An expandable socket

By designing expandable sockets, the problem of high production costs for different types of sockets was solved, enabling convenient expansion and stable connection of sockets, reducing production costs and extending service life.

CN224554813UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-24WENZHOU GUIPAI ELECTRIC APPLIANCE CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
WENZHOU GUIPAI ELECTRIC APPLIANCE CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-08-29
Publication Date
2026-07-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the existing technology, when manufacturing different types of sockets, it is necessary to produce corresponding bases according to the type of socket, which increases the production cost of equipment and bases.

Method used

Design an expandable socket comprising a base, panel, control switch, circuit components, and back cover. By setting expansion zones and positioning elements, different expansion components, such as USB interfaces and smart control modules, can be installed on the base, reducing the frequency of base production type replacements.

Benefits of technology

The production cost of the base has been reduced, the expandability and ease of operation of the socket have been improved, the expansion components have been ensured to be tightly integrated with the main body of the socket, making it easy to replace and maintain, and extending its service life.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The application relates to the field of sockets, and particularly discloses an expandable socket. The expandable socket comprises a base, a panel, a control switch, a circuit assembly and a rear cover. The control switch is installed on one side of the base, the circuit assembly is installed on the side of the base away from the control switch, an expansion interval is arranged on the upper end of the side of the base close to the circuit assembly, two limiting pieces for limiting power lines are arranged on the side of the expansion interval close to the circuit assembly, a positioning piece for limiting an expansion element is arranged in the middle of the expansion interval, the panel is sleeved on the outer side of the control switch and connected with the base, and the rear cover is installed on the other side of the base and used for covering the circuit assembly. In the application, the base can be provided with accessories such as a USB charging module and a smart control module in the expansion interval according to requirements, the operation is convenient, the base can not only meet the assembly requirements of various sockets, but also can reduce the production cost of the equipment and the base.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of sockets, and more particularly to an expandable socket. Background Technology

[0002] A socket is a common electrical device whose main function is to provide power access and distribution for various electrical appliances. A socket consists of a housing, base, sockets, internal circuitry, and a switch. The base serves as the basic structure of the socket, used to secure other components and provide an installation interface.

[0003] In the existing technology, when manufacturing different types of sockets, such as sockets with USB interfaces or dual-socket sockets, it is necessary to produce corresponding bases according to the type of socket. Although this production method can meet the needs of different socket types, it will increase the production costs of equipment and bases. Utility Model Content

[0004] In order to meet the usage needs of different sockets and reduce the production cost of the base, this application provides an expandable socket.

[0005] The expandable socket provided in this application adopts the following technical solution: An expandable socket includes a base, a panel, a control switch, a circuit assembly, and a back cover. The control switch is mounted on one side of the base, and the circuit assembly is mounted on the side of the base opposite to the control switch. An expansion section is provided at the upper end of the side of the base near the circuit assembly. Two limiting members for limiting the power cord are provided on the side of the expansion section near the circuit assembly. A positioning member for limiting expansion elements is provided in the middle of the expansion section. The panel is sleeved on the outside of the control switch and connected to the base. The back cover is mounted on the other side of the base and is used to cover the circuit assembly.

[0006] By adopting the above technical solution, and through the layout of the control switches and circuit components and the setting of the expansion area, the socket can not only have the function of separate control, but also facilitate subsequent expansion. When producing the socket, the corresponding accessories can be installed in the expansion area according to the type of socket, laying the foundation for the cooperation and functional realization of the subsequent components. This eliminates the need to frequently change the production type of the base when producing the base, thereby reducing the production cost of the base.

[0007] Optionally, a positioning plate is fixedly connected to one side of each of the extended sections, and one end of each positioning plate is provided with a positioning opening for the rear cover to hook onto.

[0008] By adopting the above technical solution, the expansion section can be quickly and accurately fixed by cooperating with the positioning port of the positioning plate and the back cover, thereby enhancing the expandability and ease of operation of the socket.

[0009] Optionally, the positioning component includes two mounting plates, one side of each mounting plate is fixedly connected to the base, and a mounting groove for inserting expansion elements is provided between the two mounting plates. The base has an expansion port communicating with the mounting groove.

