WO2004089490A1 - Working appliance and battery mounting apparatus with battery mounting part for mobile communications devices - Google Patents

Working appliance and battery mounting apparatus with battery mounting part for mobile communications devices Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004089490A1
WO2004089490A1 PCT/KR2003/001322 KR0301322W WO2004089490A1 WO 2004089490 A1 WO2004089490 A1 WO 2004089490A1 KR 0301322 W KR0301322 W KR 0301322W WO 2004089490 A1 WO2004089490 A1 WO 2004089490A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
unit
battery
secondary cell
mobile communications
communications devices
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/KR2003/001322
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Kyungmin Yoo
Original Assignee
Kyungmin Yoo
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from KR10-2003-0026778A external-priority patent/KR100539016B1/en
Application filed by Kyungmin Yoo filed Critical Kyungmin Yoo
Priority to AU2003237068A priority Critical patent/AU2003237068A1/en
Publication of WO2004089490A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004089490A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
    • A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
    • A63H29/00—Drive mechanisms for toys in general
    • A63H29/22—Electric drives
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
    • Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a working appliance and battery mounting apparatus, and more particularly, to a working appliance powered by batteries and a battery mounting apparatus that can be used for the appliance.
  • battery-operated toys such as toy cars, toy helicopters and toy robots, and working appliances such as electronic workbooks for children, mp3, cd players, radios, cameras, remote control devices and flash lights including lantern and lamps use primary cells that cannot be recharged.
  • working appliances such as electronic workbooks for children, mp3, cd players, radios, cameras, remote control devices and flash lights including lantern and lamps use primary cells that cannot be recharged.
  • batteries may be included in the working appliances or else buyers may have to buy batteries separately.
  • the primary cells used in the battery-operated toys or working appliances such as the electronic workbooks have relatively high natural discharge rates, low normal voltage such as 1.5V and short life spans such that the batteries cannot be used efficiently and therefore should be replaced frequently by new ones, which increase expenses.
  • chemical leakage may cause damage to the devices and users.
  • mass production of the batteries causes waste of natural resources and environmental pollution.
  • secondary cells such as a nickel-cadmium cell and a nickel- hydrogen cell are sometimes used in the battery-operated toys or working appliances such as the electronic workbooks described above, the purchasing prices of the cells are relatively higher compared to the prices of working appliances such that it places a heavy burden to the purchaser.
  • the secondary cells need a separate charger, it takes much time to charge the cells, and repetitive charging and discharging makes the performance of the cells degraded.
  • nickel-cadmium battery is supposed to be prohibited in use in some countries from June 2006 due to its anti- environmental ingridient.
  • nickel rechargable battery cells have so called memeory effect which is cell battery performance is changeable upon battery users' charge and discharge pattern. Accordingly, secondary cells are not generally used for battery-operated toys or working appliances such as electronic workbooks.
  • the present invention provides a working appliance which enables secondary cells for mobile communications devices, which are now widely in use, to be used as batteries for battery-operated toys such as toy cars and working appliances such as electronic workbooks.
  • the present invention also provides a working appliance which accommodates secondary cells for mobile communications devices, irrespective of the size and type of batteries so that the batteries can be used.
  • the present invention also provides a battery mounting apparatus in order to achieve the two objectives described above.
  • the present invention also provides a working appliance and battery mounting apparatus which can reduce consumption of a primary cell such that waste of natural resources and environmental pollution can be reduced.
  • the present invention also provides a working appliance and battery mounting apparatus which enables batteries for mobile communications devices, which are secondary cells in a household, to be used so that expenses for purchasing primary cells can be reduced.
  • a working appliance which operated with being powered by a battery having a secondary cell mounting unit
  • the secondary cell mounting unit comprises: a battery recipient unit which is installed on one side of the working appliance and solidly accommodates a secondary cell with a terminal unit for recharging and a terminal unit for supplying power for mobile communications devices; terminals wh ch are installed protruding upward from one edge of the battery recipient un it such that when one of a variety of secondary cells for mobile commun cations devices which have different specifications and different positions for a terminal unit for supplying power is placed on the battery recipient unit, the terminals contact with the terminal unit for supplying power of the secondary cell at different points compared with any other secondary cells for mobile communications devices respectively; and a battery fixing unit which enables the battery to be solidly placed and fixed on the battery recipient unit.
  • the terminals having a terminal arrangement of which size is large enough and/or being movable for covering several kinds of secondary cells which have different arrangement of terminal unit by being successfully connected with a terminal unit for power supply of one of the several kinds of secondary cells.
  • the battery fixing unit may comprise first elastic pressure apparatuses which are installed respectively on the three side walls, except the wall on which terminals are disposed, so as to elastically pressure the three sides of a secondary cell for mobile communications devices to be placed; and a second elastic pressure apparatus which is disposed on the inside surface of a cover covering the battery recipient unit and pressures the top surface of the secondary cell for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit in order to prevent the secondary cell from being separated from the battery recipient unit.
  • the first elastic pressure apparatus comprises a push unit which has a bar pushing a side of the placed secondary cell for mobile communications devices and an axis which is protruding backward from the back surface of the bar and has a latching slot; a coupling hole which is formed in each of side walls of the battery recipient unit in the vertical direction and provides a spare space to the outside of the side wall; a coupling part which is inserted into the coupling hole and has a penetration hole into which the axis is coupled; and a first elastic member which is coupled with the axis and elastically supports the link between the coupling part and the bar.
  • the second elastic pressure apparatus comprises a protrusion unit which is protruding toward the battery recipient unit from the inside surface of the. cover and has a first latch unit formed on the side of the protrusion unit; a pressure part which moves back and forth within a predetermined range with being coupled onto the protrusion unit, has a second latch unit which is interlocked with the first latch unit to prevent separation from the protrusion unit and to allow back and forth movement within the predetermined range, and pressures the top surface of a secondary cell for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit; and a second elastic member which is installed between the protrusion unit and the pressure part to elastically support the pressure part.
  • the battery fixing unit may comprise a rubber board which is installed on the surface of the battery recipient unit; and a second elastic pressure apparatus which is installed on the inside surface of a cover covering the battery recipient unit and pressures the top surface of the secondary cell for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit so as to prevent the secondary cell from being separated from the battery recipient unit.
  • the battery recipient unit may have an open entrance at the side of the back of a secondary cell for mobile communications devices when the secondary cell is placed, and is formed as a slot shape having a depth longer than the length of the secondary cell
  • the battery fixing unit may comprise first elastic pressure apparatuses which are installed respectively on two side walls, except the side wall on which the terminals are disposed, and pressure two sides of the placed secondary cell for mobile communications devices; a third elastic pressure apparatus which is installed on the inside surface of a lid covering the entrance of the battery recipient unit and pressures the back surface of the secondary cell placed on the battery recipient unit so as to prevent the secondary cell from being separated from the battery recipient unit; and a fourth elastic pressure apparatus which is installed on the top wall over the top surface of the secondary cell for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit and elastically pressures the top surface of the placed secondary cell for mobile communications devices.
  • any one of the first through fourth elastic pressure apparatuses may be formed in a two-tiered structure or more and may be detachable.
  • a hole is formed on the bar at the back and into the hole the axis of a push unit is inserted, or an elastic member is additionally inserted between a front bar and a back bar.
  • Each of the disposed terminals may be 5mm long or longer in the length direction so that the terminal contacts with the terminal of the secondary cell for mobile communications devices irrespective of the position of the terminal of the secondary cell in the length direction.
  • the working appliance may further comprise a primary cell mounting unit on which a primary cell of a cylinder shape is placed.
  • the terminals may be disposed on a slider which is installed so as to move to the right and left along a rail formed on the side surface of a guide groove formed in the width direction.
  • three or more cathode terminals and three or more anode terminals are disposed with intervals so that the terminals contact with terminals of the secondary cell for mobile communications devices irrespective of the arrangement interval of the terminals of the secondary cell.
