Universal battery charger and/or power adaptor

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to mains operated battery chargers and/or power adapter for portable electronic equipment. More particularly, although not exclusively, the invention relates to a universal battery charger and/or power adapter having a choice of configurations for use in different countries and with different equipment.

[0002] The pin configuration of mains power wall sockets and electrical plugs vary from country to country. When travelling with portable electronic equipment one often has to carry traveller adapters for the battery charger and/or power adapter to operate the equipment. These can be bulky, cumbersome items. Many people now possess more than one portable electronic device that they regularly carry with them. For example a person might possess a mobile phone, a personal media player (e.g. MP3 music player) and a laptop computer. When travelling such persons must also carry multiple charges and power adaptors, which are even more bulky and cumbersome than traveller adapters.

[0003] A person may also have problems at home with limited power outlets for connecting multiple charges and/or power adaptors for all of their portable electronic equipment.

[0004] EP 0 505 256 describes an "adapter" that connects a piece of electrical equipment with a mains socket. That "adapter" adapts or changes the physical configuration of a connection from one physical configuration to another.

[0005] US 6,528,970 describes a multifunctional charger that is portable and can use different kinds of power sources for charging portable devices.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to overcome or substantially ameliorate at least one of the above disadvantages and/or more generally to provide an improved universal charger and/or power adapter having a choice of configurations for use in different countries and with different items of electronic equipment.

[0007] There is disclosed herein a universal power adapter, for use in countries having main power outlet pin/socket patterns that allow no alternative plug-insertion orientations, comprising:

a base having conducting pins for connection with an electrical power socket, electrical terminals which correspond to each of the conducting pins and are connected electrically thereto, a rotational safety cover located to shield the electrical terminals and having openings for permitting access to the terminals when the cover is rotated, and engagable pivot connection features, and

a body having engager pivot connecting features for co-operating with the engagable pivot connection features of the base to secure the body rotatably to the base, the body having rotator features for rotating the safety cover and electrical contacts configured to engage with the terminals of the base when the body and base are so secured,

characterised in that the body includes a power converter module for converting an AC mains electricity input into a DC output voltage.

[0008] Preferably, the conducting pins extend from one side of the base for insertion into apertures of an electrical power socket and the electrical terminals are located on the other side of the base.

[0009] Preferably, the base has extending therefrom a power cord at a remote end of which is located a plug having the conducting pins for connection with an electrical power socket and wherein the electrical terminals are connected electrically to each of the conducting pins via individual conductors in the power card.

[0010] Preferably, the base further includes an inverter for transforming a direct current power supply to the conducting pins into an alternating current supply at the electrical terminals.

[0011] Preferably, the plug is of a type for use with an aircraft or automotive power supply.

[0012] Preferably, the rotator features comprise a lug for engaging the safety cover to cause it to rotate when the body is secured rotatably to the base.

[0013] Preferably, the safety cover includes a lock to prevent inadvertent rotating of the safety cover when the body is not being secured rotatably to the base.

[0014] Preferably, the lock comprises an aperture in the cover and a resiliently deformable tab on the base that locates within the aperture to prevent rotational movement of the cover.

[0015] Preferably, the rotator features comprise a lug for insertion into the safety cover aperture when the base and body are mated for securing the body to the base such that the lug displaces the tab and engages the safety cover to cause it to rotate when the body is secured rotatably to the base.

[0016] Preferably, universal power adapter further includes a removable cover for concealing the electrical contacts of the body, the removably cover including engagable pivot connection features for rotatably connecting with the body and a battery-operated portable electric light.

[0017] There is also disclosed herein a base for a universal power adaptor having a body having electrical contacts and engager pivot connecting features for securing the body rotatably to the base, the base comprising,
conducting pins extending from one side of the base for insertion into apertures of an electrical power socket,
electrical terminals located on an opposite other side of the base and which correspond to each of the conducting pins and are connected electrically thereto,
a rotational safety cover located to shield the electrical terminals and having openings for permitting access to the terminals when the cover is rotated, and
engagable pivot connection features for co-operating with the engager pivot connecting features of the body to secure the body rotatably to the base such that the electrical contacts of the base engage with the electrical terminals of the base when the body and base are so secured,
characterised in that the base includes a power inverter module for converting a DC input into an AC output voltage.

[0018] Preferably, the safety cover includes a lock to prevent inadvertent rotating of the safety cover when the body is not being secured rotatably to the base.

[0019] Preferably, the lock comprises an aperture in the cover and a resiliently deformable tab on the base that locates within the aperture to prevent rotational movement of the cover.

[0020] Preferably the universal power adapter as defined herein for use with different electrical appliances, comprises an adaptor body connectable with an electrical power system and a power cord extending from the body to a mating socket and a detachable adaptor tip at a remote end of the cord:

the mating socket comprising:

a connector body attached to the remote end of the power cord and having pin sockets in an end opposite the power cord,

electrical terminals located in the pin sockets that are connected electrically to the power adaptor via conductors in the power cord,

a locking collar rotateably located on the connector body and having a bayonet catch member on an internal wall,

the detachable adaptor tip comprising:

an adaptor body having an electrical appliances connector at a first end and pin terminals at an opposite end for insertion into the pin sockets, wherein the electrical appliances connector is connected electrically to the pin terminals, and

a locking lug on the adaptor body that is engageable with the baronet catch member upon rotation of the locking collar to detachably secure the adaptor tip to the mating socket.

[0021] Preferably, the bayonet catch comprises a circumferentially extending tab and an axial lip at an end of the tab, the locking lug engaging the axial lip upon a full rotation of the locking collar to secure the adaptor tip to the mating socket.

[0022] Preferably, the connector body includes a mating collar for mating with the adaptor body upon insertion of the pin terminals into the pin sockets.

[0023] Preferably, the mating collar surrounds the pin sockets on the end opposite the power cord.

[0024] Preferably, the universal power adapter further includes semi-circumferential band with disjoined ends about the connector body and a projection on the locking collar that is in situ located between the disjoined ends of the band to restrain rotational motion of the locking collar on the connector body.

[0025] Preferably, the universal power adapter further includes a retaining ring on the connector body and a corresponding retaining tab on the locking collar cooperating with the retaining ring for securing the locking collar to the connector body.

[0026] Preferably, the universal power adapter further includes an aperture in the adaptor body and a corresponding pin on the connector body for insertion into the aperture when the pin terminals and pin sockets cooperate in a correct orientation.

