Socket

Abstract

A socket comprises a mounting panel (figure 1, 100) including an E-pole jack (figure 1, 110), an L-pole jack (figure 1, 120), and an N-pole jack (figure 1, 130), adapted to receive a plug. An LN-pole

Description

21 07 25 Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to the field of electrical, and more specifically, to a socket. Background

[0002] In the electrical field, in order to improve the safety of a socket in use, it is specified in relevant standards: a socket with a shutter shall be so constructed that, when no plug is inserted, no live parts are accessible when a specified probe is inserted into the socket. Conventionally, various types of sockets cannot effectively prevent metal conductive parts from being inserted. As a result, accidents such as electric shock may happen. Thus, there are serious safety hazards during the use of conventional sockets. GB 2363917 A discloses an electric socket with a shutter, wherein the shutter has hooks which lock it to the earth contact. When a plug is inserted, the contact is deformed elastically, unlocking the shutter, but a spring still holds the shutter closed. The live and neutral pins then open the shutter by pressing on inclined surfaces. GB 2378326 A discloses a pin-operated shutter of a socket outlet obstructed by or attached to the earth socket contact of a socket outlet and is allowed to move linearly when a counterpart plug is mated with outlet so that an adaptor over the end of the earth pin of the plug splays the socket contact, freeing the shutter to be moved by engagement of the shutter at with the live and neutral pins of the plug. If an attempt is made to use either one of the live or neutral pins to move the shutter, it pivots but is prevented from moving linearly by pads. CN 215451838 U, CN 215343110 U and CN 206293668 U disclose further shuttered sockets where the insertion of the earth pin of a plug is required in order to enable the shutters to be moved from the live and neutral terminals. Summary

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a socket, intending to at least solve problems associated with sockets in prior art.

[0004] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a socket. The socket comprises: a mounting panel including an E-pole jack, an L-pole jack, and an N-pole jack adapted to receive a plug; an LN-pole shutter adapted to cover the L-pole jack and the N-pole jack when 21 07 25 the plug is not inserted; a shutter limiting mechanism configured to limit movement of the LN-pole shutter when the E-pole jack is not inserted and to release limit of movement of the LN-pole shutter when the E-pole jack is inserted.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, on the one hand, when the E-pole jack is not inserted, i.e., when, for example, the E-pole pin of the plug is not inserted into the E-pole jack, the movement of the LN-pole shutter is limited by the shutter limiting mechanism and thus the LN-pole shutter cannot be completely removed beneath the L-pole jack and the N-pole jack and block the L-pole pin and N-pole pin to contact with the contact; on the other hand, when the E-pole pin is inserted into the E-pole jack, the E-pole pin can move or deform the shutter limiting mechanism to release the movement of the LN-pole shutter so that the LN-pole shutter is not blocked by the LN-pole shutter when the L-pole pin and N-pole pin are subsequently inserted, wherein an angle between inner walls of the engagement slots facing the shutter limiting mechanism and inner walls facing the outside is less than 90 degrees. In such an embodiment, by providing a shutter limiting mechanism, it can be ensured that the circuit in which the live or neutral wires are located cannot be accessed from the L-pole jack and the N-pole jack when the E-pole pin is not inserted.

[0006] In some embodiments, the shutter limiting mechanism includes a stop arm configured to deform when an E-pole pin of the plug is inserted into the E-pole jack such that the stop arm releases limit of the movement of the LN-pole shutter. In such an embodiment, when the E-pole pin is inserted into the E-pole jack, the E-pole pin acts on the stop arm such that the stop arm deforms to release the limit. For example, the stop arm deflects after being deformed and moves away from the pre-set movement path of the LN-pole shutter so that the LN-pole shutter can move on the pre-set movement path and uncover the L-pole jack and the N-pole jack.

[0007] In some embodiments, the stop arm includes a pair of resilient arms formed in an open shape adapted to receive the E-pole pin of the plug. In such an embodiment, the E-pole pin can be smoothly inserted into the E-pole jack and thus into the opening by forming an open shape corresponding to the E-pole jack between the pair of resilient arms. In some embodiments, the pair of resilient arms are integrally formed from sheet metal.

