Personal care equipment and power plug kit

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

[0005] , ,

[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 male and female connectors 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 may still exist related to the electrical connectors of such personal care devices and the associated power supply. 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.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] <0000The kit comprises a first personal care kit, the first personal care device being one of an electric toothbrush, shaver, charger, cleaning station, or epilator, 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 one of several different intrusion protection (IP) classes, the first socket shape being assigned to a first IP class. The kit comprises a power supply unit having a power plug, the power plug having exactly two connector pins, optionally having a plug shape selected from a set of two or more different plug shapes, each assigned to one of two or more different 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 unit 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 one of two or more different IP classes. The kit includes a personal care device having a socket having a socket shape selected from a set of two or more different plug shapes, each assigned to one of two or more different 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 comprises: a first personal care device comprising a first housing having a first socket, the first socket having a first socket shape; 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 more watertight than the first housing; a first power supply device comprising a first power housing and a first power plug, the first power plug having a first plug shape; 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 more watertight than the first power housing, wherein the first plug shape is provided to fit into the first socket, while the second plug shape is provided to fit into both the first and second sockets. This allows users to electrically connect only personal care devices with a water density equivalent to or higher than that of the power supply plug.

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

[0009] Furthermore, the first plug shape is provided with a first lateral notch, and the second plug shape is provided with a second lateral notch, the second lateral notch being deeper than the first lateral notch. Thus, the external shapes of the different plug types differ with respect to the depth of the lateral notch. A deeper notch also increases the connection surface of the plug. More advantageously, the set includes at least a third device e and a power device. The kit comprises a third personal care device having a third housing having a third socket, the third socket having a third socket shape, and the second housing and the first housing being more watertight than the third housing; and a third power supply device having a third power housing and a third power plug, the third power plug having a third plug shape, and the second power housing and the first power housing being more watertight than the first power housing, 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 the first socket or the second socket.

[0010] The first and second power supplies are switch-mode power supplies that convert the main voltage to a lower equipment voltage, and / or the first and second personal care devices are one of the following: an electric toothbrush, a shaver, a charger, a cleaning station, or an epilator.

[0011] Thus, by varying the shapes of the plugs and sockets, it is possible to ensure a suitable mating structure for the IP class and watertightness of electrically connected devices. Alternatively, the different plug and socket shapes and mating structures described above and below may serve to ensure different compatibility purposes, such as appropriate electrical parameters (voltage, current) of the power supply for equipment or other devices. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding elements. [Figure 1] This shows a system that includes personal care equipment and a power supply. [Figure 2] This is a partial view of a personal care device. [Figure 3] This is a partial diagram of the power supply unit. [Figure 4] This is a plan view of a socket for a personal care device. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the socket. [Figure 6] This is a plan view of the power supply plug. [Figure 7] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the plug. [Figure 8] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the plug connector. [Figure 9] Figure 6 is a plan view of the plug. [Figure 10] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the plug. [Figure 11] Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the plug. [Figure 12] Figure 6 is another plan view of the plug. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view of the socket in Figure 4 when engaged with the plug in Figure 6. [Figure 14] This is an exploded view showing the connector pins of the socket and the connector sleeve of the plug. [Figure 15] This is a plan view of the end of a personal care device. [Figure 16] This is a plan view of a socket for a personal care device having a second protruding shape. [Figure 17] This is a plan view of a power supply plug having a second connector notch shape. [Figure 18] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the plug connector. [Figure 19] This is a plan view of a socket for a personal care device having a third protruding shape. [Figure 20]It is a plan view of a plug of a power supply device having a second connector notch shape. [Figure 21] It is a perspective view of a connector of the plug in FIG. 20. [Figure 22] It is a table showing various socket shapes and various plug shapes that can be combined in the kit. [Figure 23] A power supply device according to an embodiment is shown. [Figure 24] It is a block diagram of a personal care device according to an embodiment.

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 the power supply to other devices, particularly other household devices. The male and female connectors may be used to supply power to household devices, which may or may not be personal care devices. 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] [[ID=​​​​A technology is provided that mitigates the adverse effects of electrical creep currents and / or enables the careless use of equipment having a power supply that does not have the required intrusion protection (IP) class.

[0018] As used herein, the terms “power supply” or “to supply power” include supplying electrical energy to equipment for live use of the equipment (for example, for using power supplied to drive an electromechanical actuator) and supplying electrical energy to equipment for charging a battery, which may optionally be present.

[0019] The device comprises a socket for inserting a plug, and a housing having 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 and second central axes are spaced apart by a pin distance. The first and second central axes define a first plane. The second plane is perpendicular to the first plane, extends parallel to the first and second central axes, and is equally spaced apart from the first and second central axes. The socket comprises a socket periphery wall and a socket bottom wall. The socket perimeter wall comprises a first perimeter wall portion, a second perimeter wall portion, a third perimeter wall portion that is curved, intersects with the first plane, and interconnects the first and second perimeter wall portions, and a fourth perimeter wall portion that is curved, intersects with the first plane, and interconnects the first and second perimeter wall portions. The first and second perimeter wall portions are arranged on both sides of the first plane. The third and fourth perimeter wall portions are arranged on both sides of the second plane. The second perimeter wall portion includes a projection that forms a protrusion. The socket bottom wall comprises a first bottom wall portion that extends laterally with respect to the first and second planes, from which the first connector pins protrude, and a second bottom wall portion that extends laterally with respect to the first and second planes, from which the second connector pins protrude. The third plane is perpendicular to the first and second planes. The first and second bottom walls may extend into the third plane. The third perimeter wall may have a radius of curvature. More specifically, the intersection of the third perimeter wall and the third plane has a line of curvature with 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 perimeter wall may be the radius of curvature measured on the portion of the third perimeter wall closest to the third plane (e.g., located within the third plane).

[0020] In the device, the radius of curvature of the third circumferential wall (which may be the same as the radius of curvature of the fourth circumferential wall) 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 distance at a maximum of 0.35, the risk of electrical creep can be reduced. Electrical creep resistance is increased by spacing the connector pins by a pin distance that is sufficiently large compared to the radius of curvature, so that the ratio of the radius of curvature to the pin distance is at most 0.35. This fairly large pin distance for reducing the risk of electrical creep, combined with a fairly small radius of curvature of the fourth (and preferably third) circumferential wall, allows for a very compact plug and socket design despite this pin distance. Thus, the plug and socket are considerably wider in the direction of the pin distance, but also narrower in the direction perpendicular to it.

[0021] The device may be a personal care device or other household appliance. 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 such as a hair removal, cutting, or trimming device (e.g., a shaver, body groomer, or hair removal device). 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, such as an oral care device (toothbrush, tongue cleaner, 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 about a first central axis extending over a first angle of at least 170°. Alternatively or additionally, the fourth peripheral wall portion may comprise a second arc about a second central axis extending over a second angle of at least 170°.

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

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

[0027] The socket may have a socket width measured along a first plane (for example, as the distance between points located on the third and fourth peripheral walls 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 further apart compared to conventional connector configurations, which further reduces the risk of creep current.

[0028] The first and third planes may intersect the socket wall at the first intersection. The first and third planes may further intersect the socket wall at the second intersection. The socket width may be the distance between the first and second intersections, 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 further apart compared to conventional connector configurations, which further reduces the risk of creep current.

[0029] The socket may have a socket height (for example, the distance between a point located on the first and second peripheral walls and a point located on the 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 socket height to socket width may be up to 0.60, up to 0.55, up to 0.50, up to 0.45, or up to 0.40. Alternatively or additionally, the ratio of socket height to pin distance may be up to 0.80, up to 0.75, up to 0.70, up to 0.65, up to 0.60, up to 0.55, up to 0.50, up to 0.45, or up to 0.40. When the socket has such a configuration, the socket height is relatively small compared to conventional female connectors. This further reduces the risk of creep current and allows screw or bolt heads to be positioned adjacent to and away from the socket.

