Switched mode power supply charger devices, kits, and methods of making and using such power supply devices

Abstract

A switched-mode power charger device (50) for a personal care appliance (20, 30), the switched-mode power charger device comprising a power cable (54) and a power plug (51). The power plug comprises a housing (63, 69) comprising a first compartment (61) and a second compartment (62) adjacent to the first compartment (61). A converter (71) is provided in the first compartment (61). A communication circuit (90) is disposed in the second compartment (62).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a switch mode power supply charger device for powering an electrical appliance, in particular a personal care appliance. The present invention particularly relates to a power supply device having a communication interface. The present invention also relates to a kit and a system including such a switch mode power supply charger device, and methods of making and using such a power supply device. Background Art

[0002] Personal care appliances are widely used. Examples for such appliances include hair removal, cutting or trimming devices (such as razors, body combs, depilatory devices, etc.) or oral care devices (such as toothbrushes, tongue cleaning devices, or dental irrigators). Many personal care appliances or accessories used in conjunction with them are equipped with electronic components that monitor and record data related to the corresponding appliances. Some or all of these data can be used to generate an output, which is provided via a dedicated user interface provided on the appliance or on a user terminal that can be communicatively connected to the appliance. Some or all of these data can be used for maintenance or other service-related purposes.

[0003] In order to improve user convenience, it would be desirable to provide further improvements in the art of communication of appliance related data, particularly data related to personal care appliances. Summary of the invention

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to provide improved devices, kits, systems and methods that facilitate the transmission of data collected by appliances, particularly personal care appliances. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide devices, kits, systems and methods that allow the transmission of appliance-related data via a desired wireless communication standard (such as a member of the IEEE 802.11 family of standards) without requiring (while still allowing) the appliance itself to have the communication circuitry required for that particular communication standard. It is another object of the present invention to provide such devices that can be manufactured in an efficient manner.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a switch mode power supply charger device is operated to power an appliance and recharge its battery, particularly a personal care appliance, and includes a communication circuit operated to communicate appliance related data.

[0006] The switched mode power supply charger device may comprise a power plug configured for engagement with a mains socket and having a plurality of compartments, wherein the communication circuit is provided in one of the plurality of compartments.

[0007] A switch mode power charger device for charging a rechargeable battery of a personal care appliance, the switch mode power charger device comprising: a power cable having a connector for reversibly releasably engaging with the appliance; a power plug configured to engage with a mains socket and comprising: a housing comprising a first compartment sealed to prevent the ingress of water and a second compartment adjacent to the first compartment; wherein the housing comprises a wall separating the first compartment and the second compartment, the wall defining the second compartment; wherein the wall comprises a passage through which at least one conductor extends from the interior of the first compartment to the interior of the second compartment, the passage being sealed to prevent the ingress of water into the first compartment; an AC / DC switch mode converter disposed in the first compartment, the converter comprising a converter input and a converter output, the converter output being galvanically isolated from the converter input and electrically connected to the power cable; and a communication circuit disposed in the second compartment and electrically connected to the converter output, the communication circuit comprising a wireless interface circuit for wireless connection of the switch mode power charger device to a wide area network or a local area network.

[0008] A switch-mode power charger device for a personal care appliance according to an embodiment includes at least: a power cable having a connector for reversibly releasably engaging with the appliance; and a power plug configured to engage with a mains socket. The power plug includes a housing including a first compartment and a second compartment adjacent to the first compartment. The power plug includes a converter disposed in the first compartment, the converter including a converter input and a converter output, the converter output being galvanically isolated from the converter input and electrically connected to the power cable. The power plug includes a communication circuit disposed in the second compartment and electrically connected to the converter output, the communication circuit including a wireless interface circuit.

[0009] A kit according to an embodiment includes a personal care appliance and a power supply unit.

[0010] A method for manufacturing a switch-mode power charger device for a personal care appliance according to an embodiment includes: providing a power plug component having connector pins for engaging with a mains socket and a first compartment, wherein the first compartment accommodates a converter, the converter including a converter input and a converter output, the converter output being electrically isolated from the converter input, and the first compartment being defined by a wall; arranging a communication circuit on the wall and electrically connecting the communication circuit to the converter output, the communication circuit including a wireless interface circuit; attaching a housing for the communication circuit to form a second compartment of the power plug; and attaching a power cable to the power plug, the power cable having a connector for engaging with the appliance.

[0011] A use of a switch mode power supply charger device according to an embodiment comprises using the switch mode power supply charger device to provide a communication link through which appliance related data is transmitted.

[0012] Thus, the switch mode power supply charger device is made of two compartments, wherein at least one of the two compartments is watertight or prevented from ingress of water - optionally both compartments are watertight or waterproof. This allows for easy manufacture of a charger arrangement having at least the dual functionality of being used for charging batteries while also being a data hub for transmitting and collecting data. The wireless module is simply added to the housing structure of the charger compartment housing by providing a second module / compartment / housing which provides an addition to the first compartment housing the switch mode converter. The wireless communication circuit benefits from the power provided by the module housed in the first compartment and optionally also from data received via this power which is then to be transmitted by the communication circuit. Alternatively, data is also received by the communication circuit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings, wherein like or corresponding reference numerals refer to like or corresponding elements throughout the drawings.

[0014] Figure 1 A system including a power supply device is shown.

[0015] Figure 2 A power supply arrangement is shown.

[0016] Figure 3 is a detailed view of the power supply unit.

[0017] Figure 4 It is a block diagram of a communication circuit of a power supply device.

[0018] Figure 5 is a plan view of the power supply unit.

[0019] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a communication circuit of a power supply device.

[0020] Figure 7 is a block diagram of a communication circuit of a power supply device.

[0021] Figure 8 is a flow chart of an operating method of a power supply device.

[0022] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of an operating method of a power supply device.

[0023] Fig.10 is a flow chart of an operating method of a power supply device.

[0024] Fig.11is a flow chart of a method of manufacturing a power supply device.

[0025] Figure 12 to Figure 14 A method of manufacturing a power supply device is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the features of the embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0027] Although the embodiments will be described in conjunction with a power supply device for a personal care appliance, and in conjunction with systems, kits, and methods that may relate to a personal care appliance, the technology is not limited thereto. For illustration, a switch-mode power supply charger device may be operated to power a household appliance, which may be, but need not be, a personal care appliance. A kitchen appliance is an example for such an appliance.

[0028] Embodiments of the present invention relate to power supply devices and kits, systems and methods associated therewith. The switch mode power supply charger device is provided with communication capability. The switch mode power supply charger device is operated to transmit appliance related data.

[0029] As used herein, the phrase "power supply" or "supply" encompasses providing electrical energy to an appliance for on-site use of the appliance (e.g., for using the supplied power to drive an electromechanical actuator) as well as providing electrical energy to an appliance for charging a battery that may optionally be present.