[0027] Preferably, the universal power adapter further includes at least one further power cord connected with the body and at least one further mating socket and detachable adaptor tips located at a remote end of the further power cord.

[0028] Preferably, the mating socket has a selectable output voltage and the further mating socket has a fixed output voltage.

[0029] Preferably the universal power adapter as defined herein further comprises
power converter electronics located in the base and connected to a voltage selector switch having an externally viewable portion for viewing a selected voltage, the viewable portion comprising a semi light transmissive indicator disk having voltage markings thereon and an illumination source located beneath the disk to illuminate it from behind.

[0030] Preferably, the illumination source is connected to the converter electronics and is controlled in illumination states indicating operational states of the converter electronics.

[0031] Further disclosure of the invention is set forth in the following description.

[0032] A preferred form of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a universal power adaptor according to the invention,

Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a body of the power adaptor,

Figures 3 and 4 are schematic illustrations of various bases of the power adaptor,

Figures 5 and 6 are top and bottom illustrations respectively of a safety cover for a base,

Figure 7 is a schematic illustration of a base with the safety cover fitted,

Figure 8 is a schematic illustration of a cover for concealing the connector portion of the body,

Figures 9, 10 and 11 are schematic illustrations of a mating socket and interchangeable adaptor tip of the power adaptor,

Figures 12 and 13 are schematic section elevation illustrations through the mating socket and adaptor tip,

Figure 14 is a schematic section plan illustration through the mating socket,

Figure 15 is a schematic illustration of a top of the mating socket,

Figure 16 is a schematic illustration of a bottom of the adaptor tip,

Figure 17 is a schematic illustration of the mating socket, adaptor tip with an orientation adaptor,

Figure 18 is a schematic illustration of the back of the body showing a voltage selector and key,

Figure 19 is a schematic exploded illustration of the body,

Figure 20 is a view of the voltage selector, and

Figure 21 illustrates an alternative base having an extension cord extending therefrom with in-flight and/or auto plugs at its remote end.

[0033] The applicant has already proposed an electrical adapter for use in countries having main electrical pin/socket patterns that allow no alternative plug-insertion orientations. This adaptor is described in the following published documents:

• United States Patent 6,942,508 dated 13 September 2005,
• European publication EP1437804A2 dated 14 July 2004,
• Japanese publication JP2004214206A2 dated 29 July 2004, and
• Chinese publication CN1518169A dated August 2004.

[0034] In the accompanying drawings there is schematically depicted a universal charger and power adaptor for use in different countries and with various type of portable electronic equipment. The power adaptor has interchangeable plug bases 10 for use in power outlets of different countries. The power adapted has three outputs 28, 30 at the remote end of an output cord 21, 61, 62 for connection of interchangeable adaptor tips that fit different types of electronic equipment. Two outputs 28 have a 5.5V output for charging or powering equipment that can normally be charged/powered from a computer USB port, such as mobile phones, PDA's, handheld computers and audio (MP3) players. Interchangeable adaptor tips for such equipment push fit with outputs 28. The third outlet, mating socket 30, has a variable voltage output for powering/charging laptop computers and the like. The adaptor has a selectable voltage setting for choosing the voltage output of mating socket 30. Other interchangeable adaptor tips 31 connect with mating socket 30 for use with laptop computers and the like.

[0035] Figures 3 and 4 depict the interchangeable adapter base 10. The adapter base 10 is fabricated typically as a molding of plastics material and includes a plate 13 having two or three projecting metallic electrically conductive pins projecting from one side. There are active and neutral pins 11 and an earth pin 12. The adapter base 10 of Figure 4 has its pins configured in the Australasian layout, while other bases 10 depicted in Figure 3 show British, USA and European layouts. It should be appreciated that the pin configuration could equally be that of any country.

[0036] At the other side of the plate 13 there is provided a flat bearing surface 14 formed as an integral molding therewith. Located internally and concentrically with the bearing surface 14 is an inner circular aperture 7 and an outer circular rail 15. Between the aperture and rail there is defined an annular channel 9 having a pair of diametrically opposed terminals 17. One of the terminals is connected electrically with either the active or neutral pin 11 and the other terminal is connected to the other pin 11. There might also be a further terminal connected with the earth pin 12.
The outer rail 15 has extending therefrom four bayonet lugs 16. Each bayonet lug 16 is spaced from the bearing surface 14 and includes a circumferentially extending ramped upper surface. Diametrically opposed pairs of the bayonet lugs 16 are of the same size, yet adjacent pairs of the bayonet lugs are of differing size.

[0037] Figure 2 depicts the adapter body 20 for bayonet-inter-connection with the base 10. The body 20 is typically fabricated from several plastics molded parts that are screwed, snapped or welded together ultrasonically. The body encloses a power converter module for converting a mains electricity input in to a 5.5V regulated DC output for outlets 28 and a variable output for mating socket 30. The body has extending from it via a rubber grommet 22 an output power cord 21 connected to the output of the converter module. The output cord separates at a splitter 54 into separate cords 61, 62 to the outlets 28 and mating socket 30.

[0038] The plug body 20 includes a flat circular bearing ring 27 for engagement with the bearing ring 14 of the adapter base 10. There is a central recess 25 in which there is located a pair of diametrically opposed electrical spring contacts 26. These spring contacts are connected electrically with an input of the power converter module. Located around the central recess 25 there are four openings 19. Diametrically opposed pairs of the openings 19 are of the same size, whereas adjacent pairs are of different size. By this arrangement, bayonet lugs 16 of the adapter base 10 can be lowered into the openings 19 of the plug body 20 in only two possible orientations 180 degrees apart. Alongside each opening 19 and situated beneath the bearing ring 27 are lug-receiving slots 29. Bayonet lugs 16 of the adapter base 10 can be lowered into the openings 19 of the plug body 20 and the base 10 and body 20 turned relative each other to engage the base lugs 16 in the receiving slots 29 to secure the base 10 to the body 20.

[0039] Situated alongside and projecting within one of the openings 19 is a locking device comprising an interlock tongue 24 and an activator 23 formed integrally therewith. With reference again to Figure 4, the outer rail 15 includes a pair of diametrically opposed interlock recesses 18 into one of which the tongue 24 snap-engages upon bayonet-fitting of the base 10 and body 20. The activator 23 is an integral part of the body 20 and has a pair of cut-outs at either side enabling downward movement of the interlocked tongue 24 upon application of finger-pressure to the activator 23. It is only upon this application of finger pressure that the interlocked base 10 and body 20 can be detached.

