Waterproof electrical connection device with fins

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical connection device comprising an electrical socket (1), intended to cooperate with a complementary electrical plug (2) to establish an electrical connection, said electrical socket (1) comprising: - First magnetic means (18) intended to cooperate by magnetic effect with second magnetic means (28) of the electrical plug, - First electrical contact elements arranged to cooperate with second electrical contact elements of the electrical plug to ensure said electrical connection, - The first electrical contacts being each made in the form of a strip (12, 13), mounted, at a first end, flexible in pivoting about a pivot axis belonging to a transverse plane and free at a second end, each strip (12, 13) comprising a surface intended to come into mechanical contact with a second electrical contact element of the electrical plug (2).Figure to be published with the abbreviation: Figure 2.

Description

Title of the invention: Watertight electrical connection device with lamellae. Technical field of the invention.

[0001] The present invention relates to an electrical connection device comprising an electrical socket and a plug for fitting into the device's electrical socket. The mechanical connection of the electrical socket to the plug is achieved by magnetic effect. The invention also relates to an electrical connection system comprising said device and said plug. 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 electrical plug is positioned in the center, and the tray has a surface extending around the periphery of the plug's front connection face. The electrical plug is equipped with magnetic means that enable it to attract, by magnetic effect, an electrical plug equipped with corresponding magnetic means. The electrical connection is made between the plug and the plug 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 a particular embodiment, the device comprises several annular coils integrated into the tray and positioned concentrically around the electrical 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 appliance near the platform. The coils are controlled by a specific command sequence to guide the plug towards the center of the platform and thus towards 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 allow electrical continuity between the plug and the socket, while limiting hot spots; - Cover the electrical contacts of the socket when the plug is not present and when the socket is not in use; - Ensure a certain level of sealing against liquid but also against dust when the socket is not in use; - Prevent access to electrical contacts when the plug is connected to the socket; - To allow easy unplugging of the plug, by limiting the force required to unplug the plug from the socket; - Ensure the protection of people by masking the electrical contacts of the socket, even if the plug is pulled out of the socket;

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

[0005] In patent application WO2012 / 032230A1, the socket uses pivoting flaps that conceal the electrical contacts when the plug is not connected. Each flap is independently pivoted on an axis and spring-loaded. When the electrical contacts are moved outward from the socket, they each push one flap 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 carrying the electrical contacts by means of a cam / cam follower mechanism.

[0007] In prior art solutions, electrical contacts are often made in the form of pins that bear against a flat contact or fit into a recess. In the first case, the electrical contact can generate hot spots. In the second case, the recesses are 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.

[0008] Furthermore, the hinged-flap architecture used to conceal the electrical contacts is complex and fragile and does not 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 to the socket, nor does it guarantee the device's watertightness.

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

[0010] This goal is achieved by an electrical connection device comprising an electrical socket, intended to cooperate mechanically with an electrical plug additional for establishing an electrical connection, said electrical outlet comprising: - A first housing, featuring a transverse front panel towards which the electrical plug is mechanically attached to make the electrical connection when brought into contact along an axial assembly direction. - First magnetic means housed in said first casing and arranged to cooperate by magnetic effect with second magnetic means of the electrical plug to mechanically couple with said electrical plug, - First electrical contact elements arranged to cooperate with second electrical contact elements of the electrical plug to ensure said electrical connection, - The first electrical contacts being made each in the form of a strip mounted, at one end, flexible in pivoting around an axis of pivot belonging to a transverse plane and free at a second end, each strip comprising a surface intended to come into mechanical contact with a second electrical contact element of the electrical plug.

[0011] According to one particular feature, the device comprises a first series of one or more lamellae arranged along a first ring and a second series of one or more lamellae arranged along a second ring, arranged coaxially to the first ring.

[0012] According to another feature, the device includes a drive block supporting the first series of one or more slats and actuable in translation along a direction parallel to the assembly direction.

[0013] According to another feature, the device includes first means for training said training block.

[0014] According to another feature, the device comprises several parts arranged coaxially around the assembly direction, comprising several concentric rings around a central disc to form said front panel intended to receive the electrical plug.

[0015] According to another feature, the device comprises a first part having said central disc and forming a first shutter arranged opposite the first series of one or more slats.

