Power converter with replaceable plug

Abstract

The utility model provides a replaceable plug's power converter contains: seat body and replaceable plug, seat body includes lower casing, two elastic conductive sheet and circuit unit, the rotating head of replaceable plug can rotate along the circumference direction relative to lower casing, lower casing is equipped with the interference part in the accommodation space, the rotating head is equipped with the buckle piece towards the accommodation space, in the rotating head and lower casing opposite in locking position, interference piece and buckle piece in the circumference direction and reverse to the pressing direction mutually interfere, in the rotating head is subjected to external force and goes into the accommodation space along the pressing direction and makes buckle piece in the depth of pressing direction deeper than the depth of interference piece, the rotating head is allowed and rotates along the circumference direction relative to lower casing, and in external force is removed, two elastic conductive sheet pushes against the rotating head and enters the release position or locking position. The replaceable plug's power converter of the utility model can avoid user in plugging or other state under mistaken touch, and the plug and seat body are not expectedly separated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a power converter, and more particularly to a power converter with a replaceable plug. Background Technology

[0002] Power converters that convert AC mains power to DC / AC power come in various forms due to differences in plug standards across countries. To address this, power converters with interchangeable plugs have been developed to make them compatible with multiple standards.

[0003] However, commonly used power adapters with replaceable plugs generally have at least the following disadvantages: First, their complex structure leads to a significant increase in production and assembly costs; second, the release mechanism for replacing the plug is prone to accidental activation, causing the plug to separate from the main body unexpectedly. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to solve various problems of existing power converters and to propose a power converter with a replaceable plug.

[0005] To achieve the above and other objectives, this utility model proposes a power converter with a replaceable plug, comprising: a base including a lower housing, two elastic conductive sheets, and a circuit unit; the lower housing provides a circular accommodating space; both elastic conductive sheets penetrate the lower housing such that a portion of each elastic conductive sheet is located within the accommodating space and another portion is located outside the accommodating space; the portion of the elastic conductive sheet located within the accommodating space is configured to be compressible in a pressing direction; the circuit unit is electrically connected to the two elastic conductive sheets; and a replaceable plug including a rotating head and two electrodes; the rotating head has a circular outer contour matching the accommodating space and is rotatable relative to the lower housing in a peripheral direction; the two electrodes penetrate the rotating head and are positioned accordingly. The two elastic conductive sheets are provided in the following configuration: the lower housing has an interference member located in the accommodating space, and the rotating head has a latching member facing the accommodating space. When the rotating head and the lower housing are in the unlocked position, the latching member and the interference member do not interfere in the pressing direction. When the rotating head and the lower housing are in the locked position, the interference member and the latching member interfere with each other in the peripheral direction and in the opposite direction to the pressing direction. When the rotating head is subjected to an external force and penetrates into the accommodating space in the pressing direction, causing the depth of the latching member in the pressing direction to be greater than the depth of the interference member, the rotating head is allowed to rotate relative to the lower housing in the peripheral direction. When the external force is removed, the two elastic conductive sheets push the rotating head into the unlocked position or the locked position.

[0006] Optionally, each of the two elastic conductive sheets has a fixed end, a movable end, and a middle portion. The fixed end is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the lower housing, the movable end is movably abutted against the bottom surface of the lower housing, and the middle portion connects the fixed end and the movable end and protrudes from the bottom surface of the lower housing into the accommodating space.

[0007] Optionally, the interference member is disposed at the periphery of the accommodating space. The interference member includes an interference portion and an extension portion. The depth of the interference portion extending in the pressing direction is greater than the depth of the extension portion extending in the pressing direction. One side of the interference portion in the periphery direction provides a space for the latching member to be located in the unlocking position. The other side of the interference portion in the periphery direction connects to the extension portion, forming a latching groove structure with the extension portion. The latching member is configured to be able to pass over the interference member from one side of the interference portion in the periphery direction and enter the latching groove structure.

