HK1136091B - Electrical socket, valve and adapter - Google Patents

Description

Electrical socket, shutter and adapter

Technical Field

The invention relates to a power supply connecting device, in particular to a power supply socket and a socket. More particularly, the present invention relates to power outlets commonly referred to as universal power outlets.

Background

The power connection is essential for power transfer between the power source and the load. Power mating devices, such as plug and socket pairs, are widely used in many power connection configurations. For example, in many buildings or distribution locations there are power outlets, commonly referred to as wall sockets, so that a compatible plug can be used to more conveniently connect power and appliances. However, it is well known that there are many different standards of plug and socket systems in the world, typically defined by various national and/or international standards. In order to facilitate the connection of plugs of different standards to sockets, connection devices are known, commonly referred to as universal sockets or adapters. Such universal sockets and adapters are described, for example, in U.S. patent nos. 5,007,848, 5,836,777, and 6,010,347, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Conventional universal-type receptacles typically include a pair of base contact receptacles and a third contact receptacle disposed at the vertices of an isosceles triangle. Specifically, the pair of base contact insertion holes are arranged at the base vertices of an isosceles triangle, and the third contact insertion hole is arranged at the upper vertices of the isosceles triangle. Each of the contact receptacles and associated metal contacts is configured such that various types of electrical plugs of different pin sizes can be inserted into the respective contact receptacles for making electrical connections. However, conventional universal sockets are designed to fit as many plugs as possible, which means that some plugs may be received very loosely in the contact receptacles, while other plugs may be received too tightly. For example, the more common prior standard plugs have round pins with a diameter of between 3.7-5.1 mm. When converted to a universal socket or adapter design, such a range means that if the contact mechanism can receive a 5mm round pin very tightly and a pin with a non-round cross-section (e.g. the bottom pin of a uk BS 136313A plug) very tightly, an electrical plug with a 3.7mm round pin will be in loose contact and this may lead to overheating, fire or other hazards.

Disclosure of Invention

In a first aspect, the present invention provides an electrical socket for alternately receiving a mains electrical plug of circular and rectangular pin arrangement, the socket comprising:

a housing having a first socket region for receiving a pair of rectangular pins of at least a first type of rectangular-pin arrangement electrical plug and including a pair of first contact receptacles for providing electrical contact with the pair of rectangular pins;

a second socket region for receiving a pair of circular pins of at least a first type of circular-pin arrangement electrical plug and including a pair of second contact receptacles for providing electrical contact with the pair of circular pins; and

a ground region for receiving ground pins from rectangular pin arrangement electrical plugs and circular pin arrangement electrical plugs, and including a third contact receptacle for providing electrical contact with said ground pin;

wherein the first socket region is adapted to prevent receipt of pins of a round pin arrangement electrical plug and the second socket region is adapted to prevent receipt of pins of a rectangular pin arrangement electrical plug.

Preferably, the pair of first and third contact receptacles are located at the vertices of a first isosceles triangular configuration and the pair of second contact receptacles are located at the vertices of a second isosceles triangular configuration. The central axes of both the first isosceles triangular formation and the second isosceles triangular formation are preferably substantially parallel to each other. More preferably, the first isosceles triangular configuration and the second isosceles triangular configuration are separated from each other in a non-inverted relationship.

The first receptacle area on the housing preferably includes a first gate portion having an aperture adapted to prevent receipt of a circular pin. Preferably, the second socket area on the housing comprises a second gate portion having an aperture adapted to prevent receipt of a rectangular pin.

The second socket region preferably comprises a second gate part having an aperture adapted to prevent receipt of a rectangular pin.

Preferably, the pair of first contact receptacles are adapted to provide electrical contact with a plurality of rectangular pin arrangement electrical plugs having pins of different geometries and sizes.

The first shutter member is movable from an open position to permit receipt of a first rectangular pin arrangement electrical plug. Preferably, the first shutter member is movable from an open position allowing said first contact receptacle to receive a plurality of first rectangular-pin arrangement electrical plugs having pins of different geometries, orientations or sizes to a closed position for preventing the pair of first contact receptacles from receiving pins and other objects of electrical rectangular-pin or round-pin arrangement electrical plugs having other geometries, orientations or sizes.

The first shutter member preferably includes: upper and lower members movable relative to each other and relative to the housing, said movement being in a plane perpendicular to the pins of the electrical plug and in a direction parallel to an axis extending between and perpendicular to said pins to allow said pins to contact the pair of first contact receptacles, said upper and lower members being offset in a direction parallel to an axis extending between and perpendicular to said pins and movable relative to each other;

the upper member having a pair of holes extending therethrough to allow the pins of a first type of rectangular-pin arrangement electrical plug to pass therethrough, wherein the pair of holes of the upper member have a size and geometry that blocks the passage of other types of rectangular-pins and circular-pins; and

the lower member having an inclined surface positioned to close a pair of holes of the upper member when the first shutter member is in the closed position, the inclined surface being inclined in a moving direction of the upper member and the lower member;

wherein when the pins of a first type of rectangular-pin arrangement electrical plug are pushed through the pair of apertures of the upper member and against the inclined surface of the lower member, the lower member is pushed against the bias to move the first shutter member to the open position and allow the first contact receptacles to receive the pins of the first type of rectangular-pin arrangement electrical plug.

Preferably, the upper member of the first shutter member further comprises a further inclined surface positioned to further define the closed position of the first shutter member and block contact with the pair of first contact receptacles, wherein when the pins of a second type of rectangular pin arrangement plug are urged against the further inclined surface of the upper member, the upper and lower members are urged against the bias to move the first shutter member to the open position and allow the pair of first contact receptacles to receive the pins of the second type of rectangular pin arrangement electrical plug. Preferably, movement of the upper member urges the lower member against the bias.

The aperture of the upper member of the first shutter member preferably also allows a pin of a third type of rectangular pin to pass therethrough, wherein when the pin of the third type is pushed through the pair of apertures and against the inclined surface of the lower member, the lower member is pushed against the bias to move the first shutter member to the open position and allow the pair of first contact receptacles to receive the pin of the third type.