[0040] In use, when parts 10 and 20 are snap-engaged upon bayonet-fitting the terminals 17 of the base 10 engage the electrical spring contacts 26 of the body 20 creating electrical contact between the pins 11, 12 and power converter module. By this arrangement the pin layout of the universal battery charger/power adapter can be changed for use in any country by interchanging the base 10.

[0041] To avoid exposed live contacts of the mating plug base 10 if it is inserted into a wall socket without connection to the adaptor body 20 the mating plug 10 is provided with a safety cover arrangement 1.

[0042] Figures 5 to 7 depict the safety cover 1. The safety cover 1 is a molded annular shaped body that locates within annular channel 9 of the base 10. Connector catches 2 engage within aperture 7 of the base 10 to rotateably secure the cover 1 within the annular channel 9. The safety cover 1 has two diametrically opposed apertures 3 which when the cover 1 is in a certain rotational alignment expose the terminals 17 of the base 10. Upon rotational movement of the cover 1 the cover shields the electrical terminals 17. In its safe position to shield the terminals 17 the safety cover 1 prevents contact with terminals 17 if the base 10 is inserted into a wall socket without connection to a body 20. A resilient catch 4 within channel 9 of the base 10 engages with one of two diametrically opposed locking apertures 5 in the cover 1 to prevent any unintentional rotation of the cover 1 to expose the terminals 17.

[0043] Located in the recess 25 of base 20 are two safety release lugs 6. In use, when the base 10 is aligned with corresponding connector parts on the body 20 one of the safety release lugs 6 extends through one of the apertures 5 of the safety cover 1 depressing catch 4. Upon rotation of the base 10 or body 20 relative the other for bayonet fitting of the two components the lug 6 causes the cover 1 to rotate to permit access through apertures 3 of electrical terminals 17 by electrical spring contacts 26. Upon removal of the base 10 from body 20 by turning in the opposite direction to release the bayonet fitting of the components, the lugs 6 rotate the cover 1 back to the shielded position covering terminals 17. As base 10 is drawn away from body 20 locking catch 4 again engages one of secondary apertures 5 locking the safety cover 1 in place.

[0044] It is envisaged that the base of the electrical adapter need not the configured with pins to be received directly by apertures of a mating socket. For example, and as shown in Figure 21, the base might comprises a 12/15V DC to 110V AC power inverter module 90 have an extension cord 91 extending therefrom and at the remote end of which there is a standard in-flight plug 92 for connection to a 15V seat outlet available in commercial aircraft. An auto adapter 93 is also provided for receiving the in-flight plug to allow connection to a standard 12V DC automotive "cigarette lighter" outlet. The inverter module 90 has pivot connecting features 94 substantially identical to those of the base 10 depicted in Figure 4 for connection with adaptor body 20. The pivot connecting features 94 include the safety cover 1 to avoid exposed live contacts of the inverter module 90 if plugs 92, 93 are inserted into sockets without connection to the adaptor body 20.

[0045] Figures 9 to 16 depict the mating socket 30 and interchangeable adaptor tip 31 located at the remote end of output cord 21, 61. The mating socket 30 comprises a cylindrical connector body 32 molded to the cord end. The distal end of the mating body 32 has pin sockets 33 for receiving electrical pins 34 of the adaptor tip 31. Within the pin sockets 33 there are electrical terminals 35, 36 connected to the variable voltage output of the adaptor module via conductors in the cord 22, 61. The electrical terminals are resiliently deformable metal contacts for engaging the pins 34 in known manner. Extending from the distal end of the connector body 32 adjacent the pin sockets 33 is an orientation pin 52, which makes no electrical contact within the adaptor module. At the top of body 32 surrounding the pin sockets 33 there is a mating collar 37 that mates with the underside 38 of the adaptor tip 31 when its pins 34 are inserted within the pin sockets 33.

[0046] A locking collar 41 is rotateably located about the connector body 32 and has on its internal wall 42 an L-shaped bayonet catch 40. The locking collar 41 has a circumferential retaining tab 50 which can pass over and lock beneath a retaining ring 51 on the connector body 32 for locating and retaining the locking collar 41 in place. A top ring of the locking collar 41 has indication insignia 43, 44 and an arrow 45 indicating the direction of locking the collar.

[0047] The adaptor tip 31 is fabricated typically of a molding of plastics material having a connector stem 55 and an angle adaptor head 56 with plug top 57 for connection with the power inlet of an electronic device. Different ones of the interchangeable adaptor tips 31 will have different plug tops 57. A user may have available a variety of adaptor tips 31 with various plug top 57 configurations for connecting to different types of portable electronic device. The user may choose an adaptor tip suitable to his particular device and connect the adaptor tip to the mating socket 30. The importance of the adaptor tip 31 construction is the arrangement of the connector stem 55 for mating with the mating socket 30. The connector stem 55 has a pair of diametrically opposed locking lugs 39 extending radially from its wall adjacent end 38 which has extending therefrom the electrical pins 34. The under side 38 of the adaptor tip 31 also has an orientation socket 53 into which the orientation pin 52 of the mating socket 30 locates to ensure a correct orientation insertion of the terminal pins 34 within the pin sockets 33.

[0048] When the adaptor tip 31 is engaged with the mating socket 30 the locking collar 41 can be rotated to engage the bayonet catch 40 with the locking lug 39 of the adaptor tip. An indication 46 on the side wall of connector body 32 aligns with one of the indicators 34 when the locking collar 41 is rotated to the locking position, which is also signaled when a lip of the L-shaped bayonet tab 40 engages with the edge of locking lug 39 preventing further rotation of the collar 41.

[0049] With no adaptor tip 31 engaged with the mating socket 30 the locking collar 41 would be rotateable continuously in any direction. This may make it cumbersome to insert an adaptor tip 31 to the mating socket 30 if the locking collar 41 is misaligned. To overcome this, a semi-circumferential band 47 with disjoined ends is located about a recess portion of connector body 32. The internal wall 42 of the locking collar 41 has a longitudinal projection 48 which locates in the space 49 between the disjoined ends of the band 47. The projection 48 engages in either direction with the ends of the band 47 to limit rotational movement of the locking ring 41 to 90 degrees so that a user can readily turn the locking collar 41 to the locked or unlocked positions regardless of engagement of an adaptor tip 31.

