A socket

Abstract

The present invention relates to a socket (1) that allows the user to easily insert and remove a plug. The inventive socket (1) is characterized by the locker (6) for fixing the pusher assembly (4) in a lower position, the locker (6) comprising at least one tongue (61) wherein the part of the tongue (61) to which the pusher assembly (4) contacts during its movement from top to bottom is inclined in such a way that it does not prevent this movement, the tongue (61) having a recess (611) under this inclined part, in which at least a part of the pusher assembly (4) can enter, at least one tongue pusher (62) positioned to push the tongue (61) towards the pusher assembly (4) and at least one trigger (64) adapted to render the tongue (61) open as a result of a force applied by the user.

Description

[0001] A SOCKET

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a socket where a plug can be easily plugged in and out.

[0004] Background of the invention

[0005] Sockets are used for connecting electrical devices to a power source. Sockets may be embedded in a wall. Also, apparatuses such as extension cords may have one or more sockets.

[0006] Conventional sockets usually require some force to be applied when plugging and unplugging. This can cause problems, especially for the elderly, individuals with physical strength limitations, or users with difficulty in fine motor skills.

[0007] Users often pull the cable of the plug or make a compelling movement by grasping it by hand in order to remove the plug. Such applications both create an uncomfortable experience for the user and may cause wear or damage to the cable connections. In addition, trying to remove the plug by force may damage the socket housings, as well as in some cases increase safety risks such as electrical arcing.

[0008] In the patent document numbered EP2385588, which is in the state of the art, a socket is disclosed. This socket has a lifting plate that forms the base of the cavity in which the plug is inserted and is movable in the direction of insertion and removal of the plug. However, this structure is difficult to assemble and has low durability. In addition, this structure cannot be used as a standard socket in case of deterioration of the structure that moves the said plate. In addition, if the plate is dislodged for some reason, the electric-carrying connectors become exposed. This poses a safety risk to the user.Therefore, there is a need for a socket that allows the user to easily insert and remove the plug, that is structurally durable, and that does not pose a safety risk to the user in case of deterioration.

[0009] Summary of Invention

[0010] The object of the present invention is to realize a socked that allows the user to easily insert and remove the plug.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to realize a structurally durable socket.

[0012] Detailed Description of the Invention

[0013] The socket in order to fulfill the objects of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:

[0014] Sekil 1. Is a view of an embodiment of the inventive socket.

[0015] Sekil 2. Is a view of an embodiment of the inventive socket.

[0016] Sekil 3. Is a view of the pusher assembly in an embodiment of the invention. Sekil 4. Is a view of an embodiment of the pusher assembly and the locker in an embodiment of the invention.

[0017] Sekil 5. Is a view of another embodiment of the locker in an embodiment of the invention.

[0018] Elements shown in the figures are individually numbered, and the correspondence of these numbers are given as follows:

[0019] 1. Socket

[0020] 2. Upper body

[0021] 3. Guide

[0022] 4. Pusher assembly41. Guide slot

[0023] 42. Pin counterpart

[0024] 43. Column housing

[0025] 5. Flexible member

[0026] 6. Locker

[0027] 61. Tongue

[0028] 611. Recess

[0029] 612. Cavity

[0030] 62. Tongue pusher

[0031] 63. Lever

[0032] 64. Trigger

[0033] 7. Lower Body

[0034] F. Plug

[0035] P. Pin

[0036] The socket (1) according to the invention comprises,

[0037] At least one upper body (2) having at least one pin opening for pins (P) of a plug (F) to pass through,

[0038] At least two guides (3) defining a suitable path for a pusher assembly (4) to move along so as to approach to or move away from the upper body (2), At least one pusher assembly (4) placed on the guide (3) such that it can move on the path defined by the guide (3), having at least one pin counterpart (42) that is pushed by the pins (P) of the plug (F) during the plugging in of the plug (F),

[0039] At least one flexible element (5) adapted to apply a force to the pusher assembly (4) in a manner that it makes the pusher assembly (4) approach the upper body (2), at least in a position of the pusher assembly (4) where the plug (F) is plugged in,At least one locker (6) adapted to hold the pusher assembly (4) stationary in a position where the plug (F) is plugged in and to enable it to be released by the user when desired.

[0040] The socket (1) of the invention comprises at least one upper body (2) having at least one pin opening for the pins (P) of a plug (F) to pass through. The upper body (2) may be the shell that the user sees when inserting the plug (F), or it may be a separate component inside this shell. There may be components such as safety windows (child lock), earth connectors, etc. on the upper body (2).

[0041] The guide (3) defines a suitable path for the pusher assembly (4) to move so as to approach the upper body (2) or move away from the upper body (2). The guide (3) is preferably formed monolithically with a lower body (7) of the socket (1). The lower body (7) is the wall that is in the direction of advancement of the pins (P) during the plugging in of a plug (F) to the socket (1). In other words, the lower body (7) is the wall opposite the upper body (2).

[0042] The pusher assembly (4) is placed in the guide (3) in such a way that it can move along the path defined by the guide (3).