Preferably, the pins of the first type are substantially parallel with their long faces in an opposed relationship, the pins of the second type are substantially parallel and collinear, and the pins of the third type are inclined to one another.

The first contact receptacle preferably includes a contact portion sized and shaped to receive a particular pair of pins.

Preferably, the shutter is adapted to swing about its direction of movement when a single pin or other object is introduced, such that the first shutter member is in close contact with the housing and prevents the shutter from moving to the open position.

The upper member of the first shutter member preferably further comprises a blocking surface substantially parallel to the direction of travel and adjacent to the pair of apertures, wherein the blocking surface maintains the upper member and the lower member in the closed position when other pin configurations are introduced.

The electrical socket preferably further comprises a second shutter member movable from an open position for permitting receipt of the first round-pin arrangement electrical plug.

The electrical socket preferably further comprises a second shutter member movable from an open position for allowing the pair of second contact receptacles to receive a plurality of first type round pin arrangement electrical plugs having pins of different sizes to a closed position for preventing the pair of second contact receptacles from receiving pins and other objects of electrical rectangular pin arrangement electrical plugs having other sizes.

Preferably, the second shutter comprises an upper member movable relative to the housing, the movement being in a plane perpendicular to the pins of the electrical plug and in a direction parallel to an axis extending between and perpendicular to the pins to allow the pins to contact the pair of second contact receptacles, the upper member being biased in a direction parallel to an axis extending between and perpendicular to the pins.

The upper member is preferably provided as two movable portions, each of which is independently movable relative to the other and movable relative to each other to allow access to a ground jack located therebetween.

Preferably, the second shutter member further comprises a lower member having a pair of apertures extending therethrough to allow the pins of at least a first type of circular pin arrangement electrical plug to pass therethrough, wherein the pair of apertures are of a size and geometry to block the passage of other types of pins or objects.

The upper member of the second shutter member preferably further comprises an inclined surface positioned to further define the closed position of the second shutter member and block contact with the pair of second contact receptacles, wherein when the pins of at least a first type of round-pin arrangement electrical plug are urged against the inclined surface of the upper member, the upper member is urged against the bias to move the pair of second shutter members to the open position and allow the pair of second contact receptacles to receive the pins of the first type of round-pin arrangement electrical plug.

Preferably, the shutter is adapted to swing about its direction of movement when a single pin or other object is introduced, such that the first shutter member is in close contact with the housing and prevents the second shutter member from moving to the open position.

Preferably, said third contact receptacle of the ground region of said socket is adapted to receive a ground pin of a respective electrical plug.

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a shutter for blocking contact with contact receptacles of an electrical socket, the shutter being movable from an open position for allowing the first contact receptacle to receive a plurality of first pin arrangement electrical plugs having pins of different geometries, orientations or sizes to a closed position for preventing the first contact receptacle from receiving pins of electrical plugs having other geometries, orientations or sizes, the shutter comprising:

upper and lower members movable relative to each other and relative to the housing, the movement being in a plane perpendicular to the pins of the electrical plug and in a direction parallel to an axis extending between and perpendicular to the pins to allow the pins to contact a pair of contact receptacles, the upper and lower members being biased in a direction parallel to an axis extending between and perpendicular to the pins and movable relative to each other;

the upper member having a pair of holes extending therethrough to allow the passage of a first type of pin therethrough, wherein the pair of holes have a size and geometry to block the passage of other types of pins;

the lower member has an inclined surface positioned to close the pair of holes when the first shutter member is in the closed position, the inclined surface being inclined in a moving direction of the upper member and the lower member;

wherein when the pin of the first type is pushed through the pair of holes and against the inclined surface of the lower member, the lower member is pushed against the bias to move the first shutter member to the open position and allow the contact receptacle to receive the pin of the first type.

Preferably, the plurality of first pin arrangement electrical plugs are rectangular pin electrical plugs.

The upper member of the first shutter member further comprises a further inclined surface positioned to further define the closed position of the first shutter member and block contact with the contact receptacles, wherein when a pin of a second type of plug is pushed against the further inclined surface of the upper member, the upper and lower members are pushed against the bias to move the shutter to the open position and allow the first contact receptacle to receive the pin of the second type.

Preferably, movement of the upper member urges the lower member against the bias.

The aperture of the upper member of the first shutter member preferably also allows the pin of the third type of pin to pass therethrough, wherein when the pin of the third type is pushed through the pair of apertures and against the inclined surface of the lower member, the lower member is pushed against the bias to move the first shutter member to the open position and allow the contact receptacle to receive the pin of the third type of pin.

Preferably, the pins of the first type are flat and substantially parallel with their long faces in an opposed relationship, the pins of the second type are flat and substantially parallel and collinear, and the pins of the third type are flat and inclined to one another.

The contact receptacle preferably includes a contact portion sized and shaped to receive a particular pair of pins.

Preferably, the shutter is adapted to swing about its direction of movement when a single pin or other object is introduced, such that the first shutter member is in close contact with the housing and prevents the shutter from moving to the open position.

The upper member of the first shutter member preferably further comprises a blocking surface substantially parallel to the direction of travel and adjacent to the pair of apertures, wherein the blocking surface maintains the upper member and the lower member in the closed position when other pin configurations are introduced.

In a third aspect, the present invention provides a shutter for blocking contact with a contact receptacle of an electrical outlet, the shutter being movable from an open position for allowing the contact receptacle to receive a pin of one or more plugs having different geometries, orientations or dimensions to a closed position for preventing the contact receptacle from receiving other objects, the shutter comprising:

an upper member movable relative to the housing of the electrical socket, the movement being in a plane perpendicular to the pins of the electrical plug and in a direction parallel to an axis extending between and perpendicular to the pins to allow the pins to make contact with the counter-electrical-contact receptacles, the upper member being biased in a direction parallel to an axis extending between and perpendicular to the pins;

wherein the upper member is provided as two movable portions which are laterally spaced apart to allow access to a ground jack therebetween.

