EP3671979B1 - Travel adapter and set comprising a travel adapter - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a travel adapter and a set comprising the travel adapter.

Electrical adapters, in particular so-called travel adapters, are known per se. They consist of at least one plug and at least one socket. The plug has a contact device that is adapted or adaptable to country-specific standards (short: standards) of the socket. The socket has at least two contact openings that are shaped and spaced apart that a contact means of a power plug z. B. electrical device, such as the contact device of the power plug type C (CEE 7/16), with this is connected.

The EP 1 257 018 B1 discloses an electrical connector adapter for selectively connecting a connector system as a connector to different country-specific connector systems. The plug-in adapter has a housing on the outer circumference of which several different protruding plug-in systems are arranged and has a socket pot as a socket, which is rotatably mounted in the housing. The socket pot has electrical contacts which can be connected to corresponding electrical contacts of the respective plug systems in the rotary positions of the socket pot assigned to the outer plug systems, one of the plug systems having a protective contact pin mounted movably in the housing.

The DE 199 02 642 A1 discloses a multiple travel plug with a housing on the side flanks of which plugs are provided according to different national standards, and with a socket arranged on the housing such that it can rotate with respect to the housing and is electrically and mechanically connected to a pair of contacts. Depending on the relative rotational position between socket and housing, the pair of contacts rests resiliently on one of several pairs of contact surfaces. The pairs of contact surfaces are each connected to the contact pins of a plug.

A disadvantage of these known solutions is that they have a complex structure and thus unsettle an inexperienced user when using the travel adapter correctly and do not protect the user from using the travel adapter incorrectly in the respective country.

The DE 10 2012 106 538 A1 discloses a travel adapter comprising a housing, at least one socket of a first standard and at least one plug of a second standard, the socket of the first standard having at least a first contact socket and a second contact socket and the plug of the second standard having at least a first contact pin and a second Having contact pin, and the first contact pin and the second contact pin are movably arranged on the housing. This document also discloses the preamble of claim 1.

Furthermore, TWI627801B also discloses the preamble of claim 1.

It is the object of the present invention to overcome one or more disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a travel adapter is to be created which can be used in countries with different standards and whose handling is improved for the user in the respective countries. In particular, a set comprising the travel adapter is to be created that can be used easily in many countries and whose handling is improved.

This object is solved by the device defined in independent claim 1. Advantageous developments are presented in the figures, the description and in particular in the dependent patent claims.

A travel adapter includes a housing, at least one socket of a first standard and at least one plug of a second standard. The socket of the first standard has at least a first contact socket and a second contact socket and the plug of the second standard has at least a first contact pin and a second contact pin. The plug is arranged on the housing and the socket is rotatably mounted in the housing. The socket has a socket housing, with contact elements being arranged in the socket housing, which are each connected to the first contact socket and the second contact socket of the socket. The contact elements can be electrically connected to the first contact pin or the second contact pin of the respective plug by rotating the socket relative to the housing into an operating position corresponding to the respective plug. The plug or the first contact pin and the second contact pin are pivotably arranged on the housing in such a way that the plug or the first contact pin and the second contact pin can be pivoted out of the housing.

With the travel adapter, the user can move only the plug suitable there, or only the first contact pin and second contact pin suitable there, into the operating position by selecting the desired country on the travel adapter. There is only one operating position for the plug or for the first contact pin and the second contact pin. Thus, a doubt-free and correct use of the travel adapter in the desired country can be guaranteed. This travel adapter saves the user from having to try different plugs in each country. On the one hand, this improves handling and, on the other hand, ensures a high level of safety in use.

The operating position is that pivoted-out end position in which the plug or the first contact pin and the second contact pin can be plugged into an external or separate socket. In contrast to this, a rest position is that pivoted end position in which the plug or the first contact pin and the second contact pin are at least partially pivoted in the housing.

The plug or the first contact pin and the second contact pin are arranged in such a way that they can be pivoted out of the rest position on the housing. The connector or the first contact pin and the second contact pin can be arranged essentially freely on the housing, so that their functional use is essentially comparable to the arrangement of the connector or the first contact pin and the second contact pin in the housing. The arrangement in the housing prevents the plug or the first contact pin and the second contact pin from getting caught with other objects, for example with objects such as luggage, which is located in the immediate vicinity of the travel adapter

The respective contact elements are preferably designed in one piece with the respective contact sockets. This can prevent the contact elements from being able to become detached from one another from the contact sockets in the housing, as a result of which the functionality of the travel adapter can be improved.

The first contact pin and the second contact pin are preferably coupled to one another in such a way that they can be pivoted out of the housing together. The first contact pin and the second contact pin can thus be moved synchronously from their rest position to their operating position. These reach their operating position at the same time, so that they can be easily plugged into an external or separate socket by the user.

The socket outlet preferably has a contact tongue for establishing a protective conductor connection and the plug has a third contact pin as a protective conductor pin, with a third contact element being arranged in the socket housing and being connected to the contact tongue and with the first contact pin and the second contact pin and the third contact pin are coupled to each other in such a way that they can be pivoted out of the housing together. This means that the travel adapter can also be used in countries where a protective conductor system is required. The contact tongue can be connected to the third contact pin with the aid of the third contact element. In this case, the third contact element is arranged on the socket housing and is thus rotatably mounted in the housing of the travel adapter. The coupling of the contact pins enables synchronous movement of all three contact pins so that they can easily be moved into their respective operating positions.

