Electrical socket, electrical assembly comprising such a socket and an electric light bulb, and method for assembling such an assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to an electrical socket designed to receive an electric light bulb (11), the electrical socket (10) comprising a protective mechanism (100) configured to assume a secure configuration and a connected configuration. The protective mechanism (100) switches from the secure configuration to the connected configuration by mounting the electric light bulb (11) with the interface device (114), and from the connected configuration to the secure configuration by removing the electric light bulb (11).The invention also relates to a method for assembling an electrical unit comprising a socket and a light bulb, the method comprising the following steps: supplying the light socket (10) and the light bulb (11); and mounting the base of the light bulb (11) into the light socket (10), by a first movement of the light bulb (11) to mechanically secure the light bulb (11) to the light socket (10), and then a second movement of the light bulb (11) to electrically connect the light bulb (11) to the light socket (10). Abbreviated figure: Figure 5.

Description

Title of the invention: Electrical socket, electrical assembly provided with such a socket and an electric bulb, and method of assembling such an assembly Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of electricity, and relates in particular to a socket for an electric bulb.

[0002] The invention also relates to an electrical assembly provided with such a socket and a bulb mounted in this socket, as well as a method of assembling such an electrical assembly. State of the art

[0003] Sockets for electric light bulbs are well known. They conventionally comprise a receiving structure configured to receive a base of a light bulb and provided with electrical contact tabs for electrically supplying the bulb.

[0004] Such electrical contact tabs are generally accessible from an opening in the receiving structure through which the bulb base is inserted. There may be a risk of electric shock or even electrocution from the electrical contact tabs of the socket.

[0005] To prevent this, there are light bulb sockets configured to allow current to flow through the electrical contact tabs only when a bulb is mounted in the socket.

[0006] In particular, document US 2009 / 0269961 discloses a socket for an electric light bulb comprising a protection mechanism. The protection mechanism comprises a receiving structure defining an internal space for receiving a base of an electric light bulb and an interface device movably mounted in said internal space between a safety position and a power position. The interface device comprises electrical contact tabs which open into the receiving housing and which are configured to cooperate with the base and a pad of the bulb. The interface device also comprises connection pads connected to an electrical power source. The protection mechanism further comprises a stationary plate provided with two conductive parts.

[0007] The protection mechanism described in document US 2009 / 0269961 is configured to take a secure configuration in which the interface device is in the secure position and the connection pads are at a distance from the conductive parts of the stationary plate, and a connected configuration in which the interface device is in the power position and the connection pads are in contact with the conductive parts of the stationary plate.

[0008] The protection mechanism moves from the secure configuration to the connected configuration by screwing the bulb to the interface device, which causes the interface device to move towards the stationary plate until the latter comes into contact with the connection pads, and from the connected configuration to the secure configuration by unscrewing the bulb. Statement of the invention

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a socket for an electric bulb of a similar type, provided with a protection mechanism allowing the passage of electric current only when a bulb is mounted in the socket.

[0010] To this end, it proposes, according to a first aspect, an electrical socket configured to receive an electric bulb, the electrical socket comprising a protection mechanism comprising:

[0011] - a receiving structure defining an internal space configured to receive a base of the electric bulb, said receiving structure having an introduction opening; an interface device disposed in the receiving structure and mounted movably in the internal space of the receiving structure between a safety position and a supply position, the interface device comprising: a receiving housing facing the side of the introduction opening of the receiving structure, and a body provided with electrical contact tabs opening into the receiving housing and configured to cooperate with the base of the electric bulb; tracks each comprising a conductive portion and a non-conductive portion, said tracks being fixedly mounted in the receiving structure; and connection pads mounted in the body and configured to take a conduction position in which said connection pads are in contact with the conductive portions of the tracks and an interruption position.

[0012] The protection mechanism is configured to take a secure configuration in which:

[0013]

[0014]

[0015] the interface device is in the safety position; the connection pads are in the interrupt position; and a connected configuration in which: the interface device is in the power position; the connection pads are the conduction position.

