Electrical socket, electrical connection system and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a radially connected socket (1), comprising a body (10), first electrical contact members (100) housed in said body and movable in translation in the same plane, referred to as the connection plane, in different radial directions, a first magnetic structure (11) capable of ensuring the coupling of an electric plug (2) via a magnetic effect, rotational drive means configured to drive said first magnetic structure (11) in rotation about an axis, referred to as the main axis (A), perpendicular to said connection plane, so as to assume a plurality of different angular positions about said main axis (A), each different angular position being in a different radial alignment with each contact member of said first electrical contact members (100), and first actuation means arranged to move each electrical contact member of said first electrical contact members (100) in its radial direction.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to radially connected electrical sockets, electrical connection systems and connection / disconnection methods implemented in such systems.

[0002] WO 2017 / 216458 discloses an electrical connection device in the form of a base incorporating an electric socket of the magnetic attraction type. The electric socket is centrally located and the base has a surface surrounding the front of the connection of the electric socket. The electric socket is equipped with magnetic means that allow it to attract, by magnetic effect, an electric plug equipped with corresponding magnetic means. When the two elements are joined by magnetic effect, an electrical connection is made between the socket and the plug. The plug is connected to an electric device, for example the power supply system of an electric vehicle. In one particular embodiment, the device comprises a number of annular coils integrated in the base and arranged concentrically around the electric socket. In operation, the base incorporating the electric socket is, for example, placed on the ground and connected to the power supply by an electric cable. The plug is released from the device in the vicinity of the base. The coils are controlled using a control sequence configured to guide the plug towards the center of the base and thus towards the electric socket. The connection is completed via the magnetic attraction existing between the respective magnetic means of the socket and the plug.

[0003] A socket must be designed to achieve several goals: -Allows electrical continuity between plug and socket, thereby limiting hotspots; - masking the electrical contacts of the socket when no plug is present and when the socket is not in use; -Ensuring a certain level of sealing against liquids as well as dust when the socket is not in use; -Prevents access to electrical contacts when the plug is connected to the socket; - making it easier to remove the plug by limiting the force that must be applied to remove the plug from the socket; -Ensures personal protection by masking the electrical contacts of the socket, even if the plug is torn off from the socket.

[0004] A number of solutions that meet some of these objectives have already been disclosed in the prior art.

[0005] In WO 2012 / 032230, the socket uses pivoting flaps that mask the electrical contacts when the plug is not connected. Each flap is independently pivotally mounted on an axis and biased by a spring. When the electrical contacts are moved out of the socket, each presses one flap against its spring.

[0006] Another solution is described in WO 2017 / 046469, where the socket also uses pivoting flaps which are moved by a stage supporting electrical contacts by means of a cam / cam follower mechanism.

[0007] In prior art solutions, the electrical contacts often take the form of pins that support flat contacts or that are housed in cavities. In the first case, the electrical contacts may cause the presence of hot spots. In the second case, the cavities are exposed to water and dust. Moreover, as the connection is intended to be achieved automatically (without external intervention), correct indexation is also important, since each pin must be inserted into one separate cavity.

[0008] Also, the pivoting flap structure used to mask the electrical contacts is complex and fragile and cannot guarantee long-term service continuity. Moreover, the integration of such a socket into a device as described in WO 2017 / 216458 does not necessarily allow for limited access to the electrical contacts when the plug is connected to the socket, nor does the hermeticity of the device guarantee it. DE 102020116623 A1 describes an electrical connection system which is used in a solution for charging electric vehicles. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2017 / 216458 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2012 / 032230 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2017 / 046469 [Patent Document 4] DE 102020116623 A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT It is therefore a first object of the present invention to provide an electrical connection device having a socket having a structure which makes it possible to achieve many of the above-mentioned objects. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The purpose of this is to A radially connected electrical socket, -The main body, - actuation means, a control unit configured to control said actuation means; - first electrical contact members housed in said body and intended to be connected to an electrical supply system and which are translatable in different radial directions in the same plane, called the connection plane; a first magnetic structure capable of ensuring coupling by magnetic effect of a complementary electrical plug to said electrical socket; - rotational drive means adapted to drive said first magnetic structure in rotation about an axis, called the main axis, perpendicular to said connection surface, so as to assume a plurality of different angular positions about said main axis, each different angular position being in a different radial alignment with each of the contact members of said first electrical contact members; Equipped with said actuation means being achieved by an electrical socket configured to actuate said rotary drive means to radially move each electrical contact member of said first electrical contact members;