  • a battery mounting apparatus having a secondary cell mounting unit
  • the secondary cell mounting unit comprises a case having a battery recipient unit which solidly accommodates a secondary cell with a terminal unit for recharging and a terminal unit for supplying power for mobile communications devices; terminals which are installed protruding upward from one edge of the battery recipient unit such that when one of a variety of secondary cells for mobile communications devices which have different specifications and different positions for a terminal unit for supplying power is placed on the battery recipient unit, the terminals contact with the terminal unit for supplying power of the secondary cell at different points compared with any other secondary cells for mobile communications devices respectively; and a battery fixing unit which enables the battery to be solidly placed and fixed on the battery recipient unit.
  • the battery fixing unit may comprise first elastic pressure apparatuses which are installed respectively on the three side walls, except the wall on which terminals are disposed, so as to elastically pressure the three sides of a secondary cell for mobile communications devices to be placed; and a second elastic pressure apparatus which is disposed on the inside surface of a cover covering the battery recipient unit and pressures the top surface of the secondary cell for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit in order to prevent the secondary cell from being separated from the battery recipient unit.
  • the first elastic pressure apparatus comprises a push unit which has a bar pushing a side of the placed secondary cell for mobile communications devices and an axis which is protruding backward from the back surface of the bar and has a latching slot; a coupling hole which is formed in each of side walls of the battery recipient unit in the vertical direction and provides a spare space to the outside of the side wall; a coupling part which is inserted into the coupling hole and has a penetration hole into which the axis is coupled; and a first elastic member which is coupled with the axis and elastically supports the link between the coupling part and the bar.
  • the second elastic pressure apparatus comprises a protrusion unit which is protruding toward the battery recipient unit from the inside surface of the cover and has a first latch unit formed on the side of the protrusion unit; a pressure part which moves back and forth within a predetermined range with being coupled onto the protrusion unit, has a second latch unit which is interlocked with the first latch unit to prevent separation from the protrusion unit and to allow back and forth movement within the predetermined range, and pressures the top surface of a secondary cell for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit; and a second elastic member which is installed between the protrusion unit and the pressure part to elastically support the pressure part.
  • the battery fixing unit may comprise a rubber board which is installed on the surface of the battery recipient unit; and a second elastic pressure apparatus which is installed on the inside surface of a cover covering the battery recipient unit and pressures the top surface of the secondary cell for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit so as to prevent the secondary cell from being separated from the battery recipient unit.
  • the battery recipient unit may have an open entrance at the side of the back of a secondary cell for mobile communications devices when the secondary cell is placed, and is formed as a slot shape having a depth longer than the length of the secondary cell, and the battery fixing unit may comprise first elastic pressure apparatuses which are installed respectively on two side walls, except the side wall on which the terminals are disposed, and pressure two sides of the placed secondary cell for mobile communications devices; a third elastic pressure apparatus which is installed on the inside surface of a lid covering the entrance of the battery recipient unit and pressures the back surface of the secondary cell placed on the battery recipient unit so as to prevent the secondary cell from being separated from the battery recipient unit; and a fourth elastic pressure apparatus which is installed on the top wall over the top surface of the secondary cell for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit and elastically pressures the top surface of the placed secondary cell for mobile communications devices.
  • a leaf spring or a plate spring can be used as one of the elastic pressure apparatuses.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a working appliance according to the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery mounting apparatus for a working appliance according to the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a secondary cell for mobile communications devices placed on the secondary cell mounting unit of a working appliance of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a battery mounting apparatus according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a working appliance according to the present invention
  • FIG. 6 is an exploded sectional perspective view for explaining the internal structure of a secondary cell mounting unit of FIG. 5;
  • FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a battery mounting apparatus whose terminals are installed on a slider;
  • FIGS. 8 through 10 are diagrams of modifications of terminals of a battery mounting apparatus according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 11 is a plane view of another embodiment of a working appliance according to the present invention.
  • FIG. 12 is a plane view of a modification of an elastic pressure apparatus.
  • FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a working appliance according to the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery mounting apparatus for a working appliance according to the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a secondary cell for mobile communications devices placed on the secondary cell mounting unit of a working appliance of FIG. 1.
  • a small toy car is employed as a working appliance 100, and a secondary cell mounting unit 102, on which a secondary cell for mobile communications devices of a roughly rectangular shape can be mounted, is disposed on the bottom part of the small toy car.
  • This secondary cell mounting unit 102 can be implemented as a whole in a case 104 as shown in FIG. 2 such that the case 102 forms a battery mounting apparatus 101. Then, by installing the battery mounting apparatus 101 onto the working appliance 100, the working appliance 100 can be constructed according to the present invention.
  • the secondary cell mounting unit 102 comprises a battery recipient unit 110 on which solidly accommodates a secondary cell for mobile communications devices 50 having a terminal unit 52 for supplying power and a terminal unit 54 for recharging; terminals disposed on the battery recipient unit 110; and a battery fixing unit 150 which fixes the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit 110.
  • the battery recipient unit 110 is to solidly accommodate the secondary cell 50 of a variety of specifications for mobile communications devices having a terminal unit 52 for supplying power and a terminal unit 54 for recharging and has a wider area than that of ordinary secondary cells for mobile communications device which are expected to be used. It is desirable that the battery recipient unit 110 is formed to be a recess of a roughly rectangular shape.
  • Terminals 120 are disposed protruding upward on one side of the battery recipient unit 110. Of course these terminals are elastically supported and this structure is already widely employed. These terminals are disposed such that when one of a variety of secondary cells 50 for mobile communications devices which have different specifications and different positions for a terminal unit for supplying power is placed on the battery recipient unit 110, the terminals can contact with the terminal unit for supplying power of the secondary cell 50 at different points compared with any other secondary cells for mobile communications devices respectively. For this, by considering possible positions of terminal units for supplying power of secondary cells for mobile communications devices that are expected to be used for the working appliance 100 according to the present invention, the method for disposing the terminals can be determined.
  • the number of disposed terminals 120 may be increased so that the number of each of anode terminals and cathode terminals is greater than 2, or the length or width of each terminal 120 may be extended, or the positions of terminals may be formed to be movable.
  • the battery fixing unit 150 for fixing a secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit 110 can be constructed in a variety of ways. One of them is shown in FIGS. 1 through 3.
  • the battery fixing unit 150 shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 comprises first elastic pressure apparatuses 160 and a second elastic pressure apparatus 170.
  • the first elastic pressure apparatuses are installed respectively on the three side walls 111 , except the wall on which terminals 120 are disposed, so as to elastically pressure the three sides of the placed secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices.
  • the second elastic pressure apparatus 170 is disposed on the inside surface of a cover 152 covering the top side of the battery recipient unit 100 and pressures the top surface of the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit 110 in order to prevent the secondary cell 50 from being separated from the battery recipient unit 110.
  • the first elastic pressure apparatus 160 has a push unit 161.
  • the push unit 161 comprises a bar 162 pushing a side of the placed secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices and an axis 164 which is protruding backward from the back surface of the bar 162 and has a latching slot 163.
  • On each side wall 111 of the battery recipient unit 110 coupling holes 112 are formed in the vertical direction and provide spare spaces to the outside of the side walls 111.
  • the spare spaces are provided so that the axis 164 can move back and forth. By forming holes on the side walls 111 , the spare spaces can be prepared.
  • the first elastic pressure apparatus has a coupling part 165.
  • This coupling part 165 is inserted into the coupling hole 112 such that the coupling part 165 is detachable.
  • the coupling part 165 has a penetration hole 166 into which the axis 164 can be coupled.
  • a first elastic member 166 is installed on the axis 164 between this coupling part 165 and the bar 162. It is desirable that a rubber board having high friction is attached on the front surface of the bar 162.