[0030] The communication capability of the switch mode power supply charger device may be used in conjunction not only with electrical appliances to which the switch mode power supply charger device is capable of supplying electrical energy, but also with electrical appliances that may require a different type of electrical switch mode power supply charger device and / or that may not require any electrical power (because, for example, they do not include any electromechanical actuators).

[0031] The "appliance-related data" transmitted by the switch mode power charger device may be appliance-related data that is mechanically engaged with the switch mode power charger device to provide power thereto, appliance-related data that is mechanically engaged with the switch mode power charger device to provide power thereto but is not engaged thereto during data transmission, and / or appliance-related data that is not mechanically engaged with the switch mode power charger device to provide power thereto.

[0032] A switch mode power charger device for an electrical appliance according to an embodiment includes: a power cable having a connector for reversibly releasably engaging with the electrical appliance; and a power plug configured to engage with a mains socket. The power plug includes a housing including a first compartment and a second compartment adjacent to the first compartment. The power plug includes a converter disposed in the first compartment, the converter including a converter input and a converter output, the converter output being galvanically isolated from the converter input and electrically connected to the power cable. The power plug includes a communication circuit disposed in the second compartment and electrically connected to the converter output, the communication circuit including a wireless interface circuit.

[0033] Integrating communication circuitry into the switch mode power supply charger apparatus allows appliance related data to be transmitted to, for example, a wide area network (WAN) without requiring (while still allowing) the presence of an interface in the appliance itself for communicating with the WAN, and without requiring the user to communicatively couple a terminal device (such as a cellular phone, wearable computer, tablet computer, or portable or fixed computer) to the appliance for transmission of appliance related data.

[0034] The two-compartment configuration of the power plug and the integration of the communication circuit into the power plug facilitates manufacturing. The communication circuit can be mounted externally to the first compartment, in which the power conversion takes place, and which supplies a level of power that does not pose a safety hazard to the user. The first compartment can have a configuration that can also be used without the communication circuit, making the production of the power plug including the communication circuit efficient.

[0035] The two-compartment configuration of the power plug also facilitates recyclability and / or maintenance. To illustrate, when a converter of a switch mode power charger device is no longer fully operational, the communication circuit may continue to be used in association with a different converter. To further illustrate, when the original communication circuit is no longer fully operational, a new communication circuit may be installed on a switch mode power charger device including an operating converter.

[0036] The switch mode power supply charger device may be a switch mode power supply charger device for a personal care appliance. This facilitates the use of the switch mode power supply charger device in association with the personal care appliance. Users often have a variety of personal care appliances for daily use, and not all personal care appliances (or even any of the personal care appliances) may be equipped with the desired wireless data communication capability (e.g., communication with a server connected to a WAN). The switch mode power supply charger device is equipped with such communication capability.

[0037] The switch mode power supply charger device may be a switch mode power supply charger device for a home appliance, such as a household appliance. This facilitates the use of the switch mode power supply charger device in combination with the household appliance. Users often have various household appliances for daily use, and not all of the household appliances (or even any of the household appliances) may be equipped with a desired wireless data communication capability (e.g., communication with a server connected to a WAN). The switch mode power supply charger device is equipped with such a communication capability.

[0038] The first compartment may be sealed to prevent water ingress. The first compartment may have a waterproof rating of, for example, IPX4, IPX5, IPX6 or higher. The communication circuit may be arranged downstream of the converter housed in the first compartment along a power transmission path from the connector pins for the mains socket to the appliance. The second compartment may have a waterproof rating lower than that of the first compartment because voltage downconversion has occurred upstream of the communication circuit.

[0039] The first compartment may be watertight.

[0040] The switch mode power supply charger device can be operated to transfer the power output by the converter to the power supply cable through the communication circuit. This configuration facilitates the manufacture of the power supply device. The communication circuit can be added to an autonomous power plug component that provides voltage down conversion, the autonomous power plug component is sealed to prevent water ingress and acts as the first compartment in the power supply device that is integrated into the power supply device in combination with the communication circuit.

[0041] The connector may include electrical contacts for abutting against corresponding contacts of an electrical appliance.

[0042] The connector may include an inductive and / or capacitive power transfer arrangement for contactless power transfer to the appliance.

[0043] The communication circuit may be operable to be powered by the power output by the converter.The power used by the communication circuit may be derived from the power passed through it towards the electrical appliance.

[0044] The housing may include a wall separating the first compartment from the second compartment.This configuration facilitates manufacture of the switched mode power supply charger device by providing mounting for the communication circuitry.

[0045] The housing may include an end cap. The end cap and the wall may define a second compartment. This configuration facilitates the manufacture of the power supply device. The communication circuit and the end cap may be added to an autonomous power plug component providing voltage down conversion, which is sealed to prevent water ingress and acts as a first compartment in the power supply device. Thus, only the second compartment needs to be added to the power charger device in order to add wireless functionality. By providing a cover for the second compartment, only one module needs to be added to realize the autonomous power plug device and ensure a design based on modularity.

[0046] The wall may comprise a channel through which at least one conductor extends from the interior of the first compartment into the interior of the second compartment. The channel may be sealed to prevent water from entering the first compartment. This configuration facilitates manufacture of the switched mode power supply charger device while ensuring that all parts of the device that may be exposed to the mains voltage are sealed to prevent water ingress. Optionally, the second compartment (e.g. added to the first housing compartment by a housing cover) is poorly sealed to prevent water ingress.

[0047] The power plug may comprise a sealing arrangement which seals the passage to prevent water from entering the first compartment.This configuration facilitates manufacture of the switched mode power supply charger device whilst ensuring that all parts of the device which may be exposed to the mains voltage are sealed against the ingress of water.

[0048] The power plug may comprise at least one sheath in which the at least one conductor is received and which is integral with or sealingly attached to the wall. This configuration facilitates the manufacture of the switched mode power supply charger device while ensuring that all parts of the device that may be exposed to the mains voltage are sealed against the ingress of water.

[0049] The communication circuit may include a power input connected to at least one conductor. This allows power towards the appliance to be passed through the communication circuit while the communication circuit is powered by power output from the circuitry housed in the first compartment.

[0050] The communication circuit may include a power output electrically connected to the conductor of the power cable. This allows power towards the appliance to be passed through the communication circuit while the communication circuit is powered by power output from the circuitry housed in the first compartment.

[0051] The power plug may include a plurality of connector pins for engaging with a mains socket, each of the plurality of connector pins extending along a first direction, wherein the wall extends transversely to the first direction, optionally perpendicular to the first direction. This allows the communication circuit to be conveniently positioned towards an end face of the power plug, thereby facilitating electrical coupling of the communication circuit with the user interface.

[0052] The wireless interface circuitry may be operated to transmit appliance related data. Communication of the appliance related data towards a computer or server connected to a wide area network (such as the Internet) is enabled by the power supply device without requiring the appliance itself to have a communication interface enabling communication with, for example, an IEEE 802.11 compliant access point.

