JP3288415B2 - Plug-in power supply adapter and method of manufacturing the same - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to an improved AC adapter of the type which supplies associated electronic equipment with a DC voltage from a supply AC voltage. More specifically, the present invention provides
A compact, low-profile power supply adapter for plugging into a standard electrical socket without disturbing, i.e., disturbing, other adjacent electrical sockets such as a two or four standard wall outlet. About. The present invention is specifically designed for use in electronic devices in the medical environment, and on devices that are not in use,
Alternatively, it is provided with a means for removably mounting in proximity to the device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Modern medical treatment equipment utilizes various precision electronic devices in the process of diagnosing and treating patients. As one general example, electronically actuated medication infusion pumps are commonly used to administer one or more selected medication fluids to a patient at a prescribed flow rate and time schedule. Such fluid medicament infusion pumps and other electronics require a power source to maintain the device in a desired operating state.

[0003] In this regard, many electronic devices designed for medical or non-medical use include batteries.
It is configured to operate from a DC power supply (DC power supply), which can be obtained from an AC power supply or a suitable transformer and rectifier connected to a standard AC power supply. In this latter case, the AC adapter is often plugged directly into an AC power outlet, with an elongated cord extending between the plug-in adapter and associated electronics used to supply DC to the appliance. Power supply adapter connected by

[0004] In the past, plug-in power supply adapters had a relatively compact housing or casing, which contained the components of the AC adapter therein. The conductive prongs provided in connection with the transformer elements may be provided with standard electrical plugs in the associated AC power supply socket, such as one of the standard ones such as two or four wall outlets or multi-socket components. Extending outward from the adapter case so as to make a plug-in connection in the manner described above.

[0005] Accordingly, the adapter case is substantially provided with a body of an electrical plug for grasping by hand during insertion and extraction operations. However, the physical dimensions and shape of the adapter case generally exceed the width and height of a typical electrical plug, so that the adapter case extends partially upwards, thus impeding access to adjacent electrical sockets. . For example, in a typical two or four wall outlet, plugging one AC / DC power supply adapter into one of the electrical sockets will hide all of the remaining electrical sockets on the wall outlet, and thus these remaining Obstruct access to the electrical socket. Especially in medical equipment
The desired or required additional electrical equipment must therefore be plugged into a separate wall outlet.

[0006] Further, in a medical environment, it is often necessary to transport electronic medical equipment from one location to another. For example, fluid infusion pumps are often transported with patients through various areas of a hospital or similar location, or from one patient's room to another when needed. Must be used for another patient. Such equipment can be operated for a short period of time by battery operation while being transported, but leave the power cord and associated power supply adapter attached to the equipment, which simply places the adapter in a power outlet. It is important that normal operation can be restored quickly and easily simply by plugging in.

[0007] However, there are certain problems in transporting the power supply adapter and its associated cord with the equipment. That is, the adapter is relatively heavy, so it is difficult to transport the adapter in a reliable and stable state together with the device. In addition, since the adapter or the like easily comes off the device, the set position is relatively easily mistaken.

[0008]

Accordingly, there is a great need for an improved power supply adapter that can be plugged into a standard electrical socket without disturbing access to adjacent sockets. Also, for the purpose of transport,
There is a need for an adapter with means for conveniently and stably mounting the electronic device in a storage location. The present invention fulfills the above needs and provides related advantages.

A power supply adapter according to the present invention is a power supply adapter (10 ') which is inserted and connected to an electric socket connected to an AC power supply. A strain relief joint that tapers to a smaller proximal end, the distal end of the strain relief joint being mechanically connected to the base end of the adapter case and extending therefrom. Together form an adapter housing,
The adapter housing has a distal end and an opposite proximal end;
A plurality of strain relief joints having a length between the distal end and the proximal end of the adapter housing greater than its width and extending from a distal end of the adapter housing for plugging into an electrical socket connected to the AC power source. A conductive prong (40 '), a DC power cord extending from a proximal end of the adapter housing, and a plurality of electrical elements disposed generally proximal to the prong and mounted within the adapter housing. An electrical assembly of an AC adapter, the electrical assembly of the AC adapter having an AC electrical input electrically connected to at least two of the plurality of conductive prongs (40 '); An adapter is disposed in the strain relief joint with at least one relatively large member (34 ') disposed in the adapter case. At least two smaller members (42 ', 44'), wherein the two smaller members are disposed proximal to the at least one larger member (34 '). And the AC
The electrical assembly of the adapter is the DC power cord (1
6 ') has a DC output electrically connected to it.

