Kit of a personal care device and a power plug

Abstract

The kit has personal care devices (11, 12) and a power supply device (40). The personal care devices (11, 12) and the power supply device (40) may have mating connectors.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a kit for personal care devices and a power plug for personal care devices. In particular, the present invention relates to a male connector and a female connector for use in personal care devices and power plugs.

Background Art

[0002] Personal care devices are widely used. Examples of such devices include hair removal, cutting, or trimming devices (shavers, body groomers, hair removal devices, etc.), or oral care devices (toothbrushes, tongue cleaning devices, or dental shower devices, etc.).

[0003] Various personal care devices are designed for use in wet conditions, such as under a shower or in a bathtub. Such personal care devices can be designed to be used in a wet state. The ability of a personal care device to withstand water ingress can be classified by an Ingress Protection (IP) class.

[0004] When a personal care device is designed to withstand water ingress, problems related to its electrical connectors and associated power supply devices can still exist. By way of illustration, residual moisture can cause electrolysis of electrical contacts and reduce the device lifespan. For further explanation, it can be particularly relevant to ensure the connected power supply device.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The kit comprises a first personal care kit, the first personal care device being one of an electric toothbrush, a shaver, a charging device, a cleaning station, or a hair remover, and including a first housing having a first socket, optionally having exactly two connector sleeves, the first socket having a first socket shape selected from a set of two or more different socket shapes, each assigned to a different one of several Ingress Protection (IP) classes, the first socket shape being assigned to a first IP class. The kit comprises a power supply device with a power plug, the power plug optionally having exactly two connector pins, the power plug having a plug shape selected from a set of two or more different plug shapes, each assigned to a different one of two or more IP classes. The first socket is shaped to allow insertion of the power plug when the plug shape is assigned to an IP class equal to the first IP class, to allow insertion of the power plug when the plug shape is assigned to an IP class higher than the first IP class, and to prevent insertion of the power plug when the plug shape is assigned to an IP class lower than the first IP class.

[0006] The kit includes a power supply device including a power plug, the power plug having a first plug shape selected from a set of two or more different plug shapes, each assigned to a different one of two or more IP classes. The kit comprises a personal care device comprising a socket having a socket shape selected from a set of two or more different socket shapes, each assigned to a different one of two or more IP classes. The power plug is shaped to allow insertion into the socket when the first IP class is equal to the IP class to which the socket shape is assigned and when the first IP class is greater than the IP class to which the socket shape is assigned. The power plug is shaped to prevent insertion into the socket when the first IP class is less than the IP class to which the socket shape is assigned.

[0007] Advantageously, the kit includes a first personal care device comprising a first housing having a first socket, the first socket having a first socket shape, the first personal care device; a second personal care device comprising a second housing having a second socket, the second socket having a second socket shape, the second housing being provided more watertightly than the first housing, the second personal care device; a first power supply device comprising a first power housing and a first power plug, the first power plug having a first plug shape, the first power supply device; and a second power supply device comprising a second power housing and a second power plug, the second power plug having a second plug shape, the second power housing being provided more watertightly than the first power housing, the second power supply device, wherein the first plug shape is provided to fit into the first socket, and the second plug shape is provided to fit into both the first socket and the second socket. Thereby, the user can electrically connect only personal care devices having a water tightness standard equal to or higher than that of the plug of the power supply device.

[0008] Furthermore, the first plug shape has a first connection surface provided for connection to the first socket and is larger than a second connection surface of the second plug shape provided for connection to the second socket. These connection surfaces are covered by the socket when the respective mating plugs are inserted into the socket.

[0009] Furthermore, the first plug shape is provided with a first lateral notch, the second plug shape is provided with a second lateral notch, and the second lateral notch is deeper than the first lateral notch. Thus, the outer shapes of different plug types differ with respect to the depth of the lateral notch. The deeper notch also increases the connection surface of the plug. More advantageously, the set includes at least a third device e and a power supply. This kit comprises a third personal care device having a third socket in a third housing, the third socket having a third socket shape, the second housing and the first housing being provided more watertightly than the third housing, a third personal care device, and a third power supply device comprising a third power housing and a third power plug, the third power plug having a third plug shape, the second power housing and the first power housing being provided more watertightly than the first power housing, a third power supply device, wherein the first plug shape and the second plug shape are provided to fit into the third socket, and the third plug shape does not fit into either the first socket or the second socket.

[0010] The first power supply device and the second power supply device are of the switch-mode power supply type that converts the main voltage to a lower device voltage, and / or the first and second personal care devices are one of an electric toothbrush, a shaver, a charging device, a cleaning station or a hair remover.

[0011] In this way, by making the shapes of the plug and the socket different, it is possible to ensure an appropriate fitting structure for the IP class and watertightness of the electrically connected devices. Alternatively, the different plug and socket shapes and fitting structures described above and below may function to ensure different compatibility purposes such as appropriate electrical parameters (voltage, current, etc.) of the power supply for the device or other things.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding elements.

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The features of the embodiments may be combined with each other unless otherwise specified.

[0014] The embodiments are described in relation to a power supply device for a hair removal or cutting device or an oral care device, and to systems, kits, and methods that may include such personal care devices, but the technology is not limited thereto. By way of example, the socket and plug shapes disclosed herein may be used in connection with powering other devices, particularly other household devices. The male and female connectors may be used to supply power to a household device, which may or may not be a personal care device. Kitchen appliances or smart mobile devices are examples of such devices.

[0015] In the following embodiments, the case where a female connector is provided on the device side and a male connector is provided on the power supply device side will be described, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the male connector may be provided on the device, and the female connector may be provided on the power supply device.

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention relate to features used to supply power to a device suitable for reducing problems associated with residual moisture.

[0017] Techniques are provided that mitigate the adverse effects of electrical creep current and / or enable the inadvertent use of equipment having a power supply that does not have a required ingress protection (IP) class.

[0018] As used herein, the terms "power supply" or "powering" include the supply of electrical energy to a device for live use of the device (e.g., for using the electrical energy supplied to drive an electromechanical actuator) and, optionally, the supply of electrical energy to charge a battery that may be present.

[0019] The machine comprises a housing having a socket for inserting a plug, a first connector pin, and a second connector pin. At least a part of the first connector pin and at least a part of the second connector pin extend into the socket. The first connector pin has a first central axis. The second connector pin has a second central axis. The first central axis and the second central axis are spaced apart by a pin distance. The first central axis and the second central axis define a first plane. A second plane is perpendicular to the first plane and extends parallel to the first central axis and the second central axis and is equally spaced from the first central axis and the second central axis. The socket comprises a socket peripheral wall and a socket bottom wall. The socket peripheral wall comprises a first peripheral wall portion, a second peripheral wall portion, a third peripheral wall portion that curves and intersects the first plane and interconnects the first wall portion and the second wall portion, and a fourth peripheral wall portion that curves and intersects the first plane and interconnects the first wall portion and the second wall portion. The first and second peripheral wall portions are disposed on both sides of the first plane. The third and fourth peripheral wall portions are disposed on both sides of the second plane. The second peripheral wall portion includes a protrusion portion that forms a protrusion. The socket bottom wall is a first bottom wall portion that extends transversely to the first and second planes, and the first connector pin protrudes from the first bottom wall portion, and a second bottom wall portion that extends transversely to the first and second planes, and the second connector pin protrudes from the second bottom wall portion. A third plane is perpendicular to the first plane and the second plane. The first bottom wall portion and the second bottom wall portion may extend in the third plane. The third peripheral wall portion may have a radius of curvature. More specifically, the intersection of the third peripheral wall portion and the third plane has a curvature line having a radius of curvature. The ratio of the radius of curvature to the pin distance is at most 0.35. The radius of curvature of the third peripheral wall portion may be the radius of curvature measured on the portion of the third peripheral wall portion closest to the third plane (e.g., located within the third plane).

[0020] In the device, the radius of curvature of the third peripheral wall portion (which may be the same as the radius of curvature of the fourth peripheral wall portion) is a quantitative indicator of the socket height measured perpendicular to the first plane. By maintaining the ratio of the radius of curvature to the pin pitch at a maximum of 0.35, the risk of electrical creepage can be reduced. The electrical creepage resistance is increased by separating the connector pins by a pin pitch that is sufficiently large compared to the radius of curvature, and the ratio of the radius of curvature to the pin pitch is at most 0.35. This fairly large pin pitch for reducing the electrical creepage risk is combined with a fairly small radius of curvature of the fourth (and preferably the third) peripheral wall to enable a very compact plug and socket design despite this pin pitch. Thus, the plug and socket are fairly wide in the direction of the pin pitch but narrow in the direction orthogonal thereto.

[0021] The device may be a personal care device or other household device. Providing improved resistance to the adverse effects of residual moisture is particularly relevant to such devices.

[0022] The device may be a personal care device that is a hair removal, cutting, or trimming device (such as a shaver, body groomer, hair removal device, etc.). Providing improved resistance to the adverse effects of residual moisture is particularly relevant to such devices.

[0023] The device may be a personal care device that is an oral care device (such as a toothbrush, tongue cleaning device, or dental shower device). Providing improved resistance to the adverse effects of residual moisture is particularly relevant to such devices.

[0024] The third peripheral wall portion may comprise a first arc around a first central axis that extends over a first angle of at least 170°. Alternatively or additionally, the fourth peripheral wall portion may comprise a second arc around a second central axis that extends over a second angle of at least 170°.

[0025] The third peripheral wall portion may be formed as a frustoconical arc or a cylindrical portion that extends over an angle of at least 170° around the first central axis (viewed from the inside respectively).

[0026] The fourth peripheral wall portion may be formed as a frustoconical arc or a cylindrical portion that extends over an angle of at least 170° around the second central axis (viewed from the inside respectively).

[0027] The socket may have a socket width measured along a first plane (e.g., as the distance between points located on the third and fourth peripheral wall portions and on the first plane). The ratio of the pin distance to the socket width may be at least 0.60, at least 0.61, or at least 0.62. In a socket having such a configuration, the pins are spaced farther apart compared to conventional connector configurations, which further reduces the risk of creep current.

[0028] The first and third planes may intersect the socket peripheral wall at a first intersection point. The first and third planes may further intersect the socket peripheral wall at a second intersection point. The socket width may be the distance between the first intersection point and the second intersection point, and the ratio of the pin distance to the socket width may be at least 0.60, at least 0.61, or at least 0.62. In a socket having such a configuration, the pins are spaced farther apart compared to conventional connector configurations, which further reduces the risk of creep current.

[0029] The socket may have a socket height (e.g., the distance between a point located on the first and second peripheral wall portions and a point located on a plane parallel to the second plane and passing through the first central axis) measured along a plane parallel to the second plane and passing through the first central axis. The ratio of the socket height to the socket width may be at most 0.60, at most 0.55, at most 0.50, at most 0.45, or at most 0.40. Alternatively or additionally, the ratio of the socket height to the pin distance may be at most 0.80, at most 0.75, at most 0.70, at most 0.65, at most 0.60, at most 0.55, at most 0.50, at most 0.45, or at most 0.40. When the socket has such a configuration, the height of the socket is relatively small compared to a conventional female connector. This further reduces the risk of creep current and allows screws or bolt heads to be spaced apart and adjacently arranged from the socket.

[0030] Each of the third and fourth peripheral wall portions may have a radius of curvature. More specifically, the intersection of the third and fourth peripheral wall portions with the third plane has a curvature line with a radius of curvature. One or several of the following may apply: - The ratio of the radius of curvature to the socket width may be at most 0.20. The ratio of the radius of curvature to the pin distance may be at most 0.35 or at most 0.33. When the socket has such a configuration, the socket height (about twice the radius of curvature of the third and fourth peripheral wall portions) is relatively small compared to a conventional female connector. This further reduces the risk of creep current and allows screws or bolt heads to be spaced apart and adjacently arranged from the socket.

[0031] The socket bottom wall may extend between the first bottom wall portion and the second bottom wall portion and include ribs that project with respect to the first bottom wall portion and the second bottom wall portion to separate the first bottom wall portion and the second bottom wall portion.

[0032] In the device, the ribs on the bottom wall reduce the electric creep current passing through the moisture that can remain in the socket. As the creep distance increases, the electrical resistance increases and the current decreases. The protrusion operates to prevent the insertion of the plug of the power supply device with reverse polarity. The protrusion also reduces the risk that the device is used in relation to a power supply device having an Ingress Protection (IP) class (IPC) that does not match the Ingress Protection (IP) class (IPC) of the device, and / or a power supply device that is not intended to be used on or with the device.

[0033] The rib may extend continuously from the first peripheral wall portion to the second peripheral wall portion. Thereby, the electrical creepage is further reduced.

[0034] The rib may have an apex line in the second plane. The electrical creepage is further reduced by a rib where the apex (i.e., the position where the peak of the rib protrudes the maximum distance from the first and second bottom portions) is in the middle between the first and second pins.

[0035] The first peripheral wall portion may have a different shape from the second peripheral wall portion. Thereby, protection against the insertion of a plug with reverse polarity is achieved.

[0036] The first peripheral wall portion may be planar. Thereby, manufacturing becomes easy and the insertion of the plug becomes easy.

[0037] A protrusion may be provided on the second peripheral wall portion.

[0038] The protrusion may have a protrusion width measured along the width direction of the socket (e.g., in the third plane). The ratio of the protrusion width to the socket width may be at least 0.60 or at least 0.61. When the socket has such a configuration, the protrusion width is relatively large compared to a conventional female connector. This further reduces the risk of electric creep current by increasing the distance that the creep current has to pass through the constriction, and enables screws or bolt heads to be placed adjacent to and away from the socket.