[0053] The appliance-related data may include appliance operation data. The appliance operation data may include information about time, cumulative time, and / or frequency of use. The appliance operation data may include information about parameters measured by the appliance, such as voltage, current, battery capacity, battery charge cycle information, and / or temperature. Such information may be useful for providing assistance to a user, for example, by providing information about component wear, suggestions for appliance use, or other useful user instructions. Such information may also be useful for maintenance purposes.

[0054] The appliance-related data may include appliance status data. The appliance status data may include information about the state of at least one component of the appliance. The appliance status data may include parameters measured by the appliance, or may be derived from these parameters, such as battery health, the state of components that are subject to wear during use of the appliance (such as a mesh blade or a cutting blade of a hair cutting device), or other status information indicating the state of the appliance or its components. Such information is useful for providing assistance to a user, for example by providing information about component wear, advice on appliance usage, or other useful user instructions. Such information may also be useful for maintenance purposes.

[0055] The appliance-related data may include first appliance-related data associated with a first appliance having an appliance connector operated to matingly engage with a connector of a power device.

[0056] The appliance-related data may include second appliance-related data associated with a second appliance that does not have an appliance connector that is operated to matingly engage with the connector of the power device.

[0057] The second appliance-related data may be related to an appliance not having an electromechanical actuator.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, the communication circuitry may be operable to receive data using wired or wireless communications and provide the data, possibly after processing, to one or more personal-care appliances.

[0059] The communication circuitry may include at least one additional communication interface circuit different from the wireless interface circuitry to collect appliance related data. The at least one additional communication interface circuitry enables the switch mode power supply charger device to collect appliance related data for transmission via the wireless interface circuitry without requiring the appliance itself to have a corresponding wireless interface circuitry.

[0060] The at least one additional communication interface circuit may include a wired communication circuit. The wired communication circuit may be operated to collect appliance related data via a first conductor and a second conductor of a power cable via which power is supplied. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one additional communication interface circuit may include an additional wireless interface circuit distinct from the wireless interface circuit. The at least one additional communication interface circuit enables the switch mode power supply charger apparatus to collect appliance related data via an interface for transmission without requiring (while still allowing) the appliance itself to be operated for data transmission via the wireless interface circuit via which the switch mode power supply charger apparatus transmits the appliance related data.

[0061] The at least one additional communication interface circuit may include both a wired communication circuit and an additional wireless interface circuit distinct from the wireless interface circuit.Thus, the switch mode power supply charger apparatus may include at least three different communication interface circuits, thereby providing versatility in collecting appliance related data.

[0062] The communication circuitry may be operable to transmit data received at the wireless interface circuitry to the personal-care appliance. This allows data for configuring the personal-care appliance, firmware or software updates for the personal-care appliance, or other data to be provided to the personal-care appliance via the power supply device without requiring the personal-care appliance itself to have an interface that allows the appliance to access a repository where the configuration data, firmware or software updates are stored.

[0063] The communication circuitry may be operable for one-way communication or two-way communication with the personal-care appliance.

[0064] One-way or two-way communication with the personal-care appliance may be established via at least one additional communication interface. The two-way communication capability may be used to provide data for configuring the personal-care appliance, update data for the personal-care appliance, or other data to the personal-care appliance via the power supply device.

[0065] The switch mode power supply charger device may include a memory. The memory may be arranged in the second compartment. This facilitates temporary storage of appliance related data prior to transmission.

[0066] The memory may include a persistent memory in which access information may be stored, thereby allowing the communication circuit to communicate via the access point and / or transmit appliance-related data to a server or a computer.

[0067] The persistent memory may store security-related data therein, wherein the communication circuitry may be operable to use the security-related data for data obfuscation, encryption, and / or authentication when transmitting appliance-related data.

[0068] The power plug may comprise a user interface. The user interface may allow information related to the operation of the power supply device, such as its communication status or configuration status. The user interface may allow the switch mode power charger device to be configured for communication with, for example, an access point. This may be done via communication with a user terminal, which communication only needs to be selectively established for configuring the access point, and not for subsequent transmission of appliance related data.

[0069] The user interface may include at least one actuation element operable to cause the communication circuit to enter a configuration mode. The actuation element may include a physical actuation element. The actuation element may include a button, which may be a soft button or a hard button.

[0070] The user interface may include at least one status indicator, the at least one status indicator being operated to output status information related to the communication circuit, optionally wherein the at least one status indicator may include a plurality of light segments. The status indicator may include one or more light emitting elements. The status indicator may include one or more LEDs. The status indicator may include one or more LED-based light segments, which may be arranged partially or completely around the circumference of the end face of the power plug. This allows multiple status indicators to be integrated on a small area.

[0071] The converter may be an AC / DC converter. This facilitates the use of a switched mode power supply charger device to derive the operating power of the appliance from the voltage of the mains socket.

[0072] The converter may be a switched mode power supply (SMPS). This facilitates the use of a switched mode power supply charger device for deriving operating power for the appliance from the voltage of the mains socket.

[0073] A kit may include an appliance and a power supply device. The switch mode power supply charger device may be operated to transmit appliance related data via the wireless interface circuit.

[0074] The appliance may be a personal care appliance.

[0075] The personal care appliance may be selected from the group consisting of: a hair cutting, trimming or removing appliance and an oral care appliance (eg a dental care appliance).

[0076] The appliance may be operable to communicate with the communication circuit of the switch mode power supply charger device using a second communication standard (such as wired communication over the conductors of the power cable, Bluetooth or BLE) that is different from the communication standard supported by the wireless interface circuit of the communication circuit of the power supply device (such as IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ax and / or IEEE 802.11ad). This allows a cheaper communication chipset to be used for communication between the appliance and the power supply device, thereby eliminating the need to provide a chipset for communicating with, for example, an access point in the appliance.

[0077] The appliance may be configured in such a way that it cannot communicate according to a communication standard supported by the wireless interface circuit of the communication circuit of the power supply device (such as IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ax and / or IEEE 802.11ad). This allows a cheaper communication chipset to be used for communication between the appliance and the power supply device, thereby eliminating the need to provide a chipset for communicating with, for example, an access point in the appliance.

[0078] The kit may also include an access point for a wireless local area network (WLAN). The communication circuit may be operated to transmit the appliance-related data to a remote computing device via the WLAN access point. This allows the switch mode power charger device to operate as a hub that collects, optionally processes and / or aggregates, and then transmits the appliance-related data via the access point.

[0079] The kit may also include a user terminal. The communication circuit may be operable to receive configuration information for the wireless interface circuit from the user terminal, the configuration information required for transmission of appliance-related data to a remote computing device via an access point of a wireless local area network (WLAN).

[0080] The communication circuit can be used to provide appliance related data to the user terminal.

[0081] The appliance may comprise an appliance connector operable to mechanically engage a connector of the power supply device.This allows the switch mode power supply charger device to transmit appliance related data of an appliance which may be powered by the power supply device.

[0082] The appliance may be configured so that it cannot mechanically engage the connector of the power supply device. This allows the switch mode power supply charger device to transmit appliance related data for appliances that may have a different dedicated power supply and / or may not require any wired power at all.

