Socket device and socket box

Abstract

The invention provides a socket device comprising a first housing comprising a first opening; the power supply module is at least partially arranged in the first shell and is configured to provide power output for electric equipment; the first cable is at least partially arranged in the first shell, and a first end of the first cable is coupled to the power supply module; and the electric connection module is coupled to the first shell and is configured to receive the second end of the first cable and the first end of the second cable and enable the first cable and the second cable to form electric connection, and the second end of the second cable is coupled to a power supply system. The installation process of the power supply module in a narrow space is simplified through the newly added electric connection module in the socket device, the installation efficiency of a user is improved, and the electricity utilization safety of the user during subsequent use is ensured.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the electrical field, and in particular to a socket device and a socket box. Background Art

[0002] With the advancement of technology and the improvement of people's safety awareness, the application scenarios of power sockets with fault circuit breaker protection devices are becoming more and more extensive. In addition, with the popularization of mobile scenarios such as RVs and outdoor equipment, the demand for fast and convenient installation is becoming more and more obvious.

[0003] Existing power socket devices with fault circuit breakers usually include a combination of multiple components, such as wall boxes, heightened panels, fault circuit breakers, positioners and panels. Since all these parts are shipped separately by the manufacturer, the installation process is usually cumbersome for users, resulting in a long time and low installation efficiency. When connecting the power module, it is usually necessary to manually peel off the insulation layer of the cable to connect the terminal, which is inconvenient to operate and there is a risk of poor cable contact. In addition, when installing in an RV or a small space, the operating space is limited, and the terminal blocks require precise wire access operations. Once the wiring is not firm or the installation is improper, it is easy to cause electrical failures, affecting the service life of the equipment and the user's power safety.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a socket device that integrates a power module and an electrical connection module to reduce the components required by the user during installation, making the entire installation process simpler, improving the user's installation efficiency and ensuring the user's electrical safety during subsequent use. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to solve the above problems and defects existing in the prior art, an object of the present invention is to provide a socket device integrating a power module and an electrical connection module.

[0006] Based on this, according to one embodiment of the present invention, a socket device is provided, comprising: a first shell, which includes a first opening; a power module, which is at least partially disposed in the first shell and is configured to provide power output to an electrical device; a first cable, which is at least partially disposed in the first shell, and a first end of the first cable is coupled to the power module; an electrical connection module, which is coupled to the first shell and is configured to receive a second end of the first cable and a first end of a second cable, and to make the first cable and the second cable form an electrical connection, wherein the second end of the second cable is coupled to a power supply system.

[0007] In one embodiment, the electrical connection module includes: a second shell coupled to the first shell, the second shell including a second opening; a bracket assembly at least partially disposed in the second shell; a piercing terminal assembly disposed on the bracket assembly, the piercing terminal assembly including a receiving groove configured to receive and pierce the second end of the first cable and the first end of the second cable so that the first cable and the second cable form an electrical connection.

[0008] In one embodiment, the socket device also includes: a cover plate, which covers the second opening of the second shell and is configured to press the second end of the first cable and the first end of the second cable into the accommodating groove of the piercing terminal assembly in response to external force, so that the piercing terminal assembly pierces the second end of the first cable and the first end of the second cable.

[0009] In one embodiment, the power module includes a fault circuit breaker, and the first end of the first cable is coupled to a line input terminal of the fault circuit breaker.

[0010] In one embodiment, the socket device also includes: a third cable, which is at least partially disposed in the first shell, and the first end of the third cable is coupled to the load terminal of the fault circuit breaker, wherein the electrical connection module is also configured to receive the second end of the third cable and the first end of a fourth cable, and to make the third cable and the fourth cable form an electrical connection, wherein the second end of the fourth cable is coupled to other power modules.

[0011] In one embodiment, a first through hole and a second through hole are provided on the second shell, the first through hole is configured to allow the first end of the second cable to pass through and enter the second shell, and the second through hole is configured to allow the first end of the fourth cable to pass through and enter the second shell.

[0012] In one embodiment, the socket device further includes: a panel covering the first opening of the first shell.

[0013] In one embodiment, the socket device further comprises: a fixing assembly, which is disposed on the first housing and is configured to fasten the socket device to the target object when the socket device is installed on the target object.

[0014] In one embodiment, the bracket assembly includes a plurality of grooves, and the piercing terminal assembly includes a plurality of piercing terminals, which are respectively inserted into the plurality of grooves.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first cable and the second cable include a live wire, a neutral wire and a ground wire respectively.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a socket box is provided, comprising: a first shell, which includes a first opening, the first shell is configured to at least partially accommodate a power module and a first cable, the first end of the first cable is coupled to the power module, and the power module is used to provide power output to an electrical device; an electrical connection module, which is coupled to the first shell and is configured to receive the second end of the first cable and the first end of the second cable, and to electrically connect the first cable and the second cable, wherein the second end of the second cable is coupled to a power supply system.

