Plug assembly and converter

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a plug assembly and a converter, belonging to the technical field of electronics. The plug assembly comprises n sub-plugs, n≥2, and n is an integer; the plug assembly has a first direction, a first sub-plug in the n sub-plugs is located at the starting point of the first direction, the first sub-plug has a plug station, the end of the plug station extends along the first direction, the remaining sub-plugs except the first sub-plug are sequentially sleeved outside the plug station, and the thickness of each sub-plug gradually decreases along the first direction, the thickness of the sub-plug is the size of the sub-plug in the first direction. The present disclosure can realize miniaturization design, so as to facilitate carrying during travel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure belongs to the field of electronic technology, and in particular relates to a plug assembly and converter. Background Technology

[0002] A converter is an electronic device, and a travel converter is a common type of converter.

[0003] In related technologies, converters mainly consist of a plug module and a socket module, which are electrically connected. The plug module is adaptable to various socket sizes, and when inserted into a socket, it enables the socket module to supply power to the user.

[0004] However, in related technologies, because plug modules need to be compatible with various socket sizes, they have multiple pins, resulting in a large size that makes them inconvenient to carry while traveling. Utility Model Content

[0005] This disclosure provides a plug assembly and adapter that enable a miniaturized design for easy portability during travel. The technical solution is as follows:

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a plug assembly including n sub-plugs, where n ≥ 2 and n is an integer;

[0007] The plug assembly has a first direction, and the first of the n sub-plugs is located at the starting point of the first direction. The first sub-plug has a socket, the end of which extends along the first direction. The remaining sub-plugs, except for the first sub-plug, are sequentially fitted over the socket, and the thickness of each sub-plug gradually decreases along the first direction. The thickness of the sub-plug is the dimension of the sub-plug in the first direction.

[0008] In one implementation of this disclosure, all the sub-plugs except the first sub-plug have sockets;

[0009] Each of the aforementioned sockets is fitted onto the socket platform.

[0010] In another implementation of this disclosure, at least the nth sub-plug has its socket in an interference fit with the socket.

[0011] In another implementation of this disclosure, the orthographic projections of each of the sockets coincide in the first direction.

[0012] In yet another implementation of this disclosure, the sub-plug includes a base and pins;

[0013] The end of the pin is connected to one side of the base;

[0014] In the first direction, the distance between the end of the pin away from the base and the side of the base away from the pin is the thickness of the sub-plug.

[0015] In another implementation of this disclosure, the pins of each sub-plug sequentially penetrate the base of the sub-plug, which is thinner than itself.

[0016] In another implementation of this disclosure, in the first direction, the orthographic projection of the pin of the first sub-plug on the base lies within the orthographic projection of the socket on the base.

[0017] In another implementation of this disclosure, the base has a contact groove on the side facing away from the pin;

[0018] The electrical contact groove has electrical contact terminals.

[0019] In yet another implementation of this disclosure, n = 4;

[0020] The first sub-plug is a European standard plug, the second sub-plug is a British standard plug, the third sub-plug is an Australian standard plug, and the fourth sub-plug is an American standard plug.

[0021] In another implementation of this disclosure, the ground pin of the British standard plug is located between the neutral and live pins of the Australian standard plug, and the neutral and live pins of the British standard plug are located on both sides of the neutral and live pins of the American standard plug, respectively.

[0022] Secondly, embodiments of this disclosure provide a converter, including a plug module, a socket module, and an electrical connector;

[0023] The plug module includes the plug assembly described in the first aspect;

[0024] The socket module includes a receiving cavity, and the plug assembly can be received within the receiving cavity;

[0025] The electrical connectors are electrically connected to the plug module and the socket module, respectively.

[0026] The beneficial effects of the technical solutions provided in this disclosure are:

[0027] When the plug assembly provided in this embodiment is idle, the first sub-plug can serve as a mounting base, allowing the remaining sub-plugs (excluding the first sub-plug) to be sequentially fitted onto the socket of the first sub-plug. This effectively saves space occupied by the plug assembly when idle, facilitating miniaturization. Furthermore, the thickness of each sequentially stacked sub-plug gradually decreases. By first fitting the thicker sub-plug onto the socket, and then fitting the thinner sub-plug onto the socket, the excessive protrusion of the sub-plugs due to the later fitting of the thicker sub-plugs is effectively avoided, thus preventing the sub-plugs from protruding excessively and hindering the reduction of the overall thickness of the plug assembly. Attached Figure Description

[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this disclosure. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the converter provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the plug assembly provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0031] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the plug assembly provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a side view of the sub-plug provided in an embodiment of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the plug assembly provided in the embodiments of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 6 This is an assembly diagram of the plug assembly and plug socket provided in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0035] The symbols in the diagram represent the following meanings:

[0036] 10. Sub-plug;

[0037] 110. Socket; 120. Socket hole; 130. Base; 140. Socket pin; 150. Electrical connection groove; 160. Electrical connection terminal; 170. Label;

[0038] 100. Plug module;

[0039] 200, socket module; 2100, accommodating cavity;

[0040] 300, Electrical connector; 1100, Plug assembly; 1200, Plug socket; 1210, Mounting slot; 1220, Electrical connector pin.