  • the second elastic pressure apparatus 170 has a protrusion unit 171 which is protruding toward the battery recipient unit 110 from the inside surface of the cover 152 and has a first latch unit 172 formed on the side of the protrusion unit 171. It is desirable that the protrusion unit 171 has a cylinder shape having a hole inside and the first latch unit 172 has a protrusion shape formed on the outer circumference surface of the protrusion unit 171.
  • a pressure part 173 is coupled.
  • the pressure part 173 comprises a cylinder unit 174 which is coupled with the outside of the protrusion unit 171 , and a pressure unit 175 which pressures the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices.
  • the cylinder unit 174 is divided into three parts.
  • a second latch unit 176 corresponding to the first latch unit 172 is formed on this cylinder part 174.
  • this second latch unit 176 is formed as a long hole so that the second latch unit 176 is interlocked with the first latch unit 172 to prevent the pressure part 173 from being separated from the protrusion unit 171 and the pressure part 173 is allowed to move back and forth within a predetermined range.
  • a rubber board 177 is attached to the surface of the pressure unit 175 in order to increase the fixing power against the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices.
  • a second elastic member 178 is installed between the protrusion unit 171 and the pressure part 173 in order to elastically push the pressure part 173 against the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices. That is, if the first elastic pressure apparatuses 160 at both sides are pushed outside to widen the entrance and the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices is placed on the battery recipient unit 110 as shown in FIG. 3, then the push units 162 at both sides push the secondary cell 50 to the other sides and the push unit 181 at the back pushes the secondary cell 50 against the side of the terminals. Accordingly, the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices is fixed firstly in the battery recipient unit 110. If the cover 152 is closed in the state shown in FIG. 3, the second elastic pressure apparatus 170 installed at the inside surface of the cover 152 pressures and pushes the top side of the secondary cell 50 such that the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices can be solidly fixed in the battery recipient unit 110.
  • the position of the terminal for supplying power may vary. This problem can be solved by making the number of each of disposed cathode terminals and anode terminals three or more, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 6, or by a variety of method shown in FIG. 7 and the following figures.
  • Reference number 54 indicates the terminal unit for recharging of the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices.
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a battery mounting apparatus according to the present invention.
  • a battery fixing unit may be constructed by installing a rubber board 177a having high friction on the surface of the battery recipient unit 110 inside the case 104 and installing the second elastic pressure apparatus 170 on the inside surface of the cover 152.
  • the first elastic pressure apparatuses 160 as described above are not needed and secondary cells 50 for mobile communications devices having more different specifications can be fixed.
  • a plurality of the second elastic pressure apparatuses 170 can be installed.
  • the structure of the secondary cell mounting unit 102 shown in FIG. 4 may be implemented as an integral part of the working appliance 100.
  • FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a working appliance according to the present invention
  • FIG. 6 is an exploded sectional perspective view for explaining the internal structure of the secondary cell mounting unit of FIG. 5.
  • the working appliance 100 shown in FIG. 5 is an MP3 player to which the present invention is applied, and has a slot-shaped secondary cell mounting unit 102 on one side of the working appliance.
  • the secondary cell mounting unit 102a has a battery recipient unit 110.
  • the battery recipient unit 110 has an open entrance at the side of the back of the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices when the secondary cell 50 is placed.
  • This battery recipient unit 110 is formed as a slot shape having a depth longer than the length of the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices.
  • a battery fixing unit 150 in the present embodiment has first elastic pressure apparatuses 160 that are installed respectively on two side walls 111 facing each other, except the side wall 111 on which terminals 120 are disposed, and elastically pressure both sides in the length direction of the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices to be placed.
  • the first elastic pressure apparatuses 160 are constructed with holes 112a formed on the side walls 111, and push units 161 and first elastic members 166 described above.
  • the first elastic pressure apparatuses 160 can be constructed as shown in FIGS. 1 through 3.
  • the battery fixing unit 150 of the present embodiment has a third elastic pressure apparatus 180 which is installed on the inside surface of the lid 154 of the battery recipient unit 110 and pressures the back of the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices to be placed on the battery recipient unit 110 so as to prevent the secondary cell 50 from being separated from the battery recipient unit 110.
  • This third elastic pressure apparatus 180 can be constructed in the same shape as that of the first elastic pressure apparatus 160 or the second elastic pressure apparatus 170 described above.
  • the battery fixing unit 150 of the present embodiment has a fourth elastic pressure apparatus 190.
  • the fourth elastic pressure apparatus 190 is to pressure the top surface of the secondary cell 50 to be placed on the battery recipient unit 110.
  • the fourth elastic pressure apparatus 190 can be constructed by forming protrusion units 192 on the top surface of a pressure board 191 , attaching a fixing unit 194, which has the same shape as that of the pressure part 173 shown in FIG. 2, on the top wall 113 using an adhesive and the like, and installing a fourth elastic member 196 between the protrusion unit 192 and the fixing unit 194.
  • a rubber board or the like is attached on the bottom of the pressure board 191.
  • Other features are the same as described referring to the second elastic pressure apparatus 170.
  • FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a battery mounting apparatus whose terminals are installed on a slider.
  • terminals are disposed protruding upward with intervals.
  • These terminals 120 have a semi-circle ring shape and are elastically supported by their own elasticity or by a spring embedded inside the slider 121 so that the terminals 120 always protrude outside.
  • a conventional structure adopted for mobile communications devices which is already known may be employed as is.
  • These terminals are connected to an internal substrate or motor when the battery mounting apparatus is installed in a working appliance, and provide the power of the secondary cell for mobile communications devices to the substrate or motor.
  • These terminals are disposed on sliders 121.
  • Each slider 121 is installed so that the slider 121 can move to the left or right side along guide grooves 122 formed in the width direction and rails 123 formed next to the guide grooves 122. This is to adjust the positions of the terminals 120 to the left or right so that irrespective of the specifications of the placed secondary cell for mobile communications devices, the terminals can contact with the terminal units of the secondary cell. That is, in this embodiment, the terminals 120 are installed on the slider 121 and therefore are movable such that even when the position of the terminal unit 52 for supplying power of the secondary cell 50 placed on the battery recipient unit 110 varies according to the type of the cell, the terminals 120 can contact with the terminal unit for supplying power on a different position of the secondary cell 50.
  • the terminals 120 are connected to a substrate or motor of the working appliance through a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) or a wire with a connector.
  • FPCB flexible printed circuit board
  • a leaf spring or a plate spring can be used as one of the elastic pressure apparatuses.
  • FIGS. 8 through 10 are diagrams of respective modifications of terminals of a battery mounting apparatus according to the present invention.
  • the terminals 120 may be constructed by installing anode terminals 120a and cathode terminals 120b along an edge of the battery recipient unit 110, in which the number of pairs of the anode terminals 120a and cathode terminals 120b is at least three or more, and each of the terminals 120a and 120b is 5mm or longer than that of the conventional terminals (about 4mm) in the length direction, and preferably, the length is 6mm ⁇ 20mm.
  • the terminals 120 may be constructed by installing a number of pairs of the anode terminals 120a and cathode terminals 120b with intervals in the width direction, in which the number of the pairs is at least 3 or more.
  • the terminals 120 may be constructed by not dividing each of the anode terminal 120a and the cathode terminal 120b into a plurality of terminals and by using wide conductive members.
  • a battery recipient unit 110 and a battery fixing unit 150 formed with a first elastic pressure apparatus 160 and a second elastic pressure apparatus 170 are the same as described above referring to FIGS. 1 through 3.
  • a motor driving circuit can be redesigned to use a middle level voltage (about 4V), instead of a compulsory high voltage, and a battery-operated toy that can show its full performance can be manufactured with considering the high current.
  • FIG. 11 is a plane view of another embodiment of a working appliance according to the present invention.
  • a primary cell mounting unit 107 is formed in addition to the secondary cell mounting unit 102 so that a primary cell of a cylinder shape can be used when necessary.
