Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02751923 2011-09-09
CHARGER DEVICE FOR A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE
Technical Field
[0001]The present embodiments relate to electrical devices having an
electrical
plug with prongs to interface with an electrical outlet or receptacle, such as
charger devices having stowable prongs.
Background
[0002] Many different types of portable electronic devices are currently
available
including: personal data assistants (PDAs), smart phones, handheld computers,
two-way pagers, music players and cellular telephones, for example. These
portable electronic devices are typically powered by rechargeable power packs,
which may include rechargeable batteries, such as rechargeable lithium-ion or
nickel cadmium batteries, for example. Rechargeable power packs may be re-
charged from a low charge state using a charger that plugs into an electrical
wall
outlet and the portable electronic device.
[0003] Some electrical devices having an electrical outlet with prongs that
interface with an electrical receptacle, and that have stowable prongs, that
is,
prongs that are deployed during use and that are stowed when not in use. An
illustrative device that may benefit from stowable prongs is a charger device
that
provides power to or recharges a power pack of a portable electronic device as
described above. In general, charger devices having stowable prongs are
smaller
than devices having permanently deployed prongs. By reducing the size of the
charger device, transportation of the charger device is more convenient for
users.
Summary
[0004] In an aspect there is provided a charger unit including: a housing;
prongs
for engaging an electrical outlet, the prongs being coupled to one another by
a
cross-member and being movable relative to the housing between a retracted
position in which the prongs are received in the housing and an extended
position
in which the prongs protrude from the housing, the prongs being biased toward
the extended position; a locking arm comprising a first end, a cut out for
receiving
the cross-member when the prongs are in the retracted position and a second
end
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for abutting the cross-member when the prongs are in the extended position,
the
first end of the locking arm being coupled to a carriage and the cutout being
provided between the first end and the second end, the locking arm being
movable by the carriage into and out of engagement with the cross-member and
the locking arm being biased toward the passage; and electrical components for
electrically communicating with a portable electronic device to enable
charging of
a power pack of the portable electronic device.
Drawings
[0005]The following figures set forth embodiments of the invention in which
like
reference numerals denote like parts. Embodiments of the invention are
illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying
figures.
[0006] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an example portable electronic device;
[0007] Figure 2 is a schematic view of a charger device coupled to the
portable
electronic device of Figure 1;
[0008] Figure 3 is an isometric view of a charger unit according to an
embodiment;
[0009] Figure 4 is an exploded view of Figure 3 with electrical components
omitted;
[0010] Figure 5 is an isometric view of the charger unit of Figure 3 with a
cover
removed;
[0011] Figure 6 is an isometric view on 6-6 of Figure 5 with electrical
components
omitted;
[0012] Figure 7 is an isometric view on 7-7 of Figure 5 with electrical
components
omitted;
[0013] Figure 8 is a view on 6-6 of Figure 5 with electrical components
omitted
showing prongs in a retracted position; and
[0014] Figure 9 is a view on 6-6 of Figure 5 with electrical components
omitted
showing prongs in an extended position.
Detailed Description
[0015] The concepts described herein may be applied to a variety of electrical
devices, but for convenience, the concepts will be described with reference to
a
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charger. In addition, the concepts will be described herein with respect to
electrical plugs similar to those used in North America, having bladed prongs
without a grounding connector. The concepts may be adapted to electrical plugs
having grounding connectors. The concepts may further be applicable to plugs
used outside of North America. Furthermore, the term "prongs" as used herein
encompasses a variety of male electrical connectors, whether they are blades,
round pins, half-round pins, rectangular pins or any other conformation.
[0016] Referring to Figure 1, components of an example portable electronic
device
are generally shown. The portable electronic device is just one of many
electronic devices that may use a charger having stowable prongs, and in some
cases, the portable electronic device itself may include stowable prongs. The
portable electronic device 10 includes data communication capabilities and may
communicate with other electronic devices directly or through a wireless
network.
