INTERCONNECTING CABLE FOR ELECTRICAL SOCKETS OF DIFFERENT TYPES, WITH THREE CONNECTORS

Abstract

An interconnection cable (CI) is suitable for being coupled to electrical sockets to ensure interconnection of the latter, and comprises: - an electrical cable (CE) having a first end provided with a first connector (C1) adapted to an electrical socket of a first type, and a sub-part (SP2) having a second end (E2) provided with a second connector (C2) suitable for being coupled to an electrical socket of a second type, and - a sleeve (MA) having first (P1) and second (P2) opposite parts and suitable for being coupled respectively to the first (C1) and second (C2) connectors or vice versa depending on whether it is desired to ensure protection of the first connector (C1) or use of the second connector (C2). Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: CABLE FOR INTERCONNECTING ELECTRICAL SOCKETS OF DIFFERENT TYPES, WITH THREE CONNECTORS Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to interconnection cables which are suitable for being coupled to electrical sockets to ensure interconnection of the latter. State of the art

[0002] In certain fields, such as vehicles (possibly automobiles), interconnection cables are used to temporarily provide interconnection between two electrical outlets. For example, in a vehicle with a rechargeable battery, when the latter is to be recharged, an interconnection cable can be used to interconnect a charging connector (at the first electrical outlet), coupled to this rechargeable battery, to a second electrical outlet of an external power source.

[0003] Sometimes there may be a variety of types of second electrical outlet. For example, in a vehicle with a rechargeable battery, recharging may be done using direct or alternating current, but in addition, for the same type of recharging current, there may be at least two different types of second electrical outlet fitted to the external power sources available to users. Consequently, when a user of a vehicle wishes to interconnect the first socket of the charging connector of his vehicle to a second electrical outlet of an external power source having a certain type, he must have an interconnection cable having this same type if this external power source is not provided with its own interconnection cable.

[0004] In the presence of such diversity (which is also set to increase), most users are forced to store several interconnection cables in their vehicles if they want to be able to recharge from most external power sources. It will be understood that such storage is all the more cumbersome as the number of interconnection cables is high. In addition, the interconnection cables may end up placed under objects and therefore be difficult to access. Finally, it may happen that a user of a vehicle unloads objects and at least one interconnection cable and forgets to replace the latter in the vehicle, so that this user may find himself without the interconnection cable which is adapted to the external power source which he wants to use if he has not taken the care to check whether this interconnection cable was on board before starting his journey.

[0005] The invention therefore aims in particular to improve the situation. Presentation of the invention

[0006] For this purpose, it proposes in particular an interconnection cable suitable for being coupled to electrical sockets to ensure interconnection of the latter, and comprising an electrical cable having a first end provided with a first connector adapted to an electrical socket of a first type.

[0007] This interconnection cable is characterized by the fact:

[0008] - that its electric cable comprises a sub-part having a second end provided with a second connector suitable for being coupled to an electrical outlet of a second type, and

[0009] - that it comprises a sleeve having first and second opposing portions and suitable for being coupled respectively to the first and second connectors or vice versa depending on whether one wishes to ensure protection of the first connector or use of the second connector.

[0010] Thanks to the invention, the interconnection cable has three connectors and therefore allows its use either with an electrical outlet of a first type (with its second protected connector), or with an electrical outlet of a second type (with its first protected connector), or its non-use with at least its first protected connector.

[0011] The interconnection cable according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

[0012] - the second connector may comprise opposing rear and front portions and respectively comprising a solid bottom wall and electrical coupling elements for coupling to an electrical outlet of a second type, the front part being suitable for being fitted into the second part of the sleeve when the first part of the latter is coupled to the first connector so that the first and second connectors are simultaneously protected, and the rear part being suitable for being fitted into the first part of the sleeve when the second part of the latter is coupled to the first connector so that the second connector can be used and the first connector is protected;

[0013] - it can be adapted to recharging vehicle batteries;

[0014] - in the presence of the last option, the first type can be a so-called type two, and the second type may be a so-called domestic type. Alternatively, the first type may be a so-called domestic type, and the second type may be a so-called two type;

[0015] - the sub-part may branch off from the electric cable in an area which is located at proximity to the first end of the latter;

[0016] - the first connector may comprise at least one first coupling element mechanical. In this case, the first part of the sleeve may comprise at least one second mechanical coupling element capable of cooperating with a corresponding first mechanical coupling element to ensure coupling between the sleeve and the first connector, and the second part of the sleeve may comprise at least one third mechanical coupling element capable of cooperating with a corresponding first mechanical coupling element to ensure coupling between the sleeve and the first connector;