[0012] According to a first embodiment, the socket comprises: a protection part for protecting said first electrical contact members, the protection part being operable to rotate about a main axis at least between a first angular position blocking the access of said first electrical contact members to each of said electrical contact members and a second angular position opening said access, said actuation means are adapted to rotate said guard;

[0013] According to a second embodiment, the socket comprises: a protective part for protecting the first electrical contact members, the protective part comprising a stationary annular body with a plurality of radial openings each arranged opposite one distinct electrical contact member of the first electrical contact members, and a plurality of closure shutters each operable to move between at least a first position freeing an associated radial opening and a second position occluding the associated radial opening, said actuating means are adapted to drive the movement of said closing shutter;

[0014] According to one feature, the socket comprises: a rotating ring operable to rotate and arranged to drive translation of said first magnetic structure along said main axis between a low position and a high position via at least one cam and cam follower mechanism; said actuation means are adapted to drive the rotation of said rotatable ring;

[0015] According to another feature, the drive means includes a rotary drive coaxial with the main shaft and with which the first magnetic structure rotates.

[0016] The present invention also provides 1. An electrical connection system comprising a socket and a plug connectable to the socket, - said socket is a radially connected electrical socket as described above, the plug includes a second magnetic structure complementary to the first magnetic structure of the socket and a plurality of second electrical contact members arranged in a plurality of different radial directions around the main axis, - the first magnetic structure and the second magnetic structure are configured to cause the plug to assume a predetermined orientation about the main axis when the plug is coupled to the socket via magnetic effect; each electrical contact member of the first electrical contact members of the socket is arranged to be connected via radial translation to one different electrical contact member of the second electrical contact members of the plug; the system comprises means for detecting an orientation of the plug when the plug is magnetically coupled to the socket, and means for determining, among a plurality of different angular positions, an angular position to be imparted to the first magnetic structure in response to the determined orientation, The control unit is positioning the first magnetic structure at the determined angular position; radially displacing each of the first electrical contact members when positioning the first magnetic structure at the determined angular position. The present invention also relates to an electrical connection system configured to control said actuation means for the purpose of:

[0017] The present invention also provides A connection method implemented in the above electrical connection system, comprising: - mechanically coupling said plug to said socket via magnetic effect; - detecting an orientation of the plug relative to the socket about the main axis; - determining, among said plurality of different angular positions, an angular position to be imparted to said first magnetic structure in response to said determined orientation; - if necessary, controlling said actuation means to actuate the rotary drive means of said first magnetic structure so as to position said first magnetic structure in a determined angular position; - controlling the actuation means to radially move each electrical contact member of the first electrical contact members so as to connect them to corresponding electrical contact members of the second electrical contact members belonging to the plug.

[0018] According to one feature, the connection method includes the step of controlling the actuating means to actuate rotation of the rotatable ring to pass the first magnetic structure from a low position to a high position prior to the step of mechanically coupling the plug to the socket.

[0019] According to another feature, the connection method includes controlling an actuation means to actuate rotation of the protective part to a second angular position to release access to each of the first electrical contact members.

[0020] The present invention also provides a method of disconnecting an electrical connection system as described above, comprising the steps of: - controlling said actuation means to actuate the rotation of said rotating ring and pass said first magnetic structure from a high position to a low position; - controlling said actuation means to actuate said rotary drive means and to rotate said first magnetic structure through a first predetermined angle; - controlling said actuating means to actuate each of said first electrical contact members and mechanically and electrically disconnect them from said second electrical contact members,

[0021] According to one feature, the cutting method includes the step of controlling the actuating means to actuate a rotation of the protective part to close the access to the first electrical contact member.

