Zero no-load USB power supply and a method for controlling the power consumption of a USB power supply

Abstract

A USB socket having a receptacle that comprises first electrical connectors for receiving a USB plug having second electrical connectors that are configured for mating with the first electrical connectors further comprises at least an ejector. The ejector is electrically connected to a control unit for receiving a control signal. The ejector further having a pusher for pushing an inserted USB plug in the direction out of the receptacle to a position where the first electrical connectors are disconnected from the second electrical connectors. The pusher may be configured for activation of a push action as a consequence of receiving the control signal from the control unit. Various possible embodiments thereof are shown.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]This application is a national stage filing of International Application No. PCT / EP2011 / 066379 filed Sep. 21, 2011 which claims priority from Denmark patent application PA 2010 70422, filed on Oct. 1, 2010, all of which are included herein by reference for all that they contain.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates to a USB power supply, especially for charging mobile telephones, which has an automated reduction of power consumption in no-load condition. The invention also relates to a method for controlling the power consumption of a USB power supply.[0004]2. Prior Art[0005]Increasing awareness of electrical energy waste has raised objections against power supplies drawing electrical current even when not in use while plugged into electrical wall socket. The unintended no-load electricity consumption has received names such as phantom load or vampire load.[0006]One of the groups of d...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention relates to a USB power supply with a reduced power consumption in no-load condition. The technical effect of the invention is to provide a device that eliminates vampire loads in USB chargers without requiring intervention by the user, and also to reduce the power consumption in no-load condition without requiring the user to take any action. Another advantage of the invention is that it provides a solution to stop the energy wastage caused by leak currents, which is a common issue in power supplies. The invention also addresses the issue of telephone chargers taking up a wall socket for the connector of the charger, and proposes different solutions to this problem.

Problems solved by technology

Although the power device of US2010 / 0201208 reduces the power consumption in no-load condition, it does not provide a solution to stop the energy wastage completely, because it has no-load power consumption due to leak currents (page 3 left column first line).

Such behavior does not eliminate the vampire power consumption.

Also, there is a substantial risk that the user lets the electronic device to be charged be connected to the USB cable and socket for longer than necessary, i.e. even after the electronic device is fully charged.

Having typical behavior from users in mind, this attempt does not provide a proper solution.

Another disadvantage in connection with typical telephone chargers is the fact that they take up a wall socket for the connector of the charger, since they are often left in the wall socket even when not in use for charging.

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