[0017] - in the presence of the last option, the first connector may comprise at least two first mechanical coupling elements, the first part of the sleeve may comprise at least two second mechanical coupling elements, and the second part of the sleeve may comprise at least two third mechanical coupling elements;

[0018] - also in the presence of the last option, each of the first(s), second(s) and third mechanical coupling element(s) may be suitable for participating in a clip-on coupling. Brief description of the figures

[0019] Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description below, and the attached drawings (obtained in CAD / CAM (“Computer Aided Design / Computer Aided Drawing”)), in which:

[0020] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, a part of a example of an embodiment of an interconnection cable according to the invention, in a third configuration allowing the use of its first connector,

[0021] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, the cable sleeve interconnection of [Fig.l], before its coupling to the first and / or second connector(s),

[0022] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, a part of the cable interconnection of [Fig.l], in a first configuration allowing its first and second connectors to be protected,

[0023] [Fig.4] schematically illustrates, in a sectional view, a part of the cable interconnection of [Fig.3], in the first configuration,

[0024] [Fig.5] schematically illustrates, in a perspective view, a part of the cable interconnection of [Fig.l], in a second configuration allowing its first connector to be protected and its second connector to be used, and

[0025] [Fig.6] schematically illustrates, in a sectional view, a part of the cable interconnection of [Fig.5], in the second configuration. Detailed description of the invention

[0026] The invention aims in particular to propose a CI interconnection cable intended to be coupled to a first electrical socket of a system and to two second sockets electrical outlets of different types and belonging to external power sources, to ensure the selective interconnection of this first electrical outlet to one of these second electrical outlets.

[0027] In the following, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the system is a vehicle of the automobile type, such as for example a car. But the invention is not limited to this type of system. It relates in fact to any system comprising an electrical connector (possibly for recharging) which must be temporarily coupled to an external power source (fixed or mobile). Thus, it relates in particular to vehicles (land, sea (or river), or air), devices (possibly for the general public), installations (possibly industrial), and buildings.

[0028] Furthermore, it is considered in the following, by way of non-limiting example, that the interconnection cable CI is intended to enable at least one rechargeable battery of a vehicle to be recharged. But this is not an obligation. Indeed, it could enable the electrical supply of at least part of a system.

[0029] Figures 1 and 3 to 6 schematically illustrate part of an exemplary embodiment of a CI interconnection cable according to the invention, intended to be coupled to electrical sockets to ensure interconnection of the latter.

[0030] As illustrated in Figures 1 and 3 to 6, an interconnection cable CI, according to the invention, comprises an electrical cable CE and a sleeve MA.

[0031] The electric cable CE has a first end El (see figures 4 and 6) which is provided with a first connector Cl adapted for its connection to an electric socket of a first type, for example belonging to a first external power source.

[0032] In addition, the electrical cable CE comprises a (second) sub-part SP2 having a second end E2 provided with a second connector C2 which is suitable for being coupled to an electrical outlet of a second type, for example belonging to an external power source. It will be understood that before its first end E1 the electrical cable CE is (sub)divided (or split) into first SP1 and second SP2 sub-parts comprising respectively the first E1 and second E2 ends (and therefore the first C1 and second C2 connectors), as illustrated in Figures 4 and 6.

[0033] It will be noted, although this does not appear in the figures, that the electric cable CE also comprises another end, opposite its first end El, and provided with another connector adapted for its connection to another electrical socket (of a single type). In the example described here, this other electrical socket is the charging connector which is fixedly fitted to the vehicle.

[0034] As illustrated in Figures 1 to 6, the sleeve MA comprises first PI and second P2 opposite parts. The latter (PI and P2) are suitable for being coupled respectively to the first C1 and second C2 connectors, or vice versa (i.e. to the second C2 and first Cl connectors), depending on whether we want to ensure protection of the first Cl connector or use of the second C2 connector.

[0035] In other words, there may be at least two different configurations of the IC interconnect cable, and preferably three.

[0036] In a first configuration, illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the first part P1 of the sleeve MA is coupled to the first connector C1, and the second part P2 of the sleeve MA is coupled to the second connector C2, which makes it possible to ensure protection of at least the first connector C1. It will be noted that in the first configuration illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 the electrical coupling elements ECE of the second connector C2 are advantageously oriented towards the first connector C1, which also makes it possible to ensure protection of the second connector C2, as will be seen later. It will be understood that this first configuration is used when the interconnection cable CI is not to be used, and therefore it is desired to store it without risk of damage to its first C1 and second C2 connectors.