In the power supply adapter according to the present invention, in a power supply adapter (10 ') inserted and connected to an electric socket connected to an AC power supply, the power supply adapter has a front end and a base end opposite to the front end. A first adapter housing member having a first cavity therein, a second adapter housing member having a front end and a proximal end opposite thereto and having a second cavity therein, and a base of the first adapter housing member. An intermediate member disposed between an end and a distal end of the second adapter housing member to form an adapter member together with the first and second adapter housing members; The length from the distal end of the adapter housing member to the proximal end of the second adapter housing member is longer than the width of the adapter member, and An intermediate member, which is substantially tapered from a distal end of the first adapter housing member that is relatively large to a proximal end of the second adapter housing member that is relatively small, for inserting and connecting to an electric socket connected to the AC power supply. A plurality of conductive prongs (40 ') extending from the distal end of said first adapter housing member;
DC extending from the proximal end of the second adapter housing member
A power cord, and a first power supply of the first adapter housing member.
A transformer (34 ') disposed in the cavity and electrically connected to two of the conductive prongs (40'); and a transformer (34 ') disposed in the second cavity of the second adapter housing member, and The filter capacitor (4) electrically connected and also electrically connected to the DC power cord.
2 ′) and a rectifier (44 ′).

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, illustrating by way of example the principles of the invention.

FIGS. 1 to 5 will be described on the premise of describing a preferred embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. FIG.
The AC adapter indicated by reference numeral 10 is used together with an electronic device 12 such as a fluid medicine infusion pump.
The power supply adapter 10 is connected to a normal AC power outlet 1
4 is designed to be plugged into the electronic device 12 via the power cord 16 quickly and easily. AC adapter 10 is specifically configured to have an elongated shape that is relatively narrow and low in height, such that AC adapter 10 does not block or obstruct adjacent electrical socket 17 of multi-socket outlet 14. .

Although the power supply adapter 10 of the present invention can be used with a wide variety of electrical and / or electronic appliances, the figures illustrate the electronics 12 in a preferred use environment, ie, in a medical environment. The adapter 10 is shown. FIG. 1 shows Sylma, California.
r) The location of MiniMed Technologies
hnologies) sold by MiniMed III
III) shows a device 12 in the form of a fluid medicament infusion pump, corresponding to a fluid infusion pump, which should also be designated by the reference numeral 12;

The illustrated infusion pump 12 is mounted on a pole 18 of a conventional portable medical device by an appropriate clamp fixture 20.
A relatively compact instrument adapted to be mounted on an adjustable clamp fixture, such as an adjustable clamp of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,832,299, incorporated herein by reference. There are various clamp fixtures. The infusion pump 12 is connected to a suitable reservoir 22 through a suitable tube 24.
It is shown to include multiple parallel pumping devices for separately programming to regulate multiple medical fluids to be administered to a patient (not shown) via the pump.

An electronic control element and associated electronically driven pumping device are integrated into the housing of the infusion pump 12. The infusion pump 12 is connected to the AC adapter 10
And is designed to operate normally by connecting to a suitable 120 volt AC power outlet 14 via a power cord 16.

As best shown in FIGS. 2-4, A
The C adapter 10 has a relatively compact housing or case defined by a lower base 28 and an upper cap 30. These case elements are
In a preferred form, it is formed from a relatively lightweight, high impact molded plastic such as glass filled nylon. The base 28 and the cap 30 generally have a shell-like shape, and the base and the cap cooperate to accommodate and support the components of the AC adapter electrical assembly 32 inside a hollow case. Is defined.

