[0001] The present invention generally relates to electrical outlets for industrial or service
sector use, and particularly relates to an interlocked electrical outlet.
[0002] The interlocked electrical outlets are electrical power distribution devices which
can be mounted on a wall or installed on special support panels.
[0003] An interlocked electrical outlet generally comprises a housing provided with connection
means for a wall assembling, for example, a plurality of holes adapted to receive
securing screws. The housing accommodates an electrical switch, an electrical outlet
adapted to receive a corresponding electrical plug (for example, in accordance with
the European standard EN 60309 concerning industrial electrical connectors), and electrically
connected to the switch so as to be able to allow and interrupt the power supply,
as well as an interlock mechanism interacting with switch and electrical outlet so
that the electrical outlet can receive and release the plug only once the switch has
been turned off and the switch can be turned on only once the plug has been plugged
in into the electrical outlet.
[0004] Optionally, a protecting device can be provided, for example, a fuse assembly which
is electrically connected between switch and electrical outlet.
[0005] Assembling of the components (outlet, switch, protecting device, and interlocking
device) into the housing occurs by screwing the individual components together and
in the housing, optionally by screwing or securing on intermediate supports, for example,
frames or DIN guides, which are subsequently screwed into the housing.
[0006] The interlocked outlets of the prior art have the drawback that intermediate connections
and screw connections increase both material cost and assembling time for the interlocked
outlet. Furthermore, the reduced spaces which are available inside the housing make
the mechanical assembling and electrical cabling of the interlocked outlet difficult.
[0007] Therefore, object of the present invention is to provide an interlocked electrical
outlet having such characteristics as to reduce material costs, number of components,
and assembly time.
[0008] This and other objects are achieved by an interlocked electrical outlet according
to claim 1.
[0009] According to the invention, the interlocked electrical outlet comprises:
- a housing;
- an electrical outlet received in the housing and adapted to receive a corresponding
electrical plug;
- a switch received in the housing and electrically connected to the electrical outlet
so as to be able to allow and interrupt the power supply;
- an interlock mechanism received in the housing and interacting with switch and electrical
outlet so that the electrical outlet can receive and release the plug only once the
switch has been turned out, and the switch can be turned on only once the plug has
been plugged in in the electrical outlet,
in which at least the electrical outlet or at least the switch is directly secured
to the housing by means of a screwless shape connection.
Thanks to the direct screwless shape connection, a reduction or elimination of connecting
screws and other intermediate supports, as well as an easier and faster assembly of
the interlocked outlet is achieved.
The dependant claims relate to advantageous embodiments.
[0010] In order to better understand the invention, and appreciate the advantages thereof,
a detailed description of some exemplary, non-limiting embodiments will be set forth
herein below, with reference to the annexed drawings, in which:
[0011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of fuse-carrier device unit of the interlocked outlet
according to an embodiment;
[0012] Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a fuse-carrier assembly preassembled by direct screwless
coupling of the fuse-carrier devices in Fig. 1;
[0013] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of a fuse-carrier assembly and an electrical switch
of the interlocked outlet according to an embodiment;
[0014] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a switch-fuse assembly preassembled by direct screwless
coupling of the fuse-carrier assembly and the electrical switch in Fig. 3;
[0015] Fig. 5 is an exploded view of an electrical outlet of the interlocked outlet according
to an embodiment;
[0016] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the electrical outlet in Fig. 5 in a preassembled
configuration by direct screwless coupling of a housing outlet, a plurality of alveolar
terminals, and a rear lid;
[0017] Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a front shell of a housing of the interlocked outlet
with an interlock mechanism according to an embodiment;
[0018] Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a front shell in Fig. 7 once the interlocked outlet
has been assembled and cabled;
[0019] Fig. 9 is a front perspective view of the interlocked outlet according to an embodiment;
[0020] Fig. 10 is a front view of the interlocked outlet in Fig. 9, complete with fuse-carrier
lid and outlet lid.
