WO2009061018A1

WO2009061018A1 - Multi adapter

Info

Publication number: WO2009061018A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/006242
Authority: WO
Inventors: Soon Hee Shin
Original assignee: Modnnet Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2007-11-08
Filing date: 2007-12-04
Publication date: 2009-05-14
Also published as: KR20090047634A; JP2009118724A

Abstract

A multi adapter that can be used for both electronic devices having different shapes of power input terminals and different working voltages and respectively using Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) power is provided. The multi adapter includes an AC input terminal configured to include a plug and a cable; an adapter body configured to include a circuit for performing AC/ AC and AC/DC conversion; an AC output terminal connected to the adapter body, configured to output AC power provided by the AC input terminal, and configured to have a connector having a shape suitable for connecting to a DC power socket of the power supply target; and an DC output terminal connected to the adapter body, configured to output DC power obtained through the conversion circuit of the adapter body, and configured to have a connector having a shape suitable for connecting to a DC power socket.

Description

Description MULTI ADAPTER

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates generally to an adapter for performing predetermined conversion on input power and then outputting power suitable for corresponding electronic devices, and, more particularly, to a multi adapter that can be used for both electronic devices having different shapes of power input terminals and different working voltages and respectively using Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) power. Background Art

[2] Generally, electronic devices widely used around us have different working voltages according to the type of device and the place of use, and different shapes of input units according to the product. Accordingly, in order to use an electronic device, power having a voltage appropriate for the use of the electronic device must be supplied to the electronic device via a connector having a shape suitable for that of the input unit. A device for performing such a function is a power transformer, which is commonly called an "adapter."

[3] Adapters are classified into AC/DC adapters for converting AC into DC and AC/AC adapters for converting DC into DC having a different voltage. Although an AC/DC adapter or an AC/ AC adapter performs predetermined conversion on input AC or DC power and provide AC or DC power suitable for the use of corresponding electronic devices, two separate AC power connection plugs or adapters suitable for the differing environments of use are required to connect a device requiring DC power to an AC power source and connect a device requiring AC power to an AC power source according to the time and place.

[4] For example, when a portable electronic product such as a notebook Personal

Computer (PC) is used, an AC/DC adapter is required, and an AC power connection plug is required for a computer main body typically requiring AC voltage. The AC/DC adapter for providing power suitable for corresponding electronic devices and the AC power connection plug must be provided for the respective uses. If the number of holes of an outlet is not sufficient in the case where a plurality of electronic products requiring different power is used, auxiliary means called a "multi outlet" must be also provided. Therefore, a problem occurs in that the inconvenience of use and financial burden attributable to the purchase of the separate adapters or the multi outlet are incurred. Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[5] Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a multi adapter that is capable of providing both DC and AC power suitable for electronic devices having different shapes of power input terminals and different working voltages and respectively requiring DC and AC power via a single adapter. Technical Solution

[6] In order to accomplish the above object, the present invention provides a multi adapter for performing predetermined conversion on input AC power and providing converted, output power to a power supply target, including an AC input terminal configured to include a plug and a cable through which AC is input; an adapter body configured to include a circuit for performing AC/ AC and AC/DC conversion on the power input through the AC input terminal; an AC output terminal connected to the adapter body, configured to output AC power provided by the AC input terminal, and configured to have a connector having a shape suitable for connecting to a DC power socket of the power supply target; and an DC output terminal connected to the adapter body, configured to output DC power obtained through the conversion circuit of the adapter body, and configured to have a connector having a shape suitable for connecting to the DC power socket of the power supply target.

[7] Here, the AC input terminal and the adapter body may be integrated into a single body by the cable of the AC input terminal. Alternatively, the AC input terminal and the adapter body may be detachably attached to each other using a connector provided at the output end of the cable of the AC input terminal and a socket configured to have a shape suitable for connecting the connector and disposed on one side of the adapter body.

[8] Furthermore, the AC output terminal may be configured to be integrated with one side of the outside wall of the adapter body. Alternatively, the AC output terminal may be spaced apart from the adapter body by a predetermined distance by a connecting cable in order to solve the problem of the limitation of installation space attributable to the size of the adapter body itself.