[0008] Optionally, the fastener includes an arm and a buckle, the arm extending along the pressing direction, and the buckle disposed on the arm and protruding toward the periphery of the receiving space.

[0009] Optionally, the lower housing is provided with a groove communicating with the accommodating space. The depth of the groove in the pressing direction is greater than the depth of the accommodating space in the pressing direction. The wall surface of the groove in the peripheral direction and the arm limit the maximum rotational stroke of the rotating head in the peripheral direction.

[0010] Optionally, the lower housing is provided with at least one foolproof structure disposed around the periphery of the accommodating space, and the rotating head is provided with a matching structure whose shape and number match the foolproof structure. The foolproof structure and the matching structure restrict the rotating head from pressing the two elastic conductive sheets at the unlocking position.

[0011] Optionally, the number of the foolproof structure is three, and the three foolproof structures and the interference element are distributed at equal angles around the periphery of the accommodating space.

[0012] Optionally, the foolproof structure is a flange disposed in the accommodating space. The foolproof structure is configured such that when the rotating head is in the unlocked position, the matching structure matches the foolproof structure in the peripheral direction and interferes with each other in the peripheral direction.

[0013] Therefore, the power converter with a replaceable plug of this utility model has at least the following advantages over the prior art: Using a rotating head as a direct push-button switch prevents accidental contact by the user during plugging / unplugging or other states, thus avoiding unintended separation of the plug from the socket. In other words, the replaceable plug will not detach from the socket when the user holds any part of it. Furthermore, if the replaceable plug, which serves as the release mechanism, is damaged, only the replaceable plug needs to be replaced, rather than the entire power converter with the replaceable plug. In addition, the rotating head and the lower housing are each a thin, sheet-like structure, which significantly reduces production and assembly costs compared to the prior art.

[0014] To further understand the features and technical content of this utility model, please refer to the following detailed description and drawings. However, this description and drawings are only used to illustrate this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model in any way. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1A This is a schematic diagram of the appearance of a power converter with a replaceable plug according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0016] Figure 1B This is an exploded view of a power converter with a replaceable plug according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the base body according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0018] Figure 2B This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the base body according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0019] Figure 2C for Figure 2B A three-dimensional diagram from another perspective;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a replaceable plug according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 4A This is a schematic diagram of the unlocking position according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 4B This is a schematic diagram of the locking position according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 5 This is an assembly diagram of a power converter with a replaceable plug according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 An exploded view of the power converter with a replaceable plug in the unlocked position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the power converter with a replaceable plug in the locked position according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure Labels

[0027] 100 power adapters with replaceable plugs

[0028] 1 base

[0029] 11 Lower shell

[0030] 111 Interference component

[0031] 1111 Interference Department

[0032] 1112 Extension

[0033] 112 Mistake-proof structure

[0034] 113 Bottom

[0035] 114 Openwork section

[0036] 12 Elastic Conductive Sheets

[0037] 121 Fixed end

[0038] 122 Middle section

[0039] 123 Activity Terminal

[0040] 13 Circuit Units

[0041] 2 Replaceable plugs

[0042] 21 Rotating head

[0043] 211 Fastener

[0044] 2111 Arm

[0045] 2112 Button

[0046] 212 Matching Structure

[0047] 22 electrodes

[0048] 2a plug

[0049] 2b plug

[0050] 2C plug

[0051] d1 Pressing direction

[0052] d2 Peripheral direction

[0053] S accommodating space

[0054] S1 Groove Detailed Implementation

[0055] To fully understand this utility model, the following specific embodiments, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, will provide a detailed description. Those skilled in the art can understand the purpose, features, and effects of this utility model from the content disclosed in this specification. It should be noted that this utility model can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and the details in this specification can also be modified and changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the inventive point of this utility model. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings of this utility model are for simple illustration only and are not depictions based on actual dimensions. The following embodiments will further describe the relevant technical content of this utility model in detail, but the disclosed content is not intended to limit the claims of this utility model. The explanation is as follows:

[0056] like Figure 1A As shown, the power converter 100 with a replaceable plug according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a base 1 and a replaceable plug 2. Figure 1A The replaceable plug 2 shown is a US standard plug. Figure 1B As shown, the socket 1 can be replaced with a British standard plug 2a, an Australian standard plug 2b, or a European standard plug 2c as needed. That is, regardless of the plug type, if the replaceable plug 2 of this invention is incorporated, it can be adapted to the socket 1 of this invention to form the replaceable plug power converter 100 of this invention. Therefore, the replaceable plug power converter 100 of this invention is not limited to the specification of the replaceable plug 2.