Preferably, each of the two movable portions is independently movable relative to the other, and movable relative to each other.

The shutter may further include a lower member having a pair of holes extending therethrough to allow the passage therethrough of pins of at least a first type of pin, wherein the pair of holes are sized and geometrically shaped to block the passage therethrough of other types of pins or objects.

The upper member of the first shutter may further comprise an inclined surface positioned to further define the closed position of the shutter and prevent contact with the contact receptacles, wherein when a pin of at least a first type of configuration plug is urged against the inclined surface of the upper member, the upper member is urged against the bias to move the shutter to the open position and allow the contact receptacles to receive the pins of the first type.

Preferably, the shutter is adapted to swing about its direction of movement when a single pin or other object is introduced, such that the shutter impinges the housing and prevents the shutter from moving to the open position.

The shutter is preferably movable from an open position for allowing the contact receptacle to receive a plurality of first circular pin arrangement electrical plugs having pins of different sizes to a closed position for preventing the contact receptacle from receiving pins and other objects of electrical rectangular pin arrangement electrical plugs having other sizes.

In a fourth aspect, the present invention also provides an adaptor for alternately receiving a circular-pin and rectangular-pin arrangement mains electrical plug and for engaging with a mains socket, the adaptor comprising:

the socket according to the first aspect; and

a pin formation for engaging and electrically communicating with a utility power socket and for electrically communicating with the socket.

The socket and the pin arrangement are positioned opposite each other.

The adapter may further comprise a housing, wherein the pin arrangement is removable from the housing of the adapter.

Drawings

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of an electrical socket according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows the contact receptacle connection terminals of the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary application of the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 as a wall outlet;

FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 3 in a wall socket;

FIG. 5 shows a rear perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4 with a first type of rectangular peg socket inserted therein;

FIG. 6 illustrates a rear perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4 with a second type of rectangular peg socket;

FIG. 7 shows a rear perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4 with a third rectangular pin plug inserted;

FIG. 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 3 and 4 with a circular peg socket inserted therein;

FIG. 9A illustrates a top plan view of a first shutter member according to the present invention;

FIG. 9B illustrates a side view of the first shutter member shown in FIG. 9A;

figure 9C shows a top perspective view of the first shutter member of figures 9A and 9B in a closed configuration;

FIG. 9D illustrates a perspective view of the first shutter member of FIGS. 9A, 9B and 9C in an open configuration;

FIG. 10 illustrates a top perspective view of the first shutter member of FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D depicting the electrical pin contact area;

FIG. 11 illustrates a top perspective view of the lower member of the first shutter member depicted in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D and 10;

FIG. 12A illustrates a top perspective view of the first shutter member receptacle in a closed configuration relative to the first contact;

FIG. 12B shows a top perspective view of the first shutter member in an open configuration with the introduction of a first type of rectangular pin;

FIG. 13A shows a top perspective view of the first shutter member relative to the first contact receptacle prior to insertion of the second type of rectangular pin plug;

FIG. 13B shows a top perspective view of the first shutter member in an open configuration upon introduction of a second type of rectangular pin plug;

FIG. 14A shows a top perspective view of the first shutter member relative to the first contact receptacle prior to introduction of a rectangular pin plug of the third type;

FIG. 14B shows a top perspective view of the first shutter member in an open configuration upon introduction of a third type of rectangular pin plug;

FIG. 15A illustrates a top perspective view of the first shutter member relative to the circular pin plug;

figure 15B shows a top plan view of the first shutter member relative to the circular pin plug;

FIG. 16A shows a schematic top perspective view of an electrical socket relative to a circular pin plug;

FIG. 16B shows a cross-sectional view of the electrical receptacle depicting the first shutter member;

FIG. 16C depicts a cross-sectional view of an electrical receptacle depicting the first shutter member in a locked configuration;

figure 16D illustrates a top plan view of the first shutter member relative to a single circular pin;

figure 17A shows a top plan view of a second shutter member according to the present invention in a closed configuration;

figure 17B shows a side view of the second shutter member in the closed configuration;

FIG. 17C illustrates a top perspective view of the second shutter member in a closed configuration;

FIG. 18A shows a top perspective view of the first shutter member in a closed configuration relative to the second contact receptacle prior to insertion of the round pin plug;

figure 18B shows a perspective view of the second shutter member in the open configuration when the round pin plug is inserted.

Detailed Description

The following description relates to a preferred embodiment of an umbrella according to the invention. To facilitate an understanding of the invention, reference is made in the description to the accompanying drawings in which the socket is illustrated in a preferred embodiment. Similar components between the embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals.

As mentioned above, electrical sockets adapted to receive electrical plugs of different standards are commonly referred to as "universal sockets" or "international sockets". In this specification, the term "universal socket" is used for convenience only and is not meant to encompass any particular technical meaning in order to avoid ambiguity. For clarity, universal receptacles include international-style receptacles for receiving plugs conforming to various national standards.

Referring to fig. 1, there is shown a first preferred embodiment of the socket of the present invention. The socket 100 is adapted to receive electrical plugs of various national and international standards, examples of which are shown in tables a and B below for convenience.

The socket of figure 1 comprises a first socket region 1 and a second socket region 2 for receiving electrical plugs of a first type and a second type. The present invention provides two receptacle areas to meet the needs of electrical plugs of various pin sizes and configurations so that the plugs are not received too loosely in the contact receptacles to reduce the risk of overheating and/or arcing that could pose a fire hazard or personal injury.

In the present invention, the two receptacle areas are separately distinguished such that the first receptacle area 1 is adapted to receive only a rectangular peg configuration and the second receptacle area 2 is adapted to receive only a circular peg configuration.

It should be noted that the term "rectangular pin" should be understood to include plug pins having a non-circular cross-section, including, for example, flat or elongated pins and thick rectangular pins.

