European-standard alternating-current output socket

Abstract

The present disclosure discloses a European-standard alternating-current (AC) output socket, including a face cover, a partition plate, a base, a safety shutter, two base tail sealing covers, a live terminal, a neutral terminal, an earth terminal, at least one water detection signal terminal, and a plurality of screws. Components of the socket are fixed together by the screws. An isolation groove is provided on an outer surface of the face cover. Sealing structures are provided between the face cover and the partition plate, and between the partition plate and the base. A plurality of drainage channels are formed on the base. The two base tail sealing covers are respectively located at a root part of the live terminal and a root part of the neutral terminal. The at least one water detection signal terminal is disposed closer to the live terminal, or closer to the neutral terminal, or at a location equidistant from the live terminal and the neutral terminal. The present disclosure can ensure safety of European-standard electronic products with AC output functions both when used in water-involved environments and when connected to an AC appliance load immediately after being taken out of water.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of socket technology, and in particular to a European-standard alternating-current (AC) output socket.BACKGROUND

[0002] For existing European-standard alternating-current (AC) output sockets, when they are submerged in water (fresh water or salt water with a 5% concentration) and energized (at a voltage of 220-230V), short circuits occur between metal terminals, namely a live terminal (L terminal), a neutral terminal (N terminal), and an earth terminal (PE terminal), leading to electric sparking phenomena. Furthermore, the existing European-standard AC output sockets lack drainage channels, meaning that when such a socket is immersed in or soaked with water, water remains trapped inside, posing a safety hazard. Additionally, after the socket is removed from water, it cannot function properly. If a load plug is connected and power is supplied, the socket may experience a short circuit, causing plastic parts thereof to melt and produce smoke. Moreover, there is no water detection mechanism on a socket body, preventing a host device from detecting whether water residue exists inside the socket, which also poses a safety hazard.SUMMARY

[0003] A technical problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide a European-standard alternating-current (AC) output socket, which can ensure safety of European-standard electronic products with AC output functions both when used in water-involved environments and when connected to an AC appliance load immediately after being taken out of water. The European-standard AC output socket also enables real-time monitoring of a water exposure status of the socket, thereby improving operational safety of the European-standard electronic products with AC output functions.

[0004] To solve the above technical problem, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a European-standard alternating-current (AC) output socket, including: a face cover, a partition plate, a base, a safety shutter, two base tail sealing covers, a live terminal, a neutral terminal, an earth terminal, at least one water detection signal terminal, and a plurality of screws, and components of the socket are fixed together by the plurality of screws; an isolation groove is provided on an outer surface of the face cover, and the isolation groove is located between the live terminal and the neutral terminal, between the neutral terminal and the earth terminal, and between the live terminal and the earth terminal; sealing structures are provided between the face cover and the partition plate, and between the partition plate and the base; a plurality of drainage channels are formed on the base, and the plurality of drainage channels are respectively located at positions corresponding to the live terminal, the neutral terminal, the earth terminal, and the safety shutter; the two base tail sealing covers are respectively located at a root part of the live terminal and a root part of the neutral terminal; the at least one water detection signal terminal is disposed closer to the live terminal than to the neutral terminal, or closer to the neutral terminal than to the live terminal, or at a location equidistant from the live terminal and the neutral terminal.

[0005] Optionally, the isolation groove has a width ≥ 1 mm, a depth ≥ 1 mm, and a cross-sectional shape of a rectangle, a square, a triangle, a trapezoid, or a circle.

[0006] Optionally, each of the sealing structures is formed by a process selected from waterproof gasket compression sealing, ultrasonic welding, and spot application of a sealant.

[0007] Optionally, each of the plurality of drainage channels has a width ≥ 1mm, a depth ≥ 1 mm, and a cross-sectional shape of a rectangle, a square, a triangle, a trapezoid, or a circle.

[0008] Optionally, an isolation rib is provided between the drainage channel located at the position corresponding to the live terminal and the drainage channel located at the position corresponding to the neutral terminal.

[0009] Optionally, a spacing between the at least one water detection signal terminal and the live terminal and a spacing between the at least one water detection signal terminal and the neutral terminal are ≥ 1.2mm, and there is no water-blocking structure between the at least one water detection signal terminal and the live terminal and between the at least one water detection signal terminal and the neutral terminal.

[0010] Optionally, the socket further includes mating rib-and-groove structures provided between any two of adjacent components.

[0011] Optionally, the rib extends into the groove by a distance ≥ 0.3mm.

[0012] Optionally, wiring positions of the live terminal, the neutral terminal, and the earth terminal are each provided with a fence-like groove.