The third contact pin can preferably be moved linearly. The third contact pin can be designed as a protective conductor pin, which can be located between the first contact pin and the second contact pin. In this case, the protective conductor pin can be movable normal to the straight connecting line which extends between the first contact pin and the second contact pin. For example, a plug with a protective conductor pin that can be moved linearly has a slot in which the protective conductor pin can move linearly. In this context, a linear movement is a movement along the longitudinal extent of the elongated hole. This allows the Swiss plug standard, the Italian plug standard and the Brazilian plug standard to be covered with one and the same plug.

As an alternative or in addition to the contact tongue, the socket has a third contact socket for establishing a protective conductor connection. As described above, the third contact socket can also be connected to the third contact pin using the third contact element. In addition to the above advantages, a three-socket travel adapter has a simple structure that holds an external or separate plug stably after it is plugged into the outlet.

The first contact pin and the second contact pin can preferably be pivoted out in a first pivoting direction and the third contact pin can be pivoted out in a second pivoting direction opposite to the first pivoting direction. The contact pins can thus be arranged in the rest position in the housing of the travel adapter in a space-saving manner. The third contact pin is as the protective conductor pin formed so that it can be pivoted in opposite directions to the first and to the second contact pin.

In addition to what has been described above, the third contact pin can be moved both linearly and pivotably. This means that the third contact pin, which is designed as a protective conductor pin, can be used particularly flexibly.

A gear is preferably provided for the coupling. A gear mechanism for the contact pins, which can be pivoted out together, causes these contact pins to move synchronously when they are pivoted out into their operating position.

In particular, a gear mechanism is provided for coupling the contact pins. A toothed gear has toothing, which enables efficient coupling of the contact pins that can be swung out together, with the toothed gear having a compact structure. The contact pins can be moved precisely from their rest positions to their operating positions and back again using the serrations.

As an alternative or in addition, a coupling rod mechanism is provided to couple the contact pins. A coupling rod gear enables a particularly reliable coupling of the contact pins to be moved together. This means that the contact pins are hardly subjected to mechanical stress, which means that the service life of the travel adapter can be extended.

In particular, a gear notch is provided on the gear for receiving at least one of the contact pins. An improved compact design of the travel adapter is thus possible, since the contact pins are arranged in the housing in a space-saving manner in their rest position. For example, the third contact pin is arranged in the gear notch in its pivoted in rest position.

The travel adapter preferably has an unlocking mechanism which allows the respective plug or the first contact pin and the second contact pin to be pivoted out when the socket outlet is in the respective operating position. At the same time, the unlocking mechanism can prevent the remaining plugs or first contact pins and second contact pins from pivoting out, so that they must remain in their rest position. Thus, after selecting the desired standard, the user can only use the appropriate plug or first contact pin and second contact pin.

The unlocking mechanism is preferably designed in at least two parts and has an unlocking link and an engagement element. The unlocking link and the engagement element interact in such a way that reliable unlocking is possible and jamming of the plug and/or the contact pins can be prevented. The unlocking mechanism is advantageously designed in two parts, so that it has a simple structural design.

The unlocking link is preferably on the socket housing and the engagement element is arranged on the plug. The arrangement of the unlocking link on the socket housing enables a stable actuation of the unlocking mechanism when turning the socket. The engagement element can be arranged on the plug or on the first contact pin and/or second contact pin, but also on the coupling or on the gear, so that the engagement element can be arranged close to the socket housing and thus a reliable and stable interaction of the unlocking link and of the engagement element is possible.

The travel adapter preferably has a receptacle for an overcurrent fuse. Travel adapters are used in different countries with different energy networks. An overcurrent protection is advantageous for the safe use of the travel adapter and may be necessary with regard to country-specific certification regulations. If a damaged device is connected to the travel adapter, the overcurrent protection prevents damage to the travel adapter, since the overcurrent protection is triggered. The receptacle ensures easy replacement of the overcurrent fuse.

In particular, the receptacle is arranged on the socket housing. In this way, the receptacle and thus the overcurrent protection device arranged therein can be arranged close to the contact sockets.

The receptacle is preferably arranged opposite to the socket. The size of the travel adapter can thus be kept small.

In particular, the overcurrent protection is a fuse. Fuses can be manufactured for different overcurrent fuse classes and have a compact design and low weight.

Advantageously, the receptacle cannot be separated from the socket housing in the position where it has been guided out of the socket housing. This way the recording cannot be lost. At the same time it can thus be ensured that the contact sockets or the contact elements in the socket housing cannot be touched.

The travel adapter preferably has a locking device for locking the receptacle. The interlocking device prevents access to the overcurrent fuse when either plug or pin is in its operative position. This further improves safe use of the travel adapter.

The locking device is preferably designed in at least two parts and has a locking cam and a locking groove. The locking cams and locking groove engage tightly and prevent the receptacle from opening.

The locking groove is preferably arranged on the housing and the locking cam is arranged on the receptacle. This enables these elements of the locking device on the travel adapter to work together in a stable manner.

In particular, the locking groove and the locking cam can be brought into an operative connection in a position of the socket housing, so that the receptacle can be detached from the socket housing. This position is different for each operative position of the plugs or contact pins. It can thus be ensured that the overcurrent protection can only be removed when all plugs or contact pins are in their rest position and the travel adapter is therefore not in electrical contact with an external energy network.

The travel adapter preferably has an interface that makes it possible to arrange an additional module on the travel adapter and to connect this additional module electrically to the socket. This means that an electrical device can also be connected to the travel adapter, so that the range of uses of the travel adapter described here is further improved.

The interface advantageously has an electrical contact which interacts with an electrical contact on the additional module, so that the additional module can be supplied with electrical energy.