[0030] Each of the third and fourth circumferential walls may have a radius of curvature. More specifically, the intersections of the third and fourth circumferential walls with the third plane have lines of curvature with a radius of curvature. One or more of the following may apply: - The ratio of the radius of curvature to the socket width may be up to 0.20. - The ratio of the radius of curvature to the pin distance may be up to 0.35 or up to 0.33. When a socket has such a configuration, the socket height (about twice the radius of curvature of the third and fourth circumferential walls) is relatively small compared to conventional female connectors. This further reduces the risk of creep current and allows screw or bolt heads to be positioned adjacent to and away from the socket.

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

[0032] In the equipment, the ribs on the bottom wall reduce electrical creep current through any moisture that may remain in the socket. As the creep distance increases, the electrical resistance increases and the current decreases. The protrusions act to prevent the insertion of a power supply plug with reverse polarity. The protrusions also reduce the risk of the equipment being used in conjunction with a power supply having an intrusion protection (IP) class (IPC) that does not match the equipment's intrusion protection (IP) class (IPC), and / or a power supply that is not intended to be used on or with the equipment.

[0033] The ribs may extend continuously from the first circumferential wall to the second circumferential wall. This further reduces electrical creep.

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

[0035] The first peripheral wall may have a different shape from the second peripheral wall. This provides protection against the insertion of a plug with reverse polarity.

[0036] The first peripheral wall portion may be flat. This facilitates manufacturing and makes it easier to insert the plug.

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

[0038] The projection may have a projection width measured along the width direction of the socket (for example, in a third plane). The ratio of the projection width to the socket width may be at least 0.60 or at least 0.61. When a socket has such a configuration, the projection width is relatively large compared to conventional female connectors. This further reduces the risk of electrical creep current by increasing the distance that creep current must pass through the constricted area and allows screw or bolt heads to be positioned 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 projection may have a projection width measured along the width direction. The projection width may be determined as the distance along the width direction between the first and second projection ends where the second circumferential wall portion begins to curve inward with respect to a plane interconnecting the ends of the third and fourth circumferential wall portions. If the projection width varies, the term projection width shall refer to the widest measurable width. (For illustrative purposes, the projection width may be obtained by determining the curve at the intersection of the second circumferential wall portion and the third plane, determining the ends of the projection as the outermost points of the portion on this curve at the intersection point that is spaced less than the maximum distance the curve at the intersection point is determined by the ends of the third and fourth circumferential wall portions from the first plane, and determining the projection width as the distance between these outermost points that define the projection width.) The ratio of the projection width to the socket width may be at least 0.60 or at least 0.61. When a socket has such a configuration, the projection width is relatively large compared to conventional female connectors. This further reduces the risk of electrical creep current by increasing the distance the creep current must travel through the constricted area, and allows the screw or bolt head to be positioned adjacent to the socket, away from it.

[0040] The personal care device may further include screw heads or bolt heads that may be exposed on the surface of the housing. The housing may also include recesses in which screw or bolt heads may be positioned.

[0041] The recess may be separated from the socket. The socket configuration allows the recess for the screw or bolt head to be located outside the socket. This further reduces electrical creep current because, since there is a separating wall between the screw and the socket, 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 include a separation wall positioned between the socket and a recess in which a screw or bolt head is placed.

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

[0044] The interconnecting plane may interconnect the ends of the third and fourth peripheral walls that connect to the second peripheral wall. The interconnecting plane may intersect with a recess. This configuration allows the recess in which the screw or bolt head is located to protrude into the area in which the projection projects toward the first peripheral wall of the socket. This configuration allows the screw or bolt head to be located outside the socket by making sufficient area available for the screw or bolt adjacent to the socket, and also reduces electrical creep current because no creep current can exist between the first and second connector pins via 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 distance may be up to 0.35 or up to 0.33.

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

[0048] Power components may be designed to operate when the power supply voltage between the first and second connector pins is a low voltage in the range of 2 to 18V, 4 to 12V, or 5V. For example, device compatibility with the voltage provided by USB-type chargers is facilitated and provides a platform for device connectors that facilitates integration with chargers operating at low voltage levels (2 to 18V, 4 to 12V, or 5V, etc.).

[0049] The power component may include a battery.

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

[0051] The protrusions on the device may 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 equipment's IP class, the socket's projection shape may allow a plug with the plug notch shape to be inserted into the socket. If the plug notch shape is assigned to an IP class greater than the equipment's IP class, the socket's projection shape may further allow a plug with the plug notch shape to be inserted into the socket.

[0053] The first connector pin may have a diameter measured perpendicular to a first central axis, which varies along the first central axis to allow the first connector pin to snap into the connector sleeve of the male connector.

[0054] A device according to a further embodiment comprises a socket for inserting a plug, and a housing having 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 and second central axes are spaced apart by a pin distance. The first and second central axes define a first plane. The second plane is perpendicular to the first plane, extends parallel to the first and second central axes, and is equally spaced apart from the first and second central axes. The socket comprises a socket periphery wall and a socket bottom wall. The socket perimeter wall comprises a first perimeter wall portion, a second perimeter wall portion, a third perimeter wall portion that is curved, intersects with the first plane, and interconnects the first and second perimeter wall portions, and a fourth perimeter wall portion that is curved, intersects with the first plane, and interconnects the first and second perimeter wall portions. The first and second perimeter wall portions are arranged on both sides of the first plane. The third and fourth perimeter wall portions are arranged on both sides of the second plane. The second perimeter wall portion includes a projection that forms a projection.

[0055] The socket may have a socket width measured along a first plane (for example, as the distance between points located on the third and fourth peripheral walls 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 of 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 it may be parallel to the bottom wall.

[0057] The first and third planes may intersect the socket wall at the first intersection. The first and third planes may further intersect the socket wall at the second intersection. The socket width may be the distance between the first and second intersections, 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 of the pins reduces the risk of creep current.

[0058] The device, in particular its female connector, may 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 the equipment comprises 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 and second sleeve central axes are spaced apart by a sleeve distance. The first and second sleeve central axes define a first plane. The second plane is perpendicular to the first plane, extends parallel to the first and second sleeve central axes, and is equally spaced apart from the first and second sleeve central axes. The power plug further comprises an end face on which a first pin insertion opening and a second pin insertion opening are located, and a circumferential connector wall extending from around the end face. The circumferential connector wall comprises a first circumferential connector wall portion, a second circumferential connector wall portion, a third circumferential connector wall portion that is curved, intersects the first plane, and interconnects the first and second circumferential connector wall portions, and a fourth circumferential connector wall portion that is curved, intersects the first plane, and interconnects the first and second circumferential connector wall portions. The first and second circumferential connector wall portions are arranged on both sides of the first plane. The third and fourth circumferential connector wall portions are arranged on both sides of the second plane. The second circumferential connector wall portion includes a connector notch portion that forms a connector notch. The end face comprises a first end face portion that extends laterally with respect to the first and second planes. The first connector sleeve protrudes from the first end face portion. The end face comprises a second end face portion that extends laterally with respect to the first and second planes. The third plane is perpendicular to the first and second planes. The first and second end faces may extend into the third plane. The third circumferential connector wall may have a radius of curvature. The ratio of the radius of curvature to the sleeve distance may be up to 0.35. The radius of curvature of the third circumferential connector wall may be the radius of curvature measured on the portion of the third circumferential connector wall closest to the third plane (e.g., located within the third plane).

[0061] Power plugs with such a configuration provide a large sleeve distance relative to the connector height (measured laterally with respect to a first plane). A larger sleeve distance relative to the connector height reduces the risk of electrical creep current. A smaller connector height relative to the sleeve distance reduces the amount of liquid that may be introduced into the female connector during use, which also reduces the risk of electrical creep.

[0062] The notch operates to prevent reverse polarity insertion into the equipment socket. The notch also reduces the risk of the power plug being used in conjunction with equipment that has an intrusion protection (IP) class (IPC) that does not match that of the power supply unit with which the power plug is installed, and / or equipment that is not intended to be used on or with a power supply unit with which the power plug is installed.

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

[0064] The groove may function to provide drainage.

[0065] In power plugs, grooves can further help in the removal of 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, and in particular is perpendicular to the first plane.