[0039] The second central axis may be offset from the first central axis along the width direction of the socket. The protrusion may have a protrusion width measured along the width direction. The protrusion width may be determined as the distance along the width direction between a first and a second protrusion end where the second circumferential wall begins to curve inwardly with respect to a plane interconnecting the ends of the third and fourth circumferential wall portions. Where the protrusion width varies, the term "protrusion width" shall refer to the widest measurable width. (For purposes of illustration, the protrusion width may be obtained by determining a curve of the intersection of the second circumferential wall and the third plane, determining the ends of the protrusion as the outermost points of a portion on this curve of intersection that is spaced from the first plane by a distance less than the maximum distance such that the curve of intersection is defined by the ends of the third and fourth circumferential wall portions, and determining the protrusion width as the distance between these outermost points that define the protrusion width). The ratio of the protrusion width to the socket width may be at least 0.60 or at least 0.61. Where the socket has such a configuration, the protrusion width is relatively large compared to a conventional female connector. This further reduces the risk of electrical creep current by increasing the distance that the creep current has to pass through the constriction and enables a screw or bolt head to be placed adjacent and away from the socket.

[0040] The personal care device may further comprise a screw head or bolt head that may be exposed on the surface of the housing. The housing may comprise a recess in which the screw or bolt head may be disposed.

[0041] The recess may be separated from the socket. The configuration of the socket enables a recess for the screw or bolt head to be disposed outside the socket. This further reduces the electrical creep current since there is a separation wall between the screw and the socket and thus no creep current can exist between the first connector pin and the second connector pin via the screw or bolt head.

[0042] The housing may comprise a separation wall disposed between the socket and the recess in which the screw or bolt head is disposed.

[0043] The separation wall may have an outer end defining a peripheral rim of the socket.

[0044] The interconnecting plane may interconnect the ends of the third and fourth peripheral wall portions that connect to the second peripheral wall portion. The interconnecting surface may intersect the recess. This configuration allows the recess in which the screw or bolt head is disposed to project within the region where the protrusion projects towards the first peripheral wall portion of the socket. This configuration enables the screw or bolt head to be disposed outside the socket by making available a sufficient area for the screw or bolt adjacent to the socket, and also reduces the electrical creep current since there can be no creep current between the first connector pin and the second connector pin through the screw or bolt head.

[0045] The fourth peripheral wall portion may have a radius of curvature equal to the radius of curvature of the third peripheral wall portion.

[0046] The ratio of the radius of curvature to the pin pitch may be at most 0.35 or at most 0.33.

[0047] The device may further comprise power components connected to the first and second connector pins.

[0048] The power components may be designed to operate when the supply voltage between the first and second connector pins is a low voltage in the range of 2 - 18V, or 4 - 12V, or 5V. For example, the compatibility of the device with the voltage provided by a USB - type charging device is thereby promoted, providing a platform for device connectors useful for integration with charging devices operating at low voltage levels (such as 2 - 18V, 4 - 12V, or 5V, etc.).

[0049] The power components may include a battery.

[0050] The power components may include an electromechanical actuator.

[0051] The protrusion of the device can have a protrusion shape selected from a set of protrusion shapes, each of which is associated with a different IP class.

[0052] If the plug notch shape is assigned to an IP class equal to the IP class of the device, the socket protrusion shape may enable a plug having the plug notch shape to be inserted into the socket. If the plug notch shape is assigned to an IP class larger than the IP class of the device, the socket protrusion shape may further enable a plug having the plug notch shape to be inserted into the socket.

[0053] The first connector pin may have a diameter measured perpendicular to the first central axis, and this diameter varies along the first central axis to enable the first connector pin to be snap - retained within the connector sleeve of the male connector.

[0054] A device according to a further embodiment comprises a housing having a socket for inserting a plug, a first connector pin, and a second connector pin. At least a portion of the first connector pin and at least a portion of the second connector pin extend into the socket. The first connector pin has a first central axis. The second connector pin has a second central axis. The first central axis and the second central axis are spaced apart by a pin distance. The first central axis and the second central axis define a first plane. A second plane is perpendicular to the first plane and extends parallel to the first central axis and the second central axis and is equally spaced from the first central axis and the second central axis. The socket comprises a socket peripheral wall and a socket bottom wall. The socket peripheral wall comprises a first peripheral wall portion, a second peripheral wall portion, a third peripheral wall portion that curves, intersects the first plane, and interconnects the first wall portion and the second wall portion, and a fourth peripheral wall portion that curves, intersects the first plane, and interconnects the first wall portion and the second wall portion. The first and second peripheral wall portions are disposed on opposite sides of the first plane. The third and fourth peripheral wall portions are disposed on opposite sides of the second plane. The second peripheral wall portion includes a protrusion portion that forms a protrusion.

[0055] The socket may have a socket width measured along a first plane (e.g., as the distance between points located on the third and fourth peripheral wall portions and on the first plane). The ratio of the pin distance to the socket width may be at least 0.60, at least 0.61, or at least 0.62. The spacing between the pins reduces the risk of creep current.

[0056] The third plane may be perpendicular to the first and second planes. The third plane may include at least a portion of the bottom wall or may be parallel to the bottom wall.

[0057] The first and third planes may intersect the socket peripheral wall at a first intersection point. The first and third planes may further intersect the socket peripheral wall at a second intersection point. The socket width may be the distance between the first intersection point and the second intersection point, and the ratio of the pin distance to the socket width may be at least 0.60, at least 0.61, or at least 0.62. The spacing between the pins reduces the risk of creep current.

[0058] The device, particularly its female connector, can have any one of the additional features described above.

[0059] The device may be a personal care device or other household device.

[0060] The power plug for a machine includes a first connector sleeve and a second connector sleeve. The first connector sleeve has a first sleeve central axis. The second connector sleeve has a second sleeve central axis. The first sleeve central axis and the second sleeve central axis are spaced apart by a sleeve distance. The first sleeve central axis and the second sleeve central axis define a first plane. A second plane is perpendicular to the first plane, extends parallel to the first sleeve central axis and the second sleeve central axis, and is equally spaced from the first sleeve central axis and the second sleeve central axis. The power plug further includes an end face on which a first pin insertion opening and a second pin insertion opening are disposed, and a peripheral connector wall extending from around the end face. The peripheral connector wall includes a first peripheral connector wall portion, a second peripheral connector wall portion, a third peripheral connector wall portion that is curved, intersects the first plane, and interconnects the first peripheral connector wall portion and the second peripheral connector wall portion, and a fourth peripheral connector wall portion that is curved, intersects the first plane, and interconnects the first peripheral connector wall portion and the second peripheral connector wall portion. The first and second peripheral connector wall portions are disposed on both sides of the first plane. The third and fourth peripheral connector wall portions are disposed on both sides of the second plane. The second peripheral connector wall portion includes a connector notch portion that forms a connector notch. The end face includes a first end face portion that extends transversely to the first and second planes. The first connector sleeve protrudes from the first end face portion. The end face includes a second end face portion that extends transversely to the first and second planes. A third plane is perpendicular to the first plane and the second plane. The first end face portion and the second end face portion may extend within the third plane. The third peripheral connector wall portion may have a radius of curvature. The ratio of the radius of curvature to the sleeve distance may be at most 0.35. The radius of curvature of the third peripheral connector wall portion may be the radius of curvature measured on the portion of the third peripheral connector wall portion closest to (e.g., located within) the third plane.

[0061] A power plug having such a configuration provides a large sleeve distance compared to the connector height (measured laterally with respect to the first plane). The large sleeve distance compared to the connector height reduces the risk of electrical creep current. The small connector height compared to the sleeve distance reduces the amount of liquid that can be introduced into the female connector during use, which also reduces the risk of electrical creepage.

[0062] The notch operates to prevent reverse-polarity insertion into the socket of the device. The notch also reduces the risk of being used in relation to a device having an ingress protection (IP) class (IPC) that does not match that of the power supply device comprising the power plug, and / or a device that is not intended to be used on or with the power supply device comprising the power plug.

[0063] The end face may comprise a groove disposed between the first end face portion and the second end face portion.

[0064] The groove may operate to provide drainage.

[0065] In the power plug, the groove can further assist in removing residual moisture.

[0066] The end face may extend laterally with respect to the first plane.

[0067] The first end face portion may include a first annular region that traverses the first plane, particularly perpendicular to the first plane.

[0068] The second end face portion may comprise a second annular region that traverses the first plane, particularly perpendicular to the first plane.

[0069] The groove may be recessed compared to the plane in which the first annular region and the second annular region extend.

[0070] The groove may include a first inclined portion extending from the first annular region and a second inclined portion extending from the second annular region, and the first and second inclined portions are each more strongly recessed from the plane in which the first and second annular regions extend as the distance from the first and second annular regions increases.

[0071] The groove may be formed by a V-shaped or U-shaped recess in the end face.

[0072] Such a configuration facilitates the discharge of residual liquid.

[0073] The intersection of the end face and the first plane may define a concave shape, and the end face is lower when closer to the second plane than when further away from the second plane (i.e., further away from the plane defined by the first and second pin insertion openings).

[0074] The intersection of the end face and the second plane may define a convex shape, and the end face is lower when closer to the first plane than when further away from the first plane (i.e., further away from the plane defined by the first and second pin insertion openings).

[0075] Such a configuration facilitates the discharge of residual liquid.

[0076] The power plug may be operable to engage with a personal care device or other household device. Providing improved resistance to the adverse effects of residual moisture is particularly relevant to such devices.

[0077] The power plug may operate to engage with a personal care device that is a hair removal, cutting, or trimming device (such as a shaver, body groomer, hair removal device, etc.). Providing improved resistance to the adverse effects of residual moisture is particularly relevant to such devices.

[0078] The power plug may be operative to engage with a personal care device that is an oral care device (such as a toothbrush, a tongue cleaning device, or a dental shower device). Providing improved resistance to the adverse effects of residual moisture is particularly relevant to such devices.

[0079] The third peripheral connector wall portion may comprise a first arc about a first central axis that extends over at least a 170° first angle.

[0080] The fourth peripheral connector wall portion may comprise a second arc about a second central axis that extends over at least a 170° second angle.

[0081] The third peripheral connector wall portion may be shaped as a frustoconical arc or a cylindrical portion that extends about the first central axis over an angle of at least 170°.

[0082] The fourth peripheral connector wall portion may be shaped as a frustoconical arc or a cylindrical portion that extends about the second central axis over an angle of at least 170°.

[0083] The power plug may have a plug connector width measured along a first plane (e.g., as the distance between points located on the third and fourth peripheral connector wall portions and on the first plane). The ratio of the sleeve distance to the plug connector width may be at least 0.59, at least 0.60, at least 0.61, or at least 0.62. In a power plug having such a configuration, the sleeve is spaced farther apart compared to conventional connector configurations, which reduces the risk of creep current during use of the power plug.

[0084] The first and third planes may intersect the circumferential connector wall at the first intersection, and the first and third planes intersect the circumferential connector wall at the second intersection. The plug connector width may be the distance between the first intersection and the second intersection. The ratio of the sleeve distance to the plug connector width may be at least 0.50, at least 0.55, at least 0.60, or at least 0.62. In a power plug having such a configuration, the sleeve is spaced further apart compared to conventional connector configurations, which reduces the risk of creep current during use of the power plug.

[0085] The groove may extend continuously between the first circumferential connector wall portion and the second circumferential connector wall portion.

[0086] The groove may extend continuously from the first circumferential connector wall portion to the second circumferential connector wall portion.

[0087] The power plug may have a plug connector height (e.g., as the distance between a point located on the first and second circumferential connector wall portions and a point located on a plane parallel to the second plane and passing through the first central axis) measured along a plane parallel to the second plane and passing through the first central axis. The ratio of the plug connector height to the plug connector width may be at most 0.60, at most 0.55, at most 0.50, at most 0.45, or at most 0.40. Alternatively or additionally, the ratio of the plug connector height to the sleeve distance may be at most 0.60, at most 0.55, at most 0.50, at most 0.45, or at most 0.40. When the power plug has such a configuration, the height of the plug connector is relatively small compared to conventional male connectors. This further reduces the risk of residual liquid that may be introduced into the socket of the device during use.

[0088] The intersections of the third and fourth peripheral connector wall portions with the third plane may have a radius of curvature. More specifically, the intersections of the third and fourth peripheral wall portions with the third plane have a curvature line with a radius of curvature. The ratio of the radius of curvature to the plug connector width may be at most 0.20. When the plug has such a configuration, the plug height (which is approximately twice the radius of curvature of the third and fourth peripheral connector wall portions) is relatively small compared to conventional male connectors. This further reduces the risk of residual liquid that can be introduced into the socket of the device during use.

[0089] The first peripheral connector wall portion may have a shape different from the shape of the second peripheral connector wall portion. Thereby, protection against insertion of a plug of reverse polarity is achieved.

[0090] The first peripheral connector wall portion may be planar. This facilitates manufacturing and facilitates insertion of the plug.

[0091] The notch may have a notch width measured along the width direction of the plug connector (e.g., in the third plane). One or several of the following may apply: - The ratio of the notch width to the plug connector width may be at least 0.60 or at least 0.61. The ratio of the notch width to the sleeve distance may be at least 0.50, at least 0.55, at least 0.60, at least 0.65, at least 0.70, at least 0.75, at least 0.80, at least 0.85, at least 0.90, or at least 0.95. When the connector has such a configuration, the notch width is relatively large compared to conventional male connectors. This also helps to reduce the risk of residual moisture being introduced into the device socket.