[0016] According to another feature, the first part is mounted securely in motion to said drive block.

[0017] According to another feature, the device comprises a second part, mounted freely in translation along the assembly direction, a first spring being arranged between said second piece and said drive block, this second piece comprising a first ring located on the periphery of said central disc.

[0018] According to another feature, the device includes a third piece comprising a second ring located on the periphery of said first ring and forming a second shutter arranged opposite the second series of one or more slats.

[0019] According to another feature, the third part is mounted securely in motion to said drive block.

[0020] According to another feature, the device includes a fourth piece mounted freely in translation along the assembly direction, a second spring being arranged between said fourth piece and a fixed part of the first housing, this fourth piece having a third ring located on the periphery of said second ring.

[0021] According to another feature, the device includes a fifth piece carrying a fourth ring located on the periphery of the third ring, mounted movable in translation along the assembly direction relative to the first housing and actuable by second drive means.

[0022] According to another feature, the device includes a tray having an envelope having a central part occupied by said electrical socket.

[0023] According to another feature, the device comprises several guide coils housed in said casing and arranged concentrically around the electrical plug, and control means configured to execute a control sequence in which each coil can be activated to bring said electrical plug closer to the electrical socket by creating a magnetic field.

[0024] The solution of the invention makes it possible to establish mechanical contact between each blade of the socket and an electrical contact (for example, a track) of the plug along a plane parallel to the direction of assembly. In the prior art, the mechanical contact can be made along a transverse plane since the contact element (for example, a pin or a flat contact) is moved along a direction parallel to the direction of assembly to bear against a flat contact surface. The mechanical contact can also be established via a pin / socket connection, but this solution remains exposed to water and dust and requires a high level of indexing and precision.

[0025] Another object of the invention is to provide a plug which is adapted to connect to the socket of the electrical connection device.

[0026] This purpose is achieved by an electrical plug adapted to cooperate with the electrical socket present in the connection device as defined above, said plug comprising: - A second case, - Second magnetic means arranged to cooperate by magnetic effect with said first magnetic means of the electrical socket (1) to mechanically couple with the electrical socket (1), - Second electrical contact elements arranged to cooperate with the first electrical contact elements of the electrical socket (1) to ensure said electrical connection, - The said second electrical contact elements are each made in the form of a contact area fixed on a side wall of the second housing.

[0027] According to one particular feature, the second housing comprises a first side wall, called the internal side wall arranged coaxially to the axial direction, comprising an internal surface and an external surface and in that it comprises several distinct contact areas arranged on its internal surface.

[0028] According to another feature, the plug has a second side wall, called the intermediate side wall, arranged coaxially to and outside the inner side wall, and having an inner surface and an outer surface and in it has a single contact area disposed on its inner surface and arranged in the form of a sleeve.

[0029] According to another feature, the plug has additional magnetic means arranged in the inner side wall and in the intermediate side wall of the second housing.

[0030] Another object of the invention is to provide an electrical connection system including said electrical outlet and said electrical plug.

[0031] This goal is achieved by an electrical connection system which comprises an electrical connection device as defined above and an electrical plug as defined above, said electrical plug of the electrical connection device and said electrical plug being intended to mechanically couple by magnetic effect. Brief description of the figures

[0032] Other features and advantages will become apparent in the detailed description that follows, given in relation to the accompanying drawings in which: - Fig. 1 represents, seen in perspective, the electrical connection system according to the invention; - Fig. 2 represents schematically the plug and socket used in the electrical connection system of the invention; - Figures 3A to 3E schematically illustrate the principle used to mechanically connect the plug to the socket; - Figures 4A to 4C schematically illustrate the principle of electrical connection between the plug and the socket; - Figures 5A to 5D schematically illustrate the principle of disconnecting the plug from the socket; - Figures 6A and 6B schematically illustrate the principle implemented when the plug is pulled out of the socket; - Figure 7 illustrates a variant implementation of the card used in the system:

[0033] Detailed description of at least one embodiment

[0034] The invention relates to an electrical connection system, which can in particular be used in an electrical installation intended for charging an electrical device, such as, for example, an electric vehicle. Other applications could of course be envisaged.

