more detail the locking mechanism 14. The mechanism 14 has a first lever 20, a second lever 22, an electromagnet 24, and a breaker 26. In this example, the first lever 20, and the second lever 22 are movable in the same plane P while the electromagnet 24, and more particularly in this example the axis X of the coil 24A of the electromagnet 24, extends in the plane P.

[0041] The first lever 20 forms a movable latch between a locking position (see figure 5 ) and an unlocking position (see figure 4 ). The first lever 20 has a first distal end 20A configured to cooperate with a socket 40, for example with the locking element 44, and a second distal end 20B configured to cooperate with the second lever 22. The first lever 20 has a first axis of rotation 20C around which the first lever 20 pivots. In this example, the first distal end 20A and the second distal end 20B are arranged on the same side relative to the first axis of rotation 20C. In this example, the first lever 20 has a substantially “U” shape, the axis of rotation 20C being arranged in the base of the “U” shape. The “U” shape has a first arm 21A having the first distal end 20A and a second arm 21B having the second distal end 20B. Any other lever shape is conceivable for the first lever 20.

[0042] In this example, the distance D1 between the first distal end 20A and the first axis of rotation 20C is smaller than the distance D2 between the second distal end 20B and the first axis of rotation 20C. In this example, D2 is greater than three times D1. More precisely, in this example D1 = 8.5 mm and D2 = 32.5 mm.

[0043] The first lever 20 has a lug 21 configured to cooperate with a tab 26A of the breaker 26, whereby the breaker 26 cuts the electrical supply circuit (not shown) of the electromagnet 24 when the first lever 20 is in the unlocking position and closes the electrical supply circuit of the electromagnet 24 when the first lever 20 is in its locking position. In this example, the lug 21 presses on the tab 26A in the locking position and does not press on the tab 26A in the unlocking position. In other words, in the rest position, the breaker 26 is configured to open the electrical supply circuit of the electromagnet 24.

[0044] The first lever 20 is mounted on a first return element 28, in this example a torsion spring 28, one end of which cooperates with a casing 30 and one end cooperates with the lever 20 (see also figure 6 ). The first return element 28 tends to return the first lever 20 from the locking position to the unlocking position.

[0045] The second lever 22 has a third distal end 22A forming a hook and configured to cooperate with the first lever 20 in the locking position, in this example with the first distal end 20A of the first lever 20. The second lever 22 is movable between a hooking position ( figure 4 And 5 , position in solid line on the figure 6 ) in which it is configured to block the first lever 20 in a locking position and a release position (position in broken line on the figure 6 ) in which it is configured to release the first lever 20. In this example the first lever 20 and the second lever 22 cooperate directly.

[0046] The second lever 22 has a fourth distal end 22B coupled with the electromagnet 24. The second lever 22 has a second axis of rotation 22C around which the second lever 22 pivots. In this example, the third distal end 22A and the fourth distal end 22B are arranged opposite each other with respect to the second axis of rotation 22C. In this example, the second lever 22 has a substantially rectilinear shape. Any other lever shape is conceivable for the second lever 22.

[0047] In this example, the distance D3 between the third distal end 22A and the second axis of rotation 22C is smaller than the distance D4 between the fourth distal end 22B and the second axis of rotation 22C. In this example, D4 ​​is greater than twice D3. More precisely, in this example D3 = 11.5 mm and D4 = 27.1 mm.

[0048] The second lever 22 is mounted on a second return element 32, in this example a torsion spring 32, one end of which cooperates with the casing 30 and one end cooperates with the lever 22. The second return element 32 tends to return the second lever 22 from the release position to the hooking position.

[0049] The electromagnet 24 has a coil 24A with axis X and a sliding rod 24B extending partly within the coil 24A and coupled via a pin 25 with the fourth distal end 22B of the second lever 22. When the electromagnet 24 is activated, i.e. when it is supplied with electric current, the rod 24B is moved, in this example the rod 24A is pulled towards the inside of the coil 24B according to the arrow F1 (see figure 4 ), along the X axis. This has the effect of pivoting the second lever 22, whereby the second lever 22 moves from the hooking position to the release position, which has the effect of releasing the first lever 20 when the latter is in the locking position. In this example the electromagnet 24 has a duty cycle of 6%.

[0050] The locking mechanism 14 comprises a mechanical manual unlocking control 34, in this example a pusher 34. The pusher 34 has a cam 34A configured to cooperate with a cam surface 22D of the second lever 22. Thus, when the pusher 34 is manually pushed via the button 34B according to the arrow F2 (see figure 4 ), the cam 34A presses on the cam surface 22D, which has the effect of moving the second lever 22 from the hooking position to the release position, which has the effect of releasing the first lever 20 when the latter is in the locking position. It is thus possible to move the first lever 20 from the locking position to the unlocking position. A return spring 37 makes it possible to return the pusher 34 to the initial position, namely the position where the cam 34A allows the second lever 22 to remain in the hooking position.

[0051] When connecting the connector base 12 with the socket base 40, the locking element 44 engages with the first lever 20. In this example, the first lever 20, which is by default in the unlocked position thanks to the first return element 28, has the opening of the “U” shape oriented towards the insertion hole 35 of the housing 30 configured to receive the locking element 44. Thus, during the insertion of the locking element 44, the latter engages within the “U” of the first lever 20, and pushes the second arm 20B while the first arm 20A engages with the locking element 44. This is shown in the figure 6 The first lever 20 thus passes from the unlocking position to the locking position, in which the first lever 20 locks the socket base 40 in connection with the connector base 12. In this example, the first arm 21A cooperates with the locking element 44, and is engaged in the loop formed by the locking element 44, so as to block the locking element 44, and therefore the socket base 40.

