Recessed power outlet

Abstract

The present invention provides a built-in power outlet that simplifies the panel interface of the power outlet and reduces the number of connection ports displayed, thereby providing user satisfaction. [Solution] The built-in power outlet includes a socket body, an Ethernet connection port, a USB TYPE-C connection port, and a signal conversion module. The socket body has a panel area. The Ethernet connection port is located on the socket body. The USB TYPE-C connection port is located on the panel area. The signal conversion module is located within the socket body and electrically connected to the Ethernet connection port and the USB TYPE-C connection port, and is used to convert signals between the Ethernet connection port and the USB TYPE-C connection port.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power outlet, and more particularly to a built-in power outlet. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, modern people's lives have become inseparable from electrical appliances, and many electrical appliances obtain the power they need through power outlets. Thus, the panel interface of a power outlet can selectively configure various power output ports (e.g., AC power jack, USB charging jack, etc.) or various signal ports (e.g., network router or coaxial cable) options.

[0003] However, currently, if there are too many types of connection ports arranged on the panel interface of a power outlet, not only will the panel interface take up too much space, making it feel cramped, but users will also likely experience inconvenience, so improvements are needed.

[0004] As is clear from the above, the aforementioned technologies still have inconveniences and drawbacks, and further improvements are required. Therefore, how to effectively solve these inconveniences and drawbacks is one of the important research and development issues currently underway, and is also a goal that is urgently desired to improve in related fields. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The present invention provides a built-in power outlet to solve the problems of the prior art. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a built-in power outlet includes a socket body, an Ethernet connection port, a USB Type-C connection port, and a signal conversion module. The socket body has a panel area. The Ethernet connection port is located on the socket body and is used to connect to an Ethernet cable. The USB Type-C connection port is located on the panel area and is used to connect to a USB Type-C connector on an electronic device. The signal conversion module is located within the socket body and is electrically connected to the Ethernet connection port and the USB Type-C connection port for converting signals between the Ethernet connection port and the USB Type-C connection port.

[0007] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, in the above-mentioned built-in power outlet, the signal conversion module includes a signal conversion board, at least one signal channel, and at least one power channel. The signal channel is disposed on the signal conversion board and is electrically coupled to the Ethernet connection port and the USB TYPE-C connection port. The power channel is disposed on the signal conversion board and is electrically coupled to at least the USB TYPE-C connection port. The signal conversion board converts network signals received from the Ethernet connection port into USB TYPE-C signals and transmits them to the USB TYPE-C connection port via the signal channel, and converts USB TYPE-C signals received from the USB TYPE-C connection port into network signals and transmits them to the Ethernet connection port via the signal channel.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned built-in power outlet further includes at least one mains power receiving end, which is located on the socket body and electrically coupled to the power channel for wired connection of the mains power line.

[0009] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, in the above-mentioned recessed power outlet, the socket body includes a rear cover body and a front cover body, and the front cover body covers the rear cover body, thereby defining a receiving area between the front cover body and the rear cover body for receiving a signal conversion module. The front cover body has a mounting structure for being embedded in a fixed object. The rear cover body has a first recess, a first connection port, at least one second recess, and at least one second connection port. The first connection port is located on the bottom of the first recess, communicates with the receiving area, and receives an Ethernet connection port. The second connection port is located on the bottom of the second recess, communicates with the receiving area, and receives a utility power receiving end. A panel area is located on one side of the front cover body facing away from the rear cover body, and the panel area has a third connection port, communicates with the receiving area, and receives a USB Type-C connection port.

[0010] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, in the above-mentioned built-in power outlet, the socket body further includes a decorative panel, the decorative panel having a panel opening, and the decorative panel covers the front cover body, thereby positioning the panel area within the panel opening and exposing it to the outside of the decorative panel through the panel opening.

[0011] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, in the above-mentioned built-in power outlet, the Ethernet connection port is a Power over Ethernet (PoE) connection port, and the power supply channels are electrically coupled to the Ethernet connection port and the USB TYPE-C connection port, respectively.