[0022] According to another feature, the cutting method includes the step of controlling the actuating means to actuate a rotation of the means for driving the first magnetic structure through an angle opposite to the first angle. Other features and advantages will become apparent in the following detailed description, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an electrical connection system according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows a first exploded view of an electrical socket and plug for use in the electrical connection system of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a second exploded view of the electrical socket and plug used in the electrical connection system of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of a socket to which the plug is connected. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 shows a rotating ring for use with the socket of the present invention. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A shows the magnetic structure socket side in the lower position. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B shows the magnetic structure socket side in the elevated position. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a modified embodiment of the protector used in the electrical socket of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 shows an example embodiment of two magnetic structures used on the socket side on the one hand and the plug side on the other hand. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0024] The invention is generally applicable to electrical connection systems, which can be used in particular in electrical installations intended for recharging electrical appliances, such as, for example, electric vehicles, although of course other applications can also be envisaged.

[0025] With reference to FIG. 1, the system consists of two parts, one of which is intended to be connected to an electrical supply circuit, e.g. a power supply (mains) 4, and the other part is intended to be connected to an electrical device 5 to be powered, e.g. the power supply system of an electric or hybrid vehicle.

[0026] Any solution allowing an electrical connection to an electrical device or to an electrical supply circuit is envisaged, such as a cable, a conductive rod or other equivalent solution.

[0027] A first part of the system comprises an electrical socket (hereinafter referred to as Socket 1) and a second part comprises an electrical plug (hereinafter referred to as Plug 2) intended to be mechanically and electrically connected to Socket 1.

[0028] The system advantageously allows the plug 2 to be mechanically connected to the socket 1 automatically, without operator or robotic intervention, using only magnetic and gravitational means.

[0029] The assembly direction corresponding to the axis (A) along which the plug 2 is mechanically supported relative to the socket 1 is defined herein and referred to in the remainder of the description.

[0030] In the remainder of the description, the terms "front" and "rear", "high" and "low", "higher" and "lower" are considered with reference to longitudinal position along the main axis (A).

[0031] In the remainder of the description, the terms "inside" and "outside" are considered with respect to coaxial position relative to the main axis (A).

[0032] When the plug 2 is connected to the socket 1 , the front portion of the plug 2 is mechanically supported against the front of the socket 1 .

[0033] Define an electrical connection device incorporating a socket 1. The device advantageously comprises a base 3 (for example with its ground S-prong (A) perpendicular to the ground) placed on a holder. The base 3 may comprise one or more connectors 30 allowing to connect to a power source 4 and to a communication system. An electrical connection integrated in the base 3 allows the electrical socket 1 to be connected to the connectors 30.

[0034] With reference to FIG. 1, the seat 3 comprises a closed jacket 31, the central part of which is occupied by the socket 1.

[0035] The electrical socket 1 comprises a front area 10 for mechanically connecting with the plug 2. This front area 10 may be of any suitable shape, flat or curved, concave or convex.

[0036] The jacket 31 surrounds the socket 1 and forms a front face 310 surrounding the front area 10 of said socket 1. This front face 310 is beyond the front area 10 of the socket 1 and is not dedicated to connection. Under this face, the jacket 31 of the device incorporates magnetic and / or mechanical guiding means arranged to guide the plug 2 towards the socket 1 upon its approach. WO 2017 / 216458 A1 describes, without limitation, the operating principle of connecting the plug 2 to the socket 1 by executing a control sequence of a coil incorporated in the jacket.

[0037] The front region 10 of the socket 1 is oriented transversely to the main axis (A). The front surface 310 of the seat 3 around the socket 1 may be flat on the same plane as the plane formed by the front region 10 of the socket 1, or it may be concave or convex curved (as in the accompanying figures).

