SOCKET WITH RADIAL ELECTRICAL CONNECTION

Description

Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a radial electrical connection plug, an electrical connection system and a connection / disconnection method implemented in such a system. State of the art

[0002] A known electrical connection device, in the form of a tray incorporating a magnetically attracted electrical plug, is described in patent application WO2017 / 216458A1. The plug is positioned in the center of the tray, and its surface extends around the front face of the plug's connection. The plug is equipped with magnetic means that attract, by magnetic effect, an electrical plug equipped with corresponding magnetic means. The electrical connection between the plug and the plug is established when the two elements are held together by the magnetic effect. The plug is connected to an electrical device, such as, for example, the power supply system of an electric vehicle. In one particular embodiment, the device comprises several annular coils integrated into the tray and positioned concentrically around the plug.In operation, the platform incorporating the power outlet is placed on the floor and connected to the mains power supply via a power cord. The plug is released from the device near the platform. A specific command sequence guides the coils to the center of the platform and thus to the power outlet. The connection is established by the magnetic attraction between the respective magnetic elements of the outlet and the plug.

[0003] The socket must be designed to fulfill several objectives: To ensure electrical continuity between the plug and the socket, while minimizing hot spots; To conceal the electrical contacts of the socket when the plug is not present and the socket is not in use; To provide a certain level of protection against liquids and dust when the socket is not in use; To prevent access to the electrical contacts when the plug is connected to the socket; To allow for easy disconnection of the plug, by minimizing the force required to unplug it from the socket; To protect people by concealing the electrical contacts of the socket, even if the plug is pulled away from the socket;

[0004] Several solutions have already been proposed in the state of the art to meet some of these objectives.

[0005] In patent application WO2012 / 032230A1 ,The socket uses pivoting shutters that cover the electrical contacts when the plug is not connected. Each shutter is independently mounted to pivot on an axis and is spring-loaded. When the electrical contacts are moved outwards from the socket, they each push one shutter against its spring.

[0006] Another solution was described in patent application WO2017 / 046469A1 ,in which the socket also uses pivoting flaps. These flaps are moved by the carriage that carries the electrical contacts via a cam / cam follower mechanism. In previous designs, electrical contacts were often in the form of pins that either pressed against a flat contact or fit into a recess. In the first case, the electrical contact could generate hot spots. In the second case, the recesses were exposed to water and dust. And since the connection is intended to be made automatically (without external intervention), precise indexing is also important because each pin must fit into a distinct recess.

[0007] Furthermore, the hinged-flap design used to conceal the electrical contacts is complex and fragile, and cannot guarantee continuity of service over time. Moreover, integrating such a socket into a device like the one described in patent application WO2017 / 216458A1 does not necessarily limit access to the electrical contacts when the plug is connected, nor does it guarantee the device's watertightness.

[0008] Patent application DE102020116623A1 describes an electrical connection system used in an electric vehicle charging solution.

[0009] A first aim of the invention is therefore to propose an electrical connection device which includes a socket with an architecture which allows to fulfill several of the objectives defined above. Description of the invention

[0010] This goal is achieved by a radial electrical connection socket, which includes: A body, Actuation means, A control unit configured to control said actuation means, First electrical contact blocks housed in said body, intended to be connected to an electrical power supply system and movable in translation within the same plane, called the connection plane, each along a distinct radial direction, A first magnetic architecture capable of ensuring magnetic adhesion of a complementary electrical plug to said socket, Drive means for rotating said first magnetic architecture about itself around an axis, called the principal axis, perpendicular to said connection plane, arranged to make it assume several distinct angular positions around said principal axis, each distinct angular position being aligned along a radial direction distinct from each contact block of said first electrical contact blocks,Said actuation means being configured to actuate said drive means in rotation and to move each electrical contact block of said first electrical contact blocks along its radial direction.

[0011] According to an initial design, the socket includes: A protective piece for the first electrical contact blocks, actuable in rotation about itself around the main axis, enters at least a first angular position in which it closes accesses to each of the electrical contact blocks of said first electrical contact blocks and a second angular position in which it releases each of said accesses, Said actuation means being configured to drive said protective piece in rotation.