[0035] With reference to [Fig.1], the system of the invention consists of two parts, one of the two parts being intended to be connected to an electrical supply circuit, for example connected to the network 4 and the other part being intended to be connected to an electrical device 5 to be supplied, for example a supply system of an electric vehicle.

[0036] Any solution for electrical connection to the electrical device or the electrical power supply circuit may be considered, such as cable, conductive rod, or other equivalent solution...

[0037] The first part of the system consists of an electrical connection device and carries an electrical socket 1 (hereinafter referred to as the socket) and the second part includes an electrical plug 2 (hereinafter referred to as the plug) intended to be mechanically and electrically connected to the socket.

[0038] The system advantageously allows the plug 2 to be mechanically connected to the socket 1 automatically, without intervention by an operator or a robot, using only magnetic and gravitational means.

[0039] For the remainder of the description, an axial assembly direction (A) is defined corresponding to a principal direction along which the plug 2 is approached to the socket 1 and which thus corresponds to the axis of the socket 1 along which the electrical connection is made.

[0040] In the following description the terms "front" and "rear" as well as "top" and "bottom" and "upper" and "lower" are to be considered taking into account the longitudinal position according to the assembly direction (A).

[0041] In the following description, the terms "inside" and "outside" are to be considered according to the coaxial position with respect to the assembly direction (A).

[0042] 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.

[0043] The connection device advantageously comprises a platform 3 to be placed on a support (for example, the floor S – the assembly direction (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.

[0044] With reference to [Fig.1], the plate 3 comprises a closed envelope 31, the central part of which is occupied by the socket 1.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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 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 connects to the socket by executing a command sequence of coils integrated into the housing.

[0047] The front surface 10 of the socket 1 is oriented transversely to the assembly direction (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 accompanying figures).

[0048] The socket 1 is equipped with first magnetic means enabling it to attract the plug 2, which is equipped with corresponding second magnetic means. When the plug 2 is magnetically attached to the socket 1, an electrical connection is also made between the first electrical contact members of the socket 1 and the second electrical contact members of the plug 2.

[0049] The magnetic architecture used ensures that the plug 2 adheres to the socket 1 by magnetic effect. Various magnetic architectures enabling the attachment of the plug 2 to the socket are described in particular in patent application EP3317926A1. These are applicable to the present invention but are to be considered in a non-limiting manner.

[0050] With reference to [Fig.2], the socket 1 comprises a first housing 11, advantageously of circular cross-section, carrying the front plate 10. This first housing 11 can be integrated into that forming the envelope 31 of the plate 3.

[0051] The first magnetic means 18 of the plug 1 are housed in said first housing 11 and arranged to cooperate by magnetic effect with the second magnetic means 28 of the plug 2 to allow the plug 1 to mechanically couple with the plug 2.

[0052] The socket 1 also includes its first electrical contact members arranged to cooperate with the second electrical contact members of the plug 2 to ensure the electrical connection. A separate electrical connection is connected to each electrical contact member to ensure the transmission of electrical energy. The connection may be, for example, an electrical wire, an electrical track, or a conductive rod.

[0053] According to the invention, the first electrical contact elements are in the form of flexible strips 12, 13. Each strip 12, 13 has a first end by which it is flexibly pivotally mounted and a free end. Between its two ends, each strip 12, 13 is fixed to extend in a direction parallel to the assembly direction (A) and is flexibly pivotable about an axis thus belonging to a plane transverse to the assembly direction (A). At its free end, each strip 12, 13 has a contact surface 14 intended to bear against a contact element of the plug 2. In a particular aspect, the contact pressure is made possible by the spring effect of the strip 12, 13. Advantageously, each strip 12, 13 may have a curved portion at its contact area.

[0054] The socket 1 can incorporate several sets of several flexible strips of the same type. Advantageously, the socket incorporates two sets of several strips, arranged in two concentric rings around the axial direction. The first set of strips 12, arranged along the inner ring, can be dedicated to earth contacts. The second set of strips 13, arranged along the outer ring, can be dedicated to phase and neutral contacts. The socket 1 can have several strips in each set, in order to allow electrical connection in several angular positions of the plug 2 relative to the socket 1 around the assembly direction (A).

