INTERLOCK MECHANISMS FOR SWITCHED SOCKET OUTLETS

摘要

Disclosed is an interlock mechanism for a switched socket outlet having a movable switch and a socket accepting a plug having an external key. The mechanism comprises a unitary, substantially L-shaped latch member having two, spaced apart key-engaging projections extending from one end of the member. The latch member is mounted for pivotal movement in one direction from a first position in which the outermost projection allows insertion of the plug, to a second position in which the plug key abuts the innermost projection to pivot the latch member and the outermost projection in the one direction. In the second position the outermost projection locks the key to obstruct the withdrawal of the plug. The latch member is lockable in said second position by a locking means which is displaceable to a latch member locking position by operation of the switch to an "on" state. The latch member is arranged so that in the first position it obstructs displacement of the locking means to the locking position. Thus, the switch can only be turned on after the plug is inserted into the socket.