[0010] By adopting the above technical solution, a stable installation position can be provided for the expansion components. The installation slot is connected to the expansion port, which facilitates the installation of the expansion components and the circuit connection, ensures that the expansion components are tightly connected to the socket body, and also facilitates the replacement and maintenance of the expansion components.

[0011] Optionally, the limiting member includes a connecting plate, one end of which is fixedly connected to the base, and a positioning groove is provided at the end of the connecting plate opposite to the base. One end of the positioning groove is provided with a mounting surface for facilitating the insertion of the power cord.

[0012] By adopting the above technical solution, the power cord can be stably fixed in the positioning groove, and the setting of the mounting surface facilitates the insertion of the power cord, making the power cord layout inside the socket more neat.

[0013] Optionally, the circuit assembly includes a stationary contact, a moving contact, and a terminal block. The stationary contact is mounted on one side of the base, and the moving contact is connected to one side of the control switch with one end connected to the stationary contact. A connection slot for inserting the terminal block is provided on one side of the rear cover. One end of one of the terminal blocks is fixedly connected to the stationary contact, and the inner side of the other terminal block is in contact with one end of the moving contact.

[0014] By adopting the above technical solutions, power can be introduced and distributed, ensuring stable circuit conduction and effective control of the circuit by the control switch, enabling the socket to work normally and providing a stable power supply for electrical equipment.

[0015] Optionally, the lower end of the stationary contact piece is provided with a power socket for inserting a power supply plug, and the power socket is connected to the base.

[0016] By adopting the above technical solution, the power socket at the lower end of the stationary contact piece is connected to the base, providing a clear and convenient insertion position for the electrical plug, so that the electrical plug can be accurately inserted into the socket and achieve good electrical contact with the stationary contact piece, thereby ensuring that the electrical equipment can draw power normally.

[0017] Optionally, a locking block is fixedly connected to the outer side of the back cover, and a plurality of slots for the locking block to hook onto are provided on one side of the base.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the back cover can be firmly fixed on the base. The connection method is simple, reliable, and easy to disassemble and assemble. It not only ensures that the back cover effectively covers and protects the circuit components, but also facilitates the inspection and maintenance of the circuit components.

[0019] Optionally, fasteners are provided at both ends of the base for fixing the base inside the junction box or to the wall.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the socket can be firmly fixed inside the junction box or on the wall, so that the socket will not loosen or shift due to external force during use. At the same time, it is also convenient to install and remove the socket, adapting to different installation environments and needs.

[0021] In summary, this application has the following beneficial effects: 1. The base in this application can be equipped with accessories such as USB charging modules and intelligent control modules within the expansion range as needed, making it easy to operate. This base can not only meet the assembly requirements of various sockets, but also reduce the production costs of the equipment and the base.

[0022] 2. This application provides a stable installation position for the expansion element through the positioning component, which facilitates the installation of the expansion element and circuit connection, and ensures that the expansion element is tightly connected to the socket body, making it easy to replace and maintain. The limiting component can ensure the stability of the connection between the expansion element and the power cord, prevent short circuits, and thus extend the service life of the socket. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an expandable socket according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the panel and control switch according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the base and back cover according to an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the extended range and circuit components in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the base and power socket in an embodiment of this application.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Base; 2. Panel; 3. Control switch; 4. Circuit assembly; 41. Stationary contact; 42. Moving contact; 43. Terminal block; 5. Back cover; 6. Expansion section; 7. Limiting element; 71. Connecting plate; 72. Positioning groove; 73. Mounting surface; 8. Positioning element; 81. Mounting plate; 82. Mounting groove; 9. Positioning plate; 91. Positioning port; 10. Expansion port; 11. Connecting groove; 12. Power socket; 13. Locking block; 14. Locking slot; 15. Fastener. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-5 This application will be described in further detail.

[0026] This application discloses an expandable socket.