[0055] The socket 1 also includes a drive block 14. This drive block 14 includes a part that can be actuated in translation along the assembly direction (A). The socket 1 also includes drive means 15 controlled to move said drive block 14 in translation between at least two extreme positions, called the low position and the high position. These drive means 15 may include an electric motor and a transmission mechanism adapted to ensure the translational movement of the drive block 14.

[0056] According to one particular feature, the slats 12 of the first series are fixed at their first end to the drive block 14 and are therefore fixed to said block during movement. In the lowered position of the drive block 14, the slats 12 are retracted inside the first housing 11, and in the upper position of the drive block 14, the slats protrude outwards from the first housing 11.

[0057] The slats 13 of the second series are, for example, each mounted on a separate spring 130. Their spring 130 is compressed when the slats 13 are retracted inside the first housing 11 and relaxed outwards to allow the slats 13 to emerge from the first housing 11. Several slats 13 could also be mounted on the same spring.

[0058] According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the front panel 10 of the socket 1 is made up of several independent parts arranged concentrically, each having a distinct function. These parts are arranged coaxially with the assembly direction (A). Each of them is actuable in translation.

[0059] In the central part, a first component is formed in the form of a disc 100. This disc is mounted on the drive block 14 and is fixed to the drive block 14 during movement. It forms a first shutter for the slats 12 of the first series. A second component is arranged around the periphery of this disc, this second component being in the form of a first cylinder carrying a first ring 101 arranged concentrically around said central disc 100. A third component is arranged around the periphery of the second component, this third component being in the form of a second cylinder carrying a second ring 102 arranged concentrically with the first ring 101. This second ring 102 forms a second shutter for the slats of the second series. This third component is mounted on the drive block 14 and is therefore fixed to said drive block 14 during movement.A fourth part is arranged around the periphery of the third part, this fourth part being in the form of a third cylinder carrying a third ring 103 arranged concentrically with the second ring 102. Finally, a fifth part is arranged around the periphery of the fourth part, this fifth part being in the form of a cylinder carrying a fourth ring 104 arranged concentrically with the third ring 103. Sealing gaskets may be provided in the socket to ensure sealing at the mechanical junctions between the disc and the rings and to obtain a socket whose front edge 10 is hermetically sealed.

[0060] The central disc 100, the first ring 101, the second ring 102, the third ring 103 and the fourth ring 104 are initially juxtaposed from the inside outwards to form the front plate 10 of the electrical socket. The role of these different parts and their relative movements will be explained below.

[0061] According to a particular aspect of the invention, a first helical spring 16 is positioned axially and bears on one side against a bearing surface of the drive block 14 and on the other side against a bearing surface of the second part. A second helical spring 17, positioned axially, is arranged to bear on one side against the fourth part and on the other side against a fixed part of the housing.

[0062] In this architecture, it can be noted that: - The central disc 100, which is fixed in motion to the drive block 14, is formed and arranged to cooperate mechanically with the second piece via a mechanical link with the first ring 101, and to drive it in translation when the drive block 14 is brought back from its upper position to its lower position. - The third piece, which is fixed in motion to the drive block 14, is formed and arranged to cooperate mechanically with the second piece and the fourth piece, via mechanical links between its second ring 102 and respectively the first ring 101 and the third ring 103, and to drive them in translation when the drive block 14 is brought back from its high position to its low position. - The fifth part can be acted upon in translation by second drive means 19 integrated into the device, between two positions, a low position and a high position. - The first magnetic means of the socket 1 are housed in its first casing 11 and fixed relative to it. - The first magnetic means 18 may include a ring-shaped magnetic assembly. This annular assembly is housed in the first casing 11 and arranged coaxially to the direction of assembly, and around the periphery of the fourth part. The annular assembly may include a ferromagnetic yoke and one or more portions of a permanent magnet fixed to said yoke. - In its translational movement, the fifth piece moves relative to the first magnetic means 18, to position the fourth ring 104 in a low position, for example in support against the first magnetic means 18 or in a high position to form part of the front range 10 of the socket.

[0063] For its part, with reference to [Fig. 2], the connector 2 includes a housing, referred to as the second housing 21. It includes two sets of electrical contacts, each intended to cooperate respectively with the first series of slats 12 of the socket 1 and with the second series of slats 13 of the socket.