[0017] In another embodiment, the electrical connection module includes: a second shell coupled to the first shell, the second shell including a second opening; a bracket assembly at least partially disposed in the second shell; a piercing terminal assembly disposed on the bracket assembly, the piercing terminal assembly including a receiving groove configured to receive and pierce the second end of the first cable and the first end of the second cable so that the first cable and the second cable form an electrical connection.

[0018] In the aforementioned exemplary embodiments of the present invention, compared with the prior art, the heightened panel is removed, and a new electrical connection module is added to the socket device to simplify the installation process of the power module in a small space, thereby improving the user's installation efficiency and ensuring the user's electrical safety during subsequent use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The features, advantages and other aspects of the embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent with reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which several embodiments of the present invention are shown in an exemplary and non-limiting manner. In the accompanying drawings:

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a socket device according to an embodiment of the present invention. ;

[0021] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a socket box according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 is an exploded schematic diagram of a socket box according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 is an exploded schematic diagram of a socket device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5A and Figure 5BThey are respectively a front schematic diagram and a back schematic diagram of a socket device after being assembled according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of installing a socket device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Fig. 7A and Figure 7B They are respectively a front schematic diagram and a back schematic diagram of a socket device according to an embodiment of the present invention after being installed on a wall panel. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] The technical solution of the present invention is further specifically described below by examples and in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the specification, the same or similar reference numerals indicate the same or similar components. The following description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings is intended to explain the overall inventive concept of the present invention and should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

[0028] The terms "including", "comprising" and similar terms used herein should be understood as open terms, i.e., "including / including but not limited to", indicating that other contents may also be included. The term "based on" means "based at least in part on". The term "one embodiment" means "at least one embodiment"; the term "another embodiment" means "at least one other embodiment", and so on.

[0029] When installing traditional socket devices, a heightened panel is usually used to increase the thickness of the wall box, resulting in a larger installation volume. Users face the problem of scattered and numerous components and cumbersome operation steps during installation. In addition, the terminal connection must be precise to ensure safety, which increases the difficulty of operation in a small space, resulting in generally low installation efficiency.

[0030] The socket device according to each embodiment of the present invention can be applied to any scene where a socket needs to be installed, and its advantages are more significant in installing a socket of a larger power module in a narrow space, and the installation efficiency is greatly improved. The socket device and the socket box of each embodiment of the present invention will be described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a socket device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1, the exemplary socket device 10 includes a first housing 11, a power module 12, a first cable 131 and an electrical connection module 14. The power module 12 and the first cable 131 are both at least partially disposed in the first housing 11. The power module 12 is used to provide power output to an electrical device (not shown), for example, an AC output and / or a DC output. In one embodiment, the power module 12 may be a fault circuit breaker, which is used to protect circuits and equipment safety while providing power output. The fault circuit breaker may be, for example, a ground fault circuit protector (GFCI). The GFCI may monitor the current difference between the live wire and the neutral wire in the circuit, and instantly cut off the power supply when the current difference reaches a threshold value to ensure personal safety. For another example, the fault circuit breaker may also be an arc fault interrupter (AFCI).

[0032] The electrical connection module 14 is coupled to the first housing 11, and is used to receive the first cable 131 and the second cable 132 coupled to the power supply system, and to electrically connect the first cable 131 and the second cable 132. In one embodiment, the first cable 131 can be an incoming line connection line of the power module 12, a first end of which is coupled to the incoming line terminal of the power module 12, and a second end is connected to the first end of the second cable 132 through the electrical connection module 14, so that the first cable 131 and the second cable 132 are electrically connected. The second end of the second cable 132 can be coupled to the internal power supply system of the RV, for example, to transmit the power stored in the RV to the power module 12 through the first cable 131 electrically connected thereto, and to provide power to the electrical equipment connected to the socket device 10 through the power module 12.

[0033] The first cable 131 may include, for example, three sub-cables 131a, 131b, and 131c, which may be used as a live wire, a neutral wire, and a ground wire, respectively. Figure 1 As shown in . Accordingly, the incoming line terminals of the power module 12 may include, for example, a live line incoming line terminal, a neutral line incoming line terminal, and a ground line incoming line terminal. The second cable 132 may include, for example, three sub-cables 132a, 132b, and 132c, which may also be used as a live line, a neutral line, and a ground line, respectively. Figure 1 The first ends of the three sub-cables 131a, 131b and 131c of the first cable 131 are respectively coupled to the live line terminal, the neutral line terminal and the ground line terminal of the power module 12, and the second ends are respectively connected to the first ends of the three sub-cables 132a, 132b and 132c of the second cable 132 through the electrical connection module 14.