[0038] The socket 1 comprises a first magnetic structure 11 arranged transversely to the main axis (A), which is capable of attracting for its part the plug 2 which comprises a corresponding second magnetic structure 21. When the plug 2 is coupled to the socket 1 via the magnetic effect, an electrical connection is also formed between the first electrical contact member of the socket 1 and the second electrical contact member of the plug 2.

[0039] The two magnetic structures used allow the plug 2 to be securely coupled to the socket 1 via a magnetic effect. Various magnetic structures allowing the plug 2 to be coupled to the socket 1 are described in particular in EP 3317926 and WO 2020 / 229321, which are applicable to the present invention but should not be considered limiting. The two magnetic structures advantageously comprise a plurality of permanent magnets. According to one feature, the two magnetic structures act attractively when the plug is in the appropriate angular position relative to the socket to make the connection and repulsively when the plug has to be pulled out of the socket during disconnection.

[0040] As an example, Fig. 8 shows a first magnetic structure 11 present on the side of the socket 1 and a second magnetic structure 21 present on the side of the plug 2. The two magnetic structures shown comprise a ferromagnetic yoke 111, 211 and one or more permanent magnet segments fixed to said yoke.

[0041] In the first magnetic structure, a first set of three permanent magnets 111_1, 111_2, 111_3 each extend over an angular range AP1 of, for example, 55° on their annular segments, and a second set of three permanent magnets 112_1, 112_2, 112_3 each extend over an angular range AP2 of, for example, 55°.

[0042] Each of the three new permanent magnets of the second set is interposed between two permanent magnets of the first set, leaving a non-zero regular angular interval between these two magnets of the first set. The regular angular interval I1 between two adjacent magnets is about 5°.

[0043] The first set of permanent magnets and the second set of permanent magnets are magnetically oriented in opposite directions along a major axis (A).

[0044] The second magnetic structure 21 has only a first set of three permanent magnets 211_1, 211_2, 211_3 which are identical to the permanent magnets of the first magnetic structure.

[0045] It is noted that the two magnetic structures 11, 21 are configured to ensure coupling of the plug 2 to the socket 1 by an attractive magnetic effect in a predefined orientation about a main axis. The two magnetic structures 11, 21 are configured such that the plug 2 can assume a number of different angular positions when coupled to the socket 1 via the magnetic effect.

[0046] For example, in the magnetic structure shown in Fig. 8, the plug 2 can take three different angular positions offset from one another by 120°. The plug 2 can be in a first angular position, called the 0° position, a second angular position, called the -120° position, or a third angular position, called the +120° position.

[0047] Of course, the magnetic geometry of the magnetic structure (angular extent of the magnets and angular spacing between the magnets) can be adjusted.

[0048] Arbitrarily, for example, plug 2 is considered to be correctly oriented with respect to socket 1 when it is in the 0° angular position. In this position, the first electrical contact member associated with socket 1 and the second electrical contact member associated with plug 2 are electrically compatible and the electrical connections are correct. For example, the first socket "power" contact is connected to the first plug "power" contact, the second socket "power" contact is connected to the second plug "power" contact, and the socket "data" contact is connected to the plug "data" contact. Of course, other configurations are possible depending on the type of mains grid.

[0049] According to the invention, electrical connections between the socket 1 and the plug 2 are made in multiple radial directions. Thus, a first electrical contact member of the socket 1 is connected to a second electrical contact member of the plug 2 via radial movements.

[0050] According to the present invention, and with reference to Figures 2, 3 and 4, the socket 1 advantageously comprises a body 10 integrally fixed to the jacket 31 of the base 3, and a core housed in the body 10.

[0051] The socket core is - a first magnetic structure 11 operable to translate along and rotate about a main axis (A); a rotating ring 12 for translating the first magnetic structure 11, the rotating ring 12 being rotatable about a main axis (A); - a protective part 13 rotatable around a main axis (A); a drive part 14 which can be rotated about a main axis (A) and to which a first magnetic structure is fixed;

[0052] The protective portion 13 and the driving portion 14 are annular portions arranged coaxially with the main shaft (A).