[0068] The second end face portion may include a second annular region that traverses the first plane, and in particular is perpendicular to the first plane.

[0069] The groove may be recessed compared to the planes on which the first and second annular regions extend.

[0070] The groove may comprise a first inclined portion extending from a first annular region and a second inclined portion extending from a second annular region, wherein the first and second inclined portions are recessed more deeply from the planes extending the first and second annular regions 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 at the end face.

[0072] This 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 closer to the second plane than further away from it (i.e., further away from the planes 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 closer to the first plane than further away from the first plane (i.e., further away from the planes defined by the first and second pin insertion openings).

[0075] This configuration facilitates the discharge of residual liquid.

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

[0077] The power plug may be designed to engage with personal care devices such as hair removal, cutting, or trimming devices (e.g., shavers, body groomers, hair removal devices). Providing improved resistance to the adverse effects of residual moisture is particularly relevant to such devices.

[0078] The power plug may be designed to engage with personal care devices, such as oral care devices (toothbrushes, tongue cleaners, or dental shower devices). Providing improved resistance to the adverse effects of residual moisture is particularly relevant to such devices.

[0079] The third circumferential connector wall may comprise a first arc around a first central axis that extends over a first angle of at least 170°.

[0080] The fourth circumferential connector wall may comprise a second arc around a second central axis that extends over a second angle of at least 170°.

[0081] The third circumferential connector wall may be formed as a frustoconical arc or cylindrical portion extending at an angle of at least 170° around the first central axis.

[0082] The fourth circumferential connector wall may be formed as a frustoconical arc or cylindrical portion extending at an angle of at least 170° around the second central axis.

[0083] The power plug may have a plug connector width measured along a first plane (for example, as the distance between points located on the third and fourth circumferential connector walls 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 sleeves are spaced further 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 may intersect the circumferential connector wall at the second intersection. The plug connector width may be the distance between the first and second intersections. 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 sleeves are 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 and the second circumferential connector wall.

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

[0087] The power plug may have a plug connector height measured along a plane parallel to a second plane and passing through a first central axis (for example, as the distance between a point located on the first and second circumferential connector walls and a point located on the 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 plug connector height is relatively small compared to conventional male connectors. This further reduces the risk of residual liquid being introduced into the equipment socket during use.

[0088] The intersections of the third and fourth circumferential connector walls with the third plane may have radii of curvature. More specifically, the intersections of the third and fourth circumferential walls with the third plane have lines of curvature with radii of curvature. The ratio of the radius of curvature to the plug connector width may be up to 0.20. When the plug has such a configuration, the plug height (which is about twice the radius of curvature of the third and fourth circumferential connector walls) is relatively small compared to conventional male connectors. This further reduces the risk of residual liquid being introduced into the equipment socket during use.

[0089] The first circumferential connector wall may have a different shape from the second circumferential connector wall. This provides protection against the insertion of a plug with reverse polarity.

[0090] The first peripheral connector wall may be flat. This facilitates manufacturing and plug insertion.

[0091] The notch may have a notch width measured along the width direction of the plug connector (e.g., in a third plane). One or more 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 a connector has such a configuration, the notch width is relatively large compared to conventional male connectors. This further helps to reduce the risk of residual moisture being introduced into the equipment 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 inward with respect to a plane interconnecting the ends of the third and fourth circumferential connector walls. (For illustrative purposes, the notch width may be obtained by determining the curve at the intersection of the second circumferential connector wall portion and the third plane, determining the end of the notch portion as the outermost point of the portion on this curve at the intersection point such that the curve at the intersection point is spaced less than the maximum distance determined by the ends of the third and fourth circumferential connector walls from the first plane, and determining the notch width as the distance between these outermost points defining the notch width). One or more 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 a socket has such a configuration, the notch width is relatively large compared to conventional male connectors. This further reduces the risk of electrical creep current by increasing the distance between pins that can engage with the connector sleeve.

[0093] The notch height can be measured by determining the intersection line between the notch 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, and determining the notch height as the difference between the maximum and minimum distances.

[0094] The power plug may be capable of operating to supply power at low voltages in the range of 2 to 18V, 4 to 12V, or 5V. For example, compatibility of the power plug with the voltage provided by USB-type chargers is thereby facilitated and provides a platform for equipment connectors that facilitates integration with chargers operating at such voltage levels.

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

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

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

[0098] If 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 equipment with the socket protrusion shape. If the socket protrusion shape is assigned to an IP class lower than the IP class of the power plug, the notch shape of the plug allows the plug to be inserted into equipment with the socket protrusion shape.

[0099] The power plug may include a first plastic component comprising a circumferential connector wall and an end face. The power plug may further include a second plastic component connected to the end of the first plastic component, which may be opposite 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 making components that may need to bend and deflect during use from a softer material.

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

[0101] The power plug may have a plug connector width measured along a first plane (for example, as the distance between points located on the third and fourth circumferential connector walls 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 of 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, or they may intersect the circumferential connector wall at the second intersection. The plug connector width may be the distance between the first and second intersections. 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 use of the power plug.

[0103] A power plug, and more particularly its plug connector, may 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 appliances.

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

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

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

[0108] The power supply unit may include a converter. The power supply unit may be operable to perform voltage down-conversion. This allows the personal care device to be powered using a power supply unit that can be engaged with a mains power outlet.

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

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

[0111] A kit according to one embodiment comprises a personal care device according to one embodiment and a power supply unit equipped with a power plug according to one embodiment, the power supply unit operating to supply power to the personal care device.

[0112] The socket and power plug may be configured such that, when the power plug is operably engaged with the socket, the socket periphery wall is separated from the periphery 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 across the first arc angle.

[0114] The third circumferential connector wall may have, or may not have, another frustoconical or cylindrical shape extending across the second arc angle.

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

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

[0117] The kit can operate to encode the IP class in its socket shape, preventing the insertion of plugs that are incompatible with the equipment's IP class.

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

[0119] Therefore, the first socket can operate to encode the IP class in its first socket shape, preventing the insertion of a plug that is incompatible with the equipment's IP class.

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

[0121] The kit may further include a second power supply unit 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 insertion of a first power plug and also allow insertion of a second power plug.

[0123] Therefore, the first socket configuration can ensure that the equipment can be used in conjunction with a power supply designed to have at least the same IP class as the equipment.

[0124] The kit may further comprise a second personal care device having 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 the insertion of the first power plug while allowing the insertion of the second power plug.

[0126] Therefore, the second socket configuration can ensure that the equipment is not unusable in relation to a power supply designed to have a lower IP class than the equipment.

[0127] 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.

[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 one of several different intrusion protection (IP) classes. The method includes using a projection 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 configuration can be assigned to the first IP class.

[0130] The method may further utilize a power supply unit equipped with a power plug, the power plug having a plug shape selected from a set of two or more different plug shapes, each assigned to one of two or more different IP classes. The method may also include enabling insertion of the power plug into a socket by a projection when the power plug is assigned to an IP class compatible with the IP class of the equipment. The method may also include preventing insertion of the power plug into a socket by a projection when the power plug is assigned to an IP class compatible with the IP class of the equipment.

[0131] This method may include encoding the IP class to its socket shape to prevent the insertion of a plug that is incompatible with the device's IP class.

[0132] The first socket may be shaped to allow insertion of a power plug when the plug shape is assigned to an IP class equal to the first IP class, to allow insertion of a power plug when the plug shape is assigned to an IP class higher than the first IP class, and to prevent insertion of a power plug when the plug shape is assigned to an IP class lower than the first IP class.

[0133] Therefore, the socket can operate to encode the IP class in its first socket shape, preventing the insertion of a plug that is incompatible with the equipment's IP class.

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

[0135] The method may further include using a second power supply unit 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, the second plug shape being assigned to a second IP class higher than the first IP class.

[0136] The method may include enabling the insertion of a first power plug and a second power plug through a first socket.

[0137] Therefore, the socket shape can ensure that the equipment can be used in conjunction with a power supply designed to have at least the same IP class as the equipment.