The first and second receptacle areas 1, 2 each comprise a pair of bottom side contact receptacles and a third contact receptacle, the three contact receptacles forming the vertices of an isosceles triangle. Each contact receptacle includes a contact aperture and a contact mechanism located directly below the contact aperture. The contact holes define the size and shape of the holes accessible to the contact pins of the electrical plug upon insertion. Contact holes are typically formed in the rigid front housing, which is typically made of a durable plastic, to insulate the pin contact mechanism and underlying wiring contacts from the outside. The contact mechanism typically comprises a metal contact forming a resilient cradle type snap to capture in compression a suitable pin of the electrical plug to maintain good electrical contact. Such compression contactors are known in the art and are incorporated herein by reference. Specifically, each pair of bottom-side contact insertion holes 121-121a, 122-122a is located at the bottom-side vertex of the isosceles triangle, and the third contact insertion hole 123 is located at the upper vertex. For ease of reference, the respective electrical connections of each of the contact receptacles of the first and second receptacle regions of the receptacle are illustrated in fig. 1 using various standard designations. For example, each pair of bottom side jacks is connected to the N (neutral) and L (hot) terminals, respectively, while the third contact jacks 113, 123 are for connection to the E-ground terminals. As can be seen from fig. 1, the contact receptacles are arranged such that the contact receptacles of the first and second receptacle regions which are located on the same side of the third contact receptacle are intended to be connected to identically labelled terminals. For example, the contact receptacle to the left of the third contact receptacle is connected to the "N" terminal, the contact receptacle to the right of the third contact receptacle is connected to the L terminal, and the third contact receptacle is connected to the E terminal.

Referring to fig. 1-7 and tables a and B, the first receptacle area 1 is adapted to receive a plug of rectangular pin configuration (type 1 plug) listed in table B below for illustrative purposes. More specifically, the first type of plug comprises plugs complying with the following standards: british standard BS1363(250V, 13A), chinese standard GB1002(250V, 10A), australian standard AS3112(250V, 10A), TIS166-2535, thailand safety standard. Table B the second column illustrates how various plugs fit into the second receptacle area and how the second receptacle area universally accommodates various plugs. For example, the chinese standard plug GB1002 comprises two parallel pins of substantially rectangular cross-section, the long sides of the pair of pins being parallel to each other. Contact hole portions adapted to receive the pair of parallel pins of the GB1002 plug are formed on the pair of bottom side contact holes close to each other. In addition, the portions of the pair of contact holes that are closest to each other are also shaped to receive a pair of diverging pins of AS 3112. In addition, where the electrical plug includes a third pin, a third contact hole on the second socket region is also formed and shaped to receive the third pin of the plug. The TIS166-2535 plug is similar to that of GB1002 but has a third pin and the second socket region is provided with a suitably shaped and configured third contact hole. The BS1363 plug includes a pair of pins that are generally rectangular in cross-section, with the longitudinal axes of the pair of pins being generally collinear. The third pin of the BS1363 plug is generally rectangular in cross-section with its longitudinal axis generally orthogonal to the line joining the pair of base pins forming the apex of the base of the isosceles triangle. To accommodate the pair of bottom side pins of the BS1363 plug, the contact holes of the first receptacle area are sized to receive the pair of bottom side pins shown in row 13 of Table B. Similarly, the upper contact hole is also sized to receive the pin above the plug.

The second receptacle area 2 is adapted to receive various plugs, collectively referred to as round pin plugs (type 2 plugs), examples of which are listed in column 1 of table a. More specifically, the type 1 plug includes a pair of generally parallel pins that are generally circular in cross-section. As a convenient example, the bottom edge contact hole of the first socket region is sized to receive a round pin having a diameter between 3.7mm and 5.1mm in a tight fit with press contact of a resilient metal contact located below the contact hole. Of course, without loss of generality, the range of diameters of pins that can be received by the bottom edge holes may vary depending on the particular application. Typical round pin plugs are shown in the second column of fig. a and include electrical plugs in accordance with european standard EN50075, spanish standard SEV1011, italian standard CEI23-16, scandinavian standard CEE 7. Similarly, the BS546 plug includes pins that are generally circular in cross-section, and therefore the contact holes are sized to receive three generally circular pins, preferably with a tight fit.

To also meet the requirements of a round pin plug with a third round pin, a pair of alternative round holes are provided between the pair of bottom side contact holes shown in the example of zone 1. More specifically, the pair of alternative circular contact holes includes a first circular hole collinear with the pair of bottom edge contact holes and a second circular hole offset from a line connecting the two bottom edge holes. A first alternative circular aperture collinear with the pair of bottom apertures is provided to receive the third pin of a corresponding structural plug, for example the italian CEI23-16 plug having three contact pins. Likewise, the offset center contact hole is used to receive the offset pin of the swiss/spanish plug SEV 1011.

Broadly speaking, the bottom edge contact receptacles of the first receptacle area 1 are sized to receive a plug having pins with a rectangular cross-sectional shape and size, while a plug comprising one or more pins with a circular cross-sectional shape is suitable for the second receptacle area 2.

By configuring the second socket region for a plug comprising either round pins or non-round pins, fewer pins are accommodated by the pair of bottom side sockets of the second socket region and a safer contact mechanism with tighter resilient clamping force on the pins can be provided.

Referring again to fig. 1 and 2, the first and second receptacle regions 1 and 2 are arranged such that the isosceles triangles formed by the respective contact apertures are in a substantially parallel and axially offset relationship to each other. Fig. 3 illustrates the use of the structure of fig. 1 and 2 as a wall outlet with a front housing mounting plate made of durable plastic.