[0041] The accompanying drawings have illustrated specific embodiments of this disclosure, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concepts of this disclosure to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this disclosure clearer, the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] This disclosure provides a converter. Figure 1 See the schematic diagram of the converter. Figure 1 The converter includes a plug module 100, a socket module 200, and an electrical connector 300.

[0044] The plug module 100 includes a plug assembly 1100, and the socket module 200 includes a receiving cavity 2100. The plug assembly 1100 can be received in the receiving cavity 2100, and the electrical connector 300 is electrically connected to the plug module 100 and the socket module 200 respectively.

[0045] When the converter is in an idle state, the plug assembly 1100 can be housed in the receiving cavity 2100, allowing the plug module 100 and the socket module 200 to be plugged together, effectively reducing the size of the converter in an idle state, thus making the converter easy to carry.

[0046] When the converter is in use, the plug assembly 1100 is pulled out of the receiving cavity 2100. The socket module 200, through the plug assembly 1100, can adapt to various socket sizes, meaning it can be plugged into multiple different types of sockets. After the socket module 200 is plugged into the socket, it draws power and transmits it through the electrical connector 300, thus energizing itself. The socket module 200 uses a standard commonly used size, allowing users to draw power from various socket sizes using the converter.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of the plug assembly, combined with... Figure 2 In this embodiment, the plug assembly includes n sub-plugs 10, where n ≥ 2 and n is an integer.

[0048] Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the plug assembly, combined with... Figure 3In this embodiment, the plug assembly has a first direction A. The first sub-plug 10 of the n sub-plugs 10 is located at the starting point of the first direction. The first sub-plug 10 has a socket 110. The end of the socket 110 extends along the first direction A. The remaining sub-plugs 10, except for the first sub-plug 10, are sequentially sleeved on the socket 110. The thickness of each sub-plug 10 gradually decreases along the first direction A. The thickness of the sub-plug 10 is the size of the sub-plug 10 in the first direction A.

[0049] It is worth noting that the first direction A is the length direction of the plug 110, one end of the plug 110 is a fixed end, and the other end of the plug 110 extends along the first direction A to protrude from the sub-plug 10.

[0050] For example, if n = 3, then the remaining sub-plugs 10, excluding the first sub-plug 10, refer to the second sub-plug 10, the third sub-plug 10, and so on. For another example, if n = 4, then the remaining sub-plugs 10, excluding the first sub-plug 10, refer to the second sub-plug 10, the third sub-plug 10, and so on.

[0051] When the plug assembly provided in this embodiment is in an idle state, the first sub-plug 10 can serve as a mounting base, allowing the remaining sub-plugs 10, excluding the first sub-plug 10, to be sequentially fitted onto the socket 110 of the first sub-plug 10. This effectively saves space occupied by the plug assembly when idle, facilitating miniaturization. Furthermore, the thickness of each sequentially stacked sub-plug 10 gradually decreases. By first fitting the thicker sub-plug 10 onto the socket 110, and then fitting the thinner sub-plug 10 onto the socket 110, the thinner sub-plug 10 can utilize the thicker sub-plug 10 for clearance, effectively preventing the sub-plug 10 from protruding excessively due to the subsequent fitting of the thicker sub-plug 10, which would hinder the reduction of the overall thickness of the plug assembly.

[0052] See also Figure 3 In this embodiment, the sub-plug 10 includes a base 130 and a pin 140. The end of the pin 140 is connected to one side of the base 130. In the first direction A, the distance between the end of the pin 140 away from the base 130 and the side of the base 130 away from the pin 140 is the thickness of the sub-plug 10.

[0053] Figure 4 This is a side view of the female plug, combined with... Figure 4 The thickness of the plug 10 is the sum of the thickness d2 of the base 130 and the length d3 of the pin 140 in the first direction A.

[0054] In this embodiment, all the sub-plugs 10 except the first sub-plug 10 have sockets 120, and each socket 120 is fitted onto the socket 110.

[0055] In the above implementation, the socket 120 is used to provide a plug space for the socket 110. Each socket 120 can be transitionally fitted with the socket 110, so that after the sub-plug 10 is fitted onto the socket 110, it can be more securely assembled on the socket 110, effectively avoiding unnecessary shaking or sliding of the sub-plug 10 on the socket 110.