[0092] The second central axis may be offset from the first central axis along the width direction of the power plug connector. The notch portion may have a notch width measured along the width direction. The notch width may be determined as the distance along the width direction between the first and second notch portion ends where the second circumferential connector wall portion begins to curve inwardly with respect to the plane interconnecting the ends of the third and fourth circumferential connector wall portions. (For purposes of illustration, the notch width may be obtained by determining the curve of the intersection of the second circumferential connector wall portion and the third plane, determining the outermost points of the portion of this curve that is spaced from the first plane by a distance less than the maximum distance determined by the ends of the third and fourth circumferential connector wall portions, and determining the notch width as the distance between these outermost points that define the notch width). One or several of the following may apply: - The ratio of the notch width to the plug connector width may be at least 0.60 or at least 0.61. The ratio of the notch width to the sleeve distance may be at least 0.50, at least 0.55, at least 0.60, at least 0.65, at least 0.70, at least 0.75, at least 0.80, at least 0.85, at least 0.90, or at least 0.95. When the socket has such a configuration, the notch width is relatively large compared to a conventional male connector. This further reduces the risk of electric creep current by increasing the distance between the pins that can engage with the connector sleeve.

[0093] The notch height can be measured by determining the intersection line of the notch portion and the third plane, determining the maximum and minimum distances of this intersection line from the intersection line where the third plane intersects the first circumferential connector wall portion, and determining the notch height as the difference between the maximum distance and the minimum distance.

[0094] The power plug may be operable to supply power at a low voltage in the range of 2 to 18 V, or 4 to 12 V, or 5 V. For example, the compatibility of the power plug with the voltage provided by a USB-type charging device is thereby promoted, providing a platform for device connectors that is useful for integration with charging devices operating at such voltage levels.

[0095] The fourth circumferential connector wall portion may have a radius of curvature equal to the radius of curvature of the third circumferential connector wall portion.

[0096] The ratio of the radius of curvature to the sleeve distance may be at most 0.35 or at most 0.33.

[0097] The notches of the power plug can have notch shapes selected from a set of notch shapes each associated with a different IP class.

[0098] When the socket protrusion shape is assigned to an IP class equal to the IP class of the power plug, the notch shape of the plug allows the plug to be inserted into a device having the socket protrusion shape. When the socket protrusion shape is assigned to an IP class smaller than the IP class of the power plug, the notch shape of the plug allows the plug to be inserted into a device having the socket protrusion shape.

[0099] The power plug may include a first plastic component including a circumferential connector wall and an end face. The power plug may further include a second plastic component connected to an end of the first plastic component, which may be on the opposite side of the end face, the second plastic component being formed from a second plastic material, the first plastic material having a first hardness, and the second plastic material having a second hardness different from the first hardness. This makes it possible to form components required to reduce the risk of reverse polarity insertion of the power plug from a harder material, while forming components that may need to bend and deflect during use from a softer material.

[0100] A power plug according to another embodiment includes a first connector sleeve and a second connector sleeve. The first connector sleeve has a first sleeve central axis. The second connector sleeve has a second sleeve central axis. The first sleeve central axis and the second sleeve central axis are spaced apart by a sleeve distance. The first sleeve central axis and the second sleeve central axis define a first plane. A second plane is perpendicular to the first plane and extends parallel to the first sleeve central axis and the second sleeve central axis and is equally spaced from the first sleeve central axis and the second sleeve central axis. The power plug further includes an end face on which a first pin insertion opening and a second pin insertion opening are disposed, and a peripheral connector wall extending from around the end face. The peripheral connector wall includes a first peripheral connector wall portion, a second peripheral connector wall portion, a third peripheral connector wall portion that is curved, intersects the first plane, and interconnects the first peripheral connector wall portion and the second peripheral connector wall portion, and a fourth peripheral connector wall portion that is curved, intersects the first plane, and interconnects the first peripheral connector wall portion and the second peripheral connector wall portion. The first and second peripheral connector wall portions are disposed on both sides of the first plane. The third and fourth peripheral connector wall portions are disposed on both sides of the second plane. The second peripheral connector wall portion includes a connector notch portion that forms a connector notch. The end face includes a first end face portion that extends transversely to the first and second planes. The first connector sleeve protrudes from the first end face portion. The end face includes a second end face portion that extends transversely to the first and second planes.

[0101] The power plug may have a plug connector width measured along the first plane (e.g., as the distance between points located on the third and fourth peripheral connector wall portions and on the first plane). The ratio of the sleeve distance to the plug connector width may be at least 0.59, at least 0.60, at least 0.61, or at least 0.62. The spacing between the sleeves reduces the risk of creep current during use of the power plug.

[0102] The first and third planes may intersect the circumferential connector wall at the first intersection, and the first and third planes intersect the circumferential connector wall at the second intersection. The plug connector width may be the distance between the first intersection and the second intersection. The ratio of the sleeve distance to the plug connector width may be at least 0.59, at least 0.60, at least 0.61, or at least 0.62. The sleeve spacing reduces the risk of creep current during the use of the power plug.

[0103] The power plug, particularly its plug connector, can have any one of the additional features described above.

[0104] The power plug may be a power plug for personal care equipment or other household equipment.

[0105] The first connector sleeve may be a first slotted sleeve that operates to snap fit onto the first connector pin of the male connector.

[0106] The second connector sleeve may be a second slotted sleeve that operates to snap fit onto the second connector pin of the male connector.

[0107] The power supply device according to the embodiment includes the power plug according to the embodiment. The power supply device operates to reduce the risk of reverse polarity engagement between the power plug and the device. The power supply device operates to reduce the risk of electrical creep current.

[0108] The power supply device may include a converter. The power supply device may be operable to perform voltage down conversion. Thereby, the personal care equipment can be powered using a power supply device that can be engaged with the main power outlet.

[0109] The power supply device may be configured as a power cord.

[0110] The power supply device may include a stand that operates to support a received device (such as a personal care device).

[0111] A kit according to one embodiment includes a personal care device according to one embodiment and a power supply device including a power plug according to one embodiment, and the power supply device operates to supply power to the personal care device.

[0112] The socket and the power plug may be configured such that when the power plug is operably engaged with the socket, the peripheral wall of the socket is spaced apart from the peripheral connector wall by a gap. This further reduces the risk of adverse effects that may be caused by electrical creep current.

[0113] The third peripheral wall portion may have a frustoconical or cylindrical shape extending over a first arc angle, or it may be so.

[0114] The third peripheral connector wall portion may have another frustoconical or cylindrical shape extending over a second arc angle, or it may be so.

[0115] The second angle may be different from the first angle.

[0116] A kit according to one embodiment includes a first personal care device including a first housing having a first socket, the first socket having a first socket shape selected from a set of two or more different socket shapes each assigned to a different one of several Ingress Protection (IP) classes, the first socket shape being assigned to the first IP class, and a power supply device including a power plug, the power plug having a plug shape selected from a set of two or more different plug shapes each assigned to a different one of two or more IP classes.

[0117] The kit can operate to encode the IP class in its socket shape and prevent the insertion of a plug that is not compatible with the IP class of the device.

[0118] The first socket may be shaped such that it allows the insertion of a power plug when the plug shape is assigned to an IP class equal to the first IP class, allows the insertion of the power plug when the plug shape is assigned to an IP class higher than the first IP class, and prevents the insertion of the power plug when the plug shape is assigned to an IP class lower than the first IP class.

[0119] Accordingly, the first socket can operate to encode the IP class in its first socket shape and prevent the insertion of a plug that is not compatible with the IP class of the device.

[0120] The power supply device may be a first power supply device, and the power plug may be a first power plug having a first plug shape assigned to the first IP class.

[0121] The kit may further include a second power supply device having a second power plug, the second power plug having a second plug shape selected from a set of two or more different plug shapes, and the second plug shape being assigned to a second IP class higher than the first IP class.

[0122] The first socket may be shaped to allow the insertion of the first power plug and also allow the insertion of the second power plug.

[0123] Accordingly, the first socket shape can ensure that the device can be used in relation to a power supply device designed to have at least the same IP class as the device.

[0124] The kit may further comprise a second personal care device comprising a second housing having a second socket, the second socket having a second socket shape selected from a set of two or more different socket shapes, the second socket shape being assigned to a second IP class.

[0125] The second socket may be shaped to prevent insertion of a first power plug and allow insertion of a second power plug.

[0126] Thus, the second socket shape can ensure that the device cannot be used in connection with a power supply designed to have an IP class lower than that of the device.

[0127] The first personal care device may be the first personal care device according to one embodiment, and / or the power plug may be the power plug according to one embodiment.

[0128] A method according to one embodiment is performed using a first personal care device comprising a first housing having a first socket, the first socket having a first socket shape selected from a set of two or more different socket shapes each assigned to a different one of several Ingress Protection (IP) classes. The method includes using the protrusions of the first socket shape to selectively allow insertion of a power plug and selectively prevent insertion of other power plugs, depending on the IP class of the power plug.

[0129] The first socket shape may be assigned to a first IP class.

[0130] This method can further use a power supply device with a power plug, and the power plug has a plug shape selected from a set of two or more different plug shapes, each of which is assigned to a different one of two or more IP classes. The method may include allowing the insertion of the power plug into the socket by means of a protrusion when the power plug is assigned to an IP class compatible with the IP class of the device. The method may also include preventing the insertion of the power plug into the socket by means of a protrusion when the power plug is assigned to an IP class compatible with the IP class of the device.

[0131] This method may include encoding the IP class into its socket shape to prevent the insertion of a plug that is not compatible with the IP class of the device.

[0132] The first socket may be shaped such that it allows the insertion of the power plug when the plug shape is assigned to an IP class equal to the first IP class, allows the insertion of the power plug when the plug shape is assigned to an IP class higher than the first IP class, and prevents the insertion of the power plug when the plug shape is assigned to an IP class lower than the first IP class.

[0133] Thus, the socket can operate to encode the IP class in its first socket shape and prevent the insertion of a plug that is not compatible with the IP class of the device.

[0134] The power supply device may be a first power supply device, and the power plug may be a first power plug having a first plug shape assigned to the first IP class.

[0135] This method may further include using a second power supply device with a second power plug, the second power plug having a second plug shape selected from a set of two or more different plug shapes, and the second plug shape being assigned to a second IP class higher than the first IP class.

[0136] The method can include enabling insertion of a first power plug and insertion of a second power plug by a first socket.

[0137] Thus, the socket shape can ensure that the device can be used in relation to a power supply device designed to have at least the same IP class as the device.

[0138] The method may include using a second personal care device comprising a second housing having a second socket, the second socket having a second socket shape selected from a set of two or more different socket shapes, the second socket shape being assigned to a second IP class.

[0139] The second socket may be shaped to prevent insertion of the first power plug and to allow insertion of the second power plug.

[0140] Thus, the socket shape can ensure that the device cannot be used in relation to a power supply device designed to have an IP class lower than the device.

[0141] The first personal care device may be a first personal care device according to one embodiment, and / or the power plug may be a power plug according to one embodiment.

[0142] The method may be a method of using protrusion and / or notch shapes to enforce compatibility of the IP classes of the power supply device and the device.

[0143] Figure 1 shows kit 10. Kit 10 includes one or several personal care devices and one or several power supply devices. Figure 1 shows kit 10 including shaver 11, toothbrush 12, and first, second, and third power supply devices 40. The first devices 11, 12 and the first power supply device 40 and their respective housings may support a specific first IP waterproof standard and accordingly may be sealed against water. The second devices 11, 12 and the second power supply device 40 and their respective housings may support a specific second IP waterproof standard and accordingly may be sealed against water. The third devices 11, 12 and the third power supply device 40 and their respective housings may support a specific third IP waterproof standard and accordingly may be sealed against water. The IP standard of the third kit formed in this way may be the lowest. The IP standard of the second kit formed in this way may be the highest. The second kit has an IP standard between the first kit and the second kit.

[0144] Devices 11, 12 may be personal care devices. Each of devices 11, 12 may be selected from the group including devices for hair removal, cutting, or trimming (such as shavers, body groomers, etc.) and oral care devices (such as toothbrushes, oral showers, tongue cleaners, etc.). Each personal care device 11, 12 may include housings 20, 30 respectively. Housings 20, 30 may each include a connector. The connector may be configured as a female connector. The connector may include sockets 21, 31 and at least two electrical contacts (such as pins) that may at least partially extend into the sockets.

[0145] The power supply device 40 can be provided with a power plug 43 that operates to engage with at least one connector of the devices 11 and 12. The power plug 43 may be a male connector. The power plug 43 can be provided with a connector that operates to be inserted into the sockets 21 and 31. The power plug can be provided with at least two electrical contacts (such as sleeves) that operate to conductively contact the electrical contacts extending into the sockets 21 and 31 on the condition that the sockets 21 and 31 allow the insertion of their respective plugs 43.

[0146] The power supply device 40 may be a power cord having a connector 41 that engages with a main power outlet at one end and a power plug 43 at the other end. A cable 42 having two or more conductors may extend to the power plug 43. The power supply device 40 can be provided with at least one converter that operates to perform voltage down conversion. The converter can operate to convert a grid voltage of, for example, 110 or 230 V into a lower power supply voltage, such as a voltage in the range of 2 - 18 V, 4 - 12 V, or a voltage in the range of 5 V or 12 V.