In the configuration of fig. 1 to 7, the first and second receptacle regions 1, 2 are arranged such that the pairs of isosceles triangles formed by the respective contact receptacles are parallel and translating relative to each other. Although the four vertices formed by the two pairs of bottom edge receptacles 121-122 a are still disposed at the vertices of the quadrilateral, the size of the quadrilateral is significantly reduced, resulting in a more compact design such that the effective area occupied by all of the contact receptacles is approximately the same size as a typical single standard receptacle. The structure of the universal receptacle of fig. 1 and 2 serves as an exemplary example of the wall receptacle shown in fig. 3. Although the two receptacle areas are arranged in two pairs of inverted isosceles triangles, it will be understood that this need not be the case and that the two triangles may be arranged in a parallel configuration. Fig. 5, 6 and 7 depict an example of introducing a plug with rectangular pins into a socket in the first region 1, while fig. 8 illustrates an example of introducing a plug with circular pins into the second region 2.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that due to the larger bore size of the bottom contact receptacles of the second receptacle section, a pair of bottom pins of a type 1 electrical plug may be inserted into the bottom contact receptacles 121 and 121a of the second receptacle section.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the apertures of the first and second socket regions are arranged with respect to each other in such a way that a standard electrical plug cannot be introduced improperly such that the hot, neutral and ground pins cannot be introduced into incorrect receptacles in the socket.

In order to reduce the risk of inserting an electrical plug of the wrong type into the second socket region, a protection device is provided. Since the first socket area meets the requirements of a rectangular pin plug, a conventional shutter-type protection member including an insulating shutter that normally closes three contact holes but is to be opened when a rigid post is inserted into the third contact insertion hole is not suitable.

Referring to fig. 9A-9D, 10 and 11, there is shown a first shutter member for use in conjunction with the electrical socket shown in the previous figures. An exemplary embodiment of a first shutter member for use in conjunction with the electrical receptacle shown in fig. 3 and 4 is shown in fig. 9A. The first shutter member 200 includes an upper member 210 and a lower member 220, and the upper member 210 and the lower member 220 are slidably movable with each other in the arrow a direction. The upper member 210 and the lower member 220 are biased in the direction of arrow a by a biasing means (in this embodiment, a compression spring 230). In the present embodiment, a single spring 230 is provided, and the lower member 220 abuts against the upper member 210, so that the force acting on the lower member 220 by the compression spring 230 is transmitted to the upper member 210. The first shutter member 200 is sized and configured to block contact with the first contact receptacle, thus forming the closed position illustrated in fig. 9A. The upper member 210 has a pair of holes extending therethrough to allow the pins of the first type of rectangular pins to pass through. The size and geometry of the holes 212 may be made to block the passage of other types of rectangular pins or other objects. The lower member 220 has a pair of ramped surfaces positioned to close the aperture 212 of the upper member 210 when in the neutral closed position and arrangement shown in fig. 9C and 9D. When the pin of the first type is pushed through the pair of holes 212 and against the inclined surface 222 of the lower member 220, pushing the lower member 220 against the compression spring 230, the compression spring 230 is at least partially compressed to allow the lower member 220 to move in direction a, thus allowing the pin of the first type to extend through the hole 212 of the upper member 210 and thus allowing the pin to extend further to be received by a pair of contact receptacles to provide electrical contact between the pin and the receptacle.

Referring to fig. 12A and 12B, examples of the manner in which the shutter members 210, 220 move with respect to each other and with respect to the electrical receptacle 100 are shown. As seen in fig. 12A, both the upper member 210 and the lower member 220 are urged by the spring 220 to assume the closed configuration of the first shutter member 200 before a pair of parallel flat pins are engaged with the first shutter member 220. As seen in fig. 12B, when the pin 400 is pushed towards the first contact receptacle 121, 121a, the pin 400 extends through the hole 212 of the upper member 210 to contact the inclined surface 220 of the lower member, thus pushing the lower member against the compression spring 230, causing the lower member to displace to allow the pin 400 to extend through the hole 212 and further into the contact receptacle 121, 121 a. It should be noted that the upper member 210 remains stationary during the introduction of the pair of parallel flat pins shown in this example.

Referring again to fig. 10 and 13A and 13B, the upper member 210 of the first shutter member 200 further includes an inclined surface positioned to further define the closed position of the first shutter member 200 and prevent contact with the first contact insertion holes 121, 121a, as shown in fig. 13A. When the pin 420 of the second-type rectangular-pin configuration plug 420 is pushed against the further inclined surface 214, both the upper member 210 and the lower member 220 are displaced against the spring 230 to allow the pin of the second-type rectangular pin 420 to pass and advance into the first contact receptacle 121, 121a, thus providing electrical communication between the pin 420 and the receptacle 121, 121 a. It will be appreciated that movement of the upper member 210 urges the lower member against this bias, thus allowing the use of a single biasing means 230 as shown in this embodiment. Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other or alternative biasing means may be provided in other or alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

Referring to fig. 14A and 14B, the aperture 212 may be further adapted to allow passage of a pin of a third type of rectangular configuration therethrough. In this example, the third type of rectangular plug is a flat pin type pin of the diverging type. It will be appreciated that similar to that described with reference to figures 12A and 12B, the third type of pin 440 is pushed against the inclined surface 222 of the lower member 220 to again displace the lower member 220 against the biasing means, and the upper member 210 remains stationary to allow the third type of rectangular pin 440 to pass through the aperture 212 to extend into the first contact receptacle 121, 121 a. It will be appreciated that the pin types described with reference to figures 12A, 12B, 13A, 13B, 14A and 14B are exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and that other or alternative pins having other contemplated shaded portion geometries may be equally suitable, and the upper and lower components 210, 220 may thus be suitably configured.

Referring to fig. 10, 15A and 15B, the upper member 210 may be provided with a contact surface 216 disposed generally parallel to the direction of movement of the upper member 210, the contact surface being disposed at or adjacent the aperture 212. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that different types of pin configurations have different sizes and geometries to allow the plug to be disposed in an appropriate receptacle. With the socket according to the invention, it is further desirable, due to safety requirements, to prevent inappropriate plugs from being introduced into the first socket region. Thus, as is apparent from fig. 15B, a circular pin configuration 480 with an improper spacing will cause the pin to abut the contact surface 216 of the upper member 210, and since the contact surface is not sloped, pushing the pin 280 onto the contact surface 216 will not cause the shutter to move to the open position, thereby not allowing the pin 280 to be inserted into the contact receptacle.