[0012] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, in the above-mentioned built-in power outlet, the panel area has two locking grooves, each of which is used to lock a locking member of an electronic device, and the USB TYPE-C connection port is located between the two locking grooves.

[0013] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, the above-mentioned built-in power outlet further includes a magnetic attraction member and a groove. The magnetic attraction member is located within the socket body and corresponds to the panel area. The groove is recessed in the panel area and is used to receive the protrusion of the electronic device so that the protrusion can be fixed and attracted by the magnetic attraction member.

[0014] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, in the above-mentioned built-in power outlet, the Ethernet connection port is one of an RJ45 jack and an optical fiber plug.

[0015] According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, in the above-mentioned built-in power outlet, the USB TYPE-C connection port supports USB Power Delivery (USB PD) protocol communication. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] As a result of the above configuration, the built-in power outlet of the present invention can simplify the panel interface of the power outlet and reduce the number of connection ports displayed, thereby increasing user satisfaction.

[0017] The above description is intended to explain the problems that the present invention aims to solve, the technical means for solving the problems, and the effects achieved thereby. Specific details of the present invention will be described in detail in the following examples and related drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] For a clear understanding of the above and other objects, features, advantages and embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which are set forth below. [Figure 1] 1 is a front perspective view of a built-in power outlet according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the built-in power outlet of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the recessed power outlet of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic diagram of a cable of the signal conversion module according to the embodiment of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 1 is a rear perspective view of a built-in power outlet according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a schematic diagram of a cable of the signal conversion module of the embodiment of FIG. 5. [Figure 7A-7C] 2 is a sequential schematic diagram of a built-in power outlet and a first electronic device assembled together according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figures 8A-8C] 2A-2C are sequential schematic diagrams illustrating an embodiment of the present invention, in which a built-in power outlet and a second electronic device are assembled together; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Hereinafter, several embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. For clarity of explanation, numerous practical details will be described below. However, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, in some embodiments of the present invention, these practical details are not necessarily required and do not limit the present invention. Furthermore, in order to simplify the drawings, some well-known structures and components are illustrated in simplified schematic form. Furthermore, for the sake of ease of viewing by readers, the dimensions of each component in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a built-in power outlet 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the built-in power outlet 10 of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the built-in power outlet 10 of FIG. 2. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in this embodiment, the built-in power outlet 10 includes a socket body 100, an Ethernet connection port 200, a Universal Serial Bus Type-C connection port (hereinafter referred to as a USB TYPE-C connection port 300), a signal conversion module 500, and a plurality of (e.g., two) utility power receiving ends 400. The socket body 100 has a panel region 111. The Ethernet connection port 200 is located on the socket body 100 and is used for wired connection to an Ethernet port (not shown) to receive network signals from the Ethernet port. The USB TYPE-C connection port 300 is located on the panel region 111 and is used for wired connection to a USB TYPE-C connector (not shown) of an electronic device to receive USB TYPE-C signals from the electronic device (not shown). The signal conversion module 500 is located in the socket body 100, electrically connected to the Ethernet connection port 200 and the USB TYPE-C connection port 300, and used for signal conversion between the Ethernet connection port 200 and the USB TYPE-C connection port 300. The commercial power receiving ends 400 are spaced apart in the socket body 100, electrically connected to the signal conversion modules 500, and electrically connected to the Ethernet connection port 200 and the USB TYPE-C connection port 300, respectively, via the signal conversion modules 500. Each commercial power receiving end 400 is wired to a commercial power line (not shown) and can receive a power signal from the commercial power line to provide necessary power to the signal conversion module 500 and an electronic device (not shown).

[0021] More specifically, the socket body 100 includes a rear cover body 120 and a front cover body 110. The front cover body 110 covers the rear cover body 120, thereby defining an accommodating area (not shown) between the front cover body 110 and the rear cover body 120, capable of accommodating the signal conversion module 500. In this embodiment, the front cover body 110 of the socket body 100 has a mounting structure 112. The front cover body 110 is embedded in a fixed object (e.g., a wall in a room, a device, or a bracket) via the mounting structure 112, although the present invention is not limited thereto. The mounting structure 112 may be, for example, an engaging member, a mating member, a hook member, a protruding post, and / or a screw hole.