[0021] with reference to the Figures, an interlocked electrical outlet is generally indicated
with the reference numeral 1. The interlocked outlet 1 comprises a housing 2, inside
which an electrical outlet 3 is received which is adapted to receive a corresponding
electrical plug (not shown), a switch 4 electrically connected to the electrical outlet
3 so as to be able to thereby turn on and off the power supply, and an interlock mechanism
5 interacting with switch 4 and electrical outlet 3, so that the electrical outlet
3 can receive and release the plug only once the switch has been turned out, and the
switch 4 can be turned on only once the plug has been plugged in in the electrical
outlet 3.
[0022] In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the electrical outlet 3 is
secured to the housing 2 directly (i.e., without intermediate supports) and by means
of a screwless shape connection.
[0023] In accordance with an embodiment (Figs. 5, 6, 7), the electrical outlet 3 comprises
an outlet body 6 with a front wall 7 defining inlet openings 8 in order to receive
plug contact terminals (pins), and a plurality of inner seats 9 in order to receive
alveolar contact terminals 10, in which seats 9 and inlet openings 8 are mutually
communicating in order to guide the plug pin terminals to an electric contact engagement
with the outlet 3 alveolar terminals 10. The inner seats 9 are open on an outlet body
6 rear side 11, from which the alveolar terminals 10 can be inserted in the outlet
3 pre-assembling step. The alveolar terminals 10 are hold in place in the seats 9
thanks to a rear lid 12 which is connectable to the outlet body 6 by a screwless shape-coupling,
preferably by snap-coupling.
[0024] In order to maximally promote the outlet 3 pre-assembling step, it is desirable to
be able to plug-in and lock the alveolar terminals 10 into the respective seats 9
in an easy manner and without exerting a force. Instead, in such pre-assembling step,
a locking of the alveolar terminals which is resistant to the plug plug-in or withdrawal
forces is not required. Such mechanically resistant locking becomes crucial when the
outlet 3 is mounted in the interlocked outlet housing 2 and is ready to be used.
[0025] In view of the above considerations, in accordance with an embodiment, rear lid and
outlet body 6 can be connected by snap engagement of an elastic tooth 13 with a corresponding
edge 14. Such connection is achievable quickly and without effort by means of a simple
pressure (without an additional rotation) of rear lid 12 against the outlet body 6
rear side 11, so that the at least one elastic tooth 13 elastically snaps, thus engaging
the corresponding edge 14.
[0026] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 5 and 6, the rear lid 12 comprises
three elastic tongues at the outer circumference thereof, preferably arranged at a
pitch of 120°, projecting in the axial direction relative to the outlet body 6 and
forming radially inwardly projecting teeth 13 at the free ends thereof. A circular
flange 15 is formed on the outlet body 6 rear side 11 having three passages 16 which
are preferably arranged at an angular pitch of 120°, and three little edges 14 formed
in axial alignment with the passages 16 so that, during the application of the rear
lid 12 on the outlet body 6 rear side 11, the elastic tongues with the teeth 13 insert
in the passages 16 and elastically snap, thus engaging with the corresponding edges
14. Radial walls 18 of the passages 16 prevent a circumferential movement of the elastic
teeth 13, thereby preventing an undesired rotation of the rear lid 12 relative to
the outlet body 13. Furthermore, bridging portions 17 extend astride of the passages
16 and carry out a constraint (although weak) against an accidental disengagement
of the teeth 13 from the edges 14 during the preassembled outlet 3 transport and handling.
[0027] The outlet body 6 advantageously comprises a plurality of circumferential tongues
19 so configured as to engage in a bayonet manner corresponding circumferential tongues
20 formed in a housing 2 outlet seat 21 in order to implement the above-mentioned
direct screwless shape connection.
[0028] Alternatively, the bayonet connection can be replaced by a threaded connection, preferably
with a limit stop.