In particular (not exhaustively) the add-on module is from the group of a USB charger module, mobile battery module, Bluetooth ^® module, WiFi module, wireless charger module, IoT (Internet of Things) module, night light module, Storage compartment module for a cable, smartphone holder module, smart meter module (especially with a voltage, current and power display), key finder module, smoke detector module, mosquito repellent module or room fragrance module . For example, an electrical device such as a smartphone, tablet or music player can be connected to the USB charger module so that the accumulator arranged therein can be charged.

The travel adapter preferably has at least one recessed grip for turning the socket. The at least one recessed grip makes it easier for the user of the travel adapter to handle the travel adapter. The user can hold the travel adapter with one hand and twist the socket of the travel adapter into the desired position with the other hand.

This recessed grip is preferably arranged on the socket housing. This improves the feel for the user of the travel adapter and thus simplifies twisting the socket.

In particular, this recessed grip is arranged at the interface. The recessed grip and the interface are thus arranged on the same component of the housing, as a result of which the recessed grip and the interface can be produced in one work step. If necessary, the socket can be rotated using an additional module arranged at the interface.

The travel adapter preferably has two recessed grips for turning the socket. The user can, for example, reach into one of the recessed grips with one finger and turn the socket. The two recessed grips enable a secure grip when twisting the socket. The two recessed grips are advantageously arranged in opposite positions, which allows for easy handling.

Preferably, the socket in the socket housing is compatible with plugs from the Brazilian, Italian and Swiss standards. The socket in the socket housing can also be compatible with type J, type L or type N plugs, which increases the flexibility of the travel adapter.

At least one actuating recess is preferably provided on the travel adapter for pivoting out the plug. After the user of the travel adapter has selected the plug of the desired standard and has turned the socket into the appropriate position, the user can reach into the actuating recess and swing the selected plug out of the housing easily and largely without resistance.

Alternatively or additionally, at least one actuating recess is provided on the travel adapter for pivoting out the first contact pins and the second contact pins. As described above, the user can use the operating recess to easily swing the first contact pin and the second contact pin out of the housing, thereby improving the user's operability. Furthermore, the actuating recess can be used to ensure that all contact pins can be pivoted out of the housing.

A latching cam is preferably arranged on the plug for interaction with the housing, such that the plug can be locked in a rest position in the housing and in an operating position pivoted out. The plug is thus prevented from unintentionally leaving either the rest position or the pivoted-out operating position, as a result of which the operational safety of the travel adapter is improved.

Alternatively or additionally, a latching cam for interacting with the housing is arranged on the first contact pins and the second contact pins, such that the first contact pin and the second contact pin can be locked in a rest position in the housing and in an operating position pivoted out. This prevents the contact pins from unintentionally leaving either the rest position or the pivoted-out operating position, which improves the operational reliability of the travel adapter.

At least one widening element is preferably arranged on the housing. The at least one spreading element enables the socket housing to rest stably on an external socket when the travel adapter is arranged with a plug or a first contact pin and a second contact pin in the external socket.

According to the British standard, the housing of the plug preferably has at least one widening element. The widening element allows a space-saving arrangement of the relatively wide contact pins from the British standard in the housing of the travel adapter.

In addition, a standard for travel adapters, for example the British standard, can specify a minimum footprint for that side of the housing of the travel adapter on which the plug or the contact pins are arranged. Furthermore, this standard or another standard may require that the contact pins pivoted out have a predetermined distance from at least one edge area of the side of the housing. In order to meet the base area specified for this standard or the distance specified for it from at least one edge region, the travel adapter described here advantageously has at least one widening element.

In particular, the at least one widening element can be moved into an activation position by means of a link guide by pivoting the plug out. The link guide enables the at least one widening element to be moved stably into its activation position, as a result of which the at least one widening element can be moved several times without wear.

Alternatively or additionally, the at least one widening element can be moved into an activation position by means of a link guide by pivoting out the first contact pin and the second contact pin. This saves an additional drive mechanism for moving the propagation elements, which means that the travel adapter can be built light and compact.

In the activation position, the widening elements are moved out of the housing to such an extent that the resulting base area on the housing side meets the requirements of the relevant standard.

In the inactive position, on the other hand, the widening elements are arranged in the housing so that the travel adapter remains as compact as possible. In this way, the properties that are advantageous for the user of the travel adapter, such as a light, small and compact design, can be adequately met.

In particular, at least one further widening element is arranged on the housing, which can be moved into an activation position by means of a link guide by pivoting out the first contact pin and the second contact pin is movable. The at least one further spreading element enables the socket housing to rest even more stably on an external socket.

A travel adapter according to the invention comprises a housing, at least one socket of a first standard and at least one plug of a second standard, the socket of the first standard having at least a first contact socket and a second contact socket and the plug of the second standard having at least a first contact pin and a second contact pin having. The first contact pin is electrically connected to the first contact socket and the second contact pin is electrically connected to the second contact socket. The first contact pin and the second contact pin are movably arranged on the housing. At least one widening element is arranged on the housing, which can be moved into an activation position by means of a lateral link guide.

The at least one activated propagation element enables a standard-compliant base area and stable contact of the housing of the travel adapter with an external socket (mains socket) when the first contact pin and the second contact pin are arranged in the contact sockets of an external socket. In addition, the at least one widening element enables the travel adapter to be constructed in a compact manner, as a result of which the size of the travel adapter can be further reduced. The activation position of the at least one propagation element can be reached when the first contact pin and the second contact pin are in their operating position. In contrast, the widening elements can be in an inactive position when the first contact pin and the second contact pin are in their rest position. In the inactive position, the widening elements are arranged in sections in the housing and form a space-saving, compact unit with the sides of the housing. In this way, the properties that are advantageous for the user of the travel adapter, such as a light, small and compact design, can be adequately met.