More particularly, the AC adapter electrical assembly 32 includes a transformer 34 seated within the base 28 in a nested or cradle manner with respect to a plurality of short locating tabs 36. ing. Transformer 3
A plurality of conductive prongs 4 are provided in the vicinity of the front end wall 38 and form a regular three prong row to be inserted into the AC power outlet 14 from the end wall.
0 is growing. In the preferred form, the rear ends of these conductive prongs 40 are securely mounted in the end wall 38 by insert molding or similar means.

The remaining components of the AC adapter electrical assembly 32 are mounted in the adapter case in substantially alignment with the transformer 34 and the conductive prongs 40. 3 and 4 show these remaining elements in the form of a filter capacitor 42 and a rectifier 44.
All these components of the transformer are electrically connected appropriately by suitable conductors 46.

The three selected wires 46 are incorporated into the protective outer sheath 48 to define the power cord 16 that is connected to the associated electronics 12. In this regard, the conductors 46 are suitably assembled to pass through a notch 50 formed in the rear end wall 52 of the base 28. A strain relief joint 54 is mounted to the rear end wall 52 and is connected between the base 28 and the power cord 16;
In addition, a flexible structural member for securely locking the power cord 16 to the adapter 10 is defined.

In other words, the strain relief joint 54 is
8 has a mounting head plate 56 seated and accommodated on the inner side of the rear end wall 52 at one end thereof, and a notch 50 which is adjacent to the head plate 56 and which is opened to tightly close. It has a narrow neck 58 sized to fit and be received. Strain relief joint 5
4 includes a plate portion 60 and a neck portion 62 which are located on the rear side from the neck portion 58 and which are alternately repeated.
And a flexible structure to securely hold the mating end thereof within it.

Importantly, the strain relief joint 54 is designed to be able to flex (FIG. 2) substantially adjacent to the adapter case, as would be required if the adapter were to be used in tight spaces. It is that you are. In addition, the joint 54 is designed to prevent damage to the cord or to prevent the cord from being damaged, for example, when the adapter is pulled out by pulling the power cord 16.

With the AC adapter electrical assembly 32 mounted in the lower base 28 and the strain relief joint 54 attached to the base, the cap 30 is mounted on the base 2.
8 to close the adapter case. If a permanently closed adapter case structure is desired, such attachment can be made by using a snap-fit connection, ultrasonic welding and / or an adhesive.

The resulting AC adapter 10 includes the elements of an AC adapter electrical assembly 32 that are arranged substantially linearly between the conductive prongs 40 and the power cord 16. The adapter 10 thus has an elongated shape that can be easily grasped or operated by hand, inserted into a power outlet, connected, and pulled out of the power outlet.

The elongate AC adapter electrical assembly 32 also exhibits a relatively narrow and low profile that substantially matches the dimensions of a standard power plug. For this reason, even if the AC adapter 10 is inserted into the electric socket 17 (FIG. 1) and connected, the AC adapter 10 interferes with an adjacent electric socket of a general two-port, four-port or bare outlet (strip outlet), or these electric sockets And does not interfere with access to As a result, the adjacent electrical socket 17 is maintained in a state where it can be easily connected to other electronic devices as needed or desired.

Although the particular dimensions and shape of the AC adapter 10 of the present invention can vary depending on the range of design criteria, the width and height of the adapter case will dominate the size and shape of the transformer 34. Function. In this regard, ISL Products International Limited (ISLP), Syosset, NY
model number EI from Roducts International, Ltd.)
By using a compact transformer, such as that available as 41, a height of about 38.1 to 40.6 mm and a height of about 4
A thin AC adapter 1 with a narrow width of 3.2 to 45.7 mm
0 could be constructed.

According to another aspect of the improved AC adapter 10 of the present invention, an assembled adapter case is provided for removably and conveniently mounting the AC adapter 10 in a storage position with respect to associated electronic equipment 12. A rearwardly projecting mounting clip 64 is defined. This clip 64
Is shown in the form of a rearwardly extending clip leg 66 integrally formed with the base or cap 30 on one side of the case. To prevent an undesirable increase in the width or height of the case, a narrow portion having a filter capacitor 42 therein and as a continuation of the wide front portion of the case in which the transformer core 34 is mounted. It is advantageous to form the legs 66 of the clip in a spaced relationship from the rear case part.