[0008] In some embodiments, the stop arm includes protrusions adapted to abut the E-pole pin when the E-pole pin is inserted. In such an embodiment, the E-pole pin contacts with the protrusions during insertion and the stop arm deforms and move by action to the protrusions 21 07 25 so as to release limit on movement of the LN-pole shutter limiting mechanism.

[0009] In some embodiments, the stop arm includes flaps protruding outward from the opening shape. In such an embodiment, the strength of the stop arm is increased by providing flaps protruding outward from the opening shape. In some embodiments, flaps are aligned with the E-pole jack. Thus, flaps can also be used to receive an E-pole pin, making it easier to insert.

[0010] The stop arm includes protrusions and the LN-pole shutter includes engagement slots adapted to engage with the protrusions, and the engagement slots engage with the protrusions when the E-pole pin is not inserted into the E-pole jack and de-engage with the protrusion when the E-pole pin is inserted into the E-pole jack. In such an embodiment, when the E-pole pin is not inserted into the E-pole jack, the limit of the movement of the LN-pole shutter limiting mechanism is achieved by engagement of the protrusions with the engagement slots.

[0011] The protrusions include hook portions, and the engagement grooves include recesses disposed arranged opposite to the hook portions such that the recesses and the hook portions at least partially overlap in the engaging direction. In such an embodiment, the engagement of the shutter limiting mechanism with the shutter can be made more secure by the recesses snapping tightly into the hook portions.

[0012] In some embodiments, the protrusions comprise ribs adapted to increase strength thereof. In such an embodiment, the life of the shutter limiting mechanism can be increased by providing ribs on the protrusions.

[0013] In some embodiments, the receptacle further comprises a base for supporting the LN-pole shutter, the base comprising a protruding shaft, the LN-pole shutter including an aperture adapted to receive the protruding shaft, wherein the LN-pole shutter is configured to move along the protruding shaft when the L-pole pin and the N-pole pin are inserted into the L-pole jack and the N-pole jack. In such an embodiment, the LN-pole shutter is enabled to move on the base by incorporation of the aperture and the protruding shaft.

[0014] In some embodiments, the base includes stops on a side of the protruding shaft, wherein the LN-pole shutter is configured to rotate about an axis of the protruding shaft and be stopped by the stops when only one of the L-pole pin and the N-pole pin is inserted. In such an embodiment, when only one pin is inserted, the LN-pole shutter rotates to one side 21 07 25 due to uneven force, and is stopped by a stop located on the base so that it cannot continue to move, thereby still covering the L-pole jack and N-pole jack and achieving the safety protection function.

[0015] In some embodiments, the LN-pole shutter includes inclined cover surfaces for covering the L-pole jack and the N-pole jack respectively, and the inclined height of the cover surfaces increases as approaching the shutter limiting mechanism so that the LN-pole shutter moves away from the shutter limiting mechanism when the L-pole pin and the N-pole pin of the plug are inserted into the L-pole jack and the N-pole jack. In such an embodiment, with cover surfaces cover surface inclined towards the LN-pole shutter, insertion of the L-pole pin and N-pole pin acts on the cover surfaces to push the LN-pole shutter limiting mechanism to move away from the shutter limiting mechanism. Thus, the movement of the LN-pole shutter does not affect the structure inside the socket.

[0016] In some embodiments, the LN-pole shutter includes inclined cover surfaces for covering the L-pole jack and the N-pole jack respectively, and the inclined height of the cover surfaces decreases as approaching the shutter limiting mechanism so that the LN-pole shutter moves towards the shutter limiting mechanism when the L-pole pin and the N-pole pin of the plug are inserted into the L-pole jack and the N-pole jack. In such an embodiment, with cover surfaces cover surface inclined away from the LN-pole shutter, insertion of the L-pole pin and N-pole pin acts on the cover surfaces to push the LN-pole shutter limiting mechanism to move towards the shutter limiting mechanism. Thus, there is no need to provide a special moving space for the LN-pole shutter, making the socket more compact.

[0017] In some embodiments, the stop arm includes stops configured to abut the LN-pole shutter when an E-pole pin of a plug is not inserted into the E-pole jack and to move in response to deformation of the shutter limiting mechanism to allow the LN-pole shutter to move towards the shutter limiting mechanism when the E-pole pin of the plug is inserted into the E-pole jack. In such an embodiment, the stop arm deforms to move upon insertion of the E-pole pin and thereby the stops located on the stop arm move away from the pre-set movement path of the LN-pole shutter so that the LN-pole shutter uncover the L-pole jack and N-pole jack upon insertion of the L-pole pin and N-pole pin.