[0029] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the housing 2 outlet seat
21 forms one or more locking surfaces 22 so configured that, once the outlet 3 has
been inserted in the outlet seat 21 (e.g., bayonet coupling in the closure position,
or threaded coupling in the closure position), such locking surfaces prevent a movement
of the coupling means, particularly of the rear lid 12 elastic teeth 13 from their
engagement position to a release position.
[0030] In this manner, the outlet seat 21 locks the connection between rear lid 12 and the
outlet body 6, thereby implementing an anchoring of the alveolar terminals 10 which
is very resistant mechanically and suitable to the plug-in and withdrawal operations
of the plug from the outlet 3.
[0031] In accordance with an embodiment, both the elastic teeth 13 and the locking surfaces
22 are formed at or near to bayonet tongues 19, 20 or outlet body 6 and outlet seat
21 threads. Particularly, once the outlet 3 has been coupled to the outlet seat 21,
the locking surfaces 22 turn out to be radially arranged at the outside, and in contact
with the elastic teeth 13 so as to prevent an outward flexure thereof.
[0032] In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the outlet seat 21 is formed as a
single piece with the housing 2, and the connection between outlet 3 and housing 2
is screwless.
[0033] In accordance with a further embodiment, also the switch 4 is connected to the housing
2 directly (i.e., without intermediate supports) and by means of a screwless shape
connection.
[0034] Since the connection between housing and switch is typically not subjected to high
mechanical stresses, but requires a proper mutual positioning, the provision of shape
and snap connection means which concomitantly implement anti-side movement, anti-withdrawal,
and anti-rotation means can be advantageous.
[0035] To this aim, the switch 4 can comprise a parallelepiped shape with a plurality of
connecting teeth 23 adapted to snap-engage corresponding little edges 24 formed in
a housing switch seat 25, e.g., in projections 26 which are elastically yielding (within
preset limits) which project from an inner surface 26 of the housing 2. Beside the
little edges 24, which implement an anti-withdrawal coupling, the switch seat 25 can
comprise one or more resting surfaces 27 which engage corresponding switch 4 outer
surfaces in order to prevent side movements and rotations.
[0036] In accordance with an embodiment (Figs. 3, 7, 8), the projections 26, for example,
three or four projections arranged at three or four switch angles, respectively, have
an "L"-shaped portion 29 forming the resting surfaces 27 in order to engage the two
adjacent surfaces, respectively, defining the switch angles.
[0037] Advantageously, the teeth 23 are formed only in two opposite surfaces of the switch,
while the other surfaces do not concur to the anti-withdrawal coupling. Similarly,
the little edges 24 can be formed only in one wall of the "L"-shaped portions 29.
[0038] This allows an assembling by means of a simple pressure of the switch 4 into the
switch seat 25, and makes the switch 4 disassembling from the switch seat 25 easier,
by means of a spacing apart of the projections 26 from the switch 4 only in one direction.
[0039] In accordance with a further embodiment, the switch 4 can comprise two guide projections
or relieves 28 having a tapered front portion and adapted to insert in the space between
two projections 26 or the "L"-shaped portions 29 thereof in order to promote the proper
switch 4 positioning during assembling.
[0040] Advantageously, the connecting projections 26 are formed as a single piece with the
interlocked outlet 1 housing 2.
[0041] An opening can be formed in the housing 2 at the switch seat 25 allowing the passage
of a shaft (with coupling portion in rotation, e.g., polygonal or knurled) 30 of the
switch 4, to which an actuating handle 31 can be secured from outside the housing
2.
[0042] The switch 4, particularly the shaft 30 or actuating handle 31, comprise a dragging
portion 32, for example, an eccentric pin actuating the interlock mechanism 5, which
will be described herein below.
[0043] In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, the interlocked outlet
1 comprises a fuse-carrier assembly 33 which is electrically connected between switch
4 and outlet 3.