The operating position of the first contact pin and the second contact pin is that moved-out end position in which the first contact pin and the second contact pin can be plugged into an external or separate socket. In contrast to this, a rest position is that end position moved in, in which the first contact pin and the second contact pin are located at least in sections in the housing.

The at least one widening element is preferably arranged on the housing in such a way that it can be moved into an activation position by moving out the first contact pin and the second contact pin.

As an alternative to this, the travel adapter can have a triggering device for activating the at least one widening element. The user can activate the triggering device, for example via a trigger button, which releases the at least one widening element, so that it is moved from its inactive position to its activated position. The release device can have a gear which can be arranged in the housing of the travel adapter and which connects the release button to the contact pins so that the contact pins can be moved out of the housing with the help of the gear. The release button can be located on the body of the travel adapter so that it is easily accessible to the user.

The connector preferably has a further widening element, which can be moved into an activation position by moving out the first contact pin and the second contact pin.

In the activation position, the widening elements are moved out of the housing to such an extent that the resulting base area on the housing side meets the requirements of the relevant standard. In the inactive position, on the other hand, the widening elements are arranged in the housing so that the travel adapter remains as compact as possible.

In particular, the plug is designed in accordance with the British standard, with the first contact pin and the second contact pin being designed wider and, according to the standard, being positioned comparatively wide relative to one another than with other standards. These wide contact pins and their distance from one another require comparatively more space in the housing of a travel adapter. In the case of travel adapters with a plug according to the British standard, the widening elements described here are particularly suitable for making the travel adapter particularly compact.

In particular, the at least one and the further widening element can each be moved by means of a link guide. The slotted guides enable these widening elements to be moved stably into their activation position, as a result of which these widening elements can be moved several times without wear. This is an additional drive mechanism for the Movement of the propagation elements saved, with which the travel adapter can be built light and compact.

The first contact pin and the second contact pin are preferably coupled to one another in such a way that they can be moved out of the housing together. The first contact pin and the second contact pin can thus be moved synchronously from their rest position to their operating position. These reach their operating position at the same time, so that they can be easily plugged into an external or separate socket by the user.

At least the first contact pin and the second contact pin can advantageously be moved linearly out of the housing. The two contact pins can be moved out of the housing with the help of contact pin guides.

At least the first contact pin and the second contact pin can advantageously be pivoted out of the housing. This means that these contact pins can be moved out of the housing and back in again in a particularly simple manner.

The first contact pin and the second contact pin are preferably coupled to one another in such a way that they can be moved out of the housing together. The first contact pin and the second contact pin can thus be moved synchronously from their rest position to their operating position. These reach their operating position at the same time, so that they can be easily plugged into an external or separate socket by the user.

The socket outlet preferably has a third contact socket which is connected to a third contact pin which can be moved out of the housing and which is a protective conductor pin. This means that the travel adapter can also be used in countries where a protective conductor system is required.

In particular, the first contact pin and the second contact pin and the third contact pin are coupled to one another in such a way that they can be moved out of the housing together. The coupling of the contact pins enables synchronous movement of all three contact pins so that they can easily be moved into their respective operating positions.

The first contact pin and the second contact pin can preferably be pivoted out in a first pivoting direction and the third contact pin can be pivoted out in a second pivoting direction opposite to the first pivoting direction. With it the contact pins can be arranged in the rest position in the housing of the travel adapter to save space. The third contact pin is designed as the protective conductor pin, so that it can be pivoted in the opposite direction to the first and to the second contact pin.

The third contact socket preferably has an elongated hole. This means that the Swiss plug standard, the Italian plug standard and the Brazilian plug standard can be met with one and the same socket.

The travel adapter preferably has an interface which makes it possible to arrange an additional module as described here on the travel adapter and to connect the additional module arranged at the interface electrically to the socket. This means that an electrical device can also be connected to the travel adapter, so that the range of uses of the travel adapter described here is further improved.

The interface advantageously has an electrical contact which interacts with an electrical contact on the additional module, so that the additional module can be supplied with electrical energy.

A set according to the invention comprising one of the travel adapters as described here and a plug-in adapter. The plug-in adapter has a plug-in adapter housing on which a plug for interacting with the socket of the travel adapter is arranged, as well as one or more sockets of different standards. The plug-in adapter can have a plug-in adapter housing that is essentially disk-shaped, so that the set can have a compact structure when assembled. The plug of the plug-in adapter has a first standard, so that it can advantageously be plugged into the socket of the travel adapter. The plug of the plug adapter is thus electrically connected to the contact sockets of the socket and an electrical device of a first standard connected to the socket of the plug adapter can thus be electrically connected to an external socket of a second standard.

The socket of the plug adapter advantageously includes several standards, so that devices with plugs of different standards can be connected to this socket. This further improves the flexibility of the travel adapter or set.

The set preferably includes one of the travel adapters as described here and an additional module for interacting with the interface of the travel adapter. This can further improve the flexibility of the set, as already described.

Further advantages, features and details of the invention result from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described with reference to the figures. Enumerations such as first, second, third or further only serve to identify the components.

Like the technical content of the patent claims and figures, the list of reference symbols is part of the disclosure. The figures are described coherently and comprehensively. The same reference symbols denote the same components, while reference symbols with different indices indicate functionally identical or similar components.