[0016] The protection mechanism switches from secure configuration to configuration connected by mounting the light bulb with the interface device, and from the connected configuration to the secure configuration by dismounting the light bulb.

[0017] According to the invention, the tracks are configured to be connected to an electrical power source, the connection pads are each electrically connected to one of the electrical contact tabs of the interface device, and the electrical socket is configured so that said connection pads slide on the tracks between the conduction and interruption positions at the same time as the body is moved between its safety power supply positions when the protection mechanism passes from the secure configuration to the connected configuration and vice versa, with the pads which are in contact with the non-conductive portions of the tracks in the interruption position.

[0018] The electrical socket thus proposed allows the passage of current only when an electric bulb is mounted with the socket. The mounting of the electric bulb causes the protection mechanism to switch to the connected configuration. The dismantling of the electric bulb causes the protection mechanism to switch to the secure configuration. The electrical socket is secure since only cooperation with an electric bulb allows the passage of electric current in the electrical contact tabs.

[0019] Particularly convenient preferred features of the socket according to the invention are presented below.

[0020] The receiving structure comprises a bearing edge delimiting the introduction opening, and the interface device passes from the safety position to the supply position under the effect of the cooperation of a shoulder of the base of the electric bulb with the bearing edge of the receiving structure.

[0021] The receiving housing of the interface device comprises on an internal surface a female thread provided for screw-mounting the base of the electric bulb

[0022] The tracks extend longitudinally in the receiving structure and opposite the connection pads mounted in the body.

[0023] The protection mechanism further comprises an elastic return member disposed between the body of the interface device and an internal edge of the receiving structure, said elastic return member being configured to return said body from its power supply position to its safety position after dismantling of the electric bulb from the interface device.

[0024] The protection mechanism further comprises stop members configured to stop the interface device in the safety position when the light bulb is removed from the interface device.

[0025] The body of the interface device is further provided with power supply terminals electrically configured to be connected to the external power supply source, each track being connected to one of said power supply terminals housed in the body.

[0026] The electrical socket further comprises a cover fixed to the receiving structure opposite the insertion opening, said cover comprising at least one orifice for the passage of conductive wires coming from the external electrical power source.

[0027] The receiving structure comprises a window exposing a portion of the body of the interface device, said body comprising two different markings, the window and the markings being arranged such that when the protection mechanism is in the secure configuration, the window faces a first of said markings, and when the protection mechanism is in the connected configuration, the window faces a second of said markings.

[0028] The invention also relates, according to a second aspect, to an electrical assembly provided with an electrical socket as described above and an electric bulb mounted in said electrical socket, the electric bulb comprising a base mounted in the receiving housing of the interface device in electrical contact with the electrical contact tabs of the body of the interface device.

[0029] Finally, the invention aims, according to a third aspect, at a method of assembling the electrical assembly, comprising the following steps:

[0030] - provide the electrical socket and the electrical bulb; and - fit the base of the light bulb into the electrical socket, by a first movement of the light bulb to mechanically secure the light bulb to the electrical socket, then a second movement of the light bulb to electrically connect the light bulb to the electrical socket.

[0031] The assembly method according to the invention provides additional safety since the electrical connection is made only following a second movement of the light bulb in the electrical socket. The double movement is practical, for example, as a child safety device. Brief description of the figures

[0032] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the description below with reference to the appended drawings, given as non-limiting examples:

[0033] - [Fig.l] represents an electrical assembly provided with an electric bulb mounted in an electrical socket according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0034] - [Fig.2] individually represents an electric bulb as well as the socket electrical of the electrical assembly;

[0035] - [Fig.3] represents an exploded view of the electrical socket;

[0036] - [Fig.4] is a sectional view of the electrical socket, which shows in particular a mechanism for protecting this socket in a secure configuration; and

[0037] - [Fig.5] is a sectional view of the electrical assembly with the mechanism of protection in a connected configuration. Detailed description

[0038] [Fig. 1] represents an electrical assembly 1 provided with an electrical socket 10 according to an embodiment of the invention and an electric bulb 11 mounted in the electrical socket 10. The electrical socket 10 and the electric bulb 11 are represented individually respectively in [Fig. 2].

