EP3195416B1

EP3195416B1 - Apparatus for selectively connecting to different sources of electric powers

Info

Publication number: EP3195416B1
Application number: EP14899680.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Guohong YIN
Original assignee: Techtronic Industries Co Ltd
Current assignee: Techtronic Industries Co Ltd
Priority date: 2014-08-15
Filing date: 2014-08-15
Publication date: 2020-11-18
Anticipated expiration: 2034-08-15
Also published as: WO2016023233A1; CN106575839B; EP3195416A1; CN106575839A; AU2014403726B2; EP3195416A4; AU2014403726A1

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to electric devices, and in particular electric devices capable of running on electric power received from different sources (e.g. batteries or AC electricity).

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Various portable electric devices have been developed for convenient working of users so that the user can carry the electric device to anywhere they wish to perform desired functions. Commonly seen portable electric devices include but not limited to power tools that outputs mechanical powers driven by electric motors in the power tools, audio / visual entertainment devices, illumination devices, air compressors, etc.
A common design often found in the portable electric devices are that they have capabilities of receiving different kinds of power inputs. For example, for the sake of mobility the electric device is usually equipped with a battery that is optionally detachable from the electric device for recharging on a standalone charger. Once the battery is fully recharged, it can be installed onto the electric device to supply electric power to the latter for operations. On the other hands, some electric devices, while they are designed to work with batteries, are also configured to have a direct electric connector for receiving AC power or AC-DC converted power from a fixed source. This is particularly preferable when the operation of the electric device is limited in a small area (e.g. household) where there is a stable power supply from mains electricity. For electric devices working on DC only, an AC-DC converter external or internal to the electric device can be configured to provide necessary DC power to operate the electric device. In case the electric device is capable of running on AC power directly, there is no need for any conversion means and the electric device may be directly connected by an AC plug to a wall socket.
However, existing electric devices are often vulnerable to damages / reduction to product's life due to user's misoperation. For example, in case an electric device is capable of receiving battery power or AC power, but the device is not allowed or at least not preferred to operate when both the battery and a AC power cord are plugged in, a user may still do so by connecting the device to an AC power cord while he may have overlooked at the fact that a battery is already installed in the electric device. In a similar way, the user may also unintentionally install a battery to an electric device although there is also an AC plug connected to the electric device.
US-A-5530334 describes an electrical appliance, with a housing structure comprised of a first housing portion and a second housing portion for accommodating at least one rechargeable storage cell and/or a storage cell charging circuitry, and with an appliance plug for transmitting a line voltage and for coupling and decoupling the two portions of the housing.
JP-A-2012001889 describes a logic circuit including at least one variable resistor having a resistance level that can be changed by at least one of voltage and current of an input signal and storing the resistor level. The logic circuit latches the multi-level data corresponding to the resistance level stored in the at least one variable resistor.
CN-U-203631759 describes a data line comprising a first plug, a second plug and a cable for connecting the first plug and the second plug. The first plug comprises a first body and a first plug connector held in the first body. The second plug comprises a second body and a second plug connector and a third plug connector which are held in the second body. The second plug further comprises a protective cover. During utilization, the protective cover can be used to shield and protect one plug connector while exposing the plug connector needs to be used.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