The portable electronic device 10 is based on the computing environment and
functionality of a handheld computer, such as a wireless personal digital
assistant
(PDA), for example. It will be understood, however, that the portable
electronic
device 10 is not limited to a wireless personal digital assistant. Other
portable
electronic devices are possible, such as cellular telephones, smart
telephones,
electronic messaging devices, music players, gaming devices, remote controls
and laptop computers, for example.
[0017]The portable electronic device 10 includes a number of components
including a processor 14, which controls the overall operation of the device
10. A
communication subsystem 40 controls data and voice communication functions,
such as email, PIN (Personal Identification Number) message functions, SMS
(Short Message Service) message functions and cellular telephone functions,
for
example. The communication subsystem 40 is in communication with a wireless
network 12, which may be a data-centric wireless network, a voice-centric
wireless network or a dual-mode wireless network.
[0018] In Figure 1, the communication subsystem 40 is a dual-mode wireless
network that supports both voice and data communications. The communication
subsystem 40 is configured in accordance with the Global System for Mobile
Communication (GSM) and General Packet Radio Services (GPRS) standards.
The communication subsystem 40 may alternatively be configured in accordance
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with Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE) or Universal Mobile
Telecommunications Service (UMTS) standards. Other wireless networks may
also be associated with the portable electronic device 10, including Code
Division
Multiple Access (CDMA) or CDMA2000 networks. Some other examples of data-
centric networks include WWiFi 802.11, MobitexTM and DataTACTM network
communication systems. Examples of other voice-centric data networks include
Personal Communication Systems (PCS) networks like GSM and Time Division
Multiple Access (TDMA) systems.
(0019]The wireless network 12 includes base stations (not shown) that provide
a
wireless link to the portable electronic device 10. Each base station defines
a
coverage area, or cell, within which communications between the base station
and
the portable electronic device 10 can be effected. It will be appreciated that
the
portable electronic device 10 is movable within the cell and can be moved to
coverage areas defined by other cells. Data is delivered to the portable
electronic
device 10 via wireless transmission from the base station. Similarly, data is
sent
from the portable electronic device 10 via wireless transmission to the base
station.
[0020]The communication subsystem 40 further includes a short range
communications function, which enables the device 10 to communicate directly
with other devices and computer systems without the use of the wireless
network
12 through infrared or BluetoothTM technology, for example.
[0021] Prior to the portable electronic device 10 being able to send and
receive
communication signals over the wireless network 12, network registration or
activation procedures typically have been completed. In order to enable
network
communication, a SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) card 24 is inserted into a
card
interface 26. The SIM card, or Removable User Identity Module card, is used to
identify the user of the mobile device, store personal device settings and
enable
access to network services, such as email and voice mail, for example, and is
not
bound to a particular portable electronic device 10.
[0022]The processor 14 is also connected to a Random Access Memory (RAM)
16 and a flash memory 18. An operating system and device software are
typically
stored in flash memory 18 and are executable by the processor 14. Some device
software components may alternatively be stored in RAM 16. The portable
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electronic device 10 includes computer executable programmed instructions for
directing the portable electronic device 10 to implement various applications.
Some examples of applications that may be stored on and executed by the device
include: electronic messaging, games, calendar, address book and music
player applications. Software applications that control basic device
operation,
such as voice and data communication, are typically installed during
manufacture
of the device 10. For devices that do not include a SIM card 24, user
identification
information may be programmed into the flash memory 18. The flash memory 18
may alternatively be a persistent storage, a Read-Only Memory (ROM) or other
non-volatile storage.
[0023]The processor 14 receives input from various input devices including a
keypad 38 and other input devices 36. The keypad 38 may be a complete
alphanumeric keypad or telephone-type keypad. The other input devices 36 may
replace or complement the keypad 38 to facilitate input and may include
devices
such as: single or multi-function buttons, a touch screen, a mouse, a
trackball, a
capacitive touch sensor or a roller wheel with dynamic button pressing
capability.
The portable electronic device 10 of Figure 1 is shown by way of example and
it
will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that many different device
types,
shapes and input device configurations are possible.