[0064] The second housing 21 of the plug is advantageously cylindrical in shape. It has three lateral walls arranged concentrically around the assembly direction (A). From the inside out, these three walls are designated inner lateral wall 201, intermediate lateral wall 202, and outer lateral wall 203. Each lateral wall has an inner surface, oriented towards the axis of the plug 2, and an opposite outer surface.

[0065] When plug 2 is mechanically coupled to socket 1: - Its internal lateral wall 201 rests against the upper face of the first ring 101; - Its intermediate lateral wall 202 rests against the upper face of the third ring 103; - Its external lateral wall 203 rests against the upper face of the fourth ring 104;

[0066] On the inner surface of the internal side wall 201, the connector 2 has one or more electrical contacts 22, fixed to the wall. Each contact 22 may be integrated into the wall and have a contact surface flush with the inner surface of the internal side wall 201. Alternatively, it may be a single electrical contact in the form of a metal sleeve, fixed by its outer surface against the inner surface of the internal side wall 201 and having its inner surface to bear against the contact surface of each strip 12 of the first series.

[0067] On the inner surface of the intermediate side wall 202, the plug also has one or more electrical contacts 23, fixed to the wall. Each contact 23 can be in the form of a contact pad integrated into the intermediate side wall 202. The number of contacts 23 advantageously corresponds to the number of flexible strips 13 of the second series. Each electrical contact 23 is fixed by its outer surface against the inner surface of the intermediate side wall and presents its inner surface to receive the contact surface 14 of a strip 13 of the second series.

[0068] Electrical conductors 24 are provided in the plug 2 to connect to each electrical contact and ensure electrical continuity from the contact 22, 23 to the electrical system 5 to be supplied.

[0069] On the periphery of its intermediate side wall 202, the plug 2 incorporates, in its second housing 21, the second magnetic means 28. As in the socket 1, these second magnetic means 28 are advantageously annular in shape. They are housed between its intermediate side wall 202 and its side wall External 203. The diameter of the annular assembly is advantageously equal to that of the ring forming the first magnetic means 18 of the socket 1, so as to facilitate cooperation by magnetic effect. The annular assembly may comprise a ferromagnetic yoke and one or more portions of a permanent magnet fixed to said yoke. As indicated previously, the magnetic architecture may be that described in patent EP 3317926A1.

[0070] It should be noted that sheet 2 advantageously does not include any moving mechanical parts.

[0071] Starting from the architecture of socket 1 and that of plug 2 described above, the operating principle of the system is described below in connection with figures 3A to 6B.

[0072] Figures 3A to 3E illustrate the approach and connection phase of plug 2 onto socket 1.

[0073] [Fig.3A]: The device including the socket 1 is awaiting connection. The front range 10 of the socket is in the raised position.

[0074] [Fig.3B]: Plug 2 is announced as approaching and the device is activated. A first step consists of moving the fifth part of the plug to lower the fourth ring 104 to its lower position.

[0075] [Fig. 3C]: The drive block 14 is set in motion to be translated from its upper position to its lower position. As it moves, it drives the first part formed by the central disc 100, as well as the third part bearing the second ring 102, which, by mechanical linkage, drives the fourth part bearing the third ring 103 and the second part bearing the first ring 101. The front plate 10 of the socket 1 is therefore in the lower position, ready to receive the plug 2.

[0076] [Fig.3D]: Guided by the magnetic means integrated into the plate 3 of the device, the plug 2 is approaching the socket 1.

[0077] [Fig.3E]: Thanks to the magnetic means 18, 28 present in the socket 1 and in the plug 2, the plug 2 mechanically and electrically couples to the socket 1.

[0078] Figures 4A to 4C then illustrate the principle of electrical connection of plug 2 to socket 1 when plug 2 is already mechanically associated with socket 1.

[0079] [Fig.4A]: Plug 2 and socket 1 are in the configuration of [Fig.3E].

[0080] [Fig.4B]: The drive block 14 is set in translational motion to to move from its lower position to its upper position. It drives the two shutters, that is, the first part formed by the central disc 100 and the third part carrying the second ring 102. By moving: - The drive block 14 compresses the first spring 16 against the second piece, which is blocked in translation against the internal side wall of the plug 2. - The drive block 14 drives the first series of flexible slats 12 outwards from the first housing 11.

