EP3806249A1 - Socket adapter with charging connector - Google Patents

Abstract

The disclosure shows a socket adapter comprising a power plug and an opposing socket. A module with at least one charging connection, in particular a USB charging connection, is plugged into the side of a socket housing.

Description

Field of the invention

The invention relates to a socket adapter for an on-site mains socket, which has a charging connection, in particular a USB charging connection.

Background of the invention

So-called travel plugs, that is to say socket adapters which have a mains plug and a mains socket of different types, are known. With such travel plugs, electrical devices can continue to be operated at on-site sockets of a different type without having to replace the existing plug of the electrical device.

Various travel plugs are also known from practice, which additionally have a charging connection with which a device that is operated with low voltage, in particular with a voltage below 25 V, can be supplied with voltage. Such charging connections are used, for example, to charge mobile devices such as smartphones.

USB charging connections of various standards are known in particular. In order to provide such a charging connection, a voltage converter must be integrated in the travel plug. Most of the travel plugs with USB charging ports available on the market are relatively large and heavy, which is particularly undesirable for travel plugs. Furthermore, the components of the charging connection, in particular the voltage converter, are always necessarily carried along, even if they are not required.

Object of the invention

In contrast, the invention is based on the object of at least reducing the stated disadvantages of the prior art.

In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a travel plug with a charging connection which is compact and / or can be handled flexibly.

Summary of the invention

The object of the invention is already achieved by a socket adapter according to claim 1.

Preferred embodiments and developments of the invention can be found in the subject matter of the dependent claims, the description and the drawings.

The invention relates to a socket adapter which comprises a mains plug and an opposite socket. The socket opposite the mains plug is designed as a mains socket.

A compact design can be achieved simply because of the opposing arrangement.

Plug and socket are designed in particular as mains plug types A to N (according to the International Electrotechnical Commission).

For use in Germany, the socket can in particular be designed as an earthed socket in accordance with CEE 7/3.

The socket adapter is designed in particular as a travel plug, in which the plug is designed as a different type of power plug than the socket designed as a power socket.

According to the invention, the socket adapter comprises, on the side of a socket housing, a module with at least one charging connection, in particular a USB charging connection, which is plugged into the socket housing.

The module is preferably electrically contacted with the mains plug via the plug connection and at the same time mechanically held together with the socket housing.

In particular, the module comprises a plug which, in the assembled state, is inserted laterally into a complementary socket of the socket housing.

In the plugged-together state, the socket of the module preferably protrudes at least partially, particularly preferably completely, into the socket housing.

A compact design can thus be achieved. At the same time, the module and socket housing can be assembled from both components to form a compact two-part housing.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the socket adapter comprises an exchangeable plug module. Via the exchangeable plug module, the socket adapter can accommodate different socket types available on site be adjusted. Such exchangeable plug modules are known and are pushed onto the housing in particular perpendicular to the alignment of the contact pins of the plug.

The module with the at least one charging connection preferably comprises the power supply unit for the charging connection and can be supplied with power via the plug that can be inserted into the socket housing on the side.

The voltage conversion from the voltage present on the mains side from usually over 100 V to a low voltage of usually less than 25 V takes place within the detachable module.

In contrast, preferably no voltage converter is arranged in the housing of the socket adapter.

The corresponding components for the voltage converter do not have to be carried when the module is pulled out.

The module with the charging connection and the socket housing preferably have essentially identically designed contact surfaces with which the components come into contact in the assembled state.

The contact surfaces are in particular designed as a plane and preferably have essentially the same dimensions in order to form a uniformly designed housing in the assembled state.

The module preferably has the same width as the adjacent connector housing in the area of the contact surfaces.

The module and socket housing can seamlessly merge into one another.