[0044] The fuse-carrier assembly 33 can comprise a plurality of individual fuse-carrier
devices 34, each adapted to hold a fuse, and provided with contact terminals in order
to allow the fuse electrical connection in the power supply lines between switch 4
and electrical outlet 3.
[0045] According to an aspect of the present invention, the fuse-carrier assembly 33 is
secured to the housing 2 directly (i.e., without intermediate supports)and by means
of a screwless shape connection.
[0046] A direct screwless shape connection of the fuse-carrier assembly 33 to the housing
could be also the individual screwless shape connection, for example, in the case
when switch and electrical outlet are connected to the housing by means of screws,
by gluing, or in another manner.
[0047] According to an alternative or additional aspect, the fuse-carrier assembly 33 can
be preassembled with the switch 4 so as to form a fuse-carrier 33 - switch 4 unit.
A direct connection between fuse-carrier assembly 33 and switch 4 is achievable by
means of electrically conductive connecting members 35 which combine the electrical
terminal and mechanical coupling functions. Such connecting members 35 are preferably
essentially rigid electrical terminals projecting from the individual fuse-carrier
devices 34 and so configured as to engage corresponding electrical terminals 36 of
the switch 4, so as to implement an electrical and mechanical connection, for example
a "plug and outlet"-type connection. It shall be apparent that it is sufficient that
the mechanical strength of the direct connection between fuse-carrier assembly and
switch ensures the mutual positioning thereof in the pre-assembling step and during
assembling, i.e., during the coupling of the fuse-carrier-switch unit to the interlocked
switch housing. In this case, again, an easy and not necessarily "strong" mechanical
coupling between fuse-carrier and switch in the pre-assembling step, and a definitive
and resistant coupling of the individual components in the housing 1 is desirable.
[0048] In accordance with an embodiment (Figs. 3, 4, 7), the housing 2 forms a fuse-carrier
seat 37, preferably adjacent to the switch seat 25, with a plurality of elastically
yielding tongues 38 having teeth 39 adapted to snap-engage corresponding little edges
or slits 40 formed in the fuse-carrier assembly 33. To the aim of making the assembling
or an optional disassembling easier, the teeth 39 are formed only on two opposite
sides of the fuse-carrier seat 37. Thanks to this configuration, it is sufficient
to space apart the elastic tongues 38 from the fuse-carrier assembly 33 only to one
direction in order to detach the fuse-carrier assembly 33 from the housing 2.
[0049] In accordance with an embodiment, the fuse-carrier seat 37 comprises guide and positioning
walls 41 so arranged as to define a polygon, preferably a rectangle, and adapted to
engage outer walls of the fuse-carrier assembly 33 in order to prevent the rotation
or side movements thereof.
[0050] Such walls 41 define a preferably rectangular opening 42 for the passage of an outer
portion 43 of the fuse-carrier assembly, with the aim of allowing the blown fuses
replacement by access from outside the housing 2.
[0051] According to a further embodiment of the invention (Figs. 1 and 2), the individual
fuse-carrier devices 34 are mutually directly connected (i.e., without intermediate
supports, for example, DIN guides or assembling plates) and by a screwless shape connection.
[0052] To this aim, the fuse-carrier devices 34 comprise two opposite and parallel side
walls 44, 45 intended to adhere to a corresponding side wall 45, 44 of the adjacent
fuse-carrier device 34.
[0053] A first side wall 44 comprises at least one, preferably a plurality of, protuberances
46 projecting to the direction of the adjacent fuse-carrier device 34, and which are
so configured as to engage it, for example by snap- or friction-engagement.
[0054] Preferably, the protuberances 46 are arranged at a plurality of (for example, 4)
angles of the fuse-carrier device 34, and have an, e.g. "L"-shaped, angular section,
so as to engage the angle of the adjacent fuse-carrier device 34, thereby ensuring
an anti-displacement and anti-rotation locking.