Referring to fig. 16A, 16B, 16C and 16D, the first shutter member 200 is disposed in an electrical receptacle in a manner that provides a rocking motion upon introduction of a single pin or other object to cause the first shutter to tightly contact the housing and prevent the shutter from moving to the open position. Thus, in the event that an external object or an improper plug is introduced into the first receptacle area, the shutter maintains its closed configuration, thus preventing contact with the contact receptacle located below the shutter. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, a variety of ways of providing the pivoting (or movement) of the first shutter member may be implemented, such as concave surfaces and integral shaft portions, convex engagement pivoting surfaces, and the like. Also, as can be noted from fig. 16A, although the round pin plug may attempt to be inserted incorrectly, the plug is prevented from opening the shutter due to the wobble characteristic, and thus security is maintained.

Referring to fig. 17A, 17B and 17C, and fig. 18A and 18B, a second shutter member 300 is provided for use in conjunction with an electrical receptacle 100 that blocks and passes a pair of pins through the second receptacles 122, 122A. In this embodiment, the second shutter member 300 is adapted to be movable from an open position for allowing receipt of a first round pin arrangement electrical plug from the second receptacle region of the electrical receptacle 100 to a closed position shown in fig. 17C and 18A for blocking receipt of other sizes of rectangular pin arrangement electrical plugs and other objects by the second contact receptacles 122, 122A. The second shutter 300 comprises an upper member 310 which is movable relative to the electrical socket 100 in a plane perpendicular to the pins of the electrical plug, the direction of movement being parallel to the axis extending between and perpendicular to the pins, to allow the pins to make contact with the second contact receptacles 122, 122A. The upper member is offset in a direction parallel to an axis extending between and perpendicular to the pins. In the present embodiment, the upper member 310 is provided as two movable portions, each of which is independently movable relative to the other and movable relative to each other.

The second shutter 300 further includes a lower member 320, the lower member 320 having a pair of holes extending therethrough, to allow passage of pins of at least a first type of circular pins, wherein the pair of holes may be sized and geometrically shaped to block passage of other types of pins or objects. The holes may be sized to allow the passage of pins of different diameters therethrough. The upper member 310 includes an angled surface 312, the angled surface 312 being positioned and dimensioned to further define the closed position of the second shutter 300 and prevent contact with the second contact receptacles 122, 122A. When the pin 490 of the first type of round pin configuration plug is pushed against the inclined surface 312 of the upper member 310, the upper member 310 is pushed against the spring (in this embodiment, a pair of springs 330) to move the second shutter to the open position and allow the pin 490 to pass through the aperture of the lower member 320 to be received by the second contact receptacle 122, 122A.

It must be appreciated that by providing the upper member 310 as two movable portions, the aperture 322 provided in the lower member 320 allows the passage of the ground pin of an additional or alternative electrical plug to pass through the aperture to the ground contact receptacle. Accordingly, the present invention allows the second shutter to be disposed closer to the first shutter member, thereby providing a more compact universal outlet by allowing the first and second receptacle areas to be disposed closer without the ground pin interfering with the second shutter, thus eliminating the need to space the second shutter, and thus the second receptacle area.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, by providing first and second receptacle regions that are closely arranged to each other, allows for a more compact and aesthetically pleasing universal receptacle to be provided. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a more compact receptacle with a dual shutter system to prevent improper plug insertion while meeting stringent safety standards provides advantages over prior art devices.

Although in the present embodiment, the second shutter member 300 includes the upper member 310 and the lower member 320, in other or alternative embodiments, the lower member may be integrally formed with the electrical socket 100 without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Also, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, upon introduction of a single pin or another object, the second shutter member may be swung about its direction of movement such that the second shutter abuts the shock socket and prevents the shutter from moving to the open position.

It will be appreciated that where users typically carry appliances of different pin configurations, for example, at hotels, airport departure terminals, etc., the universal socket of the present invention may be particularly suitable for use as a fixture for such locations. Other applications may include a guest room or guest room in a residential home.

Although not illustrated in the present drawings, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that whilst the invention has been described above in relation to permanent or semi-permanent fixtures such as wall sockets, in other or alternative embodiments an adaptor including a universal socket according to the invention and a peg arrangement adapted to engage with a standard mains socket may be provided. Such adapters will typically be area dependent and applicable to both commercial and domestic environments.

It will be appreciated that the embodiments described above may take alternative forms and include other additional features which, when used with the present invention, still fall within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and claimed.

It will be understood that the invention disclosed and defined in this specification extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention.

Claims (45)

1. A shutter for blocking contact with contact receptacles of an electrical socket, the shutter being movable from an open position for allowing the contact receptacles to receive a plurality of first type of pin arrangement electrical plugs having pins of different geometries, orientations or sizes to a closed position for preventing the contact receptacles from receiving pins of electrical plugs having other geometries, orientations or sizes, the shutter comprising:

an upper member and a lower member movable relative to each other and relative to the housing, the movement being in a plane perpendicular to the pins of the electrical plug and in a direction parallel to an axis extending between and perpendicular to the pins to allow the pins to contact the contact receptacles, the upper member and the lower member being offset in a direction parallel to an axis extending between and perpendicular to the pins and movable relative to each other;

said upper member having a pair of apertures extending therethrough to allow the pins of said first type pin arrangement electrical plug to pass therethrough, wherein said pair of apertures are sized and geometrically shaped to block the passage of other types of pins;

the lower member has an inclined surface positioned to close the pair of holes when the shutter is in the closed position, the inclined surface being inclined in a moving direction of the lower member;

wherein when the pins of said first type of pin arrangement electrical plug are pushed through said pair of apertures and against the inclined surface of said lower member, said lower member is pushed against the bias to move said shutter to said open position and allow said contact receptacles to receive the pins of said first type of pin arrangement electrical plug.