In the assembled state, the module and socket housing can be designed in the top view of the socket from the front, for example as a rectangle, in particular also with rounded edges.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the overall housing consisting of module and socket housing is formed from two opposite ends with a substantially semicircular cross-section, which are connected to one another via straight side walls, when viewed from above on the socket. The housing thus has the design of an elongated hole, particularly when viewed from above.

In this way, a particularly compact design can also be provided, since the socket housing can follow the generally circular contour of the socket on one side.

The likewise semicircular shape of the module on the opposite side enables a housing with a mirror-symmetrical cross-section and thus a particularly elegant and compact design.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the contacts of the plug of the module with the charging connection protrude in the plugged-in state into the area of the socket, that is to say the mains socket, of the socket housing.

Because the contacts are arranged in the top view from the front of the socket in the area of the socket, the contacting can be arranged at least partially behind or in the socket in the top view from the front.

This also contributes to a particularly compact design.

The at least one charging connection is preferably arranged on a front side of the module for easy accessibility.

In particular, the module is located as intended in an on-site socket in the plugged-in state above the socket housing. In particular, the charging connections have the correct orientation in this state.

The module is particularly well secured against being pulled out of the socket housing accidentally.

According to a preferred embodiment, the module comprises two charging connections arranged next to one another, in particular of the USB A, USB C and / or FireWire type.

In a further development of the invention, a set with a socket adapter described above is provided which comprises a housing closure part which can be inserted into the socket outlet housing instead of the module with the charging connection.

If the module with the charging connection is not to be carried and / or is offered separately from the rest of the socket adapter, it is possible to close the side connections, in particular the side socket of the socket outlet housing, with the housing termination module.

The housing closure part can in particular be designed as a plate.

The housing closure part can furthermore comprise pins or pin-shaped extensions which, in the assembled state, engage in the at least one opening of the socket outlet housing which is otherwise used for plugging in the module with the charging connection.

In one embodiment of the invention, the module comprises a plug with a form-fitting element, the socket housing having a corresponding recess.

The module with the at least one USB charging connection is supplied with mains voltage via the plug with the form-fitting element.

The form-fit element can provide a better mechanical connection; in particular, the form-fit element secures the module perpendicular to its insertion direction.

The axial securing can be provided by a clamping or latching form-fit element and / or by the contact pins of the plug.

The module is preferably axially secured in the plugged-in state via the plug alone.

In one embodiment of the invention, the form-fit element has a hexagonal cross section.

In particular, the form-fit element is designed to be hexagonal in accordance with DIN VDE 0620-101, corresponding to the hexagonal contour of a two-pole Euro plug.

It can be ensured over the length of the form-fit element that the contact pins of the plug are not touched can be if the plug is in electrical connection with the corresponding contacts of the corresponding socket.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the plug of the module with the charging connection is designed as a mains plug, in particular of type A to N, in particular as a two-pole Euro plug.

The module with the charging connection can also be used without the travel plug and plugged into an on-site socket.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the socket for the module is designed in such a way that the module, but not another plug, can be plugged into the socket for the module.

This can be made possible, for example, by a recess on the plug of the module, into which a form-fit element, such as a web, engages when plugged in. Other plugs, in particular other Euro plugs, are blocked by the form-fitting element.

Furthermore, the socket for the module with the USB charging connection can include a plug-in protection.

Such plug-in contactors are known. These can be designed, for example, as a plate that closes the openings of the socket for the contact pins of the plug. This plate can only be brought into an open state via a mechanism if a contact pin penetrates into both openings at the same time.

The invention also relates to a module which is designed for a socket adapter described above. In particular, it can show all of the features described in connection with the module.