[0043] The pusher assembly (4) comprises at least one guide slot (41) for the guide (3) to pass through. The pusher assembly (4) is placed in the guides (3) by passing the guides (3) through the guide slots (41). In this case, the pusher assembly (4) is able to move along the path defined by the guide (3).

[0044] The pusher assembly (4) comprises at least one, and preferably the same number as the number of pins (P) of the plug (F), pin counterparts (42) which are positioned to correspond to the pins (P) of the plug (F) during the plugging in of the plug (F). The shape and number of the pin counterparts (42) are determined according to the shape and number of the pins (P) of the relevant plug (F). For example, in the case when a 3-pin (P) plug (F) is used, there may be 3 pin counterparts (42). In the casethat the pin (P) has a round cross-section, the pin counterpart (42) may also have a round cross-section. The pin counterparts (42) may further have a concave end for the end of the pin (P) to abut thereupon.

[0045] The fact that the pin counterparts (42) and the guides (3) are separated from each other enables the pusher assembly (4) to move stably in a smaller area. Thanks to the pushing of the plug (F) from the pins (P), no part of the pusher assembly (4) needs to protrude from the body of the socket (1). This ensures that all parts are stored in a enclosed volume.

[0046] When the plug (F) is being inserted into the inventive socket (1), the pins (P) push the pin counterparts (42) and thus, the pusher assembly (4) moves along the guide (3) so as to diverge from the upper body (2).

[0047] The inventive socket (1) comprises at least one locker (6) adapted to hold the pusher assembly (4) in the position where the plug (F) is fully inserted and to enable it to be released by the user when desired. The locker (6) fixes the pusher assembly (4) in such a way that it does not exert force to the plug (F) when the user plugs a plug (F) into the socket (1). In other words, when the plug (F) is fully inserted, the locker (6) prevents the pusher assembly (4) from moving towards the upper body (2). When the user wants to remove the plug from the socket (1), he / she triggers the locker (6) and thereby releasing the pusher assembly (4).

[0048] The fact that the pusher assembly (4) moves away from the upper body (2) allows a potential to be stored on the flexible element (5), which allows a force to be applied on the pusher assembly (4) in such a way that it approaches the upper body (2). The flexible element (5) may be a coil spring.

[0049] When the locker (6) is rendered unlocked by the user, the flexible element (5) pushes the pusher assembly (4) such that it approaches the upper body (2). Here, the expression of rendering unlocked the locker (6) is used in the sense that thelocker (6) does not prevent the movement of the pusher assembly (4) towards the upper body (2).

[0050] The locker (6) has at least one tongue (61) for fixing the pusher assembly (4) in a lower position. The tongue (61) can move between a locked position in which it prevents the pusher assembly (4) from moving so as to approach the body (2) from said lower position and an open position in which it allows this movement.

[0051] The part of the tongue (61) that the pusher assembly (4) contacts during its movement from top to bottom is inclined in such a way that it does not prevent this movement. Below this inclined portion is a recess (611) in which at least a portion of the pusher assembly (4) can be received. This recess (611) is suitable for at least a part of a body to which the lower ends of the pin counterparts (42) of the pusher assembly (4) to enter therein. In this way, the range of motion required by the pusher assembly (4) to operate is reduced. The socket (1) of the invention can thus be easily used in places with limited volume such as socket housings on the wall.

[0052] The socket (1) of the invention further comprises at least one tongue pusher (62) positioned to push the tongue (61) towards the pusher assembly (4). In other words, the tongue pusher (62) pushes the tongue (61) towards its locked position. The tongue pusher (62) may be, for example, a spring. Here, the expression spring is used in the sense of any flexible means that can push the tongue (61) towards its locked position such as helical spring, conical spring, leaf spring, etc.

[0053] The pusher assembly (4) pushes the tongue (61) to its open position while it is moving from top to bottom. When the pusher assembly (4) passes the inclined part of the tongue (61) and reaches the recess (611), the tongue (61) moves towards the pusher assembly (4) in such a way that the pusher assembly (4) enters the recess (611) as a result of the force applied by the tongue pusher (62). In this case, the pusher assembly (4) cannot move upwards.When the tongue (61) is put to open position while the pusher assembly (4) is locked by the locker (6), the pusher assembly (4) moves towards the upper body (2) and thus pushes the pins (P) and thus the plug (F). This allows the plug (F) to be removed.

[0054] In one embodiment of the invention, the tongue (61) comprises at least one cavity (612) for applying a force to bring the tongue (61) to its open position. The cavity (612) is suitable for allowing a lever (63) to apply a force on the tonge (61) that will bring the tongue (61) to its open position.

[0055] The locker (6) comprises at least one lever (63) adapted to apply a force to the tongue (61) to bring the tongue (61) to its open position.

[0056] In one embodiment of the invention, the arm (63) is adapted to rotate about an axis as a result of a force applied to its one end by a trigger (64), and as a result of this rotational movement, its another end brings the tongue (61) to the open position (Figure 4, Figure 5).