[0013] Optionally, the socket includes a plurality of inclined drainage surfaces each having an inclination angle ≥ 3°.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the European-standard AC output socket provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure includes the face cover, the partition plate, the base, the safety shutter, the two base tail sealing covers, the live terminal, the neutral terminal, the earth terminal, the at least one water detection signal terminal, and the plurality of screws. The components of the socket are fixed together by the screws. The isolation groove is provided on the outer surface of the face cover, located between the live terminal and the neutral terminal, between the neutral terminal and the earth terminal, and between the live terminal and the earth terminal. The sealing structures are provided between the face cover and the partition plate, and between the partition plate and the base. The plurality of drainage channels are formed on the base, respectively located at positions corresponding to the live terminal, the neutral terminal, the earth terminal, and the safety shutter. The two base tail sealing covers are respectively located at the root part of the live terminal and the root part of the neutral terminal. The at least one water detection signal terminal is disposed closer to the live terminal than to the neutral terminal, or closer to the neutral terminal than to the live terminal, or at a location equidistant from the live terminal and the neutral terminal. By providing the isolation groove on the outer surface of the face cover, providing sealing structures between the face cover and the partition plate and between the partition plate and the base, providing the plurality of drainage channels on the base, and providing the base tail sealing covers and the at least one water detection signal terminal, the present disclosure can ensure the safety of European-standard electronic products with AC output functions both when used in water-involved environments and when connected to an AC appliance load immediately after being taken out of water, and also can enable real-time monitoring of the water exposure status of the socket, improving the operational safety of the European-standard electronic products with AC output functions.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a European-standard alternating-current (AC) output socket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a European-standard AC output socket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 3 is an outer surface view of a European-standard AC output socket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a side of a European-standard AC output socket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a bottom of a European-standard AC output socket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 6 is another schematic diagram showing a bottom of a European-standard AC output socket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a position of a water detection signal terminal in a European-standard AC output socket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing positions and structures of ribs and grooves in a European-standard AC output socket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing positions and structures of inclined drainage surfaces in a European-standard AC output socket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] In the figures: 1: face cover; 101: isolation groove; 2: partition plate; 3: base; 301: first drainage channel; 302: second drainage channel; 303: third drainage channel; 304: fourth drainage channel; 4: safety shutter; 51: live terminal base tail sealing cover; 52: neutral terminal base tail sealing cover; 6: live terminal; 7: neutral terminal; 8: earth terminal; 9: water detection signal terminal; 10: screw; 111: first sealing gasket; 112: second sealing gasket; 113: third sealing gasket; 1301: live terminal adhesive application groove; 1302: neutral terminal adhesive application groove; 1201: first rib-and-groove structure; 1202: second rib-and-groove structure; 1203: third rib-and-groove structure; 1204: fourth rib-and-groove structure; 1205: fifth rib-and-groove structure; 1206: sixth rib-and-groove structure; 1207: isolation rib; 1401: first outer inclined drainage surface; 1402: second outer inclined drainage surface; 1403: third outer inclined drainage surface; 1404: fourth outer inclined drainage surface; 1405: fifth outer inclined drainage surface; 1406: sixth outer inclined drainage surface; 1501: first inner inclined drainage surface; 1502: second inner inclined drainage surface; 1503: third inner inclined drainage surface; 1504: fourth inner inclined drainage surface; 1505: fifth inner inclined drainage surface; and 1506: sixth inner inclined drainage surface.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure. It is obvious that the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present disclosure, rather than all of them. Based on the embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts shall fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0018] Refer to FIGS. 1 to 9, which are schematic structural diagrams of a European-standard alternating-current (AC) output socket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the European-standard AC output socket includes a face cover 1, a partition plate 2, a base 3, a safety shutter 4, two base tail sealing covers (i.e., a live terminal base tail sealing cover 51 and a neutral terminal base tail sealing cover 52), a live terminal 6, a neutral terminal 7, an earth terminal 8, at least one water detection signal terminal 9, and a plurality of screws 10. Components of the socket are fixed together by the screws.

[0020] Specifically, the safety shutter 4 is located between the face cover 1 and the partition plate 2. The partition plate 2 is located between the safety shutter 4 and the base 3. The face cover 1 is fixed to the base 3 by the screws 10.

[0021] It should be noted that, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the socket is designed with four different types of metal terminals: one live terminal (L terminal) 6, one neutral terminal (N terminal) 7, one earth terminal (PE terminal) 8, and one or more water detection signal terminals 9.