Brief description of the drawings

• Fig. 1 zeigt in der Draufsicht ein Ausführungsbeispiel eines erfindungsgemäßen Steckdosenadapters, wobei das Modul mit dem Ladeanschluss noch nicht eingesteckt ist.
• Fig. 2 zeigt den Steckdosenadapter im zusammengekoppelten Zustand.
• Fig. 3 ist eine perspektivische Ansicht.
• Fig. 4 und Fig. 5 sind perspektivische Ansichten, in denen insbesondere die Rückseite mit einem Stecker für verschiedene Steckertypen zu erkennen ist.
• Fig. 6 ist eine perspektivische Ansicht des Steckdosengehäuses und eines anstelle des Moduls verwendbaren Gehäuseabschlussteils.
• Fig. 7 zeigt Gehäuseabschlussteil und Steckdosengehäuse im zusammengesetzten Zustand.
• Bezugnehmend auf Fig. 8 bis Fig. 12 soll ein weiteres Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung erläutert werden.
• Fig. 8 und Fig. 9 sind perspektivische Ansichten des Steckdosengehäuses.
• Fig. 10 ist eine perspektivische Ansicht des Steckdosengehäuses mit ausgeblendeter hinterer Gehäusewand.
• Fig. 11 ist eine perspektivische Ansicht des für das Ausführungsbeispiel gemäß Fig. 8 bis Fig. 12 ausgebildeten Moduls mit USB-Ladeanschluss.
• Fig. 12 zeigt das Modul mit abgenommenen Gehäusehinterteil.
• Fig. 13 und Fig. 14 sind perspektivische Ansichten eines Steckdosenadapters, welcher gegenüber den vorstehend beschriebenen Ausführungsbeispielen als Reisestecker für andere Regionen ausgebildet ist.

The subject matter of the invention is intended below with reference to an exemplary embodiment using the drawings FIGS. 1 to 7 are explained in more detail.

• Fig. 1 shows a plan view of an embodiment of a socket adapter according to the invention, the module with the charging connection not yet being plugged in.
• Fig. 2 shows the socket adapter coupled together.
• Fig. 3 Fig. 3 is a perspective view.
• Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 are perspective views in which in particular the rear side with a plug for different plug types can be seen.
• Fig. 6 Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the receptacle housing and a housing end piece that can be used in place of the module.
• Fig. 7 shows housing closure part and socket housing in the assembled state.
• Referring to FIGS. 8 to 12 a further embodiment of the invention is to be explained.
• FIGS. 8 and 9 are perspective views of the receptacle housing.
• Fig. 10 Figure 3 is a perspective view of the receptacle housing with the rear housing wall hidden.
• Fig. 11 FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the embodiment according to FIG FIGS. 8 to 12 trained module with USB charging port.
• Fig. 12 shows the module with the rear part removed.
• Figures 13 and 14 are perspective views of a socket adapter which, compared to the exemplary embodiments described above, is designed as a travel plug for other regions.

Detailed description of the drawings

Fig. 1 shows a socket adapter 1 according to the invention in a plan view of the front side.

The socket adapter 1 consists of two components that can be coupled to one another, namely the socket housing 2 and a module 3 that can be laterally inserted into the socket housing 2 with, in this exemplary embodiment two, USB charging connections 6a, 6b.

The socket housing 2 comprises a socket 4, which is designed as a mains socket. In this exemplary embodiment, the socket 4 is designed as a protective contact socket, in particular according to CEE 7/3.

The socket housing 2 consists in the top view from the front of a semicircular end section which continuously merges into a rectangular section.

The module 3 with the at least one charging connection 6a, 6b comprises a housing 5 which, in this exemplary embodiment, is essentially semicircular when viewed from the front.

The module 3 can be inserted into the socket housing 2 from the side. By plugging in, the module 3 is mechanically connected to the socket housing 2 and at the same time electrically contacted, that is to say connected to the mains voltage.

For this purpose, the module comprises the contact pins 7a, 7b, which are part of a plug and which can be inserted into complementary openings in the socket housing 2 (see FIG Fig. 3 ).

The contact pins 7a, 7b are encased in an upper area with insulation 8a, 8b. This ensures that the contact pins 7a, 7b can only be touched when the contact pins 7a, 7b are no longer under tension.