[0012] According to a second embodiment, the socket comprises: A protective piece for the first electrical contact blocks, comprising a fixed annular body having several radial openings each located opposite an electrical contact block distinct from said first electrical contact blocks and several shutter flaps each actuable in movement between at least a first position in which it releases the radial opening to which it is associated and a second position in which it closes the radial opening to which it is associated, said actuation means being configured to move the shutter flaps.

[0013] Depending on one particular feature, the socket includes: A rotating ring, actuable in rotation, arranged to drive the first magnetic architecture in translation along the main axis between a low position and a high position, via at least one cam and cam follower mechanism, said actuation means being configured to drive said rotating ring in rotation.

[0014] According to another feature, the drive means include a rotating drive part, coaxial with said main axis, and to which said first magnetic architecture is rotationally fixed.

[0015] The invention also relates to an electrical connection system comprising a socket and a plug that can be connected to said socket, in which: The socket is a radial electrical connection socket as defined above. The plug comprises a second magnetic architecture complementary to the first magnetic architecture belonging to the socket, and several second electrical contact blocks arranged along several distinct radial directions around the main axis. The first magnetic architecture and the second magnetic architecture are configured to cause the plug to assume a predetermined orientation around the main axis when the plug is magnetically attached to the socket. Each electrical contact block of the first electrical contact blocks of the socket is arranged to connect to a distinct electrical contact block of the second electrical contact blocks of the plug, by translation along a radial direction. The system includes means for detecting the orientation of the plug when it is magnetically attached to the socket.and means for determining the angular position to be given to said first magnetic architecture according to said determined orientation, among several distinct angular positions. Said control unit is configured to control the actuation means in order to: ∘ Position the first magnetic architecture in the determined angular position, ∘ Move each electrical contact block of said first electrical contact blocks along its radial direction when the first magnetic architecture is positioned in the determined angular position.

[0016] The invention also relates to a connection method implemented in an electrical connection system as defined above, in which the phase of connecting the plug to the socket comprises the following steps: Mechanical bonding of the plug against the socket by magnetic effect, Detection of the orientation of the plug relative to the socket around the main axis, Determination of the angular position to be given to said first magnetic architecture according to said determined orientation, among several distinct angular positions, If necessary, control of the actuation means to actuate the drive means in rotation of the first magnetic architecture to position it according to the determined angular position, Control of the actuation means to move each electrical contact block of said first electrical contact blocks along its radial direction to connect it to the corresponding electrical contact block of said second electrical contact blocks belonging to the plug.

[0017] According to one particular feature, the connection process includes a step of controlling the actuation means to rotate the rotating ring to move the first magnetic architecture from its lower position to its upper position, prior to the step of mechanically gluing the plug against the socket.

[0018] According to another particularity, the connection process includes a step of controlling the actuation means to rotate the protective part towards its second angular position and release access to each of the electrical contact blocks of said first electrical contact blocks.

[0019] The invention also relates to a disconnection method implemented in an electrical connection system as defined above, in which the phase of disconnecting the plug from the socket comprises the following steps: Control of the actuation means to rotate the rotating ring and move the first magnetic architecture from its high position to its low position, Control of the actuation means to rotate the drive means and rotate the first magnetic architecture by a first determined angle, Control of the actuation means to actuate each of the said first electrical contact blocks and disconnect them mechanically and electrically from the second electrical contact blocks.

[0020] According to one particular feature, the disconnection process includes a step of controlling the actuation means to rotate the protective part in order to close off said accesses to the first electrical contact blocks.

