Snap-in wall switch outlet

The design of conductive clamping arms and clamping components solves the problem of loose connections in wall switch sockets, achieving stable electrical connections and simplified installation.

CN121688458BActive Publication Date: 2026-04-21YUEQING JINLI ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE SCI & TECH
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
YUEQING JINLI ELECTRICAL APPLIANCE SCI & TECH
Filing Date
2026-02-10
Publication Date
2026-04-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The existing wall switch and socket connection method is prone to loosening, which leads to increased contact resistance and safety hazards. In addition, the installation process is cumbersome, relies on the experience of workers, and the quality is inconsistent.

Method used

The design employs conductive clamping arms and clamping components. The elastic clamping arms apply radial pressure to the metal core of the conductor, which, combined with the compression of the insulation board and mounting components, forms a stable electrical connection, simplifying the installation process and improving the connection quality.

Benefits of technology

It achieves stable electrical connections, simplifies the installation process, ensures consistent and safe connection quality, and reduces reliance on worker skills.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This invention relates to the field of switch and socket technology, specifically proposing a snap-fit ​​wall switch and socket. The snap-fit ​​wall switch and socket includes a panel, an electrical function area, pre-installed terminals, a clamping assembly, and an installation assembly. The electrical function area is located on the back of the panel and is either a switch module or a socket module. The pre-installed terminals are electrically connected to the electrical function area. This invention utilizes conductive clamping arms and a clamping assembly. Six curved conductive clamping arms apply uniform and continuous radial initial pressure to the metal core of the conductor using their own elasticity, forming a reliable first electrical connection. When the conductive assembly is pushed into the wiring cavity, the inner wall of the cavity presses against the inclined insulating plate, forcing the clamping plate to apply an additional radial clamping force to the conductive clamping arms. At this point, the axial installation force is converted into an optimized force for the electrical contact point, achieving "optimized connection during installation," thereby ensuring more stable installation and conductive stability.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of switch and socket technology, and specifically proposes a snap-fit ​​wall switch and socket. Background Technology

[0002] Wall switches and sockets are among the most widely used basic electrical components in building electrical engineering. One of their core functions is to achieve a safe and reliable electrical connection between the incoming power cord and the internal electrical modules. With the development of building industrialization, prefabricated decoration and intelligentization, the market has put forward higher requirements for switches and sockets in terms of connection reliability, installation efficiency and construction friendliness. At present, the mainstream wall switches and sockets on the market mainly rely on screw crimping connection, which is the most traditional and still the mainstream connection method. By setting a metal wire clamp and screw on the terminal block, the wire is fixed by using the pressure generated by tightening the screw with a screwdriver.

[0003] Over long-term use, screws are susceptible to loosening due to environmental vibrations and thermal expansion and contraction caused by changes in load current. Once loosened, the contact pressure between the wire and the terminal decreases, the contact resistance increases, leading to localized overheating and accelerated oxidation. This, in turn, causes more serious loosening and overheating, creating a vicious cycle and posing a safety hazard. Each terminal requires a screwdriver to perform a "loosen-insert-tighten" operation, which is cumbersome. The connection quality is highly dependent on the installer's operating torque. Insufficient torque results in a weak connection, while excessive torque may damage the wire core or cause the terminal to strip. It is difficult to guarantee consistent quality. Furthermore, the operation generally requires specialized tools, which is inconvenient when working in confined spaces such as junction boxes. The installation process lacks clear positioning indicators and relies on the worker's experience. The troubleshooting and maintenance disassembly process is also complex.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a snap-fit ​​wall switch socket that is easy and quick to install, provides multiple mechanical locking mechanisms and continuous and stable electrical contact pressure, and ensures high reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a snap-fit ​​wall switch socket, which solves the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution: A snap-fit ​​wall switch socket includes a panel, an electrical function area, pre-installed terminals, a clamping assembly, and a mounting assembly; the electrical function area is located on the back of the panel, and the electrical function area is a switch module or a socket module; the pre-installed terminals are electrically connected to the electrical function area; the terminals include a wiring cavity for connecting external wires, and multiple elastic conductive clamping arms are installed inside the wiring cavity to apply radial contact pressure to the metal core of the wire after insertion; the multiple conductive clamping arms are connected by conductive heads; the clamping assembly is installed on the surface of the conductive heads and clamps the surface of the conductive clamping arms; the mounting assembly is assembled on the surface of the wiring cavity for stable installation of the terminals; the wire is placed between the multiple conductive clamping arms and elastically clamped, the conductive head is placed inside the wiring cavity, the clamping assembly is squeezed by the inner wall of the wiring cavity, the conductive clamping arms are indirectly tightened secondaryally by the clamping assembly, and the terminals are stably installed by the mounting assembly.