[0022] Furthermore, sealing structures are provided between the face cover 1 and the partition plate 2, and between the partition plate 2 and the base 3. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a third sealing gasket 113 is provided between the face cover 1 and the partition plate 2, and a first sealing gasket 111 and a second sealing gasket 112 are provided between the partition plate 2 and the base 3.

[0023] As an optional embodiment, a process employed by the sealing structure includes, but is not limited to, waterproof gasket compression sealing, ultrasonic welding, or spot application of a sealant.

[0024] It is worth noting that, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing the sealing structures inside the socket, i.e., between each adjacent pair of the face cover 1, the partition plate 2, and the base 3, a creepage distance between the L terminal and the N terminal, or between the L terminal and the PE terminal, or between the N terminal and the PE terminal can be increased. Furthermore, the sealing structures may be configured to form locally isolated compartments for the L terminal, the N terminal, and the PE terminal respectively. As a result, even after the socket is soaked in a fresh water or salt water environment, short circuits caused by conduction via residual moisture between the L terminal and the N terminal, or between the L terminal and the PE terminal, or between the N terminal and the PE terminal can be prevented.

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, an isolation groove 101 is provided on an outer surface of the face cover 1. The isolation groove 101 is located between the live terminal 6 and the neutral terminal 7, between the neutral terminal 7 and the earth terminal 8, and between the live terminal 6 and the earth terminal 8.

[0026] As an optional embodiment, the isolation groove 101 has a width ≥ 1mm, a depth ≥ 1mm, and a cross-sectional shape including, but not limited to, a rectangle, a square, a triangle, a trapezoid, and a circle.

[0027] It should be noted that, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the outer surface of the face cover 1 of the socket specifically refers to a working interface that contacts a load plug. It is worth noting that providing the isolation groove 101 between the L terminal and the N terminal, or between the L terminal and the PE terminal, or between the N terminal and the PE terminal increases the creepage distance between the L terminal and the N terminal, or between the L terminal and the PE terminal, or between the N terminal and the PE terminal respectively. Moreover, after the socket is soaked in a fresh water or salt water environment, the isolation groove 101 can also facilitate rapid drainage of water from the outer surface of the socket, while preventing short circuits caused by conduction via residual moisture on the outer surface, between the L terminal and the N terminal, or between the L terminal and the PE terminal, or between the N terminal and the PE terminal when the socket is energized.

[0028] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of drainage channels are formed on the base 3. A second drainage channel 302 is located at a position corresponding to the live terminal 6, a fourth drainage channel 304 is located at a position corresponding to the neutral terminal 7, a first drainage channel 301 is located at a position corresponding to the earth terminal 8, and a third drainage channel 303 is located at a position corresponding to the safety shutter 4.

[0029] As an optional embodiment, each of the plurality of drainage channels has a width ≥ 1mm, a depth ≥ 1mm, and a cross-sectional shape including, but not limited to, a rectangle, a square, a triangle, a trapezoid, and a circle.

[0030] It is worth noting that, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing the plurality of drainage channels (i.e., drainage passages) on the base of the socket respectively at positions corresponding to the L terminal and the N terminal, the safety shutter 4, and the PE terminal, water inside the socket can be quickly drained after the socket is soaked in the fresh water or salt water environment.

[0031] As an optional embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, an isolation rib 1207 is provided between the second drainage channel 302 located at the position corresponding to the live terminal 6 and the fourth drainage channel 304 located at the position corresponding to the neutral terminal 7.

[0032] It is worth noting that providing the isolation rib 1207 on the base 3, between the drainage channel located at the position corresponding to the L terminal and the drainage channel located at the position corresponding to the N terminal, increases the creepage distance between the L terminal and N terminal along the corresponding drainage channels, preventing arcing (electric sparking) phenomena when the L terminal and the N terminal are energized while soaked in fresh water or salt water.

[0033] Furthermore, the two base tail sealing covers are respectively located at a root part of the live terminal 6 and a root part of the neutral terminal 7. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 5, the live terminal base tail sealing cover 51 is located at the root part of the live terminal 6, and the neutral terminal base tail sealing cover 52 is located at the root part of the neutral terminal 7.

[0034] It should be noted that, in this embodiment of the present disclosure, base tails of the socket specifically refer to the root parts of the L terminal and the N terminal. Fixed sealing covers are respectively provided at the root parts of the L terminal and the N terminal to secure and press the L terminal and the N terminal after assembly of the L terminal and the N terminal. Furthermore, when the socket is soaked in the fresh water or salt water environment, the sealing structures can form the locally isolated compartments for the L terminal and N terminal, preventing short circuits caused by conduction via water or moisture between the L terminal and the N terminal.