[0021] According to another feature, the disconnection process includes a step of controlling the actuation means to rotate the drive means of the first magnetic architecture, at an angle opposite to said first angle. Brief description of the figures

[0022] Other features and advantages will appear in the detailed description that follows, in conjunction with the attached drawings, in which: There figure 1 schematically represents the electrical connection system of the invention; The figure 2 shows a first exploded view of the electrical socket and plug used in the electrical connection system of the invention; The figure 3 shows a second exploded view of the electrical socket and plug used in the electrical connection system of the invention; The figure 4 shows a perspective view of the socket to which the plug is connected; The figure 5shows the rotating ring used in the grip of the invention; The Figures 6A and 6B They respectively show the magnetic architecture on the socket side, in the lower and upper positions; The figure 7 illustrates a variant embodiment of the protective part used in the electrical socket of the invention; The figure 8 represents an example of the realization of the two magnetic architectures used on the one hand on the socket side and on the other hand on the plug side; Detailed description of at least one embodiment

[0023] The invention applies generally to an electrical connection system, which can be used in particular in an electrical installation intended for charging an electrical device, such as an electric vehicle. Other applications could of course be envisaged.

[0024] With reference to the figure 1, the system consists of two parts, one of the two parts being intended to be connected to an electrical supply circuit, for example connected to network 4, and the other part being intended to be connected to an electrical device 5 to be powered, for example a power supply system of an electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0025] Any electrical connection solution to the electrical appliance or power supply circuit may be considered, such as cable, conductive rod, or other equivalent solution...

[0026] The first part of the system includes an electrical socket (hereinafter referred to as socket 1) and the second part includes an electrical plug (hereinafter referred to as plug 2) intended to be mechanically and electrically connected to socket 1.

[0027] The system advantageously allows the mechanical connection of plug 2 to socket 1 automatically, without intervention from an operator or a robot, using only magnetic and gravitational means.

[0028] For the rest of the description, we define an assembly direction, corresponding to a main axis (A) along which the pin 2 comes into mechanical support against the socket 1.

[0029] In the following description the terms "front" and "back" as well as "top" and "bottom" and "superior" and "inferior" are to be considered taking into account the longitudinal position along the principal axis (A).

[0030] In the following description, the terms "inside" and "outside" are to be considered according to the coaxial position with respect to the main axis (A).

[0031] When plug 2 is connected to socket 1, the front part of plug 2 comes into mechanical contact with the front part of socket 1.

[0032] An electrical connection device incorporating a socket 1 is defined. This device advantageously features a platform 3 to be placed on a support (for example, the floor S – the main axis (A) is then orthogonal to the floor). The platform 3 may include one or more connectors 30 allowing it to be connected to the electrical network 4 and to a communication system. Electrical connections integrated into the platform 3 allow the electrical socket 1 to be connected to said connectors 30.

[0033] With reference to the figure 1 , the tray 3 includes a closed envelope 31, the central part of which is occupied by the socket 1.

[0034] The electrical socket 1 has a front plate 10 through which it mechanically connects with the plug 2. This front plate 10 can be of any suitable shape, flat or curved, concave or convex.

[0035] The housing 31 is located on the periphery of the socket 1 and defines a front surface 310 extending around the periphery of the front range 10 of said socket 1. This front surface 310 extends beyond the front range 10 of the socket 1 and is not dedicated to the connection. Beneath this surface, the housing 31 of the device incorporates magnetic and / or mechanical guiding means adapted to guide the plug 2 towards the socket 1 when the plug 2 is approaching. Without limitation, patent application No. WO2017 / 216458A1 describes an operating principle in which the plug 2 connects to the socket 1 by executing a command sequence of the coils integrated into the housing.

[0036] The front surface 10 of the socket 1 is oriented transversely to the main axis (A). The front surface 310 of the plate 3, around the socket 1, can be flat in the same plane as that formed by the front surface 10 of the socket 1, or of a concave or convex curved shape (as in the attached figures).

[0037] Socket 1 has a first magnetic structure 11 arranged transversely to the main axis (A), enabling it to attract plug 2, which has a corresponding second magnetic structure 21. When plug 2 is magnetically attached to socket 1, an electrical connection is also made between the first electrical contact blocks of socket 1 and the second electrical contact blocks of plug 2.