  • FIG. 12 is a plane view of a modification of an elastic pressure apparatus.
  • the first elastic pressure apparatus 160 can be formed in a two-tiered structure by forming a hole 162a on the bar 162 of one of the first elastic pressure apparatuses 160 and mounting here a first elastic member 166 and a push unit 161 formed with an axis 164 having a latch slot 163 and a bar 162.
  • the front push unit 161 and the first elastic member 166 can be used detachably according to the length of the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices which is desired to be used.
  • This structure can be applied to the remaining two first elastic pressure apparatuses 160 and of course can be applied to the second through fourth elastic pressure apparatuses 170, 180, and 190 described above as is.
  • the structure can be expanded to a three-tiered structure or more. The other features are the same as described above.
  • the contents of the present invention applied to the case of each battery mounting apparatus described above can be applied to the body of all battery-operated working appliances such as battery-operated toys, electronic workbooks, cameras, flashes, MP3 players, and CD players, without change.
  • a spare secondary cell for mobile communications devices can be used as a battery for a battery-operated toy such as a toy car or a working appliance such as a workbook for children, expense for purchasing batteries for working appliances can be saved.
  • the secondary cell for mobile communications devices can be recharged, it is not needed to additionally buy a battery when a working appliance is used.
  • the battery mounting apparatus for a working appliance according to the present invention can be used for general purposes irrespective of the size and type of a secondary cell for mobile communications devices, the scope of utilization is very wide. Also, as spare secondary cells that are always available due to the spread of mobile communications devices can be used effectively, it can make a great contribution to saving and recycling natural resources and to reducing environmental pollution.
  • the rated voltage of a motor can be adjusted and redesigned to a 3.7V level such that compatibility will be enhanced more.

Abstract

A working appliance powered by batteries and a battery mounting apparatus that can be used for the appliance are provided. The working appliance has a secondary cell mounting unit comprising: a battery recipient unit which is installed on one side of the working appliance or a case and solidly accommodates a secondary cell with a terminal unit for recharging and a terminal unit for supplying power for mobile communications devices; terminals which are installed protruding upward from one edge of the battery recipient unit such that when one of a variety of secondary cells for mobile communications devices which have different specifications and different positions for a terminal unit for supplying power is placed on the battery recipient unit, the terminals contact with the terminal unit for supplying power of the secondary cell at different points compared with any other secondary cells for mobile communications devices respectively; and a battery fixing unit which enables the secondary cell to be solidly placed and fixed on the battery recipient unit. The battery mounting apparatus can reduce expenses for purchasing batteries for working appliances and it is not needed to additionally buy a battery when the working appliance is used. In addition, since the battery mounting apparatus can be used for general purposes irrespective of the size and type of the secondary cell for mobile communications devices, the scope of utilization is very wide. Also, it can make a great contribution to saving and recycling natural resources and to reducing environmental pollution.

Description

WORKING APPLIANCE AND BATTERY MOUNTING APPARATUS
WITH BATTERY MOUNTING PART
FOR MOBILE CO-M.fMUh.ICAT.ONS DEVICES
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a working appliance and battery mounting apparatus, and more particularly, to a working appliance powered by batteries and a battery mounting apparatus that can be used for the appliance.
Background Art
Generally, battery-operated toys such as toy cars, toy helicopters and toy robots, and working appliances such as electronic workbooks for children, mp3, cd players, radios, cameras, remote control devices and flash lights including lantern and lamps use primary cells that cannot be recharged. When those appliances are purchased, batteries may be included in the working appliances or else buyers may have to buy batteries separately.
The primary cells used in the battery-operated toys or working appliances such as the electronic workbooks have relatively high natural discharge rates, low normal voltage such as 1.5V and short life spans such that the batteries cannot be used efficiently and therefore should be replaced frequently by new ones, which increase expenses. Sometimes, when these batteries are left installed in working devices, chemical leakage may cause damage to the devices and users. In addition, mass production of the batteries causes waste of natural resources and environmental pollution. Though secondary cells such as a nickel-cadmium cell and a nickel- hydrogen cell are sometimes used in the battery-operated toys or working appliances such as the electronic workbooks described above, the purchasing prices of the cells are relatively higher compared to the prices of working appliances such that it places a heavy burden to the purchaser. In addition, the secondary cells need a separate charger, it takes much time to charge the cells, and repetitive charging and discharging makes the performance of the cells degraded. Meanwhile, nickel-cadmium battery is supposed to be prohibited in use in some countries from June 2006 due to its anti- environmental ingridient. Not only these facts but also nickel rechargable battery cells have so called memeory effect which is cell battery performance is changeable upon battery users' charge and discharge pattern. Accordingly, secondary cells are not generally used for battery-operated toys or working appliances such as electronic workbooks.
Meanwhile, in line with the recent development of mobile communications industries, sales of mobile communications devices such as mobile phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs) have rapidly increased and mobile communications devices have become one of popular communications means. These mobile communications devices are sold optionally depending upon countries with spare batteries as well as a battery which is mounted into and directly used by a mobile communications device. Usually, as a battery for a communications device, a 3.7V lithium family secondary cell that is rechargeable and has a roughly rectangular plate shape is used. Lithium secondary cells include lithium ion cells, lithium polymer cells and other luthium cells. When the penetration rate of mobile communications devices is considered, there are usually two ore more spare batteries in one household. Also, there are millions of this lithium cells which are not in-use due to various reasons such as new buy, lost of mobile equipment, old fashion, less functions and other reasons. These non-use mobile devices still carry usable battery cells and chargers. However, battery-operated toys such as toy cars and working appliances such as electronic workbooks for children have battery mounting units appropriate only to cylinder-shape batteries, and batteries of a roughly rectangular plate shape cannot be used.
Disclosure of the Invention
To solve the above problems, the present invention provides a working appliance which enables secondary cells for mobile communications devices, which are now widely in use, to be used as batteries for battery-operated toys such as toy cars and working appliances such as electronic workbooks.
The present invention also provides a working appliance which accommodates secondary cells for mobile communications devices, irrespective of the size and type of batteries so that the batteries can be used. The present invention also provides a battery mounting apparatus in order to achieve the two objectives described above.
The present invention also provides a working appliance and battery mounting apparatus which can reduce consumption of a primary cell such that waste of natural resources and environmental pollution can be reduced.
The present invention also provides a working appliance and battery mounting apparatus which enables batteries for mobile communications devices, which are secondary cells in a household, to be used so that expenses for purchasing primary cells can be reduced. According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus a working appliance which operated with being powered by a battery having a secondary cell mounting unit wherein the secondary cell mounting unit comprises: a battery recipient unit which is installed on one side of the working appliance and solidly accommodates a secondary cell with a terminal unit for recharging and a terminal unit for supplying power for mobile communications devices; terminals wh ch are installed protruding upward from one edge of the battery recipient un it such that when one of a variety of secondary cells for mobile commun cations devices which have different specifications and different positions for a terminal unit for supplying power is placed on the battery recipient unit, the terminals contact with the terminal unit for supplying power of the secondary cell at different points compared with any other secondary cells for mobile communications devices respectively; and a battery fixing unit which enables the battery to be solidly placed and fixed on the battery recipient unit.
It is preferable that the terminals having a terminal arrangement of which size is large enough and/or being movable for covering several kinds of secondary cells which have different arrangement of terminal unit by being successfully connected with a terminal unit for power supply of one of the several kinds of secondary cells.
In the working appliance, the battery fixing unit may comprise first elastic pressure apparatuses which are installed respectively on the three side walls, except the wall on which terminals are disposed, so as to elastically pressure the three sides of a secondary cell for mobile communications devices to be placed; and a second elastic pressure apparatus which is disposed on the inside surface of a cover covering the battery recipient unit and pressures the top surface of the secondary cell for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit in order to prevent the secondary cell from being separated from the battery recipient unit.