[0081] Under the action of their respective spring 130, the slats 13 of the second series are also driven outwards from the first housing 11.

[0082] [Fig. 4C]: The drive block 14 is in its upper position. The disc 100, forming the first shutter, and the third piece, carrying the second ring 102, come abut against the bottom of the second housing 21 of the plug 2. The tabs 12, 13 are all extended, and their contact surface 14 each comes into contact with an electrical contact 22, 23 of the plug 2. The mechanical support between each tab 12, 13 of the plug and a contact 22, 23 of the plug 2 is achieved along a plane parallel to the assembly direction (A). The contact pressure is ensured by the spring effect of each tab 12, 13.

[0083] The system also follows a particular sequence to disconnect plug 2 from socket 1. This sequence is illustrated by figures 5A to 5D.

[0084] [Fig. 5A]: The drive block 14 is moved from its upper position to its lower position. During this movement: - The drive block 14 drives the flexible slats 12 of the first series; - The drive block 14 drives the central disc 100 forming the first shutter towards its closing position; - The drive block 14 drives the third part carrying the second ring 102 towards its lower position. By mechanical linkage, the third part drives the second part carrying the first ring 101 and the fourth part carrying the third ring 103.

[0085] By retracting, the third piece pushes the slats 13 of the second series inwards, compressing their respective spring 130.

[0086] [Fig. 5B]: In order to reduce the magnetic separation force of the plug 2 relative to the socket 1, the fifth part is moved in translation by the second drive means 19 towards its upper position, along the assembly direction (A). As it moves, the fifth part displaces the plug 2 and moves the second magnetic means 28 of the plug 2 away from the first magnetic means 18 of the socket 1, thus increasing the air gap between these magnetic means.

[0087] [Fig.5C]: The drive block 14 is also brought back to the upper position to completely close the first housing 11 of the socket and reform its front range 10.

[0088] [Fig.5D]: Plug 2 is detached from socket 1.

[0089] The system of the invention also makes it possible to manage the situation where plug 2 is pulled out of socket 1 while plug 2 is mechanically connected and electrically to socket 1. Plug 2 and socket 1 are then initially in the configuration of [Fig.4C]. Figures 6A and 6B illustrate the operation of this sequence.

[0090] [Fig.6A]: The plug 2 is mechanically and magnetically pulled from the socket 1. The mechanical support of the plug 2 against the second part bearing the first ring 101 and against the fourth part bearing the third ring 103 of the socket 1 is then broken.

[0091] [Fig. 6B]: Without force, the first spring 16 pushes the second part upwards against the central disc 100, closing access to the slats 12 of the first series. Similarly, without force, the second spring 17 pushes the fourth part upwards against the third part, closing access to the slats 13 of the second series. Access to the socket 1 is thus protected. By actuating the fifth part to its upward position, the device is returned to its initial position, awaiting the plug 2, as shown in [Fig. 2].

[0092] According to an advantageous embodiment, the magnetic architecture of the system can be adapted to attract the tabs 12, 13 of the socket by magnetic effect and increase the contact pressure against the contacts 22, 23 of the plug 2. The magnetic architecture thus includes additional magnetic means, arranged to attract the tabs by magnetic effect against the contacts 22, 23 of the plug when the plug 2 is mechanically and electrically connected to the socket 1 and thus increase the contact pressure. With reference to [Fig. 7], these additional magnetic means may include a first ring 25 carrying one or more magnets, integrated into the inner side wall 201 of the plug 2, and a second ring 26, also carrying one or more magnets, integrated into the intermediate side wall 202 of the plug 2.Alternatively, it could involve magnetically and locally charging the material forming the second housing 21 of sheet 2 (magnetic plastic).

[0093] The solution of the invention thus presents numerous advantages, including: - Reliable electrical contacts, the use of strips allowing for extended contact surfaces. - Integrating the plug contacts along lateral rings limits access to these contacts when the plug is connected, thus securing the system; - The use of flexible strips ensures sufficient contact pressure; - Guaranteed watertight seal of the socket, in all situations; - Inaccessibility to the electrical contacts of the socket when the socket is not in use; A disconnection sequence that limits the effort required to remove the plug from the socket and therefore avoids damaging the electrical connections when removing the plug from the socket; A safety mechanism for the socket when the plug is pulled out of the socket; A plug without any moving parts, facilitating its production.