[0038] The two magnetic architectures used ensure that plug 2 is magnetically attached to socket 1. Various magnetic architectures enabling this attachment are described in patent EP3317926B1 and patent application WO2020 / 229321A1. . These are applicable to the present invention but are to be considered in a non-limiting manner. The two magnetic architectures advantageously comprise several permanent magnets. According to one particular feature, the two magnetic architectures operate by attraction when the plug is in a suitable angular position relative to the socket to establish the connection, or by repulsion when the plug must be withdrawn from the socket during disconnection.

[0039] For example, the figure 8shows the first magnetic architecture 11 present on the socket side 1 and the second magnetic architecture 21 present on the plug side 2. Both magnetic architectures shown include a ferromagnetic yoke 111, 211 and one or more portions of permanent magnet fixed on said yoke.

[0040] On the first magnetic architecture, three permanent magnets 111_1, 111_2, 111_3 of a first set each extend for example over an angular range AP1 of 55° on their annular portion and three permanent magnets 112_1, 112_2, 112_3 of a second set for example over an angular range AP2 of 55°.

[0041] Each of the three new permanent magnets in the second set is inserted between two permanent magnets in the first set, leaving a non-zero regular angular interval with these two magnets from the first set. The regular angular interval I1 is approximately 5° between two adjacent magnets.

[0042] The permanent magnets of the first set and those of the second set are magnetically oriented along the principal axis (A) and in opposite directions.

[0043] The second magnetic architecture 21 presents only a first set of three permanent magnets 211_1, 211_2, 211_3 which are identical to the permanent magnets of the first magnetic architecture.

[0044] It should be noted that the two magnetic structures 11 and 21 are configured to ensure that the plug 2 is held against the socket 1 by magnetic attraction, in a given orientation around the main axis. The two magnetic structures 11 and 21 are configured so that the plug 2 can assume several distinct angular positions when held onto the socket 1 by magnetic attraction.

[0045] For example, based on the magnetic architectures presented on the figure 8The pin 2 can take three distinct angular positions, offset from each other by 120°. The pin 2 can be in a first angular position, called at 0°, a second angular position called at -120° and in a third angular position called at +120°.

[0046] Of course, the magnetic arrangements (angular ranges of magnets and angular intervals between magnets) of the magnetic architecture can be adjusted.

[0047] For example, we arbitrarily consider that plug 2 is correctly oriented relative to socket 1 when it is in its 0° angular position. In this position, the first electrical contact blocks associated with socket 1 and the second contact blocks associated with plug 2 are electrically compatible, and the electrical connection is compliant. For example, first power contacts on the socket side are connected to first power contacts on the plug side, second power contacts on the socket side are connected to second power contacts on the plug side, and data contacts on the socket side are connected to data contacts on the plug side. Of course, depending on the type of electrical network, other configurations may be possible.

[0048] According to the invention, the electrical connection between socket 1 and plug 2 is made along several radial directions. First electrical contact blocks of socket 1 thus connect by radial movement to second electrical contact blocks of plug 2.

[0049] According to the invention, with reference to the figure 2 , to the figure 3 and to the figure 4 , the socket 1 comprises a body 10 advantageously integrated and fixed to the casing 31 of the tray 3 and a core housed in said body 10.

[0050] The core of the plug includes: The first magnetic architecture 11 actuable in translation along the main axis (A) and in rotation around the main axis (A), A rotating ring 12 for translational displacement of the first magnetic architecture 11, the ring 12 being mobile in rotation about itself about the main axis (A), A protective piece 13 mobile in rotation about itself about the main axis (A), A drive piece 14 actuable in rotation about itself about the main axis (A), to which the first magnetic architecture is fixed.

[0051] The protective piece 13 and the drive piece 14 are annular pieces, positioned coaxially to the main axis (A).

[0052] With reference to the figure 5 , to the figure 6A and to the figure 6BThe rotating ring 12 has several cams 120 around its circumference, cooperating with lugs 110 present on the magnetic architecture, each of these lugs 110 acting as a cam follower. Through the cam / cam follower mechanisms, the rotation of the ring 12 causes the first magnetic architecture to translate along the main axis (A).