[0057] like Figures 2A to 2C As shown, the base 1 includes a lower housing 11, two elastic conductive sheets 12, and a circuit unit 13. The lower housing 11 provides a circular accommodating space S. Both elastic conductive sheets 12 penetrate the lower housing 11, such that a portion of each elastic conductive sheet 12 is located within the accommodating space S and the other portion is located outside the accommodating space S. In this embodiment, the bottom surface 113 of the lower housing 11 has two cutouts 114, allowing a portion of each elastic conductive sheet 12 to pass through the two cutouts 114 and be located within the accommodating space S, while the other portion of each elastic conductive sheet 12 is located outside the accommodating space S to electrically connect to the circuit unit 13. The circuit unit 13 includes, for example, multiple electronic components and a circuit board, for converting high-voltage mains power into DC / AC power required by electrical appliances. The technology used for the circuit unit 13 is conventional and will not be described in detail here.

[0058] The elastic conductive sheet 12 is a metal part with elasticity, and the portion of the elastic conductive sheet 12 located in the accommodating space S is configured to be compressible along the pressing direction d1. In this embodiment, the pressing direction d1 is the direction in which the replaceable plug 2 is installed. When the elastic conductive sheet 12 is pressed by the replaceable plug 2, it accumulates elastic potential energy and releases the elastic potential energy when the external force is removed.

[0059] like Figure 3 As shown, the replaceable plug 2 includes a rotating head 21 and two electrodes 22. The rotating head 21 has a circular outer contour that matches the accommodating space S and can rotate relative to the lower housing 11 in the circumferential direction d2.

[0060] Two electrodes 22 pass through the rotating head 21 and are positioned to match two elastic conductive sheets 12. The two electrodes 22 are used to electrically connect to an external socket, allowing mains power to be conducted to the circuit unit 13 via the two elastic conductive sheets 12.

[0061] like Figures 2C to 4B As shown, the lower housing 11 is provided with an interference member 111 located in the accommodating space S, and the rotating head 21 is provided with a latching member 211 facing the accommodating space S. The interference member 111 and the latching member 211 are the main components used to assemble and separate the lower housing 11 and the rotating head 21 relative to each other in order to perform the replacement of the replaceable plug 2.

[0062] like Figure 4A As shown, when the rotating head 21 is in the unlocked position relative to the lower housing 11, the latching member 211 and the interference member 111 do not interfere with each other in the pressing direction d1. Therefore, the rotating head 21 can separate from or move closer to the lower housing 11, or can further compress the two elastic conductive sheets 12 in the pressing direction d1.

[0063] To fix the rotating head 21 to the lower housing 11 and put it into the locked position, an external force is first applied to the rotating head 21, causing the rotating head 21 to penetrate into the receiving space S along the pressing direction d1, so that the depth of the latching member 211 in the pressing direction d1 is deeper than the depth of the interference member 111. In this state, the rotating head 21 is allowed to rotate relative to the lower housing 11 along the peripheral direction d2, so the latching member 211 can rotate past the interference member 111.

[0064] See Figure 4B The rotating head 21 rotates relative to the lower housing 11 along the peripheral direction d2, causing the latching member 211 and the interference member 111 to overlap at least partially in the pressing direction d1. Then, the external force is removed, and the two elastic conductive sheets 12 release their elastic potential energy, pushing the rotating head 21 into a locked position. In the locked position, the interference member 111 and the latching member 211 interfere with each other in the peripheral direction d2 and in the opposite direction to the pressing direction d1. That is, in the locked position, the rotating head 21 cannot rotate relative to the lower housing 11, nor can it disengage from the lower housing 11 in the opposite direction.

