JP2018534756A - Mechanism for charging an electronic device having a retractable cord reel - Google Patents

Abstract

A mechanism for charging electronic devices with retractable cord reels. The device maintains a substantially continuously converted power connection during operation, including the operation of adjusting the length of the retractable cord. [Selection] Figure 8

Description

Invention priority
This application is a continuation-in-part application, and non-provisional application Nos. 14 / 145,419 filed on Dec. 31, 2013 and provisional application No. 62 / 075,690 filed on Nov. 5, 2014. Claim priority of issue.

  The present invention generally relates to providing an adjustable length charging connector for one or more mobile phones or similar electronic devices, and more particularly, providing a continuous electrical connection during cord reel adjustment. It relates to enabling all electrical connection materials to be stored in a shell or housing when not in use, while ensuring connection and charging. Cords used to charge batteries such as cell phones, laptops, etc. can be used with the present invention and are stored securely when stored and are protected from entanglement, wind and damage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION As the use of mobile electronic products including smartphones, laptop computers, tablets, etc. increases, so does the need for low-cost compact power supplies and solutions to power and recharge these products. continuing. Most manufacturers of mobile products typically provide plug-in power adapters with these mobile products to help meet the power supply requirements of manufacturers' customers.

  Today's power adapters are typically AC to DC power converters configured to convert AC voltage to DC voltage supplied to mobile devices. For example, a user can supply power to most mobile devices by simply plugging the adapter into a standard AC wall outlet commonly found in most homes and offices. However, such devices are often bulky and clunky, and AC to DC adapters have a “brick” configuration, with each cord (ie, the cord connecting the converter to the device and the converter plugged into the outlet). The cords that connect to the cable) sag together and create a safety and risk of damage to users and equipment.

  While these power adapters conveniently provide direct current power and recharging capabilities, users often need to carry separate adapters to power each individual mobile device. is there. This often means that the user must carry multiple adapters to supply power to all of the multiple devices, increasing the amount of bulk required to carry the user. Yes, this is also troublesome.

  Accordingly, a power converter and system that solves system power management problems associated with carrying all of the various power components required to power a wide variety of mobile devices and portable devices having different power requirements Is needed. Further, there is a need for a power converter and system that reduces the space required for the power cable and possible power cable entanglement and improves the ease of use of the power converter by the user.

  The cord reel assembly described herein improves the robustness of the electrical connection for supplying power converted between the power source and the device, even when the length of the connecting cord is adjusted Regarding the need for functionality. The invention further relates to the ability to connect and supply power to multiple devices, including the case of multiple devices simultaneously. The invention also relates to securely storing such multiple cords or connectors when not in use.

  The present invention generally relates to addressing the need associated with a charging device including a retractable cord reel for a mobile phone or similar electronic device. More specifically, such a need has the ability to connect to multiple form factors, including multiple devices at the same time, and store inside a streamlined profile to avoid entanglement when not in use A retractable cord reel is included. In addition, the need for a converted power connector, even when the length of the cord is adjusted, for example, charged equipment so that there is no hindrance due to user and mobile equipment operation. There is a need to ensure a continuous supply of power to.

Definitions of Terms The following terms are used in the claims as filed and are intended to have the broadest, most concise and general meaning to the extent they meet the legal requirements.

  “Retractable cord reel” refers to US Pat. No. 5,094,396 to Burke (the subject of which is incorporated herein by reference) and US Patent Application No. 2007/0262185 to Burke ( The subject matter refers to a cable storage unit and cable management system having a spool cord such as that found in (which is incorporated herein by reference).

  “Housing” means a rigid casing that winds, encloses and protects the spool, and further protects the cord when stored. The housing can further include, but is not limited to, a recess or cavity for receiving and protecting an electrical connector such as an electrical plug or connector when retracted.

  "Spool" means a cylinder around which an electric cord can be wound, i.e. a reel. The spool further has two faces or edges that are connected to the cylinder, have a larger diameter than the cylinder between them, and can wrap the cord around the cylinder.

  "Spring contact" means a flexible contact that maintains substantially constant electrical communication with the conductive surface of the spool. This spring contact is substantially fixed in place, but is flexible to accommodate continuous electrical communication during the rotational movement of the spool.

  Where multiple meanings are possible, the broadest meaning is intended. All words used in the claims set forth below are intended for use in accordance with the usual customary usage of grammar and English.

The present invention is directed to one or more of the following features, elements, or combinations thereof.