[0039] The electric bulb 11 has a conventional structure. The electric bulb 11 is here a screw bulb. The electric bulb 11 comprises a base 12 surmounted by a glass bulb 18. The base 12 is typically metallic. The base 12 comprises a lateral thread 13 and a stud 14. The lateral thread 13 extends over the entire height of the base 12. The stud 14 is located at a free end 15 of the base 12, opposite an end 16 from which the glass bulb 18 extends.

[0040] The base 12 comprises a shoulder 17. The shoulder 17 is located at the end 16 opposite the free end 15.

[0041] The electric bulb 11 may typically be a bulb of an E14 or E27 model. Such bulb models, conventionally available commercially, are provided with the shoulder 17.

[0042] Here, the longitudinal direction is a direction along the length of the sleeve, and the transverse direction is a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction.

[0043] The electrical socket 10 is provided to receive the electric bulb 11.

[0044] The electrical socket 10 comprises a protection mechanism 100 better visible in FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0045] The protection mechanism 100 comprises a receiving structure 101.

[0046] The receiving structure 101 has a substantially cylindrical general shape. The receiving structure 101 here comprises a threaded portion 102. The threaded portion 102 has an external thread 103 on a lateral surface.

[0047] The threaded portion 102 is extended by a non-threaded portion 105 of the receiving structure 101.

[0048] The receiving structure 101 comprises a window 106. The window 106 here has a circular shape. The window 106 is formed in the non-threaded portion 105.

[0049] The receiving structure 101 also comprises two orifices 107. The orifices 107 here have a circular shape. The orifices 107 are diametrically opposed. The holes 107 are formed in the unthreaded portion 105.

[0050] The orifices 107 are configured to each receive a stop member 142.

[0051] The receiving structure 101 defines an internal space 108 configured to receive the base 12 of the electric bulb 11.

[0052] The receiving structure 101 has an introduction opening 109. The introduction opening 109 has a circular contour for the introduction of the base 12 of the bulb into the internal space 108 of the receiving structure 101.

[0053] The receiving structure 101 comprises a bearing edge 110 delimiting the introduction opening 109. The bearing edge 110 extends to a free end 104 of the threaded portion 102 of the receiving structure 101.

[0054] The receiving structure 101 comprises two housings 111. The housings 111 are formed in an internal face 112 of the receiving structure 101. In particular, the housings 111 are formed in an internal face 112 of the non-threaded portion 105. The housings 111 extend opposite each other.

[0055] The housings 111 are sized to receive tracks 129. The housings 111 here have a rectangular outline.

[0056] The receiving structure comprises assembly tabs 127. The assembly tabs 127 project from an end opposite the free end 104.

[0057] The assembly tabs 127 longitudinally extend the housings 111.

[0058] The assembly tabs 127 are elastic.

[0059] The protection mechanism 100 also comprises an interface device 114 disposed in the receiving structure 101.

[0060] The interface device 114 has a generally prismatic shape. The interface device 114 has in particular the shape of a hexagonal prism.

[0061] The interface device 114 comprises a receiving housing 115 (visible in FIGS. 4, 5). The receiving housing 115 is turned towards the insertion opening 109 of the receiving structure 101.

[0062] The receiving housing 115 has a generally substantially cylindrical shape.

[0063] The receiving housing 115 of the interface device 114 comprises on a surface internal 116 a female thread 117. The female thread 117 is provided for screw mounting of the base 12 of the bulb.

[0064] The interface device 114 comprises a body 118.