[0024]The processor 14 outputs to various output devices including an LCD
display screen 20. A microphone 32 and speaker 22 are connected to the
processor 14 for cellular telephone functions. A data port 34 is connected to
the
processor 14 for enabling data communication between the portable electronic
device 10 and another computing device.
[0025] The power pack for portable electronic device 10 may be any kind of
power
pack, typically having one or more rechargeable elements. For simplicity, the
power pack will be illustrated as one or more rechargeable batteries 30.
Battery
interface 28 enables electric communication between one or more rechargeable
batteries 30 and the processor 14. , that is, the battery interface 28 enables
electric power to be delivered from one or more rechargeable batteries 30 to
the
processor (and perhaps other electrical components as well). A charging
interface 44 provides a connection between the rechargeable battery 30 and a
charger device 46, which is shown in Figure 2, when the battery 30 is being
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recharged. The data port 34 may be incorporated into the charging interface 44
to
provide data lines for data transfer and a supply line for charging a battery
30 of
the portable device 10.
[0026]The portable electronic device 10 is operable in a data communication
mode and a voice communication mode. In the data communication mode, a
received data signal representing information such as a text message, an email
message, a media file to be transferred, or web page download is processed by
the communication subsystem 40 and input to the processor 14. The processor 14
further processes the signal and renders images for display on the display
screen
20. Alternatively, the processed signals may be output to another computing
device through the data port 34. In order to transmit information in the data
communication mode, the user of the portable electronic device 10 composes
information for transmission, such as email messages, for example, using the
keypad 38 and other input devices 36 in conjunction with the display screen
20.
The composed information is transmitted through the communication subsystem
40 over the wireless network 12 or via short range communications. Operation
of
the portable electronic device 10 in the voice communication mode is similar
to
the data communication mode, however, the received signals are output to the
speaker 22, or an auxiliary device such as a headset or headphones, and
signals
for transmission are generated by the microphone 32. The portable electronic
device 10 may also include other voice subsystems, such as a voice message
recording subsystem, for example. Jack 42 is provided for receiving an audio
accessory such as headphones, a headset, amplified speakers or amplified
headphones, for example. Jack 42 may also receive other accessories such as a
multi-media accessory including play, pause, stop and rewind buttons or a TV-
out
accessory that allows for connection of the portable electronic device to a
TV, for
example.
[0027]Only a limited number of device subsystems have been described. It will
be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that additional subsystems
corresponding to additional device features may also be connected to the
processor 14. Further, although many subsystems that use electrical power have
been described, the concepts described herein may be applicable to devices
that
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include subsystems that use electrical power, even if such subsystems have not
been specifically described.
[0028] Referring to Figure 2, a charger device 12 is generally shown coupled
to
the portable electronic device 10. The charger device 12 includes a charger
unit
50 and a cable 48 for connecting the charger unit 50 to the portable
electronic
device 10. The cable 48 includes a connector (not shown) for coupling to the
charging interface 44 of the portable electronic device 10. Connectors of this
type
are well known in the art and therefore will not be described further here.
The
charger device 46 may be used with any type of portable electronic device 10
that
includes a rechargeable power pack. Examples of portable electronic devices 10
include: personal data assistants (PDAs), smart phones, handheld computers,
two-way pagers, music players and cellular telephone, for example. Typically
the
charger device 46 includes one or more electrical components for electrically
communicating with the portable electronic device 10. That is, the charger
device
46 may include components that convey and/or condition power from an outlet to
enable charging of the power pack of the portable electronic device 10. Such
electrical components may include components such as wires or other
conductors, transformers, rectifiers and voltage regulators.
[0029]As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the charger unit 50 includes a base 52, a
prong unit 54, a locking member 56 and a cover 58 that is coupled to the base
52.
When assembled, the cover 58 and an end plate 62 of the base 52 provide a
housing 64 that may be handled by a user of the portable electronic device 10
when plugging prongs 66 of the charger unit 14 into an electrical outlet (not
shown). A prong unit spring 60 and a locking member spring 68 are further
provided within the housing 64.