When plugged together, the contact pins 7a, 7b protrude into the area of the socket 4 and are connected there to complementary connections which are located behind or in the socket 4 and thus supply the module 3 with mains voltage.

This configuration contributes to a compact design of the socket outlet adapter 1.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the area of the insulation 8a, 8b can be used for the clamping connection of the inserted module 3.

In this exemplary embodiment, the module 3 also includes a status LED 9, which can in particular be arranged between the charging connections 6a, 6b.

The opposing contact surfaces 10a and 10b of the module 3 and the socket housing 2 are designed as planes which preferably have the same dimensions and which touch each other when plugged together.

So, as in Fig. 2 shown, in the assembled state, a socket adapter housing 11 is formed, which consists of the module 3, which merges seamlessly, in particular without a step on the side and / or on the front, into the socket housing 2.

In the assembled state, the module 3 is supplied with mains voltage and a voltage converter (not shown) integrated in the module 3 supplies the USB charging connections 6a, 6b, fed by mains voltage with low voltage.

In particular, mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, etc., can be supplied with power or charged via one of the charging connections 6a, 6b.

In the perspective view according to Fig. 3 the openings 12a, 12b can be seen in the contact surface 10b of the socket housing 2, into which the contact pins 7a, 7b of the module 3 are inserted.

Fig. 4 3 is a perspective view of the socket adapter 1, the rear side of the socket adapter 1 now being visible.

On the rear side, the socket adapter comprises a mains plug 13, which in this exemplary embodiment is designed as a plug type G (also known as a Commonwealth plug).

The mains plug 13 can be designed as an exchangeable plug module 14 which, as in FIG Fig. 5 shown, can be replaced by another connector module 14. In Fig. 14 the socket adapter 1 comprises a mains plug 13, which is designed as a type B plug.

Instead of an exchangeable plug module 14, the mains plug 13 can also be an integral part of the socket housing 2. It goes without saying that in this exemplary embodiment a different socket adapter must be used for different plug types. In this embodiment of the invention, it is particularly advantageous that the module 3 with the charging connection can be used for all different mains plug adapters. Thus, one embodiment of the invention also relates to a set with at least one further socket housing which has a mains plug of a different type. The set therefore includes at least two socket housings with different power plugs. In this way, the user can combine the adapter required for the travel destination with the module, which includes the at least one charging connection.

Fig. 6 shows in a perspective view that the socket adapter 1 can be provided with a housing closure part 15, especially when the module with the charging connections is not required.

The housing closure part 15 can be designed, for example, in the form of a plate and, in this exemplary embodiment, comprises the pins 16a, 16b, which are inserted into the openings 12a, 12b which otherwise serve to insert the contacts of the module.

Fig. 7 shows in a perspective view how the housing closure part 15 is now connected to the socket housing 2.

The housing closure part 15 has rounded edges and closes the openings for inserting the module.

Referring to FIGS. 8 to 12 a further embodiment of the invention is to be explained.

In the following, the differences from the exemplary embodiment described above are basically described, i.e. otherwise this second exemplary embodiment can also have all the features described above (with the exception of the differences described).

Fig. 8 shows the socket housing 2, which is designed as a travel plug with the power plug 13, in a perspective view.

In contrast to the exemplary embodiment described above, the socket housing 2 comprises, preferably on its top side, a single recess 17 for a plug.

In the upper area, the recess 17 is provided with a step 18.

This makes it easier to insert the corresponding connector.

As in the perspective view according to Fig. 9 it can be seen that the recess 17 is part of a socket 20.

The socket 20 is designed in accordance with a two-pole Euro plug with a hexagonal cross section.

Known components can be used for this connection.

The bottom of the socket 20 comprises the web 19 which, in combination with a corresponding recess in the plug of the module, ensures that only the module, but not another device with a Euro plug, can be plugged in.

Fig. 10 shows the socket housing 2 with hidden rear housing wall and hidden socket housing.