[0027] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The expandable socket includes a base 1, a panel 2 mounted on the outside of the base 1, a control switch 3 mounted in the middle of the base 1, a circuit assembly 4 mounted on one side of the base 1 and connected to the control switch 3, and a back cover 5 mounted on the base 1 and used to cover the circuit assembly 4. The panel 2 is used to cover and protect the base 1 and is fitted over the control switch 3. The control switch 3 is used to turn the socket on and off, enabling zoned control of the socket. A power socket 12 for plug insertion is provided between the circuit assembly 4 and the base 1 to achieve power connection and ensure normal use. The back cover 5 not only covers the circuit assembly 4 but also prevents it from being misaligned due to impact, thereby ensuring the accuracy of the connection between the circuit assembly 4 and the power cord. An expansion section 6 is provided on the side of the base 1 near the circuit assembly 4 for installing expansion components. In this application, the expansion components can be USB interfaces, intelligent control modules, timers, and indicator lights, etc. In this application, there are two expansion sections 6. In other embodiments, the number of expansion sections 6 can be increased or decreased according to the number of power sockets 12.

[0028] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 The circuit assembly 4 includes a stationary contact 41 fixedly connected to the base 1, a moving contact 42 mounted on the control switch 3, and multiple terminals 43 connected to the rear cover 5. The lower end of the stationary contact 41 has a power socket 12 for connecting to a power plug. When the power plug is inserted into the power socket 12, it makes stable contact with the stationary contact 41, ensuring a stable power connection. The rear cover 5 has multiple connecting slots 11 for inserting the terminals 43, ensuring a secure connection between the terminals 43 and the rear cover 5. Each terminal 43 consists of a conductive sheet and a fastening screw. After the power cord is inserted into the conductive sheet, tightening the fastening screw secures the power cord within the conductive sheet. Two terminals 43 are fixedly connected to the stationary contact 41, and one end of the other two terminals 43 is connected to one end of the moving contact 42. Moving the control switch 3 allows the moving contact 42 to be connected to or disconnected from the terminals 43. When the moving contact 42 is connected to one end of the conductive sheet, the other end of the moving contact 42 is connected to the stationary contact 41, and the socket is in a powered state. When the moving contact 42 is separated from one end of the conductive sheet, the other end of the moving contact 42 is separated from the stationary contact 41, and the socket is in a powered-off state.

[0029] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 3 The rear cover 5 has multiple locking blocks 13 fixedly connected to its edge. The base 1 has multiple slots 14 on one side for the locking blocks 13 to hook onto. When the locking blocks 13 hook onto the slots 14, they secure the rear cover 5 to one side of the base 1. In use, the rear cover 5 is aligned with one side of the base 1 and placed over the circuit assembly 4 and the expansion section 6. Pressing the rear cover 5 causes one end of each locking block 13 to move inward until it aligns with the slot 14. At this point, the locking blocks 13 return to their original position and hook onto the slots 14, completing the installation of the rear cover 5. Fasteners 15 are threaded through both ends of the base 1. These fasteners 15 are used to fix the socket to a junction box in the wall or other objects. In this application, the fasteners 15 are screws.

[0030] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 4 Two limiting members 7 are fixedly connected to the side of the expansion section 6 near the power socket 12. Each limiting member 7 includes a connecting plate 71 fixedly connected to the base 1. One end of the connecting plate 71 has a positioning groove 72 for inserting a power cord, thus restricting the position of the power cord. This power cord is used to connect to the expansion element, ensuring its normal operation. The end of the positioning groove 72 has a mounting surface 73 for facilitating the insertion of the power cord into the positioning groove 72. The mounting surface 73 is angled and has a large opening angle, allowing the power cord to accurately insert into the positioning groove 72.

[0031] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 4 Each side of the extended section 6 is fixedly connected to a positioning plate 9. Each positioning plate 9 has a positioning opening 91 at one end for the rear cover 5 to hook onto. The positioning opening 91 is used to ensure the stability of the connection between the rear cover 5 and the positioning plate 9. The connection between the positioning plate 9 and the rear cover 5 is used to further restrict the rear cover 5 and prevent it from becoming misaligned during use.