Advantageous Effects

[9] According to the present invention having the above-described construction, it is possible using a single adapter module to supply AC voltage to a principal device to be used and also to supply DC voltage suitable for an adjacent electronic device requiring DC voltage, so that the present invention can be used for both electronic devices having different shapes of power input terminals and different working voltages and respectively using AC and DC power, and so that it is possible to supply power to both of two types of electronic devices respectively requiring AC and DC power using a single adapter in some cases. Accordingly, the present invention is advantageous in that the inconvenience of use attributable to the separate use of adapters for providing power suitable for corresponding electronic devices and financial burden attributable to the purchase of separate adapters or a multi outlet can be obviated. Brief Description of Drawings

[10] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the construction of a multi adapter according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[11] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a multi adapter according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and

[12] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the construction of a multi adapter according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[13] <Description of reference numerals of principal elements in the accompanying drawings>

[14] 10... AC input terminal 20... adapter body

[15] 30...AC output terminal 40...DC output terminal

[16] 100... plug 100... cable

[17] 200...socket 120, 300, 400...connector

[18] 310... connecting cable 410... lead wire

Mode for the Invention

[19] Preferred embodiments of a multi adapter according to the present invention will be described in detail below based on the accompanying drawings.

[20] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the multi adapter according to the present invention has an advantage in that it has a plurality of different output terminals so that it can be used for electronic devices having different shapes of power input terminals and different working voltages and respectively using AC and DC power in the predetermined conversion of input power into the output of power suitable for the corresponding electronic devices, with the result that it can be applied to different electronic devices respectively using different working voltages. The construction of the present invention will be described in greater detail for respective embodiments.

[21] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the construction of a multi adapter according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[22] Referring to FIG. 1, the construction of the multi adapter according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. The multi adapter according to the present embodiment includes an AC input terminal 10 and an adapter body 20. The AC input terminal 10 includes a plug 100 connected to a typical outlet for providing rated capacity power, and configured to receive power, and a cable 110 configured to extend from the plug 100. The adapter body 20 includes a conversion circuit (not shown) for performing AC/ AC or AC/DC conversion on the power input through the AC input terminal 10 therein.

[23] The AC input terminal- side plug 100 may have any shape as long as a plug is of a shape suitable for connecting to a corresponding outlet of the plurality of outlets which have different supplied voltages or specifications for respective countries.

[24] Although not shown in the drawing, an AC/ AC and AC/DC conversion circuit having a well-known construction, which includes a rectification unit for rectifying power input through the AC input terminal 10 into AC power and DC power, a transformation unit for transforming the voltage of input power into a voltage suitable for an electronic device, and an ElectroMagnetic Interference (EMI) filter for removing noise for the voltage passed through the rectification unit, may be used as the conversion circuit.

[25] The AC and DC power output from the adapter body 20 after conversion or transformation is provided to the corresponding electronic device via an AC output terminal 30 and a DC output terminal 40 branched from the adapter body 20. The AC output terminal 30 outputs AC current which was transformed or from which noise was removed while passing through the conversion circuit, and provides the power to the corresponding electronic device. The DC output terminal 40 outputs DC power which was transformed and from which noise was removed while passing through the conversion circuit, and provides the power to the corresponding electronic device.

[26] The AC output terminal 30 includes a connector 300 having a shape suitable for connecting to an AC power socket, for example, a three-hole socket with three connection pins provided in a computer main body, which is a power supply target. The DC output terminal 40 includes a connector 400 having a shape suitable for connecting to a DC power socket, for example, a jack holder provided in the holder of a wireless phone, which is a power supply target.

[27] In the present embodiment, the AC output terminal 30 is integrated with the adapter body 20 and projects from the outside wall of one side of the adapter body 20 as shown in the drawing. The connector 300 of the DC output terminal 40 is disposed to be spaced apart from the adapter body 20 by a lead wire 410 extended from the adapter body, so that it is suitable for supplying power to a power supply target which is spaced apart from the adapter body 20 by a predetermined distance. In such a case as this, a method in which an elastic winding reel (not shown) for winding a lead wire is applied at about the center of the lead wire so that the length of the lead wire 410 can be adjusted through the manipulation of a user is an excellent method to use.

[28] According to the first embodiment of the present invention having the above- described construction, both AC voltage and DC voltage can be output using a single adapter module, so that it can be used for electronic devices having different shapes of power input terminals and different working voltages and respectively requiring AC and DC power. In some cases, power may be supplied to both of two types of electronic devices respectively requiring AC and DC power through a single adapter.

[29] As a result, unlike in the prior art, a plurality of adapters for supplying power suitable for corresponding electronic devices is not required, and the inconvenience attributable to the use of separate adapters and the financial burden attributable to the purchase of them can be avoided.

[30] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a multi adapter according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[31] As seen from this illustrated drawing, the multi adapter according to the second embodiment of the present invention is not different in construction from that of the above-described first embodiment except that an AC input terminal 10 and an adapter body 20 are detachably connected to each other. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, only principal constructions different from those of the first embodiment will be described, constructions identical to those of the above-described first embodiment will be assigned identical reference numerals and names, and redundant descriptions will be omitted here.