[0037] In a second configuration, illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, the first part PI of the sleeve MA is coupled to the second connector C2, and the second part P2 of the sleeve MA is coupled to the first connector C1, which makes it possible to ensure use of the second connector C2 (and at the same time protection of the first connector C1). It will be understood that in this second configuration an electric current will be able to circulate in the electric cable CE via its second sub-part SP2 and the second connector C2 (of the second type).

[0038] In a third configuration, illustrated in [Fig.l], the first part PI of the sleeve MA is decoupled from the first connector Cl, and the second part P2 of the sleeve MA is coupled to the second connector C2, which makes it possible to ensure use of the first connector Cl (and at the same time protection of the second connector C2 (not used), as will be seen later). It will be understood that in this third configuration an electric current will be able to circulate in the electric cable CE via its first sub-part SP1 and the first connector Cl (of the first type).

[0039] Thus, thanks to the invention, there is provided an interconnection cable CI with three connectors and therefore advantageously allowing its use either with an electrical outlet of a first type (with its second connector C2 protected), or with an electrical outlet of a second type (with its first connector C1 protected), or else its non-use with its first C1 and second C2 connectors protected. This makes it possible to reduce the number of interconnection cables that must be associated with (and stored in or for) a system (here a vehicle).

[0040] For example, and as indicated above, the CI interconnection cable can be adapted to recharge vehicle batteries. In this case, in a first embodiment embodiment illustrated non-limitingly in figures 1 and 3 to 6, the first type can be a so-called type two (allowing slow or semi-slow recharges either in alternating current (single-phase or three-phase), or in direct current), and the second type can be a so-called domestic type (for connection to the mains, and therefore allowing slow recharges in alternating current). But in a second embodiment not illustrated the first type could be the domestic type, and the second type could be type two.

[0041] It will be noted that in the context of use for refills, the first and second types could be different from those mentioned above. Similarly, in the context of use other than refills, the first and second types could be different from those mentioned above.

[0042] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 1 and 3 to 6, the second connector C2 may comprise opposite rear parts PR and front PV and respectively comprising a solid bottom wall PF and the electrical coupling elements ECE (for coupling to an electrical outlet of the second type). In this case, the front part PV is suitable for being fitted into the second part P2 of the sleeve MA when the first part PI of the latter (MA) is coupled to the first connector C1 so that the first C1 and second C2 connectors are simultaneously protected (first configuration illustrated in Figures 3 and 4).In addition, the rear part PR is suitable for being fitted into the first part PI of the sleeve MA when the second part P2 of the latter (MA) is coupled to the first connector Cl so that the second connector C2 can be used and the first connector Cl is protected (second configuration illustrated in figures 5 and 6).

[0043] It will be noted that when the second end E2 of the second sub-part SP2 is fixedly secured to the rear part PR of the second connector C2, as illustrated non-limitingly in FIGS. 1 and 3 to 6, the first part PI of the sleeve MA may comprise an opening (or slot) allowing the translation of this second sub-part SP2 when this rear part PR is fitted into this first part PI.

[0044] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 1 and 3 to 6, the second sub-part SP2 can derive (or subdivide) from the electric cable CE in an area which is located close to the first end El of the latter (CE). It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 and 3 to 6, the interconnection cable CI comprises a head TC crossed by its electric cable CE, fixedly housing the first connector Cl, and in which the subdivision into first SP1 and second SP2 sub-parts takes place. But such an arrangement is not obligatory.

[0045] In a variant embodiment not illustrated, the second sub-part SP2 could derive (or be subdivided) from the electric cable CE in an intermediate zone which is located between the first end El of the latter (CE) and the other connector equipping the other end opposite the first end El.

[0046] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 1 and 3 to 6, the first connector C1 may comprise at least one first mechanical coupling element EC1. In this case, the first part PI of the sleeve MA may comprise at least one second mechanical coupling element EC2 capable of cooperating with a corresponding first mechanical coupling element EC1 to ensure a coupling between the sleeve MA and the first connector C1 (via the first part PI). In addition, the second part P2 of the sleeve MA may comprise at least one third mechanical coupling element EC3 capable of cooperating with a corresponding first mechanical coupling element EC1 to ensure a coupling between the sleeve MA and the first connector C1 (via the second part P2).

[0047] It will be understood that in the first configuration the first EC1 and second EC2 mechanical coupling elements cooperate together to immobilize the sleeve MA relative to the first connector CA, preferably in a single position, while in the second configuration the first EC1 and third EC3 mechanical coupling elements cooperate together to immobilize the sleeve MA relative to the first connector CA, preferably in a single position.