[0035] Furthermore, the water detection signal terminal 9 is disposed closer to the live terminal 6 than to the neutral terminal 7, or closer to the neutral terminal 7 than to the live terminal 6, or at a location equidistant from the live terminal 6 and the neutral terminal 7. Specifically, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, as shown in FIGS. 1-7, the water detection signal terminal 9 is disposed closer to the neutral terminal 7 than to the live terminal 6.

[0036] It is worth noting that one water detection signal terminal 9 may be provided, and the water detection signal terminal 9 may be disposed closer to the L terminal than to the N terminal or closer to the N terminal than to the L terminal; alternatively, two water detection signal terminals 9 may be provided, with one of the two water detection signal terminals 9 being disposed closer to the L terminal than to the N terminal and the other being disposed closer to the N terminal than to the L terminal, a water exposure status of the socket can be monitored by detecting changes in resistance value, humidity, or magnetic field between the L terminal and the N terminal via the water detection signal terminal(s) 9.

[0037] As an optional embodiment, a spacing between the water detection signal terminal 9 and the live terminal 6 and a spacing between the water detection signal terminal 9 and the neutral terminal 7 are ≥ 1.2mm, and there is no water-blocking structure between the water detection signal terminal 9 and the live terminal 6 and between the water detection signal terminal 9 and the neutral terminal 7.

[0038] It is worth noting that, the spacing between the water detection signal terminal 9 and the L terminal and the spacing between the water detection signal terminal 9 and the N terminal are both ensured to be ≥ 1.2mm, and it is ensured that there is no water-blocking structure between the water detection signal terminal 9 and the L terminal and between the water detection signal terminal 9 and the N terminal; the water detection signal terminal(s) 9 can be located at a location equidistant from the L terminal and N the terminal, or closer to the L or N terminal. In this way, when the socket is immersed in or soaked with water, or when there is residual water (fresh water, or salt water with a 5% concentration) inside the socket, the host device can identify a potential safety hazard in the socket by detecting changes in resistance value, humidity, or magnetic field between the water detection signal terminal 9 and the L terminal or between the water detection signal terminal 9 and the N terminal, and cut off power output to the socket. Alternatively, the host device can determine a safety of the socket's usage environment and supply power normally.

[0039] As an optional embodiment, the socket further includes mating rib-and-groove structures provided between any two of adjacent components. Further, the rib extends into the groove by a distance ≥ 0.3 mm. As shown in FIG. 8, a first rib-and-groove structure 1201 and a fourth rib-and-groove structure 1204 are provided between the face cover 1 and the safety shutter 4; a second rib-and-groove structure 1202 and a fifth rib-and-groove structure 1205 are provided between the partition plate 2 and the safety shutter 4; and a third rib-and-groove structure 1203 and a sixth rib-and-groove structure 1206 are provided between the partition plate 2 and the base 3.

[0040] It should be noted that, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, by providing mating rib (protrusion)-and-groove (recess) structures (with the rib extending into the groove by the distance ≥ 0.3 mm) inside the socket, i.e., between two adjacent components (the face cover and the safety shutter, the safety shutter and the partition plate, and the partition plate and the base), the creepage distance between the L terminal and the N terminal, or between the L terminal and the PE terminal, or between the N terminal and the PE terminal can be increased.

[0041] As an optional embodiment, wiring positions of the live terminal 6, the neutral terminal 7, and the earth terminal 8 are each provided with a fence-like groove. As shown in FIG. 5, a live terminal adhesive application groove 1301 is provided at the wiring position of the live terminal 6, and a neutral terminal adhesive application groove 1302 is provided at the wiring position of the neutral terminal 7.

[0042] It is worth noting that, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, fence-like grooves are provided at the wiring positions of the L terminal, the N terminal, and the PE terminal, which enables insulation by methods such as applying a sealant and using heat-shrink tubing after external wiring is connected, thereby preventing metal exposure at external wiring positions and avoiding short-circuit arcing when immersed in the fresh water or the salt water.

[0043] As an optional embodiment, the socket is provided with a plurality of inclined drainage surfaces, each having an inclination angle ≥ 3°. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, in an embodiment of the present disclosure, the inclined drainage surfaces are respectively provided at positions prone to water accumulation in an installation direction of the socket, including a first outer inclined drainage surface 1401, a second outer inclined drainage surface 1402, a third outer inclined drainage surface 1403, a fourth outer inclined drainage surface 1404, a fifth outer inclined drainage surface 1405, and a sixth outer inclined drainage surface 1406, as well as a first inner inclined drainage surface 1501, a second inner inclined drainage surface 1502, a third inner inclined drainage surface 1503, a fourth inner inclined drainage surface 1504, a fifth inner inclined drainage surface 1505, and a sixth inner inclined drainage surface 1506. The inclined drainage surfaces allow the socket to quickly drain water from inside and water on the outer surface after being soaked in fresh water or salt water.