[0007] Preferably, the middle part of the conductive clamping arm is bent toward the middle part of the conductive head, and the middle part of the conductive clamping arm abuts against the metal core surface of the wire.

[0008] Preferably, the multiple conductive clamping arms are divided into left and right groups. The top of each conductive clamping arm is equipped with two semi-ring sleeves that can form a ring. The two semi-ring sleeves are respectively equipped with the left and right groups of conductive clamping arms. The inner side of each semi-ring sleeve is provided with multiple claw teeth with protruding ends, and the claw teeth are inserted into the insulation layer of the wire.

[0009] Preferably, the clamping assembly includes a plurality of elastic and inclined insulating plates, the surface of which is provided with an arc-shaped clamping plate, which abuts against the middle of the conductive clamping arm.

[0010] Preferably, each of the clamping plates rests against the middle of two adjacent conductive clamping arms.

[0011] Preferably, the end of the insulating plate is located between adjacent conductive clamps.

[0012] Preferably, the end of the wiring cavity is provided with a groove, and the semi-ring sleeve is installed inside the groove.

[0013] Preferably, the mounting assembly includes a mounting hole formed at the edge of the wiring cavity, a mounting shaft is mounted inside the mounting hole, a rotatable mounting plate is mounted on the surface of the mounting shaft, and the mounting plate abuts against the surface of the semi-ring sleeve.

[0014] Preferably, a bolt is mounted on the surface of the mounting shaft, and the end of the bolt is threaded into the mounting hole.

[0015] Preferably, the insulating plate and the clamping plate are integrally formed.

[0016] The above technical solution has the following advantages or beneficial effects: 1. The present invention provides a snap-fit ​​wall switch socket. By setting conductive clamping arms and clamping components, the six curved conductive clamping arms apply uniform and continuous radial initial pressure to the metal core of the conductor by their own elasticity, forming the first reliable electrical connection. When the conductive component is pushed into the wiring cavity as a whole, the inner wall of the cavity squeezes the inclined insulating plate, forcing the clamping plate to apply an additional radial clamping force to the conductive clamping arms. At this time, the axial installation force is converted into an optimized force for the electrical contact point, realizing "the installation process is an optimized connection", thereby ensuring more stable installation and conductive stability.

[0017] 2. This invention provides a snap-fit ​​wall switch socket. During installation, there is no need to repeatedly adjust the position of the bolts with a screwdriver. The process is simplified to pre-inserting the wires, closing the semi-ring, pushing the terminal in as a whole, and rotating the mounting plate. The main pushing and rotating locking actions can be completed with one hand, avoiding the inconvenience of straining to tighten screws in a limited space. Moreover, the connection quality is guaranteed by the precision structure of the product itself, rather than the "feel" or "experience" of the installer, thus ensuring a high degree of consistency in the quality of batch installations. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The invention, its features, shape, and advantages will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals denote like parts throughout the drawings, which are not intentionally drawn to scale; the focus is on illustrating the gist of the invention.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the snap-fit ​​wall switch socket of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a partial three-dimensional structural diagram of the groove location.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the installation components.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in which the terminal blocks hold the wires.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the wiring terminals and clamping components.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the wiring terminal.

[0025] In the diagram: 1. Panel; 2. Electrical functional area; 3. Terminal block; 31. Wiring cavity; 32. Conductive clamp arm; 33. Conductive head; 4. Wire; 41. Metal core; 42. Insulation layer; 5. Clamping assembly; 51. Insulation plate; 52. Clamping plate; 6. Mounting assembly; 61. Mounting hole; 62. Mounting shaft; 63. Mounting plate; 64. Bolt; 7. Semi-ring; 8. Claw teeth; 9. Groove. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0027] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, the snap-fit ​​wall switch socket of this embodiment mainly includes a panel 1, an electrical function area 2, pre-installed wiring terminals 3, and external connecting wires 4. The panel 1 is injection molded from flame-retardant PC material, and the surface is provided with switch buttons or socket holes. The back of the panel 1 is provided with multiple positioning posts and a snap-fit ​​structure (not shown in the figure) for fixing the electrical function area 2.

[0029] Depending on the functional requirements, the electrical function area 2 can be equipped with a single-control switch module, a double-control switch module, a five-hole socket module, or a USB charging module. All modules adopt a modular design and are connected to the panel 1 through a standard interface.

[0030] like Figure 1 , Figures 4-6 As shown, the terminal block 3 includes a wiring cavity 31 located on the surface of the electrical functional area 2 and a conductive component. In this embodiment, the wiring cavity 31 has three interfaces corresponding to the live wire, neutral wire and ground wire respectively. The wiring cavity 31 is cylindrical. The conductive component is installed at the end of the wire 4 and is inserted into the inside of the wiring cavity 31 to conduct electricity.