[0030]The base 52 includes four prong unit guides 70 that extend from the end
plate 62 of the base 52. The prong unit guides 70 define a passage 72 that is
sized for slidably receiving the prong unit 54. A post 74 extends generally
from a
centre of the end plate 62 and base flange 76 is provided adjacent an edge 78
of
the end plate 62.
[0031]The base 52 further includes detents 80 that are coupled to the end
plate
62. The detents 80 are sized for mating with apertures 82, which are provided
on
opposite sides of the cover 58. The detents 80 are received in the apertures
82 to
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hold the cover 58 and the base 52 together when assembled, as shown in Figure
3. Alternatively, the base 52 and cover 58 may be coupled to one another using
an adhesive or an ultrasonic welding process.
[0032] Prongs 66 of the prong unit 54 are coupled to one another by a cross-
member 84. The cross-member 84 is generally rectangular in cross-section,
however, may alternatively be circular, oval, square or any other shape. The
cross-member 84 includes an aperture 86 for receiving the post 74. The prong
unit 54 is slidable relative to the base 52 along a longitudinal axis of the
post 74.
Spacers 55 are coupled to the cross-member 84 for abutting an inner surface of
the cover 58.
[0033]The locking member 56 is generally L-shaped and includes locking arms 88
that are coupled to a carriage 90. Each locking arm 88 includes a cutout 92
that is
provided between a first end 94, which is coupled to the carriage 90, and a
second end 96 thereof. A flange 98 (shown in Figure 6) and enlarged end 100
are
provided at opposite ends of the carriage 90. A post-receiving slot 102
extends
through the carriage 90 for receiving the post 74. The post-receiving slot 102
is
sized to receive the post 74 with a clearance that allows for some movement of
the carriage 90 relative to the base unit 62. The clearance generally being
equal
to the distance that the carriage is movable into the housing 64.
[0034] In one embodiment, a single locking arm 88 is provided.
[0035]As shown in Figures 4 to 6, when assembled, the locking member 56, the
prong unit spring 60 and the prong unit 54 are received over the post 74. The
locking member spring 68 is provided between the flange 98 of the locking
member 56 and the base flange 76, as shown in Figure 6. The enlarged end 100
of the locking member 56 is aligned with a cutout 104 of the cover 58 so that
it is
accessible by the user to function as a button.
[0036] Electrical components 112 of the charger unit 50 are shown
schematically
in Figure 5. The electrical components 112 includes an electrical contact part
(not
shown) for contacting the prongs 66 and electrical components provided between
the electrical contact part and the cable 48 of the charger device 46 for
transferring electrical energy from the electrical outlet to the portable
electronic
device. The electrical contact part may be a metal spring contact or a brush
similar to a brush of an electric motor, for example. The electrical
components of
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charging devices are well known in the art and therefore will not be described
further herein. An aperture (not shown) is provided in the housing 64 to allow
for
the cable 48 to communicate with the electrical components 112.
[0037] The locking member 56 is movable between a first position and a second
position and is biased toward the first position by the locking member spring
68.
In the first position, an end surface 106 of the enlarged end 100 is generally
flush
with an outer surface 108 of the cover 58. In the second position, the end
surface
106 of the enlarged end 100 is received within the housing 64.
[0038] In one embodiment, the end surface 106 of the enlarged end 100 of the
locking member 56 is a different color than the housing 64 so that the user is
able
to quickly locate the enlarged end 100. In another embodiment, a word, such as
"PUSH", for example, is provided on the end surface 106 of the enlarged end
100.
Alternatively, a logo, symbol or other characters may be provided on the
enlarged
end 100. In still another embodiment, the end surface 100 is textured so that
the
enlarged end 100 may be easily located by a user who is not looking at the
charger unit 50. It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that
these and
other features for facilitating user-location of the button may be provided.