[0138] The method may also 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 the insertion of the first power plug while allowing the insertion of the second power plug.

[0140] Therefore, the socket configuration can ensure that the equipment is not unusable in relation to a power supply designed to have a lower IP class than the equipment.

[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] This method may also involve using protrusions and / or notches to enforce IP class compliance of power supplies and equipment.

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

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

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

[0146] The power supply unit 40 may be a power cord having a connector 41 at one end that engages with a main power outlet 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 unit 40 may include at least one converter that operates to perform voltage down conversion. The converter may operate to convert a grid voltage of, for example, 110 or 230V to a lower supply voltage, such as a voltage in the range of 2 to 18V, 4 to 12V, or 5V or 12V.

[0147] Alternatively or additionally, the power supply unit 40 may include a stand on which the devices 11, 12 can be accommodated. The power plug 43 may be located on the stand or integrated with the stand so as to be able to supply power to the devices placed on the stand.

[0148] The shape characteristics of the device connector and / or the power plug that can be inserted therein are described in more detail below with reference to Figures 2 to 24.

[0149] Connectors for equipment and / or power supplies may be designed to provide one or any combination of various effects.

[0150] Connectors for equipment and / or power supplies may be designed to mitigate the risk of electrical creep current. This increases the lifespan of the equipment. This can be achieved using a variety of techniques, which may be used alone or in combination, including providing morphological features that increase the electrical creep distance and / or reduce the risk of water accumulation in the equipment socket.

[0151] Alternatively or additionally, connectors for equipment and / or power supplies may be designed to provide a platform for combining equipment and power supplies. The morphological features of the connectors(s) of equipment and / or power supplies may be implemented such that a male connector shape can operate to engage with several female connector shapes. Different male connector shapes may be associated with specific power supply characteristics (such as different intrusion protection (IP) classes (IPC)). Different female connector shapes may be associated with specific equipment characteristics (such as different intrusion protection (IP) classes (IPC)). The shapes 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 offers versatility, for example, meaning that a power plug from a power supply with a high IPC can be used not only with equipment of the same IPC but also with equipment of a lower IPC.

[0152] 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 can also prevent undesirable reverse polarity mating between male and female connectors, which could adversely affect the equipment.

[0154] Figures 2 and 3 are detailed views of the equipment and power plug, respectively. Figure 2 shows the end of the housing 20 of the equipment, which includes a socket 21. The socket 21 has a projection. Additional features that can be mounted on 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 mounted on 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 is a plan view. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view.

[0156] The female connector 50 includes a socket 60 located within or formed 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 may operate to receive one, two, or three or more plug connectors having a predetermined plug connector shape. The socket 60 has a socket insertion opening 64 for inserting a plug connector into the socket cavity 63. The socket insertion opening 64 may be surrounded by a circumferential rim 62.

[0158] The socket cavity 63 may be defined by the socket bottom wall 70 and the socket periphery wall 80, or otherwise may include the socket bottom wall 70 and the socket periphery wall 80.

[0159] The socket bottom wall 70 may comprise a first bottom wall portion 71 and a second bottom wall portion 72. The first and second bottom wall portions 71 and 72 may be on the same plane. The first and second bottom wall portions 71 and 72 may extend into the socket bottom plane 103 (also referred to herein as the third plane 103). The socket bottom wall 70 may further comprise ribs 73, which are described in more detail below. The ribs 73 may extend from the socket bottom surface 103 toward the socket insertion opening 64.

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

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

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

[0163] The third and fourth perimeter walls 83 and 84 may be positioned opposite each other. The third and fourth perimeter walls 83 and 84 may be positioned along the opposing short sides of the socket (these short sides are also referred to as the height direction in this specification and the art). The third and fourth perimeter walls 83 and 84 may each be curved from the first perimeter wall 81 to the second perimeter wall 82. The intersection of the third and fourth perimeter walls 83 and 84 with a plane (in particular any plane) that is perpendicular to the first central axis 51 and intersects the third and fourth perimeter walls 83 and 84 may be an elliptical arc, such as a semicircle or another elliptical arc. Alternatively or additionally, the intersection of the third and fourth perimeter walls 83 and 84 with a plane (in particular any plane) that is perpendicular to the socket bottom surface 103 and intersects the third and fourth perimeter walls 83 and 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 to these.

[0164] The third peripheral wall portion 83 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the angle portion (or arc) of the frustoconical or cylindrical surface (when viewed from the inside). This frustoconical 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 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the angle portion (or arc) of the frustoconical or cylindrical surface (when viewed from the inside). This frustoconical or cylindrical arc portion may extend over an angle 129. The angle 129 may be at least 170°. The angles 129 extending from the third peripheral wall portion 83 and the fourth peripheral wall portion 84 may be equal to each other, but are not limited to this.

[0166] The first to fourth peripheral wall portions 81 to 84 may extend from the base of the bottom wall portion 70 to the free end. 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 extends from the base of the bottom wall portion 70 to the free end of the peripheral rim 62. The intersection of this transition line and the third plane 103 is shown as point 91 in Figure 4.

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

[0169] The second peripheral wall portion 82 can transition to the fourth peripheral wall portion 84 along a line that extends from the base of the bottom wall portion 70 to the free end of the peripheral rim 62. The intersection of this transition line and the third plane 103 is shown as point 93 in Figure 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 of the bottom wall portion 70 to the free end of the peripheral rim 62. The intersection of this transition line and the third plane 103 is shown as point 94 in Figure 4.

[0171] The female connector 50 comprises a first connector pin 51 and a second connector pin 52. At least a portion of the first connector pin 51 and at least a portion 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 spaced apart by a pin distance 121.

[0172] The first and second connector pins 51 and 52 are formed of a conductive material. The first and second connector pins 51 and 52 may also 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 the first plane 101 to which the first and second central axes 53 and 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 and 82 may be positioned on opposite sides of the first plane 101.

[0176] The third and fourth peripheral wall portions 83 and 84 may be positioned on the opposite side 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 seen in the plan view. The socket width 122 may be determined as the distance between the first intersection 95 and the second intersection 96 where both the first plane 101 and the third plane 103 intersect with the third and fourth peripheral wall portions 83 and 84, respectively.

[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 seen in the plan view. The socket height 123 can be determined using 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 and 93 where the intersection of the peripheral wall and the third plane 103 is at the maximum distance from the intersection line 111. Determine the socket height 123 by the distance of points 92 and 93 from the intersection line 111. - Determine the intersection line 111 between the first peripheral wall 81 and the third plane 103. - Determine the points 92 and 93 at the intersection in the third plane 103 where the third and fourth peripheral wall portions 83 and 84 transition to the second peripheral wall portion 82. Determine the socket height 123 by taking the maximum of the two distances between points 92 and 93 from the intersection line 111. Points 91 and 92 are determined as the intersection points of the circumferential socket wall 70 with a plane that is parallel to the first plane 101 and the second plane 102 and passes through the first central axis 53, and the socket height 123 is determined as the distance between these points 91 and 92. - Points 93 and 94 are determined as the intersections of the first plane 101, the plane parallel to the second plane 102 and passing through the second central axis 54, and the circumferential socket wall 70, and the socket height 123 is determined as the distance between these points 93 and 94. - Determine the radius of curvature 105 at the intersection of the third or fourth peripheral walls 83, 84 and the third plane. Determine the socket height to be twice the radius of curvature 105.

[0179] The ratio of radius of curvature 105 to pin distance 121 is at most 0.35. Maintaining a ratio of radius of curvature to pin distance at most 0.35 can reduce the risk of electrical creep. Electrical creep resistance is increased by spacing the connector pins by a pin distance that is sufficiently large compared to the radius of curvature, so that the ratio of radius of curvature to pin distance is at most 0.35.

[0180] As will be described in more detail below, the second circumferential wall portion 82 may have a projection 85. The projection 85 forms a projection 61 within the socket 60. The projection 61 provides a reduction in socket height measured along the second plane 102, as seen in the plan view (see Figure 4). At the projection 61, the second circumferential wall portion 82 protrudes toward the first circumferential wall portion 81. For illustrative purposes, in any plane that coincides with or is parallel to the third plane 103 and intersects the circumferential wall portion, the projection 61 may protrude toward the first circumferential wall portion 81, compared to points 92, 93 on the second circumferential wall portion 82 at the maximum distance from the first circumferential wall portion 81.