Fig. 1

einen Reiseadapter in einer ersten perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 2

den Reiseadapter gemäss Fig.1 in einer Aufsicht,

Fig. 3

den Reiseadapter gemäss Fig.1 in einer weiteren perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 4

eine detaillierte Ansicht des Reiseadapters gemäss Fig. 3,

Fig. 5

die Steckdose des Reiseadapter gemäss Fig.1 ohne Gehäuse einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 6

die Steckdose gemäss Fig.5 in einer Seitenansicht,

Fig. 7

die Steckdose gemäss Fig.5 in einer ersten Aufsicht,

Fig. 8

die Steckdose gemäss Fig.5 in einer ersten Schnittansicht,

Fig. 9

einen Stecker einer ersten Norm des Reiseadapters gemäss dem Ausschnitt Ader Fig. 8 in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 10

einen Stecker einer zweiten Norm des Reiseadapters gemäss Fig.1 in einer Ansicht,

Fig. 11

einen dritten Stecker des Reiseadapters in einer perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 12

die Steckdose gemäss Fig.5 in einer weiteren Schnittansicht,

Fig. 13

einen Stecker einer weiteren Norm gemäss dem Ausschnitt B der Fig. 12, in einer Aufsicht

Fig. 14

einen erfindungsgemässen Reiseadapter in einer ersten perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 15

den Reiseadapter gemäss Fig. 12 in einer ersten Aufsicht,

Fig. 16

den Reiseadapter gemäss Fig. 12 in einer weiteren perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 17

den Reiseadapter gemäss Fig. 12 in einer weiteren Aufsicht,

Fig. 18

den Reiseadapter gemäss Fig. 12 in einer weiteren perspektivischen Ansicht,

Fig. 19

den Reiseadapter gemäss Fig. 12 in einer weiteren perspektivischen Ansicht, und

Fig. 20

ein erfindungsgemässes Set in einer perspektivischen Ansicht (Explosionsdarstellung).

They show:

1

a travel adapter in a first perspective view,

2

according to the travel adapter Fig.1 in a supervision

3

according to the travel adapter Fig.1 in another perspective view,

4

a detailed view of the travel adapter according to 3 ,

figure 5

the socket of the travel adapter according to Fig.1 without housing a perspective view,

6

the socket according to Fig.5 in a side view,

7

the socket according to Fig.5 in a first supervision,

8

the socket according to Fig.5 in a first sectional view,

9

a plug of a first standard of the travel adapter according to the Wire excerpt 8 in a perspective view,

10

a plug according to a second standard of the travel adapter Fig.1 in a view

11

a third plug of the travel adapter in a perspective view,

12

the socket according to Fig.5 in another sectional view,

13

a plug of another standard according to excerpt B of 12 , in an oversight

14

a travel adapter according to the invention in a first perspective view,

15

according to the travel adapter 12 in a first supervision,

16

according to the travel adapter 12 in another perspective view,

17

according to the travel adapter 12 in another supervision,

18

according to the travel adapter 12 in another perspective view,

19

according to the travel adapter 12 in another perspective view, and

20

a set according to the invention in a perspective view (exploded view).

Figures 1 to 4 show a travel adapter 100 in different views. The travel adapter 100 comprises a housing 101 in which a socket 10 is arranged and in which several plugs 20, 20', 20", 20‴ of different standards are arranged. The socket 10 is designed to accommodate external plugs of different standards. The socket 10 has a socket housing 15, in which are arranged a first contact socket 11, a second contact socket 12 and a third contact socket 13. The contact sockets 11, 12, 13 are designed to receive contact pins from external plugs (mains plugs) of different standards and to interact with them Furthermore, contact tongues 14, 14' are arranged on the socket housing 15, which can also interact with contacts of an external plug and are electrically connected to the contact socket 13.

The socket 10 is rotatably mounted in the housing 101 in the directions of rotation R and the plugs 20, 20', 20", 20‴ are on the respective housing sides 105, 106, 107, 108 of the housing 101, each offset by 90 ° to each other and arranged pivotably on the housing 101. By rotating the socket outlet 10 relative to the housing 101 to the respective housing side 105, 106, 107, 108, the respective plug 20, 20', 20", 20‴ or the first contact pin 21, the second contact pin 22 and the third contact pin 23 can be pivoted out of the housing 101. Only that plug 20, 20', 20", 20‴ can be pivoted out of the housing 101 into its operating position which has been selected by the user. The selection of the respective connector 20, 20', 20", 20‴ is visualized with the aid of the selection mark 19. On the housing sides 105, 106, 107, 108, on the housing 101, there are actuating depressions 24 for pivoting out the connectors 20, 20', 20". , 20‴ arranged. The actuating recesses 24 allow you to reach into the housing 101, so that the respectively selected plug 20, 20', 20", 20‴ can be pivoted out of the housing manually. The other plugs 20, 20', 20", 20‴ remain in their respective pivoted rest position in the housing 101 and are at least partially covered by widening elements 25. The widening elements 25 can be moved into an activation position by means of a link guide 26 by pivoting out the contact pins 21, 22, 23. In the activation position, the widening elements 25 can protrude beyond the edges of the housing, so that the housing 101 is widened on this side 105 of the housing.