[0057] In one embodiment of the invention, the socket (1) of the invention comprises at least one column (not shown in the figures) to increase structural strength. The column defines a suitable path for the pusher assembly (4) to move so as to approach the upper body (2) or move away from the upper body (2). In this embodiment, the pusher assembly (4) has a column housing (43) through which the column can pass.

[0058] In one embodiment of the invention, the trigger (64) has at least one illuminating element to allow the user to easily locate the trigger (64) in dark environments.

[0059] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, when the user does not insert the plug, the flexible element (5) pushes the pusher assembly (4) towards the upper body (2). In this embodiment, the flexible element (5) is a coil spring. When theuser starts to insert the plug (F) into the socket (1), the pins (P) of the plug (F) push the pusher assembly (4) downwards so that it moves away from the upper body (2). This movement compresses the spring. When the user plugs in completely, the pusher assembly (4) enters the recess (611) under the tongue (61) of the locker (6) and locks the pusher assembly (4). In this position, the pusher (4) does not apply a force on the plug (F) that could remove the plug (F). When the user wants to remove the plug (F), he / she presses the trigger (64) and thus rotates the lever (63). With this rotational movement, the lever (63) moves the tongue (61) to the open position and thus the pusher assembly (4) is released. In this case, the pusher assembly (4) moves upwards as a result of the force applied by the springs and removes the plug (F) from the socket (1) (Figure 4, Figure 5).

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, when the user does not insert the plug, the flexible element (5) pushes the pusher assembly (4) towards the upper body (2). In this embodiment, the flexible element (5) is a coil spring. When the user starts to insert the plug (F) into the socket (1), the pins (P) of the plug (F) push the pusher assembly (4) downwards so that it moves away from the upper body (2). This movement compresses the spring. When the user plugs in completely, the pusher assembly (4) enters the recess (611) under the tongue (61) of the locker (6) and locks the pusher assembly (4). In this position, the pusher (4) does not apply a force on the plug (F) that could remove the plug (F). When the user wants to remove the plug (F), he / she presses the trigger (64) and thus rotates the lever (63). With this rotational movement, the arm (63) exerts a force on the cavity (612) to bring the tongue (61) to the open position, thereby releasing the pusher assembly (4) (Figure 6). In this case, the pusher assembly (4) moves upwards as a result of the force exerted by the springs and removes the plug from the socket (1).

[0061] Of course, it is obvious that the inventive socket (1) has busbars that carry electricity to the pins of the plug. The socket (1) may further comprise other components suchas an outer shell, child lock, indicator, illuminating element, current protector, etc. Only those parts related to easy unplugging are described here.

[0062] The socket (1) of the invention can be in the form that can be mounted under the plaster (flush mounted), mounted on the plaster (surface mounted) or in the form of an extension cable. Furthermore, it is possible to arrange multiple sockets (1) in a single body, for example in the form of an extension cable (socket multiplexer, group socket) with multiple sockets (1).

Claims

CLAIMS1. A socket (1) for allowing the user to easily remove a plug (F) comprising;At least one upper body (2) having at least one pin opening for pins (P) of a plug (F) to pass through,At least two guides (3) defining a suitable path for a pusher assembly (4) to move along so as to approach to or move away from the upper body (2), At least one pusher assembly (4) placed on the guide (3) such that it can move on the path defined by the guide (3), having at least one pin counterpart (42) that is pushed by the pins (P) of the plug (F) during the plugging in of the plug (F),At least one flexible element (5) adapted to apply a force to the pusher assembly (4) in a manner that it makes the pusher assembly (4) approach the upper body (2), at least in a position of the pusher assembly (4) where the plug (F) is plugged in,At least one locker (6) adapted to hold the pusher assembly (4) stationary in a position where the plug (F) is plugged in and to enable it to be released by the user when desired, characterized by- the locker (6) for fixing the pusher assembly (4) in a lower position, the locker (6) comprising at least one tongue (61) wherein the part of the tongue (61) to which the pusher assembly (4) contacts during its movement from top to bottom is inclined in such a way that it does not prevent this movement, the tongue (61) having a recess (611) under this inclined part, in which at least a part of the pusher assembly (4) can enter, at least one tongue pusher (62) positioned to push the tongue (61) towards the pusher assembly (4) and at least one trigger (64) adapted to render the tongue (61) open as a result of a force applied by the user.

2. A socket (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the tongue (61) comprising at least one cavity (612) for applying a force to put the tongue (61) to its open position.

3. A socket (1) according to claim 2, characterized by at least one lever (63) adapted to rotate about an axis as a result of a force applied to its one end by means of the trigger (64), as a result of this rotation movement another end of which applies a force to the cavity (612) so as to bring the tongue (61) to its open position.

4. A socket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a column increasing the structural rigidity, and the pusher assembly (4) comprising at least one column housing (43) through which the column can pass.

5. A socket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the pin counterpart (42) having a concave end for receiving the end of the Pin (P).

6. A socket (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the trigger (64) having at least one illuminating element to allow the user to conveniently locate the trigger (64) in dark environments.

7. A group of sockets characterized in that it has one or more sockets (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. An extension cord characterized in that it has one or more sockets (1) as in any one of claims 1 to 6.

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