[0181] The projection 61 causes the socket 60 to have a reduced socket height 125 at the projection 61. The reduced socket height 125 at the projection 61 may be determined by determining the intersection line 111 of the first peripheral wall 81 and the third plane 103, determining a further intersection line of the second peripheral wall 82 and the third plane 103, and determining the reduced socket height 125 at the projection 61 as the minimum distance measured perpendicular to the intersection line 111 from any point on the further intersection line from the intersection line 111.

[0182] The projection 61 has a projection height 126. The projection height 126 indicates how far the projection protrudes toward the first peripheral wall portion 81. The projection height 126 can be determined by subtracting the reduced socket height 125 at the projection 61 from the socket height 123.

[0183] The projection 61 may extend from the socket bottom wall 70 to the peripheral rim 62. The projection 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 and 72. The rib 73 may protrude from the socket bottom surface 103 toward the socket insertion opening 64.

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

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

[0187] The projection 61 may also operate to provide various effects. The projection 61 reduces the socket height in the central region between the first connector pin 51 and the second connector pin 52, which may also contribute to increased electrical creep resistance and / or reduced electrical creep. The projection 61 may provide protection against insertion of a power plug with reverse polarity. The projection 61 may operate to define which power plugs can be inserted into the socket 60 by its shape (size and position, etc.). Thus, the projection 61 may operate to allow power plugs with characteristics that match the characteristics of the equipment (e.g., IP characteristics) to be inserted into the socket, and / or to prevent power plugs with characteristics that do not match the characteristics of the equipment (e.g., IP characteristics) from being inserted into the socket.

[0188] The socket 60 may have shape features that contribute to improved performance by reducing the risk of electrical creep and / or the risk of inserting an improper power plug.

[0189] The ratio of the pin distance 121 to the 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, the connector pins 51, 52 are spaced 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 distance 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 explained later, it becomes easier to position the screw or bolt head adjacent to and outside of 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 up to 0.20. Alternatively or additionally, the ratio of the radius of curvature 105 to the pin distance 121 may be up to 0.35 or up to 0.33. Such a configuration further reduces the risk of creep current and allows the screw or bolt head to be positioned adjacent to the socket, separated from the socket, as described later, 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 distance 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 spacing 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 projection 61 may have a projection width 124 measured along the width direction of the socket 60 (for example, in the third plane 103). The projection width 124 may be determined as the distance along the width direction between the first and second projection ends 92, 93 where the second circumferential wall portion 82 begins to curve inward with respect to the plane 112 that interconnects the ends of the third and fourth circumferential wall portions 83, 84. For illustrative purposes, the projection width 124 can be obtained by determining the intersection curve of the second circumferential wall portion 82 and the third plane 103, determining the ends 92, 93 of the projection 85 as the outermost points of the portion on this intersection curve that is spaced less than the maximum distance 123 determined by the ends of the third and fourth circumferential wall portions 83, 84 from the first plane, and determining the projection width 124 as the distance between these outermost points 93, 94 that define the projection width. The ratio of the projection 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 projection width 124 is relatively large. The constriction formed in the bottom wall by such a wide projection can further reduce the risk of electrolysis by reducing the risk of electrical creepage.

[0194] The ratio of the projection height 126 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, or at least 0.95. Alternatively or additionally, the ratio of the projection 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 projection height 126 is relatively large compared to conventional female connectors. The large projection height 126 facilitates a configuration in which the screw or bolt head can be positioned adjacent to the socket, separate from the socket, which further reduces the risk of electrocleepage 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 is equipped with a male connector 160. The male connector 160 is designed to be inserted into a mating socket (such as socket 50) of the equipment.

[0197] The power plug 150, more specifically the male connector 160, may comprise a first connector sleeve 151 and a second connector sleeve 152. The first and second connector sleeves 151 and 152 are capable of receiving connector pins 52 and 51 therein. The first and second connector sleeves 151 and 152 are formed from a conductive material. The first and second connector sleeves 151 and 152 may also 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 may 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 equipment 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 equipment socket.

[0200] The end face 170 may include a first end face portion 171 that extends laterally, for example, perpendicularly, to the first and second planes 201 and 202. The first end face portion 171 may 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 and 202. The second end face portion may include a second connector pin insertion opening 175.

[0202] The first and second end faces 171 and 172 may be flat. The first and second end faces 171 and 172 may each have an annular shape extending around the first and second pin insertion openings 174 and 175, respectively.

[0203] The end face 170 extends from the first end face portion 171 to the second end face portion 172 and may be provided with a groove portion defining a groove 173. The groove 173 is located on the end face 170 and is positioned between the first end face portion 171 and the second end face portion 172.

[0204] The power plug 150 may further include a circumferential connector wall 180 that may extend 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 with 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 with 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 walls 181 and 182 may be arranged to face each other. The first and second circumferential connector walls 181 and 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 the art).

[0207] The first and second circumferential connector walls 181 and 182 may have different shapes, as will be described in more detail below. The second circumferential wall 182 may have a notch 161. The first circumferential wall 181 does not need to have a notch. The first circumferential wall 181 may be flat.

[0208] The third and fourth circumferential connector walls 183 and 184 may be arranged facing each other. The third and fourth circumferential connector walls 183 and 184 may be arranged on the opposing short sides of the socket (these short sides are also referred to as the height direction in this specification and the art). The third and fourth circumferential connector walls 183 and 184 may each be curved from the first circumferential connector wall 181 to the second circumferential connector wall 182. The intersection of the third and fourth circumferential connector walls 183 and 184 with a plane (in particular any plane) that is perpendicular to the first and second planes 201 and 202 and intersects the third and fourth circumferential connector walls 183 and 184 may be an elliptical arc, such as a semicircle or other elliptical arc. Alternatively or additionally, the intersections of the third and fourth circumferential connector walls 183, 184 with planes (in particular any plane) that are parallel to the first and second planes 201, 202 and intersect the third and fourth circumferential connector walls 183, 184 may be straight lines. The third and fourth circumferential connector walls 183, 184 may be formed as cylindrical or conical portions, but are not limited to these. The third plane 203 may be the plane on which the first and second end faces 171, 172 are located. The portions of the third and fourth circumferential connector walls 183, 184 closest to (e.g., located in) the third plane 203 may include arcs with a radius of curvature, as will be described in more detail below.

[0209] The third circumferential connector wall portion 183 may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the angle (or arc) of the frustoconical or cylindrical surface. This frustoconical or cylindrical arc 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 the angle (or arc) of the frustoconical or cylindrical surface. This frustoconical or cylindrical arc 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 walls 183 and 184 extend may be equal to each other, but are not limited to this.

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

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

[0213] The first circumferential connector wall 181 can transition to a third circumferential connector wall 183 along a line that can extend from the base on the circumferential rim 162 to the free end on 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 Figure 6.

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

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

[0216] The fourth circumferential connector wall 184 can transition to the first circumferential connector wall 181 along a line that can extend from the base on the circumferential rim 162 to the free end on the end face 170. The intersection of this transition line and the third plane 203 is shown as point 194 in Figure 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 on which the first and second end face portions 171 and 172 extend.

[0218] The intersection of the end face 170 and the first plane 201 (as shown in Figure 7) may have a concave shape in the groove 173. The point in the groove 173 closest to the plane on 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 more deeply from the plane on which the first end face portion 171 and the second end face portion 172 are provided as the distance from them increases.

[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 function to provide drainage. The groove 173 may help remove residual moisture.

[0223] The notch 161 is formed by the notch wall portion 185 of the second peripheral wall. The notch 161 operates to prevent reverse polarity insertion into the socket of the equipment. The notch 161 also reduces the risk of the power plug 150 being used in connection with equipment having an intrusion protection (IP) class (IPC) that does not match that of a power supply equipped with the power plug 150, and / or equipment not intended to be used on or with a power supply equipped with 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 and 172 are located within it.