[0053] 5, 6A and 6B, the rotatable ring 12 has a number of cams 120 on its periphery which interact with lugs 110 present on the magnetic structure, each of which acts as a cam follower. Through a cam / cam follower mechanism, rotation of the ring 12 translates the first magnetic structure along a major axis (A).

[0054] The first magnetic structure is translated along the main axis (A) by slits 140 formed in the drive portion 14 (FIG. 2), each slit interacting with one separate lug 110 present on the magnetic structure 11.

[0055] The low position (FIG. 6A) is assumed when the presence of plug 2 is not detected.

[0056] The high position (FIG. 6B) is assumed when the presence of a plug 2 is detected and places the socket 1 in a state allowing connection with the plug 2 .

[0057] The rotating ring 12 has means for locking the first magnetic structure 11 in a high and a low position. In the low position it may be a matter of one or more notches 121 arranged so as to interact with separate lugs 110 each supported by the first magnetic structure 11.

[0058] The socket 1 includes first means for actuating the rotation of the rotating ring 12. These first actuating means may include an electric motor (not shown) and a rack mechanism or equivalent including teeth 122 formed on the outer periphery of the ring 12.

[0059] The first electrical contact members 100 are accommodated in the body of the socket 1. The first electrical contact members 100 are each translatable in a plane perpendicular to the main axis (A) in a separate radial direction perpendicular to the main axis (A). The first electrical contact members 100 are, for example, three in number, each member including one or more electrical contacts. The three first electrical contact members are, for example, angularly offset by 120° from one another around the main axis (A). The body 10 includes a plurality of slide passages 101 that allow the radial translation of each of the first contact members. Figures 2 and 3 show only one of the three first electrical contact members 100. The slide passages are formed in radial openings 102 in the body 10 of the socket, through which each electrical contact member 100 can be translated.

[0060] The protective part 13 is disposed coaxially with the driving part 14. These two movable parts each have an annular shape, and can rotate independently about the main axis (A).

[0061] The role of the guard 13 is to mask the first electrical contact member 100 and thereby block access to it until the plug 2 is mechanically connected to the socket 1. The rotation of the guard 13 itself about the main axis (A) can be controlled to allow angular movement by a non-zero angle, for example an angle set to 55°. In a first angular position, for example 0°, the guard blocks access to the first electrical contact member 100, and in a second position, for example 55°, it releases access to the first electrical contact member 100. The guard 13 thus comprises three radial openings 130 intended to be passed by the first electrical contact member 100 when the guard 13 is in the second position.

[0062] The socket 1 therefore comprises second means for actuating the rotation of the guard 13 .

[0063] These second actuation means may include an electric motor and a rack mechanism or equivalent including teeth 131 formed on the outer periphery of the guard.

[0064] The driver 14 is used to drive the rotation of the first magnetic structure 11 belonging to the socket 1. The driver can also be actuated to rotate around the main axis (A). Driving the rotation of the first magnetic structure 11 rotates the plug 2 when it is magnetically coupled to the socket 1. The role of the driver 14 is to adapt, if necessary, the orientation of the plug 2 relative to the socket 1 and thus the orientation of the second electrical contact member 200 relative to the first electrical contact member 100 housed in the body of the socket 1. In other words, when the plug 2 is mechanically coupled to the socket 1 by magnetic effects, its orientation is not determined within 120°. It may therefore be necessary to reposition each of its second electrical contact members 200 so that they face the corresponding electrical contact member of the socket 1.

[0065] The drive 14 can thus be actuated to rotate on itself to assume three different angular positions, defined for example by 0°, −120° and +120°.

[0066] The socket 1 comprises third means for actuating the rotation of the drive 14. These third actuation means may comprise an electric motor and a rack mechanism or equivalent including teeth 141 formed on the outer periphery of the drive 14.

