WO1998009363A1

WO1998009363A1 - Swivel plug for electrical adapter

Info

Publication number: WO1998009363A1
Application number: PCT/US1997/014376
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas D. Snyder; Gregory S. Patterson
Original assignee: Ericsson Inc.
Priority date: 1996-08-29
Filing date: 1997-08-15
Publication date: 1998-03-05
Also published as: AU4068697A

Abstract

An adapter for producing a predefined electrical output based on any one of a plurality of different electrical inputs. The adapter comprises a number of swivel input plugs, each plug being specifically configured to be compatible with a certain electrical outlet that forms the source of a respective electrical input. The plugs are movable between operative and inoperative positions. In the operative position, a plug effectively connects an electrical input with a matched conversion circuit which converts that electrical input to the predefined output.

Description

SWIVEL PLUG FOR ELECTRICAL ADAPTER FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to electrical adapters and more

particularly to electrical adapters of the type having a plurality of input plugs adapted to produce a standard electrical output based on any one of a number of different electrical inputs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

With the emergence of global travel as a daily occurrence, there are many occasions when an electrically-operated device, such as a battery charger, is required to operate with different input sources. For instance, the United States standard is 120 Volts AC, 60Hz frequency, whereas the European standard is 220 Volts AC, 50Hz frequency. There are different mechanical plug configurations for these standards as well. However, in many cases, the output signal requirement does not change. For example, a constant voltage or constant current output is required to operate some battery charging devices . The problem lies in that a battery charging device designed for use in the United States uses 120 Volts, 60 Hz AC as the input and the outlet plug conforms to a U. S. standard configuration. When the same power converter is taken to Europe, it must then operate from a 220 Volts, 50 Hz AC outlet that requires a European standard plug cronfiguration . Some modern electrical devices are designed and built with differing standards in mind and usually have a switch incorporated into the device to enable the user to choose the appropriate input. In this case, the user still needs an external i adapter to meet the plug configuration requirement for different countries. Thus, for the example above, the external adapter would be a U.S. standard female receptacle to a European standard plug.

However, if the particular device did not have a built-in voltage conversion feature, the user would then be required to purchase a separate input converter, including the proper plug, designed for that particular input. Either of these options creates an added burden on the user in terms of inconvenience in having to carry extra

accessories. In addition, there would be an added cost burden where these components have not been supplied by the manufacturer of the product .

There is an advantage to an electrical adapter which incorporates

two or more plugs corresponding to standard plug configurations in popular destinations. For instance, one adapter could include both an American standard plug and a European standard plug. When the adapter is not in use or packed for transport, the plugs move or swivel into their storage position in a cavity within the body of the adapter. In the storage position, the plugs are unobtrusive and not electrically connected to the circuitry of the adapter. When operation of the adapter is needed, the user swivels the appropriate plug out of its recess into the operational position and inserts the plug in the electrical receptacle. In the operational position, the plug is

electrically connected to the circuitry of the adapter, and that adapter produces a standard electrical output, irrespective of the particular electrical input.

While multiple plugs may satisfy standard plug configurations of

different countries, the electrical input must also he adjusted or converted to provide the proper electrical output. For example, consider an AC/DC power converter designed for a 6 VDC output using a 120 VAC input. If this converter was used in Europe, the 220 VAC standard voltage would need to be stepped down to 120 VAC to maintain the same 6 VDC output. Thus, in conjunction with multiple plugs, the device must also have the capability of adjusting the input source to a predefined output. As previously mentioned, some modern electrical devices have an incorporated switch that enables the user to choose the appropriate input. This switch,- for example, directs the input AC voltage to circuitry designed to operate at that voltage. However, manual operation of this switch is still a detail which may be overlooked by the user and may result in serious damage to the device. Therefore, a further advantage could be gained if the adapter had the capability of automatically determining the appropriate input. SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention entails an electrical adapter for converting any one of a plurality of electric input signals (voltage, current, etc.) to a single electrical output.¹ Specifically, the adapter is capable, at any one time, of receiving any one of several different electrical inputs and producing one electrical output irrespective of the electrical input.