It is preferable that the first elastic pressure apparatus comprises a push unit which has a bar pushing a side of the placed secondary cell for mobile communications devices and an axis which is protruding backward from the back surface of the bar and has a latching slot; a coupling hole which is formed in each of side walls of the battery recipient unit in the vertical direction and provides a spare space to the outside of the side wall; a coupling part which is inserted into the coupling hole and has a penetration hole into which the axis is coupled; and a first elastic member which is coupled with the axis and elastically supports the link between the coupling part and the bar.
Preferably, the second elastic pressure apparatus comprises a protrusion unit which is protruding toward the battery recipient unit from the inside surface of the. cover and has a first latch unit formed on the side of the protrusion unit; a pressure part which moves back and forth within a predetermined range with being coupled onto the protrusion unit, has a second latch unit which is interlocked with the first latch unit to prevent separation from the protrusion unit and to allow back and forth movement within the predetermined range, and pressures the top surface of a secondary cell for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit; and a second elastic member which is installed between the protrusion unit and the pressure part to elastically support the pressure part.
When necessary, the battery fixing unit may comprise a rubber board which is installed on the surface of the battery recipient unit; and a second elastic pressure apparatus which is installed on the inside surface of a cover covering the battery recipient unit and pressures the top surface of the secondary cell for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit so as to prevent the secondary cell from being separated from the battery recipient unit.
Also, the battery recipient unit may have an open entrance at the side of the back of a secondary cell for mobile communications devices when the secondary cell is placed, and is formed as a slot shape having a depth longer than the length of the secondary cell, and the battery fixing unit may comprise first elastic pressure apparatuses which are installed respectively on two side walls, except the side wall on which the terminals are disposed, and pressure two sides of the placed secondary cell for mobile communications devices; a third elastic pressure apparatus which is installed on the inside surface of a lid covering the entrance of the battery recipient unit and pressures the back surface of the secondary cell placed on the battery recipient unit so as to prevent the secondary cell from being separated from the battery recipient unit; and a fourth elastic pressure apparatus which is installed on the top wall over the top surface of the secondary cell for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit and elastically pressures the top surface of the placed secondary cell for mobile communications devices.
When necessary, any one of the first through fourth elastic pressure apparatuses may be formed in a two-tiered structure or more and may be detachable. In a structure for this, a hole is formed on the bar at the back and into the hole the axis of a push unit is inserted, or an elastic member is additionally inserted between a front bar and a back bar.
Each of the disposed terminals may be 5mm long or longer in the length direction so that the terminal contacts with the terminal of the secondary cell for mobile communications devices irrespective of the position of the terminal of the secondary cell in the length direction.
If there is a spare space, the working appliance may further comprise a primary cell mounting unit on which a primary cell of a cylinder shape is placed. The terminals may be disposed on a slider which is installed so as to move to the right and left along a rail formed on the side surface of a guide groove formed in the width direction.
Preferably, three or more cathode terminals and three or more anode terminals are disposed with intervals so that the terminals contact with terminals of the secondary cell for mobile communications devices irrespective of the arrangement interval of the terminals of the secondary cell.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery mounting apparatus having a secondary cell mounting unit wherein the secondary cell mounting unit comprises a case having a battery recipient unit which solidly accommodates a secondary cell with a terminal unit for recharging and a terminal unit for supplying power for mobile communications devices; terminals which are installed protruding upward from one edge of the battery recipient unit such that when one of a variety of secondary cells for mobile communications devices which have different specifications and different positions for a terminal unit for supplying power is placed on the battery recipient unit, the terminals contact with the terminal unit for supplying power of the secondary cell at different points compared with any other secondary cells for mobile communications devices respectively; and a battery fixing unit which enables the battery to be solidly placed and fixed on the battery recipient unit. The battery fixing unit may comprise first elastic pressure apparatuses which are installed respectively on the three side walls, except the wall on which terminals are disposed, so as to elastically pressure the three sides of a secondary cell for mobile communications devices to be placed; and a second elastic pressure apparatus which is disposed on the inside surface of a cover covering the battery recipient unit and pressures the top surface of the secondary cell for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit in order to prevent the secondary cell from being separated from the battery recipient unit. It is preferable that the first elastic pressure apparatus comprises a push unit which has a bar pushing a side of the placed secondary cell for mobile communications devices and an axis which is protruding backward from the back surface of the bar and has a latching slot; a coupling hole which is formed in each of side walls of the battery recipient unit in the vertical direction and provides a spare space to the outside of the side wall; a coupling part which is inserted into the coupling hole and has a penetration hole into which the axis is coupled; and a first elastic member which is coupled with the axis and elastically supports the link between the coupling part and the bar.
Preferably, the second elastic pressure apparatus comprises a protrusion unit which is protruding toward the battery recipient unit from the inside surface of the cover and has a first latch unit formed on the side of the protrusion unit; a pressure part which moves back and forth within a predetermined range with being coupled onto the protrusion unit, has a second latch unit which is interlocked with the first latch unit to prevent separation from the protrusion unit and to allow back and forth movement within the predetermined range, and pressures the top surface of a secondary cell for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit; and a second elastic member which is installed between the protrusion unit and the pressure part to elastically support the pressure part.
When necessary, the battery fixing unit may comprise a rubber board which is installed on the surface of the battery recipient unit; and a second elastic pressure apparatus which is installed on the inside surface of a cover covering the battery recipient unit and pressures the top surface of the secondary cell for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit so as to prevent the secondary cell from being separated from the battery recipient unit.
The battery recipient unit may have an open entrance at the side of the back of a secondary cell for mobile communications devices when the secondary cell is placed, and is formed as a slot shape having a depth longer than the length of the secondary cell, and the battery fixing unit may comprise first elastic pressure apparatuses which are installed respectively on two side walls, except the side wall on which the terminals are disposed, and pressure two sides of the placed secondary cell for mobile communications devices; a third elastic pressure apparatus which is installed on the inside surface of a lid covering the entrance of the battery recipient unit and pressures the back surface of the secondary cell placed on the battery recipient unit so as to prevent the secondary cell from being separated from the battery recipient unit; and a fourth elastic pressure apparatus which is installed on the top wall over the top surface of the secondary cell for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit and elastically pressures the top surface of the placed secondary cell for mobile communications devices.
When necessary, a leaf spring or a plate spring can be used as one of the elastic pressure apparatuses.
Brief Description of the Drawings
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a working appliance according to the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery mounting apparatus for a working appliance according to the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a secondary cell for mobile communications devices placed on the secondary cell mounting unit of a working appliance of FIG. 1 ;
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a battery mounting apparatus according to the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a working appliance according to the present invention; FIG. 6 is an exploded sectional perspective view for explaining the internal structure of a secondary cell mounting unit of FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a battery mounting apparatus whose terminals are installed on a slider;
FIGS. 8 through 10 are diagrams of modifications of terminals of a battery mounting apparatus according to the present invention;
FIG. 11 is a plane view of another embodiment of a working appliance according to the present invention; and
FIG. 12 is a plane view of a modification of an elastic pressure apparatus.
Best mode for carrying out the Invention FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a working appliance according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a battery mounting apparatus for a working appliance according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a secondary cell for mobile communications devices placed on the secondary cell mounting unit of a working appliance of FIG. 1.
Referring to FIG. 1 , in the present embodiment, a small toy car is employed as a working appliance 100, and a secondary cell mounting unit 102, on which a secondary cell for mobile communications devices of a roughly rectangular shape can be mounted, is disposed on the bottom part of the small toy car. This secondary cell mounting unit 102 can be implemented as a whole in a case 104 as shown in FIG. 2 such that the case 102 forms a battery mounting apparatus 101. Then, by installing the battery mounting apparatus 101 onto the working appliance 100, the working appliance 100 can be constructed according to the present invention. The secondary cell mounting unit 102 comprises a battery recipient unit 110 on which solidly accommodates a secondary cell for mobile communications devices 50 having a terminal unit 52 for supplying power and a terminal unit 54 for recharging; terminals disposed on the battery recipient unit 110; and a battery fixing unit 150 which fixes the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit 110.