[0083] The kit may comprise both a first appliance and a second appliance, wherein the switch mode power supply charger arrangement is operable to obtain appliance related data for both the first appliance and the second appliance for transmission via the wireless interface circuit.

[0084] A system according to an embodiment includes an appliance and a power supply device. The switch mode power supply charger device is operated to transmit appliance related data via a wireless interface circuit.

[0085] The switch mode power supply charger device is operated to supply power to the electrical appliance.

[0086] The appliance may be a personal care appliance.

[0087] The personal care appliance may be selected from the group consisting of: a hair cutting, trimming or removing appliance and an oral care appliance (eg a dental care appliance).

[0088] The appliance may be operable to communicate with the communication circuit of the switch mode power supply charger device using a second communication standard (such as wired communication over the conductors of the power cable, Bluetooth or BLE) that is different from the communication standard supported by the wireless interface circuit of the communication circuit of the power supply device (such as IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ax and / or IEEE 802.11ad). This allows a cheaper communication chipset to be used for communication between the appliance and the power supply device, thereby eliminating the need to provide a chipset for communicating with, for example, an access point in the appliance.

[0089] The appliance may be configured in such a way that it cannot communicate according to a communication standard supported by the wireless interface circuit of the communication circuit of the power supply device (such as IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ax and / or IEEE 802.11ad). This allows a cheaper communication chipset to be used for communication between the appliance and the power supply device, thereby eliminating the need to provide a chipset for communicating with, for example, an access point in the appliance.

[0090] The appliance may comprise an appliance connector operable to mechanically engage a connector of the power supply device.This allows the switch mode power supply charger device to transmit appliance related data of an appliance which may be powered by the power supply device.

[0091] The appliance may be configured so that it cannot mechanically engage the connector of the power supply device. This allows the switch mode power supply charger device to transmit appliance related data for appliances that may have a different dedicated power supply and / or may not require any wired power at all.

[0092] The system may comprise both a first appliance and a second appliance, wherein the switch mode power supply charger arrangement may be operated to obtain appliance related data for both the first appliance and the second appliance for transmission via the wireless interface circuit.

[0093] The system may include an access point. The system may include a router including an access point. The access point may be a WLAN (e.g., WiFi) access point. The access point may be operated to communicate according to at least one of IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ax, IEEE 802.11ad.

[0094] The system may include a computer or server.The switch mode power supply charger device may be operable to transmit the appliance related data to the computer or server via a WAN to which the access point is coupled.

[0095] The system may include a user terminal. The user terminal may be a handheld user terminal. The user terminal may be operable to receive appliance-related data or data derived therefrom from a computer or server. This allows a user to conveniently view appliance-related data or data derived therefrom (such as an assessment of the user's personal care appliance usage and / or information about required or recommended maintenance operations to be performed on the user's personal care appliance) via the user terminal.

[0096] The switch mode power supply charger apparatus may be operable to provide appliance related data directly to the user terminal via the communication link.

[0097] The switch mode power supply charger apparatus may be operable to establish a communication link directly to the user terminal for configuration of the wireless interface circuitry.

[0098] The switch mode power charger device may be operable to receive from the user terminal information about the name and / or key of an access point to which the appliance related data is to be transmitted. This facilitates configuration of the switch mode power charger device using the user terminal without requiring the user terminal to be located close to the appliance for transmission of the appliance related data.

[0099] The switch mode power supply charger device may be operable to receive information from the user terminal regarding an identifier and / or a password of a user required to access a user specific memory area in the server or computer.

[0100] The switch mode power supply charger device may be operable to transmit the appliance related data to the access point related data without transmitting the appliance related data to the user terminal.

[0101] A method for manufacturing a switch-mode power charger device for an electrical appliance according to an embodiment includes: providing a power plug component having a connector pin for engaging with a mains socket and a first compartment, wherein the first compartment accommodates a converter including a converter input and a converter output galvanically isolated from the converter input, the first compartment being defined by a wall; arranging a communication circuit on the wall and electrically connecting the communication circuit to the converter output, the communication circuit including a wireless interface circuit; attaching a housing for the communication circuit to form a second compartment of the power plug; and attaching a power cable to the power plug, the power cable having a connector for engaging with the electrical appliance.

[0102] The method allows manufacturing a switch mode power charger device in an efficient manner.A waterproof power plug component (which may be used as a standalone component for appliances not requiring any communication capabilities) may be combined with a communication circuit arranged outside the waterproof housing of the power plug component.

[0103] The switch mode power supply charger device may be a switch mode power supply charger device according to an embodiment.

[0104] The housing may be an end cap.

[0105] Attaching the housing may include attaching the housing by ultrasonic welding, or may include ultrasonic welding.

[0106] The method may also include electrically connecting a conductor of the power cable to a power output of the communication circuit.

[0107] The method may include electrically connecting an output of the converter to a power input of the communication circuit.

[0108] A use of a switch mode power supply charger device according to an embodiment comprises using the switch mode power supply charger device to provide a communication link through which appliance related data is transmitted.

[0109] The use may include transmitting appliance-related data via a wireless interface circuit operating according to at least one of IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE 802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ax, and IEEE 802.11ad.

[0110] The use may include docking an appliance that does not have a wireless interface circuit capable of communicating with the access point (e.g., does not have an interface according to at least one of IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11g, IEEE 802.11n, IEEE802.11ac, IEEE 802.11ax, IEEE 802.11ad) with the access point via the power supply device.

[0111] Additional optional features of the method of manufacture and / or use according to the embodiments correspond to the optional features of the power supply device, kit or system according to the embodiments.

[0112] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the system 10. The system 10 comprises a switch mode power supply charger device 50. The switch mode power supply charger device 50 is operated to transmit appliance related data via a wireless interface circuit of the switch mode power supply charger device 50.

[0113] The system 10 comprises one or more electrical appliances 20, 30. The electrical appliances 20, 30 may be household appliances, in particular personal care appliances. The electrical appliances may be or may comprise hair cutting, trimming and / or removal devices and / or oral care devices. The electrical appliances may be selected from the group consisting of: electric razors, wet razors, body combs, hair trimmers, hair removal devices, electric toothbrushes, tongue cleaners, oral rinsing devices. The electrical appliances 20, 30 may respectively comprise circuits communicatively accessible by the switch mode power supply charger device 50 for reading appliance related data from the electrical appliances 20, 30 by the switch mode power supply charger device 50.

[0114] One, more than one or all of the appliances 20, 30 may include an appliance connector 21, 31 for receiving power. At least one of the appliances 20, 30 may be operable to mechanically engage with and receive power from the switch mode power charger device 50.