2. A shutter according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of first type pin arrangement electrical plugs are rectangular pin type electrical plugs.

3. A shutter according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the upper member of the shutter further comprises a further inclined surface positioned to further define the closed position of the shutter and prevent the pin from contacting the contact receptacle, wherein when the pin of a second type of pinned electrical plug is pushed against the further inclined surface of the upper member, the upper and lower members are pushed against the bias to move the shutter to the open position and allow the contact receptacle to receive the pin of a second type of pinned electrical plug.

4. A shutter according to claim 3, wherein movement of the upper member urges the lower member against the bias.

5. A shutter according to claim 1, wherein the aperture of the upper member of the shutter also allows the pin of a third type pin arrangement electrical plug to pass therethrough, wherein when the pin of the third type pin arrangement electrical plug is pushed through the pair of apertures and against the inclined surface of the lower member, the lower member is pushed against the bias to move the shutter to the open position and allow the contact receptacle to receive the pin of the third type pin arrangement electrical plug.

6. A shutter according to claim 1, wherein the pins of the first type of pin arrangement electrical plug are flat and substantially parallel with their long faces in an opposed relationship.

7. A shutter according to claim 3, wherein the pins of the second type of pin arrangement electrical plug are flat and substantially parallel and collinear.

8. A shutter according to claim 5, wherein the pins of the third type of pin arrangement electrical plug are flat and inclined to each other.

9. A shutter according to claim 1, wherein the contact receptacle includes a contact portion sized and shaped to receive a particular pair of pins.

10. A shutter according to claim 1, wherein the shutter is adapted to swing about its direction of movement when a single pin or other object is introduced, such that the shutter impinges the housing and prevents the shutter from moving to the open position.

11. A shutter according to claim 1, wherein the upper member of the shutter further comprises a blocking surface substantially parallel to the direction of travel and adjacent the pair of apertures, wherein the blocking surface maintains the upper and lower members in the closed position when other pin configurations are introduced.

12. An electrical socket for alternately receiving a mains electrical plug of circular pin and rectangular pin configuration, the socket comprising:

a housing having a first socket region for receiving a pair of rectangular pins of at least a first type of rectangular-pin arrangement electrical plug and including a pair of first contact receptacles for providing electrical contact with the pair of rectangular pins;

a second socket region for receiving a pair of circular pins of at least a first type of circular-pin arrangement electrical plug and including a pair of second contact receptacles for providing electrical contact with the pair of circular pins; and

a ground region for receiving ground pins from rectangular pin arrangement electrical plugs and circular pin arrangement electrical plugs, and including a third contact receptacle for providing electrical contact with said ground pin;

wherein the first socket region is adapted to prevent receipt of pins of a round pin arrangement electrical plug and the second socket region is adapted to prevent receipt of pins of a rectangular pin arrangement electrical plug;

wherein the electrical socket further comprises a first shutter member movable from an open position to allow receipt of a first type of rectangular-pin arrangement electrical plug;

wherein the first shutter member comprises an upper member and a lower member which are movable relative to each other and relative to the housing, said movement being in a plane perpendicular to the pins of the electrical plug and in a direction parallel to an axis extending between and perpendicular to said pins to allow said pins to contact the pair of first contact receptacles, said upper member and said lower member being biased in a direction parallel to an axis extending between and perpendicular to said pins and being movable relative to each other;

the upper member having a pair of holes extending therethrough to allow the pins of a first type of rectangular-pin arrangement electrical plug to pass therethrough, wherein the pair of holes of the upper member have a size and geometry that blocks the passage of other types of rectangular-pins and circular-pins; and

the lower member having an inclined surface positioned to close a pair of holes of the upper member when the first shutter member is in the closed position, the inclined surface being inclined in a moving direction of the lower member;

wherein when the pins of a first type rectangular-pin arrangement electrical plug are pushed through the pair of apertures of the upper member and against the inclined surface of the lower member, the lower member is pushed against the bias to move the first shutter member to the open position and allow the pair of first contact receptacles to receive the pins of the first type rectangular-pin arrangement electrical plug.

13. An electrical socket according to claim 12, wherein the pair of first and third contact receptacles are located at the vertices of a first isosceles triangular configuration and the pair of second contact receptacles are located at the vertices of a second isosceles triangular configuration.

14. The electrical socket of claim 13, wherein the central axes of both the first isosceles triangular configuration and the second isosceles triangular configuration are substantially parallel to each other.

15. The electrical socket of claim 13, wherein the first isosceles triangular configuration and the second isosceles triangular configuration are separated from each other in a non-inverted relationship.

16. An electrical socket according to claim 12, wherein the first socket region on the housing comprises a first gate portion having an aperture adapted to prevent receipt of a circular pin.

17. An electrical socket according to claim 12, wherein the second socket region on the housing comprises a second gate portion having an aperture adapted to prevent receipt of a rectangular pin.

18. An electrical socket according to claim 12, wherein the pair of first contact receptacles are adapted to provide electrical contact with a plurality of rectangular pin arrangement electrical plugs having pins of different geometries and sizes.

19. An electrical socket according to claim 12, wherein the first shutter member is movable from an open position for allowing the pair of first contact receptacles to receive a plurality of first type rectangular-pin arrangement electrical plugs having pins of different geometries, orientations or sizes to a closed position for preventing the pair of first contact receptacles from receiving pins and other objects of electrical rectangular-pin or round-pin arrangement electrical plugs having other geometries, orientations or sizes.

20. An electrical socket according to claim 12, wherein the upper member of the first shutter member further comprises a further inclined surface positioned to further define the closed position of the first shutter member and block contact with the pair of first contact receptacles, wherein when the pins of a second type rectangular pin arrangement plug are urged against the further inclined surface of the upper member, the upper and lower members are urged against the bias to move the first shutter member to the open position and allow the pair of first contact receptacles to receive the pins of the second type rectangular pin arrangement electrical plug.