[32] Referring to FIG. 2, the multi adapter according to the present embodiment includes a connector 120 provided at the output terminal of the cable 110 of an AC input terminal 10 and a socket 200 configured to have a shape suitable for connecting to the connector 120 and formed on one side of the adapter body 20. Accordingly, conduction is enabled by connecting the connecter 120 to the socket 200 of the adapter body 20, and the AC input terminal 10 can be separated from the adapter body 20 during the carrying and storage of the device.

[33] The shapes of the connector 120 and the socket 200 are not limited to specific shapes so long as the shapes are structural shapes that allow the connector 120 and the socket 200 to be engaged in the form of a male and female connection and that enable the conduction of electricity to be achieved during the engagement. In the case where compatibility with the large-size electronic devices widely used around us is chiefly taken into consideration, it is preferable to apply a plug having a shape shown in the drawing and a socket having a shape suitable for the insertion of the plug.

[34] According to the above-described second embodiment of the present invention, AC voltage and DC voltage can be output using a single adapter module like in the above- described first embodiment. In addition to the advantage of the multi adapter being able to be used for both electronic devices having different shapes of input terminals and different working voltages and respectively using AC and DC power, the second embodiment offers more convenience of use than the first embodiment because the AC input terminal 10 and the adapter body 20 can be separated from each other unlike in the first embodiment, so that the separated AC input terminal 10 can be independently used when needed and the input terminal 10 and the adapter body 20 can be separated and then carried or stored in the case where the adapter is not being used.

[35] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the construction of a multi adapter according to a third embodiment of the present invention. The multi adapter according to the third embodiment of the present invention is different in construction from that of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1 because an AC output terminal 30 is spaced apart from an adapter body 20 by a predetermined distance by a connecting cable 310.

[36] In the case where the AC output terminal 30 is spaced apart from the adapter body 20 as in the present embodiment shown in FIG. 3, when the AC output terminal 30 is connected to a power supply target, it is possible to reduce the length of protrusion of the AC output terminal 30 protruding from the power supply target after the connection has been made in comparison with the above-described first embodiment in which the AC output terminal 30 is integrated with the adapter body 20. In the typical case where an electronic product is placed such that a socket for connecting with the AC output terminal 30 is disposed opposite a wall so as to provide an aesthetic appearance and ensure electrical safety, it is possible to reduce the distance of spacing between the wall and the electronic product, with the result that there is an advantage in that the present embodiment is favorable for the utilization of space.

[37] In the case of the present embodiment, although in the drawing only a structure in which the AC output terminal (30) and the adapter body (20) are separated from each other is illustrated in comparison with the above-described first embodiment, the structure in which the AC output terminal 30 and the adapter body 20 are separated from each other like in the present embodiment may be also applied to the above- described second embodiment, although not shown in the drawing. It should be considered that this construction falls within the scope of the present invention.

[38] The above-described embodiments are merely some embodiments that illustrate the practice of the present invention. The present invention is not limited to the above- described embodiments. As claimed in the following claims, the spirit of the present invention can extend to the range in which any one having the ordinary knowledge in the field to which the present invention pertains can make a variety of modifications and variations without departing from the gist of the present invention.

Claims

[1] A multi adapter for performing predetermined conversion on input Alternating

Current (AC) power and providing converted, output power to a power supply target, comprising: an AC input terminal (10) configured to include a plug (100) and a cable (110) through which AC is input; an adapter body (20) configured to include a circuit for performing AC/ AC or AC/DC conversion on the power input through the AC input terminal (10); an AC output terminal (30) connected to the adapter body (20), configured to output AC power provided by the AC input terminal (10), and configured to have a connector (300) having a shape suitable for connecting to a DC power socket of the power supply target; and an DC output terminal (30) connected to the adapter body (20), configured to output DC power obtained through the conversion circuit of the adapter body, and configured to have a connector (400) having a shape suitable for connecting to a DC power socket of the power supply target.

[2] The multi adapter as set forth in claim 1, wherein the AC input terminal (10) and the adapter body (20) are integrated into a single module by the cable (110) of the AC input terminal (10).

[3] The multi adapter as set forth in claim 1, wherein the AC input terminal (10) and the adapter body (20) are detachably attached to each other using a connector (120) provided at an output end of the cable (110) of the AC input terminal (10) and a socket (200) configured to have a shape suitable for connecting the connector (120) and disposed on one side of the adapter body (20).

[4] The multi adapter as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the AC output terminal (30) is configured to be integrated with and extend from one side of an outside wall of the adapter body (20).

[5] The multi adapter as set forth in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the AC output terminal (30) is spaced apart from the adapter body (20) by a predetermined distance by a connecting cable (310).