[0053] The translation of the first magnetic architecture along the main axis (A) is achieved via slots 140 made on the drive part 14 ( figure 2 ), each cooperating with a distinct lug 110 present on the magnetic architecture 11.

[0054] The low position ( figure 6A ) is taken when the presence of sheet 2 is not detected.

[0055] The high position ( figure 6B ) is taken when the presence of plug 2 is detected, so as to put plug 1 in connection conditions with plug 2.

[0056] The rotating ring 12 carries locking means for the first magnetic architecture 11, in its upper and lower positions. In the lower position, this may consist of one or more notches 121 arranged to cooperate with a separate lug 110 carried by the first magnetic architecture 11.

[0057] The socket 1 includes first means for rotating the rotating ring 12. These first means may include an electric motor (not shown) and a rack and pinion mechanism or equivalent, comprising teeth 122 formed on the outer periphery of the ring 12.

[0058] The first electrical contact blocks 100 are housed in the body of the socket 1. Each of the first electrical contact blocks 100 can be moved in translation in a plane perpendicular to the main axis (A) and along a distinct radial direction, also perpendicular to the main axis (A). For example, there may be three of the first electrical contact blocks 100, each block having one or more electrical contacts. The first three electrical contact blocks may, for example, be angularly offset from each other by 120° around the main axis (A). The body 10 has several slides 101 allowing translation of each of the first contact blocks along its radial direction. figures 2 And 3show only one of the first three electrical contact blocks 100. The slides are made in radial openings 102 of the body 10 of the socket, through which each electrical contact block 100 can be translated.

[0059] The protective piece 13 is arranged coaxially with the drive piece 14. These two moving parts are each annular in shape and can each rotate independently around the main axis (A).

[0060] The role of the protective piece 13 is to cover the first electrical contact blocks 100 and thus block access to them until the mechanical connection of the plug 2 to the socket 1 has been established. The protective piece 13 can be rotated about its main axis (A) to move angularly through a non-zero angle, for example, fixed at 55°. In a first angular position, for example at 0°, the protective piece blocks access to the first electrical contact blocks 100, and in a second position, for example at 55°, it unblocks access to the first electrical contact blocks 100. The protective piece 13 thus has three radial openings 130, intended to be traversed by the first electrical contact blocks 100 when the protective piece 13 is in its second position.

[0061] The socket 1 thus includes second means of rotational actuation of the protective part 13.

[0062] These second means of actuation may include an electric motor and a rack and pinion mechanism or equivalent, comprising teeth 131 made on the external perimeter of the protective part.

[0063] The drive piece 14 is used to rotate the first magnetic structure 11 belonging to the socket 1. It can also be rotated about its own axis (A). By rotating the first magnetic structure 11, it also rotates the plug 2 when the latter is magnetically attached to the socket 1. The role of the drive piece 14 is, if necessary, to adjust the orientation of the plug 2 relative to the socket 1 and therefore that of its second electrical contact blocks 200 relative to the first electrical contact blocks 100 housed in the body of the socket 1. In other words, when the plug 2 is mechanically attached, by magnetic effect, to the socket 1, its orientation is uncertain to within 120°.It may therefore be necessary to reposition it so that each of its second electrical contact blocks 200 is opposite the electrical contact block of the socket 1 that corresponds to it.

[0064] The drive part 14 can thus be rotated on itself to take three distinct angular positions, for example defined at 0°, -120° and +120°.

[0065] The grip 1 includes third means for rotating the drive part 14. These third means may include an electric motor and a rack and pinion mechanism or equivalent, comprising teeth 141 made on the external periphery of the drive part 14.