[0055] Furthermore, a pin 47 projecting from the side wall 44, 45 and adapted to engage
a hole formed in the side wall 45, 44 of the adjacent fuse-carrier device 34 can be
provided.
[0056] In order to increase the connection strength between two adjacent fuse-carrier devices
34, the protuberances 46 can be provided with a little tooth or edge 48 adapted to
snap-engage a corresponding edge or little tooth 49 formed in the adjacent fuse-carrier
device 34.
[0057] During the assembling of the preassembled switch 4 / fuse-carrier 33 unit into the
housing 2, the whole switch - fuse-carrier unit is pushed into the adjacent respective
seats 37, 25 which lock and secure the relative position of the fuse-carrier assembly
in a definitive manner relative to the switch (in the pre-assembling step, such relative
connection and positioning has been ensured only by the electrical terminals 35, 36
of fuse-carrier assembly and switch).
[0058] The interlock mechanism 5 comprises a latch 48 movably arranged, preferably translatable,
in a latch seat 49 formed in the housing 2. The latch 48 comprises an actuating seat
50 connected to the switch 4 dragging portion 32 so that a switching of the switch
4 between a connection position and a power supply interruption position involves
a corresponding movement of the latch 48 between a connection position and a power
interruption position.
[0059] The latch 48 comprises a plug locking portion 51 arranged at the outlet seat 21 and
configured so that:
[0060] once the plug has been plugged in, the plug locking portion 51 turns out to be unconstrained
from the outlet 3 or outlet seat 21, allowing a latch 48 movement between the electrical
connection position to the power interruption position, and vice versa, and;
[0061] once the plug has been unplugged, the plug locking portion 51 turns out to be constrained
from the outlet 3 or outlet seat 21 in the power interruption position, preventing
a latch 48 movement from the power interruption position to the electrical connection
position; and
[0062] once the latch 48 has been arranged to the power interruption position, the plug
locking portion 51 releases the outlet 3 or outlet seat 21, allowing the plug plug-in
and withdrawal; and
[0063] once the latch 48 has been arranged to the electrical connection position, the plug
locking portion 51 directly or indirectly constrains the plug, preventing the withdrawal
thereof from the outlet 3.
[0064] The latch 48 or, generally, the interlock mechanism 5, can further comprise a door
locking portion 52 interacting with a corresponding hook 53 of a fuse-carrier door
54 so that, once the latch 48 has been arranged to the electrical connection position,
the door locking portion 52 constrains the fuse-carrier door 54 in the closed position,
preventing the opening thereof, therefore preventing access to the fuse-carrier devices
and, once the latch 48 has been arranged to the power interruption position, the door
locking portion 52 releases the fuse-carrier door 54, allowing the opening thereof.
[0065] In accordance with a further embodiment, the latch 48 or, generally, the interlock
mechanism 5, can further comprise one or more fuse-carrier locking portions 55 interacting
with the individual fuse-carrier devices 34 so that, once the latch 48 has been arranged
to the electrical connection position, the fuse-carrier locking portion 55 constrains
the fuse-carrier device 34 to a closed configuration, preventing access to the individual
fuse and, only once the latch 48 has been arranged to the power interruption position,
the fuse-carrier locking portion 55 releases the fuse-carrier device 34, allowing
the opening thereof.
[0066] Preferably, the fuse-carrier locking portions 55 comprise at least one pin adapted
to engage, once the latch 48 is in an electrical connection position, a corresponding
seat or hole 56 formed in a fuse drawer 57 of the fuse-carrier device 34 in order
to prevent the fuse drawer 57 opening.
[0067] According to an embodiment of the invention, the latch 48 is hold in place by a preferably
screwless shape connection in an interspace between switch 4 and switch seat 25 of
the housing 2.
[0068] Fig. 7 further illustrates a pushing device 58 secured to the housing 2 by means
of screws or, alternatively, by a snap connection or by press-fit, and provided with
an elastic arm 59 acting with an elastic pre-load on a portion (for example, the hook
53) of the fuse-carrier door 54 in order to make the opening thereof easier.