[0115] The switch mode power charger device 50 can be operated to collect appliance related data from a first appliance connected thereto to supply power thereto and / or a second appliance not connected thereto. The switch mode power charger device 50 includes a communication circuit that is operated to transmit the appliance related data. The switch mode power charger device 50 can be operated to transmit the appliance related data via an interface that allows the appliance related data to be transmitted to a server 44 or a computer 44 connected to a wide area network (WAN) 43 (such as the Internet). The server 44 or the computer 44 can be set in the cloud. The switch mode power charger device 50 can be operated to transmit the appliance related data via, for example, a WLAN interface (e.g., according to or compatible with IEEE 802.11, such as IEEE802.11-2012 or IE 802.11-2016).

[0116] The appliance related data may, but need not, relate to an appliance being supplied with power by the switch mode power charger device 50. The switch mode power charger device may be operable to collect and transmit appliance related data for appliances (such as personal care appliances) that are not capable of being electrically connected to the switch mode power charger device 50 to receive power therefrom, are not currently electrically connected to the switch mode power charger device 50 to receive power therefrom, and / or do not require any wired connection to the switch mode power charger device 50 to receive power therefrom.

[0117] The appliance related data may include data retrieved by the switch mode power supply charger device 50 from the appliance 20, 30 via a wired or wireless communication channel and / or data collected by the switch mode power supply charger device 50 while it is connected to the appliance.

[0118] The operation and construction of the switch mode power supply charger device 50 will be described in more detail below.

[0119] The switch mode power charger device 50 includes a power cable 54 having a connector 55 for reversibly releasably engaging with the electrical appliances 20, 30. The switch mode power charger device 50 includes a power plug 51 configured to engage with the mains socket 41. The power plug 51 includes a housing. As will be described in more detail below, the housing may include a first compartment that houses a converter that is operated to perform voltage down conversion. The housing may include a second compartment that is different from the first compartment and in which the communication circuit is arranged. The power supplied to the electrical appliances 20, 30 may be transmitted through the communication circuit in the second compartment. The first compartment may be sealed to prevent water ingress.

[0120] The power plug 51 has connector pins 52 , 53 for electrically coupling to the mains by coupling with the mains socket 41 .

[0121] The switch mode power supply charger device 50 may operate as follows.

[0122] Configuration of the switch mode power supply charger device 50

[0123] This is an operation phase that does not have to be performed every time it is used. This configuration can be performed only once and / or when the access information of the access point 42 changes and / or when the access information of the user-specific protected storage space in the server or computer 44 changes. This configuration is optional and can be omitted, for example, when the relevant communication data is already provided in the switch mode power supply charger device 50 when it is provided to the user.

[0124] In the configuration mode, the communication circuitry of the switch mode power supply charger device 50 may receive information required to transmit appliance related data to the server or computer 44 via the access point 42. Alternatively or additionally, the communication circuitry of the switch mode power supply charger device may receive information required to access a user-specific protected storage space in the server or computer 44. This information may be permanently stored in the switch mode power supply charger device 50 and may be accessed when the switch mode power supply charger device 50 transmits appliance related data.

[0125] The switch mode power supply charger device 50 may enter the configuration mode in response to a physical input action performed on an actuation element of the switch mode power supply charger device 50 .

[0126] The configuration information (which may include the name or other identifier of the access point 42, a key for communicating with the access point 42, a user identifier and / or password information for accessing protected user-specific memory connected to the WAN 43) may be received by the switch mode power charger device 50 from the user terminal 45. The user terminal 45 may provide an interface that allows a user to enter alphanumeric information that is used to configure the switch mode power charger device 50 for its intended communications toward the access point 42 and, optionally, toward the server or computer 44. The switch mode power charger device 50 may receive the configuration information from the user terminal 45 and may permanently store the configuration information for later use in transmitting appliance-related data.

[0127] Get appliance related data

[0128] During field use of the switch mode power supply charger device 50, the switch mode power supply charger device 50 may obtain appliance related data. This may include receiving information from the respective appliances 20, 30 via a wired or wireless communication link. Alternatively or additionally, (part of) the appliance related data may be generated by the power supply device 50. For example, during one or more charging cycles, the switch mode power supply charger device 50 may determine characteristics (such as charging current and voltage) when charging a rechargeable battery in one or more of the appliances 20, 30, which may be useful for establishing information about the battery status (such as battery health).

[0129] The appliance-related data may include appliance operation data. The appliance operation data may include information about time, cumulative time, and / or frequency of use. The appliance operation data may include information about parameters measured by the appliance 20, 30, such as voltage, current, battery capacity, battery charge cycle information, and / or temperature. Such information is useful for providing assistance to the user, for example, by providing information about component wear, suggestions for appliance usage, or other useful user instructions. Such information may also be useful for maintenance.

[0130] Alternatively or additionally, the appliance-related data may include appliance status data. The appliance status data may include information about the status of at least one component of the appliance 20, 30. The appliance status data may include parameters measured by the appliance 20, 30, or may be derived from parameters measured by the appliance 20, 30, such as the status of components that are subject to wear during use of the appliance (such as a mesh blade or a cutting blade of a hair cutting device), or other status information indicating the status of the appliance 20, 30 or its components. Such information is useful for providing assistance to the user, for example by providing information about component wear, advice on appliance usage, or other useful user instructions. Such information may also be used for maintenance purposes.

[0131] When the switch mode power charger device 50 obtains the appliance related data, it may use a communication interface different from the wireless interface circuit through which the switch mode power charger device 50 transmits the appliance related data. For example, the switch mode power charger device 50 may have a communication circuit including a first communication chipset (e.g., a WiFi communication chip) or other circuits operated to transmit the appliance related data, and a second communication chipset or other circuits operated to receive data from at least one of the appliances 20, 30 (e.g., Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or a wired communication chip).

[0132] The appliance related data may be temporarily stored in the switch mode power supply charger device 50 .

[0133] Transmitting appliance related data

[0134] During field use of the switch mode power supply charger device 50, the switch mode power supply charger device 50 may transmit appliance related data. The switch mode power supply charger device 50 may initiate the transmission of appliance related data in response to a triggering event such as at least one of: reception of new appliance related data, expiration of a timer, connection of the switch mode power supply charger device 50 to the mains socket 41 and optionally to the appliance. When the switch mode power supply charger device 50 is engaged with the mains socket 41 and the appliance, the switch mode power supply charger device 50 may optionally conditionally initiate the transmission of appliance related data at user configurable time intervals.

[0135] The transmission of appliance-related data by the switch mode power charger device 50 may be performed in the following situations:

[0136] Transmitting the appliance related data may include selectively establishing a communication connection for transmitting the appliance related data via the communication circuit. Configuration information allowing the switch mode power charger device to establish the communication link 47 may be retrieved from a memory integrated in the power device. Transmitting the appliance related data may include selectively transmitting the appliance related data to a computer or server 44 via the communication circuit for storage. Access information allowing access to a user specific storage space may be retrieved from a memory integrated in the power device.

[0137] The communication circuit of the switch mode power charger device may include a wireless interface circuit that allows appliance related data to be transmitted to a computer or server 44 located remotely from the switch mode power charger device 50 via an access point 42 (which may be a WLAN access point, in particular a WiFi access point) and a WAN 43.