[0050] Figure 17 depicts an orientation adaptor 58. If the need arises to alter the orientation of the adaptor tip the orientation adaptor 58 is used between the mating socket 30 and adapter tip 31. The orientation adaptor 58 has a body with male and female ends. The male end 59 has a pin arrangement and orientation socket corresponding to a first orientation alignment for engagement with the connector body 32. The female end 60 has pin sockets for receiving the adaptor tip pins 34 and an orientation pin arranged in the alternate orientation configuration to allow connection of the adaptor tip 31 in a 180 degree orientation thus reversing the adaptor tip orientation.

[0051] Figures 18 to 20 depict a voltage selector 70. On a reverse side of adaptor body 20 is an externally exposed voltage selector mechanism 80 that is operated by a voltage selector key 70. The key has a handle 71 and a rectangular shaft 72 that fits within a barrel slot of the selector 80. Referring again to Figure 2, when it is not in use the key 70 is stored in a key block 73 on the front of the body 20. The key block 73 is integrally molded with the body casing and includes a bore 74 into which the key shaft 72 frictionally engages.

[0052] The voltage selector mechanism for the mating socket 30 output is located within the adaptor body is depicted in Figure 20. It comprises an adjustable selector switch 81 of known type that is connected to the converter module for selecting the adaptor output voltage in known manner. The selector switch 81 has a rotary selector shaft 82 extending therefrom to which the selector switch assembly 83 is connected. The externally exposed portion of the selector switch assembly 83 includes a finishing bush 84 for locating the rotary selector switch within an aperture 90 of the external housing and a centrally located selector switch slot 85 into which the key shaft 72 is inserted for rotating the voltage selector 80. A disk shaped semi-transparent voltage indicator dial 86 is located about the switch assembly 83 and is visible to a user through a semi-circular shape transparent window glass 87 located in a semi-circular shape opening 91 of the external housing.

[0053] A tab 88 projects from the rotary switch 83 and is engagable upon a stop 89 in the housing to prevent continuous 360° rotation of the selector switch which would cause instantaneous voltage jump from the minimum selectable output voltage to the maximum selectable output voltage or visa versa. The tab 88 and stop 89 require the user to turn the selector switch through the intermediary voltages when transiting from the minimum to maximum voltage settings or vice versa.

[0054] An operational indicator LED 92 is positioned in line with window glass 87 and beneath the semi-transparent indicator dial 86. The operation LED 92 provides operational indication to a user of the device in the following way. When the adaptor plug is connected to an electrical supply the LED 92 illuminates continually to indicate normal operation of the device. If the power adapter is operating normally the LED is lite continuously. If the output of the power adapter is overloaded then the indicator LED blinks steadily and if the output is under a short circuit the indicator LED is off. An advantage of the LED indicator 92 being located beneath the voltage indicator dial 86 is that it illuminates the dial for easy output voltage setting reference by the user without the need for an extra illumination LED. This improves efficiency and reduces component count of the device.

[0055] It should be appreciated that modifications and alterations obvious to those skilled in the art are not to be considered as beyond the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A universal power adapter, for use in countries having main power outlet pin/socket patterns that allow no alternative plug-insertion orientations, comprising:

a base (10) having conducting pins (11,12) for connection with an electrical power socket, electrical terminals (17) which correspond to each of the conducting pins and are connected electrically thereto, a rotational safety cover (1) located to shield the electrical terminals and having openings (3) for permitting access to the terminals when the cover is rotated, and engagable pivot connection features (16), and

a body (20) having engager pivot connecting features (29) for co-operating with the engagable pivot connection features of the base to secure the body rotatably to the base, the body having rotator features (6) for rotating the safety cover and electrical contacts (26) configured to engage with the terminals of the base when the body and base are so secured,

characterised in that the body includes a power converter module for converting an AC mains electricity input into a DC output voltage.

2. The universal power adapter of claim 1 wherein the conducting pins (11,12) extend from one side of the base (10) for insertion into apertures of an electrical power socket and the electrical terminals (17) are located on the other side of the base.

3. The universal power adapter of claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the base has extending therefrom a power cord (91) at a remote end of which is located a plug (92) having the conducting pins for connection with an electrical power socket and wherein the electrical terminals are connected electrically to each of the conducting pins via individual conductors in the power cord.

4. The universal power adapter of any preceding claim wherein the base further includes an inverter (90) for transforming a direct current power supply to the conducting pins into an alternating current supply at the electrical terminals.

5. The universal power adapter of any preceding claim wherein the plug is of a type for use with an aircraft or automotive power supply.

6. The universal power adapter of any preceding claim wherein the rotator features (6) comprise a lug for engaging the safety cover to cause it to rotate when the body is secured rotatably to the base.

7. The universal power adapter of any preceding claim wherein the safety cover includes a lock (4) to prevent inadvertent rotating of the safety cover when the body is not being secured rotatably to the base.

8. The universal power adapter of claim 7 wherein the lock comprises an aperture (5) in the cover and a resiliently deformable tab (4) on the base that locates within the aperture to prevent rotational movement of the cover.

9. The universal power adapter of claim 8 wherein the rotator features comprise a lug for insertion into the safety cover aperture when the base and body are mated for securing the body to the base such that the lug displaces the tab and engages the safety cover to cause it to rotate when the body is secured rotatably to the base.

10. The universal power adapter of any preceding claim further including a removable cover for concealing the electrical contacts of the body, the removably cover including engagable pivot connection features for rotatably connecting with the body and a battery-operated portable electric light.

11. A base (10) for a universal power adaptor having a body (20) having electrical contacts (26) and engager pivot connecting features (29) for securing the body rotatably to the base, the base comprising,
conducting pins (11,12) extending from one side of the base for insertion into apertures of an electrical power socket,
electrical terminals (17) located on an opposite other side of the base and which correspond to each of the conducting pins and are connected electrically thereto,
a rotational safety cover (1) located to shield the electrical terminals and having openings (3) for permitting access to the terminals when the cover is rotated, and
engagable pivot connection features (16) for co-operating with the engager pivot connecting features of the body to secure the body rotatably to the base such that the electrical contacts of the body engage with the electrical terminals of the base when the body and base are so secured,
characterized in that the base includes a power inverter module for converting a DC input into an AC output voltage.