[0034] The electrical connection module 14 can be implemented in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the electrical connection module 14 may include a second shell 141, a bracket assembly 142 and a piercing terminal assembly 143. The bracket assembly 142 is at least partially disposed in the second shell 141. The piercing terminal assembly 143 is disposed on the bracket assembly 142. In one embodiment, the first shell 11 and the second shell 141 may be integrally formed. In other embodiments, the second shell 141 and the first shell 11 may also be detachable, and the two may be mounted together in a variety of suitable ways, such as snap-fit ​​connection, screw connection, or connection by adhesive, etc. Both the first shell 11 and the second shell 141 may be made of, for example, polycarbonate material, or may be made of other materials with good electrical insulation, heat resistance and flame retardancy.

[0035] In one embodiment, the bracket assembly 142 and the second housing 141 may be integrally formed. In other embodiments, the bracket assembly 142 and the second housing 141 may be detachable, and the two may be mounted together in a variety of suitable ways, such as snap connection, screw connection, or connection through an adhesive, etc. The bracket assembly 142 may be made of, for example, polycarbonate material, or other materials with good electrical insulation, impact resistance, heat resistance, and flame retardancy.

[0036] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a socket box according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 FIG. 2 shows an exploded schematic diagram of a socket box according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 Compared with the socket device of the present invention, the socket box of each embodiment of the present invention does not include a power module and a cable. Figures 1 to 3 The piercing terminal assembly 143 may include a receiving groove 1432 for receiving the second end of the first cable 131 and the first end of the second cable 132. A piercing blade may be formed on the receiving groove 1432 for piercing the second end of the first cable 131 and the first end of the second cable 132, and penetrating the insulation layer so that the conductor in the cable is electrically connected to the piercing terminal assembly 143, thereby realizing the transmission of current. The piercing terminal assembly 143 can replace the manual stripping of the cable insulation layer to realize the electrical connection between the cable and the terminal. The receiving groove 1432 in the piercing terminal assembly 143 can use a U-shaped groove or a V-shaped groove to accommodate and pierce the cable. The piercing terminal assembly 143 can be made of a copper alloy material, or it can also be made of other materials with good conductivity and wear resistance.

[0037] In one embodiment, the support assembly 142 may include a plurality of grooves 1421, and the piercing terminal assembly 143 may include a plurality of piercing terminals 1431. The plurality of piercing terminals 1431 of the piercing terminal assembly 143 are respectively inserted into the plurality of grooves 1421 of the support assembly 142 to keep the plurality of piercing terminals 1431 in a fixed position, so that the plurality of piercing terminals 1431 can be respectively aligned with the cables to be pressed and pierced, and the stability of the piercing terminal assembly 143 during the wiring process is ensured to avoid affecting the quality of the cable connection. It is understandable that the method of fixing the piercing terminal assembly 143 to the support assembly 142 is not limited to snap-on fixing, and other suitable fixing methods, such as adhesive connection fixing, are also applicable.

[0038] In other embodiments, the electrical connection device 14 may also use other types of terminals, such as screw crimping terminals or quick-connect clamping terminals, to achieve electrical connection between the first cable 131 and the second cable 132 .

[0039] Still refer to Figure 1 In some embodiments, the socket device 10 may further include a third cable 133, which is at least partially disposed in the first housing 11. The third cable 133 may serve as a load-end connection line of the power module 12, with a first end thereof coupled to the load terminal of the power module 12, and a second end thereof electrically connected to a first end of a fourth cable 134 through the electrical connection module 14. The second end of the fourth cable 134 may be coupled to, for example, a downstream socket power module or electrical equipment and serve as an output line protected by the power module 12. The third cable 133 may include, for example, three sub-cables 133a, 133b, and 133c, which may be used as a live wire, a neutral wire, and a ground wire, respectively, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 As shown in . Accordingly, the load terminals of the power module 12 may include, for example, a live load terminal, a neutral load terminal, and a ground load terminal. The ground load terminal and the ground input terminal may be shared, based on which, the first end of the sub-cable 133c used as the ground wire in the third cable 133 may be electrically connected to the second end of the sub-cable 131c used as the ground wire in the first cable 131 through the electrical connection module 14. The first ends of the sub-cables 133a and 133b used as the live wire and the neutral wire in the third cable 133 are respectively coupled to the live load terminal and the neutral load terminal on the power module 12. The fourth cable 134 may also include, for example, three sub-cables 134a, 134b, and 134c, which may be used as the live wire, the neutral wire, and the ground wire, respectively, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 The first ends of the three sub-cables 134a, 134b and 134c of the fourth cable 134 are connected to the second ends of the three sub-cables 133a, 133b and 133c of the third cable 133 respectively.