[0018] In some embodiments, the stops are formed as a sheet structure and extend at an angle relative to the stop arm. In such an embodiment, by forming the stops into a sheet structure angled with respect to the main body of the stop arm, the stops form a larger opening 21 07 25 after deformation of the stop arm so as to facilitate movement of the LN-pole shutter towards the shutter limiting mechanism.

[0019] According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the safety of the socket can be effectively improved by providing the shutter limiting mechanism. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] Through the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings, the above and other objectives, features, and advantages of example embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent. In the example embodiments of the present disclosure, the same reference numerals usually refer to the same components.

[0021] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of the exterior of the socket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0022] FIGS. 2A and 2B respectively illustrate schematic diagrams of the interior of the socket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0023] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of the LN-pole shutter in the socket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of the shutter limiting mechanism in a socket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0025] FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate schematic diagrams of different states of the socket during proper insertion of a plug in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of the socket with only L-pole pin and N-pole pin inserted in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of the socket with only E-pole pin and N-pole pins inserted in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0028] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of the LN-pole shutter in the socket in accordance with other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of the shutter limiting mechanism in the socket in accordance with other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of the socket with no plug inserted in 21 07 25 accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic diagram of the socket with the plug inserted in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Detailed Description of Embodiments

[0032] The principles of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to various exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. It should be understood that the description of these embodiments is merely intended to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and to further practice the present disclosure, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. It should be noted that where possible, similar or identical reference numbers may be used throughout the drawings and may indicate similar or identical functionality. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

[0033] As used herein, the term “includes” and its variants are to be read as open-ended terms that mean “includes, but is not limited to.” The term “based on” is to be read as “based at least in part on.” The terms “one example embodiment” and “one embodiment” are to be read as “at least one example embodiment.” The term “a further embodiment” is to be read as “at least a further embodiment.” The terms “first”, “second” and so on can refer to same or different objects. The following text also can include other explicit and implicit definitions. Definitions of terms are consistent throughout the specification unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0034] It should be understood that the socket described in present disclosure may be any socket including a three-hole socket module, such as a three-hole socket, a five-hole socket, etc. and may also be any power strip including a three-hole socket module. Present disclosure is not intended to limit this.

[0035] Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a socket capable of providing effective safety protection to solve the above problems. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, when the E-pole pin of the plug is not inserted into the E-pole jack, the movement of the LN-pole shutter is limited by the shutter limiting mechanism and cannot be completely removed from beneath the L-pole jack and the N-pole jack and thereby full insertion of the L-pole pin and N-pole pin are blocked. By providing a shutter limiting 21 07 25 mechanism, it is possible to ensure that the circuit in which the live or neutral wires are located cannot be accessed from the L-pole jack and the N-pole jack when the E-pole pin is not inserted.

[0036] The structure of the socket and a principle of providing safety protection according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7.

[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of the exterior of the socket in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the socket includes a mounting panel 100. The mounting panel 100 includes an E-pole jack 110, an L-pole jack 120, and an N-pole jack 130 adapted to receive a plug. Also seen in FIG. 1 are portions of the shutter limiting mechanism 300 below the E-pole jack, and cover surfaces of the LN-pole shutter 200 below the L-pole jack 120 and the N-pole jack 130 respectively. The structure inside the socket when no plug is inserted will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2Aand2B.

[0038] FIGS. 2A illustrates a schematic diagram of the interior structure of the socket in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of the socket of FIG. 2A. As shown in FIG. 2A, the socket also includes a base 400. An LN-pole shutter 200 and a shutter limiting mechanism 300 for limiting the movement of the LN-pole shutter 200 are provided on the base 400. The base 400 includes a protruding shaft 410. The LN-pole shutter 200 includes an aperture 270 adapted to receive the protruding shaft 410. With the aperture 270 of the protruding shaft 410, the LN-pole shutter 200 is allowed to move along the protruding shaft 410 on the base 400 when the LN-pole pin and the N-pole pin are inserted. In order to prevent the LN-pole shutter 200 from being pushed away by the L-pole pin and the N-pole pin in a case where the plug is not inserted properly, for example, in case where the E-pole pin is not inserted but only the L-pole pin and the N-pole pin are inserted, a shutter limiting mechanism300 is further provided on the base 400. The shutter limiting mechanism300 is configured to limit the movement of the LN-pole shutter 200 when the E-pole jack 110 is not inserted, and to release limit of the movement of the LN-pole shutter 200 when the E-pole jack 110 is inserted, to ensure that the LN-pole shutter 200 can still provide protection to prevent the L-pole contact and N-pole contact from being contacted in the event that the plug is not properly inserted.