[0032] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 Each expansion section 6 has a fixedly connected positioning element 8 at its center for limiting the expansion element. The positioning element 8 includes two mounting plates 81 fixedly connected to the base 1. A mounting groove 82 is provided between the two mounting plates 81 for inserting the expansion element. The mounting groove 82 provides a precise installation position for different expansion elements and limits their placement. The base 1 has an expansion opening 10 communicating with the mounting groove 82. This opening allows for the insertion of some expansion elements to ensure their proper use. In use, the corresponding expansion element can be snapped into the mounting groove or fixed in place using screws, clips, or other fasteners to secure it.

[0033] The implementation principle of the expandable socket in this application embodiment is as follows: When it is necessary to expand the function of the socket, the first step is to remove the fastening screw of the terminal 43 from the back cover 5, disconnect the terminal 43 from the back cover 5, and then press the edge of the back cover 5 to make the locking block 13 disengage from the slot 14 and from the positioning plate 9 until the back cover 5 is removed, so that the expansion section 6 is exposed. Step 2: Insert the desired expansion components, such as USB ports, smart control modules, timers, and indicator lights, into the mounting slots 82 between the two mounting plates 81 in the middle of the corresponding expansion section 6. Then connect them to the power cord. Afterward, snap the power cord into the positioning slots 72 of the connecting plate 71 to complete the installation of the expansion components. When installing the USB ports and smart control modules, one end needs to be inserted into the expansion port 10 for later use. Step 3: Move the back cover 5 to connect with the base 1 again, and then connect the terminal block 43 to the back cover 5. Subsequently, change the type of panel 2 according to the type of expansion component, so as to complete the production of different types of sockets.

[0034] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. An expandable socket, comprising a base (1), a panel (2), a control switch (3), a circuit assembly (4), and a back cover (5), characterized in that: The control switch (3) is installed on one side of the base (1), the circuit assembly (4) is installed on the side of the base (1) away from the control switch (3), the upper end of the base (1) near the circuit assembly (4) is provided with an expansion section (6), the expansion section (6) near the circuit assembly (4) is provided with two limiting members (7) for limiting the power line, the middle of the expansion section (6) is provided with a positioning member (8) for limiting the expansion element, the panel (2) is sleeved on the outside of the control switch (3) and connected to the base (1), the back cover (5) is installed on the other side of the base (1) and is used to cover the circuit assembly (4).

2. The expandable socket according to claim 1, characterized in that: One side of each of the extended sections (6) is fixedly connected to a positioning plate (9), and one end of each positioning plate (9) is provided with a positioning opening (91) for the rear cover (5) to hook.

3. The expandable socket according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning component (8) includes two mounting plates (81), one side of each of the two mounting plates (81) is fixedly connected to the base (1), and a mounting groove (82) for inserting expansion elements is provided between the two mounting plates (81). The base (1) has an expansion port (10) that communicates with the mounting groove (82).

4. The expandable socket according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting member (7) includes a connecting plate (71), one end of which is fixedly connected to the base (1). The connecting plate (71) has a positioning groove (72) at the end away from the base (1), and one end of the positioning groove (72) is provided with an mounting surface (73) for facilitating the insertion of the power cord.

5. The expandable socket according to claim 1, characterized in that: The circuit assembly (4) includes a stationary contact (41), a moving contact (42), and a terminal block (43). The stationary contact (41) is installed on one side of the base (1). The moving contact (42) is connected to one side of the control switch (3) and one end is connected to the stationary contact (41). A connecting groove (11) for inserting the terminal block (43) is provided on one side of the back cover (5). One end of one terminal block (43) is fixedly connected to the stationary contact (41), and the inner side of the other terminal block (43) is in contact with one end of the moving contact (42).

6. The expandable socket according to claim 5, characterized in that: The lower end of the static contact piece (41) is provided with a power socket (12) for inserting the power supply plug, and the power socket (12) is connected to the base (1).

7. The expandable socket according to claim 1, characterized in that: The outer side of the back cover (5) is fixedly connected to a locking block (13), and a plurality of slots (14) for the locking block (13) to hook onto one side of the base (1).

8. The expandable socket according to claim 1, characterized in that: Fasteners (15) are provided at both ends of the base (1) for fixing the base (1) inside the junction box or on the wall.