[0066] The electrical connection between the first electrical contact blocks of socket 1 and the second electrical contact blocks 200 of plug 2 is made along radial directions, angularly offset from each other by 120°. The second electrical contact blocks on plug 2 are thus made accessible via radial openings 201 through the body of plug 2. During connection, each electrical contact block of the first electrical contact blocks passes through a separate radial opening 201 on the body of plug 2 to connect to a separate electrical contact block of the second electrical contact blocks 200. Socket 1 includes fourth means for the translational actuation of each electrical contact block of the first electrical contact blocks 100.These fourth actuation means may include a belt (not shown) driven by an electric motor and cooperating with gears located at each electrical contact block. The drive of the belt by an electric motor simultaneously actuates the translation of all the electrical contact blocks along their radial direction.

[0067] The system includes a control unit (CU) figure 1configured to control the actuation means of the socket, i.e., the first, second, third, and fourth actuation means, taking into account the progress of the connection or disconnection sequence. This control unit (CU) can be housed in the enclosure 31 and then forms part of the connection device incorporating the socket 1. It can also be integrated into the body 10 of the socket 1. It is configured to manage the operation of the socket 1, in particular the movement of its parts and contact blocks, by controlling the motors.

[0068] The first, second, third, and fourth actuation means can be generally defined as actuation means. For example, they are housed in the body 10 of the socket or in the casing 31 of the device.

[0069] Socket 1 includes means for detecting the orientation of plug 2 relative to socket 1, around the main axis. Based on the data provided by the detection means and representative of this orientation, the control unit UC determines whether plug 2 should be rotated or not, and the direction of rotation to be applied to plug 2. The rotation of plug 2 is achieved by rotating the drive part 14 between its different angular positions when plug 2 is magnetically attached to socket 1.

[0070] It should be noted that socket 1 and plug 2 both have a central axial opening, forming a central axial passage 300, even when plug 2 is connected to the socket, this passage 300 forming an evacuation zone for example to collect various objects, to drain rainwater...

[0071] Of course, the control unit UC and the various actuation means are electrically powered, for example via the network or any other means.

[0072] Based on the architecture described below, the connection sequence is as follows: Detection of the presence of plug 2 nearby. When the presence of plug 2 is detected, the control unit UC controls the first actuation means to actuate the rotating ring 12, the rotation of the ring 12 causing the translation of the first magnetic architecture 11 from its lower position to its upper position ( figure 6BThe drive is performed until it is locked in the raised position. Plug 2 is mechanically attached to the socket by magnetic attraction between the two magnetic structures. Plug 2 is held in an angular position within 120° of socket 1. The control unit UC controls the second actuating means to rotate the protective part 13, thus freeing access to the first electrical contact blocks 100, housed in the body 10. The protective part 13 rotates, for example, through an angle of 55°. Using data provided by the sensing means, the control unit UC determines the orientation of plug 2 relative to socket 1. If plug 2 is not correctly oriented relative to socket 1 (not in the angular position defined at 0° above), the control unit UC controls the third actuating means to rotate the drive part 14.By rotating, the drive piece causes the rotation of the first magnetic architecture 11. The plug 2 being held in place by magnetic effect, it is also rotated until each of its electrical contact blocks 200 is positioned opposite the corresponding electrical contact block 100 of the socket 1. The control unit UC controls the fourth actuation means to drive in translation each electrical contact block of the first electrical contact blocks 100 and thus ensure the connection of the first electrical contact blocks 100 to the second electrical contact blocks 200 present in the plug 2. The power supply system 5 is ready for charging.

[0073] Based on the architecture described below, the disconnection sequence is as follows: The control unit UC controls the first actuation means to rotate the ring 12, unlock the first magnetic structure 11, and return it to its lower position, thus magnetically detaching it from the second magnetic structure belonging to the connector 2. The control unit UC controls the third actuation means to rotate the drive piece 14, thereby rotating the first magnetic structure 11. The rotation is carried out at a sufficient angle so that the permanent magnets on the first magnetic structure 11 and those on the second magnetic structure become repulsive. The angle of rotation is, for example, +60°. The control unit UC controls the first actuation means to rotate the rotating ring 12 and lock the first magnetic structure 11 in its lower position ( figure 6AThe control unit UC controls the fourth actuation means to retract the first electrical contact blocks 100 and disconnect them mechanically and electrically from the second electrical contact blocks 200. The control unit UC controls the second actuation means to rotate the protective part 13 and close access to the first electrical contact blocks 100. Plug 2 can now be mechanically disconnected. The control unit UC controls the third actuation means to rotate the drive part 14 and return the first magnetic assembly to its initial 0° position.