[0039] The base 400 further includes stops 420, 430 on a side of the protruding shaft 410. 21 07 25 The LN-pole shutter 200 is configured to rotate about an axis of the protruding shaft 410 and be stopped by the stops 420, 430 when only one of the L-pole pin and the N-pole pin is inserted.

[0040] The structures of the LN-pole shutter 200 and the shutter limiting mechanism 300 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, respectively.

[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates a solid perspective view of the LN-pole shutter 200 in the socket of FIG. 2A. As shown in FIG. 3, the LN-pole shutter 200 includes a main body 250. The aperture 270 is formed at the bottom surface of the main body 250 to form a guide groove having a curved surface. The LN-pole shutter 200 is movably disposed on the base 400 by cooperation of the aperture 270 with the protruding shaft 410. An engagement portion for engaging with the shutter limiting mechanism300 is provided at one end of the main body 250. Engagement slots 230, 240 adapted to engage with the protrusions 322, 332 are respectively formed at both sides of the engagement portion. An inclined cover surface 210 for covering the L-pole jack 120 and an inclined cover surface 220 for covering the N-pole jack 130 are provided on both sides of the other end of the main body 250. The inclination direction of the cover surfaces 210 and 220 determines the movement direction of the LN-pole shutter 200. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the inclination height of the cover surfaces 210, 220 increases as approaching the shutter limiting mechanism300, i. e., the cover surfaces 210, 220 face the shutter limiting mechanism300. In this arrangement, the L-pole pin and N-pole pin, when inserted into the L-jack and N-jack, will act on the cover surfaces 210, 220 and push the LN-pole shutter 200 to away from the shutter limiting mechanism300.

[0042] It should be understood that the cover surface described herein may be an inclined plane or a cambered surface, which may be any shaped surface pushed by a pin to move the LN-pole shutter 200 away from the shutter limiting mechanism300.

[0043] In the illustrated embodiment, since the LN-pole shutter 200 is moved away from the shutter limiting mechanism 300 when being pushed, in order to improve the stability of the engagement of the LN-pole shutter 200 with the shutter limiting mechanism 300, an angle of less than 90° is formed between the inner wall of the engagement slots 230, 240 facing the shutter limiting mechanism 300 and the inner wall facing the outside, thereby forming recesses 231, 241 facing the shutter limiting mechanism 300 so that the engagement of the protrusions 322, 332 with the engagement slots 230, 240 is not easily released. 21 07 25

[0044] Further, a cavity 260 is formed in the main body 250, and a return spring is provided in the cavity 260. One end of the return spring is connected to the main body 250, and the other end is connected to the base 400, so that the LN-pole shutter 200 can be returned to a position covering the L-pole jack 120 and the N-pole jack 130 by the return spring when the L-pole pin and N-pole pin are pulled out.

[0045] In this embodiment, one end of the shutter limiting mechanism 300 is fixed to the base 400 and the other end thereof engages with the LN-pole shutter 200 to prevent the LN-pole shutter 200 from moving away from the shutter limiting mechanism 300, thereby preventing the L-pole pin and N-pole pin from contacting the corresponding L-pole contact and N-pole contact. A reed for grounding is provided on the shutter limiting mechanism300, so that the shutter limiting mechanism300 is also used as an E-pole contact at the same time.

[0046] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of the shutter limiting mechanism 300 in a socket in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4, the shutter limiting mechanism 300 includes a stop arm 310. The stop arm 310 includes a pair of resilient arms 320, 330 coupled to both ends of a connecting arm 370 respectively. The resilient arms 320, 330 can pivot around a connection portion of the connecting arm 370 when pushed by the E-pole pin. It should be understood herein that the pair of resilient arms 320, 330 may be symmetrically configured connecting arms or identically configured connecting arms.