[0065] The body 118 comprises on a face 119, called the base face, two connection holes 121. The connection holes 121 are configured to receive electrical power supply terminals 143.

[0066] The body 118 comprises two receiving openings 122. Each receiving opening opens onto one of the lateral faces 120 of the body 118. The lateral faces 120 of the body 118 comprising the receiving openings 122 are here faces opposite.

[0067] The receiving openings 122 are configured to each receive a connection pad 132.

[0068] The interface device 114 comprises two markings 128 (visible in FIGS. 1 to 3). The markings 128 are here formed on one of the lateral faces 120 of the body 118.

[0069] The markings 128 have, for example, the same shape and / or the same dimensions as the window 106 of the receiving structure 101. The markings 128 here have a circular shape.

[0070] The markings 128 are aligned longitudinally.

[0071] The two markings 128 are different. In other words, the two markings 128 have different visuals. For example, each marking may be a different color. In the illustrated example, one of the markings 128 is a dark gray colored disc, and the other of the markings 128 is a light gray colored disc. In another exemplary embodiment, each marking 128 comprises a pattern different from the other.

[0072] In another exemplary embodiment, the interface device 114 comprises a single marking.

[0073] The body 118 is provided with two electrical contact tabs 123, 125, called first tab 123 and second tab 125.

[0074] The electrical contact tabs 123, 125 open into the receiving housing 115. The contact tabs 123, 125 extend opposite the base face 119 of the body 118.

[0075] The electrical contact tabs 123, 125 are configured to cooperate with the base 12 of the electric bulb 11. The first tab 123 is configured to be in contact with the lateral thread 13 of the bulb. The second tab 125 is configured to be in contact with the pad 14 of the bulb.

[0076] The body 118 is provided with two power supply terminals 143. The power supply terminals 143 are configured to be connected to an external power supply source (not shown).

[0077] Each power supply terminal 143 comprises a main part 144. The main part 144 comprises an orifice 145 configured for the passage of two conductive wires 146 called first conductive wire and second conductive wire. The first conductive wire 146 (visible in FIGS. 4, 5) allows connection to a track 129. The second conductive wire (not shown) allows connection to the external power supply source.

[0078] Each main part 144 is housed in one of the connection holes 121.

[0079] Each power supply terminal 143 also includes a clamping screw 147. The clamping screw 147 is configured to clamp the conductive wires 146 passing through the orifice 145 of the main part 144.

[0080] Each electrical contact tab 123, 125 comprises a proximal portion 123a, 125a, a distal portion 123b, 125b and an intermediate portion 123c, 125c between the proximal portion 123a, 125a and the distal portion 123b, 125b.

[0081] The distal portion 123b, 125b of each of the electrical contact tabs 123, 125 extends longitudinally.

[0082] The proximal portion 123a, 125a of each of the electrical contact tabs 123, 125 has a free end 124, 126. The proximal portion 123a of the first tab 123 extends longitudinally. The proximal portion 125a of the second tab 125 extends transversely.

[0083] The proximal portion 123a of the first tab 123 is configured to be in contact with the lateral thread 13 of the bulb. The proximal portion 125a of the second tab 125 is configured to be in contact with the stud 14 of the bulb.

[0084] The distance between the free end 124 of the proximal portion 123a of the first leg 123 and the bearing edge 110 is smaller than the distance between the free end 126 of the proximal portion 125a of the second leg 125 and the bearing edge 110.

[0085] The electrical contact tabs 123, 125 are elastic. The electrical contact tabs 123, 125 deform upon contact with the base 12 of the electric bulb 11 and then return to their initial position and state when the electric bulb 11 is removed from the electric socket 10.

[0086] The interface device 114 is mounted movably in the internal space 108 of the receiving structure 101 between a safety position and a supply position. The interface device 114 is movable longitudinally. In other words, the interface device 114 is movable in a translational movement along a longitudinal direction.

[0087] When the interface device 114 moves between the safety position and the power position, the entire body 118, including the electrical contact tabs 123, 125, moves.