[0031] In this embodiment, the conductive component includes a conductive head 33 and six conductive clamping arms 32, which are evenly distributed on the circumference of the conductive head 33. The conductive head 33 is made of copper and tin-plated. The conductive clamping arms 32 are laser-welded to the conductive head 33 to form an integral structure. The middle part of the clamping arm 32 protrudes and bends towards the central axis of the conductive head 33 at a bending angle of 15-20°. The inner surface of the clamping arm is provided with a knurled structure. When the metal core 41 of the wire 4 is inserted, the bent part of the conductive clamping arm 32 first contacts the wire core. As the insertion depth increases, the conductive clamping arm 32 opens outward, generating continuous radial pressure. The six conductive clamping arms 32 can ensure 360° full circumferential contact with the metal core 41.

[0032] To ensure stable conductivity between the conductive clamping arm 32 and the metal core 41, a clamping assembly 5 is provided on the surface of the conductive head 33, including three insulating plates 51 evenly distributed at 120°. A clamping plate 52 is integrally injection molded on the surface of the insulating plate 51. The inner surface of the clamping plate 52 is arc-shaped, and its radius matches the outer diameter of the conductive clamping arm 32. The angle between the axis of the insulating plate 51 and the wiring cavity 31 is 30°. When the conductive assembly is inserted into the wiring cavity 31, the inner wall of the wiring cavity 31 abuts against the surface of the insulating plate 51, thereby making the clamping plate 52 abut against the surface of the conductive clamping arm 32. At this time, the conductivity between the conductive clamping arm 32 and the metal core 41 is more stable.

[0033] It should be noted that the inner surface of the clamping plate 52 is provided with a rubber coating with a thickness of 0.3mm. The rubber coating can buffer the impact on the conductive clamping arm 32 and increase the friction.

[0034] like Figures 1-4 As shown, in order to prevent the terminal 3 from falling off the end of the wire 4, two semi-ring sleeves 7 are installed on the top of the conductive clamp arm 32. Each semi-ring sleeve 7 is a 180° rigid insulating arc plate. On the inner arc surface of each semi-ring sleeve 7, claw teeth 8 are arranged circumferentially. The tooth shape adopts an asymmetrical double barb tooth shape. Each claw tooth 8 is conical. The height of the claw tooth 8 is 0.8mm and the base width is 1.0mm, which is sufficient to pierce the insulation layer 42 and form an effective bite, while avoiding the risk of damaging the internal conductor if the piercing is too deep.

[0035] During installation, the two semi-ring sleeves 7 are separated. Due to the elastic effect, the distance between the conductive clamp arms 32 will also increase. At this time, the wire 4 can be smoothly inserted and contacted with the conductive head 33. Then, the two semi-ring sleeves 7 are released. Due to the rebound force, the middle part of the conductive clamp arm 32 can be pressed against the surface of the metal core 41. Press the two semi-ring sleeves 7 so that the ends of the two semi-ring sleeves 7 contact each other. The claw teeth 8 on the inner wall of the semi-ring sleeve 7 will be stuck inside the insulation layer 42. Then, it is directly inserted into the inside of the wiring cavity 31. The end of the wiring cavity 31 has a groove 9. The semi-ring sleeve 7 is located inside the groove 9, and the surface of the semi-ring sleeve 7 is flush with the top of the groove 9.

[0036] To further improve the stability of the connection, the conductive component is fixedly installed on the surface of the wiring cavity 31 by the mounting assembly 6. In this embodiment, the mounting assembly 6 includes mounting holes 61, mounting shaft 62, mounting plate 63 and bolts 64. The mounting plate 63 is movably installed on the surface of the mounting shaft 62, that is, the mounting plate 63 can rotate around the mounting shaft 62. In this embodiment, the mounting holes 61 are provided in three sets, with four holes in each set, evenly located outside the wiring cavity 31. The mounting shaft 62 is installed inside the mounting holes 61 and fixedly installed by the bolts 64. When the conductive component is inside the wiring cavity 31, the mounting plate 63 is rotated to abut against the surface of the semi-ring 7.