[0225] The power plug may have a plug connector width 222 measured along a first plane 201 (for example, as the distance between points 195, 196 located on the third and fourth circumferential connector walls 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 and 203 may intersect the circumferential connector wall 180 at the first intersection 195, and the first and third planes may intersect the circumferential connector wall 180 at the second intersection 196. The plug connector width 222 may be the distance between the first intersection 195 and the second intersection 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 circumferential connector walls 183 and 184 are rounded toward the end face 170 (as shown in insets 310 and 312 of Figure 7), the plug connector width 222 is, - Determining the first intersection point 195 as the intersection point of the first tangent 311 and the third plane 201, wherein the first tangent 311 is tangential to the third circumferential connector wall 183 and lies within the first plane 203, - Determining the second intersection point 196 as the intersection point of the second tangent 313 and the third plane 203, wherein the second tangent 313 is tangential to the fourth circumferential connector wall 184 and lies within the first plane 201, - The plug connector width 222 can be determined by defining it as the distance between the first intersection 195 and the second intersection 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 seen in the plan view. The plug connector height 223 may be determined using one of the following techniques. - Determine the intersection line 211 between the first periphery connector wall 181 and the third plane 203. Determine the points 192 and 193 where the intersection of the periphery connector wall 180 and the third plane 203 is at the maximum distance from the intersection line 211. Determine the plug connector height 223 by the distance from the intersection line 211 to points 192 and 193. - Determine the intersection line 211 between the first peripheral connector wall 181 and the third plane 203. Determine points 192 and 193 at the intersection in the third plane 203 where the third peripheral wall portion 183 and the fourth peripheral wall portion 184 transition to the second peripheral wall portion 182. Determine the plug connector height 223 by taking the maximum distance between points 192 and 193 from the intersection line 211. Points 191 and 192 are determined as the intersections of the first plane 201, the second plane 202, the plane passing through the first central axis 153, and the circumferential connector wall 70, and the plug connector height 223 is determined as the distance between these points 191 and 192. Points 193 and 194 are determined 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 circumferential connector wall 70, and the plug connector height 223 is determined as the distance between these points 193 and 194. - Determine the radius of curvature 205 at the intersection of the third or fourth circumferential connector walls 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 as large as 0.35. A larger sleeve distance 221 compared to the radius of curvature 205 (representing the connector height) reduces the risk of electrical creep current. A smaller radius of curvature 205 (representing the connector height) compared to the sleeve distance 221 reduces the amount of fluid that may be introduced into the female connector during use, which also reduces the risk of electrical creep.

[0230] As described above, the second circumferential connector wall 182 may have a notch 185. The notch 185 forms a notch 161 on the outer surface of the power plug 150. The notch 161 provides a reduction in socket height measured along the second plane 202, as seen in the plan view (see Figure 6). At the notch 161, the second circumferential connector wall 182 protrudes toward the first circumferential connector wall 181. For illustrative purposes, in any plane that coincides with or is parallel to the third plane 203 and intersects the circumferential connector wall, the notch 161 may protrude toward the first circumferential connector wall 181 relative to points 192, 193 on the second circumferential connector wall 182 at the maximum distance from the first circumferential connector wall 181.

[0231] The notch 161 causes the plug connector 160 to have 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 from the intersection line 221 to any point on the further intersection line measured perpendicular to the intersection line 221.

[0232] The notch 161 has a notch height 226. The notch height 226 indicates how far the notch protrudes toward the first circumferential connector wall 181. The notch height 226 can be determined by subtracting the reduced socket height 225 at the notch 161 from the socket height 223.

[0233] The notch 161 has a notch width 224. The notch width 224 can be measured along the width direction of the plug connector (for example, 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 point the second circumferential connector wall portion 182 begins to curve inward 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 may be obtained by determining the curve at the intersection of the second circumferential connector wall 182 and the third plane 203, determining the end of the notch portion 185 as the outermost point of the part on this curve at the intersection that is spaced less than the maximum distance determined by the ends of the third and fourth circumferential connector walls 183 and 184 from the first plane 201, and determining the notch width 224 as the distance between these outermost points 192 and 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 also be recessed from the end face 170.

[0236] The notch 161 may also operate to provide various effects. The notch 161 may provide protection against reverse polarity insertion of the power plug 150 into its socket. The notch 161 may operate to define which sockets the power plug 150 can be inserted into, by its shape (size and position, etc.). Thus, the notch 161 may operate to allow the power plug to be inserted into a socket of equipment having characteristics that match those of the power supply unit with the power plug (e.g., IP characteristics), and / or to prevent the power plug from being inserted into a socket of equipment having characteristics that do not match those of the power supply unit with the power plug (e.g., IP characteristics).

[0237] The power plug 150, and in particular its connector 160, may have shape features that contribute to improved performance by reducing the risk of electrical creep and / or insertion into an improper socket.

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

[0239] The ratio of the radius of curvature 205 to the plug connector width 222 may be as high as 0.20. The ratio of the radius of curvature to the pin distance may be as high as 0.35 or as high as 0.33. Such a power plug configuration further reduces the risk of undesirable 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 notch height 226 to the radius of curvature 205 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 Figures 10 and 11, the power plug 150 may comprise 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 circumferential connector wall 180.

[0243] The second component 165 can form a bending protection.

[0244] The second component 165 can provide a connection to the power cable 167. The second component 165 may include a bend protection portion 166. In the bend protection portion 166, the second component 165 may 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 that does not have recesses).

[0245] The first component 164 may be made from a material that is more rigid than the second component 165. The first component 164 may be made from a material having a first hardness (for example, determined as Shore hardness), and the second component 165 may be made from a material having a second hardness (for example, determined as Shore hardness).

[0246] The higher hardness of the first component 164 reduces the likelihood that the second peripheral wall portion 182 defining the notch 161 will bend when inserted into a socket having a different socket shape type (particularly a protruding shape type) than that of a power plug connector.

[0247] The base 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 stepped 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] Figure 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing a female connector 50 engaged with a male connector 150. The first connector pins 51 are received within the second connector sleeve 152.

[0250] The plug connector of the power plug 150 and the socket of the equipment are sized and shaped such that, when engaged, the (outer) circumferential connector wall 180 of the power plug 150 is spaced 230 away from the (inner) circumferential wall 80 of the socket. 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 away from the (inner) circumferential wall 80 of the socket.

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

[0252] Figure 14 is an exploded view showing connector pins 51 and 52 and connector sleeves 151 and 152.

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

[0254] The connector sleeves 151 and 152 may be formed as slotted metal sleeves having slots 243 extending along the entire length of the connector sleeves 151 and 152 so that they can be expanded during connection. Each of the connector sleeves 151 and 152 may have a recess 244 positioned to press against the reduced diameter portions 242 of the connector pins 51 and 52, thereby holding the connector pins 51 and 52 in a fixed position within the mating connector sleeves 152 and 151.

[0255] The projections on the female connector on the device facilitate the placement of screw or bolt heads adjacent to the socket and on the outside of the socket, as will be explained in more detail with reference to Figure 15.

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

[0257] The recess 261 may be positioned adjacent to the socket 60 by a wall 265, but may also be separated from the socket 60. By positioning the recess 261 for the head 262 outside the socket 60, the socket 60 can be kept without a screw or bolt head. This further reduces the risk of electrical creep current.

[0258] The recess 261 may be positioned to overlap with the line 262 that interconnects the ends of the third and fourth peripheral wall portions 183 and 184. In this way, the area that is kept away from the socket 60 by the projection is used, at least partially, to allow the recess 261 to overlap it.

[0259] Other projection (female connector) and notch (male connector) shapes may be used. Examples of projection and notch shapes are shown in Figures 16-18 for one further projection or notch shape and will be explained with reference to them, and in Figures 19-21 for yet another further projection or notch shape and will be explained with reference to them. Figures 16 and 19 show female connectors in plan view. Figures 17 and 20 show corresponding male connectors in plan view. Figures 18 and 21 are partial perspective views of corresponding male connectors. The various projections and notches are distinguished from one another, among other things, by their projection / notch height and projection / notch width. These parameters can be determined as explained with reference to Figures 1-15.