[0047] An opening shape 340 adapted to receive an E-pole pin is formed between the pair of resilient arms 320, 330. The stop arm 310 also includes protrusions 350, 360 adapted to abut the E-pole pin when the E-pole pin is inserted into the E-pole jack 110, i.e., into the open shape 340. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, protrusions 350, 360 are provided in sections of the pair of resilient arms 320, 330 corresponding to the E-pole jack 110 respectively. The protrusions 350, 360 protrude with respect to each other so as to preferentially contact with the protrusions 350, 360 and push the resilient arms 320, 330 apart to both sides respectively when the E-pole pin is inserted. Then, due to the elasticity of the resilient arms 320, 330, the protrusions 350, 360 always abut against the side of the E-pole pin.

[0048] The stop arm 310 also includes protrusions 322, 332 adapted to engagement slots 230, 240. The protrusions 322, 332 include hook potions 323, 333 that hook inward from ends to form a tight fit with recesses 231, 241 of the LN-pole shutter so that the engagement 21 07 25 therebetween is not easily released.

[0049] The pair of resilient arms 320, 330 of the stop arm 310 also include flaps 321, 331 projecting outwardly from the opening. The flaps 321, 331 together form a guide structure which is open to the E-pole jack and adapted to receive the E-pole pin and can increase the strength of the resilient arms 320, 330. Similarly, the protrusions 322, 332 may also include ribs 324, 334 adapted to increase the strength thereof. In the illustrated embodiment, the ribs 324, 334 are also configured as flaps extending outwardly from the opening.

[0050] Returning to FIG. 2B, FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of the socket of FIG. 2A. As shown in FIG. 2B, the two resilient arms 320, 330 are symmetrical with respect to the center. The protrusions 350, 360 of the resilient arms 320, 330 protrude relatively such that a tapered gap is formed between the resilient arms 320, 330. The protrusions 322, 332 are formed at one end of the resilient arms 320, 330 near the LN-pole shutter 200, and hook portions 323, 333 hooked inward are formed at the ends of the protrusions 322, 332. The hook portions 323, 333 are received in the recesses 231, 241 of the LN-pole shutter 200 respectively. The inner side walls of the hook portions 323, 333 abut closely against the walls of the recesses 231, 241 to form a firm engagement.

[0051] Hereinafter, a safety protection mechanism of a socket according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 5 A to 7.

[0052] FIG. 5 A illustrates a schematic diagram of the socket with an E-pole pin 10 inserted in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 5, in this exemplary state, the E-pole pin 10 is inserted into the E-pole jack 110 (not shown) and partially inserted between the resilient arms 310, 320 to push the resilient arms 310, 320 to both sides by acting with the protrusions 350, 360 respectively so that the protrusions 322, 332 are removed from the engagement slots 230, 240 of the LN-pole shutter 200, thereby the limit of the LN-pole shutter 200 is released to move along the protruding shaft 410.

[0053] FIG. 5B illustrates a schematic diagram of the socket in FIG. 5 A with L-pole pin 20 and N-pole pin 30 subsequently inserted. As discussed with respect to FIG. 5A, the shutter limiting mechanism 300 has released the limit on the movement of the LN-pole shutter 200. As shown in FIG. 5B, the L-pole pin 20 and the N-pole pin 30 are inserted accordingly to push the LN-pole shutter 200 to move away from the shutter limiting mechanism300 so that the L-pole pin 20 and the N-pole pin 30 can be completely inserted into and contact the 21 07 25 L-pole contact and the N-pole contact provided on the base 400, and thereby the circuit is powered on.

[0054] It should be appreciated that by setting the distance of the LN-pole shutter 200 and the shutter limiting mechanism 300 relative to the mounting panel 100, it can be ensured that: when the plug is inserted, the E-pole pin contacts with the shutter limiting mechanism300 and releases the limit of the movement of the LN-pole shutter 200 before the L-pole pin and the N-pole pin contacting with the LN-pole shutter 200.