[0074] To operate, the electric motors used in the aforementioned actuation means can be shared. It is indeed possible to use one or two motors to drive the different parts of the socket. For example, one could imagine using a first electric motor to rotate the various parts (12, 13, 14) and a second electric motor to drive the translation of the first electrical contact blocks 100.

[0075] There figure 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the protective piece 13. In this alternative, the protective piece 13 comprises an annular body 13a of the same shape as that described above in connection with the Figures 1 to 6Band shutter flaps 13b. The body 13a of the protective piece is fixedly positioned within the electrical socket, such that each of its radial openings 130 is aligned with a separate electrical contact block from the first electrical contact blocks 100. The flaps 13b are positioned outside the body 13a of the protective piece, each associated with a separate radial opening 130 on the body. Each flap 13b can be operated between two positions: a first position in which it closes the radial opening 130, blocking access to the corresponding electrical contact block, and a second position in which it opens the radial opening 130 and allows access to the corresponding contact block. The annular body 13a may have a flange 132 forming a transverse support and guide for the flaps.

[0076] Furthermore, the system may include various means adapted to manage different malfunction scenarios, particularly malfunctions in the socket actuation mechanisms. One example is the possibility of using manual means to actuate the ring 12, for instance, to return the first magnetic assembly 11 to its lower position and thus facilitate disconnection of the system in the event of a malfunction in the rotational actuation means of the ring 12. These means may include a key to be inserted into the body of the adapted socket to engage with the ring 12. It would also be possible to provide an emergency power supply unit to power the system, specifically to activate its electric motors. This unit may be internal to the system or connectable externally.

[0077] The solution of the invention thus offers numerous advantages, including: It prevents access to the electrical contact blocks of the socket when not in use; The socket-side solution is particularly watertight as all access points can be sealed; It allows, without mechanical constraints, for the plug to be positioned within 120°; It uses conventional actuation methods such as rack and pinion, electric motor, drive wheels... Its design is original, notably due to the radial connection; It provides a central axial passage to ensure the drainage of water, debris, dust and other objects, without disrupting the system's operation;

Claims

1. Radially connected electrical socket (1), characterized in that it comprises: - a body (10), - actuating means, - a control unit (UC) configured to control said actuating means, - first electrical contact members (100), which are housed in said body, intended to be connected to an electrical supply system (4) and translatable in the same plane, called the connection plane, each in a distinct radial direction, - a first magnetic architecture (11) capable of ensuring bonding, via a magnetic effect, of an electrical plug (2) complementary to said socket (1), - means for driving rotation of said first magnetic architecture (11) on itself about an axis, called the principal axis (A), perpendicular to said connection plane, which are arranged to make it assume a plurality of distinct angular positions about said principal axis (A), each distinct angular position being aligned in a distinct radial direction with each contact member of said first electrical contact members (100), - said actuating means being configured to actuate said rotation-driving means, and to move each electrical contact member of said first electrical contact members (100) in its radial direction.

2. Radially connected electrical socket according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: - a part (13) for protecting the first electrical contact members (100), which is able to be actuated to rotate on itself about the principal axis (A) between at least a first angular position in which it occludes accesses to each of the electrical contact members of said first electrical contact members (100) and a second angular position in which it frees each of said accesses, - said actuating means being configured to drive rotation of said protecting part (13).

3. Radially connected electrical socket according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises: - a part (13) for protecting the first electrical contact members (100), comprising a fixed annular body (13a) equipped with a plurality of radial apertures each located facing one distinct electrical contact member of said first electrical contact members (100) and a plurality of occluding shutters (13b) each able to be actuated to move between at least a first position in which it frees the radial aperture with which it is associated and a second position in which it occludes the radial aperture with which it is associated, - said actuating means being configured to drive motion of the occluding shutters.