[0088] The protection mechanism 100 also comprises tracks 129.

[0089] The tracks 129 are fixedly mounted in the receiving structure 101. Each track 129 is for example fixedly mounted in one of the housings 111 of the receiving structure 101.

[0090] The tracks 129 have a shape and dimensions complementary to those of the housings 111 of the receiving structure 101, here a rectangular shape.

[0091] The tracks 129 extend longitudinally in the receiving structure 101.

[0092] Each track 129 comprises a conductive part 130 and a non-conductive part 131.

[0093] The conductive portion 130 is configured to conduct electric current. The non-conductive portion 131 is configured to prevent the passage of current. electrical. For example, the conductive portion 130 may be made of an electrically conductive material and the non-conductive portion 131 may be made of an insulating material.

[0094] The tracks 129 are configured to be connected to the external power supply source. The tracks 129 are for example each connected by an electrical wire to the external power supply source (not shown in the figures).

[0095] In the illustrated example, each track 129 is connected to the external power supply source by one of the power supply terminals. In particular, each track 129 is connected to one of the terminals by the first conductive wire 146. The first conductive wire 146 is soldered by one of its ends to the track 129 and connected by the other of its ends to the corresponding power supply terminal 143. The corresponding power supply terminal 143 is connected by the second conductive wire to the external power supply source.

[0096] The protection mechanism 100 also comprises connection pads 132.

[0097] Each connection pad 132 is electrically connected to one of the electrical contact tabs 123, 125. Each connection pad 132 is here connected to the distal portion of one of the electrical contact tabs 123, 125.

[0098] In [Fig. 3], one of the connection pads 132 is shown assembled and the other of the connection pads 132 is shown exploded.

[0099] Each connection pad 132 comprises a receiving body 133. The receiving body 133 is here tubular.

[0100] The connection pad 132 also comprises a contact member 136. The contact member 136 is disposed in the receiving body 133. The contact member 136 comprises a domed portion 137 or boss. The contact member 136 also comprises a cylindrical portion 138 extending the domed portion 137. The domed portion 137 projects from one end 134 of the receiving body 133. The cylindrical portion 138 extends inside the receiving body 133.

[0101] The connection pad 132 also comprises an elastic return member 139 and a closing cap 140. The elastic return member 139 is arranged between the contact member 136 and the closing cap 140.

[0102] The closure plug 140 is configured to obstruct an end opening 135 of the receiving body 133. The closure plug 140 has a diameter substantially equal to a diameter of the receiving body 133.

[0103] Each connection pad 132 is mounted opposite one of the tracks 129. The domed portion 137 of each connection pad 132 is oriented towards the corresponding track 129.

[0104] The connection pads 132 are configured to take a conduction position and an interrupt position.

[0105] In the interrupted position, the connection pads 132 are in contact with the non-conductive parts of the tracks 129. In particular, in the interrupted position, the dome portion 137 of the contact 136 is in contact with the non-conductive parts of the tracks 129 as visible in [Fig.4].

[0106] In the conduction position, the connection pads 132 are in contact with the conductive parts of the tracks 129. In particular, in the conduction position, the domed portion 137 of the contact member 136 is in contact with the conductive parts of the tracks 129 as visible in [Fig.5].

[0107] The protection mechanism 100 further comprises an elastic return member 141. The elastic return member 141 is for example a helical spring.

[0108] The elastic return member 141 is arranged between the body 118 of the interface device 114 and an internal edge 113 of the receiving structure 101.

[0109] The elastic return member 141 is configured to return the body 118 from the supply position to the safety position after disassembly of the bulb from the interface device 114.

[0110] The protection mechanism 100 further comprises stop members 142. The stop members 142 are here cylindrical pins.

[0111] The stop members 142 are arranged in the orifices 107 of the receiving structure 101. The stop members 142 extend transversely.