In the light of the foregoing background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus for electric devices that can prevent the users from improperly handling the electric devices by connecting two alternative power sources to the electric device at the same time. Rather, only one power source is allowed to be connected at the same time.
The above object is met by the combination of features of the main claim; the sub-claims disclose further advantageous embodiments of the invention.
One skilled in the art will derive from the following description other objects of the invention. Therefore, the foregoing statements of object are not exhaustive and serve merely to illustrate some of the many objects of the present invention.
Accordingly, the present invention, in one aspect, is an apparatus for selectively connecting to different sources of electric powers, which includes a first connector adapted to connected to a first source of electric power; a first cover configured to shield the first connector from coupling to the first source of electric power; a second connector adapted to connect to a second source of electric power; and a second cover configured to shield the second connector from coupling to the second source of electric power. The first cover and the second cover are mechanically coupled such that movement of the first cover results in movement of the second cover and vice versa.
The first cover is adapted to move between at least a first open position and a first close position. The first cover shields the first connector when the first cover is at the first close position. The first connector is exposed for connecting to the first source of electric power when the first cover is at the first open position. The second cover is adapted to move between at least a second open position and a second close position. The second cover shields the second connector when the second cover is at the second close position. The second connector is exposed for connecting to the second source of electric power when the second cover is at the second open position.
When the first cover is moved from the first close position to the first open position, the second cover is moved from the second open position to the second close position. When the second cover is moved from the second close position to the second open position, the first cover is moved from the first open position to the first close position.
The apparatus may further include a housing, a first opening formed on the housing, the first connector positioned in a first cavity which is in communication with the first opening; and a second opening formed on the housing, the second connector positioned in a second cavity which is in communication with the second opening. The first cover is adapted to move between the first open position and the first close position to open or close the first opening. The second cover is adapted to move between the second open position and the second close position to open or close the second opening.
Preferably, the first opening defines a curved face, and the first cover includes a first portion being in the shape of a curved plate. The first portion is adapted to revolve along the curved face.
More preferably, the first cover further contains a second portion connected to the first portion; the second portion adapted to rotate around a central axis when the first portion revolves along the curved face.
In one variation, the second portion is engaged with a transit member, and the transit member is connected to the second shield member. Rotation of the second member urges the transit member to move along a straight line path, such that the second cover moves between the second open position and the second close position.
Preferably, the transit member is arranged along a tangent line of the second portion.
Preferably, the transit member is engaged with the second member by teeth mesh.
In one implementation, the second opening defines a planar face, and the second cover is in the shape of a flat plate and adapted to move along the straight line path.
In one variation, movement of the first cover is a non-linear movement and the movement of the second cover is a linear movement.
Preferably, the movement of the first cover is a revolving movement around a central axis.
The first connector may be an AC socket and the second connector may be a DC socket.
According to another aspect of the present invention, an electric device includes at least a first connector and a second connector, and the electric device comprises an apparatus mentioned above.
There are many advantages to the present invention by adopting the "foolproof connector design. The most apparent advantage is that the apparatus for selectively connecting to different sources of electric powers as described above allows the user to install or connect only one power source to the electric device at a time. The mechanically linked covers automatically prevent insertion of a second connector / battery when a first connector / battery has already been installed. In case the user carelessly operates the electric device, such foolproof design will eliminate any possible damage or harm that could occurr to the electric device by the misoperation of the user. Therefore, the desired power supply connection mode will be always ensured which helps prolong the product life cycle and increase the product's reliability.
Another advantage of the present invention is that by using the apparatus for selectively connecting to different sources of electric powers, there is less chance that external environment will cause damage to the connectors on the electric device. This is because when a first connector / battery is installed on the electric device the second, unused connector will automatically be covered by the covers as described above and external object such as dust or air, or humidity contained in the air, is prevented from contacting the second connector. The durability of the connector is therefore prolonged since it is kept away from deteriorate reactions like rust, impact, or oxidation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The foregoing and further features of the present invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments which are provided by way of example only in connection with the accompanying figures, of which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an electric device containing an apparatus for selectively connecting to different sources of electric powers according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 2 shows an enlarged external view of the two connectors at the base part of the electric device in Fig. 1.
Fig. 3 shows an exploded view of the apparatus located at the base part of the electric device in Fig. 1.
Fig. 4 is cross-sectional view showing the mechanically linkage of the first and second covers in the apparatus in Fig. 1.
Fig. 5 is a partially exposed view of the base part of the electric device in Fig. 1, showing part of the apparatus.
Fig. 6 is another partially exposed view of the base part of the electric device in Fig. 1, showing part of the apparatus.
Fig. 7 is an illustration of a first status of the electric device in Fig. 1 when a battery pack is installed and access to the AC connector is closed.