A receptacle 60 is arranged on the socket housing 15 on the side of the housing 101 opposite the socket 10 . This receptacle 60 accommodates an overcurrent fuse 61 . If the receptacle 60 and the overcurrent fuse 61 arranged therein are arranged within the socket housing 15, the overcurrent fuse 61 is electrically connected to the first contact socket 11, for example. The receptacle 60 has a receptacle guide 62 with which the receptacle 60 and thus also the overcurrent protection device 61 can be guided into the socket housing 15 . The receptacle 60 is connected to the socket body 15 in the led-out position.

The travel adapter 100 has a locking device 70 for locking the receptacle 60 . The locking device 70 prevents access to the overcurrent protection 61 when one of the plugs 20, 20', 20", 20‴ is in its operating position. The locking device 70 can only be unlocked when the socket 10 along the directions of rotation R to Locking mark 63 is rotated and the plugs 20, 20', 20", 20‴ in are in their resting position. The locking device is designed in two parts and has a locking cam 71 and a locking groove 72, the locking groove 72 being arranged on the socket housing 15 and the locking cam 71 being arranged on the receptacle.

The travel adapter 100 has two recessed grips 102 on the socket housing 15, which are used to rotate the socket 10 in the directions of rotation R, so that it can be rotated into a position relative to the housing 101 in which the receptacle 60 can be guided out of the socket housing 15. This position corresponds to locking position 64 on socket housing 15.

The travel adapter 100 has an interface 80 on the side opposite the socket 10, which makes it possible to arrange an additional module on the travel adapter 100 and to electrically connect the additional module arranged at the interface 80 to the socket 10.

Figures 5 to 7 show the socket 10 of the travel adapter 100 described above with the plugs 20, 20', 20", 20‴ arranged thereon, the housing 101 being hidden in these figures. The plugs 20, 20', 20", 20‴ are according to British standard (plug 20), the American standard (plug 20'), the Swiss standard (plug 20") and the Australian standard (plug 20‴). Plugs of other standards can also be arranged on a travel adapter 100 described here. The Plugs 20, 20', 20", 20‴ each have a first contact pin 21, 21', 21", 21‴ and a second contact pin 22, 22', 22", 22‴. According to their standard, the illustrated plugs 20, 20', 20", 20‴ require a protective conductor pin, which is illustrated in each case as a third contact pin 23, 23', 23", 23‴. Contact elements 16, 17, 18 are arranged in the socket housing 15 and are electrically connected to the first contact socket 11, the second contact socket 12 and the third contact socket 13 and/or to the contact tongues 14, 14' of the socket 10. The third contact pin 23, 23', 23", 23‴ forms a protective conductor connection with the contact tongues 14, 14' of the socket 10 and/or with the third contact socket 13 and with the contact element 18. The contact elements 16, 17, 18 in the Socket housing 15 can be electrically connected to the respective plug 20, 20', 20", 20‴ by rotating the socket 10 relative to the housing 101. For this purpose, the contact elements 16, 17, 18 with the respective first contact pin 21, 21', 21", 21‴, with the respective second contact pin 22, 22', 22", 22‴ and with the respective third contact pin 23, 23' , 23", 23‴ brought into contact and thus electrically connected.

Plugs according to a standard without a protective conductor pin do not have a third contact pin 23, 23', 23", 23‴. In this case, that contact element 18 which is electrically connected to the contact socket 13 or the contact tongues 14, 14' is electrically connected to a plug without third contact pin 23, 23', 23", 23‴ by being covered by the housing or by a connector cover (not shown).

The selection mark 19 on the socket housing 15 ( 2 ) is arranged in the area above the contact elements 16, 17, 18 so that the user of the travel adapter 100 can see which plug 20, 20', 20", 20‴ the contact sockets 11, 12, 13, 14, 14' are electrically connected to The respectively selected plug 20, 20', 20", 20‴ or its contact pins 21, 22, 23; 21', 22', 23';21",22",23"; 21‴, 22‴, 23‴ are pivoted out of the housing by the user. The first contact pin 21, 21', 21", 21‴, the second contact pin 22, 22', 22 ", 22"` and the third contact pin 23, 23', 23", 23‴ are coupled to one another in such a way that they can be pivoted out of the housing together. For coupling the contact pins 21, 22, 23; 21', 22', 23 ';21",22",23"; 21‴, 22‴, 23‴ a gear is provided in each case. The contact pins 21", 22", 23" can only be swiveled out together with the plug 20", a pivoting device 28 being arranged on the plug 20" for this purpose.

As in the Figures 8 to 10 shown, for coupling the contact pins 21, 22, 23; 21', 22', 23';21",22",23"; 21‴, 22‴, 23‴ gears are used, which are arranged on the socket housing 15. The contact pins 21, 22, 23; 21', 22', 23';21",22",23"; 21‴, 22‴, 23‴ have contact clips 29, which interact with the contact elements 16, 17, 18 on the socket housing, provided that one of the plugs 20, 20', 20", 20‴ is in its operating position. The gears are designed either as a toothed wheel gear 30 or as a coupling rod gear 40. A gear enables the respective contact pins 21, 22, 23; 21', 22', 23'; 21‴, 22‴, 23‴ to be swiveled out together, so that can move synchronously into their operating position and/or rest position. In this case, latching cams 37, 47 are arranged on the gearing of the plug 20, 20', 20", 20‴ for interaction with the housing 101 of the travel adapter 100, such that the plug 20, 20 ', 20", 20‴ can be locked in the rest position in the housing 101 and in an operating position pivoted out.

A gear train 30, as in FIG 9 shown connects the contact pins 21', 22', 23'. The toothed gearing 30 has teeth 31, 32 which mesh and allow the contact pins 21', 22', 23' to pivot out together. The teeth 31, 32 rotate in opposite directions. A gear notch 33 is arranged on the gear, so that the third contact pin 23′ is arranged in the gear notch 33 in its swiveled-in rest position, and the overall size of the travel adapter can thus be minimized.