  One disclosed embodiment is directed to a device that includes a retractable cord reel for connecting a power source (eg, wall outlet) to an electronic device (eg, cell phone, laptop, etc.) Includes a mechanism for converting to a form suitable for use in the device. The charging station includes a housing for holding a cord reel whose length can be adjusted according to the needs of the user. Storing the code on a reel helps to protect safety issues for the device or user when not in use. The present invention provides a mechanism that maintains a substantially consistent electrical connection between the power source and the device, especially when adjusting the length of the cord reel. The mechanism includes one or more metal springs for contacting the conductive surfaces of the spool on the cord reel during spool rotation.

  Another embodiment of the present invention further includes a safety feature to allow the entire storage of one or more electrical connections in the device, which includes a power outlet plug (which is a recess in the device housing). And a retractable cord plug (which can be held in a separate recess in the housing when fully retracted). In addition, the housing can include a second connector (eg, a female connector) to allow connection to a second form factor of the connection and / or to a second electronic device.

  Accordingly, it can be seen that one object of the disclosed invention is to provide a continuously converted power supply charge to an electronic device even during adjustment of the length of the connecting cable.

  It is a further object of the present invention to provide a housing for storing an entire electrical connector or the like that couples a power source to a mobile device or the like when not in use.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of electrical connectors that couple a power supply to more than one form factor of a mobile device connection.

  Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a plurality of electrical connectors for simultaneously connecting a power source to more than one mobile device or the like.

  It should be noted that not all embodiments of the claimed invention achieve each of the above-mentioned objects of the invention. For example, the claimed embodiments of the invention do not require the ability to attach to multiple electronic devices or to multiple electronic devices simultaneously. Furthermore, further objects of the present invention will become apparent based on the summary of the present invention, the detailed description of the preferred embodiments, and what is shown in the accompanying drawings. Such objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent in view of the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments thereof and the accompanying drawings.

1a and 1b are a perspective view and an exposed perspective view of a charging device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a spring finger that engages the surface of a cord reel according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a side view of a plurality of form factor electrical connectors and housing recesses according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the housing recesses for holding such connectors. FIG. 4 is a side view of details of a foldable plug for connection to a power source according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 5a-5c are front and side views of another modular device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is an exploded view of an alternative modular device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figures 7a-7c illustrate the features of a USB power plug according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 shows a front exposure view of another modular device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figures 9a-9b show left and right perspective views of another modular device according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 10a to 10e show a front view, a left side view, a right side view, a top view and a bottom view of a main housing module according to still another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 11a-11e show a front view, a left side view, a right side view, a top view, and a bottom view of a main housing module combined with a wall power plug module according to still another preferred embodiment of the present invention. 12a to 12e show a front view, a left side view, a right side view, a top view, and a bottom view of a main housing module combined with a USB power plug module according to still another preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 shows an exploded view of the main housing module according to still another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

  As seen in FIGS. 1a and 1b, the device 10 includes a first end having a power connector 16, such as a wall plug connector extending therefrom for connection to a wall outlet (not shown) or the like. A housing 12 with 14 is included. The second end 18 has an extensible cord 20 extending therefrom, which cord 20 is a desired form factor type device for coupling with a cell phone, laptop, etc. (not shown). Terminate at connector 22. The cord can be stored around the spool 24 through a “pull to stow” mechanism as known to those skilled in the art. The spool 24 includes a cylinder 26 for winding the cord 20 around and two surfaces 28 at each end of the cylinder 26. The spool 24 is spring biased for retraction and is held at the desired point to be unwound by a non-conductive ratchet 27 that contacts a corresponding position on the circumference of at least one surface 28.

  As shown in FIG. 2, at least one of the surfaces 28 includes a conductive surface (eg, metal) that contacts a plurality of spring contacts 30 that electrically contact the spool 24 and the printed circuit board 32, and The printed circuit board converts the electric power received from the power connector 16 into a desired current form and transmits it to the cord 20 through the spool 24.

  As shown in the alternative embodiment of FIG. 3, the cord 20 and device connector 22 may be fully retracted so as not to extend beyond the periphery of the housing 12. Specifically, substantially all of the cord 20 can be wound around the cylinder 26 through the opening of the second end 18 but the device connector 22 is too wide to pass. However, the housing 12 includes a first recess 34 dimensioned to receive the device connector 22 and a mount 36 for engaging the device connector 22 when fully retracted. Thus, since the device connector 22 is fully retained within the contour of the housing 12 when fully retracted, noise and safety problems caused by the slacked cord or connector on the device 10 when not in use are eliminated. Exclude.