Fig. 8 is an illustration of a second status of the electric device in Fig. 1 when an AC power cord is connected and external battery is prevented from being installed in the electric device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to Fig. 1, the first embodiment of the present invention is a collapsible worklight which has genera structure similar to the one described in Applicant's Chinese patent No. ZL201320214237.0. The worklight includes a lower panel 24 on which a plurality of LEDs (not shown) are arranged and distributed evenly across the surface of the lower panel 24. Likewise, there is also an upper panel 22 on which a plurality of LEDs (not shown) are arranged and distributed evenly across the surface of the upper panel 22. The upper panel 22 and the lower panel 24 are connected together by a hinge mechanism 20, such that the upper panel 22 may rotate around the hinge 20 and with respect to the lower panel 24 to achieve desired illumination effect in different orientation and angle. The lowered end of the lower panel 24 is fixedly connected to a base part 21 of the worklight. The base part 21 accommodates components necessary for the operation of the work light, such as its control circuit, and power supply circuit. In particular, there is a button 26 arranged in the base part 21 facing upward, and the button 26 is used by the user to turn on / off the worklight. On the other hand, as shown in Fig. 1 there is an AC connector exposed for connection to an external power cord (not shown). The AC connector shown here is a category C type plug 30 contains oblique flat blades. The AC plug 30 is adapted to connect to a power cord (not shown) which in turn may connect to an AC socket for example a wall socket in the house. Skilled persons in the art however would realize that other types of AC plug may also be configured for electric devices as such. There is also a first cover containing a handle 28 arranged for the AC plug, which will be explained in details below.
Turning now to Fig. 2, which shows external views of the connectors equipped on the worklight. On the housing of the base part 21 of the worklight, there is formed a first opening 32. The AC connector 30 is positioned in a first cavity which is in communication with the first opening 32. In the status shown in Fig. 2 the first cavity and the AC connector 30 is totally visible and accessible by a user. The first cover is rotatably connected to the housing of the base part 21. On the other hand, at the bottom side of the base part 21 there is formed a second opening 36. A battery receptacle (not shown) is positioned in a second cavity which is in communication with the second opening 36. The second opening 36 defines a flat face. In the status shown in Fig. 2 the second opening 36 is covered by a second cover 38 and therefore the battery receptacle therein is not visible and accessible from the outside.
In description related to this embodiment the AC plug 30 is also referred as a first connector, and the battery receptacle (not shown in Fig. 2) is also referred as a second connector. The corresponding cavity in which the first and second connectors are placed, the openings between the cavities and the outside, and covers for the openings, are respectively referred as first and second openings, first and second cavities, and first and second covers. The first cover and second cover essentially "shield" the AC plug and the battery receptacle from being accessed and connected to external power sources. The AC power cord (not shown) adapted to connect to the AC plug 30 and the electric socket to which the other end of the power cord is connected may be called in general a first source of electric power. The battery pack which is configured to be installed to the worklight is also called a second source of electric power. A skilled person should understand that the designated terms of "first" and "second" are just for easy reference only, and they are not intended to confine the type of the connectors in the electric device or their positions.
Turning now to Figs. 3, 5-6, the housing of the base part 21 is consisted of a first half housing 23 and a second half housing 25. Within the inner space formed by the first half housing 23 and a second half housing 25 when they are assembled together, there are accommodated a AC power component 48 on which the AC plug 30 is configured, a battery receptacle 51 including contact pins 50, the first cover, and the second cover 38. The first half housing 23 and a second half housing 25 each also contains corresponding apertures or recess parts, so that the above-mentioned first and second cavities, and first and second openings are formed once the first half housing 23 and a second half housing 25 are assembled. The battery receptacle 51 as shown is in the shape of a substantially cuboid with an inner space which is also cuboid. The inner space of the battery receptacle 51 is essentially the second cavity mentioned above. The battery receptacle 51 is formed as such to allow an inserting part of a detachable battery pack (not shown) to be inserted into the battery receptacle 51, and contact pins of the battery pack (not shown) are in electrical contact with the contact pins 50 of the battery receptacle 51. One should understand that the design of the battery receptacle is not a key point to the present invention, and any suitable battery receptacle design for matching with different types of battery packs may be used together with the apparatus for selectively connecting to different sources of electric powers.
The first cover contains a first portion 29 which is in the shape of a curved plate. The curved plate shape of the first portion 29 is best illustrated in Fig. 7. On a side edge of the first portion 29 there is configured the handle 28 for the user's easy manipulation.
A rotation end 34 of the first cover stretches out from a top edge of the first cover 29, and defines a central axis around which the first cover may rotate. The first cover is rotatably connected to the housing by the rotation end 34. In other words, the first cover is capable of rotating around the hinge connected to the rotation end 34. As shown in Fig. 2, the first opening 32 defines a generally curved face, i.e. edges of the first opening 32 are not located in a single plane. The first cover is adapted to revolve along the curved face around the central axis. At the bottom end of the first portion 29 there is also connected a second portion 40 which extends substantially along the same direction as the rotation end 34. The second portion 40 is in a circular shape, and along a portion of the perimeter of the second portion 40 teeth 42 are formed. The rotation end 34 and the second portion 40 are arranged essentially coaxial and they can rotate around the central axis mentioned above.
Note that as shown in Fig. 3 the inner surface of the first portion is not flat, but rather is formed with a semi-cylindrical shape. On the other hand, the first half housing 23 in its internal surface does not contain any round shape cavity walls as shown in Fig. 2. This is because when the first cover is in its open position (which will be described in details later) the internal surface of the first portion 29 will become part of walls forming the first cavity.
The second cover 38 is in the general shape of a flat plate. As shown in Fig. 3 the second cover 38 is adapted to cover substantially the inlet of the battery receptacle 51 and the second opening of the base part of the worklight. At one edge of the second cover 38 there is a transit part on which teeth 46 are formed. The transit part extends along a same direction as the moving direction of the second cover 38. The second portion 40 of the first cover mentioned above is engaged with the transit member. The second cover 38 is movable along a straight line path closer or further away from the second portion 40. Near the bottom of the first half housing 23 there is configured a slot 52, and near the bottom of the second half housing 25 there is configured a similar slot (not shown). The second cover 38 is able to move along a straight-line path in the slots.