[0065] The unlocking method involves applying external force to the rotating head 21 again, causing it to penetrate deeper into the receiving space S along the pressing direction d1. This makes the depth of the latching member 211 in the pressing direction d1 greater than the depth of the interference member 111, allowing the rotating head 21 to rotate relative to the lower housing 11 in the opposite direction of the peripheral direction d2. The latching member 211 rotates in the opposite direction, passing over the interference member 111, so that the latching member 211 and the interference member 111 no longer overlap in the pressing direction d1. Then, the external force is removed, and the two elastic conductive sheets 12 release their elastic potential energy, pushing the rotating head 21 back to the unlocked position.

[0066] Figure 5 The assembly flowchart of the power converter 100 with a replaceable plug is shown. First, select a replaceable plug 2 of a specified size and bring it close to the base 1 to the unlocked position. Then, press and rotate the rotating head 21 to lock it in the locked position. The replaceable plug 2 and the base 1 are then securely assembled and ready for use. To replace it with a different size replaceable plug 2, press and rotate the rotating head 21 again to return it to the unlocked position. Remove the original replaceable plug 2 and replace it with a different size replaceable plug 2, then lock the new replaceable plug 2 again.

[0067] The power converter 100 with a replaceable plug of this invention has at least the following advantages over the prior art: Using the rotating head 21 as a direct push-button switch prevents accidental contact by the user during plugging / unplugging or other states, thus avoiding unexpected separation of the plug from the socket. In other words, when the user holds any part of the socket 1, the replaceable plug 2 will not detach from the socket 1. Furthermore, if the replaceable plug 2, which serves as the release mechanism, is damaged, only the replaceable plug 2 needs to be replaced, without replacing the entire power converter 100 with the replaceable plug. In addition, the rotating head 21 and the lower housing 11 are each a thin, sheet-like structure, which significantly reduces production and assembly costs compared to the prior art.

[0068] Furthermore, such as Figures 2A to 2CAs shown, each of the two elastic conductive sheets 12 has a fixed end 121, a movable end 123, and a middle portion 122. The fixed end 121 is fixedly connected to the bottom surface 113 of the lower housing 11 to transmit the current from the electrode 22 to the circuit unit 13. The movable end 123 is movable relative to the fixed end 121; when the elastic conductive sheet 12 is compressed, the movable end 123 displaces relative to the fixed end 121. In this embodiment, the movable end 123 movably abuts against the bottom surface 113 of the lower housing 11, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The middle portion 122 is the part connecting the fixed end 121 and the movable end 123. The middle portion 122 protrudes from the bottom surface 113 of the lower housing 11, passes through the hollow portion 114, and is located in the accommodating space S. When the middle part 122 is pressed by an external force along the pressing direction d1, the middle part 122 causes the movable end 123 to sink; when the external force is removed, the middle part 122 and the movable end 123 release their elastic potential energy to reset.

[0069] Furthermore, such as Figure 4A and Figure 4B As shown, in this embodiment, the interference member 111 is disposed at the periphery of the accommodating space S. The interference member 111 includes an interference portion 1111 and an extension portion 1112. The depth of the interference portion extending in the pressing direction d1 is greater than the depth of the extension portion 1112 extending in the pressing direction d1. On one side of the interference portion 1111 in the peripheral direction d2 (to the right of the interference portion 1111 in the figure), there is a space that allows the latching member 211 to be in the unlocked position. The interference portion 1111 connects to the extension portion 1112 on the other side of the peripheral direction d2. The extension portion 1112 extends on a horizontal plane relative to the pressing direction d1, so that the interference portion 1111 and the extension portion 1112 form a latching groove structure. The latching member 211 is configured to be able to enter the latching groove structure from the interference portion 1111 on one side of the peripheral direction by pressing, thereby achieving locking in the peripheral direction d2 and in the direction opposite to the pressing direction d1. However, this utility model is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the specific structure and setting position of the interference element 111 can be changed accordingly as needed.