[0052] When moving from the unlocking position to the locking position, the second distal end 20B of the first lever 20 cooperates with the third distal end 22A of the second lever 22, which is pushed from the hooking position to the releasing position (position in broken line on the figure 6 ), whereby the second end 20B engages with the third end 22A. The latter forming a hook, it hooks the second distal end 20B by returning to the hooking position, its default position thanks to the return element 32. This configuration is shown in the figure 5 .

[0053] The first lever 20 is thus held in the locking position by the second lever 22. In this position the lug 21 presses on the tab 26A of the breaker 26, whereby the electrical supply circuit of the electromagnet 24 is closed. It therefore becomes possible to actuate the electromagnet 24.

[0054] According to a first example, to unlock the socket base 40, the electromagnet 24 is actuated, i.e. it is supplied with electric current, for example when the vehicle 100 is started. The rod 24B then pulls on the second lever 22, which moves into the release position, which has the effect of releasing the first lever 20. The locking element 44 is then no longer locked by the first lever 20, the socket base 40 is ejected from the connector base 12 thanks to the springs (not shown) of the end contacts. The element 44 is thus released from the first lever 20, and the latter is returned to the unlocking position by the return element 28. The lug 21 then ceases to cooperate with the tab 26A of the breaker 26, the latter thus cutting off the electrical supply to the electromagnet 24. The rod 24B becomes free to move again in the axial direction X, and the second return element 32 returns the second lever 22 to the hooking position.This configuration is shown in the . figure 4 .

[0055] According to a second example, to unlock the socket base 40, the manual control 34 is actuated, i.e. the button 34B is manually pressed. This has the effect of moving the second lever 22 to the release position. Then, in a manner similar to that described in the context of the first example, the first lever 20 returns to the unlocking position and the socket base 40 is ejected. When the pressure exerted on the button 34B is released, the latter returns to its initial position thanks to the spring 37 and the second lever 22 returns to the hooking position thanks to the second return element 32.

[0056] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it is obvious that modifications and changes may be made to these examples without departing from the general scope of the invention as defined by the claims. In particular, individual features of the various illustrated / mentioned embodiments may be combined in additional embodiments. Therefore, the description and drawings should be considered in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense.

[0057] For example, the electrical connection base 12 may be a socket base instead of a connector base while the complementary electrical connection base 40 may be a connector base instead of a socket base. In another example, the bases may be of the dimple contact type rather than the butt contact type.

Claims

1. An electrical connection mount system (10) comprising an electrical connection mount (12) and a controlled locking mechanism (14) configured to lock / unlock a complementary electrical connection mount (40) connected with the electrical connection mount (12), the locking mechanism (14) comprising at least one first lever (20) and one second lever (22), and an electromagnet (24), the first lever (20) forming a latch which is movable between a locking position and an unlocking position, while the second lever (22) is mechanically coupled to the electromagnet (24) and cooperates with the first lever (20), whereby actuation of the electromagnet (24) allows moving the first lever (20) from the locking position to the unlocking position, characterized in that the locking mechanism (14) comprises a circuit breaker (26) configured to cut an electrical power supply circuit of the electromagnet (24) when the first lever (20) is in the unlocking position and to connect the electromagnet (24) to the electrical power supply circuit when the first lever (20) is in the locking position.

2. The electrical connection mount system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the actuation of the electromagnet (24) only allows moving the first lever (20) from the locking position to the unlocking position.

3. The electrical connection mount system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the second lever (22) has a distal end (22A) forming a hook and configured to cooperate with the first lever (20) in the locking position, the second lever (22) being movable between a hooking position in which it is configured to block the first lever (20) in the locking position, and a liberation position wherein it is configured to free the first lever (20).

4. The electrical connection mount system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first lever (20) has a first distal end (20A) configured to cooperate with a complementary electrical connection mount (40), a second distal end (20B) configured to cooperate with the second lever (22), and a first axis of rotation (20C), the distance D1 between the first distal end (20A) and the first axis of rotation (20C) being smaller than the distance D2 between the second distal end (20B) and the first axis of rotation (20C), and wherein the second lever (22) has a third distal end (22A) configured to cooperate with the second distal end (20B) of the first lever (20), a fourth distal end (22B) coupled with the electromagnet (24), and a second axis of rotation (22C), the distance D3 between the third distal end (22A) and the second axis of rotation (22C) being smaller than the distance D4 between the fourth distal end (22B) and the second axis of rotation (22C).

5. The electrical connection mount system (10) according to claim 4, wherein 2xD1 < D2, for example 3xD1 < D2, while 2xD3 < D4.

6. The electrical connection mount system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the locking mechanism (14) comprises a first return element (28) configured to return the first lever (20) from the locking position to the unlocking position.

7. The electrical connection mount system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second lever (22) is movable between a hooking position in which it is configured to block the first lever (20) in the locking position and a liberation position in which it is configured to free the first lever (20), the locking mechanism (14) comprising a second return element (32) configured to return the second lever (22) from the liberation position to the hooking position.

8. The electrical connection mount system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the electromagnet (24) has a duty factor less than or equal to 10%.

9. The electrical connection mount system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the locking mechanism (14) comprises a manual mechanical unlocking control (24) configured to move the first lever (20) from the locking position to the unlocking position.

10. An assembly (50) comprising an electrical connection mount system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, and a complementary electrical connection mount (40), the complementary electrical connection mount (40) comprising a locking element (44) configured to cooperate with the first lever (20) when the complementary electrical connection mount (40) is connected with the electrical connection mount (10) in order to lock the connection between the complementary electrical connection mount (40) and the electrical connection mount (10).