As best shown in Fig. 4, the transit member which is connected to the second cover 38 is in teeth mesh with the second portion 40 of the first cover by the teeth 42 and 46. In this way the first cover and the second cover are mechanically coupled. The transit member is arranged along a tangent line of the second portion 40.
Now turning to the operation of the device described above, Figs. 7 and 8 how the apparatus for selectively connecting to different sources of electric powers according to the present invention may be switched from receiving a AC power cord from receiving a battery pack. Fig. 7 shows the status where no AC power cord is connected to the AC plug in the worklight, but a battery pack 54 is installed at the bottom of the worklight and secured by a securing mechanism 57 to prevent it from accidentally remove from the base part of the worklight. The first portion 29 of the first cover closes the first opening in Fig. 7, and prevents or shields the AC plug inside the first opening from coupling to external power cord. Also, as shown in Fig. 7 the second cover 38 in this status is retracted back, i.e. closer to the first cover and the second cover 38 is not covering the second opening.
However, as previously mentioned the first cover is capable of revolving around a central axis defined by its rotation end (not shown). If the user would like to use the worklight in the AC mode instead of DC (battery) mode, he first unlocks the securing mechanism 57 and removes the battery pack 54 from the bottom of the worklight. Then, the user opens the first cover by pushing on the handle 28 clockwise. As the first cover is capable of revolving it will retracts back into the housing of the base part, and eventually arrive at the position as shown in Fig. 8 and Fig 2. During movement of the first cover, the second cover is also driven to move as it is mechanically coupled to the first cover. By referring to Fig. 4, when the first cover revolves from a close position to an open position as a result of the user pushing the handle 28 clockwise, the second portion 40 of the first cover will also rotates clockwise around the same central axis as the first portion. Accordingly, since teeth 42 on the edge of the second portion 40 are meshed with the teeth 46 on the transit member which is connected to the second cover 38, clockwise rotation of the second portion 40 results in the second cover 38 moving away from the first cover. In other words, the rotational movement of the second portion 40 is transformed into a straight-line movement of the second cover 38. This is a type of movement transformation from a non-linear type to a linear type. When the first cover revolves from a close position to an open position the second cover 38 therefore moves from a close position to an open position. For simplicity the open and close positions of the first cover are also referred as first open and close positions, and the open and close positions of the second cover are also referred as second open and close positions. The movement of the second cover 38 then moves to the position as shown in Fig. 8 eventually, and closes the second opening, thus preventing or shield a battery pack from being inserted into the second opening and contacted with the battery receptacle. At last, the user may plug in the AC power cord 56 into the first opening and electrically connects to the AC power component 48.
If the user then wants to switch the worklight operation from running on AC back to battery, he just needs to do what are exactly the reversed procedures as those described above. In particular, the user firstly pulls out the AC power cord 56 in Fig. 8. Then, the user closes the first cover by pushing on the handle 28 counter-clockwise. As the first cover is capable of revolving it will move out of the housing of the base part, and eventually arrive at the position as shown in Fig. 7. During movement of the first cover, the second cover is also driven to move as it is mechanically coupled to the first cover. By referring to Fig. 4, when the first cover revolves from a open position to an close position as a result of the user pushing the handle 28 counter-clockwise, the second portion 40 of the first cover will also rotates counter-clockwise around the same central axis as the first portion. Accordingly, since teeth 42 on the edge of the second portion 40 are meshed with the teeth 46 on the transit member which is connected to the second cover 38, counter-clockwise rotation of the second portion 40 results in the second cover 38 moving closer to the first cover. In other words, the rotational movement of the second portion 40 is again transformed into a straight-line movement of the second cover 38. When the first cover revolves from an open position to a close position the second cover 38 therefore moves from an open position to a close position. The movement of the second cover 38 then moves to the position as shown in Fig. 7 eventually, and opens the second opening and thus exposes the battery receptacle for connecting the battery pack. At last, the user simply inserts the battery pack 54 and secures it with the worklight.
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only exemplary embodiments have been shown and described and do not limit the scope of the invention in any manner. It can be appreciated that any of the features described herein may be used with any embodiment. The illustrative embodiments are not exclusive of each other or of other embodiments not recited herein. Accordingly, the invention also provides embodiments that comprise combinations of one or more of the illustrative embodiments described above. Modifications and variations of the invention as herein set forth can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and, therefore, only such limitations should be imposed as are indicated by the appended claims.
For example, although the above embodiments of the present invention describe a collapsible LED worklight, other types of electric devices are likewise possible to adopt the apparatus for selectively connecting to different sources of electric powers. This includes but not limited to various electric power tools, outdoor gardening tools, other illumination devices, radios and video replay devices, personal information terminals, and so on. The apparatus described in the present invention is suitable for use in any electric device which is capable of receiving two or more different power supplies from different sources.
Also, the electric device described above is equipped with a battery receptacle and an AC plug for selectively connecting to one of the AC or DC power. However, a skilled person would understand that the connector types applicable in the apparatus are not limited to such, but any other forms of connectors may be used in accordance with the apparatus for selectively connecting to different sources of electric powers. Examples include but not limited to two battery receptacles on the same electric device, two AC plugs, or other adapters such as battery slots for dry batteries.
It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Claims