[0040] In some embodiments, the second housing 141 of the socket device 10 may be provided with through holes, and the number of through holes may be, for example, two, namely, a first through hole 144 and a second through hole 145. The first through hole 144 is used for allowing the first end of the second cable 132 to pass through from the outside of the socket device 10 and enter the second housing 141. The second through hole 145 is used for allowing the first end of the fourth cable 134 to pass through from the outside of the socket device 10 and enter the second housing 141. It can be understood that, in the case where the socket device 10 only includes the first cable 131, the second through hole 145 may be omitted.

[0041] Figure 4 is an exploded schematic diagram of a socket device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5A and Figure 5B The front and back diagrams are respectively a schematic diagram of a socket device after being assembled according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 5a and 5b, the socket device 10 may further include a fixing assembly 15, which is used to fasten the socket device 10 to a target object to be installed, such as a wall panel inside a motorhome. In some embodiments, the fixing assembly 15 may include two hooks 151a, 151b and two screws 152a, 152b. It is understood that the number of hooks and screws is not limited to two. In addition, the fixing assembly 15 is not limited to the form of hooks and screws. It can use other parts with a fixing function such as pins, rivets, etc. to fix the socket device 10 on the target object.

[0042] When assembling the socket device 10, the hooks 151a and 151b can be fixed to the first housing 11 by screws 152a and 152b, for example, fixed to the first ear 18a and the second ear 18b extending radially outward from the first opening 111 of the first housing 11. In addition, the piercing terminal assembly 143 is assembled to the bracket assembly 142 by means of snap connection or the like. The first end of the first cable 131 and the first end of the third cable 133 are connected to the incoming terminal and the load terminal of the power module 12 respectively, and the power module 12 is fixed in the first housing 11 by screws 153a and 153b. The second end of the first cable 131 and the second end of the third cable 133 are placed in the receiving groove 1432 of the piercing terminal assembly 143, and the cables are pressed in by, for example, using a special tool, so that the power module 12 and the piercing terminal assembly 143 form an electrical circuit. Finally, the cover plate 16 is covered at the second opening 146 of the second housing 141 to protect the internal components of the electrical connection module 14 from damage, reduce the risk of failure caused by external interference and improve the safety of the device. The cover plate 16 can be buckled and covered at the second opening 146 of the second housing 141 by, for example, a snap connection. The cover plate 16 can be made of, for example, polycarbonate material, or other materials with good electrical insulation, impact resistance, heat resistance and flame retardancy.

[0043] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of installing a socket device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7A and Figure 7B Schematic diagrams of the front and back of a socket device according to an embodiment of the present invention after being installed on a wall panel. Figure 6 , Fig. 7A and Figure 7B , first pull the first end of the second cable 132 and the first end of the fourth cable 134 out from behind the wallboard. Then, pass the first end of the second cable 132 through the first through hole 144 on the second shell 141 and pass the first end of the fourth cable 134 through the second through hole 145 on the second shell 141. Next, put the first end of the second cable 132 and the first end of the fourth cable 134 into the receiving groove 1432 of the piercing terminal assembly 143 respectively, and cover the upper cover 16, for example, using the principle of a lever to press the first end of the second cable 132 and the first end of the fourth cable 134 into the piercing terminal assembly 143, so that they form an electrical circuit with the power module 12. It can be understood that in other embodiments, a special tool can also be used to press the cable into the piercing terminal assembly 143. Finally, install the aforementioned socket device 10 to the desired position of the target object, such as the space reserved for the socket device 10 on the wallboard. In some embodiments, the aforementioned socket device 10 can be inserted into the square hole 201 of the wall panel 20 and fixed to the wall panel 20 using the hooks 151a and 151b to prevent the socket device 10 from falling from the back of the wall panel 20 due to gravity or other external forces, and to improve the stability of the socket device 10 in a mobile environment.

[0044] In some embodiments, in order to protect and / or decorate the power module 12, the socket device 10 may further include a panel 17. The panel 17 may be made of, for example, polycarbonate material, or may be made of other materials with good electrical insulation, impact resistance, heat resistance, and flame retardancy. The panel 17 may be fixed to the power module 12 and / or the first housing 11 by screws 154a, 154b. It is understood that the fixing method of the panel 17 is not limited to screw fixing, and may also be fixed to the power module 12 and / or the first housing 11 by snaps or other suitable fixing methods.