[0138] Provide data to appliances

[0139] During field use of the switch mode power charger device 50, the switch mode power charger device 50 may optionally be operated to provide data received via the access point 42 or directly from the user terminal 45 to one or more appliances. The switch mode power charger device 50 may be operated to provide data for configuring an appliance, firmware or software updates for a personal care appliance, or other data to an appliance without requiring the appliance to have an interface that allows the appliance to access a repository where data for configuring an appliance, firmware or software updates for a personal care appliance, or other data is stored or received to be transmitted to the appliance.

[0140] In one example, the computer or server 44 may provide software or firmware updates to an appliance, such as a personal care appliance, with the switch mode power charger device 50 communicating the data to the appliance.

[0141] In another example, the user terminal 45 may provide data for configuring an appliance, such as a personal care appliance, wherein the switch mode power supply charger device 50 communicates the data to the appliance.

[0142] Access appliance-related data

[0143] The appliance related data and / or additional information generated thereby may be accessed by a user using a user terminal 45 (which may, but need not be, the same user terminal as that used when the switch mode power supply charger device 50 is configured for transmitting data via, for example, the access point 42). The user terminal 45 may access the appliance related data, for example,

[0144] - checking the usage of the appliance 20, 30 based on the appliance related data (such as the time spent shaving and / or brushing teeth),

[0145] - receiving suggestions related to the use of the appliance 20, 30 (such as suggestions for modifying the operating mode of the appliance) based on the appliance-related data,

[0146] - receiving recommendations regarding recommended maintenance operations (such as replacement of replaceable parts; cutting blades or razor blades or toothbrush tools are examples) based on appliance-related data, and / or - receiving recommendations regarding maintenance operations that should be performed by qualified personnel (such as replacement of batteries) based on appliance-related data.

[0147] The user terminal 45 may access the appliance related data via the server or computer 44 or using a direct communication link with the wireless interface circuit of the switch mode power supply charger device 50. The switch mode power supply charger device 50 may be operated to provide the appliance related data to the user terminal 45 (e.g. via a direct wireless communication link between the switch mode power supply charger device 50 and the user terminal 45).

[0148] There is no need to access the appliance related data via a user terminal.For illustration, the appliance related data may be selectively accessed by a service person when performing maintenance operations on the appliance.

[0149] The methods disclosed herein may respectively include using the transmitted appliance-related data for maintenance and service purposes of the appliance.

[0150] Figure 2 is a schematic partial view of a power supply device showing the power plug 51 in more detail. The power plug 51 comprises a first compartment 61 and a second compartment 62 separated by a wall 65.

[0151] The first compartment 61 accommodates a converter 71. The converter 71 may include a transformer 72. The converter 71 may be operated to perform voltage down conversion. The converter 71 includes galvanic isolation. The converter 71 has a converter input 71a and a converter output 71b galvanically isolated from the converter input 71a.

[0152] The converter 71 may be an AC / DC converter. The converter 71 may be a switch mode power supply (SMPS).

[0153] The first compartment 61 is surrounded and bounded by a housing 63. The housing 63 may provide waterproof properties according to at least IPX4 or higher (determined according to, for example, ISO 20653, DIN 40050-9 or IEC 60529). A wall 65 may be formed by the compartment housing 63. The wall 65 may be integral with a side wall extending between the wall and an end wall 64 from which the connection pins 52, 53 extend. The wall 65 may be transverse to a direction 141 along which the connection pins 52, 53 extend, in particular perpendicular to the direction 141.

[0154] The housing 63 surrounding the first compartment 61 may be waterproof. For example, the housing 63 may comply with IPX4 or higher (determined according to, for example, ISO 20653, DIN 40050-9 or IEC 60529). A sealing arrangement 68 may be provided at a passage through which the conductor 79 passes from the first compartment 61 through the wall 65. The sealing arrangement may be or may include a molding material 68 that is applied to prevent water from entering the first compartment 61.

[0155] The second compartment 62 houses the communication circuit 90. As used herein, the term "communication circuit" does not exclude that the communication circuit performs functions other than providing communication functionality, as long as the communication circuit provides at least some communication functions that allow appliance-related data to be transmitted via the wireless interface circuit. As will be described in more detail below, the communication circuit can be operated to transfer power to the appliance for operating or charging the appliance and / or controlling a user interface provided on the power plug.

[0156] The communication circuit 90 may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs). The integrated circuit may be or may include one or more of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a processor, a controller, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or a combination thereof. The IC may include a communication chip or chipset for communicating according to the IEEE 802.11 standard (e.g., compliant with IEEE 802.11-2012 or 802.11-2016), at least one additional communication chip or chipset different from the IEEE 802.11 chip or chipset, and an IC that controls the operation of the communication circuit, including performing data retrieval and / or transmission functions and optionally control functions for a user interface.

[0157] The communication circuit 90 may include at least one wireless interface circuit for transmitting appliance-related data. The communication circuit 90 may optionally include one or more additional data interfaces for obtaining appliance-related data. Alternatively, the same wireless interface circuit may be used to obtain and transmit appliance-related data.

[0158] The communication circuit 90 may include a first chip or chipset 74 that provides a wireless interface circuit for transmitting appliance-related data. The communication circuit 90 may include at least one second chip or chipset 75 that provides a wired or wireless interface circuit to allow the communication circuit to receive data from one or more appliances. The communication circuit 90 may include at least one IC that may be operated to coordinate and control the operation of the communication circuit 90.

[0159] Communication circuit 90 may include circuit board 73. One or more ICs including or providing a wireless or wired communication interface may be mounted on circuit board 73. Additional components, such as circuits for powering ICs using power supplied by converter 71, may also be mounted on circuit board 73.

[0160] The circuit board 73 may be attached to the wall 65. The circuit board 73 may be attached to the wall 65 using any suitable fixing mechanism. The circuit board 73 may be attached to the wall 65 using an adhesive, but is not limited thereto.

[0161] The communication circuit 90 may include a power input connected to the output of the converter 71. The communication circuit 90 may include a power output connected to the conductor 79 extending through the cable 54 to the electrical contacts in the connector 55. The communication circuit 90 may include a power output connected to the conductor 59 of the power cable 54.

[0162] When the connector 55 is engaged with the appliance and the power plug 51 is engaged with the mains socket 41 , power may be transferred from the converter 71 to the appliance via the communication circuit 90 .

[0163] The second compartment 62 is defined by an end cap 69, which may be joined to the housing 63, for example, at the wall 65. The connection between the end cap 69 and the housing 63 may, but need not be, waterproof. The second compartment 62 may have an IPX rating (determined according to, for example, ISO 20653, DIN 40050-9 or IEC 60529) lower than the IPX rating of the first compartment 61. The end cap 69 may be attached by ultrasonic welding 67, adhesive or other attachment means.