[0070] Furthermore, such as Figure 4A and Figure 4BAs shown, in this embodiment, the latching member 211 includes an arm portion 2111 and a latching portion 2112. The arm portion 2111 extends along the pressing direction d1 toward the accommodating space S, and the latching portion 2112 is disposed on the arm portion 2111 and protrudes toward the periphery of the accommodating space S, that is, toward the latching member 211. The latching portion 2112 is the element that actually performs latching interference with the interference member 111. When the latching portion 2112 is in the unlocked position, the interference members 1111 interfere with each other, preventing the rotating head 21 from rotating relative to the lower housing 11 along the periphery direction d2. When the rotating head 21 penetrates deeper into the accommodating space S along the pressing direction d1, making the depth of the latching portion 2112 in the pressing direction d1 greater than the depth of the interference member 1111, the latching portion 2112 can rotate past the interference member 1111 and then enter the aforementioned latching structure. However, this utility model is not limited to this. In other embodiments, the specific structure and setting position of the latching member 211 can be changed accordingly as needed.

[0071] Furthermore, such as Figure 1B As shown, in this embodiment, the lower housing 11 is provided with a groove S1 communicating with the accommodating space S. The depth of the groove S1 in the pressing direction d1 is greater than the depth of the accommodating space S in the pressing direction d1. The main function of the groove S1 is that its wall surface in the peripheral direction d2 (e.g. Figure 1B The right side wall of the groove S1 and the arm 2111 of the latching member 211 work together to limit the maximum rotation stroke of the rotating head 21 along the peripheral direction d2. That is to say, the groove S1 serves to provide space for the movement of the interference member 111 and the latching member 211, and on the other hand, the rotation amplitude of the rotating head 21 along the peripheral direction d2 is also limited by the groove S1, so that it will not rotate indefinitely.

[0072] Furthermore, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in this embodiment, the lower housing 11 is provided with at least one foolproof structure 112, disposed at the periphery of the accommodating space S; the rotating head 21 is provided with a matching structure 212 whose shape and number match the foolproof structure 112. The foolproof structure 112 and the matching structure 212 restrict the rotating head 21 from pressing the two elastic conductive sheets 12 at the aforementioned unlocking position. Specifically, in this embodiment, the foolproof structure 112 is a flange disposed in the accommodating space S, and there are three foolproof structures 112. The three foolproof structures 112 and the interference element 111 are angularly distributed (each differing by 90 degrees) at the periphery of the accommodating space. When the rotating head 21 is in the unlocking position, the matching structure 212 matches the foolproof structure 112 in the periphery direction d2 and interferes with each other in the periphery direction d2. See also... Figure 3Because the matching structure 212 and the latching member 211 have different structures, the matching structure 212 cannot be inserted into the space on the peripheral direction d2 of the interference part 1111 (the matching structure 212 and the interference member 111 do not match). Therefore, the rotating head 21 can only enter the unlocking position in a specific orientation. That is, if the rotating head 21 is at a different angle relative to the lower housing 11, the foolproof structure 112 and the matching structure 212 cannot match in the peripheral direction d2, so the rotating head 21 cannot approach the lower housing 11. Therefore, through the design of the foolproof structure 112 and the matching structure 212, the installation of the rotating head 21 is directional, which can be used to distinguish the polarity of the electrode 22, making the use and installation of electrical appliances safer.

[0073] Furthermore, the rotating head 21 extends into the accommodating space S along the pressing direction d1, and the depth of the matching structure 212 in the pressing direction d1 exceeds that of the foolproof structure 112. The foolproof structure 112 and the matching structure 212 no longer interfere with each other in the peripheral direction d2 and can rotate relative to each other.