A connecting rod gear 40, as in the 10 shown, connects the contact pins 21, 22, 23. The coupling rod mechanism 40 has a connecting rod 41 which allows the contact pins 21, 22, 23 to be pivoted out together. In the representation shown, the contact pins 21 and 22 are congruent, so that only the contact pin 21 can be shown.

As in the Figures 9 and 10 shown, the first contact pin 21, 21' and the second contact pin 22, 22' can be pivoted out in a first pivoting direction and the third contact pin 23; 23' can be pivoted out in a second pivoting direction opposite to the first pivoting direction.

11 shows a 20" plug according to the Swiss standard, the Italian standard and the Brazilian standard, these standards being selectable. For this purpose, the third contact pin 23" as a protective conductor pin can be moved linearly. The protective conductor pin is arranged so that it can move linearly in a slot 36 between the first contact pin 21" and the second contact pin 22". After the connector 20'' has been swiveled out with the pivoting device 28 and after the locking cam 27 has snapped into place on the housing 101, the user can move the protective conductor pin along the elongated hole 36 into at least three positions.

12 and 13 show the travel adapter 100 and an unlocking mechanism 50, which allows one of the plugs 20, 20', 20", 20‴ or their contact pins to be pivoted out when the socket 10 or the selection marking 19 is in the respective operating position of the selected plug 20' shows (see e.g. figure 5 ). At the same time, the unlocking mechanism 50 prevents the remaining plugs 20, 20", 20‴ or their contact pins from pivoting out, so that they must remain in their rest position.

The unlocking mechanism 50 has an unlocking link 51 and an engagement element 52 . The unlocking link 51 and the engagement element 52 work together in such a way that reliable unlocking is possible. The engagement element 52 is arranged on the gear 30 of the plug 20 ′ and the unlocking link 51 is arranged on the socket housing 15 .

The Figures 14 to 19 show a travel adapter 400 according to the invention in different views. The travel adapter 400 comprises a housing 401 in which a socket 410 with a first standard is arranged and in which a plug 420 with a standard that differs from the first standard is arranged. The plug 420 standard shown is British standard. The socket 410 is designed to accommodate external plugs of different standards. For this purpose, the socket has a first contact socket 411, a second contact socket 412 and a third contact socket 413 and contact tongues 414, 414'. The third contact socket 413 has an elongated hole, so that an external plug according to the Swiss plug standard, the Italian plug standard and the Brazilian plug standard can be arranged in the socket 410, for example a plug as in FIG 11 shown.

The plug 420 is arranged on the side of the housing 401 opposite the socket 410 . The plug 420 has a first contact pin 421 and a second contact pin 422 , the first contact socket 412 being electrically connected to the first contact socket 411 and the second contact pin 422 being electrically connected to the second contact socket 412 . Furthermore, the plug 420 has a third contact pin 423 which is a protective conductor pin and which is electrically connected to the third contact socket 413 or to the contact tongues 414, 414'.

The contact pins 421, 422, 423 are movably arranged on the housing 401 so that they can be pivoted out of the housing 401. Its end position, pivoted out of the housing 401, is referred to as the operating position ( 18 ). In the operating position, the contact pins 421, 422, 423 can be inserted into the respective contact sockets of an external plug. In contrast to this, the rest position is the end position that has been given in, in which the contact pins 421, 422, 423 are located in the housing 401 ( 16 ).

The contact pins 421, 422, 423 are, as already in the 9 or 10 described coupled to each other in such a way that they can be moved out of the housing 401 together. For this, the travel adapter 400 has a gear and wherein the contact pins 21, 22 and the contact pin 23 have different pivoting directions.

Widening elements 425 are arranged on the housing 401 and can be moved into an activation position by moving out the first contact pin 421 and the second contact pin 422 . The widening elements 425 can each be moved by means of a link guide 426, as already shown in FIG figure 1 described.

In an alternative embodiment of this travel adapter (as in 15 shown), the widening elements can optionally be activated using a triggering device. The user can activate the release device 418, for example via a release button 419 (dashed circle), which releases the widening elements 425 so that they are moved from their inactive position to their activation position. The contact pins 421, 422, 423 can then be moved out of the housing 401. The release button 419 can be located on the housing 401 of the travel adapter 400 so that it is easily accessible to the user. A release slide can also be used as the release button 419 .

The travel adapter 400 can have other elements of the travel adapter 100 according to the Figures 1 to 13 exhibit. For example, the travel adapter 400 has an interface 480 that makes it possible to arrange an additional module as described here on the travel adapter 400 and to electrically connect the additional module arranged at the interface 480 to the socket 410 .

20 shows a set 500 according to the invention comprising a travel adapter 100 as described here with an additional module 90 and a plug-in adapter 200. The plug-in adapter 200 has a plug-in adapter housing 201 on which a plug 220 is arranged for interaction with the socket 10 of the travel adapter 100 and one or several sockets 210 of different standards. The plug-in adapter 200 has an essentially disc-shaped plug-in adapter housing 201, so that the set 500 can have a compact structure when assembled. The plug 220 of the plug-in adapter 200 has a first standard and the socket 10 of the travel adapter 100 has at least the same standard, so that the plug 220 can be plugged into the socket 10 of the travel adapter 100 and thus electrically connected to it.

The socket 210 of the plug-in adapter 200 has a number of standards, so that contact pins from plugs with a wide variety of standards can be connected to this socket 210 . The socket 210 has a plurality of contact sockets 211 for this.