[0147] Alternatively or additionally, the power supply device 40 may be provided with a stand on which the devices 11 and 12 can be received. The power plug 43 may be disposed on the stand or integrated with the stand so as to be able to supply power to the devices disposed on the stand.

[0148] The shape features of the connectors of the devices and / or the power plugs that can be inserted therein will be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 2 to 24.

[0149] The connectors of the devices and / or the power supply device may be designed to provide any one or any combination of various effects.

[0150] The connectors of the machine and / or the power supply device may be designed to reduce the risk of electrical creep current. This increases the device lifespan. This can be achieved using various techniques that may be used alone or in combination, including increasing the electrical creep distance and / or providing geometric features that reduce the risk of water accumulating within the socket of the device.

[0151] Alternatively or additionally, the connectors of the machine and / or the power supply device may be designed to provide a platform for combining the machine and the power supply device. The geometric features of the connector(s) of the machine and / or the power supply device may be implemented such that the male connector shape may be operable to engage with several female connector shapes. Different male connector shapes may be associated with specific power supply device characteristics (such as different Ingress Protection (IP) Classes (IPCs)). Different female connector shapes may be associated with specific device characteristics (such as different Ingress Protection (IP) Classes (IPCs)). The shape may be implemented such that at least one male connector type is insertable into each of the female connector types, and / or at least one other male connector type is insertable into at least one female connector type, but is prevented from being inserted into at least another female connector type, and / or at least yet another male connector type is insertable into only one female connector type, but is prevented from being inserted into at least another female connector type. The platform provides versatility in the sense that, for example, the power plug of a power supply device with a high IPC can be used not only with devices of the same IPC but also with devices having a lower IPC.

[0152] The different connector shapes (both male and female) may be implemented by protrusions and / or notches of various sizes, shapes, and / or positions.

[0153] The protrusions and / or notches may also prevent an undesirable reverse polarity mating between the male and female connectors that could adversely affect the device.

[0154] Figures 2 and 3 are detailed views of the device and the power plug, respectively. Figure 2 shows an end of the housing 20 of the device with a socket 21. The socket 21 has protrusions. Additional features that can be implemented in the socket 21 are described below. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of the power plug 43. The power plug 43 includes a connector 44. The connector 44 has a notch. Additional features that can be implemented in the power plug 43 are described below.

[0155] Figures 4 and 5 show the female connector 50 of the device. The female connector has a first socket shape. Figure 4 shows a plan view. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view.

[0156] The female connector 50 includes a socket 60 formed within or by the housing of the device. The socket 60 is defined by a socket bottom wall 70 and a socket peripheral wall 80.

[0157] The socket 60 has a socket cavity 63. The socket cavity 63 operates to receive a plug connector. The socket cavity 63 can operate to receive a plug connector having one, two, or more than three predetermined plug connector shapes. The socket 60 has a socket insertion opening 64 for inserting the plug connector into the socket cavity 63. The socket insertion opening 64 may be surrounded by a peripheral rim 62.

[0158] The socket cavity 63 may be defined by the socket bottom wall 70 and the socket peripheral wall 80, or alternatively may comprise the socket bottom wall 70 and the socket peripheral wall 80.

[0159] The socket bottom wall 70 can include a first bottom wall portion 71 and a second bottom wall portion 72. The first and second bottom wall portions 71, 72 may be on the same plane. The first and second bottom wall portions 71, 72 may extend within the socket bottom plane 103 (also referred to as the third plane 103 in this specification). The socket bottom wall 70 may further include ribs 73, which will be described in more detail below. The ribs 73 may extend from the socket bottom surface 103 towards the socket insertion opening 64.

[0160] The socket peripheral wall 80 may include a first peripheral wall portion 81, a second peripheral wall portion 82, a third peripheral wall portion 83 that curves, intersects the first plane 101, and interconnects the first wall portion 81 and the second wall portion 82, and a fourth peripheral wall portion 84 that curves, intersects the first plane 101, and interconnects the first wall portion 81 and the second wall portion 82. The socket peripheral wall may be composed of the first to fourth peripheral wall portions 81 - 84.

[0161] The first peripheral wall portion 81 and the second peripheral wall portion 82 may be arranged opposite to each other. The first and second peripheral wall portions 81, 82 may be arranged on the opposing long sides of the socket (this long side is also referred to as the width direction in this specification and in the art).

[0162] The first and second peripheral wall portions 81, 82 may have different shapes as will be described in more detail below. The second peripheral wall portion 82 can include a protrusion 61. The first peripheral wall portion 81 may not have a protrusion. The first peripheral wall portion 81 may be planar.

[0163] The third peripheral wall portion 83 and the fourth peripheral wall portion 84 may be arranged to face each other. The third and fourth peripheral wall portions 83, 84 may be arranged on the opposing short sides of the socket (this short side is also referred to as the height direction in this specification and the art). The third and fourth peripheral wall portions 83, 84 may each be curved from the first peripheral wall portion 81 to the second peripheral wall portion 82. The intersection points of the third and fourth peripheral wall portions 83, 84 with a plane (especially any plane) perpendicular to the first central axis 51 and intersecting the third and fourth peripheral wall portions 83, 84 may be an arc of an ellipse such as a semi-circular or other elliptical arc. Alternatively or additionally, the intersection points of the third and fourth peripheral wall portions 83, 84 with a plane (especially any plane) perpendicular to the socket bottom surface 103 and intersecting the third and fourth peripheral wall portions 83, 84 may be a straight line. The shapes of the third peripheral wall portion 83 and the fourth peripheral wall portion 84 may be cylindrical or conical, but are not limited thereto.

[0164] The third peripheral wall portion 83 can have a shape corresponding to the angular portion (or arc) of a frustum-shaped surface or a cylindrical surface (when viewed from the inside). This frustum-shaped or cylindrical arc portion may extend over an angle 129. The angle 129 may be at least 170°.

[0165] The fourth peripheral wall portion 84 can have a shape corresponding to the angular portion (or arc) of a frustum-shaped surface or a cylindrical surface (when viewed from the inside). This frustum-shaped or cylindrical arc portion may extend over an angle 129. The angle 129 may be at least 170°. The angles 129 over which the third peripheral wall portion 83 and the fourth peripheral wall portion 84 extend may be equal to each other, but are not limited thereto.

[0166] The first to fourth peripheral wall portions 81 to 84 may extend from the base to the free end of the bottom wall portion 70. The free end can define a peripheral rim 62 surrounding the socket insertion opening 62.

[0167] The first peripheral wall portion 81 can transition to the third peripheral wall portion 83 along a line that can extend from the base in the bottom wall portion 70 to the free end in the peripheral rim 62. The intersection of this transition line and the third plane 103 is shown as point 91 in FIG. 4.

[0168] The third peripheral wall portion 83 can transition to the second peripheral wall portion 82 along a line that can extend from the base in the bottom wall portion 70 to the free end in the peripheral rim 62. The intersection of this transition line and the third plane 103 is shown as point 92 in FIG. 4.

[0169] The second peripheral wall portion 82 can transition to the fourth peripheral wall portion 84 along a line that can extend from the base in the bottom wall portion 70 to the free end in the peripheral rim 62. The intersection of this transition line and the third plane 103 is shown as point 93 in FIG. 4.

[0170] The fourth peripheral wall portion 84 can transition to the first peripheral wall portion 81 along a line that can extend from the base in the bottom wall portion 70 to the free end in the peripheral rim 62. The intersection of this transition line and the third plane 103 is shown as point 94 in FIG. 4.

[0171] The female connector 50 includes a first connector pin 51 and a second connector pin 52. At least a part of the first connector pin 51 and at least a part of the second connector pin 52 extend into the cavity 63 of the socket. The first connector pin 51 has a first central axis 53. The second connector pin 52 has a second central axis 54. The first central axis 53 and the second central axis 54 are separated by a pin distance 121.

[0172] The first and second connector pins 51, 52 are formed of a conductive material. The first and second connector pins 51, 52 may be metal connector pins.

[0173] The first central axis 53 and the second central axis 54 may be parallel to each other. The first central axis 53 and the second central axis 54 can define a first plane 101 in which the first and second central axes 53, 54 extend.

[0174] The second plane 102 is perpendicular to the first plane 101. The second plane 102 may extend parallel to the first central axis 53 and the second central axis 54. The second plane 102 may be equally spaced from the first central axis 53 and the second central axis 54.

[0175] The first and second peripheral wall portions 81, 82 may be disposed on opposite sides of the first plane 101.

[0176] The third and fourth peripheral wall portions 83, 84 may be disposed on opposite sides of the second plane 102.

[0177] The socket may have a socket width 122. The socket width may correspond to the maximum extension of the socket along the longer of the two axes of the socket as viewed in a plan view. The socket width 122 may be determined as the distance between a first intersection point 95 and a second intersection point 96 where both the first plane 101 and the third plane 103 intersect the third peripheral wall portion 83 and the fourth peripheral wall portion 84.

[0178] The socket may have a socket height 123. The socket height may correspond to the maximum extension of the socket along the shorter of the two axes of the socket as viewed in a plan view. The socket height 123 may be determined using any one of the following techniques. - Determine the intersection line 111 between the first peripheral wall 81 and the third plane 103. Determine the points 92, 93 where the intersection points of the peripheral wall and the third plane 103 have the maximum distance from the intersection line 111. Determine the distance of the points 92, 93 from the intersection line 111 as the socket height 123. - Determine the intersection line 111 between the first peripheral wall 81 and the third plane 103. - At the intersection points in the third plane 103, determine the points 92, 93 where the third and fourth peripheral wall portions 83, 84 transition to the second peripheral wall portion 82. Determine the socket height 123 as the maximum distance among the two distances from the intersection line 111 to the points 92, 93. - Determine the points 91, 92 as the intersection points of the first plane 101, a plane parallel to the second plane 102 and passing through the first central axis 53, and the peripheral socket wall 70, and determine the socket height 123 as the distance between these points 91, 92. - Determine the points 93, 94 as the intersection points of the first plane 101, a plane parallel to the second plane 102 and passing through the second central axis 54, and the peripheral socket wall 70, and determine the socket height 123 as the distance between these points 93, 94. - Determine the radius of curvature 105 of the intersection point of the third or fourth peripheral wall 83, 84 and the third plane. Determine that the socket height is twice the radius of curvature 105.

[0179] The ratio of the radius of curvature 105 to the pin distance 121 is at most 0.35. By maintaining the ratio of the radius of curvature to the pin distance at most 0.35, the risk of electrical creep can be reduced. The electrical creep resistance is increased by separating the connector pins by a pin distance that is sufficiently large compared to the radius of curvature, and the ratio of the radius of curvature to the pin distance is at most 0.35 even at maximum.

[0180] As will be described in more detail below, the second peripheral wall portion 82 can have a protrusion 85. The protrusion 85 forms a protrusion 61 within the socket 60. The protrusion 61 provides a decrease in the socket height measured along the second plane 102 as seen in the plan view (see FIG. 4). At the protrusion 61, the second peripheral wall portion 82 protrudes towards the first peripheral wall portion 81. For the sake of explanation, in any plane that coincides with or is parallel to the third plane 103 and intersects the peripheral wall portion, the protrusion 61 may protrude towards the first peripheral wall portion 81 compared to the points 92, 93 on the second peripheral wall portion 82 that are separated from the first peripheral wall portion 81 by the maximum distance.

[0181] The protrusion 61 is configured such that the socket 60 has a reduced socket height 125 at the protrusion 61. The reduced socket height 125 at the protrusion 61 may be determined by determining the intersection line 111 between the first peripheral wall 81 and the third plane 103, determining a further intersection line between the second peripheral wall 82 and the third plane 103, and determining the reduced socket height 125 at the protrusion 61 as the minimum distance measured perpendicularly to the intersection line 111 from any point on the further intersection line from the intersection line 111.

[0182] The protrusion 61 has a protrusion height 126. The protrusion height 126 indicates how much the protrusion protrudes towards the first peripheral wall portion 81. The protrusion height 126 can be determined as the difference between the socket height 123 and the reduced socket height 125 at the protrusion 61.

[0183] The protrusion 61 may extend from the socket bottom wall 70 to the circumferential rim 62. The protrusion 61 may extend continuously from the socket bottom wall 70 to the peripheral edge 62.

[0184] The first connector pin 51 protrudes from the first bottom wall portion 71. The second connector pin 52 protrudes from the second bottom wall portion 72. A rib 73 may be provided between the first bottom wall portion 71 and the second bottom wall portion 72. The rib 73 may protrude from at least one, preferably both, of the first and second bottom wall portions 71, 72. The rib 73 may protrude from the socket bottom surface 103 towards the socket insertion opening 64.

[0185] The rib 73 may extend from the first peripheral wall portion 81 to the second peripheral wall portion 82. The rib 73 may extend continuously from the first peripheral wall portion 81 to the second peripheral wall portion 82. When the rib 73 extends from the first peripheral wall portion 81 to the second peripheral wall portion 82 along the second plane 102, it can have a substantially constant cross-section. Alternatively, the cross-section of the rib 73 may vary and / or the rib 73 need not extend across the entire space between the first and second peripheral wall portions 81, 82.

[0186] The effect of rib 73 is to increase the electrical creep distance through any fluid that may remain within socket 60. This increases the electrical resistance and reduces the electrical creepage. This mitigates adverse effects such as the risk of electrolysis that would otherwise result from electrical creep current.