[0045] After installation, the power module 12 in the socket device 10 is coupled to the power supply end of the internal power supply system of the RV. By connecting the power-consuming device to the output port of the power module 12, the power-consuming device can be powered and ground fault protection can be provided. If the load end of the power module 12 is connected to the downstream socket through the socket device 10, it is also possible to simultaneously power the downstream socket and provide ground fault protection.

[0046] The socket device of each embodiment of the present invention can omit the heightening panel, and can simplify the installation process of the power module in a small space through the electrical connection module, thereby improving the user's installation efficiency and ensuring the user's electrical safety during subsequent use.

[0047] The above description is only an optional embodiment of the embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the embodiment of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, the embodiment of the present invention may have various changes and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the embodiment of the present invention shall be included in the protection of the embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to several specific embodiments, it should be understood that embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the disclosed specific embodiments. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included in the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The scope of the appended claims is consistent with the broadest interpretation, thereby including all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A socket device, comprising: a first housing including a first opening; A power module, which is at least partially disposed in the first housing and is configured to provide power output to the power-consuming device; a first cable, which is at least partially disposed in the first housing, a first end of the first cable being coupled to the power module; The electrical connection module is coupled to the first housing and is configured to receive the second end of the first cable and the first end of the second cable and to electrically connect the first cable and the second cable, wherein the second end of the second cable is coupled to a power supply system.

2. The socket device according to claim 1, wherein: The electrical connection module comprises: a second housing coupled to the first housing, the second housing comprising a second opening; a bracket assembly at least partially disposed within the second housing; A piercing terminal assembly is disposed on the bracket assembly, and the piercing terminal assembly includes a receiving groove, which is configured to receive and pierce the second end of the first cable and the first end of the second cable so that the first cable and the second cable form an electrical connection.

3. The socket device according to claim 2, wherein: The socket device further comprises: A cover plate covers the second opening of the second shell and is configured to press the second end of the first cable and the first end of the second cable into the accommodating groove of the piercing terminal assembly in response to an external force, so that the piercing terminal assembly pierces the second end of the first cable and the first end of the second cable.

4. The socket device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The power module includes a fault circuit breaker, and the first end of the first cable is coupled to an incoming terminal of the fault circuit breaker.

5. The socket device according to claim 4, wherein: The socket device further comprises: a third cable, which is at least partially disposed in the first housing, a first end of the third cable being coupled to a load terminal of the fault circuit breaker, The electrical connection module is further configured to receive the second end of the third cable and the first end of the fourth cable, and to electrically connect the third cable and the fourth cable, wherein the second end of the fourth cable is coupled to another power module.

6. The socket device according to claim 5, wherein: The second shell is provided with a first through hole and a second through hole, the first through hole is configured to allow the first end of the second cable to pass through and enter the second shell, and the second through hole is configured to allow the first end of the fourth cable to pass through and enter the second shell.

7. The socket device according to claim 1, wherein: The socket device further comprises: A panel covers the first opening of the first shell.

8. The socket device according to claim 1, wherein: The socket device further comprises: A fixing assembly is disposed on the first housing and is configured to fasten the socket device to the target object when the socket device is mounted on the target object.

9. The socket device according to claim 2, wherein: The bracket assembly includes a plurality of grooves, and the piercing terminal assembly includes a plurality of piercing terminals, which are respectively inserted into the plurality of grooves.

10. The socket device according to claim 1, wherein: The first cable and the second cable respectively include a live wire, a neutral wire and a ground wire.

11. A socket box, comprising: A first housing, comprising a first opening, wherein the first housing is configured to at least partially accommodate a power module and a first cable, wherein a first end of the first cable is coupled to the power module, and the power module is used to provide power output to a power-consuming device; The electrical connection module is coupled to the first housing and is configured to receive the second end of the first cable and the first end of the second cable and to electrically connect the first cable and the second cable, wherein the second end of the second cable is coupled to a power supply system.

12. The socket box according to claim 11, wherein: The electrical connection module comprises: a second housing coupled to the first housing, the second housing comprising a second opening; a bracket assembly at least partially disposed within the second housing; A piercing terminal assembly is disposed on the bracket assembly, and the piercing terminal assembly includes a receiving groove, which is configured to receive and pierce the second end of the first cable and the first end of the second cable so that the first cable and the second cable form an electrical connection.

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