[0164] Second compartment 62 can have a height 142 measured along a direction 141 from the surface of wall 65 to a point on the outer surface of end cap 69 having a maximum distance from a plane defined by the surface of wall 65 facing away from transducer 71. Height 142 can be less than 1 cm, less than 0.9 cm, less than 0.8 cm, less than 0.7 cm, less than 0.6 cm, or less than 0.5 cm.

[0165] The sealing arrangement 68 may be implemented in various forms. Figure 3 A specific implementation is shown in which the wall 65 includes a passage 81 through which at least one conductor 79 is passed from the first compartment 61 to the second compartment 62. A sheath 82 may be attached to the wall 65 or formed integrally with the wall and may extend into the second compartment 62. The sheath 82 may be formed as a conduit in which the conductors received in their respective conductor sheaths may be received in a closely adjacent manner. The sheath 82 may be resilient so as to seal the conductors acting in their conductor sheaths in a sealed manner. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing arrangement may be formed by a molding material 68 that is applied to seal the passage 81 to prevent water ingress.

[0166] Figure 4 is a functional block diagram of the communication circuit 90. The communication circuit 90 may be composed of Figure 1 and Figure 2 The switch mode power supply charger device 50 is composed of.

[0167] The communication circuit 90 includes a wireless interface circuit 92. The wireless interface circuit 92 can be operated to transmit the appliance-related data via a WLAN (e.g., WiFi) access point. The wireless interface circuit 92 can be operated to transmit the appliance-related data to a server or computer 44 connected to the WAN 44 via the WLAN access point.

[0168] The wireless interface circuit 92 may include an antenna 92'. The antenna 92' may be operated for transmission and optionally reception in the 5 GHz and / or 2.4 GHz frequency bands. The wireless interface circuit 92 may be a communication chip or chipset for communicating in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard (e.g., compliant with IEEE 802.11-2012 or IEEE 802.11-19).

[0169] The communication circuit 90 may include a control circuit 91. The control circuit 91 may be operated to control data transmission via the wireless interface circuit 92. The control circuit 91 may be operated to control storage of acquired appliance-related data in the memory 95. The control circuit 91 may be operated to control output of stored appliance-related data from the memory 95 for transmission via the wireless interface circuit 92.

[0170] The memory 95 may be a non-volatile memory. The memory 95 may be operable to store the appliance related data even during a period when the power plug 51 is not engaged with the mains socket 41 .

[0171] The communication circuit 90 may have a power input 98 and a power output 97. The power input 98 may be connected to the output of the converter 71 to receive power therefrom. The power input 98 may be coupled to the low voltage side of the converter 71.

[0172] The communication circuit 90 may have a power output 99. The power output 99 may be electrically connected to a conductor extending in the power cable 54.

[0173] The communication circuit 90 may have a conductor 97 interconnecting the power input terminal 98 and the power output terminal. The conductor 97 may be implemented as a conductive trace. In operation of the power supply device, power is transferred from the converter 71 to the appliance engaged with the connector 55 via the conductor 97.

[0174] The communications circuitry 90 may include a power circuit 96. The power circuit 96 may be connected to a conductor 97, or may otherwise be connected to a power input 98. The power circuit 96 may be operable to provide power to the wireless interface circuitry 92, the control circuitry 91 and the user interface 100 (if present).

[0175] The communication circuit 90 may include a user interface (UI) 100. The user interface 100 may be operated to output status information about the communication circuit 90. The user interface 100 may be operated to receive user input that causes the communication circuit 90 to enter a configuration process that allows the communication circuit 90 to be configured for communication with, for example, the access point 42 and / or the computer or server 44. In response to actuation of an actuation element of the UI 100, the communication circuit 90 may establish a communication link to a programming device (such as a terminal 45) that is different from the power supply device, which allows at least one of a parameter, an address, a key and / or an identifier to be configured, which allows the communication circuit 90 to transmit appliance-related data to the access point 42 and / or the computer or server 44.

[0176] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a specific implementation of UI 100. UI 100 may include at least one status indicator 102-105 that is operated to output status information related to communication circuit 90. The at least one status indicator may include multiple light segments 102-105. The status indicator may include one or more light emitting elements 102-105. The status indicator may include one or more LEDs 102-105. The status indicator may include one or more LED-based light segments 102-105, which may be arranged partially or completely around the circumference of the end face of the power plug 51, which may be opposite to the end face 64 from which the connector pins 52, 54 extend. This allows multiple status indicators 102-105 to be integrated on a small area.

[0177] The UI 100 may include at least one actuation element 101 for being operated to cause the communication circuit to enter the configuration mode 92. The actuation element 101 may include a physical actuation element. The actuation element 101 may include a button, which may be a soft button or a hard button. The actuation element 101 may include a button arranged in the center of an area having a plurality of (e.g., two, three, or more) status indicators 102-105 arranged on its periphery.

[0178] The switch mode power charger device can be operated so that the control circuit 91 selectively activates one or more of the status indicators 102-105. The status indicators can be activated continuously or in an intermittent manner (e.g., flashing) to provide status information using the area available on the power plug. The control circuit 91 can be operated to activate one or more of the status indicators to indicate one or more of the following:

[0179] - the switch mode power supply charger device is in a configuration mode in which it can be operated to be configured for communication with the access point 42 and / or the computer or server 44;

[0180] - the switch mode power supply charger device is in the process of establishing a communication link with the access point 42 and / or the computer or server 44;

[0181] - the switch mode power supply charger device has established a communication link with the access point 42 and / or the computer or server 44;

[0182] - the switch mode power charger device captures appliance related data (the appliance related data may be realized via the wireless interface circuit 92 or a communication interface different from the wireless interface circuit 92);

[0183] - Switch mode power charger device transmits appliance related data.

[0184] The same indicator 102-105 can be operated differently to indicate different states. For illustration, the same indicator 102-105 can be operated in two different modes (blinking mode and continuous mode) to indicate two different states. For illustration, one of the status indicators can be operated in a blinking mode to indicate that the switch mode power charger device is in the process of establishing a communication link with the access point 42 and / or the computer or server 44, and in a continuous mode to indicate that the switch mode power charger device has established a communication link with the access point 42 and / or the computer or server 44.

[0185] The switch mode power supply charger device may capture appliance related data from one or more appliances (and not necessarily limited to the appliance being powered). The switch mode power supply charger device may capture appliance related data using the wireless interface 92. Alternatively or additionally, the switch mode power supply charger device may include one or more additional communication interface circuits for capturing appliance related data.

[0186] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a communication circuit 90 that can be used in a switch mode power supply charger device according to an embodiment. The communication circuit 90 includes a wireless interface circuit 92, and may additionally include an additional interface circuit 93. The wireless interface circuit 92 and the additional interface circuit 93 can be operated to provide communication capabilities using different data carriers (e.g., different frequencies and / or different media, such as wired and wireless). The wireless interface circuit 92 can be operated to provide communication with the access point 42. The wireless interface circuit 92 can be operated to provide one-way communication or two-way communication with the access point 42, which allows appliance related data to be transmitted to the computer or server 44.