In one embodiment of the present invention, an electrical adapter

is provided with a plurality of input plugs, each input plug specifically configured to be compatible with a different standard power outlet. Each plug is matched with an electrical conversion circuit that is operative to convert a certain electrical input, such

as an AC voltage, to a standard electrical output, such as a DC voltage. The input plugs are ovably mounted and move between operative and inoperative positions. In an operative position, a circuit is completed between the input plug and the matched conversion

circuit. The conversion circuit is designed to produce a standard electrical output that is a function of the electrical input. In all cases, the final electrical output is standard irrespective of the electrical input. Thus, in the case of an AC/DC converter application, the adapter of the present invention is capable of being connected via the input plugs to either a 220 VAC source or a 120 VAC source and yet, produce one standard 6 VDC voltage output. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a

multiplug electrical device that is capable of producing a standard electrical output signal in response to different electrical inputs.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a multiplug electrical adapter wherein the plugs are specifically configured to be compatible with different power outlets.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical adapter of the character referred to above wherein the multiple plugs are rotatively mounted and move back and forth between operative and inoperative positions.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an electrical adapter of the character referred to above that is

completely self-contained and which is compatible with a plurality of

different electrical inputs without the need for additional adapters, plugs, etc.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent and obvious from a study of the following description and the accompanying drawings, which are merely illustrative of such invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the electrical adapter of the present invention. Figure 2 is a side elevational sectional view of the electrical adapter of the present invention taken along lines 2-2 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a view similar to Figure 2 except that both plugs are shown in the inoperative position.

Figure 4 is a top elevational view of the electrical adapter of the present invention with a portion of the outer housing cut-away to better illustrate the adapter.

Figure 5 illustrates an alternative design for the electrical adapter of the present invention and further shows the electrical adapter being used as a battery charger for a portable telephone.

Figure 6 is a schematic drawing illustrating the basic components and operation of the electrical adapter of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With further reference to the drawings, particularly Figures 1-3, the electrical adapter of the present invention is shown therein and indicated generally by the numeral 10. Electrical adapter 10 comprises a housing structure 12 including a front 14, a back 16, and a plurality of side edges 18. Formed in the front 14 of the housing structure 12 is one or more recesses 20.

Disposed in the recess 20 is a pair of swivel plugs, sometimes referred to as input plugs, indicated generally by the numerals 22 and 24. Each swivel plug 22 and 24 is specifically configured to connect with a certain or standard electrical input. Note that the configuration of each plug is different, one plug being adapted to

connect to one type or form of electrical input and the other plug being adapted to connect to another type or form of electrical input .

As seen in the drawings, plug 22 includes a pair of prongs 25 and a pair of rotary bases 27. Plug 24 includes a different pair of

prongs 29 and a pair of rotary bases 31. In the case of the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-5, the respective swivel plugs 22 and 24 are each rotatively mounted about a transverse shaft 19. Each swivel plug is rotatively mounted for movement between an operative position (the position assumed by swivel plug 22 in Figure 2) and an inoperative position (the position assumed by swivel plug 24 in Figure 2) . While in the embodiment illustrated, the plugs 22 and 24 rotate

between operative and inoperative positions, it should be pointed out

that the plugs could move in other ways. For example, the plugs could slide back and forth between operative and in operative positions.

In the operative position, each swivel plug 22, 24 projects outwardly from the recess 20. In the inoperative position, each swivel plug 22, 24 assumes a position within the recess 20. As illustrated in Figure 4, the swivel plugs 22 and 24 are offset with respect to each other so as to make the electrical adapter 10 more compact. However, it is appreciated that the swivel plugs could be arranged or disposed in numerous other configurations (See for example, Figure 5) . It is also understood that the swivel plugs and their respective axes of rotations could be designed such that only one plug at a time could assume an operative position.

Secured about the rotary bases 27, 31 of each swivel plug 22, 24

is a pair of spaced apart connectors or contacts 26. As will be appreciated from subsequent portions of this disclosure, the respective connectors 26 enable the swivel plugs 22, 24 to make electrical connections with conversion circuits of the adapter 10.

Disposed within the housing structure 12 adjacent the swivel plugs 22 and 24 is a printed circuit board 28. Printed circuit board 28 includes a plurality of electrical conversion circuits 28a and 28b (Figure 6) . The conversion circuits 28a and 28b are independent of each other, or they may share components. The purpose of each

electrical conversion circuit 28a and 28b is to convert a standard electrical input to a predetermined electrical output. Details of the electrical conversion circuits 28a and 28b are not dealt with in detail because such is not material per se to the present invention and such electrical conversion circuits are well-known and appreciated by those skilled in the art.

A pair of spring contacts 30 are secured across each electrical

conversion circuit 28a, 28b and extend from the printed circuit board 28. Each pair of spring contacts 30 is designed to mate and connect with a pair of the connectors 26 associated with each swivel plug 22 and 24. The spring contacts 30 include terminal ends that terminate adjacent the rotary bases 27, 31 of the swivel plugs 22 and 24. The terminal ends of the spring contacts 30 are spaced such that as the swivel plugs 22, 24 are rotated into the operative position, the connectors 26 carried by the swivel plugs 22, 24 will rotate into engagement and contact with the spring contacts 30. This effectively completes or closes a circuit between a respective swivel plugs 22, 24 and a particular electrical conversion circuit 28a or 28b. It should be appreciated that the connectors 26 and the spring contacts 30 could be interchangeable with each other.