[0187] Protrusion 61 can also operate to provide various effects. Protrusion 61 reduces the socket height in the central region between the first connector pin 51 and the second connector pin 52, which can also contribute to an increase in electrical creep resistance and / or a reduction in electrical creepage. Protrusion 61 can provide protection against the insertion of the reverse polarity of the power plug. Protrusion 61 can operate to define, by its shape (such as size and position), which power plugs can be inserted into socket 60. Thus, protrusion 61 can enable a power plug having characteristics (such as IP characteristics) that match the characteristics of the device to be inserted into the socket and / or prevent a power plug having characteristics (such as IP characteristics) that do not match the characteristics of the device from being inserted into the socket.

[0188] Socket 60 can have a shape feature that contributes to the improvement of characteristics by reducing the risk of electrical creepage and / or reducing the risk of insertion of an inappropriate power plug.

[0189] The ratio of pin distance 121 to socket width 122 may be at least 0.60, at least 0.61, or at least 0.62. In a socket having such a configuration, connector pins 51, 52 are relatively far apart, which further reduces the risk of creep current compared to conventional connector configurations.

[0190] The ratio of the socket height 123 to the socket width 122 may be at most 0.60, at most 0.55, at most 0.50, at most 0.45, or at most 0.40. The ratio of the socket height 123 to the pin pitch 121 may be at most 0.76, at most 0.70, at most 0.65, at most 0.60, at most 0.55, at most 0.50, at most 0.45, or at most 0.40. When the socket 60 has such a configuration, the risk of creep current is further reduced. As will be described later, it becomes easy to arrange a screw or a bolt head outside and adjacent to the socket 60, thereby further reducing the risk of creep current.

[0191] The ratio of the radius of curvature 105 of the third and / or fourth peripheral wall portions 83, 84 to the socket width 122 may be at most 0.20. Alternatively or additionally, the ratio of the radius of curvature 105 to the pin pitch 121 may be at most 0.35 or at most 0.33. Such a configuration further reduces the risk of creep current and, as will be described later, enables a screw or a bolt head to be separated from the socket and arranged adjacent to the socket, which further reduces the risk of creep current.

[0192] The distance 127 between the first or second connector pins 51, 52 and the third or fourth peripheral wall portions 83, 84 extending around the first and second central axes 53, 54 respectively may be less than 2.0 mm, less than 1.9 mm, less than 1.8 mm, less than 1.7 mm, less than 1.6 mm, less than 1.5 mm, less than 1.4 mm, less than 1.3 mm, less than 1.2 mm, or less than 1.1 mm. Alternatively or additionally, the ratio of the pin pitch 121 to the distance 127 between the connector pin and the third / fourth peripheral wall portion may be at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, or at least 7. The small gap between the connector pins 51, 52 and the third / fourth peripheral wall portions 83, 84 allows the pins to be spaced far apart, reducing the risk of electrical creep current.

[0193] The protrusion 61 may have a protrusion width 124 measured along the width direction of the socket 60 (e.g., in the third plane 103). The protrusion width 124 may be determined as the distance along the width direction between the first and second protrusion ends 92, 93 where the second circumferential wall portion 82 begins to curve inwardly with respect to the plane 112 connecting the ends of the third and fourth circumferential wall portions 83, 84. For illustration, the protrusion width 124 can be obtained by determining the intersection curve of the second circumferential wall portion 82 and the third plane 103, determining the outermost points of the portions on this intersection curve that are separated from the first plane by a distance less than the maximum distance 123 determined by the ends of the third and fourth circumferential wall portions 83, 84, and determining the protrusion width 124 as the distance between these outermost points 93, 94 that define the protrusion width. The ratio of the protrusion width 124 to the socket width 122 may be at least 0.60 or at least 0.61. When the socket has such a configuration, the protrusion width 124 is relatively large. The constriction formed in the bottom wall by such a wide protrusion can further reduce the risk of electrolysis by reducing the risk of electrical creepage.

[0194] The ratio of the protrusion height 126 to the radius of curvature 105 of the third and fourth circumferential wall portions 83, 84 may be at least 0.50, at least 0.55, at least 0.60, at least 0.65, at least 0.70, at least 0.75, at least 0.80, at least 0.85, at least 0.90, or at least 0.95. Alternatively or additionally, the ratio of the protrusion height 126 to the socket height 123 may be at least 0.15, at least 0.20, or at least 0.25. When the socket has such a configuration, the protrusion height 126 is relatively large compared to conventional female connectors. The large protrusion height 126 facilitates a configuration in which a screw or bolt head can be separated from the socket and disposed adjacent to the socket, which further reduces the risks of electrical creepage and electrolysis.

[0195] Figures 6 to 12 show the power plug 150. The power plug 150 may be operable for insertion into the socket 50. Figure 6 shows a plan view of the power plug. Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view. Figure 8 shows a partial perspective view. Figure 9 shows a partial plan side view. Figure 10 shows an exploded view. Figure 11 shows a cross-sectional view. Figure 12 shows a plan side view.

[0196] The power plug 150 includes a male connector 160. The male connector 160 is operative to be inserted into a mating socket (such as socket 50) of a device.

[0197] The power plug 150, and more specifically the male connector 160, can include a first connector sleeve 151 and a second connector sleeve 152. The first and second connector sleeves 151, 152 can be operative to receive connector pins 52, 51 therein. The first and second connector sleeves 151, 152 are formed from a conductive material. The first and second connector sleeves 151, 152 may be metal sleeves.

[0198] The first connector sleeve 151 has a first sleeve central axis 153. The second connector sleeve 152 has a second sleeve central axis 154. The first sleeve central axis 153 and the second sleeve central axis 154 may be parallel to each other. The first sleeve central axis 153 and the second sleeve central axis 154 can be spaced apart by a sleeve distance 221. The first sleeve central axis 153 and the second sleeve central axis 154 can define a first plane 201. When the male connector 160 is inserted into the socket, the first plane 201 of the power plug may coincide with the first plane 101 of the device socket.

[0199] The second plane 202 may be perpendicular to the first plane 201. The second plane 202 may extend parallel to the first sleeve central axis 153 and the second sleeve central axis 154. The second plane 202 may be equally spaced from the first sleeve central axis 153 and the second sleeve central axis 154. When the male connector 160 is inserted into the socket, the second plane 202 of the power plug may coincide with the second plane 102 of the device socket.

[0200] The end face 170 may include a first end face portion 171 that extends laterally, for example, perpendicularly, with respect to the first and second planes 201, 202. The first end face portion 171 can include a first connector pin insertion opening 174.

[0201] The end face 170 may include a second end face portion 172 that extends laterally with respect to the first and second planes 201, 202. The second end face portion can include a second connector pin insertion opening 175.

[0202] The first and second end face portions 171, 172 may be planar. The first and second end face portions 171, 172 can have an annular shape that extends around the first and second pin insertion openings 174, 175, respectively.

[0203] The end face 170 may include a groove portion that extends from the first end face portion 171 to the second end face portion 172 and defines a groove 173. The groove 173 is on the end face 170 and is disposed between the first end face portion 171 and the second end face portion 172.

[0204] The power plug 150 may further include a peripheral connector wall 180 that extends from the circumference of the end face 170.

[0205] The circumferential connector wall 180 may include a first circumferential connector wall portion 181, a second circumferential connector wall portion 182, a third circumferential connector wall portion 183 that is curved, intersects the first plane 201, and interconnects the first circumferential connector wall portion 181 and the second circumferential connector wall portion 182, and a fourth circumferential connector wall portion 184 that is curved, intersects the first plane 201, and interconnects the first circumferential connector wall portion 181 and the second circumferential connector wall portion 182.

[0206] The first and second circumferential connector wall portions 181, 182 may be arranged to face each other. The first and second circumferential connector wall portions 181, 182 may be arranged on the opposing long sides of the socket (this long side is also referred to as the width direction in this specification and in the art).

[0207] The first and second circumferential connector wall portions 181, 182 may have different shapes, as will be described in more detail below. The second circumferential wall portion 182 may include a notch 161. The first circumferential wall portion 181 may not be provided with a notch. The first circumferential wall portion 181 may be planar.

[0208] The third and fourth peripheral connector wall portions 183, 184 may be arranged to face each other. The third and fourth peripheral connector wall portions 183, 184 may be arranged on the opposing short sides of the socket (this short side is also referred to as the height direction in this specification and in the art). Each of the third and fourth peripheral connector wall portions 183, 184 may be curved from the first peripheral connector wall portion 181 to the second peripheral connector wall portion 182. The intersection of the third and fourth peripheral connector wall portions 183, 184 with a plane (in particular any plane) that is perpendicular to the first and second planes 201, 202 and intersects the third and fourth peripheral connector wall portions 183, 184 may be an arc of an ellipse such as a semi-circle or another elliptical arc. Alternatively or additionally, the intersection of the third and fourth peripheral connector wall portions 183, 184 with a plane (in particular any plane) that is parallel to the first and second planes 201, 202 and intersects the third and fourth peripheral connector wall portions 183, 184 may be a straight line. The third and fourth peripheral connector wall portions 183, 184 may be formed as a cylindrical portion or a conical portion, but are not limited thereto. The third plane 203 may be the plane on which the first and second end face portions 171, 172 are arranged. The portions of the third and fourth peripheral connector wall portions 183, 184 closest to (e.g., located on) the third plane 203 may include an arc having a radius of curvature, as will be described in more detail below.

[0209] The third peripheral connector wall portion 183 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of an angular portion (or arc) of a frustum conical surface or a cylindrical surface. This frustum conical or cylindrical arc portion may extend over an angle 229. The angle 229 may be at least 170°.

[0210] The fourth peripheral wall portion 184 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of an angular portion (or arc) of a frustum conical surface or a cylindrical surface. This frustum conical or cylindrical arc portion may extend over an angle 229. The angle 229 may be at least 170°. The angles 229 over which the third and fourth peripheral connector wall portions 183, 184 extend may be equal to each other, but are not limited thereto.

[0211] The angle 229 at which the third and fourth peripheral connector wall portions 183, 184 form a circular or elliptical arc may be different from the angle 129 at which the third and fourth peripheral wall portions 83, 84 of the mating female connector form a circular or elliptical arc.

[0212] The first to fourth peripheral connector wall portions 181 to 184 can each extend from the base to the free end at the peripheral rim 162. The free end may be disposed on the end face 170.

[0213] The first peripheral connector wall portion 181 can transition to the third peripheral connector wall portion 183 along a line that can extend from the base at the peripheral rim 162 to the free end at the end face 170. The intersection of this transition line and the third plane 203 (described in more detail below) is shown as point 191 in FIG. 6.

[0214] The third peripheral connector wall portion 183 can transition to the second peripheral connector wall portion 182 along a line that can extend from the base at the peripheral rim 162 to the free end at the end face 170. The intersection of this transition line and the third plane 203 is shown as point 192 in FIG. 6.

[0215] The second peripheral connector wall portion 182 can transition to the fourth peripheral connector wall portion 184 along a line that can extend from the base at the peripheral rim 162 to the free end at the end face 170. The intersection of this transition line and the third plane 203 is shown as point 193 in FIG. 6.

[0216] The fourth peripheral connector wall portion 184 can transition to the first peripheral connector wall portion 181 along a line that can extend from the base at the peripheral rim 162 to the free end at the end face 170. The intersection of this transition line and the third plane 203 is shown as point 194 in FIG. 6.

[0217] The groove 173 on the end face may extend along the second plane 202. The groove 173 may extend from the first circumferential connector wall 181 to the second circumferential connector wall 182. The groove portion forming the groove 173 may be recessed compared to the plane in which the first and second end faces 171, 172 extend.

[0218] The intersection of the end face 170 and the first plane 201 (as shown in FIG. 7) may have a concave shape in the groove 173. The point of the groove 173 closest to the plane in which the circumferential rim 162 extends may be located at or near the intersection of the second plane 202 and the end face in the cross-section of the first plane 201.

[0219] The intersection of the end face 170 and the second plane 202 may have a flat or convex shape to facilitate liquid discharge.

[0220] The groove 173 may include a first inclined portion 176 extending from the first end face portion 171 and a second inclined portion 177 extending from the second end face portion 172. The first inclined portion 176 and the second inclined portion 177 may be recessed deeper from the plane in which the first end face portion 171 and the second end face portion 172 are provided as the distances from the first end face portion 171 and the second end face portion 172 increase.

[0221] The groove 173 may be formed by a V-shaped or U-shaped recess in the end face 170.

[0222] The groove 173 may operate to provide drainage. The groove 173 can assist in removing residual moisture.

[0223] The notch 161 is formed by the notch wall portion 185 of the second peripheral wall portion. The notch 161 operates to prevent reverse-polarity insertion into the socket of the device. The notch 161 also reduces the risk of the power plug 150 being used in relation to a device having an ingress protection (IP) class (IPC) that does not match that of the power supply device comprising the power plug 150 and / or a device not intended to be used on or with the power supply device comprising the power plug 150.

[0224] The third plane 203 may extend perpendicular to both the first plane 201 and the second plane 202. The third plane 203 may be positioned such that the first and second end faces 171, 172 are disposed therein.

[0225] The power plug may have a plug connector width 222 measured along the first plane 201 (e.g., as the distance between points 195, 196 located on the third and fourth peripheral connector wall portions 183, 184 and on the first plane 201). The ratio of the sleeve distance 221 to the plug connector width 222 may be at least 0.50, at least 0.55, at least 0.60, or at least 0.62. The sleeve spacing reduces the risk of creep current during use of the power plug 150.