[0048] It will be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 6 the first connector C1 comprises at least two first mechanical coupling elements EC1, the first part P1 of the sleeve MA comprises at least two second mechanical coupling elements EC2, and the second part P2 of the sleeve MA comprises at least two third mechanical coupling elements EC3. In fact, in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 6 the first connector C1 comprises three first mechanical coupling elements EC1, the first part P1 of the sleeve MA comprises three second mechanical coupling elements EC2, and the second part P2 of the sleeve MA comprises three third mechanical coupling elements EC3. But the number of first mechanical coupling elements EC1 (and therefore also of second EC2 or third EC3 mechanical coupling elements) can take any value greater than or equal to one.

[0049] Also for example, and as illustrated non-limitingly and at least partially in Figures 1 to 6, each of the second coupling elements EC2 can be defined in the first part PI of the sleeve MA, near (or at the level of) its free end, and each of the third coupling elements EC3 can be defined in an intermediate part (possibly central) of the sleeve MA.

[0050] It will also be noted that in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 6 each of the first EC1, second EC2 and third EC3 mechanical coupling elements is capable of participating in a clipping coupling. More precisely, in the example illustrated non-limitingly in Figures 1 to 6 the first mechanical coupling elements EC1 are clipping holes (or housings) and the second EC2 and third EC3 mechanical coupling elements are clipping tabs capable of being partially and respectively housed in the corresponding clipping holes EC1. But an inverse arrangement is possible, namely second EC2 and third EC3 mechanical coupling elements arranged in the form of clipping holes (or housings) and first mechanical coupling elements EC1 arranged in the form of clipping tabs capable of being partially and respectively housed in the corresponding clipping holes EC2 or EC3.

[0051] But this is not an obligation, because other types of mechanical coupling elements can be used, and in particular shape-cooperating coupling elements.

[0052] In an alternative embodiment not illustrated, the sleeve MA and first connector C1 could be devoid of mechanical coupling elements, and in this case their couplings are carried out by a simple fitting.

Claims

Claims

1. Interconnection cable (CI) suitable for being coupled to electrical sockets to ensure interconnection of the latter, and comprising an electrical cable (CE) having a first end (El) provided with a first connector (Cl) adapted to an electrical socket of a first type, characterized in that said electrical cable (CE) comprises a sub-part (SP2) having a second end (E2) provided with a second connector (C2) suitable for being coupled to an electrical socket of a second type, and in that it comprises a sleeve (MA) having first (PI) and second (P2) opposite parts suitable for being coupled respectively to said first (Cl) and second (C2) connectors or vice versa depending on whether it is desired to ensure protection of said first connector (Cl) or use of said second connector (C2).

2. An interconnection cable according to claim 1, characterized in that said second connector (C2) comprises opposite rear (PR) and front (PV) portions and respectively comprising a solid bottom wall (PF) and electrical coupling elements (ECE) for coupling to an electrical outlet of a second type, said front portion (PV) being suitable for being fitted into said second portion (P2) of the sleeve (MA) when said first portion (PI) of the latter (MA) is coupled to said first connector (Cl) so that said first (Cl) and second (C2) connectors are simultaneously protected, and said rear portion (PR) being suitable for being fitted into said first portion (PI) of the sleeve (MA) when said second portion (P2) of the latter (MA) is coupled to said first connector (Cl) so that said second connector (C2) can be used and said first connector (Cl) is protected.

3. Interconnection cable according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it is suitable for recharging vehicle batteries.

4. An interconnection cable according to claim 3, characterized in that said first type is a so-called two type, and said second type is a so-called domestic type.

5. An interconnection cable according to claim 3, characterized in that said first type is a so-called domestic type, and said second type is a so-called two type.

6. Interconnection cable according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said sub-part (SP2) derives from said electric cable (CE) in an area located near said first end (El) of the latter (CE).

7. Interconnection cable according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that said first connector (Cl) comprises at least one first mechanical coupling element (EC1), in that said first part (P1) of the sleeve (MA) comprises at least one second mechanical coupling element (EC2) capable of cooperating with a corresponding first mechanical coupling element (EC1) to ensure a coupling between said sleeve (MA) and first connector (Cl), and in that said second part (P2) of the sleeve (MA) comprises at least one third mechanical coupling element (EC3) capable of cooperating with a corresponding first mechanical coupling element (EC1) to ensure a coupling between said sleeve (MA) and first connector (Cl).

8. Interconnection cable according to claim 7, characterized in that said first connector (Cl) comprises at least two first mechanical coupling elements (EC1), in that said first part (PI) of the sleeve (MA) comprises at least two second mechanical coupling elements (EC2), and in that said second part (P2) of the sleeve (MA) comprises at least two third mechanical coupling elements (EC3).

9. Interconnection cable according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that each of said first (EC1), second (EC2) and third (EC3) mechanical coupling elements is capable of participating in a clipping coupling.

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