[0067] The first electrical contact members of the socket 1 and the second electrical contact members 200 of the plug 2 are electrically connected radially, angularly offset by 120° from each other. The second electrical contact members present in the plug 2 are therefore accessible via radial openings 201 formed through the body of the plug 2. During connection, each electrical contact member of the first electrical contact members passes through one separate radial opening 201 present in the body of the plug 2 and is connected to one separate electrical contact member of the second electrical contact members 200.

[0068] The socket 1 comprises fourth means for actuating the translational movement of each of the first electrical contact members 100. These fourth actuating means may comprise a belt (not shown) driven by an electric motor and interacting with a gear present on each electrical contact member. Driving the belt by the electric motor actuates the radial translational movement of all the electrical contact members simultaneously.

[0069] The system comprises a control unit UC (FIG. 1) configured to control the actuation means of the socket, namely the first actuation means, the second actuation means, the third actuation means and the fourth actuation means, taking into account the progression of a connection sequence or the progression of a disconnection sequence. This control unit UC is housed in a jacket 31 and can form part of a connection device incorporating the socket 1. This control unit may also be integrated in the body 10 of the socket 1. This control unit is configured to manage the operation of the socket 1, in particular the movements of its parts and contact members, by controlling the motors.

[0070] The first actuation means, the second actuation means, the third actuation means and the fourth actuation means can be generally defined as actuation means, which are housed for example in the body 10 of the socket or in the jacket 31 of the device.

[0071] The socket 1 comprises means for detecting the orientation of the plug 2 around a main axis relative to the socket 1. Depending on the data representative of this orientation provided by the detection means, the control unit UC decides whether the plug 2 needs to be rotated and also decides the direction of rotation to impart to the plug 2. The plug 2 is rotated by rotating the drive unit 14 between its various angular positions when the plug 2 is magnetically coupled to the socket 1.

[0072] It should be noted that both the socket 1 and the plug 2 have an axial central opening, forming an axial central passage 300 even when the plug 2 is connected to the socket, which passage 300 forms a removal zone, for example, for collecting various objects or for draining rainwater.

[0073] Of course, the control unit UC and the various actuation means are electrically powered, for example by a power supply or other means.

[0074] In the above structure, the connection sequence is as follows: - Detects that plug 2 is nearby. - When the presence of a plug 2 is detected, the control unit UC controls the first actuation means to actuate the rotation of the rotatable ring 12, which translates the first magnetic structure 11 from the lower position to the higher position (Fig. 6B). The rotatable ring is driven until the magnetic structure is locked in the higher position. - The plug 2 is mechanically coupled to the socket via magnetic attraction between two magnetic structures. The plug 2 is coupled to the socket 1 at an angular position within 120°. The control unit UC controls the second drive means to drive the protective part 13 in rotation, thereby releasing access to the first electrical contact member 100 housed in the body 10 . The guard 13 is rotated, for example, by 55°. The control unit UC uses the data sent by the detection means to determine the orientation of the plug 2 with respect to the socket 1. If the plug 2 is not oriented correctly relative to the socket 1 (if it is not in the 0° angular position), the control unit UC controls the third drive means to rotate the drive unit 14. By the rotation, the drive unit rotates the first magnetic structure 11. Since the plug 2 is coupled by magnetic effect, it is rotated until each of the electrical contact members 200 is positioned opposite the corresponding electrical contact member 100 of the socket 1. The control unit UC controls the fourth actuation means to translate each electrical contact member of the first electrical contact member 100, thereby ensuring a connection between the first electrical contact member 100 and the second electrical contact member 200 present in the plug 2. The power supply system 5 is rechargeable.