  Further, in this alternative embodiment, the housing 12 includes a second female connector 38 having its own electrical connection to the circuit board 32. Thus, this embodiment allows a user to connect multiple different form factor connectors to a single power converter, or simultaneously connect multiple devices to the same power converter as needed. And

  In another preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the device 10 includes a power connector 16 connected to the housing 12 via a hinge connection 40. The housing further includes a second power connector recess 42 that allows the plug or power connector to fold within the contour of the housing 12 when not in use, thereby providing another potential damage to the device 10 when not in use. The cause is eliminated.

  In yet another embodiment, device 110 includes a main housing 112 and a modular AC charging unit 114, as shown in FIGS. This embodiment works in much the same manner as the embodiment of FIGS. 1-4 with the addition of a battery 150 and the use of a modular AC unit. In this embodiment, device 110 still has at least one power plug connected to housing 112 in the form of foldable wall plug 116 or foldable USB plug 146. Furthermore, the functionality of the circuit board is divided between the main housing unit 112 and the modular AC charging unit 114. Specifically, the main housing 112 includes a DC charging unit, and the modular AC charging unit 114 includes an AC charging circuit 132. In this configuration, the device 110 can be exchanged between an AC power source (such as a wall plug), a DC power source (such as a USB connection), or a battery power source in the absence of any external power source.

  In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9-13, device 210 includes a main housing 212 having a separate wall mounted power plug module 214 and USB power plug module 216. In either configuration, the main housing 212 includes a power plug connector 246, such as a USB connector that allows a connection that facilitates replacement between the wall mounted power plug module 214 and the USB power plug module 216. Thus, in this embodiment, the device 210 relies on battery power by using a separate wall mounted power plug module 214 as shown in FIG. 11 or if there is no connection to an external power source. Thus, the USB power plug module 216 can be exchanged between an AC power source (for example, a wall plug) and a DC power source (for example, a USB connection). In addition, the connection with the main housing 212 and any separate modules can be achieved by placing a male or female power plug connector 246 on the main housing to provide a reciprocating connector (not shown) on the wall mounted power plug module 214 and This can be performed together with the USB power plug module 216.

  While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific example embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail herein. However, it is not intended that the present disclosure be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but on the contrary, the intent of the present disclosure is the subject matter of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. It is to be understood that all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the scope are intended to be included.

Claims (7)

A retractable cord reel device,
a) a housing;
b) a spool disposed within the housing and disposed to rotate relative to the housing, the spool having a conductive surface along one surface;
c) a retractable cord having a distal end and a proximal end, the retractable cord extending from the housing so as to wrap around the spool during storage and retractable into the housing And the proximal end of the retractable cord has a retractable cord in electrical communication with the conductive surface of the spool;
d) at least one fixed conductive spring contact to allow continuous conductive contact with the conductive surface of the spool;
e) a power plug fixedly connected to the housing to supply power to the retractable cord through electrical communication through the fixed conductive spring and the conductive surface of the spool;
f) A retractable cord reel device comprising a ratchet for mechanically maintaining the position of the spool for a desired extension of the retractable cord in use.   2. The retractable cord reel device according to claim 1, further comprising a female electronic charging port that is connected to an electronic device and supplies electric power to the electronic device at the same time that electric power is supplied to the retractable cord. Type cord reel device.   2. The retractable cord reel device of claim 1, wherein the housing is an outwardly facing cavity and shoulder for physically holding the distal end of the cord therein within the contour of the housing when retracted. Is a retractable cord reel device.   2. The retractable cord reel device according to claim 1, wherein the housing includes a power plug recess for receiving the power plug when not in use, and the power plug is folded into the power plug recess when stored. A retractable cord reel device that is a power plug. A retractable cord reel device,
a) a housing;
b) a spool disposed within the housing and disposed to rotate relative to the housing, the spool having a conductive surface along one surface;
c) a retractable cord having a distal end and a proximal end, the retractable cord extending from the housing so as to wrap around the spool during storage and retractable into the housing And the proximal end of the retractable cord has a retractable cord in electrical communication with the conductive surface of the spool;
d) at least one fixed conductive contact to allow continuous conductive contact with the conductive surface;
e) a power plug fixedly connected to the housing to supply power to the retractable cord through electrical communication through the fixed conductive contact and the conductive surface of the spool;
f) A retractable cord reel device comprising a printed circuit board that is in electrical communication with the fixed contacts and provides a direct current supply to the retractable cord.   The retractable cord reel device according to claim 1, wherein the power plug is a foldable power plug.   The retractable cord reel device according to claim 1, wherein the ratchet is a non-conductive ratchet.

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