12. The base of claim 11 wherein the safety cover includes a lock (4) to prevent inadvertent rotating of the safety cover when the body is not being secured rotatably to the base.

13. The base of claim 12 wherein the lock comprises an aperture (5) in the cover and a resiliently deformable tab (4) on the base that locates within the aperture to prevent rotational movement of the cover.

14. The universal power adapter of any one of Claims 1 to 10 for use with different electrical appliances, the body (20) connectable with an electrical power system and a power cord (21,61) extending from the body to a mating socket (30) and a detachable adaptor tip (31) at a remote cnd of the cord:

the mating socket comprising:

a connector body (32) attached to the remote end of the power cord and having pin sockets (33) in an end opposite the power cord,

electrical terminals located in the pin sockets (35,36) that are connected electrically to the power adaptor via conductors in the power cord,

a locking collar (41) rotateably located on the connector body and having a bayonet catch member (40) on an internal wall (42),

the detachable adaptor tip comprising:

an adaptor body (55) having an electrical appliances connector (57) at a first end and pin terminals (34) at an opposite end for insertion into the pin sockets, wherein the electrical appliances connector is connected electrically to the pin terminals, and

a locking lug (39)on the adaptor body that is engageable with the bayonet catch (40) member upon rotation of the locking collar to detachably secure the adaptor tip to the mating socket.

15. The universal power adapter of claim 14 wherein the bayonet catch (40) comprises a circumferentially extending tab and an axial lip at an end of the tab, the locking lug engaging the axial lip upon a full rotation of the locking collar to secure the adaptor tip to the mating socket.

16. The universal power adapter of any preceding claim wherein the connector body includes a mating collar (37) for mating with the adaptor body upon insertion of the pin terminals into the pin sockets.

17. The universal power adapter of any one of claims 14 to 16 wherein the mating collar surrounds the pin sockets on the end opposite the power cord.

18. The universal power adapter of any one of claims 14 to 17 further comprising semi-circumferential band (47) with disjoined ends about the connector body and a projection (48) on the locking collar that is in situ located between the disjoined ends of the band to restrain rotational motion of the locking collar on the connector body.

19. The universal power adapter of any one of claims 14 to 18 further comprising a retaining ring (51) on the connector body and a corresponding retaining tab (50) on the locking collar cooperating with the retaining ring for securing the locking collar to the connector body.

20. The universal power adapter of any one of claims 14 to 19 further comprising an aperture (53) in the adaptor body and a corresponding pin (52) on the connector body for insertion into the aperture when the pin terminals and pin sockets cooperate in a correct orientation.

21. The universal power adapter of any one of claims 14 to 20 further including at least one further power cord connected with the body and at least one further mating socket and detachable adaptor tips located at a remote end of the further power cord.

22. The universal power adapter of claim 21 wherein the mating socket has a selectable output voltage (70) and the further mating socket has a fixed output voltage.

23. The universal power adapter of any one of Claims 1 to 10 and 15 to 22 further including power converter electronics located in the body and connected to a voltage selector switch (81) having an externally viewable portion (83) for viewing a selected voltage, the viewable portion comprising a semi light transmissive indicator disk (86) having voltage markings thereon and an illumination source (92) located beneath the disk to illuminate it from behind.

24. The universal power adapter of claim 22 wherein the illumination source is connected to the converter electronics and is controlled in illumination states indicating operational states of the converter electronics.

Ansprüche

1. Universeller Netzadapter, zur Verwendung in Ländern, die Netzsteckdosen-Stift-/Buchsenmuster haben, die keine alternativen Stecker-Einsteckausrichtungen erlauben, wobei der Adapter Folgendes umfasst:

eine Basis (10), die leitende Stifte (11, 12) für eine Verbindung mit einer elektrischen Steckdose, elektrische Anschlüsse (17), die jedem der leitenden Stifte entsprechen und elektrisch mit denselben verbunden sind, eine sich drehende Sicherheitsabdeckung (1), die dafür angeordnet ist, die elektrischen Anschlüsse abzuschirmen, und Öffnungen (3) aufweist, um einen Zugang zu den Anschlüssen zu ermöglichen, wenn die Abdeckung gedreht wird, und einrastbare Schwenkverbindungsmerkmale (16) aufweist, und

ein Gehäuse (20), das Einraster-Schwenkverbindungsmerkmale (29) zum Zusammenwirken mit den einrastbaren Schwenkverbindungsmerkmalen der Basis aufweist, um das Gehäuse drehbar an der Basis zu befestigen, wobei das Gehäuse Rotatormerkmale (6) zum Drehen der Sicherheitsabdeckung und elektrische Kontakte (26), die dafür konfiguriert sind, mit den Anschlüssen der Basis ineinanderzugreifen, wenn das Gehäuse und die Basis so befestigt sind, aufweist,

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Gehäuse ein Stromrichtermodul zum Umwandeln einer WS-Netzelektrizität-Eingangs- in eine GS-Ausgangsspannung einschließt.

2. Universeller Netzadapter nach Anspruch 1, wobei sich die leitenden Stifte (11, 12) von der einen Seite der Basis (10) aus zum Einstecken in Öffnungen einer elektrischen Steckdose erstrecken und die elektrischen Anschlüsse (17) auf der anderen Seite der Basis angeordnet sind.

3. Universeller Netzadapter nach Anspruch 1 oder Anspruch 2, wobei die Basis ein sich von derselben aus erstreckendes Stromkabel (91) aufweist, an dessen entferntem Ende ein Stecker (92) angeordnet ist, der die leitenden Stifte für eine Verbindung mit einer elektrischen Steckdose aufweist, und wobei die elektrischen Anschlüsse über einzelne Leiter in dem Stromkabel mit jedem der leitenden Stifte verbunden sind.

4. Universeller Netzadapter nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Basis ferner einen Wechselrichter (90) zum Umformen einer Gleichstrom-Energieversorgung zu den leitenden Stiften in eine Wechselstromversorgung an den elektrischen Anschlüssen einschließt.

5. Universeller Netzadapter nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der Stecker von einer Art zur Verwendung mit einer Flugzeug- oder Automobil-Energieversorgung ist.