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

[0261] Figure 16 is a plan view of an additional female connector 270 that may be provided on the device. The additional female connector 270 has a second peripheral wall portion 272 which is different from the second peripheral wall portion 182 of Figures 4 and 5. The second peripheral wall portion 272 includes a projection 273 which forms a projection 271 having a projection height 275 greater than that of the female connector 50 of Figures 4 and 5. Therefore, the reduced socket height 274 in the projection 271 is smaller than that of the female connector 50 of Figures 4 and 5. The projection width 124 may remain the same as that of the female connector 50 of Figures 4 and 5, or it may be smaller than that of the female connector 50 of Figures 4 and 5.

[0262] The ratio of the projection 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 projection width 124 is relatively large. The constriction formed in the bottom wall by such a wide projection can further reduce the risk of electrolysis by reducing the risk of electrical creepage.

[0263] The ratio of the projection 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 projection 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 projection height 275 facilitates configurations in which screw or bolt heads can be positioned adjacent to and away from the socket, which further reduces the risk of electrocleepage and electrolysis.

[0264] Figures 17 and 18 show, in particular (but not limited to), additional male connectors 280 of the power plug that can be inserted into further female connectors 270.

[0265] The further male connector 280 has a second circumferential connector wall 282 that is different from the second circumferential connector wall 182 in Figures 6 to 12. The second circumferential connector wall 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 in Figures 6 to 12. Therefore, the reduced plug connector height 284 in the plug connector notch 281 is smaller than that of the male connector 150 in Figures 6 to 12. The notch width 224 may remain the same as that of the male connector 150 in Figures 6 to 12, or it may be smaller than that of the male connector 150 in Figures 6 to 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 circumferential connector walls 183 and 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 configurations in which the screw or bolt head can be positioned adjacent to the socket, separated from 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 conspicuous than those in Figures 4 to 12.

[0269] Figure 19 is a plan view of an additional female connector 290 that may be provided on the device. The additional female connector 290 has a second peripheral wall portion 292 which is different from the second peripheral wall portion 182 of Figures 4 and 5. The second peripheral wall portion 292 includes a projection 293 which forms a projection 291 having a projection height 295 which is smaller than that of the female connector 50 of Figures 4 and 5. Thus, the reduced socket height 294 in the projection 291 is greater than that of the female connector 50 of Figures 4 and 5. The projection width 297 may be smaller than that of the female connector 50 of Figures 4 and 5, or it may remain the same as that of the female connector 50 of Figures 4 and 5. The projection width 297 is determined as the distance between the ends 296, 93 of the curved projection (for example, in the third plane 103).

[0270] The ratio of the projection 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 projection height 295 to the radius of curvature 105 of the third and fourth peripheral wall portions 83 and 84 may be at least 0.30, at least 0.35, or at least 0.40. Alternatively or additionally, the ratio of the projection 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] Figures 20 and 21 show, in particular (but not limited to), additional male connectors 300 of the power plug that can be operated for insertion into further female connectors 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. Thus, the reduced plug connector height 304 in the plug connector notch 301 is larger 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 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 IP classes. Different protrusion shapes (e.g., different protrusion widths and / or protrusion heights) may be assigned to different characteristics such as different IP classes. For purposes of illustration, the kit may include an apparatus, - the socket having a socket shape selected from the group of socket protrusion shapes 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 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 may be distinguished from each other by at least one of the notch width and notch height. Different projection shapes may be distinguished from each other by at least one of the projection width and projection height. Different notch and projection shapes may be such that at least one of the socket projection shapes allows insertion of a plug connector having at least two different types of plug connector notch shapes. Different notch and projection shapes may be such that at least one of the plug connector notch shapes allows insertion of a plug connector into a socket having at least two different types of socket projection shapes. Different notch and projection shapes may be such that, for example, if a power plug connector notch shape is assigned to an IPC (determined according to, for example, IEC60529, ISO20653, or DIN40050-9) that is incompatible with the IPC of the equipment (for example, because the power supply has a lower IPC than the IPC of the equipment), the projection shape may selectively prevent insertion of a power plug depending on the characteristics associated with the power plug connector notch shape.

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

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

[0281] Various connector shapes may be assigned to different IPC and / or other different characteristics, ensuring that power supplies compatible with more demanding characteristics (e.g., higher IPC) can be used on equipment designed to meet only less demanding requirements (e.g., lower IPC).

[0282] For illustrative purposes only, not limiting, connector shapes as described with reference to Figures 19 to 21 may be used for IPX0 plugs and devices. Connector shapes as described with reference to Figures 4 to 12 can be used for IPX4 plugs and devices. Connector shapes as described with reference to Figures 16 to 18 can be used for IPX7 plugs and devices.

[0283] Figure 22 is a table showing the use of the following set of socket shapes and the corresponding set of plug connector shapes. Plugs designed to meet more stringent requirements (e.g., higher IPC) may be used not only for equipment that meets these stringent requirements (such as the same high IPC as the plug), but also for equipment that meets less stringent requirements (such as a lower IPC than the plug). - The plug will not be inserted into a socket of equipment designed to meet more stringent requirements than the plug (e.g., higher IPC) (e.g., if the plug is designed for a lower IPC than the equipment).

[0284] The power supply unit according to the embodiment may include a power plug according to the embodiment. The power supply unit may be implemented as a power cord, as shown in Figure 1. Figure 23 shows another power supply unit 190. The power supply unit includes a plug 193 for engaging with a main power outlet, a support 191, and a stand 192 for receiving equipment on it. The stand 192 may or may not include a power plug as described herein. The support 191 may support the stand 192 in a substantially upright position when equipment is received on it.

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

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

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

[0288] The devices 11 and 12 may further include electromechanical actuators, such as a motor 23, which have an output capable of operating in response to a supply voltage.

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

[0290] In the various embodiments disclosed herein, the dimensions of the various quantities described herein may be as follows. It will be understood that not all of the dimensions specified below are necessarily present in combination.

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

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

[0302] Various effects can be achieved by the apparatus, systems, kits, and methods disclosed herein. Improved protection against electrolysis can be achieved, facilitating use in conditions where residual fluids may tend to adhere to the connectors. A platform for multipurpose combination of male and female connectors can be implemented while providing protection against undesirable reverse polarity engagement between male and female connectors.

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

Claims

1. Kit (10), The system comprises a first personal care device (11, 12), the first personal care device being one of an electric toothbrush, shaver, charger, cleaning station, or epilator. The kit (10) comprises a first housing (20, 30) having first sockets (21, 50), the first sockets (21, 50) having a first socket shape selected from a set of two or more different socket shapes, each assigned to one of several intrusion protection (IP) classes, the first socket shape being assigned to a first IP class, The kit (10) comprises a power supply unit (40, 190) equipped with power plugs (43, 150, 280, 300), each of which has a plug shape selected from a set of two or more different plug shapes, each assigned to one of the two or more IP classes. The first socket (50) is When the plug shape is assigned to an IP class equal to the first IP class, the insertion of the power plug (150) is made possible. When the plug shape is assigned to an IP class higher than the first IP class, the insertion of the power plug (280) is made possible, A kit (10) whose shape is determined to prevent insertion of the power plug (300) when the plug shape is assigned to an IP class lower than the first IP class.

2. The kit according to claim 1, wherein the power plug (150) has exactly two connector sleeves (151, 152).

3. The kit according to claim 2, wherein the connector sleeve (151, 152) has exactly two connector pins (51, 52).

4. 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 unit having 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 kit according to claim 1, wherein the first socket (50) is shaped such that the first power plug (150) can be inserted into it and the second power plug (280) can be inserted into it.

5. The kit further comprises a second personal care device (11, 12) having a second housing (20, 30) having a second socket (270), wherein the second socket (270) has a second socket shape selected from the set of two or more different socket shapes, the second socket shape is assigned to the second IP class, and The kit according to claim 4, wherein the second socket (270) is shaped to prevent the insertion of the first power plug (150) and to allow the insertion of the second power plug (280).