Both electrical conversion circuits 28a and 28b produce an electrical output that is directed from the printed circuit board 28 to an output terminal 32. The form of output terminal 32 may vary

depending upon application. In the way of examples, the output could

assume the form of battery charger contacts (see Figure 5), a cord, or a hardwired device, etc. In the case of the adapter shown in Figures 1-4, the output terminal 32 assumes the form of a coaxial pin terminal .

It is important to appreciate that each electrical conversion circuit 28a or 28b is designed to convert a specific electrical input to a standard or constant electrical output. In the way of an example, assume that the electrical adapter is designed to be compatible with both a 120 VAC source and a 220 VAC source and to produce from either source a standard output of 6 VDC. In this case, one electrical conversion circuit would be designed to convert the 120 VAC input to the standard output of 6 VDC while the other electrical conversion circuit would be designed to convert the 220 VAC to the standard 6 VDC output. In this example, the respective AC voltage sources are typically available only through a specially configured outlet. Accordingly, each swivel plug 22 or 24, would be specifically configured to be compatible or connectable with only one of the AC voltage sources.

With reference to the schematic illustration shown in Figure 6, note that the electrical inputs I₃ and l₂ are each directed through a particular swivel plug 22 or 24 to a particular matched electrical conversion circuit 28a or 28b formed on the printed circuit board 28.

For any different electrical input, the electrical output produced is the same. Again, this is because the respective electrical conversion circuits formed on the printed circuit board are particularly designed to convert a standard or pre-selected electrical input to a predetermined electrical output .

Now, turning to Figure 5, the electrical adapter 10 is slightly

modified with respect to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1-4. In particular, the electrical adapter 10 shown in Figure 5 assumes the form of a battery charger. As seen in Figure 5, the electrical adapter 10 includes a base 40 that extends from the lower back portion of the adapter 10 and forms a support or cradle for receiving a radiotelephone indicated generally by the numeral 50. Radiotelephone 50 includes a battery 52 that has a pair of battery terminals 54 that

mate with output terminals 32 formed in the base 40 of the battery charger.

As described in the case of the embodiment of Figures 1-4, the battery charger embodiment of Figure 5 depicts a design having a pair

of swivel plugs 22 and 24, with each swivel plug being adapted to connect to a different electrical input, such as a distinct voltage source. In the operative, extended position, each swivel plug 22, 24 completes or closes a circuit between an electrical input and a particular conversion circuit 28a or 28b formed on the printed circuit board 28. The conversion circuit once again converts the electrical input to a predefined electrical output. Again, the respective electrical conversion circuits are particularly matched with

preselected electrical inputs to assure that the electrical output is the same irrespective of which predetermined electrical input is connected to the adapter or charger 10.

From the foregoing discussion, it is apparent that the adapter 10 of the present invention is useful and capable of providing a predefined electrical output for any one of a plurality of preselected electrical inputs. Swivel plugs specifically configured for the preselected electrical inputs are integrally formed in the adapter itself. Thus, in the case of U.S. and European standard sources for example, no additional plugs or adapters are needed to produce a predefined output . This makes the adapter of the present invention convenient, easy to use and functional.

The present invention may, of course, be carried out in other specific ways than those herein set forth without parting from the spirit and essential characteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, and all changes coming within the meaning and equivalency range of the appended Claims are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat Is Claimed Is:

1. An electrical adapter for converting any one of a plurality

of different electrical inputs to a single ι electrical output,

comprising: a) a housing;

b) a plurality of electrical conversion circuits forming a

part of the adapter with each electrical conversion

circuit matched with one of the electrical inputs for

converting that one electrical input to a single electrical output and wherein the electrical outputs

for all of the conversion circuits are equal;

c) a plurality of movable plugs for interconnecting the

plurality of different electrical inputs with the plurality of electrical conversion circuits, each

movable plug being matched with a particular electrical

input and a particular conversion circuit; and d) each plug being movable between an operative position

where the plug electrically connects its matched electrical input with its matched conversion circuit

and an inoperative position where its matched

electrical input and conversion circuit are disconnected.

2. The adapter of claim 1 wherein the movable plugs are swivel plugs and are rotatively mounted for movement between the operative and inoperative positions.

3. The adapter of claim 2 wherein each tswivel plug rotates about a separate axis.

4. The adapter of claim 1 wherein each plug is provided with a pair of connectors that rotate with the plug and wherein there is provided a pair of spring contacts connected to each conversion circuit and extending therefrom for connection with the connectors of a plug when the associated plug assumes the operative position.

5. The adapter of claim 1 wherein the housing includes at least one recess for receiving the movable plugs when the plugs assume an inoperative position.