[0112] The stop members 142 are configured to stop the body 118 of the interface device 114 in the safety position during disassembly of the bulb from the interface device 114.

[0113] The electrical socket 10 further comprises a cover 200. The cover 200 is fixed to the receiving structure opposite the insertion opening 109.

[0114] The cover 200 here comprises two assembly openings 201 for fixing the cover 200 to the receiving structure 101. The assembly openings 201 allow the cover 200 to be snapped onto the receiving structure 101. When mounting the cover 200 to the receiving structure 101, the assembly tabs 127 are introduced into the assembly openings 201 and snapped onto the cover 200.

[0115] The cover 200 comprises an orifice 202 for the passage of conductive wires coming from the external electrical power source. The orifice 202 here allows the passage of the second conductive wires.

[0116] The cover 200 comprises a clamping screw 203. The clamping screw 203 allows the clamping of the second conductive wires passing through the orifice 202.

[0117] The cover 200 allows the electrical socket 10 to be closed, thus preventing access to the electrical elements in the internal space 108 of the receiving structure 101.

[0118] The electrical socket 10 also comprises a clamping nut 300. The clamping nut clamp 300 has a thread 302 extending over an internal surface 303. The thread 302 of the clamp nut 300 is shaped to the external thread 103 of the receiving structure 101 so as to allow the mounting of the clamp nut 300 with the receiving structure 101.

[0119] The clamping nut 300 is here a hexagonal nut with washer 304. In other words, the clamping nut 300 comprises a hexagonal central portion 301 and a washer 304 orthogonally extending the central portion 301.

[0120] The clamping nut 300 allows the installation of a support on the electrical socket 10, for example a support for a lampshade.

[0121] The electrical assembly 1, and in particular the electrical socket 10, operates in the following manner.

[0122] The protection mechanism 100 is in the secure configuration when no electric bulb 11 is mounted with the electric socket 10 (Figures 2 and 4).

[0123] In the secure configuration, the body 118 of the interface device 114 is in the secure position and the connection pads 132 are in the interrupt position. The connection pads 132 are in contact with the non-conductive portions 131 of the tracks 129. The electric current is therefore not conducted to the electrical contact tabs 123, 125.

[0124] When the protection mechanism 100 is in the secure configuration, an individual can touch the electrical contact tabs 123, 125 without risk of electrocution or electrification.

[0125] The protection mechanism 100 is in the connected configuration when an electric bulb 11 is mounted with the electric socket 10 (Figures 1 and 5).

[0126] The protection mechanism 100 transitions from the secure configuration to the connected configuration in the following manner.

[0127] The base 12 of the electric bulb 11 is introduced into the electric socket 10. In particular, the base 12 of the electric bulb 11 is introduced into the internal space 108 of the receiving structure 101.

[0128] The mounting of the electric bulb 11 with the electric socket 10 sets in motion the interface device 114 from its safety position to its power supply position. In the illustrated embodiment, the interface device 114 is movable in longitudinal translation in the internal space 108.

[0129] A first movement of the electric bulb 11 in the electric socket 10 makes it possible to secure the electric bulb 11 to the electric socket 10. In other words, a first movement of the electric bulb 11 allows a mechanical connection between the electric bulb 11 and the socket 10. At this stage, the interface device 114 is in the safety position. The electric bulb 11 is not electrically powered.

[0130] A second movement of the light bulb 11 enables the electrical connection of the light bulb 11. The second movement of the light bulb 11 brings the interface device 114 to the power supply position. The light bulb 11 is electrically powered.

[0131] The electrical socket 10 is here particularly adapted to operate with a screw-in electric bulb. The mounting of the electric bulb 11 is carried out by screwing the base 12 to the female thread 117 of the interface device 114. The first movement is a rotation, about a longitudinal axis, of the electric bulb 11 in the electrical socket 10. The rotation of the electric bulb 11 allows the mechanical connection of the electric bulb to the electrical socket 10. The mechanical connection is carried out by the cooperation of the lateral thread 13 of the base 12 with the female thread 117 of the interface device 114.