4. Radially connected electrical socket according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises: - a rotary ring (12), which is able to be actuated to rotate, and which is arranged to drive translation of the first magnetic architecture (11) along the principal axis between a low position and a high position, via at least one cam and cam follower mechanism, - said actuating means being configured to drive rotation of said rotary ring (12).

5. Radially connected electrical socket according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the driving means comprise a rotary driving part (14) coaxial with said principal axis (A), and with which said first magnetic architecture (11) rotates as one.

6. Electrical connecting system comprising a socket (1) and a plug (2) connectable to said socket, characterized in that: - the socket (1) is a radially connected electrical socket such as defined in one of Claims 1 to 4, - the plug (2) comprises a second magnetic architecture (21) complementary to said first magnetic architecture belonging to the socket (1) and a plurality of second electrical contact members (200) arranged in a plurality of distinct radial directions about the principal axis (A), - the first magnetic architecture (11) and second magnetic architecture are configured to make the plug (2) assume a defined orientation about the principal axis (A) when the plug (2) is bonded against the socket (1) via the magnetic effect, - each electrical contact member of said first electrical contact members (100) of the socket (1) is arranged to be connected to one distinct electrical contact member of said second electrical contact members (200) of the plug, via translation in a radial direction, - the system comprises means for detecting the orientation of the plug (2) when the latter is magnetically bonded to the socket (1), and means for determining the angular position to be imparted to said first magnetic architecture (11) depending on said determined orientation, among a plurality of distinct angular positions, - said control unit (UC) is configured to control the actuating means with a view to: ∘ positioning the first magnetic architecture (11) in the determined angular position, ∘ moving each electrical contact member of said first electrical contact members (100) in its radial direction when the first magnetic architecture (11) is positioned in the determined angular position.

7. Connecting method implemented in an electrical connecting system such as defined in Claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a phase of connecting the plug (2) to the socket (1) that comprises the following steps: - mechanically bonding the plug (2) against the socket (1) via a magnetic effect, - detecting the orientation of the plug (2) with respect to the socket about the principal axis (A), - determining the angular position to be imparted to said first magnetic architecture (11) depending on said determined orientation, among a plurality of distinct angular positions, - if necessary, controlling the actuating means so as to actuate the means for driving rotation of the first magnetic architecture (11) so as to position it in the determined angular position, - controlling the actuating means so as to move each electrical contact member of said first electrical contact members (100) in its radial direction so as to connect it to the corresponding electrical contact member of said second electrical contact members (200) belonging to the plug (2).

8. Method according to Claim 7, characterized in that it comprises a step of controlling the actuating means so as to actuate rotation of the rotary ring (12) so as to make the first magnetic architecture (11) pass from its low position to its high position, prior to the step of mechanically bonding the plug (2) against the socket (1).

9. Method according to Claim 7 or 8, characterized in that it comprises a step of controlling the actuating means so as to actuate rotation of the protecting part (13) to its second angular position and to free the accesses to each of the electrical contact members of said first electrical contact members (100).

10. Disconnecting method implemented in an electrical connecting system such as defined in Claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a phase of disconnecting the plug (2) from the socket (1) that comprises the following steps: - controlling the actuating means so as to actuate rotation of the rotary ring (12) and to make the first magnetic architecture (11) pass from its high position to its low position, - controlling the actuating means so as to actuate the rotation-driving means and to make the first magnetic architecture (11) rotate by a defined first angle, - controlling the actuating means so as to actuate each of said first electrical contact members (100) and mechanically and electrically disconnect them from the second electrical contact members (200).

11. Method according to Claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a step of controlling the actuating means so as to actuate rotation of the protecting part (13) with a view to occluding said accesses to the first electrical contact members (100).

12. Method according to Claim 10 or 11, characterized in that it comprises a step of controlling the actuating means so as to actuate rotation of the means for driving the first magnetic architecture (11), by an angle opposite to said first angle.