[0069] In accordance with an embodiment, all the electrical components -outlet, switch,
interlock mechanism, and fuse-carrier assembly- are directly connected to a housing
2 front shell 60, which can, in turn, be connected by means of screws 61 to a rear
shell to complete the assembling.
[0070] As regards the electrical connection of the interlocked outlet components, it is
advantageous to implement the electrical connection between switch and fuse-carrier
assembly by a plug-in of the "plug in"-type of the fuse-carrier terminals 35 in the
corresponding switch terminals 36, or vice versa, without the interposition of electrical
cables.
[0071] In order to further limit the number of the individual components, and particularly
of the screws, according to an aspect of the invention, the remaining electrical connections
or, generally, the electrical connections between switch, outlet, and fuse-carrier,
can comprise screwless quick plug-in terminals, for example of the FASTON-type.
[0072] The interlocked electrical outlet according to the present invention has a reduced
number of components, allows a rapid and easy preassembling of individual functional
units, without the aid of special equipments, as well as a rapid and easy final assembling.
[0073] Thanks to the particular configuration of the mechanical connections of the individual
components in the pre-assembling and assembling steps, the mechanical strength, therefore
the force needed to handle the components, turn out to be reduced, being anyhow sufficient
to the preassembling and assembling needs. The mechanical strength and ultimate sturdiness
which are achieved thanks to the synergic combination of "weak" connections formed
in the pre-assembling step with the connections implemented during the final assembling
into the housing, instead, turns out to be satisfactory also for very demanding uses,
for example, in the industrial field.
[0074] It shall be apparent that to the interlocked electrical outlet according to the present
invention, one skilled in the art, to the aim of meeting specific, contingent needs,
will be able to make further modifications and variations, all of which anyhow fall
within the protection scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.
1. An interlocked electrical outlet (1) comprising:
- a housing (2);
- an electrical outlet (3) received in the housing (2) and adapted to receive a corresponding
electrical plug;
- a switch (4) received in the housing (2) and electrically connected to the electrical
outlet (3) so as to be able to allow and interrupt the power supply;
- an interlock mechanism (5) received in the housing (2) and interacting with switch
(4) and electrical outlet (3) so that the electrical outlet (3) can receive and release
the plug only once the switch has been turned out, and the switch can be turned on
only once the plug has been plugged in the electrical outlet;
characterized in that said electrical outlet (3) and/or said switch (4) is directly secured to said housing
(2) by a screwless shape connection.
2. The interlocked electrical outlet (1) according to claim 1, wherein the electrical
outlet (3) comprises:
- an outlet body (6) with a front wall (7) defining inlet openings (8) in order to
receive plug contact terminals (pins) and a plurality of inner seats (9) in order
to receive alveolar contact terminals (10);
- a lid (12) to hold the alveolar terminals (10) in place in the seats (9),
wherein said lid (12) is connectable to the outlet body (6) through screwless shape
coupling means (13).
3. The interlocked electrical outlet (1) according to claim 2, wherein lid (12) and outlet
body (6) are connected by snap engagement of at least one elastic tooth (13) with
at least one corresponding edge (14).
4. The interlocked electrical outlet (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said
outlet body (6) comprises a plurality of circumferential tongues (19) so configured
as to engage in a bayonet manner corresponding circumferential tongues (20) formed
in an outlet seat (21) of the housing (2) in order to implement said direct screwless
shape connection.
5. The interlocked electrical outlet (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the housing
(2) outlet seat (21) forms one or more locking surfaces (22) so configured that, once
the outlet (3) has been inserted in the outlet seat (21), said locking surfaces (22)
prevent a movement of the shape-connection means, for example, of said elastic teeth
(13), of the lid (12) from the engaging position thereof to a release position.