6. The adapter of claim 5 wherein in the operative position the respective plugs extend outwardly from the housing.

7. The adapter of claim 1 wherein each plug is of a different configuration .

8. The adapter of claim 1 wherein in the operative position a respective plug closes a circuit between an electrical input and a matched conversion circuit.

9. The adapter of claim 1 wherein in the operative position,

each plug closes an electrical circuit between a particular electrical input and its matched conversion circui .

10. An electrical adapter for converting any one of a plurality

of different electrical inputs to a single electrical output,

comprising: a) a housing,-

b) separate input plugs with each input plug being

connectable to one of the different electrical inputs and wherein each input plug is movable between operative and inoperative positions;

c) a printed circuit board forming a part of the adapter

and including at least two distinct electrical conversion circuits formed thereon, each electrical conversion circuit being operative to receive one of

the different electrical inputs and to convert the same

to the single electrical output;

d) an output terminal associated with the electrical adapter through which the electrical output is

directed; and

e) an electrical connector carried by each of the input

plugs and movable therewith such that when the associated input plug assumes an operative position the

electrical connector carried by the input plug connects

with one of the electrical conversion circuits disposed on the printed circuit board and when the input plug assumes the inoperative position the electrical connector carried by the input plug assumes a

disconnected position with respect to any one of the electrical conversion circuits disposed on the printed circuit board.

11. The electrical adapter of claim 10 wherein each input plug is rotatable about a pivot axis.

12. The electrical adapter of claim 11 wherein the input plugs are offset with respect to each other such that each input plug rotates about a separate pivot axis.

13. The electrical adapter of claim 10 wherein the electrical connectors associated with the input plugs comprise a strip terminal secured to the input plug.

14. The electrical adapter of claim 10 including a spring contact extending from each electrical conversion circuit on the printed circuit board for contact with a respective connector carried by each input plug.

15. The electrical adapter of claim 14 wherein the respective spring contacts are spaced to engage the connectors carried by the input plugs when the input plugs assume an operative position.

16. The electrical adapter of claim 14 wherein each input plug includes two separate connectors and wherein there is provided a pair of spring contacts connected to each of the electrical conversion circuits formed on the printed circuit board.

17. The electrical adapter of claim 10 wherein the adapter is embodied within a battery charger for a portable telephone.

18. The electrical adapter of claim 14 wherein the connector associated with each input plug is rotatable into engagement with a respective spring contact as the associated input plug is moved from its inoperative position to the operative position.

19. The electrical adapter of claim 10 wherein the plurality of electrical inputs include a plurality of different AC voltage inputs and wherein the electrical conversion circuits formed on the printed circuit board are operative to convert any one of the different AC voltage inputs to a DC voltage output.

20. The electrical adapter of claim 10 wherein each plug is differently configured so as to be compatible with a certain electrical input.

21. The electrical adapter of claim 10 wherein when a plug assumes the operative position, the plug closes a circuit between an electrical input and a certain conversion circuit.

22. A portable telephone battery charger capable of being

connected to any one of a plurality of different electrical input

sources and producing a predetermined electrical output for charging a

portable telephone, comprising: a) a housing;

b) a plurality of input plugs connectable to the different

electrical sources and being movable between operative

and inoperative positions,-

c) a printed circuit board forming a part of the charger and including a plurality of different conversion

circuits formed thereon, each voltage conversion

circuit operative to convert a different electrical source to a predetermined output;

d) a connector associated with each input plug and movable

therewith such that as a respective input plug is moved

into the operative position the associated connector is electrically connected to a certain one of the

electrical conversion circuits on the printed circuit

board ;

e) an output associated with the charger through which the predetermined output is directed to a battery of a

portable telephone being charged; and f) wherein the charger is operative to produce the predetermined output for any one of the different electrical sources .

23. The portable telephone battery charger <of claim 22 wherein each input plug is mounted about a separate axis .

24. The portable telephone battery charger of claim 22 wherein the housing includes a recessed area formed therein for receiving each input plug when the same assumes an inoperative position.

25. The portable telephone battery charger of claim 22 wherein each input plug includes a pair of connectors associated therewith, and wherein there is provided a pair of spring contacts that are

connected at two points to each voltage conversion circuit, and wherein the spring contacts extend to and engage the connectors of an input plug when the input plug assumes an operative position.

26. The portable telephone battery charger of claim 22 including a cradle for receiving and holding a portable telephone while a battery of the telephone is being charged.

27. The portable telephone battery charger of claim 22 wherein the housing includes at least one open side compartment for confining at least one of the input plugs when the same assumes an inoperative position and wherein the housing further includes a closure area for receiving and holding the printed circuit board.

28. The portable battery charger of claim 22 wherein each plug

is differently configured so as to be compatible with a certain electrical input source.

29. The portable battery charger of claim¹ 22 wherein in the operative position a respective input plug closes a circuit between a

certain electrical input source and a certain conversion circuit.