[0044] It should be noted that the European-standard AC output socket provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure is a standard part and can be used in any European-standard AC electrical product.

[0045] In summary, the European-standard AC output socket provided in the embodiments of the present disclosure includes the face cover, the partition plate, the base, the safety shutter, the two base tail sealing covers, the live terminal, the neutral terminal, the earth terminal, the at least one water detection signal terminal, and the plurality of screws. The components of the socket are fixed together by the screws. The isolation groove is provided on the outer surface of the face cover, located between the live terminal and the neutral terminal, between the neutral terminal and the earth terminal, and between the live terminal and the earth terminal. The sealing structures are provided between the face cover and the partition plate, and between the partition plate and the base. The plurality of drainage channels are formed on the base, respectively located at positions corresponding to the live terminal, the neutral terminal, the earth terminal, and the safety shutter. The two base tail sealing covers are respectively located at the root part of the live terminal and the root part of the neutral terminal. The water detection signal terminal is disposed closer to the live terminal than to the neutral terminal, or closer to the neutral terminal than to the live terminal, or between the live terminal and the neutral terminal. By providing the isolation groove on the outer surface of the face cover, providing sealing structures between the face cover and the partition plate and between the partition plate and the base, providing the plurality of drainage channels on the base, and providing the base tail sealing covers and the water detection signal terminal, the present disclosure can ensure the safety of European-standard electronic products with AC output functions both when used in water-involved environments and when connected to an AC appliance load immediately after being taken out of water, and also can enable real-time monitoring of the water exposure status of the socket, improving the operational safety of the European-standard electronic products with AC output functions.

[0046] The above descriptions are only preferred embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several modifications and substitutions can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present disclosure. These modifications and substitutions should also be considered within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A European-standard alternating-current (AC) output socket, comprising a face cover, a partition plate, a base, a safety shutter, two base tail sealing covers, a live terminal, a neutral terminal, an earth terminal, at least one water detection signal terminal, and a plurality of screws, wherein components of the socket are fixed together by the plurality of screws; an isolation groove is provided on an outer surface of the face cover, and the isolation groove is located between the live terminal and the neutral terminal, between the neutral terminal and the earth terminal, and between the live terminal and the earth terminal; sealing structures are provided between the face cover and the partition plate, and between the partition plate and the base; a plurality of drainage channels are formed on the base, and the plurality of drainage channels are respectively located at positions corresponding to the live terminal, the neutral terminal, the earth terminal, and the safety shutter; the two base tail sealing covers are respectively located at a root part of the live terminal and a root part of the neutral terminal; and the at least one water detection signal terminal is disposed closer to the live terminal than to the neutral terminal, or closer to the neutral terminal than to the live terminal, or between the live terminal and the neutral terminal.

2. The European-standard AC output socket according to claim 1, wherein the isolation groove has a width ≥ 1 mm, a depth ≥ 1 mm, and a cross-sectional shape of a rectangle, a square, a triangle, a trapezoid, or a circle.

3. The European-standard AC output socket according to claim 1, wherein each of the sealing structures is formed by a process selected from waterproof gasket compression sealing, ultrasonic welding, and spot application of a sealant.

4. The European-standard AC output socket according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of drainage channels has a width ≥ 1 mm, a depth ≥ 1 mm, and a cross-sectional shape of a rectangle, a square, a triangle, a trapezoid, or a circle.

5. The European-standard AC output socket according to claim 1, wherein an isolation rib is provided between the drainage channel located at the position corresponding to the live terminal and the drainage channel located at the position corresponding to the neutral terminal.

6. The European-standard AC output socket according to claim 1, wherein a spacing between the at least one water detection signal terminal and the live terminal and a spacing between the at least one water detection signal terminal and the neutral terminal are ≥ 1.2mm, and there is no water-blocking structure between the at least one water detection signal terminal and the live terminal and between the at least one water detection signal terminal and the neutral terminal.

7. The European-standard AC output socket according to claim 1, wherein the socket further comprises mating rib-and-groove structures provided between every two of adjacent components.

8. The European-standard AC output socket according to claim 7, wherein the rib extends into the groove by a distance ≥ 0.3mm.

9. The European-standard AC output socket according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein wiring positions of the live terminal, the neutral terminal, and the earth terminal are each provided with a fence-like groove.

10. The European-standard AC output socket according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the socket is provided with a plurality of inclined drainage surfaces each having an inclination angle ≥ 3°.

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