6. The interlocked electrical outlet (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said
switch (4) is directly connected to the housing (2) by means of screwless shape connection
means (23, 24).
7. The interlocked electrical outlet (1) according to claim 6, wherein said connection
means (23, 24) comprise snap-connection means, anti-side movement, anti-withdrawal
and anti-rotation means.
8. The interlocked electrical outlet (1) according to claim 7, wherein:
- said anti-withdrawal means comprise a plurality of connecting teeth (23) formed
at said switch (4) and adapted to snap engage corresponding little edges (24) formed
in a switch seat (25) of the housing (2);
- said anti-rotation and anti-side movement means comprise a plurality of projections
(26) arranged at at least three angles of the switch (4) and having an "L"-shaped
portion (29) forming resting surfaces (27) in order to engage the two adjacent surfaces,
respectively, defining said switch angles.
9. The interlocked electrical outlet (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising
a fuse-carrier assembly (33) which is electrically connected between switch (4) and
outlet (3), and secured to said housing (2) directly and by means of a screwless shape
connection.
10. The interlocked electrical outlet (1) comprising:
- a housing (2) ;
- an electrical outlet (3) received in the housing (2) and adapted to receive a corresponding
electrical plug;
- a switch (4) received in the housing (2) and electrically connected to the electrical
outlet (3) so as to be able to allow and interrupt the power supply;
- an interlock mechanism (5) received in the housing (2) and interacting with switch
(4) and electrical outlet (3) so that the electrical outlet (3) can receive and release
the plug only once the switch has been turned out, and the switch can be turned on
only once the plug has been plugged in the electrical outlet;
- a fuse-carrier assembly (33) electrically connected between switch (4) and outlet
(3),
characterized in that said electrical outlet (3) and/or said switch (4), and/or said fuse-carrier assembly
(33) is directly secured to said housing (2) by means of a screwless shape connection.
11. The interlocked electrical outlet (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising
a fuse-carrier assembly (33) which is electrically connected between switch (4) and
outlet (3), wherein said fuse-carrier assembly (33) is preassembled with said switch
(4) to form a fuse-carrier/switch unit (33, 4).
12. The interlocked electrical outlet (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein said
fuse-carrier assembly (33) and said switch (4) are mutually directly connected by
connecting members (35) which are electrically conductive and sufficiently rigid to
combine electrical terminal and mechanical coupling functions.
13. The interlocked electrical outlet (1) according to any preceding claim, comprising
a fuse-carrier assembly (33) which is electrically connected between switch (4) and
outlet (3), said fuse-carrier assembly (33) having a plurality of individual fuse-carrier
devices (34) mutually connected directly and by means of a screwless shape connection.
14. The interlocked electrical outlet (1) according to claim 13, wherein said fuse-carrier
devices (34) comprise two opposite side walls (44), (45) intended to adhere to a corresponding
side wall (45, 44) of the adjacent fuse-carrier device (34), wherein a first side
wall (44) comprises at least one protuberance (46) projecting to the direction of
the adjacent fuse-carrier device (34), thus snap- or friction-engaging it.
15. The interlocked electrical outlet (1) according to claim 14, wherein said protuberances
(46) are arranged at at least two angles of the fuse-carrier device (34) and have
an "L"-shaped angular section so as to engage at least two angles of the adjacent
fuse-carrier device (34).
16. The interlocked electrical outlet (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein said
interlock mechanism (5) comprises a latch (48) movably arranged in a latch seat (49)
formed in the housing (2), wherein a portion of the latch (48) is firmly locked in
an interspace between switch (4) and switch seat (25) of the housing (2).
17. The interlocked electrical outlet (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the
electrical connection between switch and fuse-carrier assembly comprises a plug-in
connection without cables.
18. The interlocked electrical outlet (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the
electrical connection between switch, outlet, and fuse-carrier comprise rapid screwless
plug-in terminals, for example of the FASTON-type.