[0022] In this embodiment, the rear cover body 120 has, but is not limited to, a first recess 122, a first connection port 124, a plurality of (e.g., two) second recesses 123, a plurality of (e.g., two) second connection ports 125, and a third connection port 126. The first recess 122 is formed in the top 121 of the rear cover body 120, and the first connection port 124 is located on the bottom surface 122B of the first recess 122 and communicates with the receiving area of ​​the socket body 100 to receive the Ethernet connection port 200. The second recesses 123 are each formed at a position corresponding to the first recess 122 of the rear cover body 120, and each second connection port 125 is located on the bottom surface 123B of one of the second recesses 123 and communicates with the receiving area of ​​the socket body 100 to receive one of the commercial power receiving ends 400. The panel area 111 is located on one side of the front cover body 110 facing away from the rear cover body 120, and the third connection port 126 is formed in the panel area 111 and communicates with the accommodating area of ​​the socket body 100, and accommodates the USB TYPE-C connection port 300.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a cable for a signal conversion module 500 according to the embodiment of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, in this embodiment, the signal conversion module 500 includes a signal conversion board 510, two power channels 520, and two signal channels 530. These power channels 520 are spaced apart on the signal conversion board 510. Each power channel 520 is electrically coupled to a mains power receiving end 400 and a USB TYPE-C connection port 300, respectively. The power channels 520 transmit power to an electronic device (not shown) via the USB TYPE-C connection port 300. More specifically, the USB TYPE-C connection port 300 includes a signal pin 301 and a power pin 302 arranged in parallel with each other. Each power channel 520 is electrically coupled to the mains power receiving end 400 and one power pin 302 of the USB TYPE-C connection port 300. In this embodiment, the power channels 520 are not electrically coupled to the Ethernet connection port 200. These signal channels 530 are arranged at intervals on the signal conversion board 510, and each signal channel 530 is electrically coupled to the Ethernet connection port 200 and the USB TYPE-C connection port 300, respectively. More specifically, the Ethernet connection port 200 includes signal pins 202 arranged next to each other. Each signal channel 530 is electrically coupled to the signal pin 202 of the Ethernet connection port 200 and the signal pin 301 of the USB TYPE-C connection port 300, respectively. The signal channels 530 in this embodiment are not electrically coupled to the mains power receiving end 400.

[0024] The signal conversion board 510 is located between the Ethernet connection port 200 and the USB TYPE-C connection port 300, and can convert network signals received from the Ethernet connection port 200 into USB TYPE-C signals and transmit them to the USB TYPE-C connection port 300 via the signal channel 530, or can convert USB TYPE-C signals received from the USB TYPE-C connection port 300 into network signals and transmit them to the Ethernet connection port 200 via the signal channel 530.

[0025] Of course, in this embodiment, the signal conversion board 510 is a combination of a wiring board and a single chip, and can perform bidirectional signal conversion between Ethernet signals and USB TYPE-C signals. The Ethernet connection port 200 is fixed to the side connection board 512 of the signal conversion board 510. Furthermore, the power channel 520 and the signal channel 530 are, for example, a combination of wiring and / or through-holes, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of a built-in power outlet 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a cable of a signal conversion module 501 of the embodiment of FIG. 5. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the built-in power outlet 11 of this embodiment is similar to the built-in power outlet 10 of the above embodiment, with the following differences: The Ethernet connection port is a Power over Ethernet (PoE) connection port 201, which includes a signal pin 202 and a power pin 203 arranged in parallel. Each power channel 520 of the signal conversion board 511 is electrically coupled to one power pin 203 of the Ethernet power connection port 201 and one power pin 302 of the USB TYPE-C connection port 300, and each signal channel 530 is electrically coupled to one signal pin 202 of the Ethernet power connection port 201 and one signal pin 301 of the USB TYPE-C connection port 300.