Inside the socket housing, which does not include a voltage converter, but only electrical components carrying mains voltage, the openings to the contacts of the socket for the module are secured with a plug-in protection 21.

This includes a mechanism that releases the openings against a spring preload only when a contact pin is inserted into both openings at the same time. Such plug-in contactors are known to the person skilled in the art.

Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of the corresponding module 3 with the USB charging connection 6a, 6b.

In this exemplary embodiment, the form-fit element 23 is designed as a plug 22, in particular as a two-pole Euro plug 22.

The recess 26 on the plug 22 allows the plug 22 to be plugged in only in one orientation and enables precisely this plug 22, but not another two-pin Euro plug, to be plugged in.

Fig. 12 shows the module 3 with the rear housing wall hidden.

A voltage converter 24 for supplying the USB connections 6a, 6b is arranged in the module 3.

The circuit board 25, on which the corresponding components for the voltage converter 24 are arranged, is supplied with mains voltage via the opposite plug 22.

Due to the design as a standard plug, in particular a Euro plug, the module 3 can also be used independently, namely it can be plugged into an on-site socket.

For this purpose, the module can also be provided with a plug of a different plug type, in particular plug types A to I (not shown).

The lateral latching hooks 27 are used to connect to the rear housing wall.

Fig. 13 shows a corresponding socket adapter 1 in a perspective view, which is provided with a mains plug 13 of plug type I, which is used in particular in Australia.

Fig. 14 shows a socket adapter with a NEMA mains plug, as this is used in particular in the USA.

The invention made it possible to provide a compactly designed and flexibly usable travel plug.

List of reference symbols :

1

Socket adapter

2

Socket housing

3

module

4th

socket

5

Housing of the module

6a, 6b

USB charging port

7a, 7b

Contact pin

8a, 8b

insulation

9

Status LED

10a, 10b

Contact area

11

Socket adapter housing

12a, 12b

opening

13th

Power plug

14th

Connector module

15th

Housing end part

16a, 16b

pen

17th

Recess

18th

step

19th

web

20th

socket

21

Insertion protection

22nd

plug

23

Form-fit element

24

Voltage converter

25th

circuit board

26th

Recess

27

Locking hook

Claims (15)

Socket adapter, comprising a mains plug, an opposite socket, a module with at least one charging connection, in particular a USB charging connection, being plugged into the side of a socket housing. Socket adapter according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the socket adapter is designed as a travel plug. Socket adapter according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the travel plug comprises an exchangeable plug module. Socket adapter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the module with the at least one charging connection comprises a power supply unit for the charging connection which can be supplied with power via a plug which can be inserted into the socket housing at the side. Socket adapter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the module with the charging connection and the socket housing have essentially identically designed contact surfaces, in particular designed as a plane. Socket adapter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contacts of a plug of the module with the charging connection protrude into the area of the socket in the inserted state. Socket adapter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one charging connection is arranged on a front side of the module. Socket adapter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the module and socket housing can be joined together to form a two-part socket adapter housing. Socket adapter according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the module has a shape complementary to the socket housing. Socket adapter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the module has a housing that is rounded in plan view of the front side, in particular has essentially the shape of a segment of a circle. Socket adapter according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the module has at least two charging connections arranged next to one another, and / or that the module has a plug with a form-fitting element, the socket housing comprising a corresponding recess. Socket adapter according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the form-fitting element has a hexagonal cross-section, in particular in accordance with DIN VDE 0620-101, and / or that a socket for the module with the charging connection has a plug-in protection, and / or that the module is self-sufficient in a Power socket is pluggable. Module with a charging connection, designed for a socket adapter according to one of the preceding claims. Set with a socket adapter according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a housing closure part which can be inserted into the socket housing instead of the module with the charging connection. Set with a socket adapter according to claim 1, 2 or 4 to 13, further comprising at least one further socket housing which has a mains plug of another type.

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