[0056] In this embodiment, the socket 110 is an elliptical columnar structure, and the inner contour shape of the socket 120 matches that of the socket 110. In this way, the sub-plug 10 can be effectively prevented from rotating relative to the socket 110.

[0057] Of course, in other embodiments, the insertion platform 110 can also be a columnar structure of other shapes, and the inner contour of the insertion hole 120 will also change accordingly. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0058] In this embodiment, the orthographic projections of each socket 120 coincide in the first direction A.

[0059] This design makes it easier to fit each sub-plug 10 onto the socket 110, resulting in a neater fit of the sub-plugs 10 on the socket 110, thus facilitating the placement of each sub-plug 10 as a whole within the receiving cavity 2100.

[0060] For example, in each sub-plug 10, at least the socket 120 of the nth sub-plug 10 is interference-fitted with the socket 110.

[0061] In the above implementation, the interference fit ensures the secure assembly between the sub-plug 10 and the socket 110. The nth sub-plug 10 is the last sub-plug 10 in the arrangement sequence. By interfering the socket 120 of this sub-plug 10 with the plug, the sub-plug 10 can help lock the other sub-plugs 10.

[0062] Of course, in other embodiments, more sockets 120 of the sub-plugs 10 may be designed to have an interference fit with the socket 110. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0063] See you again Figure 3 Each pin 140 of a sub-plug 10 passes through a base 130 of the sub-plug 10, which is thinner than itself.

[0064] In the above implementation, for the sub-plug 10, the sub-plug 10 that is thinner than itself is the sub-plug 10 that is inserted later in the sequence. This design allows the sub-plugs 10 to be interlocked, thereby utilizing the internal space of the base 130 to accommodate the pins 140, and allowing the bases 130 to fit together tightly, which is beneficial for the miniaturization design of the plug assembly.

[0065] For example, if n=4, then the pin 140 of the first sub-plug 10 passes through the base 130 of the second sub-plug 10, the base 130 of the third sub-plug 10, and the base 130 of the fourth sub-plug 10 in sequence. The pin 140 of the second sub-plug 10 passes through the base 130 of the third sub-plug 10 and the base 130 of the fourth sub-plug 10 in sequence. The pin 140 of the third sub-plug 10 passes through the base 130 of the fourth sub-plug 10.

[0066] The base 130 is mainly used to accommodate conductive components, so the thickness d2 of the base 130 of each sub-plug 10 is almost the same. Therefore, the length d3 of the pins 140 of each sub-plug 10 is different, which determines the different thicknesses of each sub-plug 10. Since the thickness of each sub-plug 10 gradually decreases along the first direction A, the longer pins 140 of the sub-plug 10 that are first fitted onto the socket 110 can be accommodated using the internal space of the base 130 of the other sub-plugs 10, thereby effectively reducing the total thickness of the plug assembly stacked together.

[0067] In this embodiment, in the first direction A, the orthographic projection of the pin 140 of the first sub-plug 10 on the base 130 is located within the orthographic projection of the socket 110 on the base 130.

[0068] In the above implementation, the first sub-plug 10 has a socket 110, and the pins 140 of the first sub-plug 10 are set on the socket 110. On the one hand, it can effectively save space on the base 130, and on the other hand, the sockets 120 of other sub-plugs 10 can be used to accommodate the pins 140 of the first sub-plug 10, without the need to open additional holes.

[0069] See also Figure 3 In this embodiment, one side of the base 130 has a label 170. The label 170 and the pin 140 are located on the same side of the base 130. The labels 170 of each sub-plug 10 are arranged in an arithmetic sequence according to the first direction A, and the common difference of the arithmetic sequence is 1.

[0070] For example, the first sub-plug 10 is labeled 170 as number 1, the second sub-plug 10 is labeled 170 as number 2, the third sub-plug 10 is labeled 170 as number 4, and so on. The numbering 170 makes it easy for users to know the arrangement order of the sub-plugs 10, so that users can stack and interlock the sub-plugs 10 in sequence.

[0071] Figure 5 This is an exploded view of the plug assembly. Figure 5 perspective and Figure 3 From the opposite perspective, combined Figure 5 In this embodiment, the base 130 has a power-connecting groove 150 on the side facing away from the pin 140, and a power-connecting terminal 160 is provided in the power-connecting groove 150.

[0072] Plug module 100 includes plug socket 1200 (see...) Figure 6 The plug socket 1200 provides a mounting base for the plug assembly. One side of the plug socket 1200 has a mounting groove 1210, within which a power connector 1220 is located.

[0073] In the above implementation, when the sub-plug 10 is housed in the mounting groove 1210, the sub-plug 10 and the plug socket 1200 are fixed to each other. The power pin 1220 is inserted into the power receiving groove 150, so that the power pin 1220 contacts the power receiving terminal 160 in the power receiving groove 150, thereby forming an electrical connection.