[0027] Naturally, since the Ethernet power supply connection port 201 conforming to the PoE format has power supply capability, the built-in power outlet 11 of this embodiment can omit the installation of a commercial power receiving end, so that the built-in power outlet 11 does not need to directly connect the commercial power line.

[0028] 7A to 7C are sequential schematic diagrams illustrating an embodiment of the present invention in which a built-in power outlet 12 and a first electronic device 600 are assembled together. As shown in Fig. 7A, the surface 601 of the first electronic device 600 simultaneously has two locking members 620 and a USB TYPE-C connector 610, and the USB TYPE-C connector 610 is located between the two locking members 620. As shown in Fig. 7B, two locking grooves 127 are further recessed in the panel area 111 of the built-in power outlet 12, and the USB TYPE-C connection port 300 is located between the locking grooves 127.

[0029] As shown in Figures 7A to 7C, when the USB TYPE-C connector 610 of the first electronic device 600 is inserted into the USB TYPE-C connection port 300 of the built-in power outlet 12, the locking members 620 of the first electronic device 600 are respectively locked into the corresponding locking grooves 127 in the panel area 111, thereby more stably positioning the first electronic device 600 in the socket body 100.

[0030] 7B, the socket body 100 further includes a decorative panel 130. The decorative panel 130 has a panel opening 131, and the decorative panel 130 covers the front cover body 110, so that the panel area 111 is positioned within the panel opening 131 and is exposed to the outside of the decorative panel 130 through the panel opening 131.

[0031] 8A to 8C are sequential schematic diagrams illustrating an embodiment of the present invention in which the socket 13 is assembled with a second electronic device 700. In this embodiment, the socket 13 is similar to the socket 12, except that the socket 13 connects to the second electronic device 700 using a magnetic attraction method, rather than the snap-fit ​​method described above.

[0032] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 8A , a surface 701 of the second electronic device 700 is provided with a USB TYPE-C connector 710 and a magnetic attraction area 720. The magnetic attraction area 720 is, for example, a magnetically attractable metal or a magnet, and is a protrusion 721 on the surface 701 of the second electronic device 700. As shown in FIG. 8B , the built-in power outlet 13 further includes a magnetic attraction member 128 and a groove 129. The groove 129 is formed on the panel area 111 of the built-in power outlet 13. The magnetic attraction member 128 is located within the socket body 100 and is positioned corresponding to the groove 129 on the panel area 111. For example, the magnetic attraction member 128 may be, but is not limited to, a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.

[0033] As shown in Figures 8A to 8C, when the USB TYPE-C connector 710 of the second electronic device 700 is inserted into the USB TYPE-C connection port 300 of the built-in power outlet 13, the protrusion 721 of the second electronic device 700 enters the corresponding groove 129 on the panel area 111, and the protrusion 721 is fixed and adsorbed by the magnetic adsorption member 128 in the socket body 100.

[0034] In the above embodiments, the first and second electronic devices 600 and 700 may be, for example, a wireless network router, a Wi-Fi repeater, a signal splitter, a hub concentrator, or a network camera, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The Ethernet connection port 200 (or the Ethernet power supply connection port 201) may be, for example, an RJ45 jack or an optical fiber plug, but the present invention is not limited to the format of the Ethernet connection port 200. Furthermore, the USB TYPE-C connection port 300 is a female connector, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the USB TYPE-C connection port 300 may be a male connector. Furthermore, the USB TYPE-C connection port 300 supports USB Power Delivery (USB PD) protocol communication, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0035] As a result of the above configuration, the built-in power outlet of the present invention can simplify the panel interface of the power outlet and reduce the number of connection ports displayed, thereby increasing user satisfaction.