Apparatus for selectively connecting to different sources of electric powers, comprising:
a) a first connector (30) adapted to connect to a first source of electric power;

b) a first cover configured to shield said first connector from coupling to said first source of electric power;

c) a second connector adapted to connect to a second source of electric power; and

d) a second cover (38) configured to shield said second connector from coupling to said second source of electric power;

e) a transit member adapted to mechanically couple said first cover and second cover;
wherein the first cover and the second coverare separate; and
movement of said first cover results in movement of said second cover via the transit member and vice versa;
wherein said first cover is adapted to move between at least a first open position and a first close position; said first cover shielding said first connector (30) when said first cover is at said first close position; said first connector being exposed for connecting to said first source of electric power when said first cover is at said first open position; and wherein said second cover (38) is adapted to move between at least a second open position and a second close position; said second cover shielding said second connector when said second cover is at said second close position; said second connector being exposed for connecting to said second source of electric power when said second cover is at said second open position; and
wherein when said first cover is moved from said first close position to said first open position, said second cover (38) is moved from said second open position to said second close position; when said second cover is moved from said second close position to said second open position, said first cover is moved from said first open position to said first close position.
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprises:
a) a housing;

b) a first opening (32) formed on said housing, said first connector (30) positioned in a first cavity which is in communication with said first opening; and

c) a second opening (36) formed on said housing, said second connector positioned in a second cavity which is in communication with said second opening;
wherein said first cover is adapted to move between said first open position and said first close position to open or close said first opening; said second cover (38) is adapted to move between said second open position and said second close position to open or close said second opening.
The apparatus of claim 2, wherein said first opening (32) defines a curved face; said first cover comprising a first portion (29) being in the shape of a curved plate, said first portion adapted to revolve along said curved face.
The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said first cover further comprises a second portion (40) connected to said first portion; said second portion adapted to rotate around a central axis when said first portion revolves along said curved face.
The apparatus of claim 4, wherein said second portion (40) is engaged with said transit member, said transit member connected to said second cover (38); wherein rotation of said second portion urging said transit member to move along a straight line path, such that said second cover moves between said second open position and said second close position.
The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said transit member is arranged along a tangent line of said second portion (40).
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said transit member is engaged with said second cover (38) by teeth (42, 46) mesh.
The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said second opening (36) defines a planar face; said second cover (38) being in the shape of a flat plate and adapted to move along said straight line path.
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said movement of said first cover is a non-linear movement and said movement of said second cover (38) is a linear movement.
The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said movement of said first cover is a revolving movement around a central axis.
The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first connector (30) is an AC socket and said second connector is a DC socket.
An electric device comprising at least a first connector (30) and a second connector, characterized in that said electric device comprising an apparatus according to any one of claims 1-11.