[0074] In the idle state, the sub-plugs 10 are stacked and interlocked together, and the first sub-plug 10 is inserted into the mounting slot 1210.

[0075] When in use, remove the first sub-plug 10 from the mounting slot 1210, and insert the required sub-plug 10 into the mounting slot 1210 as needed. For example, if the second sub-plug 10 is needed, insert the second sub-plug 10 into the mounting slot 1210 so that power can be drawn from the socket through the second sub-plug 10.

[0076] See you again Figure 3 In this embodiment, n = 4, that is, the number of sub-plugs 10 is 4. The first sub-plug 10 is a European standard plug, the second sub-plug 10 is a British standard plug, the third sub-plug 10 is an Australian standard plug, and the fourth sub-plug 10 is an American standard plug.

[0077] In the above implementation methods, European standard plugs are suitable for European standard sockets, British standard plugs are suitable for British standard sockets, Australian standard plugs are suitable for Australian standard sockets, and American standard plugs are suitable for American standard sockets.

[0078] Of course, in other embodiments, the number of sub-plugs 10 can be adjusted as needed, such as 3 or 5, and correspondingly, the specifications of the sub-plugs 10 can also be adjusted accordingly. This disclosure does not limit this.

[0079] In this embodiment, the ground pin of the British standard plug is located between the neutral and live pins of the Australian standard plug, while the neutral and live pins of the British standard plug are located on either side of the neutral and live pins of the American standard plug.

[0080] This arrangement of the pins 140 of each sub-plug 10 ensures that the pins 140 do not interfere with each other, thus guaranteeing the reliability of each sub-plug 10 in the stacked and interlocked state.

[0081] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used herein shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and similar terms used in this patent application specification and claims do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different components. Similarly, the terms “an” or “a” and similar terms do not indicate a quantity limitation, but rather indicate the presence of at least one. The terms “comprising” or “including” and similar terms mean that the elements or objects preceding “comprising” or “including” encompass the elements or objects listed following “comprising” or “including” and their equivalents, and do not exclude other elements or objects. The terms “connected” or “linked” and similar terms are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but can include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. The terms “upper,” “lower,” “left,” “right,” etc., are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described objects changes, the relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0082] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the protection scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A plug assembly, characterized by It includes n sub-plugs (10), where n≥2 and n is an integer; The plug assembly has a first direction, and the first of the n sub-plugs (10) is located at the starting point of the first direction. The first sub-plug (10) has a socket (110) with the end of the socket (110) extending along the first direction. The remaining sub-plugs (10) except the first sub-plug (10) are sequentially fitted over the socket (110), and the thickness of each sub-plug (10) gradually decreases along the first direction. The thickness of the sub-plug (10) is the dimension of the sub-plug (10) in the first direction.

2. The plug assembly of claim 1, wherein, All of the sub-plugs (10) except the first one have sockets (120); Each of the aforementioned sockets (120) is fitted onto the socket (110).

3. The plug assembly of claim 2, wherein, In each of the sub-plugs (10), at least the nth sub-plug (10) has its socket (120) in an interference fit with the socket (110).

4. The plug assembly of claim 2, wherein, In the first direction, the orthographic projections of each of the jacks (120) coincide.

5. The plug assembly of claim 1, wherein, The sub-plug (10) includes a base (130) and pins (140); The end of the pin (140) is connected to one side of the base (130); In the first direction, the distance between the end of the pin (140) away from the base (130) and the side of the base (130) away from the pin (140) is the thickness of the sub-plug (10).

6. The plug assembly of claim 5, wherein, The pins (140) of each of the sub-plugs (10) pass through the base (130) of the sub-plug (10) which is thinner than itself.

7. The plug assembly of claim 5, wherein, In the first direction, the orthographic projection of the pin (140) of the first sub-plug (10) on the base (130) is located within the orthographic projection of the socket (110) on the base (130).

8. The plug assembly of claim 5, wherein, The base (130) has an electrical contact groove (150) on the side facing away from the pin (140); The electrical contact groove (150) has an electrical contact terminal (160).

9. The plug assembly of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, n＝4； The first sub-plug (10) is a European standard plug, the second sub-plug (10) is a British standard plug, the third sub-plug (10) is an Australian standard plug, and the fourth sub-plug (10) is an American standard plug.

10. The plug assembly of claim 9, wherein, The ground pin of the British standard plug is located between the neutral and live pins of the Australian standard plug, and the neutral and live pins of the British standard plug are located on both sides of the neutral and live pins of the American standard plug, respectively.

11. A converter characterized by Includes a plug module (100), a socket module (200), and an electrical connector (300); The plug module (100) includes the plug assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10; The socket module (200) includes a receiving cavity (2100) in which the plug assembly can be received; The electrical connector (300) is electrically connected to the plug module (100) and the socket module (200) respectively.

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