[0055] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of the socket with only L-pole pin 20 and N-pole pin 30 inserted in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 6, since the E-pole jack 110 is not inserted, the shutter limiting mechanism 300 maintains the limit on the movement of the LN-pole shutter 200. When the L-pole pin 20 and the N-pole pin 30 attempt to push the LN-pole shutter 200, the LN-pole shutter 200 is not pushed due to the limited movement, thereby keeping the L-pole jack 120 and the N-pole jack 130 shielded. Thereby, it is ensured that the L-pole contact connecting with the live wire and the N-pole contact connecting with the neutral wire are not contacted when the plug is not properly inserted.

[0056] FIG. 7 illustrates a schematic diagram of the socket with only E-pole pin 10 and N-pole pin 30 inserted, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 7, the E-pole pin 10 is inserted into the E-pole jack 110, thereby the shutter limiting mechanism 300 releasing the limit of the movement of the LN-pole shutter 200. However, when the N-pole pin 30 attempts to push the LN-pole shutter 200, the LN-pole shutter 200 rotates to one side about the axis of the protruding shaft 410 due to uneven force. At the same time, the LN-pole shutter 200 has a tendency to move away from the shutter limiting mechanism300 due to the pushing force of the N-pole pin 30. However, the LN-pole shutter 200 is stopped by the stop 430 so that it cannot move. Thereby, it is ensured that the L-pole contact connecting the live wire and the N-pole contact connecting the neutral wire are not contacted when the plug is not correctly inserted.

[0057] It should be appreciated that while in the embodiments described with respect to FIGS. 1-7, the LN-pole shutter 200 is pushed away from the shutter limiting mechanism300, the LN-pole shutter 200 can be push closer to the shutter limiting mechanism300 by positioning the inclined cover surface away from the shutter limiting mechanism300. In the case where the LN-pole shutter 200 is pushed close to the shutter limiting mechanism300, for 21 07 25 example, by adaptively adjusting the direction of the protrusions or hook portions, a scheme for improving the safety of the socket as previously discussed can be obtained. Present disclosure is not intended to limit in this regard. An embodiment where the LN-pole shutter is pushed close to the shutter limiting mechanism will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11.

[0058] FIG. 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of the LN-pole shutter 200 in the socket in accordance with other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In order to avoid redundancy, the same portions as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 will not be described again herein. As shown in FIG. 8, the LN-pole shutter 200 includes the main body 250. A rigid boss 280 is provided at the end of the body 250 facing the shutter limiting mechanism 300. The boss 280 has an end surface facing the shutter limiting mechanism 300 for abutting against a stop of the shutter limiting mechanism 300. The inclination height of the cover faces 210, 220 of the main body 250 decreases as approaching the shutter limiting mechanism 300 such that the LN-pole shutter 200 moves towards the shutter limiting mechanism 300 when the L-pole pin 20 and the N-pole pin 30 are inserted into the L-pole jack 120 and the N-pole jack 130.

[0059] FIG. 9 illustrates a schematic diagram of the shutter limiting mechanism in the socket in accordance with other exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 9, the shutter limiting mechanism 300 includes a stop arm 310. The stop arm 310 includes a pair of resilient arms 320, 330. Unlike the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, stops 325, 335 are provided at one end of the resilient arms 320, 330 near the LN-pole shutter 200 respectively. The stops 325, 335 are formed as a sheet structure and extend at an angle relative to the resilient arms of the stop arm 310. In the illustrated embodiment, the resilient arms 320, 330 extend from the ends of the connecting arm 370 in a direction towards each other, and form the protrusions 350, 360 at a position where the interval is smallest. The stops 325, 335 extend from the projections 350, 360 in a direction parallel to each other so as to form an angle with the resilient arms 320, 330.

[0060] FIG. 10 illustrates a schematic diagram of the socket with no plug inserted in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 10, the LN-pole shutter 200 is provided on the protruding shaft 410 of the base plate 400 through an aperture at the bottom. A shutter limiting mechanism300 is also provided on the base 400. When the E-pole jack 110 is not inserted, the stops 325, 335 of the shutter limiting mechanism 21 07 25 300 abut against the end face of the boss 280 of the LN-pole shutter 200, thereby limiting the movement of the LN-pole shutter 200. In this embodiment, stops 420, 430 on the sides of the protruding shaft 410 are located between the LN-pole shutter 200 and the shutter limiting mechanism 300 and are configured to stop the LN-pole shutter 200 from further approaching the shutter limiting mechanism 300 when only one of the L-pole pin and the N-pole pin is inserted.