6. Universeller Netzadapter nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Rotatormerkmale (6) eine Nase zum In-EIngriff-Nehmen der Sicherheitsabdeckung umfassen, um zu bewirken, dass sie sich dreht, wenn das Gehäuse drehbar an der Basis befestigt wird.

7. Universeller Netzadapter nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Sicherheitsabdeckung eine Verriegelung (4) einschließt, um ein unbeabsichtigtes Drehen der Sicherheitsabdeckung zu verhindern, wenn das Gehäuse nicht drehbar an der Basis befestigt ist.

8. Universeller Netzadapter nach Anspruch 7, wobei die Verriegelung eine Öffnung (5) in der Abdeckung und eine elastisch verformbare Lasche (4) an der Basis, die innerhalb der Öffnung positioniert wird, um eine Drehbewegung der Abdeckung zu verhindern, umfasst.

9. Universeller Netzadapter nach Anspruch 8, wobei die Rotatormerkmale eine Nase zum Einstecken in die Sicherheitsabdeckungsöffnung umfassen, wenn die Basis und das Gehäuse zusammengepasst werden, um das Gehäuse an der Basis zu befestigen derart, dass die Nase die Lasche verschiebt und die Sicherheitsabdeckung in Eingriff nimmt, um zu bewirken, dass sie sich dreht, wenn das Gehäuse drehbar an der Basis befestigt wird.

10. Universeller Netzadapter nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, der ferner eine abnehmbare Abdeckung zum Verdecken der elektrischen Kontakte des Gehäuses einschließt, wobei die abnehmbare Abdeckung einrastbare Schwenkverbindungsmerkmale zum drehbaren Verbinden mit dem Gehäuse und ein batteriebetriebenes tragbares elektrisches Licht einschließt.

11. Basis (10) für einen universellen Netzadapter, der ein Gehäuse (20) aufweist, das elektrische Kontakte (26) und Einraster-Schwenkverbindungsmerkmale (29) zum drehbaren Befestigen des Gehäuses an der Basis aufweist, wobei die Basis Folgendes umfasst:

leitende Stifte (11, 12), die sich von einer Seite der Basis aus zum Einstecken in Öffnungen einer elektrischen Steckdose erstrecken,

elektrische Anschlüsse (17), die auf einer gegenüberliegenden anderen Seite der Basis angeordnet sind und die jedem der leitenden Stifte entsprechen und elektrisch mit denselben verbunden sind,

eine sich drehende Sicherheitsabdeckung (1), die dafür angeordnet ist, die elektrischen Anschlüsse abzuschirmen, und Öffnungen (3) aufweist, um einen Zugang zu den Anschlüssen zu ermöglichen, wenn die Abdeckung gedreht wird, und

einrastbare Schwenkverbindungsmerkmale (16) zum Zusammenwirken mit den Einraster-Schwenkverbindungsmerkmalen des Gehäuses, um das Gehäuse drehbar an der Basis zu befestigen derart, dass die elektrischen Kontakte des Gehäuses mit den elektrischen Anschlüssen der Basis ineinanderzugreifen, wenn das Gehäuse und die Basis so befestigt sind,

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Basis ein Stromwechselrichtermodul zum Umwandeln einer GS-Eingangs- in eine WS-Ausgangsspannung einschließt.

12. Basis nach Anspruch 11, wobei die Sicherheitsabdeckung eine Verriegelung (4) einschließt, um ein unbeabsichtigtes Drehen der Sicherheitsabdeckung zu verhindern, wenn das Gehäuse nicht drehbar an der Basis befestigt ist.

13. Basis nach Anspruch 12, wobei die Verriegelung eine Öffnung (5) in der Abdeckung und eine elastisch verformbare Lasche (4) an der Basis, die innerhalb der Öffnung positioniert wird, um eine Drehbewegung der Abdeckung zu verhindern, umfasst.

14. Universeller Netzadapter nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 10 zur Verwendung mit unterschiedlichen elektrischen Geräten, wobei das Gehäuse (20) mit einem elektrischen Netzsystem verbunden werden kann und sich ein Stromkabel (21, 61) von dem Gehäuse bis zu einer Einsteckbuchse (30) und einer lösbaren Adapterspitze (31) an einem entfernten Ende des Kabels erstreckt,
wobei die Einsteckbuchse Folgendes umfasst:

ein Steckverbindergehäuse (32), das an dem entfernten Ende des Stromkabels befestigt ist und Stiftbuchsen (33) in einem zu dem Stromkabel entgegengesetzten Ende aufweist,

in den Stiftbuchsen angeordnete elektrische Anschlüsse (35, 36), die über Leiter in dem Stromkabel elektrisch mit dem Netzadapter verbunden sind,

einen Verriegelungsbund (41), der drehbar an dem Steckverbindergehäuse angeordnet ist und ein Bajonettverschlusselement (40) an einer Innenwand (42) aufweist,

wobei die lösbare Adapterspitze Folgendes umfasst:

ein Adaptergehäuse (55), das einen Elektrogeräte-Steckverbinder (57) an einem ersten Ende und Stiftanschlüsse (34) an einem entgegengesetzten Ende zum Einstecken in die Stiftbuchsen aufweist, wobei der Elektrogeräte-Steckverbinder elektrisch mit den Stiftanschlüssen verbunden ist, und

eine Verriegelungsnase (39) an dem Adaptergehäuse, die auf eine Drehung des Verriegelungsbundes hin mit dem Bajonettverschlusselement (40) in Eingriff gebracht werden kann, um die Adapterspitze lösbar an der Einsteckbuchse zu befestigen.

15. Universeller Netzadapter nach Anspruch 14, wobei der Bajonettverschluss (40) eine sich umlaufend erstreckende Lasche und eine axiale Lippe an einem Ende der Lasche umfasst, wobei die Verriegelungsnase die axiale Lippe auf eine volle Umdrehung des Verriegelungsbundes hin in Eingriff nimmt, um die Adapterspitze an der Einsteckbuchse zu befestigen.

16. Universeller Netzadapter nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das Steckverbindergehäuse einen Passungsbund (37) zum Zusammenpassen mit dem Adaptergehäuse auf ein Einstecken der Stiftanschlüsse in die Stiftbuchsen hin einschließt.

17. Universeller Netzadapter nach einem der Ansprüche 14 bis 16, wobei der Passungsbund die Stiftbuchsen an dem zu dem Stromkabel entgegengesetzten Ende umschließt.