The battery recipient unit 110 is to solidly accommodate the secondary cell 50 of a variety of specifications for mobile communications devices having a terminal unit 52 for supplying power and a terminal unit 54 for recharging and has a wider area than that of ordinary secondary cells for mobile communications device which are expected to be used. It is desirable that the battery recipient unit 110 is formed to be a recess of a roughly rectangular shape.
Terminals 120 are disposed protruding upward on one side of the battery recipient unit 110. Of course these terminals are elastically supported and this structure is already widely employed. These terminals are disposed such that when one of a variety of secondary cells 50 for mobile communications devices which have different specifications and different positions for a terminal unit for supplying power is placed on the battery recipient unit 110, the terminals can contact with the terminal unit for supplying power of the secondary cell 50 at different points compared with any other secondary cells for mobile communications devices respectively. For this, by considering possible positions of terminal units for supplying power of secondary cells for mobile communications devices that are expected to be used for the working appliance 100 according to the present invention, the method for disposing the terminals can be determined. For example, the number of disposed terminals 120 may be increased so that the number of each of anode terminals and cathode terminals is greater than 2, or the length or width of each terminal 120 may be extended, or the positions of terminals may be formed to be movable. The battery fixing unit 150 for fixing a secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit 110 can be constructed in a variety of ways. One of them is shown in FIGS. 1 through 3. The battery fixing unit 150 shown in FIGS. 1 through 3 comprises first elastic pressure apparatuses 160 and a second elastic pressure apparatus 170. The first elastic pressure apparatuses are installed respectively on the three side walls 111 , except the wall on which terminals 120 are disposed, so as to elastically pressure the three sides of the placed secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices. The second elastic pressure apparatus 170 is disposed on the inside surface of a cover 152 covering the top side of the battery recipient unit 100 and pressures the top surface of the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit 110 in order to prevent the secondary cell 50 from being separated from the battery recipient unit 110.
The first elastic pressure apparatus 160 has a push unit 161. The push unit 161 comprises a bar 162 pushing a side of the placed secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices and an axis 164 which is protruding backward from the back surface of the bar 162 and has a latching slot 163. On each side wall 111 of the battery recipient unit 110, coupling holes 112 are formed in the vertical direction and provide spare spaces to the outside of the side walls 111. Here, the spare spaces are provided so that the axis 164 can move back and forth. By forming holes on the side walls 111 , the spare spaces can be prepared. The first elastic pressure apparatus has a coupling part 165. This coupling part 165 is inserted into the coupling hole 112 such that the coupling part 165 is detachable. The coupling part 165 has a penetration hole 166 into which the axis 164 can be coupled. In order to elastically support the link between the coupling part 165 and the bar 162, a first elastic member 166 is installed on the axis 164 between this coupling part 165 and the bar 162. It is desirable that a rubber board having high friction is attached on the front surface of the bar 162.
The second elastic pressure apparatus 170 has a protrusion unit 171 which is protruding toward the battery recipient unit 110 from the inside surface of the cover 152 and has a first latch unit 172 formed on the side of the protrusion unit 171. It is desirable that the protrusion unit 171 has a cylinder shape having a hole inside and the first latch unit 172 has a protrusion shape formed on the outer circumference surface of the protrusion unit 171. Onto the protrusion unit 171 , a pressure part 173 is coupled. The pressure part 173 comprises a cylinder unit 174 which is coupled with the outside of the protrusion unit 171 , and a pressure unit 175 which pressures the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices. The cylinder unit 174 is divided into three parts. On this cylinder part 174, a second latch unit 176 corresponding to the first latch unit 172 is formed. Preferably, this second latch unit 176 is formed as a long hole so that the second latch unit 176 is interlocked with the first latch unit 172 to prevent the pressure part 173 from being separated from the protrusion unit 171 and the pressure part 173 is allowed to move back and forth within a predetermined range. In addition, it is desirable that a rubber board 177 is attached to the surface of the pressure unit 175 in order to increase the fixing power against the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices.
It is possible to form the inside diameter of the protrusion unit 171 greater than the diameter of the cylinder unit 174 and to form the first latch unit 172 on the inner circumference surface of the protrusion unit 171. A structure opposite to this is also allowable.
As shown in FIG. 2, a second elastic member 178 is installed between the protrusion unit 171 and the pressure part 173 in order to elastically push the pressure part 173 against the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices. That is, if the first elastic pressure apparatuses 160 at both sides are pushed outside to widen the entrance and the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices is placed on the battery recipient unit 110 as shown in FIG. 3, then the push units 162 at both sides push the secondary cell 50 to the other sides and the push unit 181 at the back pushes the secondary cell 50 against the side of the terminals. Accordingly, the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices is fixed firstly in the battery recipient unit 110. If the cover 152 is closed in the state shown in FIG. 3, the second elastic pressure apparatus 170 installed at the inside surface of the cover 152 pressures and pushes the top side of the secondary cell 50 such that the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices can be solidly fixed in the battery recipient unit 110.
If a secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices having different specifications is used, the position of the terminal for supplying power may vary. This problem can be solved by making the number of each of disposed cathode terminals and anode terminals three or more, as shown in FIGS. 1 through 6, or by a variety of method shown in FIG. 7 and the following figures.
Reference number 54 indicates the terminal unit for recharging of the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices.
FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a battery mounting apparatus according to the present invention.
When necessary, as shown in FIG. 4, a battery fixing unit may be constructed by installing a rubber board 177a having high friction on the surface of the battery recipient unit 110 inside the case 104 and installing the second elastic pressure apparatus 170 on the inside surface of the cover 152. In this case, the first elastic pressure apparatuses 160 as described above are not needed and secondary cells 50 for mobile communications devices having more different specifications can be fixed. Of course in this case, a plurality of the second elastic pressure apparatuses 170 can be installed. Other features are the same as described above. The structure of the secondary cell mounting unit 102 shown in FIG. 4 may be implemented as an integral part of the working appliance 100.
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a working appliance according to the present invention, and FIG. 6 is an exploded sectional perspective view for explaining the internal structure of the secondary cell mounting unit of FIG. 5. The working appliance 100 shown in FIG. 5 is an MP3 player to which the present invention is applied, and has a slot-shaped secondary cell mounting unit 102 on one side of the working appliance. The secondary cell mounting unit 102a has a battery recipient unit 110. The battery recipient unit 110 has an open entrance at the side of the back of the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices when the secondary cell 50 is placed. This battery recipient unit 110 is formed as a slot shape having a depth longer than the length of the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices.
A battery fixing unit 150 in the present embodiment has first elastic pressure apparatuses 160 that are installed respectively on two side walls 111 facing each other, except the side wall 111 on which terminals 120 are disposed, and elastically pressure both sides in the length direction of the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices to be placed. The first elastic pressure apparatuses 160 are constructed with holes 112a formed on the side walls 111, and push units 161 and first elastic members 166 described above. Of course, the first elastic pressure apparatuses 160 can be constructed as shown in FIGS. 1 through 3. The battery fixing unit 150 of the present embodiment has a third elastic pressure apparatus 180 which is installed on the inside surface of the lid 154 of the battery recipient unit 110 and pressures the back of the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices to be placed on the battery recipient unit 110 so as to prevent the secondary cell 50 from being separated from the battery recipient unit 110. This third elastic pressure apparatus 180 can be constructed in the same shape as that of the first elastic pressure apparatus 160 or the second elastic pressure apparatus 170 described above. The battery fixing unit 150 of the present embodiment has a fourth elastic pressure apparatus 190. The fourth elastic pressure apparatus 190 is to pressure the top surface of the secondary cell 50 to be placed on the battery recipient unit 110. The fourth elastic pressure apparatus 190 can be constructed by forming protrusion units 192 on the top surface of a pressure board 191 , attaching a fixing unit 194, which has the same shape as that of the pressure part 173 shown in FIG. 2, on the top wall 113 using an adhesive and the like, and installing a fourth elastic member 196 between the protrusion unit 192 and the fixing unit 194. In this case, it is preferable that a rubber board or the like is attached on the bottom of the pressure board 191. Other features are the same as described referring to the second elastic pressure apparatus 170.
FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of a battery mounting apparatus whose terminals are installed on a slider.
As shown in FIG. 7, in the vicinity of one side of the battery recipient unit 110 formed inside the case 104, terminals are disposed protruding upward with intervals. These terminals 120 have a semi-circle ring shape and are elastically supported by their own elasticity or by a spring embedded inside the slider 121 so that the terminals 120 always protrude outside. For arrangement of these terminals, a conventional structure adopted for mobile communications devices which is already known may be employed as is. These terminals are connected to an internal substrate or motor when the battery mounting apparatus is installed in a working appliance, and provide the power of the secondary cell for mobile communications devices to the substrate or motor. These terminals are disposed on sliders 121. Each slider 121 is installed so that the slider 121 can move to the left or right side along guide grooves 122 formed in the width direction and rails 123 formed next to the guide grooves 122. This is to adjust the positions of the terminals 120 to the left or right so that irrespective of the specifications of the placed secondary cell for mobile communications devices, the terminals can contact with the terminal units of the secondary cell. That is, in this embodiment, the terminals 120 are installed on the slider 121 and therefore are movable such that even when the position of the terminal unit 52 for supplying power of the secondary cell 50 placed on the battery recipient unit 110 varies according to the type of the cell, the terminals 120 can contact with the terminal unit for supplying power on a different position of the secondary cell 50. Of course the terminals 120 are connected to a substrate or motor of the working appliance through a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) or a wire with a connector. The other features are the same as described above referring to FIG. 2.
When necessary, a leaf spring or a plate spring can be used as one of the elastic pressure apparatuses.
FIGS. 8 through 10 are diagrams of respective modifications of terminals of a battery mounting apparatus according to the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 8, when necessary, in order for the terminals to contact with the terminal units of the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices irrespective of the position of the terminal units in the length direction, the terminals 120 may be constructed by installing anode terminals 120a and cathode terminals 120b along an edge of the battery recipient unit 110, in which the number of pairs of the anode terminals 120a and cathode terminals 120b is at least three or more, and each of the terminals 120a and 120b is 5mm or longer than that of the conventional terminals (about 4mm) in the length direction, and preferably, the length is 6mm ~ 20mm.
In addition, referring to FIG. 9, in order for the terminals to contact with the terminal units of the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices irrespective of the intervals of the terminal units for supplying power in the width direction, the terminals 120 may be constructed by installing a number of pairs of the anode terminals 120a and cathode terminals 120b with intervals in the width direction, in which the number of the pairs is at least 3 or more.
As shown in FIG. 10, the terminals 120 may be constructed by not dividing each of the anode terminal 120a and the cathode terminal 120b into a plurality of terminals and by using wide conductive members. A battery recipient unit 110 and a battery fixing unit 150 formed with a first elastic pressure apparatus 160 and a second elastic pressure apparatus 170 are the same as described above referring to FIGS. 1 through 3.
In the conventional battery-operated toys such as toy cars, toy helicopters and toy robots, two 1.5V batteries (1.5V x 2 = 3V) are generally used. Accordingly, even when the batteries for mobile communications devices described above are used as batteries for the working appliances, no problems will take place. In addition, when 3.7V lithium secondary cells are used also in a working appliance using four 1.5V batteries, the working appliance can operate without any problem. Since each of the batteries for mobile communications devices has a high voltage (4.2V initial voltage) and a high capacity current (about 1000mA) in a single cell, the battery can operate actually a working appliance using six 1.5V batteries, that is, using about 9V. Usually, a battery-operated toy uses this high voltage in order to rotate a motor at a high speed. If the fact that this is a toy is considered, a motor driving circuit can be redesigned to use a middle level voltage (about 4V), instead of a compulsory high voltage, and a battery-operated toy that can show its full performance can be manufactured with considering the high current.
FIG. 11 is a plane view of another embodiment of a working appliance according to the present invention.
In the working appliance 100 according to the present invention such as an electronic workbook having a lot of spare spaces, a primary cell mounting unit 107 is formed in addition to the secondary cell mounting unit 102 so that a primary cell of a cylinder shape can be used when necessary.
FIG. 12 is a plane view of a modification of an elastic pressure apparatus. As shown in FIG. 12, when necessary, the first elastic pressure apparatus 160 can be formed in a two-tiered structure by forming a hole 162a on the bar 162 of one of the first elastic pressure apparatuses 160 and mounting here a first elastic member 166 and a push unit 161 formed with an axis 164 having a latch slot 163 and a bar 162. In this case, the front push unit 161 and the first elastic member 166 can be used detachably according to the length of the secondary cell 50 for mobile communications devices which is desired to be used. This structure can be applied to the remaining two first elastic pressure apparatuses 160 and of course can be applied to the second through fourth elastic pressure apparatuses 170, 180, and 190 described above as is. The structure can be expanded to a three-tiered structure or more. The other features are the same as described above.
The contents of the present invention applied to the case of each battery mounting apparatus described above can be applied to the body of all battery-operated working appliances such as battery-operated toys, electronic workbooks, cameras, flashes, MP3 players, and CD players, without change.
Industrial Applicability
According to the present invention as described above, since a spare secondary cell for mobile communications devices can be used as a battery for a battery-operated toy such as a toy car or a working appliance such as a workbook for children, expense for purchasing batteries for working appliances can be saved.
In addition, since the secondary cell for mobile communications devices can be recharged, it is not needed to additionally buy a battery when a working appliance is used. Furthermore, since the battery mounting apparatus for a working appliance according to the present invention can be used for general purposes irrespective of the size and type of a secondary cell for mobile communications devices, the scope of utilization is very wide. Also, as spare secondary cells that are always available due to the spread of mobile communications devices can be used effectively, it can make a great contribution to saving and recycling natural resources and to reducing environmental pollution. In addition, if the present invention is widely used, the rated voltage of a motor can be adjusted and redesigned to a 3.7V level such that compatibility will be enhanced more.
Optimum embodiments have been explained above. However, it can be understood by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications can be effected within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

What is claimed is
1. A working appliance which operated with being powered by a battery having a secondary cell mounting unit wherein the secondary cell mounting unit comprises: a battery recipient unit which is installed on one side of the working appliance and solidly accommodates a secondary cell with a terminal unit for recharging and a terminal unit for supplying power for mobile communications devices; terminals which are installed protruding upward from one edge of the battery recipient unit such that when one of a variety of secondary cells for mobile communications devices which have different specifications and different positions for a terminal unit for supplying power is placed on the battery recipient unit, the terminals contact with the terminal unit for supplying power of the secondary cell at different points compared with any other secondary cells for mobile communications devices respectively; and a battery fixing unit which enables the battery to be solidly placed and fixed on the battery recipient unit.
2. The working appliance of claim 1 , wherein the battery fixing unit comprises: first elastic pressure apparatuses which are installed respectively on the three side walls, except the wall on which terminals are disposed, so as to elastically pressure the three sides of a secondary cell for mobile communications devices to be placed; and a second elastic pressure apparatus which is disposed on the inside surface of a cover covering the battery recipient unit and pressures the top surface of the secondary cell for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit in order to prevent the secondary cell from being separated from the battery recipient unit.