[0132] The second movement also consists of a rotation of the electric bulb 11 in the electric socket 10. After the mechanical connection, a second rotation of the electric bulb 11, around the longitudinal axis, is carried out. In other words, the screwing of the electric bulb 11 is continued. The second rotation is carried out until the shoulder 17 of the base 12 cooperates with the bearing edge 110 of the receiving structure 101. The interface device 114 passes from the safety position to the power supply position under the effect of the cooperation of the shoulder 17 of the base 12 with the bearing edge 110 of the receiving structure 101.

[0133] The interface device 114 carries with it in its movement the connection pads 132. The connection pads 132 slide on the tracks 129 from the interruption position to the conduction position. The connection pads 132 are in contact with the conductive portions 130 of the tracks 129. The electric current flows in the electrical contact tabs 123, 125. The electrical contact tabs 123, 125 thus supply the bulb 11 with electric current by contact with the base 12. The first tab 123 cooperates with the lateral thread 13 and the second tab 125 cooperates with the pad 14.

[0134] In the connected configuration, the elastic member 141 is compressed.

[0135] The protection mechanism 100 switches from the connected configuration to the secure configuration by dismantling the electric bulb 11. Or in other words, as soon as the electric bulb 11 is dismantled from the electric socket 10, the protection mechanism 100 switches to the secure configuration.

[0136] After dismantling the electric bulb 11, or unscrewing if it is a screw bulb, the elastic return member 141 is relaxed. The elastic return member 141 automatically returns the interface device 114 from the power supply position to the safety position. The interface device 114 carries with it the connection pads 132 which slide along the tracks 129 from the conduction position to the interrupt position. The electrical contact tabs 123, 125 are no longer crossed by the electric current. The stop members 142 stop the interface device 114 in the safety position.

[0137] The markings 128 make it possible to indicate the configuration in which the protection mechanism 100 is located. When the protection mechanism 100 is in the secure configuration, the window 106 exposes one of the markings 128, here the light gray colored marking. When the protection mechanism 100 is in the secure configuration, the window 106 exposes the other of the markings 128, here the dark gray colored marking.

[0138] The markings 128 are separated by a distance equal to the distance traveled by the interface device 114 between the safety position and the power supply position.

[0139] The electrical socket according to the invention is a safety socket whose configuration makes it possible to avoid the risk of electrocution or electrification. The configuration of the socket is advantageous in that it does not require any modification of the electric bulb, and is suitable for commercially available bulbs. The electrical socket described is particularly suitable for E14 and E27 screw bulbs.

[0140] The two movements required for the light bulb in order for the electric current to flow provide additional safety. Only intentional assembly of the light bulb in the electrical socket allows the electrical supply. In the example illustrated, this safety is all the more advantageous since only assembly with a light bulb having the shoulder allows the electrical supply. Thus, an attempt at assembly with another object for example would not allow the passage of the electric current, thus avoiding the risks of electrification and electrocution.

[0141] The configuration of the socket according to the invention also aims to enable it to achieve a protection index as defined by the international standard IEC 60529 as advantageous as possible, in particular an IP 40 index (protection against tools and small wires greater than one millimeter), or even an IP 60 index (protection against total infiltration of dust).