In a preferred form, the clip foot 66 defines a rearwardly opening slot 68 in cooperation with the narrow rear portion of the case, the dimensions of which are shown in FIG.
The bracket arm 7 of the clamp fixture 20 as shown in FIG.
It is sized to accommodate zero. That is, the clip 64
Enables the adapter 10 to be quickly and easily detached from the bracket arm 70 while being stored close to the medical device 12. A locking tooth 72 provided at the inner free end of the leg 66 of the clip provides a tapered leading edge which allows the adapter 10 to be hooked securely and subsequently removed from the bracket arm 70. And a trailing edge.

A support strap 74 having a Velcro-type fastener may be attached to the bracket arm 70 to releasably support the power cord in a coiled or other suitable compact shape.

An alternative preferred form of the improved power supply adapter is shown in FIG. 6, in which elements substantially corresponding to those shown and described in FIGS. Are indicated with dashes. As shown, a modified adapter 10 'is an AC adapter 10' having a transformer 34 'mounted in a compact case in a linear relationship with a plurality of conductive plug prongs 40'. The remaining elements include one or more filter capacitors 42 'and rectifiers 4'.
4 ′, and these capacitors and rectifiers
It is insert molded into a separate case portion 78 spaced rearward from the 4 '.

A strain relief coupling 54 'is interposed between the transformer 34' and the capacitor 42 'and rectifier 44', all of which are also connected between the prong 40 'and the power cord 16'. And are arranged almost linearly.

While illustrative embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes, changes and modifications may be made to the invention which do not depart from the scope of the invention. Will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such variations, changes and modifications are therefore to be considered within the scope of the present invention.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an electronic medical device having a power cord embodying the novel features of the present invention and a plug-in power supply adapter.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view showing a power supply adapter as viewed from the rear.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged plan view of the power supply adapter, with a portion of the adapter case removed to show the arrangement of the components of the AC adapter assembly.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a power supply adapter.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a power supply adapter provided at a storage position in relation to the electronic device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an alternative preferred form of the power supply adapter.

[Explanation of symbols]

10 Power Supply Adapter 16 Power Cord 17 Electrical Socket 32 AC Adapter Electrical Assembly 34 Transformer 38 Front End Wall 40 Conductive Prong 42 Filter Capacitor 44 Rectifier 52 Rear End Wall 54 Strain Release Joint 64 Mounting Clip 66 Clip Leg Part 72 Lock tooth

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continuation of the front page (73) Patent holder 598156871 10221 Wateridge Circle, Building A, San Diego, California 92121-2733, United States of America (56) ) Actually open 58-78792 (JP, U) Actually open 61-156489 (JP, U) Actually open 1-95079 (JP, U) Actually open 60-53178 (JP, U) Actually open 48- 17996 (JP, Y1) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) H01R 13/66 H01R 31/00 H01R 43/00

Claims (11)