Claims

Demands

1. An electrical connection device comprising an electrical socket (1), intended to cooperate mechanically with a complementary electrical plug (2) to establish an electrical connection, said electrical socket (1) comprising: - A first housing (11), having a transverse front face (10) towards which the electrical plug (2) is mechanically attached to make the electrical connection when brought into contact along an axial assembly direction (A), - First magnetic means (18) housed in said first housing (11) and arranged to cooperate by magnetic effect with second magnetic means (28) of the electrical plug to mechanically couple with said electrical plug, - First electrical contact members arranged to cooperate with second electrical contact members of the electrical plug to ensure said electrical connection,- The first electrical contacts being made each in the form of a strip (12, 13) mounted, at one end, flexibly pivotable about a pivot axis belonging to a transverse plane and free at the other end, each strip (12, 13) comprising a surface intended to come into mechanical contact with a second electrical contact element of the electrical plug (2), characterized in that it comprises several parts arranged coaxially around the assembly direction (A), comprising several concentric rings around a central disc (100) to form said front plate (10) intended to receive the electrical plug (2), - A first series of one or more strips (12) arranged in a first ring and a second series of one or more strips (13) arranged in a second ring, arranged coaxially to the first ring,- A drive block (14) supporting the first series of one or more slats (12) and actuable in translation along a direction parallel to the assembly direction (A), - A first part comprising said central disc (100) and forming a first obturator arranged opposite the first series of one or more slats (12), - A second part, mounted freely in translation along the assembly direction (A), a first spring (16) being arranged between said second part and said drive block (14), this second part comprising a first ring (101) located on the periphery of said central disc (100), - A third part comprising a second ring (102) located on the periphery of said first ring (101) and forming a second obturator arranged opposite the second series of one or more slats (13).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises first drive means (13) of said drive block.

3. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first part is mounted securely in motion with said drive block (14).

4. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the third piece is mounted securely in motion with said drive block (14).

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a fourth piece mounted freely in translation along the assembly direction (A), a second spring (17) being arranged between said fourth piece and a fixed part of the first housing (11), this fourth piece comprising a third ring (103) located on the periphery of said second ring (102).

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that it comprises a fifth piece carrying a fourth ring (104) located on the periphery of the third ring (103), mounted movable in translation along the assembly direction (A) relative to the first housing (11) and actuable by second drive means (19).

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it comprises a tray (3) comprising an envelope (31) having a central part occupied by said electrical socket.

8. A device according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises several guide coils housed in said casing (31) and arranged concentrically around the electrical socket (1), and control means configured to execute a sequence control in which each coil can be activated to bring said electrical plug (2) closer to the electrical socket (1) by creating a magnetic field.

9. Electrical plug (2) adapted to cooperate with the electrical socket present in the connection device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises: - A second housing (21), - Second magnetic means (28) arranged to cooperate by magnetic effect with said first magnetic means (18) of the electrical socket (1) to mechanically couple with the electrical socket (1), - Second electrical contact members arranged to cooperate with the first electrical contact members of the electrical socket (1) to ensure said electrical connection, Characterized in that said second electrical contact members are each made in the form of a contact area fixed on a side wall of the second housing (21).

10. Sheet according to claim 9, characterized in that the second housing (21) comprises a first side wall, called the internal side wall (201) arranged coaxially to the axial direction, comprising an internal surface and an external surface and in that it comprises several distinct contact areas arranged on its internal surface.

11. Sheet according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises a second side wall, called intermediate side wall (202), arranged coaxially with the inner side wall (201) and outside of it, and comprising an inner surface and an outer surface and in that it comprises a single contact area disposed on its inner surface and arranged in the form of a sleeve.

12. A card according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises additional magnetic means arranged in the inner side wall and in the intermediate side wall of the second housing (21).

13. Electrical connection system, characterized in that it comprises an electrical connection device as defined in any one of claims 1 to 8 and an electrical plug as defined in any one of claims 9 to 12, said electrical plug (1) of the electrical connection device and said electrical plug (2) being intended to couple mechanically by magnetic effect.

Images