[0061] FIG. 11 illustrates a schematic diagram of the socket with the plug inserted in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 11, since the E-pole pin 10 of the plug is inserted into the E-pole jack 110, the resilient arms 320, 330 are pushed to both sides. The stops 325, 335 move to both sides simultaneously in response to the deformation of the resilient arms 320, 330 and form an open space due to the angle between the stops and the resilient arms, thereby forming a passage between the stops 325, 335 to allow the LN-pole shutter 200 to move towards the shutter limiting mechanism300. At this time, the L-pole pin 20 and the N-pole pin 30 act on the cover surfaces 210, 220 to push the LN-pole shutter 200 towards the shutter limiting mechanism 300 and no longer cover the L-pole jack and the N-pole jack so that the L-pole pin 20 and the N-pole pin 30 can be fully inserted to communicate with a circuit.

[0062] It will be appreciated that the description of the components in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2Ato 7 applies equally to the same components in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 11.

[0063] In view of the above, the LN-pole shutter does not remove unless the plug having three pins is properly inserted into the jack, thereby ensuring the safety of the socket.

[0064] Although claims have been drafted in the present application to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalization thereof, whether or not it relates to the same as presently claimed in any claim.

Claims

21 07 251. A socket comprising:a mounting panel (100) including an E-pole jack (110), an L-pole jack (120), and an N-pole jack (130), adapted to receive a plug;an LN-pole shutter (200) adapted to cover the L-pole jack (120) and the N-pole jack (130) when the plug is not inserted and including engagement slots (230, 240), wherein the engagement slots (230, 240) includes recesses (231, 241); anda shutter limiting mechanism (300) including a stop arm (310), wherein the stop arm (310) includes protrusions (322, 332) adapted to engage with the engagement slots (230, 240), the protrusions (322, 332) include hook portions (323, 333) arranged opposite to the recesses (231, 241) such that the recesses (231, 241) and the hook portions (323, 333) at least partially overlap in the engaging direction, andwherein an angle between inner walls of the engagement slots (230, 240) facing the shutter limiting mechanism (300) and inner walls facing the outside is less than 90 degrees, andwherein the engagement slots (230, 240) is configured to engage with the protrusions (322, 332) to limit movement of the LN-pole shutter (200) when the E-pole pin is not inserted into the E-pole jack (110), and de-engage with the protrusion (322, 332) to release limit of movement of the LN-pole shutter (200) when the E-pole pin is inserted into the E-pole jack (HO).

2. The socket of claim 1, wherein the stop arm (310) includes a pair of resilient arms (320, 330) formed in an open shape (340) adapted to receive the E-pole pin.

3. The socket of claim 1, wherein the stop arm (310) includes protrusions (350, 360) adapted to abut the E-pole pin when the E-pole pin is inserted into the E-pole jack (110).

4. The socket of claim 2, wherein the stop arm (310) includes flaps (321, 331) protruding outward from the opening shape (340).

5. The socket of claim 1, wherein the protrusions (322, 332) includes ribs (324, 334) adapted to increase the strength thereof.21 07 256. The socket of claim 1, further comprising a base (400) for supporting the LN-pole shutter (200), the base (400) including a protruding shaft (410), the LN-pole shutter (200) including an aperture (270) adapted to receive the protruding shaft (410), wherein the LN-pole shutter (200) is configured to move along the protruding shaft (410) when the L-pole pin and the N-pole pin are inserted into the L-pole jack (120) and the N-pole jack (130).

7. The socket of claim 6, wherein the base (400) includes stops (420, 430) on a side of the protruding shaft (410), wherein the LN-pole shutter (200) is configured to rotate about an axis of the protruding shaft (410) and be stopped by the stops (420, 430) when only one of the L-pole pin and the N-pole pin is inserted.

8. The socket of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the LN-pole shutter (200) includes inclined cover surfaces for covering the L-pole jack (120) and the N-pole jack (130) respectively, the inclined height of the cover surfaces decreasing as approaching the shutter limiting mechanism (300) so that the LN-pole shutter (200) moves away from the shutter limiting mechanism (300) when the L-pole pin and the N-pole pin of the plug are inserted into the L-pole jack (120) and the N-pole jack (130).

Images