(57) [Claims] 1. A power supply adapter (10 ') inserted and connected to an electric socket connected to an AC power supply, comprising: an adapter case having a proximal end and a distal end; and a relatively large distal end to a relatively small proximal end. A tapered strain relief joint, the distal end of which is mechanically connected to and extends from the proximal end of the adapter case, wherein the adapter case and the strain relief joint together form an adapter. A housing, the adapter housing having a distal end and an opposite proximal end, wherein a length between the distal end and the proximal end of the adapter housing is longer than its width, and a connection to the AC power source; A plurality of conductive prongs (40 ') extending from a distal end of the adapter housing for plug-in connection to a configured electrical socket; A DC power cord extending therefrom; and an electrical assembly of an AC adapter having a plurality of electrical components disposed generally proximal to the prongs and mounted within the adapter housing. Assembly has an AC electrical input electrically connected to at least two of the plurality of conductive prongs (40 '), and the AC adapter has at least one relatively large power source disposed within the adapter case. Member (34 ') and at least two smaller members (42', 4 ') disposed within the strain relief joint.
4 ') wherein the two smaller members are disposed proximal to the at least one relatively large member (34') and the electrical assembly of the AC adapter is A power supply adapter having a DC output electrically connected to a DC power cord (16 '). 2. The power supply adapter according to claim 1, wherein the two relatively small members are disposed at a proximal end of the strain relief joint. 3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one relatively large member (34 ') includes a transformer (34') located within the adapter housing and substantially adjacent a tip of the adapter housing. And the transformer (3
4 ') is a power supply adapter characterized by being electrically connected to two of the plurality of conductive prongs (40'). 4. The device of claim 3, wherein said two relatively small members comprise at least one filter capacitor (42 ') and a rectifier (44'), wherein said filter capacitor (42 ') and a rectifier (44). ')
Are connected to the transformer (34 ') and the DC power cord (1).
6 ′), the power supply adapter being electrically connected to the power supply adapter. 5. The invention of claim 4 wherein said filter capacitor (42 ') and rectifier (44') are located within said adapter housing substantially adjacent a proximal end of said adapter housing. Power supply adapter. 6. The power supply adapter according to claim 1, further comprising a mounting clip (64) disposed on a side of the adapter housing. 7. The power supply adapter according to claim 6, wherein the mounting clip (64) is formed integrally with the adapter housing. 8. A power supply adapter (10 ') plugged into an electrical socket connected to an AC power supply, said power supply adapter having a front end and a proximal end opposite to said first cavity therein. A first adapter housing member having a front end and a base end opposite to the first end and having a second cavity therein; a base end of the first adapter housing member and the second adapter housing An intermediate member disposed between the first adapter housing member and the first and second adapter housing members to form an adapter member together with the first and second adapter housing members. The first adapter housing has a length up to a proximal end of the second adapter housing member longer than a width of the adapter member, and is relatively large. An intermediate member that is generally tapered from a distal end of the housing member to a proximal end of the relatively small second adapter housing member; and the first adapter for plugging into an electrical socket connected to the AC power source. A plurality of conductive prongs (40 ') extending from a distal end of the housing member; and a DC extending from a proximal end of the second adapter housing member.
A power cord (16 '); a transformer (34') disposed in the first cavity of the first adapter housing member and electrically connected to two of the conductive prongs (40 '); A filter capacitor (42 ') and a rectifier (44') disposed in the second cavity of the adapter housing member and electrically connected to the transformer and also electrically connected to the DC power cord (16 '). ). 9. The power supply adapter according to claim 8, wherein the adapter member has flexibility. 10. The system of claim 8, further comprising a clip (64) provided on the first adapter housing member for detachably attaching the power supply adapter to a device to which the power supply adapter is to be used. Characteristic power supply adapter. 11. A method of making a power supply adapter (10 ′) plugged into an electrical socket connected to an AC power supply, the method comprising providing an adapter case having a proximal end and a distal end. Mechanically connecting the distal end of the strain relief joint that is tapered from a relatively large distal end to a relatively small proximal end to the proximal end of the adapter case, wherein the adapter case and the strain relief joint are joined together. The adapter housing has a distal end and a proximal end, and the length between the distal end and the proximal end is longer than the width of the adapter housing. Attaching a plurality of conductive prongs (40 ') extending from a distal end of the adapter housing for plugging into an electrical socket; A step of attaching the step of extending the DC power cord from the end, the electrical assembly of AC adapter having a plurality of electrical elements within said adapter housing so as to be disposed on the base end side of the prong, the A
An electrical assembly of the C adapter has an AC electrical input electrically connected to at least two of the plurality of conductive prongs (40 '), and wherein the AC adapter is disposed in the adapter case. Two relatively large members (34 ') and at least two smaller members (42', 44 ') disposed within the strain relief joint, wherein the two smaller members are An AC adapter disposed proximal to at least one relatively large member (34 '), wherein the electrical assembly of the AC adapter has a DC output electrically connected to a DC power cord. A method for producing a power supply adapter, comprising: attaching an electric assembly.