[0226] The first and third planes 201, 203 may intersect the peripheral connector wall 180 at a first intersection point 195, and the first and third planes may intersect the peripheral connector wall 180 at a second intersection point 196. The plug connector width 222 may be the distance between the first intersection point 195 and the second intersection point 196. The ratio of the sleeve distance 221 to the plug connector width 222 may be at least 0.50, at least 0.55, at least 0.60, or at least 0.62. The sleeve spacing reduces the risk of creep current during use of the power plug 150.

[0227] When the third and fourth peripheral connector wall portions 183, 184 are rounded towards the end face 170 (as shown in the inset views 310, 312 of FIG. 7), the plug connector width 222 is - determining the first intersection point 195 as the intersection of the first tangent line 311 and the third plane 201, the first tangent line 311 being in a tangential direction with respect to the third peripheral connector wall 183 and being located within the first plane 203, and - determining the second intersection point 196 as the intersection of the second tangent line 313 and the third plane 203, the second tangent line 313 being in a tangential direction with respect to the fourth peripheral connector wall 184 and being located within the first plane 201, and - The plug connector width 222 can be determined by determining it as the distance between the first intersection point 195 and the second intersection point 196.

[0228] The power plug 150 may have a plug connector height 223. The plug connector height 223 may correspond to the maximum extension of the plug connector along the shorter of the two axes of the plug connector as viewed in a plan view. The plug connector height 223 can be determined using any one of the following techniques. - Determine the intersection line 211 between the first peripheral connector wall 181 and the third plane 203. Determine the point(s) 192, 193 where the intersection of the peripheral connector wall 180 and the third plane 203 has the maximum distance from the intersection line 211. Determine the distance of the point(s) 192, 193 from the intersection line 211 as the plug connector height 223. - Determine the intersection line 211 between the first peripheral connector wall 181 and the third plane 203. At the intersection point within the third plane 203, determine the points 192, 193 where the third peripheral wall portion 183 and the fourth peripheral wall portion 184 transition to the second peripheral wall portion 182. Determine the maximum distance among the two distances of the point(s) 192, 193 from the intersection line 211 as the plug connector height 223. - Determine the points 191, 192 as the intersection points of the first plane 201, the plane parallel to the second plane 202 and passing through the first central axis 153, and the peripheral connector wall 70, and determine the plug connector height 223 as the distance between these points 191, 192. - Determine the points 193, 194 as the intersection points of the first plane 201, the plane parallel to the second plane 202 and passing through the second central axis 154, and the peripheral connector wall 70, and determine the plug connector height 223 as the distance between these points 193, 194. - Determine the radius of curvature 205 of the intersection of the third or fourth peripheral connector wall 183, 184 and the third plane 203, and determine the plug connector height 223 as twice the radius of curvature 205.

[0229] The ratio of the radius of curvature 205 to the sleeve distance 221 may be up to 0.35 at most. A sleeve distance 221 that is large compared to the radius of curvature 205 (indicating the connector height) reduces the risk of electric creep current. A radius of curvature 205 (indicating the connector height) that is small compared to the sleeve distance 221 reduces the amount of liquid that can be introduced into the female connector during use, which also reduces the risk of electrical creepage.

[0230] As described above, the second circumferential connector wall portion 182 can have a notch portion 185. The notch portion 185 forms a notch 161 on the outer surface of the power plug 150. The notch 161 provides a reduction in the socket height measured along the second plane 202 as seen in the plan view (see FIG. 6). At the notch 161, the second circumferential connector wall portion 182 projects towards the first circumferential connector wall portion 181. For the sake of illustration, in any plane that coincides with or is parallel to the third plane 203 and intersects the circumferential connector wall portion, the notch 161 may project towards the first circumferential connector wall portion 181 compared to points 192, 193 on the second circumferential connector wall portion 182 that are separated from the first circumferential connector wall portion 181 by a maximum distance.

[0231] The notch 161 is such that the plug connector 160 has a reduced plug connector height 225 at the notch 161. The reduced plug connector height 225 at the notch 161 can be determined by determining the intersection line 221 of the first circumferential connector wall 181 and the third plane 203, determining a further intersection line 221 of the second circumferential connector wall 182 and the third plane 203, and determining the reduced socket height 225 at the notch 161 as the minimum distance measured perpendicular to the intersection line 221 from any point on the further intersection line to the intersection line 221.

[0232] The notch 161 has a notch height 226. The notch height 226 indicates how much the notch protrudes towards the first circumferential connector wall portion 181. The notch height 226 can be determined as the socket height 223 minus the reduced socket height 225 at the notch 161.

[0233] The notch 161 has a notch width 224. The notch width 224 can be measured along the width direction of the plug connector (e.g., in the third plane 203). The notch width 224 can be determined as the distance along the width direction between the first end and the second end of the notch portion 185, at which distance the second circumferential connector wall portion 182 begins to curve inwards with respect to the plane 212 that interconnects the end of the third circumferential connector wall portion 183 and the end of the fourth circumferential connector wall portion 184. Alternatively, the notch width 224 can be obtained by determining the curve of the intersection of the second circumferential connector wall portion 182 and the third plane 203, determining the outermost points of the portion of this intersection curve that is spaced from the first plane 201 by a distance less than the maximum distance determined by the ends of the third and fourth circumferential connector wall portions 183, 184, and determining the notch width 224 as the distance between these outermost points 192, 193 of the notch portion.

[0234] The notch 161 may extend from the circumferential rim 162 to the end face 170. The notch 161 may extend continuously from the circumferential rim 162 to the end face 170.

[0235] The first connector sleeve 151 may be recessed from the end face 170. The second connector sleeve 152 may be recessed from the end face 170.

[0236] The notch 161 can also operate to provide various effects. The notch 161 can provide protection against reverse-polarity insertion of the power plug 150 into the socket. The notch 161 can operate to define, by its shape (such as size and position), which socket the power plug 150 can be inserted into. Thus, the notch 161 enables the power plug to be inserted into the socket of a device having characteristics (such as IP characteristics) that match the characteristics of the power supply device equipped with the power plug, and / or operates to prevent the power plug from being inserted into the socket of a device having characteristics (such as IP characteristics) that do not match the characteristics of the power supply device equipped with the power plug.

[0237] The power plug 150, particularly its connector 160, can have a shape feature that contributes to improving characteristics by reducing the risk of electrical creepage and / or reducing the risk of insertion into an inappropriate socket.

[0238] The ratio of the plug connector height 123 to the plug connector width 122 can be at most 0.60, at most 0.55, at most 0.50, at most 0.45, or at most 0.40. Alternatively or additionally, the ratio of the plug connector height 123 to the sleeve distance 121 can be at most 0.60, at most 0.55, at most 0.50, at most 0.45, or at most 0.40. Such a power plug configuration further reduces the risk of unwanted electrolysis during use.

[0239] The ratio of the radius of curvature 205 to the plug connector width 222 can be at most 0.20. The ratio of the radius of curvature to the pin distance can be at most 0.35 or at most 0.33. Such a power plug configuration further reduces the risk of unwanted electrolysis during use.

[0240] The ratio of the notch width 224 to the sleeve distance 221 may be at least 0.50, at least 0.55, at least 0.60, at least 0.65, at least 0.70, at least 0.75, at least 0.80, at least 0.85, at least 0.90, or at least 0.95. Such a power plug configuration further reduces the risk of undesirable electrolysis during use.

[0241] The ratio of the radius of curvature 205 of the notch height 226 may be at least 0.50, at least 0.55, at least 0.60, at least 0.65, at least 0.70, at least 0.75, at least 0.80, or at least 0.85. Alternatively or additionally, the ratio of the notch height 226 to the plug connector height 223 may be at least 0.15, at least 0.20, or at least 0.25. Such a power plug configuration further reduces the risk of undesirable electrolysis during use.

[0242] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the power plug 150 may include a first component 164 and a second component 165. The first component 164 may be a first plastic component. The second plastic component 165 may be a second plastic component. The first component 164 can provide a male connector 160 including an end face 170 and a peripheral connector wall 180.

[0243] The second component 165 can form bend protection.

[0244] The second component 165 can provide a connection to the power cable 167. The second component 165 can include a bend protection portion 166. In the bend protection portion 166, the second component 165 can extend around the sheath of the power cable 167 received therein. The bend protection portion 166 may be provided with recesses to increase flexibility (compared to the portion of the second component 165 where no recess is provided).

[0245] The first component 164 may be made of a material that is more rigid than the second component 165. The first component 164 may be made of a material having a first hardness (e.g., determined as shore hardness), and the second component 165 may be made of a material having a second hardness (e.g., determined as shore hardness).

[0246] The higher hardness of the first component 164 reduces the possibility that the second circumferential wall portion 182 defining the notch 161 bends when inserted into a socket having a socket shape type (particularly a protrusion shape type) different from that of the power plug connector.

[0247] The proximal end of the first component 164 on the opposite side of the end face 170 may have a wall thickness reduction portion 167. The wall thickness reduction portion 167 may be formed by a step feature within the first component 164. The wall thickness reduction portion 167 may extend circumferentially around the first component 164.

[0248] The second portion 165 may be overmolded onto the wall thickness reduction portion 167.

[0249] FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the female connector 50 engaged with the male connector 150. The first connector pin 51 is received within the second connector sleeve 152. The second connector pin 52 is received within the first connector sleeve 151.

[0250] The plug connector of the power plug 150 and the socket of the device are dimensioned and shaped such that in the engaged state, the (outer) circumferential connector wall 180 of the power plug 150 is spaced apart from the (inner) circumferential wall 80 of the socket by a gap 230. The gap 230 may be a circumferential gap that extends completely along the (outer) circumferential connector wall 180 of the power plug 150 and is spaced apart from the (inner) circumferential wall 80 of the socket.

[0251] Alternatively or additionally, the socket bottom wall 70 may remain spaced from the end face 170 in the engaged state. This facilitates the removal of residual liquid, thereby reducing the risk of electrolysis.

[0252] FIG. 14 is a partial exploded view showing the connector pins 51, 52 and the connector sleeves 151, 152.

[0253] The connector pins 51, 52 can each include an enlarged diameter portion (such as a thickened end) 241 and a reduced diameter portion 242.

[0254] The connector sleeves 151, 152 may be formed as slotted metal sleeves having slots 243 extending along the entire length of the connector sleeves 151, 152 so as to be expandable during connection. The connector sleeves 151, 152 may each include recesses 244 arranged to press against the reduced diameter portions 242 of the connector pins 51, 52 to hold the connector pins 51, 52 in a fixed state within the mating connector sleeves 152, 151.

[0255] The protrusions of the female connector on the device facilitate placing a screw or bolt head outside the socket adjacent to the socket, as will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 15.

[0256] FIG. 15 shows the end face of the housing of the device 20. An insertion opening of the socket of the female connector 50 is provided in the end face. The socket has a peripheral wall defining the protrusion, as described in detail above. A recess 261 is provided adjacent to the socket 60. The screw or bolt head 262 is received within the recess 261.

[0257] The recess 261 can be arranged adjacent to the socket 60 by a wall 265 but can be separated from the socket 60. By arranging the recess 261 for the head 262 outside the socket 60, the socket 60 can be kept free of screw or bolt heads. This further reduces the risk of electrical creep current.

[0258] The recess 261 may be arranged so as to overlap with a line 262 that interconnects the ends of the third and fourth peripheral wall portions 183, 184. In this way, the region that is kept away from the socket 60 by the protrusion is at least partially used to enable the recess 261 to overlap therewith.

[0259] The shapes of other protrusions (female connectors) and notches (male connectors) may be used. Examples of the shapes of the protrusions and notches are shown and described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 18 for one further protrusion or notch shape, and are shown and described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 21 for yet another further protrusion or notch shape. FIGS. 16 and 19 show the female connector in a plan view. FIGS. 17 and 20 show the corresponding male connector in a plan view. FIGS. 18 and 21 are partial perspective views of the corresponding male connector. The various protrusions and notches are distinguished from each other especially in terms of their protrusion / notch height and protrusion / notch width. These parameters can be determined as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15.

[0260] FIGS. 16 to 18 show connectors in which the protrusion (female connector) or notch (male connector) is more prominent than the connectors of FIGS. 4 to 12.

[0261] FIG. 16 is a plan view of a further female connector 270 that can be provided on the device. The further female connector 270 has a second peripheral wall portion 272 that is different from the second peripheral wall portion 182 of FIGS. 4 and 5. The second peripheral wall portion 272 includes a protruding portion 273 that forms a protrusion 271 having a protrusion height 275 that is greater than that of the female connector 50 of FIGS. 4 and 5. Accordingly, the reduced socket height 274 at the protrusion 271 is smaller than that of the female connector 50 of FIGS. 4 and 5. The protrusion width 124 may remain the same as that of the female connector 50 of FIGS. 4 and 5, or may be smaller than that of the female connector 50 of FIGS. 4 and 5.

[0262] The ratio of the protrusion width 124 to the socket width 122 may be at least 0.60 or at least 0.61. When the socket has such a configuration, the protrusion width 124 is relatively large. The constriction formed in the bottom wall by such a wide protrusion can further reduce the risk of electrolysis by reducing the risk of electrical creepage.