Claims

1. Claims An electrical socket configured to receive an electric bulb (11), the electrical socket (10) comprising a protection mechanism (100) comprising: - a receiving structure (101) defining an internal space (108) configured to receive a base (12) of the electric bulb (11), said receiving structure (101) having an introduction opening (109); - an interface device (114) arranged in the receiving structure (101) and mounted to move in the internal space (108) of the receiving structure (101) between a safety position and a supply position, the interface device (114) comprising: • a receiving housing (115) facing the side of the introduction opening (109) of the receiving structure (101), and • a body (118) provided with electrical contact tabs (123, 125) opening into the receiving housing (115) and configured to cooperate with the base (12) of the electric bulb (11); - tracks (129) each comprising a conductive part (130) and a non-conductive part (131), said tracks (129) being fixedly mounted in the receiving structure (101); and - connection pads (132) mounted in the body (118) and configured to take a conduction position in which said connection pads (132) are in contact with the conductive parts (130) of the tracks (129) and an interruption position, the protection mechanism (100) being configured to take a secure configuration in which: - the interface device (114) is in the safety position; - the connection pads (132) are in the interruption position; and a connected configuration in which: - the interface device (114) is in the power supply position; - the connection pads (132) are the conduction position, the protection mechanism (100) passing from the secure configuration to the connected configuration by mounting the light bulb (11) with the interface device (114), and from the connected configuration to the secure configuration by dismounting the light bulb (11), the electrical socket (10) being characterized in that said tracks (129) are configured to be connected to an electrical power source, the connection pads (132) are each electrically connected to one of the electrical contact tabs (123, 125) of the interface device (114), and the electrical socket (10) is configured so that said connection pads (132) slide on the tracks (129) between the conduction and interruption positions at the same time as the interface device (114) is moved between its safety power supply positions when the protection mechanism (100) passes from the secure configuration to the connected configuration and vice versa,with the connection pads (132) which are in contact with the non-conductive portions (131) of the tracks (129) in the interruption position.,

2. Electrical socket according to claim 1, in which the receiving structure (101) comprises a bearing edge (110) delimiting the insertion opening (109), and the interface device (114) passes from the safety position to the supply position under the effect of the cooperation of a shoulder (17) of the base (12) of the electric bulb (11) with the bearing edge (110) of the receiving structure (101).

3. An electrical socket according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the receiving housing (115) of the interface device (114) comprises on an internal surface (116) a female thread (117) provided for screw-mounting the base (12) of the electric bulb (11).

4. Electrical socket according to one of claims 1 to 3, in which the protection mechanism (100) further comprises an elastic return member (141) arranged between the interface device (114) and an internal edge (113) of the receiving structure (101), said elastic return member (141) being configured to return said interface device (114) from its power supply position to its safety position after dismantling of the electric bulb (11) from the interface device (114).

5. An electrical socket according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the protection mechanism (100) further comprises stop members (142) configured to stop the interface device (114) in the safety position when the electric bulb (11) is removed from the interface device (114).

6. Electrical socket according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the body (118) of the interface device (114) is further provided with electrical supply terminals (143) configured to be connected to the external electrical supply source, each track (129) being connected to one of said electrical supply terminals (143) housed in the body (118).

7. Electrical socket according to one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a cover (200) fixed to the receiving structure (101) opposite the insertion opening (109), said cover comprising at least one orifice (202) for the passage of conductive wires coming from the external electrical power source.

8. An electrical socket according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the receiving structure (101) comprises a window (106) exposing a portion of the body (118) of the interface device (114), said body (118) comprising two different markings (128), the window (106) and the markings (128) being arranged such that when the protection mechanism (100) is in the secure configuration, the window (106) faces a first of said markings (128), and when the protection mechanism (100) is in the connected configuration, the window (106) faces a second of said markings (128).

9. Electrical assembly provided with an electrical socket according to any one of claims 1 to 8 and an electric bulb (11) mounted in said electrical socket (10), the electric bulb (11) comprising a base (12) mounted in the receiving housing (115) of the interface device (114) in electrical contact with the electrical contact tabs (123, 125) of the body (118) of the interface device (114).

10. A method of assembling an electrical assembly according to claim 9, comprising the following steps: - providing the electrical socket (10) and the electric bulb (11); and - mounting the base of the electric bulb (11) in the electrical socket (10), by a first movement of the electric bulb (11) to mechanically secure the electric bulb (11) to the electrical socket (10), then a second movement of the electric bulb (11) to electrically connect the electric bulb (11) to the electrical socket (10).

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