18. Universeller Netzadapter nach einem der Ansprüche 14 bis 17, der ferner ein halb umlaufendes Band (47) mit getrennten Enden um das Steckverbindergehäuse und einen Vorsprung (48) an dem Verriegelungsbund, der vor Ort zwischen den getrennten Enden des Bandes angeordnet ist, einschließt, um die Drehbewegung des Verriegelungsbundes an dem Steckverbindergehäuse einzuschränken.

19. Universeller Netzadapter nach einem der Ansprüche 14 bis 18, der ferner einen Rückhaltering (51) an dem Steckverbindergehäuse und eine entsprechende Rückhaltelasche (50) an dem Verriegelungsbund, die mit dem Rückhaltering zusammenwirkt, einschließt, um den Verriegelungsbund an dem Steckverbindergehäuse zu befestigen.

20. Universeller Netzadapter nach einem der Ansprüche 14 bis 19, der ferner eine Öffnung (53) in dem Adaptergehäuse und einen entsprechenden Stift (52) an dem Steckverbindergehäuse zum Einstecken in die Öffnung, wenn die Stiftanschlüsse und die Stiftbuchsen in einer richtigen Ausrichtung zusammen wirken, einschließt.

21. Universeller Netzadapter nach einem der Ansprüche 14 bis 20, der ferner wenigstens ein weiteres Stromkabel, das mit dem Gehäuse verbunden ist, und wenigstens eine weitere Einsteckbuchse und lösbare Adapterspitzen, die an einem entfernten Ende des weiteren Stromkabels angeordnet sind, einschließt.

22. Universeller Netzadapter nach Anspruch 21, wobei die Einsteckbuchse eine wählbare Ausgangsspannung (70) aufweist und die weitere Einsteckbuchse eine feste Ausgangsspannung aufweist.

23. Universeller Netzadapter nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 10 und 15 bis 22, der ferner Stromrichterelektronik einschließt, die in dem Gehäuse angeordnet und mit einem Spannungswählschalter (81) verbunden ist, der einen äußerlich sichtbaren Abschnitt (83) zum Sehen einer gewählten Spannung aufweist, wobei der sichtbare Abschnitt eine halblichtdurchlässige Anzeigescheibe (86), die auf derselben Spannungsmarkierungen aufweist, und eine Beleuchtungsquelle (92), die unterhalb der Scheibe angeordnet ist, um sie von hinten zu beleuchten, umfasst.

24. Universeller Netzadapter nach Anspruch 22, wobei die Beleuchtungsquelle mit der Stromrichterelektronik verbunden ist und in Beleuchtungszuständen geregelt wird, die Betriebszustände der Stromrichterelektronik anzeigen.

Revendications

1. Adaptateur de courant universel, destiné à être utilisé dans des pays ayant des configurations à broche/prise de l'alimentation secteur, ne permettant pas d'orientations alternatives d'insertion de la fiche, comprenant :

une base (10), comportant des broches conductrices (11, 12) destinées à être connectées à une prise de courant électrique, des bornes électriques (17), correspondant à chacune des broches conductrices et y étant connectées électriquement, un couvercle de sécurité rotatif (1) agencé de sorte à protéger les bornes électriques et comportant des ouvertures (3) pour permettre l'accès aux bornes lors de la rotation du couvercle, et des structures de connexion pivotantes à engagement (16) ; et

un corps (20), comportant des structures de connexion pivotantes à engagement (29), destinées à coopérer avec les structures de connexion pivotantes à engagement de la base, pour fixer le corps de manière rotative sur la base, le corps comportant des structures de rotation (6) pour faire tourner le couvercle de sécurité, et des contacts électriques (26), configurés de sorte à s'engager dans les bornes de la base lorsque le corps et la base sont fixés de cette manière ;

caractérisé en ce que le corps englobe un module convertisseur de puissance pour convertir une entrée de secteur à courant alternatif en une tension de sortie continue.

2. Adaptateur de courant universel selon la revendication 1, dans lequel les broches conductrices (11, 12) s'étendent à partir d'un côté de la base (10), en vue d'une insertion dans des ouvertures d'une prise de courant électrique, les bornes électriques (17) étant agencées sur l'autre côté de la base.

3. Adaptateur de courant universel selon les revendications 1 ou 2, dans lequel la base comporte un cordon d'alimentation (91) s'étendant à partir de celle-ci, une fiche (92) étant agencée au niveau d'une extrémité éloignée de celui-ci, comportant les broches conductrices destinées à être connectées à une prise de courant électrique, les bornes électriques étant connectées électriquement à chacune des broches conductrices par l'intermédiaire de conducteurs individuels dans le cordon d'alimentation.

4. Adaptateur de courant universel selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la base englobe en outre un inverseur (90), pour transformer une alimentation en courant continu destinée aux broches conductrices en une alimentation en courant alternatif au niveau des bornes électriques.

5. Adaptateur de courant universel selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la fiche est d'un type destiné à être utilisé avec une alimentation en courant électrique d'un avion ou d'une automobile.

6. Adaptateur de courant universel selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les structures de rotation (6) comprennent une languette destinée à s'engager dans le couvercle de protection pour entraîner sa rotation lorsque le corps est fixé de manière rotative sur la base.

7. Adaptateur de courant universel selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le couvercle de sécurité englobe un verrou (4) pour empêcher une rotation intempestive du couvercle de sécurité lorsque le corps n'est pas fixé de manière rotative sur la base.

8. Adaptateur de courant universel selon la revendication 7, dans lequel le verrou comprend une ouverture (5) dans le couvercle et une patte à déformation élastique (4) sur la base, agencée dans l'ouverture pour empêcher un déplacement rotatif du couvercle.

9. Adaptateur de courant universel selon la revendication 8, dans lequel les structures de rotation comprennent une languette destinée à être insérée dans l'ouverture du couvercle de sécurité lorsque la base et le corps sont accouplés pour fixer le corps sur la base, de sorte que la languette déplace la patte et s'engage dans le couvercle de sécurité pour entraîner sa rotation lorsque le corps est fixé de manière rotative sur la base.

10. Adaptateur de courant universel selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, englobant en outre un couvercle amovible pour cacher les contacts électriques du corps, le couvercle amovible englobant des structures de connexion pivotantes à engagement destinées à être connectées de manière rotative au corps et à une baladeuse électrique.