6. The first personal care device described above is A housing having the first socket (21, 50) for inserting the power plug (43, 150, 280), A first connector pin (51) and a second connector pin (52), wherein at least a portion of the first connector pin (51) and at least a portion of the second connector pin (52) extend into the first socket (21, 50), comprising: 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). The first central axis (53) and the second central axis (54) define the first plane (101), and The second plane (102) is perpendicular to the first plane (101), 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) comprises a first socket peripheral wall (80) and a first socket bottom wall (70), The first socket peripheral wall (80) is The first peripheral wall portion (81) and The second peripheral wall section (82, 272, 292) and A third peripheral wall portion (83) is curved, intersects with the first plane (101), and interconnects the first peripheral wall portion (81) and the second peripheral wall portions (82, 272, 292), It comprises a curved fourth peripheral wall portion (84) that intersects the first plane (101) and interconnects the first peripheral wall portion (81) and the second peripheral wall portions (82, 272, 292), The first and second peripheral wall portions (82, 272, 292) are arranged on both sides of the first plane (101), and the third and fourth peripheral wall portions (83, 84) are arranged on both sides of the second plane (102), and The second peripheral wall portion (82, 272, 292) is provided with projections (85, 273, 293) that form projections (61, 271, 291), The first socket bottom wall (70) is A first bottom wall portion (71) extending laterally with respect to the first plane (101) and the second plane (102), wherein the first connector pin (51) protrudes from the first bottom wall portion (71), The second bottom wall portion (72) extends laterally with respect to the first plane (101) and the second plane (102), and the second connector pin (52) protrudes from the second bottom wall portion (72), The 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 into the third plane (103), and The kit according to claim 1, wherein the third peripheral wall portion (83) has a radius of curvature (105).

7. The kit according to claim 6, wherein the ratio of the radius of curvature (105) to the pin distance (121) is at most 0.

35.

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

9. The kit according to claim 6, wherein the first socket bottom wall (70) further comprises a rib (73) extending between the first bottom wall portion (71) and the second bottom wall portion (72) and projecting from 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).

10. The kit according to claim 9, wherein the rib (73) extends continuously from the first peripheral wall portion (81) to the second peripheral wall portions (82, 272, 292).

11. The kit according to claim 9, wherein the rib (73) has a vertex line in the second plane (102).

12. The kit according to claim 6, wherein the first peripheral wall portion (81) has a shape different from the shape of the second peripheral wall portions (82, 272, 292).

13. The kit according to claim 6, wherein the first personal care device (11, 12) further comprises a screw head (262) or bolt head (262) exposed on the surface of the housing (20, 30), the housing (20, 30) comprises a recess (261) in which the screw head (262) or bolt head (262) is positioned, and the recess (261) is separated from the first socket (21, 50).

14. The aforementioned power plugs (43, 150, 280, 300) The first connector sleeve (151) and, It comprises 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 spaced apart by a sleeve distance (221). The first sleeve central axis (153) and the second sleeve central axis (154) define the 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 aforementioned power plugs (43, 150, 280, 300) are An end face (170) provided with a first connector pin insertion opening (174) and a second connector pin insertion opening (175), The end face (170) is further comprising a circumferential connector wall (180) extending from the periphery of the end face (170), The aforementioned peripheral connector wall (180) is The first peripheral connector wall portion (181) and The second peripheral connector wall portion (182, 282, 302) and A third circumferential connector wall portion (183) is curved, intersects with the first connector plane (201), and interconnects the first circumferential connector wall portion (181) and the second circumferential connector wall portions (182, 282, 302), It comprises a curved fourth circumferential connector wall (184) that intersects the first connector plane (201) and interconnects the first circumferential connector wall (181) and the second circumferential connector wall (182, 282, 302), The first and second circumferential connector wall portions (181, 182) are arranged on both sides of the first connector plane (201), and the third and fourth circumferential connector wall portions (183, 184) are arranged on both sides of the second connector plane (202), and The second circumferential connector wall portion (182, 282, 302) includes connector notch portions (185, 283, 303) that form connector notches (161, 281, 301), and, The aforementioned end face (170) is A first end face portion (171) extending laterally with respect to the first and second connector planes (201, 202), comprising the first connector pin insertion opening (174), A second end face portion (172) extending laterally with respect to the first and second connector planes (201, 202), the second end face portion (172) comprising the second connector pin insertion opening (175), The 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 into the third connector plane (203), and The kit according to claim 1, wherein the third circumferential connector wall portion (183) has a radius of curvature (205).

15. The kit according to claim 14, wherein the ratio of the radius of curvature (205) to the sleeve distance (221) is at most 0.

35.

16. The kit according to claim 14, wherein the third circumferential connector wall portion (183) comprises a first arc about a first central axis (153) extending over a first angle (229) of at least 170°, and the fourth circumferential connector wall portion (184) comprises a second arc about a second central axis (154) extending over a second angle (229) of at least 170°.

17. The kit according to claim 14, wherein the end face (170) comprises a groove (173) disposed between the first end face portion (171) and the second end face portion (172).

18. The kit according to claim 17, wherein the groove (173) extends continuously between the first circumferential connector wall portion (181) and the second circumferential connector wall portions (182, 282, 302).

19. The kit according to claim 14, wherein a first plastic component (164) having the circumferential connector wall (180) and the end face (170) is formed from a first plastic material, and the power plug (43, 150, 280, 300) further comprises a second plastic component (165) connected to the end of the first plastic component (164) opposite to the end face (170), the second plastic component (165) 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.

20. The kit according to claim 19, wherein the second plastic material forms a bending protection portion.

21. The kit according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the first connector sleeve (151) is a first slotted sleeve that operates to snap onto the second connector pin (52) of the male connector, and / or the second connector sleeve (152) is a second slotted sleeve that operates to snap onto the first connector pin (51) of the male connector.

22. Kit (10), A first personal care device (11, 12) comprises a first housing (20, 30) having a first socket (21, 50), wherein the first personal care device is one of an electric toothbrush, shaver, charger, cleaning station, or epilator, and the first socket (21, 50) has a first socket shape. A second personal care device (11, 12) comprises a second housing (20, 30) having a second socket (21, 50), wherein the second socket (21, 50) has a second socket shape. The second housing (20, 30) is provided to be more watertight than the first housing (20, 30), The first power supply unit (40, 190) comprises a first power housing which is the first housing (20, 30) 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 unit (40, 190) comprises 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 to be more watertight than the first power housing. The kit (10) is provided such that the first plug shape fits into the first socket but not into the second socket, and the second plug shape fits into both the first and second sockets.

23. The first plug-shaped first connection surface provided for connection to the first socket It is larger than the second connection surface of the second plug shape provided for connection to the second socket, The kit (10) according to claim 22, wherein the first connection surface and the second connection surface are end faces on the front surfaces of the first power plug and the second power plug.

24. The kit (10) according to claim 22, wherein the first plug shape comprises a first lateral notch (161), and the second plug shape comprises a second lateral notch (281), and the second lateral notch (281) is deeper than the first lateral notch (161).

25. The kit (10) according to claim 22, A third personal care device (11, 12) comprises a third housing (20, 30) having 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 to be more watertight than the third housing (20, 30). The third power supply unit (40, 190) comprises a third power housing which is the third housing (20, 30) 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 in a more watertight manner than the third power housing. The kit (10) is provided such that the first plug shape and the second plug shape are fitted into the third socket, and the third plug shape is provided such that it is not fitted into either the first or second socket.

26. The kit (10) according to claim 22, 23, 24, or 25, wherein the first power supply and the second power supply are switch-mode power supply types that convert the main voltage to a lower equipment voltage.

27. ​​The kit according to claim 6, wherein the width (124) and height (126) of the protrusion depend on the IP class of the first personal care device.

28. The kit according to claim 21, wherein the width (224) and height (226) of the notch depend on the IP class of the power supply and / or the first personal care device on which the male connector is designed.

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