3. The working appliance of claim 1 , wherein the first elastic pressure apparatus comprises: a push unit which has a bar pushing a side of the placed secondary cell for mobile communications devices and an axis which is protruding backward from the back surface of the bar and has a latching slot; a coupling hole which is formed in each of side walls of the battery recipient unit in the vertical direction and provides a spare space to the outside of the side wall; a coupling part which is inserted into the coupling hole and has a penetration hole into which the axis is coupled; and a first elastic member which is coupled with the axis and elastically supports the link between the coupling part and the bar.
4. The working appliance of claim 2, wherein the second elastic pressure apparatus comprises: a protrusion unit which is protruding toward the battery recipient unit from the inside surface of the cover and has a first latch unit formed on the side of the protrusion unit; a pressure part which moves back and forth within a predetermined range with being coupled onto the protrusion unit, has a second latch unit which is interlocked with the first latch unit to prevent separation from the protrusion unit and to allow back and forth movement within the predetermined range, and pressures the top surface of a secondary cell for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit; and a second elastic member which is installed between the protrusion unit and the pressure part to elastically support the pressure part.
5. The working appliance of claim 1 , wherein the battery fixing unit comprises: a rubber board which is installed on the surface of the battery recipient unit; and a second elastic pressure apparatus which is installed on the inside surface of a cover covering the battery recipient unit and pressures the top surface of the secondary cell for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit so as to prevent the secondary cell from being separated from the battery recipient unit.
6. The working appliance of claim 1, wherein the battery recipient unit has an open entrance at the side of the back of a secondary cell for mobile communications devices when the secondary cell is placed, and is formed as a slot shape having a depth longer than the length of the secondary cell, and the battery fixing unit comprises: first elastic pressure apparatuses which are installed respectively on two side walls, except the side wall on which the terminals are disposed, and pressure two sides of the placed secondary cell for mobile communications devices; a third elastic pressure apparatus which is installed on the inside surface of a lid covering the entrance of the battery recipient unit and pressures the back surface of the secondary cell placed on the battery recipient unit so as to prevent the secondary cell from being separated from the battery recipient unit; and a fourth elastic pressure apparatus which is installed on the top wall over the top surface of the secondary cell for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit and elastically pressures the top surface of the placed secondary cell for mobile communications devices.
7. The working appliance of any one of claims 1 through 6, wherein any one of the first through fourth elastic pressure apparatuses is formed in a two- tiered structure or more and is detachable.
8. The working appliance of any one of claims 1 through 6, wherein each of the disposed terminals is 5mm long or longer in the length direction so that the terminal contacts with the terminal of the secondary cell for mobile communications devices irrespective of the position of the terminal of the secondary cell in the length direction.
9. The working appliance of any one of claims 1 through 6, further comprising: a primary cell mounting unit on which a primary cell of a cylinder shape is placed.
10. The working appliance of any one of claims 1 through 6, wherein the terminals are disposed on a slider which is installed so as to move to the right and left along a rail formed on the side surface of a guide groove formed in the width direction.
11. The working appliance of any one of claims 1 through 6, wherein three or more cathode terminals and three or more anode terminals are disposed with intervals so that the terminals contact with terminals of the secondary cell for mobile communications devices irrespective of the arrangement interval of the terminals of the secondary cell.
12. A battery mounting apparatus having a secondary cell mounting unit wherein the secondary cell mounting unit comprises: a case having a battery recipient unit which solidly accommodates a secondary cell with a terminal unit for recharging and a terminal unit for supplying power for mobile communications devices; terminals which are installed protruding upward from one edge of the battery recipient unit such that when one of a variety of secondary cells for mobile communications devices which have different specifications and different positions for a terminal unit for supplying power is placed on the battery recipient unit, the terminals contact with the terminal unit for supplying power of the secondary cell at different points compared with any other secondary cells for mobile communications devices respectively; and a battery fixing unit which enables the battery to be solidly placed and fixed on the battery recipient unit.
13. The battery mounting apparatus of claim 12, wherein the battery fixing unit comprises: first elastic pressure apparatuses which are installed respectively on the three side walls, except the wall on which terminals are disposed, so as to elastically pressure the three sides of a secondary cell for mobile communications devices to be placed; and a second elastic pressure apparatus which is disposed on the inside surface of a cover covering the battery recipient unit and pressures the top surface of the secondary cell for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit in order to prevent the secondary cell from being separated from the battery recipient unit.
14. The battery mounting apparatus of claim 13, wherein the first elastic pressure apparatus comprises: a push unit which has a bar pushing a side of the placed secondary cell for mobile communications devices and an axis which is protruding backward from the back surface of the bar and has a latching slot; a coupling hole which is formed in each of side walls of the battery recipient unit in the vertical direction and provides a spare space to the outside of the side wall; a coupling part which is inserted into the coupling hole and has a penetration hole into which the axis is coupled; and a first elastic member which is coupled with the axis and elastically supports the link between the coupling part and the bar.
15. The battery mounting apparatus of claim 13, wherein the second elastic pressure apparatus comprises: a protrusion unit which is protruding toward the battery recipient unit from the inside surface of the cover and has a first latch unit formed on the side of the protrusion unit; a pressure part which moves back and forth within a predetermined range with being coupled onto the protrusion unit, has a second latch unit which is interlocked with the first latch unit to prevent separation from the protrusion unit and to allow back and forth movement within the predetermined range, and pressures the top surface of a secondary cell for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit; and a second elastic member which is installed between the protrusion unit and the pressure part to elastically support the pressure part.
16. The battery mounting apparatus of claim 12, wherein the battery fixing unit comprises: a rubber board which is installed on the surface of the battery recipient unit; and a second elastic pressure apparatus which is installed on the inside surface of a cover covering the battery recipient unit and pressures the top surface of the secondary cell for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit so as to prevent the secondary cell from being separated from the battery recipient unit.
17. The battery mounting apparatus of claim 12, wherein the battery recipient unit has an open entrance at the side of the back of a secondary cell for mobile communications devices when the secondary cell is placed, and is formed as a slot shape having a depth longer than the length of the secondary cell, and the battery fixing unit comprises: first elastic pressure apparatuses which are installed respectively on two side walls, except the side wall on which the terminals are disposed, and pressure two sides of the placed secondary cell for mobile communications devices; a third elastic pressure apparatus which is installed on the inside surface of a lid covering the entrance of the battery recipient unit and pressures the back surface of the secondary cell placed on the battery recipient unit so as to prevent the secondary cell from being separated from the battery recipient unit; and a fourth elastic pressure apparatus which is installed on the top wall over the top surface of the secondary cell for mobile communications devices placed on the battery recipient unit and elastically pressures the top surface of the placed secondary cell for mobile communications devices.
PCT/KR2003/001322 2003-04-08 2003-07-04 Working appliance and battery mounting apparatus with battery mounting part for mobile communications devices WO2004089490A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003237068A AU2003237068A1 (en) 2003-04-08 2003-07-04 Working appliance and battery mounting apparatus with battery mounting part for mobile communications devices

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
KR20-2003-0010589 2003-04-08
KR20030010589 2003-04-08
KR10-2003-0026778 2003-04-28
KR10-2003-0026778A KR100539016B1 (en) 2003-04-08 2003-04-28 Working appliance and battery recipient with a battery mounting part for batteries the use of mobile communication equipment
KR20030040865 2003-06-23
KR10-2003-0040865 2003-06-23

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Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10312483B2 (en) 2015-09-30 2019-06-04 Hand Held Products, Inc. Double locking mechanism on a battery latch

Citations (2)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH04282555A (en) * 1991-03-11 1992-10-07 Nec Corp Battery storing structure
US5357185A (en) * 1993-02-22 1994-10-18 E Lead Electronic Co., Ltd. Universal battery charger

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH04282555A (en) * 1991-03-11 1992-10-07 Nec Corp Battery storing structure
US5357185A (en) * 1993-02-22 1994-10-18 E Lead Electronic Co., Ltd. Universal battery charger

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10312483B2 (en) 2015-09-30 2019-06-04 Hand Held Products, Inc. Double locking mechanism on a battery latch

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