11. Base (10) pour un adaptateur de courant universel, comportant un corps (20) avec des contacts électriques (26) et des structures de connexion pivotantes à engagement (29) pour fixer le corps de manière rotative sur la base, la base comprenant :

des broches conductrices (11, 12), s'étendant à partir d'un côté de la base en vue d'une insertion dans des ouvertures d'un prise de courant électrique ;

des bornes électriques (17) agencées sur un autre côté opposé de la base, correspondant à chacune des broches conductrices et y étant connectées électriquement ;

un couvercle de sécurité rotatif (1), agencé de sorte à protéger les bornes électriques, et comportant des ouvertures (3) pour permettre l'accès aux bornes lors de la rotation du couvercle ; et

des structures de connexion pivotantes à engagement (16), destinées à coopérer avec les structures de connexion pivotantes à engagement du corps, pour fixer le corps de manière rotative sur la base, de sorte que les contacts électriques du corps s'engagent dans les bornes électriques de la base lorsque le corps et la base sont fixés de cette manière ;

caractérisé en ce que la base englobe un module convertisseur continu-alternatif pour convertir une entrée à courant continu en une tension de sortie alternative.

12. Base selon la revendication 11, dans laquelle le couvercle de sécurité englobe un verrou (4) pour empêcher une rotation intempestive du couvercle de sécurité lorsque le corps n'est pas fixé de manière rotative sur la base.

13. Base selon la revendication 12, dans laquelle le verrou comprend une ouverture (5) dans le couvercle, et une patte à déformation élastique (4) sur la base, agencée dans l'ouverture pour empêcher un déplacement rotatif du couvercle.

14. Adaptateur universel selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 10, destiné à être utilisé avec différents appareils électriques, le corps (20) pouvant être connecté à un système de courant électrique, et un cordon d'alimentation (21, 61), s'étendant du corps vers une prise d'accouplement (30), et une pointe d'adaptateur détachable (31) au niveau d'une extrémité éloignée du cordon ;
la prise d'accouplement comprenant :

un corps de connecteur (32) fixé sur l'extrémité éloignée du cordon d'alimentation et comportant des prises à broche (33) dans une extrémité opposée au cordon d'alimentation ;

des bornes électriques, agencées dans les prises à broche (35, 36), connectées électriquement à l'adaptateur de courant par l'intermédiaire de conducteurs dans le cordon d'alimentation ;

un collet de verrouillage (41), agencé de manière rotative sur le corps du connecteur et comportant un élément de cliquet à baïonnette (40) sur une paroi interne (42) ;

la pointe détachable de l'adaptateur comprenant :

un corps d'adaptateur (55) comportant un connecteur d'appareils électriques (57) au niveau d'une première extrémité, et des bornes à broche (34) au niveau d'une extrémité opposée, destinées à être insérées dans les prises à broche, le connecteur des appareils électriques étant connecté électriquement aux bornes à broche ; et

une languette de verrouillage (39) sur le corps de l'adaptateur, pouvant s'engager dans l'élément de cliquet à baïonnette (40) lors de la rotation du collet de verrouillage, pour fixer de manière détachable la pointe de l'adaptateur sur la prise d'accouplement.

15. Adaptateur universel selon la revendication 14, dans lequel le cliquet à baïonnette (40) comprend une patte à extension circonférentielle et un rebord axial au niveau d'une extrémité de la patte, la languette de verrouillage s'engageant dans le rebord axial lors d'une rotation complète du collet de verrouillage pour fixer la pointe de l'adaptateur sur la prise d'accouplement.

16. Adaptateur de courant universel selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le corps du connecteur englobe un collet d'accouplement (37) destiné à être accouplé au corps de l'adaptateur lors de l'insertion des bornes à broche dans les prises à broche.

17. Adaptateur de courant universel selon l'une quelconque des revendications 14 à 16, dans lequel le collet d'accouplement entoure les prises à broche sur l'extrémité opposée au cordon d'alimentation.

18. Adaptateur de courant universel selon l'une quelconque des revendications 14 à 17, comprenant en outre une bande semi-circonférentielle (47) avec des extrémités disjointes autour du corps du connecteur, et une saillie (48) sur le collet de verrouillage, formée sur place entre les extrémités disjointes de la bande pour empêcher un déplacement rotatif du collet de verrouillage sur le corps du connecteur.

19. Adaptateur de courant universel selon l'une quelconque des revendications 14 à 18, comprenant en outre une bague de retenue (51) sur le corps du connecteur, et une patte de retenue correspondante (50) sur le collet de verrouillage, coopérant avec la bague de retenue pour fixer le collet de verrouillage sur le corps du connecteur.

20. Adaptateur de courant universel selon l'une quelconque des revendications 14 à 19, comprenant en outre une ouverture (53) dans le corps de l'adaptateur, et une broche correspondante (52) sur le corps du connecteur, en vue d'une insertion dans l'ouverture lorsque les bornes à broche et les prises à broche coopèrent dans une orientation correcte.

21. Adaptateur de courant universel selon l'une quelconque des revendications 14 à 20, englobant en outre au moins un cordon d'alimentation additionnel connecté au corps, et au moins une prise d'accouplement additionnelle ainsi que des pointes d'adaptateur détachables agencées au niveau d'une extrémité éloignée du cordon d'alimentation additionnel.

22. Adaptateur de courant universel selon la revendication 21, dans lequel la prise d'accouplement a une tension de sortie pouvant être sélectionnée (70), la prise d'accouplement additionnelle ayant une tension de sortie fixe.

23. Adaptateur de courant universel selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 10 et 15 à 22, englobant en outre des moyens électroniques de conversion de puissance agencés dans le corps et connectés à un commutateur de sélection de la tension (81), comportant une partie visible de l'extérieur (83) pour voir une tension sélectionnée, la partie visible comprenant un disque indicateur d'une semi-transmission de lumière (86), comportant des repères de la tension qui y sont appliqués, et une source d'éclairage (92) agencée au-dessous du disque pour l'éclairer de l'arriére.

24. Adaptateur de courant universel selon la revendication 22, dans lequel la source d'éclairage est connectée aux moyens électroniques de conversion et est contrôlée dans des états d'éclairage indiquant les états opérationnels des moyens électroniques de conversion.

Drawing