[0074] This utility model has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments. However, those skilled in the art should understand that the embodiments described are merely for illustrating the utility model and should not be construed as limiting its scope. It should be noted that all variations and substitutions equivalent to the described embodiments should be included within the scope of this utility model. Therefore, the protection scope of this utility model should be determined by the scope defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A power converter with a replaceable plug, characterized in that, The power converter with replaceable plug includes: A base includes a lower housing, two elastic conductive sheets, and a circuit unit. The lower housing provides a circular accommodating space. Both elastic conductive sheets penetrate the lower housing such that a portion of each sheet is located within the accommodating space and another portion is located outside the accommodating space. The portion of the elastic conductive sheet located within the accommodating space is configured to be compressible in a pressing direction. The circuit unit is electrically connected to the two elastic conductive sheets. A replaceable plug includes a rotating head and two electrodes. The rotating head has a circular outer contour that matches the accommodating space and is rotatable relative to the lower housing along its periphery. The two electrodes pass through the rotating head and are positioned to match the two elastic conductive sheets. The lower housing is provided with an interference member located in the accommodating space, and the rotating head is provided with a latching member facing the accommodating space. With the rotating head and the lower housing in the unlocked position, the latching member and the interference member do not interfere with each other in the pressing direction. With the rotating head and the lower housing in the locked position, the interference member and the latching member interfere with each other in the peripheral direction and in the opposite direction of the pressing direction. When the rotating head is subjected to an external force and penetrates deeper into the accommodating space along the pressing direction, causing the depth of the latching member in the pressing direction to be greater than the depth of the interference member, the rotating head is allowed to rotate relative to the lower housing along the peripheral direction. When the external force is removed, the two elastic conductive sheets push against the rotating head to enter the unlocked position or the locked position.

2. The power converter with a replaceable plug according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the two elastic conductive sheets has a fixed end, a movable end, and a middle portion. The fixed end is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the lower housing, the movable end is movably abutted against the bottom surface of the lower housing, and the middle portion connects the fixed end and the movable end and protrudes from the bottom surface of the lower housing into the accommodating space.

3. The power converter with a replaceable plug according to claim 1, characterized in that, The interference member is disposed at the periphery of the accommodating space. The interference member includes an interference portion and an extension portion. The depth of the interference portion extending in the pressing direction is greater than the depth of the extension portion extending in the pressing direction. On one side of the interference portion in the periphery direction, there is a space that allows the latching member to be located in the unlocking position. On the other side of the interference portion in the periphery direction, the interference portion connects to the extension portion and forms a latching groove structure with the extension portion. The latching member is configured to be able to pass over the interference member from one side of the interference portion in the periphery direction and enter the latching groove structure.

4. The power converter with a replaceable plug according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fastener includes an arm and a buckle. The arm extends along the pressing direction, and the buckle is disposed on the arm and protrudes toward the periphery of the accommodating space.

5. The power converter with a replaceable plug according to claim 4, characterized in that, The lower housing is provided with a groove communicating with the accommodating space. The depth of the groove in the pressing direction is greater than the depth of the accommodating space in the pressing direction. The wall surface of the groove in the peripheral direction and the arm limit the maximum rotational stroke of the rotating head in the peripheral direction.

6. The power converter with a replaceable plug according to claim 1, characterized in that, The lower housing is provided with at least one foolproof structure disposed around the periphery of the accommodating space. The rotating head is provided with matching structures whose shape and number match the foolproof structure. The foolproof structure and the matching structure restrict the rotating head from pressing the two elastic conductive sheets at the unlocking position.

7. The power converter with a replaceable plug according to claim 6, characterized in that, The number of the error prevention structure is three, and the three error prevention structures and the interference element are distributed at equal angles around the periphery of the accommodating space.

8. The power converter with a replaceable plug according to claim 6, characterized in that, The foolproof structure is a flange disposed in the accommodating space. The foolproof structure is configured such that when the rotating head is in the unlocking position, the matching structure matches the foolproof structure in the peripheral direction and interferes with each other in the peripheral direction.

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