[0036] Finally, the embodiments disclosed in this invention are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such changes and modifications are within the scope of the invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the invention is defined by the scope of the utility model registration claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0037] 10, 11, 12, 13 Recessed power outlets 100 Socket body 110 Front cover body 111 Panel Area 112 Mounting structure 120 Rear cover body 121 Top 122 First recess 122B Bottom 123 Second recess 123B Bottom 124 First connection port 125 Second connection port 126 Third Connection Port 127 Locking groove 128 Magnetic attraction member 129 Groove 130 Decorative Panel 131 Panel opening 200 Ethernet connection ports 201 Ethernet power supply connection port 202 signal pin 203 power pins 300 USB TYPE-C connection port 301 Signal Pin 302 power pins 400 Commercial power receiving end 500, 501 signal conversion module 510, 511 signal conversion board 512 Side connection board 520 power channels 530 Signal Channels 600 1st electronic device 601 sides 610 USB TYPE-C Connector 620 Locking member 700 Second electronic device 701 sides 710 USB TYPE-C Connector 720 Magnetic Adsorption Area 721 Protrusion

Claims

1. a socket body having a panel area; an Ethernet connection port located on the socket body; a USB TYPE-C connection port located in the panel area; a signal conversion module located within the socket body, electrically connected to the Ethernet connection port and the USB TYPE-C connection port, and used to convert signals between the Ethernet connection port and the USB TYPE-C connection port; Including, A recessed power outlet characterized by:

2. The signal conversion module includes: a signal conversion board; at least one signal channel disposed on the signal conversion board and electrically coupled to the Ethernet connection port and the USB TYPE-C connection port; At least one power channel is disposed on the signal conversion board and electrically coupled to at least the USB TYPE-C connection port; Including, the signal conversion board converts a network signal received from the Ethernet connection port into a USB TYPE-C signal and transmits the signal to the USB TYPE-C connection port via the signal channel, and converts the USB TYPE-C signal received from the USB TYPE-C connection port into the network signal and transmits the signal to the Ethernet connection port via the signal channel; 2. The recessed power outlet of claim 1.

3. and further comprising at least one mains power receiving terminal located in the socket body and electrically coupled to the power channel, the mains power receiving terminal being used for wired connection to a mains power line.

3. The recessed power outlet of claim 2.

4. The socket body includes a front cover body and a rear cover body; the front cover body covers the rear cover body, thereby defining an accommodating area between the front cover body and the rear cover body, capable of accommodating the signal conversion module; the front cover body has an attachment structure, which is used for embedding in a fixed object; the rear cover body has a first recess, a first connection port, at least one second recess, and at least one second connection port, the first connection port being located on a bottom surface of the first recess, communicating with the accommodating area, and accommodating the Ethernet connection port; the second connection port being located on a bottom surface of the second recess, communicating with the accommodating area, and accommodating the commercial power receiving end; the panel area being located on one side of the front cover body facing away from the rear cover body, the panel area having a third connection port, communicating with the accommodating area, and accommodating the USB TYPE-C connection port; 4. The recessed power outlet of claim 3.

5. The socket body further includes a decorative panel, the decorative panel having a panel opening, and the decorative panel covers the front cover body, thereby positioning the panel area within the panel opening and exposing the panel area to the outside of the decorative panel through the panel opening.

5. The recessed power outlet of claim 4.

6. the Ethernet connection port is a Power over Ethernet (PoE) connection port, and the power supply channels are electrically coupled to the Ethernet connection port and the USB TYPE-C connection port respectively; 3. The recessed power outlet of claim 2.

7. The panel area has two locking grooves, each of which is used to lock a locking member of an electronic device, and the USB TYPE-C connection port is located between the locking grooves.

3. The built-in power outlet according to claim 1 or 2.

8. a magnetic attraction member located within the socket body and corresponding to the panel area; a recess formed in the panel area for receiving a protrusion of an electronic device, so that the protrusion is fixed and attracted by the magnetic attraction member; further comprising:

3. The built-in power outlet according to claim 1 or 2.

9. the Ethernet connection port is one of an RJ45 jack and a fiber optic plug; 3. The built-in power outlet according to claim 1 or 2.

10. The USB TYPE-C connection port supports USB Power Delivery (USB PD) protocol communication.

3. The built-in power outlet according to claim 1 or 2.

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