[0075] In the above structure, the disconnection sequence is as follows: The control unit UC controls the first actuation means to rotate the ring 12 and unlock the first magnetic structure 11, returning it to its lower position and thereby magnetically detaching it from the second magnetic structure belonging to the plug 2. The control unit UC controls the third actuation means to rotate the drive unit 14, thereby rotating the first magnetic structure 11. This rotation is performed by an angle sufficient for the permanent magnets present in the first magnetic structure 11 and the permanent magnets present in the second magnetic structure to start to repel each other. The rotation angle is, for example, +60°. The control unit UC controls the first actuation means to actuate the rotation of the rotatable ring 12 and to lock the first magnetic structure 11 in its lower position (FIG. 6A). The control unit UC controls the fourth actuation means to retract the first electrical contacts 100 and mechanically and electrically disconnect them from the second electrical contacts 200 . The control unit UC controls the second actuation means to rotate the protective part 13 and close the access to the first electrical contact member 100 . The plug 2 can then be mechanically disconnected. The control unit UC controls the third drive means to rotate the drive unit 14 to return the first magnetic structure to its initial position 0°.

[0076] With regard to operation, the electric motors used for the aforementioned actuation means can be pooled. In particular, a single or two motors can be used to drive the various parts of the socket. For example, it is conceivable to use a first electric motor to drive the rotation of the various parts (12, 13, 14) and a second electric motor to drive the translation of the first electrical contact member 100.

[0077] FIG. 7 shows a variant of the embodiment of the guard 13. In this variant, the guard 13 comprises an annular body 13a of the same shape as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6B and a closing shutter 13b. The guard body 13a is fixedly arranged in the electrical socket so that each of its radial openings 130 faces one distinct electrical contact member of the first electrical contact members 100. The shutters 13b are arranged outside the guard body 13a and are each associated with one distinct radial opening 130 present in the body. Each shutter 13b is controllable between two positions, a first position closing the radial opening 130 and blocking access to the corresponding electrical contact member, and a second position opening the radial opening 130 and the corresponding contact member. The annular body 13a may have a collar 132 forming a transverse area for supporting and guiding the shutter.

[0078] Furthermore, the system can include various means configured to manage different malfunction cases, in particular malfunctions of the actuating means of the socket. Particular mention can be made of the possibility of using manual means to actuate the ring 12, for example to return the first magnetic structure 11 to its lower position, thus facilitating the disconnection of the system, in case of malfunction of the means actuating the rotation of the ring 12. These means can include a key that is inserted into the body of the socket, this key being configured to mesh with the ring 12. It is also possible to provide a backup power supply unit to supply power to the system, in particular to operate its electric motor. This unit can be internal to the system or can be connected from the outside.

[0079] The solution of the invention therefore has many advantages: - Preventing access to the electrical contacts of the socket when they are not in use. The socket side of the solution is particularly sealed, since all access may be blocked. -The plug can be positioned within 120° without mechanical stress. -Using conventional actuation means such as racks, electric motors, drive wheels etc. -Its design is original, especially since it is connected radially. - The axial central passage can be opened to ensure the removal of water, debris, dust and other objects without interrupting the operation of the system.

Claims

1. A radially connected electrical socket (1), a body (10), - actuation means, a control unit (UC) configured to control said actuation means; - a first electrical contact member (100) housed in said body and intended to be connected to an electrical supply system (4) and capable of translation in different radial directions in the same plane, called the connection plane; a first magnetic structure (11) capable of ensuring the coupling by magnetic effect of a complementary electric plug (2) to said electric socket (1); - rotational drive means arranged to drive said first magnetic structure (11) in rotation about an axis, called main axis (A), perpendicular to said connection surface, so as to assume a plurality of different angular positions about said main axis (A), each different angular position being in a different radial alignment with each contact member of said first electrical contact members (100); Equipped with - said actuation means are adapted to actuate said rotary drive means to radially move each electrical contact member of said first electrical contact members (100).

2. 2. The radially connected electrical socket of claim 1, a protection part (13) for protecting said first electrical contact members (100), said protection part being operable to rotate about a main axis (A) at least between a first angular position blocking the access of said first electrical contact members (100) to each of said electrical contact members and a second angular position opening each of said accesses, - an electrical socket, characterized in that said actuation means are adapted to rotate said protective part (13).