[0037] This invention provides a snap-fit ​​wall switch socket. First, use wire strippers to strip 15mm of insulation layer 42 from the end of the wire 4. Check if the metal core 41 is intact and free of broken strands. Clean the surface of the metal core 41 with an alcohol swab. Separate the two semi-ring sleeves 7. Align the metal core 41 of the wire 4 with the guide cone opening of the wiring cavity 31 and slowly push the wire 4 in until the end of the metal core 41 contacts the conductive head 33. At this point, release the two semi-ring sleeves 7. The metal core 41 is now surrounded by six conductive clamps 32. Close the two semi-ring sleeves 7 to surround the conductor. The insulation layer 42 of wire 4 is pressed down, and the two semi-ring sleeves 7 are pressed until the ends are in contact. At this time, the claw teeth 8 have penetrated the insulation layer 42. Gently pull the wire 4 to check if it is secure. Apply a pushing force along the axis of the wiring cavity 31. During the pushing process, the insulation plate 51 is gradually squeezed, which drives the clamping plate 52 to move towards the center. When it is fully pushed in, the clamping plate 52 exerts the maximum pressure on the conductive clamping arm 32. Finally, rotate the mounting plate 63 90° so that its vertical part is pressed on the upper surface of the semi-ring sleeve 7. The mounting plate 63 is squeezed by friction and will not easily loosen.

[0038] It should be noted that although the present invention adds a terminal block 3 compared to the prior art, these are all conventional and ordinary mechanical structures without any high-cost precision parts. Therefore, the cost of adding the above structure is low. Through the dual pressure mechanism of primary clamping and secondary reinforcement, the contact resistance is ensured to be stable below 0.5mΩ. The claw teeth 8 of the semi-ring sleeve 7 provide a tensile force of ≥80N. The installation quality is not affected by the operator's skill. The modular design facilitates maintenance and replacement, reducing the cost of use. The above technical solution of the present invention is a specific improvement based entirely on the above-mentioned prior art and to solve the technical problems.

[0039] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0040] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "connected," "installed," and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0041] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above, and the devices and structures not described in detail should be understood as being implemented in a manner common to the art; any possible variations and modifications made by those skilled in the art without departing from the technical solution of the present invention, or equivalent embodiments with equivalent changes, do not affect the essential content of the present invention. Therefore, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the content of the technical solution of the present invention still fall within the protection scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A snap-fit ​​wall switch socket, characterized in that: include: panel; An electrical function area is located on the back of the panel, and the electrical function area is a switch module or a socket module; Pre-installed terminal blocks for electrical connection to electrical functional areas; The terminal block includes a wiring cavity for connecting external wires. The wiring cavity is equipped with a plurality of elastic conductive clamps. The conductive clamps are used to apply radial contact pressure to the metal core of the wire after the wire is inserted. The plurality of conductive clamps are connected by conductive heads. A clamping assembly is mounted on the surface of the conductive head and clamps the surface of the conductive clamping arm; The mounting assembly is fitted onto the surface of the wiring cavity and is used to stably mount the wiring terminals. The wire is placed between multiple conductive clamping arms and held elastically. The conductive head is placed inside the wiring cavity, and the clamping assembly is squeezed by the inner wall of the wiring cavity. The conductive clamping arms are indirectly tightened by the clamping assembly, and the wiring terminal is stably installed by the mounting assembly.

2. The snap-fit ​​wall switch socket according to claim 1, characterized in that: The middle part of the conductive clamp arm is bent toward the middle part of the conductive head, and the middle part of the conductive clamp arm abuts against the metal core surface of the wire.

3. A snap-fit ​​wall switch socket according to claim 1, characterized in that: The conductive clamping arms are divided into left and right groups. Two semi-ring sleeves that can form a ring are installed on the top of the conductive clamping arms. The two semi-ring sleeves are respectively installed on the left and right groups of conductive clamping arms. The inner side of the semi-ring sleeves is provided with multiple claw teeth with protruding ends. The claw teeth are inserted into the insulation layer of the wire.

4. A snap-fit ​​wall switch socket according to claim 2, characterized in that: The clamping assembly includes multiple elastic and inclined insulating plates, the surface of which is provided with an arc-shaped clamping plate, which rests against the middle of the conductive clamping arm.

5. A snap-fit ​​wall switch socket according to claim 4, characterized in that: Each of the clamping plates rests against the middle of two adjacent conductive clamping arms.

6. A snap-fit ​​wall switch socket according to claim 4, characterized in that: The end of the insulating plate is located between adjacent conductive clamps.

7. A snap-fit ​​wall switch socket according to claim 3, characterized in that: The end of the wiring cavity is provided with a groove, and the semi-ring sleeve is installed inside the groove.

8. A snap-fit ​​wall switch socket according to claim 7, characterized in that: The mounting assembly includes a mounting hole formed at the edge of the wiring cavity, a mounting shaft is mounted inside the mounting hole, and a rotatable mounting plate is mounted on the surface of the mounting shaft, the mounting plate abutting against the surface of the semi-ring sleeve.

9. A snap-fit ​​wall switch socket according to claim 8, characterized in that: Bolts are mounted on the surface of the mounting shaft, and the ends of the bolts are threaded into the mounting holes.

10. A snap-fit ​​wall switch socket according to claim 4, characterized in that: The insulating plate and the clamping plate are integrally formed.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Electrical connection device

    CN102113176A

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