In
addition, the end 98 may be any shape that provides a useable surface that a
user
may press. The end surface 106 may include protruding features such as waves,
dimples or big patterns that allow for quick and easy user location of the
button.
[0039]The prong unit 54 is movable between an extended position and a
retracted position through passage 72 and is biased toward the extended
position
by the prong unit spring 60. In the extended position, the prongs 66 protrude
through slots 110 of the cover 58. In the retracted position, the prongs 66
are
received within the housing 64.
[0040] In operation, the charger device 46 is stored with the prongs 66 in the
retracted position of Figure 8. To use the charger device 46, the user pushes
the
enlarged end 100 of the locking member 56 into the second position and then
releases the enlarged end 100. This moves the carriage 90, which moves cutouts
92 of the locking arms 88 out of engagement with the cross-member 84 of the
prong unit 54. This allows the prong unit spring 60 to uncompress and force
the
prong unit 54 into the extended position. Once the prong unit 54 has traveled
beyond the second end 96 of the locking arms 88, the carriage 90 returns to
the
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first position under the force of the locking member spring 68. In this
position, the
locking arms 88 abut an underside of the cross-member 84 to restrict movement
of the prong unit 54 into the housing 64. The prongs 66 of the charger device
46
may then be plugged into an electrical outlet. The battery 30 of the portable
electronic device 10 may then be charged when the cable 48 is connected to the
charging interface 44 of the portable electronic device 10.
[0041]When charging of the portable electronic device 10 has finished and the
user wishes to stow the charger device 46, the user performs the following.
The
user first pushes the enlarged end 100 of the locking member 56 into the
second
position, then, when the cutout 92 moves out of engagement with the cross-
member 84, the user pushes the prongs 66 at least part way into the housing
64,
releases the enlarged end 100 and continues to push the prongs 66 further into
the housing 18. When the cutout 92 is aligned with the cross-member 84, the
locking member spring 68 forces the carriage 90 into the first position and
the
cutout 92 receives the cross-member 84. Once the prong unit 54 is locked in
the
retracted position, the user may release the prongs 66.
[0042] The base 52, the cover 58 and the locking member 56 and may be
injection
molded using a non-conductive material. A suitable plastic, such as
polycarbonate or ABS, for example, may be used. The prongs 66 are made of an
electrically conductive metal, such as steel, stainless steel or brass, for
example.
[0043] In another embodiment, the prong unit 54 is stowed at an angle within
the
housing 64. In this embodiment, the prong unit 54 would follow a track that
would
move the prongs out of alignment with the slots 110 in the cover 58 so that
the
prongs 66 would be restricted from extending by the cover. In this embodiment,
the prongs 66 would be closer to the walls of the cover 58 to allow more room
in
the middle of the charger unit 50 for electrical components.
[0044] The retractable prongs 66 of the charger device 46 allow the overall
size of
the device 46 to be reduced. This is particularly useful when traveling
because
the charger device 46 may be comfortably carried in the user's pocket or may
take
up only a small portion of a user's luggage.
[0045]Another potential advantage of the charger device 46 is that the prongs
66
can be extended and retracted using one hand: a single push of the enlarged
end
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100 extends the prongs 66 from a retracted position and a push of the enlarged
end 100 while pushing the prongs 66 against a surface retracts the prongs 66.
[0046] Further, both the extending and retracting actions can be performed in
situations where vision is limited by tactilely locating the enlarged end 100.
[0047]Another advantage is that by providing a retracted position for the
charger
device 46, the chance of snagging the prongs 66 on clothing or damaging
luggage
contents is reduced. Further, the chance of accidental stowing of the prongs
is
reduced by one or more physical features described above. For example, a
user's action of inserting the prongs into an electrical outlet (whether due
to
friction with the outlet or misalignment of the prongs with the respective
sockets)
will not ordinarily cause the prongs to be stowed.
[0048] Specific embodiments have been shown and described herein. However,
modifications and variations may occur to those skilled in the art. All such
modifications and variations are believed to be within the scope and sphere of
the
present embodiments.
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