3. 2. The radially connected electrical socket of claim 1, a protective part (13) for protecting said first electrical contact members (100), said protective part (13) comprising a fixed annular body (13a) with a number of radial openings arranged each facing one distinct electrical contact member of said first electrical contact members (100), and a number of closing shutters (13b) each operable to move between at least a first position releasing the associated radial opening and a second position closing the associated radial opening, an electrical socket, characterized in that said actuating means are adapted to drive the movement of said closing shutter;

4. A radially connected electrical socket according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising: - comprising a rotating ring (12) operable to rotate and arranged to drive the translation of said first magnetic structure (11) along said main axis between a low position and a high position via at least one cam and cam follower mechanism, - an electrical socket, characterized in that said actuation means are adapted to drive the rotation of said rotating ring (12).

5. A radially connected electrical socket according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising:

2. An electrical socket, comprising: a drive means including a rotary drive (14) coaxial with said main shaft (A) and rotating together with said first magnetic structure (11).

6. An electrical connection system comprising a socket (1) and a plug (2) connectable to said socket, - the socket (1) is a radially connected electrical socket according to any one of claims 1 to 4, - said plug (2) comprises a second magnetic structure (21) complementary to said first magnetic structure belonging to said socket (1) and a number of second electrical contact members (200) arranged in a number of different radial directions around said main axis (A); - the first magnetic structure (11) and the second magnetic structure are configured such that, when the plug (2) is coupled to the socket (1) via magnetic effect, the plug (2) assumes a predefined orientation about the main axis (A); - each electrical contact member of the first electrical contact members (100) of the socket (1) is arranged to be connected, via radial translation, to one different electrical contact member of the second electrical contact members (200) of the plug; the system comprises means for detecting an orientation of the plug (2) when it is magnetically coupled to the socket (1) and means for determining, among a plurality of different angular positions, an angular position to be imparted to the first magnetic structure (11) depending on the determined orientation, said control unit (UC) Positioning the first magnetic structure (11) at the determined angular position; radially displacing each of the electrical contact members of the first electrical contact members when positioning the first magnetic structure at the determined angular position.

4. An electrical connection system, characterized in that said electrical connection system is configured to control said actuation means for the purpose of:

7. 7. A method of connecting implemented in the electrical connection system of claim 6, comprising: - mechanically coupling said plug (2) to said socket (1) via magnetic effect; - detecting the orientation of said plug (2) about said main axis (A) relative to said socket; - determining, among said plurality of different angular positions, an angular position to be imparted to said first magnetic structure (11) depending on said determined orientation; - controlling, if necessary, said actuating means to actuate the rotary drive means of said first magnetic structure (11) so as to position said first magnetic structure in a determined angular position; - controlling the actuation means to move each electrical contact member of the first electrical contact members (100) radially so as to connect them to corresponding electrical contact members of the second electrical contact members (200) belonging to the plug (2).

8. 8. A method according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises, before the step of mechanically coupling the plug (2) to the socket (1), a step of controlling the actuating means to actuate the rotation of the rotatable ring (12) to pass the first magnetic structure (11) from a low position to a high position.

9. 9. A method according to claim 7 or claim 8, characterized in that it comprises the step of controlling actuation means to actuate the rotation of the guard (13) to a second angular position and release access to the respective electrical contact members of the first electrical contact member (100).

10. 7. A method of disconnecting implemented in the electrical connection system of claim 6, comprising the steps of: - controlling said actuation means to actuate the rotation of said rotating ring (12) and to cause said first magnetic structure (11) to pass from a high position to a low position; - controlling said actuating means to actuate said rotary drive means and to rotate said first magnetic structure (11) through a first predetermined angle; - controlling said actuating means so as to actuate each of said first electrical contact members (100) and to mechanically and electrically disconnect them from said second electrical contact members (200).

11. 11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises the step of controlling the actuating means to actuate a rotation of the protective part (13) to close the access to the first electrical contact member (100).

12. 12. The method according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that it comprises the step of controlling the actuating means to actuate a rotation of the means for driving the first magnetic structure (11) by an angle opposite to the first angle.

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