[0263] The ratio of the protrusion height 275 to the radius of curvature 105 of the third and fourth peripheral wall portions 83, 84 may be at least 0.50, at least 0.55, at least 0.60, at least 0.65, at least 0.70, at least 0.75, at least 0.80, at least 0.85, at least 0.90, at least 0.95, at least 1.00, at least 1.05, or at least 1.10. Alternatively or additionally, the ratio of the protrusion height 275 to the socket height 123 may be at least 0.15, at least 0.20, at least 0.25, at least 0.30, at least 0.35, at least 0.4, at least 0.45, at least 0.50, or at least 0.55. This large protrusion height 275 facilitates a configuration in which a screw or bolt head can be arranged adjacent to and separated from the socket, which further reduces the risks of electrical creepage and electrolysis.

[0264] Figures 17 and 18 show a further male connector 280 of a power plug operable, among other things (but not necessarily limited to), for insertion into a further female connector 270.

[0265] The further male connector 280 has a second peripheral connector wall portion 282 that is different from the second peripheral connector wall portion 182 of FIGS. 6-12. The second peripheral connector wall portion 282 includes a notch portion 283 that forms a plug connector notch 281 having a plug connector notch height 285 that is greater than that of the male connector 150 of FIGS. 6-12. Accordingly, the reduced plug connector height 284 at the plug connector notch 281 is less than that of the male connector 150 of FIGS. 6-12. The notch width 224 may remain the same as compared to the male connector 150 of FIGS. 6-12 or may be less than the male connector 150 of FIGS. 6-12.

[0266] The ratio of the plug connector notch width 224 to the plug connector width 222 may be at least 0.60 or at least 0.61. Alternatively or additionally, the ratio of the notch width 224 to the sleeve distance 221 may be at least 0.50, at least 0.55, at least 0.60, at least 0.65, at least 0.70, at least 0.75, at least 0.80, at least 0.85, at least 0.90, or at least 0.95.

[0267] The ratio of the notch height 285 to the radius of curvature 205 of the third and fourth peripheral connector wall portions 183, 184 may be at least 0.50, at least 0.55, at least 0.60, at least 0.65, at least 0.70, at least 0.75, at least 0.80, at least 0.85, at least 0.90, at least 0.95, at least 1.00, at least 1.05, or at least 1.10. Alternatively or additionally, the ratio of the notch height 285 to the plug height 223 may be at least 0.15, at least 0.20, at least 0.25, at least 0.30, at least 0.35, at least 0.4, at least 0.45, at least 0.50, or at least 0.55. This large notch height 285 facilitates a configuration in which a screw or bolt head can be separated from the socket and disposed adjacent to the socket, which further reduces the risk of electrical creepage and electrolysis.

[0268] Figures 19 to 21 show connectors in which the protrusions (male connectors) or notches (female connectors) are less prominent than the connectors of FIGS. 4 to 12.

[0269] FIG. 19 is a plan view of a further female connector 290 that can be provided on a device. The further female connector 290 has a second peripheral wall portion 292 that is different from the second peripheral wall portion 182 of FIGS. 4 and 5. The second peripheral wall portion 292 includes a protruding portion 293 that forms a protrusion 291 having a protrusion height 295 that is smaller than that of the female connector 50 of FIGS. 4 and 5. Accordingly, the reduced socket height 294 at the protrusion 291 is larger than that of the female connector 50 of FIGS. 4 and 5. The protrusion width 297 may be smaller than that of the female connector 50 of FIGS. 4 and 5, or may remain the same as that of the female connector 50 of FIGS. 4 and 5. The protrusion width 297 is determined as the distance between the ends 296, 93 of the curved protrusion portion (e.g., within the third plane 103).

[0270] The ratio of the protrusion width 297 to the socket width 122 may be at least 0.30, at least 0.35, or at least 0.40.

[0271] The ratio of the protrusion height 295 to the radius of curvature 105 of the third and fourth peripheral wall portions 83, 84 may be at least 0.30, at least 0.35, or at least 0.40. Alternatively or additionally, the ratio of the protrusion height 295 to the socket height 123 may be at least 0.15, at least 0.20, at least 0.25, or at least 0.30.

[0272] FIGS. 20 and 21 show a further male connector 300 of a power plug that is operable for insertion into, among other things (but not necessarily limited to), the further female connector 290.

[0273] The further male connector 300 has a second circumferential connector wall portion 302 that is different from the second circumferential connector wall portion 182 of FIGS. 6-12. The second circumferential connector wall portion 302 includes a notch portion 303 that forms a plug connector notch 301 having a plug connector notch height 305 that is smaller than that of the male connector 150 of FIGS. 6-12. Accordingly, the reduced plug connector height 304 at the plug connector notch 301 is greater than that of the male connector 150 of FIGS. 6-12. The plug connector notch width 307 may be smaller than that of the male connector 150 of FIGS. 6-12, or may remain the same as compared to the male connector 150 of FIGS. 6-12. The plug connector notch width 307 is determined as the distance between the ends 306, 193 of the curved notch portion (e.g., within the third plane 203).

[0274] The ratio of the plug connector notch width 307 to the plug connector width 222 may be at least 0.30, at least 0.35, or at least 0.40. Alternatively or additionally, the ratio of the notch width 307 to the sleeve distance 221 may be at least 0.15, at least 0.20, at least 0.25, or at least 0.30.

[0275] The ratio of the notch height 305 to the radius of curvature 205 of the third and fourth circumferential connector wall portions 183, 184 may be at least 0.30, at least 0.35, or at least 0.40. Alternatively or additionally, the ratio of the notch height 305 to the plug height 223 may be at least 0.15, at least 0.20, at least 0.25, or at least 0.30.

[0276] As described above, different types of socket shapes and different types of plug connector shapes may be implemented. The various types of shapes can be distinguished from each other by the size and / or position of the protrusions (female connectors) and / or notches (male connectors). For purposes of illustration, the various types of shapes can be distinguished from each other by their protrusion / notch width and / or protrusion / notch height, as described above. The notch width and notch height of the power plug, and the protrusion width and protrusion height of the socket, may each be determined using any one of the techniques described above.

[0277] Different notch shapes (e.g., different notch widths and / or notch heights) may be assigned to different characteristics such as different IPCs. Different protrusion shapes (e.g., different protrusion widths and / or protrusion heights) may be assigned to different characteristics such as different IPCs. For purposes of illustration, the kit may include an apparatus, - the socket having a socket shape selected from the group of socket protrusion shapes selected from the group including the first and second socket protrusion shapes (and may consist of the first and second socket protrusion shapes, an optional third socket protrusion shape, and an optional additional socket protrusion shape) and - the power supply device including a power plug having a plug connector notch shape selected from the group of plug connector notch shapes selected from the group including the first and second plug connector notch shapes (and may consist of the first and second plug connector notch shapes, an optional third plug connector notch shape, and an optional additional plug connector notch shape).

[0278] Different notch shapes can be distinguished from each other in at least one of the notch width and the notch height. Different protrusion shapes may also be distinguished from each other in at least one of the protrusion width and the protrusion height. The different notch and protrusion shapes may be such that at least one of the socket protrusion shapes allows insertion of a plug connector having at least two types of different plug connector notch shapes. The different notch and protrusion shapes may be such that at least one of the plug connector notch shapes allows the plug connector to be inserted into a socket having at least two types of different socket protrusion shapes. The different notch and protrusion shapes may be such that, for example, when a power plug connector notch shape is assigned to an IPC (e.g., determined according to IEC60529, ISO20653, or DIN40050-9) that is incompatible with the IPC of the device (e.g., because the power supply has a lower IPC than the device's IPC), the protrusion shape selectively prevents insertion of the power plug according to characteristics related to the power plug connector notch shape.

[0279] The shape of the notch and / or the protrusion may be implemented as follows. - The male connectors of FIGS. 17 and 18 can be inserted into the device sockets of FIGS. 4 and 5, the device socket of FIG. 16, and the device socket of FIG. 19. - The male connectors of FIGS. 6 to 12 can be inserted into the device sockets of FIGS. 4 and 5 and can also be inserted into the device socket of FIG. 16, but insertion into the device socket of FIG. 19 is blocked. - The male connectors of FIGS. 20 and 21 can be inserted into the device socket of FIG. 19, but are blocked from being inserted into the device sockets of FIGS. 4 and 5 and the device socket of FIG. 16.

[0280] The shape of the notch and / or the protrusion may be implemented as follows. - The female connector of FIG. 19 can receive the power plug connectors of FIGS. 6 to 12, the power plug connectors of FIGS. 17 and 18, and the power plug connectors of FIGS. 20 and 21. - The female connectors in FIGS. 4 and 5 can receive the power plug connectors in FIGS. 6 - 12 and FIGS. 17 and 18, but prevent the insertion of the power plug connectors in FIGS. 20 and 21. - The female connector in FIG. 16 can receive the power plug connectors in FIGS. 17 and 18, but prevents the insertion of the power plug connectors in FIGS. 6 - 12 and FIGS. 20 and 21.

[0281] Various connector shapes may be assigned to different IP Cs and / or different other characteristics, ensuring that a power supply device compatible with more difficult characteristics (e.g., higher IP C) can also be used on equipment designed to meet only less difficult requirements (e.g., lower IP C).

[0282] By way of illustration and not limitation, connector shapes as described with reference to FIGS. 19 - 21 may be used for IPX0 plugs and equipment. The connector shapes described with reference to FIGS. 4 - 12 can be used for IPX4 plugs and equipment. Connector shapes as described with reference to FIGS. 16 - 18 can be used for IPX7 plugs and equipment.

[0283] FIG. 22 is a table showing the use of a set of socket shapes and a corresponding set of plug connector shapes implemented as follows. - A plug designed to meet more difficult requirements (e.g., higher IP C) can be used not only on equipment that meets these difficult requirements (such as the same high IP C as the plug), but also on equipment that meets less difficult requirements (such as lower IP C than the plug). - A plug is prevented from being inserted into a socket of equipment designed to meet requirements more difficult than the plug (e.g., if the plug is designed with a lower IP C than the equipment).

[0284] The power supply device according to the embodiment may include the power plug according to the embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the power supply device may be implemented as a power cord. FIG. 23 shows another power supply device 190. The power supply device includes a plug 193 for engaging with a main power outlet, a support 191, and a stand 192 for receiving a device thereon. The stand 192 may include a power plug as described herein or may be a power plug. The support 191 may support the stand 192 in a substantially upright position when a device is received thereon.

[0285] The power supply device can operate to convert to a low voltage such as a supply voltage in the range of, for example, 2 to 18V, 4 to 12V, or a voltage in the range of 5V or 12V. The power supply device may include a converter for performing voltage down conversion from a main voltage of, for example, 230V or 110V to a supply voltage that is a voltage in the range between, for example, 2V and 18V. It can operate to convert to a low voltage such as a voltage in the range of 4 to 12V, or a voltage in the range of 5V or 12V.

[0286] FIG. 24 is a schematic block diagram of devices 11 and 12. The devices include a female connector 21 that may have any one of the configurations disclosed herein. The female connector can operate to receive a supply voltage, for example, a voltage in the range of 2 to 18V. It can operate to convert to a low voltage such as a voltage in the range of 4 to 12V, or a voltage in the range of 5V or 12V.

[0287] Devices 11 and 12 may further include a battery 22 that operates to be charged in response to the supply voltage.

[0288] Devices 11 and 12 may further include an electromechanical actuator such as a motor 23 that has an output operable to move in response to the supply voltage.

[0289] The housing 20 of devices 11 and 12 may provide a desired IP, which may be reflected by the socket shape (e.g., protrusion shape) of the female connector 21.

[0290] In various embodiments disclosed in this specification, the various amounts of dimensions described in this specification can be as follows. It will be understood that not all of the dimensions specified below need to exist in combination.

[0291] Female connector The pin pitch 121 may be 5 mm or more, 6 mm or more, 7 mm or more, or 8 mm or more. The pin pitch 121 may be 12 mm or less, 11 mm or less, 10 mm or less, or 9 mm or less. The pin pitch 121 may be selected from one of the ranges of 5 mm to 12 mm, 6 mm to 11 mm, 7 mm to 10 mm, or 8 mm to 9 mm.

[0292] The socket width 122 may be 10 mm or more, 11 mm or more, or 12 mm or more. The socket width 122 may be 15 mm or less, 14 mm or less, or 13.5 mm or less. The socket width 122 may be selected from one of the ranges of 10 mm to 15 mm, 11 mm to 14 mm, or 12 mm to 13.5 mm.

[0293] The socket height 123 may be 4.0 mm or more, 4.3 mm or more, or 4.5 mm or more. The socket height 123 may be 5.5 mm or less, 5.2 mm or less, or 5.0 mm or less. The socket height 123 may be selected from one of the ranges of 4.0 mm to 5.5 mm, 4.3 mm to 5.2 mm, or 4.5 mm to 5.0 mm.

[0294] The radius of curvature 105 may be 1.8 mm or more, 2.0 mm or more, or 2.2 mm or more. The radius of curvature 105 may be 2.8 mm or less, 2.6 mm or less, or 2.4 mm or less. The radius of curvature 105 may be selected from one of the following ranges: 1.8 mm to 2.8 mm, or 2.0 mm to 2.6 mm, or 2.2 mm to 2.4 mm.

[0295] As described above, the protrusion width 124 and the protrusion height 126 may depend on the IP class of the device.

[0296] Male connector The sleeve distance 221 may be 5 mm or more, 6 mm or more, 7 mm or more, or 8 mm or more. The pin distance 221 may be 12 mm or less, 11 mm or less, 10 mm or less, or 9 mm or less. The sleeve distance 221 may be selected from one of the ranges of 5 mm to 12 mm, 6 mm to 11 mm, 7 mm to 10 mm, or 8 mm to 9 mm.