21. An electrical socket according to claim 20, wherein movement of the upper member urges the lower member against the bias.

22. An electrical socket according to claim 12, wherein the aperture of the upper member of the first shutter member also allows a pin of a third type of rectangular pin to pass therethrough, wherein when the pin of the third type is pushed through the pair of apertures and against the inclined surface of the lower member, the lower member is pushed against the bias to move the first shutter member to the open position and allow the pair of first contact receptacles to receive the pin of the third type.

23. An electrical socket according to claim 12, wherein the pins of the first type rectangular-pin arrangement electrical plug are substantially parallel with their long faces in an opposed relationship.

24. An electrical socket according to claim 21, wherein the pins of the second type of rectangular-pin arrangement electrical plug are substantially parallel and co-linear.

25. An electrical socket according to claim 22, wherein the pins of the third type are inclined to one another.

26. An electrical socket according to claim 12, wherein the pair of first contact receptacles comprise contact portions sized and shaped to receive a particular pair of pins.

27. An electrical socket according to claim 12, wherein the first shutter member is adapted to swing about its direction of movement upon introduction of a single pin or other object such that the first shutter member impinges the housing and prevents the first shutter member from moving to the open position.

28. An electrical socket according to claim 12, wherein the upper member of the first shutter member further comprises a blocking surface substantially parallel to the direction of travel and adjacent the pair of apertures, wherein the blocking surface retains the upper and lower members in the closed position when other pin configurations are introduced.

29. An electrical socket according to claim 12, further comprising a second shutter member movable from an open position for allowing receipt of the first type of round pin arrangement electrical plug.

30. An electrical socket according to claim 12, further comprising a second shutter member movable from an open position for allowing the pair of second contact receptacles to receive a plurality of first type round pin arrangement electrical plugs having pins of different sizes to a closed position for preventing the pair of second contact receptacles from receiving pins and other objects of electrical rectangular pin arrangement electrical plugs having other sizes.

31. An electrical socket according to claim 29, wherein the second shutter member comprises an upper member movable relative to the housing, the movement being in a plane perpendicular to the pins of the electrical plug and in a direction parallel to an axis extending between and perpendicular to the pins to allow the pins to contact the pair of second contact receptacles, the upper member being biased in a direction parallel to an axis extending between and perpendicular to the pins.

32. An electrical socket according to claim 31, wherein the upper member is provided as two movable portions, each of which is independently movable relative to the other and movable relative to each other to allow access to a ground receptacle located therebetween.

33. An electrical socket according to claim 31, wherein the second shutter member further comprises a lower member having a pair of apertures extending therethrough to allow the pins of at least a first type of circular pin arrangement electrical plug to pass therethrough, wherein the pair of apertures are of a size and geometry to block the passage of other types of pins or objects.

34. An electrical socket according to claim 31, wherein the upper member of the second shutter member further comprises an inclined surface positioned to further define the closed position of the second shutter member and block contact with the pair of second contact receptacles, wherein when the pins of at least a first type of round-pin arrangement electrical plug are urged against the inclined surface of the upper member, the upper member is urged against the bias to move the second shutter member to the open position and allow the pair of second contact receptacles to receive the pins of the first type of round-pin arrangement electrical plug.

35. An electrical socket according to claim 30, wherein the second shutter member is adapted to swing about its direction of movement upon introduction of a single pin or other object such that the second shutter member impinges the housing and prevents the second shutter member from moving to the open position.

36. An electrical socket according to claim 12, wherein the third contact receptacle of the ground region of the socket is adapted to receive a ground pin of a respective electrical plug.

37. A shutter for blocking contact with a contact receptacle of an electrical socket, the shutter being movable from an open position for allowing the contact receptacle to receive a pin of one or more plugs having different geometries, orientations or dimensions to a closed position for preventing the contact receptacle from receiving other objects, the shutter comprising:

an upper member movable relative to the housing of the electrical socket, the movement being in a plane perpendicular to the pins of the electrical plug and in a direction parallel to an axis extending between and perpendicular to the pins to allow the pins to contact a pair of electrical contact receptacles, the upper member being biased in a direction parallel to an axis extending between and perpendicular to the pins;

wherein the upper member is provided as two movable portions which are laterally spaced apart to allow access to a ground jack therebetween.

38. A shutter according to claim 37, wherein each of the two movable portions is independently movable relative to the other and movable relative to each other.

39. A shutter according to claim 37, wherein the shutter further comprises a lower member having a pair of holes extending therethrough to allow the pins of at least a first type of construction electrical plug to pass therethrough, wherein the pair of holes are of a size and geometry to block the passage of other types of pins or objects.

40. A shutter according to claim 37, wherein the upper member of the shutter further comprises an inclined surface positioned to further define the closed position of the shutter and block contact with the contact receptacles, wherein when a pin of at least a first type of configuration electrical plug is urged against the inclined surface of the upper member, the upper member is urged against the bias to move the shutter to the open position and allow the contact receptacles to receive the pins of the first type of configuration electrical plug.

41. A shutter according to claim 37, wherein the shutter is adapted to swing about its direction of movement when a single pin or other object is introduced, such that the shutter impinges the housing and prevents the shutter from moving to the open position.

42. A shutter according to claim 37, wherein the shutter is movable from an open position for allowing the contact receptacles to receive a plurality of first round-pin arrangement electrical plugs having pins of different sizes to a closed position for preventing the contact receptacles from receiving pins and other objects of electrical rectangular-pin arrangement electrical plugs having other sizes.

43. An adapter for alternately receiving round and rectangular pin arrangement mains electrical plugs and for engaging with a mains socket, the adapter comprising:

the socket of claim 12; and

a pin formation for engaging and electrically communicating with a utility power socket and for electrically communicating with the socket.

44. The adapter of claim 43, wherein the socket and the pin arrangement are positioned opposite each other.

45. The adapter of claim 43, further comprising a housing, wherein the pin configuration is removable from the housing of the adapter.