The travel adapter 100 as described herein; 400 has an interface 80; 480 on (see 3 ; 16 ). The additional module 90 has cams 95 . When assembled, the interface 80; 480 of the travel adapter 100; 400 the cam 95 of the additional module 90 so that they interact mechanically. At least one cam 95 has an electrical contact 96 which is connected to a contact in the interface 80; 480 is electrically connectable, so that the additional module 90 can be supplied with electrical energy when the travel adapter 100; 400 is connected to an external power supply.

That additional module 90 is, for example, either a USB charger module, mobile battery module, Bluetooth module, WiFi module, wireless charger module, IoT (Internet of Things) module, night light module, compartment module for a cable , smartphone holder module, smart meter module (especially with a voltage, current and power display), key finder module, smoke detector module, mosquito repellent module or room fragrance module. For example, an electrical device such as a smartphone, a tablet or a music player can be connected to the USB charger module, so that the accumulator arranged therein can be charged.

The set 500 described above can also use the travel adapter 400 instead of the travel adapter 100, as described above and in the Figures 14 to 19 shown include.

reference list

100

travel adapter

101

Housing

102

recessed grip

105

first side of the case

106

second side of the case

107

third side of the case

108

fourth side of the case

10

Power outlet

11

contact socket

12

contact socket

13

contact socket

14

contact tongue

14'

contact tongue

15

can housing

16

contact elements

17

contact elements

18

contact elements

19

selection mark

20

Plug

20'

Plug

20"

Plug

20‴

Plug

21

first contact pin

21'

first contact pin

21"

first contact pin

21‴

first contact pin

22

second contact pin

22'

second contact pin

22"

second contact pin

22‴

second contact pin

23

third contact pin

23'

third contact pin

23"

third contact pin

23‴

third contact pin

24

actuation recesses

25

widening elements

26

link guide

27

snap cam

28

gift device

29

contact clips

30

gear transmission

31

gearing

32

gearing

33

gear notch

36

Long hole

37

snap cam

40

connecting rod gear

41

connecting rod

47

locking cam

50

unlocking mechanism

51

unlocking backdrop

52

engagement element

60

Recording

61

overcurrent protection

62

recording guide

63

locking mark

64

locking position

70

locking device

71

locking cam

72

locking groove

80

interface

90

add-on module

95

cam from 90

96

electrical contact

200

plug adapter

201

plug adapter housing

210

sockets

211

contact sockets

220

Plug

400

travel adapter

401

Housing

410

Power outlet

411

first contact socket

412

second contact socket

413

third contact socket

414

contact tongue

414'

contact tongue

418

release device

419

release button

420

Plug

421

first contact pin

422

second contact pin

423

third contact pin

425

widening elements

426

link guide

480

interface

500

set

R

directions of rotation

Claims (12)

1. Travel adapter (400) comprising a housing (401), at least one receptacle (410) of a first standard and at least one plug (420) of a second standard, wherein the receptacle (410) of the first standard has at least one first contact socket (411) and one second contact socket (412), and the at least one plug (420) of the second standard has at least one first contact pin (421) and one second contact pin (422), wherein the first contact pin (421) is electrically connected to the first contact socket (411) and the second contact pin (422) is electrically connected to the second contact socket (412), and the first contact pin (421) and the second contact pin (422) are movably arranged on the housing (401) and can be pivoted out of the housing (401), characterized in that a extension element (425) is arranged on the housing (401) which can be moved sideways into an activation position by means of a slide guide (426).
2. Travel adapter (400) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the at least one extension element (425) is arranged on the housing (401) in such a way that it can be moved into an activation position by moving the first contact pin (421) and the second contact pin (422) outwards.
3. Travel adapter (400) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the travel adapter (400) comprises a release device (418) for activating the at least one extension element (425).
4. Travel adapter (400) according to Claim 3, characterized in the release device (418) comprises a gear which is arranged in the housing (401) and which advantageously connects a release button (419) to the contact pins (421, 422) .
5. Travel adapter (400) according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the plug (420) has a further extension element, the extension element being movable into an activation position by moving the first contact pin (421) and the second contact pin (422) outwards.
6. Travel adapter (400) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the at least one and the further extension element (425) are movable by means of a respective slide guide.
7. Travel adapter (400) according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the housing (401) of the plug (420) has at least one extension element (425) according to the British standard.
8. Travel adapter (400) according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the first contact pin (421) and the second contact pin (422) are coupled to each other such that they can be moved out of the housing (401) together.
9. Travel adapter (400) according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first contact pin (421) and the second contact pin (422) are pivotable out in a first pivot direction and a third contact pin (423) is pivotable out in a second pivot direction opposite to the first pivot direction.
10. Travel adapter (400) according to Claim 9, characterized in that the travel adapter (400) has an interface which makes it possible to arrange an additional module (480), in particular from the group of USB charger module, mobile battery module, Bluetooth module, WiFi module, on the travel adapter (400) and to connect this additional module (480) electrically to the receptable (410).
11. Set (500) comprising a travel adapter (400) according to any one of Claims 1 to 10 and a plug adapter (200), characterized in that the plug adapter (200) has a plug adapter housing (201), on which a plug (220) is arranged to cooperate with the receptacle (410) of the travel adapter (400) and has one or more receptacles (210) of different standards.
12. Set (500) according to Claim 11, comprising a travel adapter (400) according to Claims 1 to 10 and an additional module (480) to cooperate with the interface of the travel adapter (400).

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