[0297] The plug connector width 222 may be 10 mm or more, 11 mm or more, or 12 mm or more. The plug connector width 222 may be 15 mm or less, 14 mm or less, or 13.5 mm or less. The plug connector width 222 may be selected from one of the ranges of 10 mm to 15 mm, 11 mm to 14 mm, or 12 mm to 13.5 mm.

[0298] The plug connector height 223 may be 4.0 mm or more, 4.3 mm or more, or 4.5 mm or more. The plug connector height 223 may be 5.5 mm or less, 5.2 mm or less, or 5.0 mm or less. The plug connector height 223 may be selected from one of the ranges of 4.0 mm to 5.5 mm, 4.3 mm to 5.2 mm, or 4.5 mm to 5.0 mm.

[0299] The radius of curvature 205 may be 1.8 mm or more, 2.0 mm or more, or 2.2 mm or more. The radius of curvature 205 may be 2.8 mm or less, 2.6 mm or less, or 2.4 mm or less. The radius of curvature 205 may be selected from one of the following ranges: 1.8 mm to 2.8 mm, or 2.0 mm to 2.6 mm, or 2.2 mm to 2.4 mm.

[0300] The outer diameter 228 of the first and second connector sleeves 151 and 152 may be 2.0 mm or more, 2.2 mm or more, or 2.4 mm or more. The outer diameter 128 of the first and second connector sleeves 151 and 152 may be 3.2 mm or less, 3.0 mm or less, or 2.8 mm or less. The outer diameter 228 of the first and second connector sleeves 151 and 152 may be selected from one of the ranges of 2.0 mm to 3.2 mm, 2.2 mm to 3.0 mm, or 2.4 mm to 2.8 mm.

[0301] As described above, the notch width 224 and the notch height 226 may depend on the IP class of the power supply device and / or equipment for which the male connector is designed.

[0302] Various effects are achieved by the devices, systems, kits, and methods disclosed herein. Improved protection against electrolysis can be achieved, facilitating use under conditions where residual fluid may tend to adhere to the connectors. A platform can be implemented for combining the male and female connectors in a versatile manner while providing protection against undesirable reverse polarity engagement between the male and female connectors.

[0303] The dimensions and values disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and the functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

Claims

1. A kit (10), comprising: a first personal care device (11, 12), the first personal care device being one of an electric toothbrush, a shaver, a charging device, a cleaning station, or a hair remover; a first housing (20, 30) having a first socket (21, 50), and optionally exactly two connector sleeves (151, 152), the first socket (21, 50) having a first socket shape selected from a set of two or more different socket shapes, each of which is assigned to a different one of several ingress protection (IP) classes, the first socket shape being assigned to a first IP class; a power plug (43, 150, 280, 300), and optionally a power supply device (40, 190) having exactly two connector pins (51, 52), the power plug (43, 150, 280, 300) having a plug shape selected from a set of two or more different plug shapes, each of which is assigned to a different one of the two or more IP classes; the first socket (50) is configured such that: when the plug shape is assigned to an IP class equal to the first IP class, it allows insertion of the power plug (150); when the plug shape is assigned to an IP class higher than the first IP class, it allows insertion of the power plug (280); and when the plug shape is assigned to an IP class lower than the first IP class, it is shaped to prevent insertion of the power plug (300).

2. The power supply device is a first power supply device, and the power plug is a first power plug (150) having a first plug shape assigned to the first IP class; the kit further comprises a second power supply device with a second power plug (280), the second power plug (280) having a second plug shape selected from the set of two or more different plug shapes, the second plug shape being assigned to a second IP class higher than the first IP class; and the first socket (50) is shaped such that the first power plug (150) can be inserted and the second power plug (280) can be inserted. The kit according to claim 1.

3. The kit further includes a second personal care device (11, 12) comprising a second housing (20, 30) having a second socket (270), the second socket (270) having a second socket shape selected from the set of two or more different socket shapes, the second socket shape being assigned to the second IP class, and The kit according to claim 2, wherein the second socket (270) is shaped to prevent insertion of the first power plug (150) and to allow insertion of the second power plug (280). **Claim 4** The first personal care device a housing having the first socket (21, 50) for inserting the power plug (43, 150, 280); and a first connector pin (51) and a second connector pin (52), at least a part of the first connector pin (51) and at least a part of the second connector pin (52) extending into the first socket (21, 50). The first connector pin (51) has a first central axis (53). The second connector pin (52) has a second central axis (54). The first central axis (53) and the second central axis (54) are spaced apart by a pin distance (121). The first central axis (53) and the second central axis (54) define a first plane (101), and a second plane (102) is perpendicular to the first plane (101) and extends parallel to the first central axis (53) and the second central axis (54) and is equally spaced from the first central axis (53) and the second central axis (54). The first socket (21, 50) includes a first socket peripheral wall (80) and a first socket bottom wall (70). The first socket peripheral wall (80) a first peripheral wall portion (81); a second peripheral wall portion (82, 272, 292); a third peripheral wall portion (83) that is curved, intersects the first plane (101), and interconnects the first peripheral wall portion (81) and the second peripheral wall portion (82, 272, 292); a fourth peripheral wall portion (84) that is curved, intersects the first plane (101), and interconnects the first peripheral wall portion (81) and the second peripheral wall portion (82, 272, 292). The first and second peripheral wall portions (82, 272, 292) are disposed on both sides of the first plane (101), and the third and fourth peripheral wall portions (83, 84) are disposed on both sides of the second plane (102), and The second peripheral wall portion (82, 272, 292) includes a protruding portion (85, 273, 293) that forms a protrusion (61, 271, 291). The first socket bottom wall (70) A first bottom wall portion (71) extending laterally with respect to the first plane (101) and the second plane (102), the first connector pin (51) protruding from the first bottom wall portion (71), the first bottom wall portion (71); A second bottom wall portion (72) extending laterally with respect to the first plane (101) and the second plane (102), the second connector pin (52) protruding from the second bottom wall portion (72), and a second bottom wall portion (72). A third plane (103) is perpendicular to the first plane (101) and the second plane (102), and the first bottom wall portion (71) and the second bottom wall portion (72) extend within the third plane (103), and The third peripheral wall portion (83) has a radius of curvature (105). The kit according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The ratio of the radius of curvature (105) to the pin pitch (121) is at most 0.

35. The kit according to claim 4.

6. The intersection of the third peripheral wall portion (83) and the third plane (103) includes a first arc around the first central axis (53) extending over a first angle (129) of at least 170°, and the intersection of the fourth peripheral wall portion (84) and the third plane (103) includes a second arc around the second central axis (54) extending over a second angle (129) of at least 170°. The kit according to claim 4.

7. The first socket bottom wall (70) extends between the first bottom wall portion (71) and the second bottom wall portion (72), and further includes a rib (73) protruding with respect to the first bottom wall portion (71) and the second bottom wall portion (72) to separate the first bottom wall portion (71) and the second bottom wall portion (72). Optionally, the rib (73) extends continuously from the first peripheral wall portion (81) to the second peripheral wall portion (82, 272, 292), and further optionally, the rib (73) has a vertex line in the second plane (102). The kit according to any one of claims 4 to 6.

8. The first peripheral wall portion (81) has a shape different from that of the second peripheral wall portion (82, 272, 292). The kit according to any one of claims 4 to 7.

9. The personal care device (11, 12) further includes a screw head (262) or a bolt head (262) exposed on the surface of the housing (20, 30). The housing (20, 30) has a recess (261) in which the screw or bolt head (262) is disposed, and the recess (261) is separated from the first socket (21, 50). The kit according to any one of claims 4 to 8.

10. The power plug (43, 150, 280, 300) includes a first connector sleeve (151) and a second connector sleeve (152). The first connector sleeve (151) has a first sleeve central axis (153). The second connector sleeve (152) has a second sleeve central axis (154). The first sleeve central axis (153) and the second sleeve central axis (154) are separated by a sleeve distance (221). The first sleeve central axis (153) and the second sleeve central axis (154) define a first connector plane (201). The second connector plane (202) is perpendicular to the first connector plane (201), extends parallel to the first sleeve central axis (153) and the second sleeve central axis (154), and is equally spaced from the first sleeve central axis (153) and the second sleeve central axis (154). The power plug (43, 150, 280, 300) further includes an end face (170) provided with a first pin insertion opening (174) and a second pin insertion opening (175), and a peripheral connector wall (180) extending from around the end face (170). The peripheral connector wall (180) includes a first peripheral connector wall portion (181) and a second peripheral connector wall portion (182, 282, 302). It is curved, intersects the first connector plane (201), and has a third peripheral connector wall portion (183) that interconnects the first peripheral connector wall portion (181) and the second peripheral connector wall portions (182, 282, 302). It is curved, intersects the first connector plane (201), and includes a fourth peripheral connector wall portion (184) that interconnects the first peripheral connector wall portion (181) and the second peripheral connector wall portions (182, 282, 302). The first and second peripheral connector wall portions (181, 182) are disposed on both sides of the first connector plane (201), the third and fourth peripheral connector wall portions (183, 184) are disposed on both sides of the second connector plane (202), and the second peripheral connector wall portions (182, 282, 302) include connector notch portions (185, 283, 303) that form connector notches (161, 281, 301), and the end face (170) is a first end face portion (171) that extends laterally with respect to the first and second connector planes (201, 202) and includes the first connector pin insertion opening (174), the first end face portion (171); a second end face portion (172) that extends laterally with respect to the first and second connector planes (201, 202) and includes the second connector pin insertion opening (175), the second end face portion (172); a third connector plane (203) is perpendicular to the first connector plane (201) and the second connector plane (202), and the first end face portion (171) and the second end face portion (172) extend within the third connector plane (203), and The third peripheral connector wall portion (183) has a radius of curvature (205). The kit according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The ratio of the radius of curvature (205) to the sleeve distance (221) is at most 0.

35. The kit according to claim 10.

12. The third peripheral connector wall portion (183) includes a first arc around the first central axis (153) that extends over a first angle (229) of at least 170°, and the fourth peripheral connector wall portion (184) includes a second arc around the second central axis (154) that extends over a second angle (229) of at least 170°). The kit according to claim 10.

13. The end face (170) includes a groove (173) disposed between the first end face portion (171) and the second end face portion (172). Optionally, the groove (173) continuously extends between the first peripheral connector wall portion (181) and the second peripheral connector wall portions (182, 282, 302), the kit according to any one of claims 10 to 12.

14. A first plastic component (164) including the peripheral connector wall (180) and the end face (170) is formed from a first plastic material, and the power plug (43, 150, 280, 300) further includes a second plastic component (165) connected to an end of the first plastic component (164) on the opposite side of the end face (170), the second plastic component (165) is formed from a second plastic material, the first plastic material has a first hardness, and the second plastic material has a second hardness different from the first hardness. Optionally, the second plastic material forms a bending protection portion, the kit according to any one of claims 10 to 13.

15. The first connector sleeve (151) is a first slotted sleeve that operates to snap-fit onto a second connector pin (52) of a male connector, and / or the second connector sleeve (152) is a second slotted sleeve that operates to snap-fit onto a first connector pin (51) of the male connector, the kit according to any one of claims 10 to 14.

16. A kit (10) comprising: A first personal care device (11, 12) including a first housing (20, 30) having a first socket (21, 50), the first personal care device being one of an electric toothbrush, a shaver, a charging device, a cleaning station, or a hair remover, the first socket (21, 50) having a first socket shape. A second personal care device (11, 12) including a second housing (20, 30) having a second socket (21, 50), the second socket (21, 50) having a second socket shape. The second housing (20, 30) is provided more watertightly than the first housing (20, 30). A first power supply device (40, 190) comprising a first power housing and a first power plug (43, 150, 280, 300), wherein the first power plug (43, 150, 280, 300) has a first plug shape. A second power supply device (40, 190) comprising a second power housing and a second power plug (43, 150, 280, 300), wherein the second power plug (43, 150, 280, 300) has a second plug shape. The second power housing is provided more watertightly than the first power housing. A kit (10) wherein the first plug shape is provided to fit into the first socket but not into the second socket, and the second plug shape is provided to fit into both the first socket and the second socket. [

17. ] The kit (10) according to claim 16, wherein a first connection surface of the first plug shape provided for connection to the first socket is larger than a second connection surface of the second plug shape provided for connection to the second socket. [

18. ] The kit (10) according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the first plug shape has a first lateral notch (161), the second plug shape has a second lateral notch (281), and the second lateral notch (281) is deeper than the first lateral notch (261). [

19. ] The kit (10) according to claim 16, 17 or 18, comprising a third personal care device (11, 12) having a third housing (20, 30) with a third socket (21, 50), wherein the third socket (21, 50) has a third socket shape. The second housing (20, 30) and the first housing are provided more watertightly than the third housing (20, 30). A third power supply device (40, 190) comprising a third power housing and a third power plug (43, 150, 280, 300), wherein the third power plug (43, 150, 280, 300) has a third plug shape. The second power housing and the first power housing are provided more watertightly than the first power housing. The kit (10) is provided such that the first plug shape and the second plug shape are adapted to fit into the third socket, and the third plug shape is provided so as not to fit into either the first socket or the second socket. **Claim 20** The kit (10) according to claim 16, 17, 18 or 19, wherein the first power supply device and the second power supply device are of a switch mode power supply type that converts a main voltage into a lower device voltage.

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