[0187] The additional interface circuit 93 may not be able to establish a communication link with the access point 42. The additional interface circuit 93 may be operable to communicate with one or more electrical appliances for obtaining appliance-related data through the power supply device.

[0188] The additional interface circuit 93 may, but need not, be implemented as a wireless communication circuit. More than one additional interface circuit 93 may be provided, at least one of which is a wireless communication circuit operating according to a communication protocol different from the communication protocol used by the wireless interface circuit 92. The switch mode power supply charger device may include both at least one additional interface circuit 93 and a wired communication circuit, the at least one additional interface circuit being a wireless communication circuit operating according to a communication protocol different from the communication protocol used by the wireless interface circuit 92, the wired communication circuit being operated to collect appliance related data via a conductor, via which power is supplied to the appliance for use in the field.

[0189] The additional interface circuit 93 may be operable to receive data from a programming device (such as a terminal device 45) that provides access information for communicating with the access point 42 and / or the computer or server 44. For example, when the switch mode power supply charger device is set to a configuration mode (e.g., by actuation of the actuation element 101), the additional interface circuit 93 may receive access information for the access point 42 (such as the name and key of the WLAN) and / or access information for a protected storage area in the computer or server 44 (such as an identifier and / or password for a user-specific data repository area) from the terminal device 45 or another device selectively communicatively coupled to the communication circuit 90 to configure it.

[0190] The communication circuit 90 may be operated to store the obtained appliance-related data in the memory 95. The communication circuit 90 may optionally be operated to process the data obtained from one or more appliances as appliance-related data before transmission. For illustration, the communication circuit 90 may be operated to aggregate data collected from the same appliance over an extended period of time as appliance-related data before transmission.

[0191] The communication circuit 90 can be operated to store access information for the access point 42 (such as the name and key of the WLAN) and / or access information for a protected storage area in the computer or server 44 (such as an identifier and / or password for a user-specific data repository area) in the memory 95 for later use in transmitting appliance-related data.

[0192] The wireless interface circuit 92 and the additional interface circuit 93 may be implemented by different ICs, such as different chips or chipsets.

[0193] Figure 7is a block diagram of a communication circuit 90 that can be used in a switch mode power supply charger device according to an embodiment. The communication circuit 90 includes a wireless interface circuit 92, a first additional interface circuit 93, and a second additional interface circuit 94. The wireless interface circuit 92, the first additional interface circuit 93, and the second additional interface circuit 94 can be operated to provide communication capabilities using different data carriers (e.g., different frequencies and / or different media, such as wired and wireless). The wireless interface circuit 92 can be operated to provide communication with the access point 42. The wireless interface circuit 92 can be operated to provide one-way communication or two-way communication with the access point 42, which allows appliance related data to be transmitted to the computer or server 44.

[0194] The first additional interface circuit 93 and the second additional interface circuit 94 may not be able to establish a communication link with the access point 42. The first additional interface circuit 93 and the second additional interface circuit 94 may be operated to communicate with one or more electrical appliances for obtaining electrical appliance related data through the power supply device. The first additional interface circuit 93 and the second additional interface circuit 94 may be complementary in a sense that one uses a wired communication technology (such as communication through conductors in a power cable, via which power is supplied to electrical appliances used on site), and the other uses a wireless communication technology (such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or a machine-to-machine (M2M) communication protocol supported by a cellular standard such as LTE or LTE-A).

[0195] In one specific implementation, the wireless interface circuit 92 can be operated to transmit data via a communication link with the access point 42 according to a technology that complies with IEEE 802.11 (e.g., 802.11-12 or 802.11-19). The first additional interface circuit 93 can be operated to obtain the appliance-related data by reading data from the appliance using communication via conductors in a power cable, via which power is supplied to the appliance for use in the field. The second additional interface circuit 94 can be operated to obtain the appliance-related data by reading data from the appliance using a wireless communication technology different from IEEE 802.11 (such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or a machine-to-machine (M2M) communication protocol supported by a cellular standard such as LTE or LTE-A).

[0196] The first additional interface circuit 93 may be operable to receive data from a programming device, such as a terminal device 45, which provides access information for communicating with the access point 42 and / or the computer or server 44. For illustration, when the switch mode power supply charger device is set to a configuration mode (e.g., by actuation of the actuation element 101), the additional interface circuit 93 may receive access information for the access point 42 (such as the name and key of the WLAN) and / or access information for a protected storage area in the computer or server 44 (such as an identifier and / or password for a user-specific data repository area) from the terminal device 45 or another device selectively communicatively coupled to the communication circuit 90 to configure it.

[0197] Figure 8 1 is a flow chart of a method 110 that can be used to configure a switch mode power charger device for transmitting appliance related data. Steps 111 to 113 of the method 110 may need to be selectively performed only when any of the following occurs: (i) initial configuration of the switch mode power charger device by a user; (ii) a name and / or key change of the access point 42; and optionally (iii) a user's identifier and / or password change on the computer or server 44.

[0198] At step 111, a user input is received at the UI 100 of the power supply device. The user input may be the actuation of a button. The user input may cause the communication circuit 90 to enter a configuration mode.

[0199] At step 112, the communication circuit 90 establishes a communication connection with the user terminal device 45. The communication connection with the user terminal device 45 can be established using an interface circuit (e.g., a Bluetooth or BLE chip) of the communication circuit 90, which is different from the interface circuit of the communication circuit 90 used to transmit appliance-related data.

[0200] At step 113, configuration information is received by the switch mode power supply charger device from the user terminal device 45 via the communication link established at step 112. The configuration information may include access information for the access point 42 (such as the name and key of the WLAN) and / or access information for a protected storage area in the computer or server 44 (such as an identifier and / or password for a user-specific data repository area). The configuration information may be permanently stored in the memory 95 for subsequent use.

[0201] At step 114, the switch mode power supply charger device may transmit the appliance related data via the wireless interface circuit (e.g., according to IEEE802.11). When the appliance related data is determined by monitoring performed by the switch mode power supply charger device itself (such as the case of battery health information) and / or when the appliance related data is obtained through a wired or wireless interface different from the interface configured at steps 111 to 113, the appliance related data may include the appliance related data obtained before the configuration at steps 111 to 113. The appliance related data may include the appliance related data obtained after the configuration at steps 111 to 113.

[0202] The appliance-related data transmitted at step 114 may include appliance operating data. The appliance operating data may include information about time, cumulative time, and / or frequency of use. The appliance operating data may include information about parameters measured by the appliance, such as voltage, current, battery capacity, battery charge cycle information, and / or temperature. Such information may be useful for providing assistance to a user, for example, by providing information about component wear, suggestions for appliance usage, or other useful user instructions. Such information may also be useful for maintenance purposes.

[0203] The appliance-related data transmitted at step 114 may include appliance status data. The appliance status data may include information about the status of at least one component of the appliance. The appliance status data may include parameters measured by the appliance, or may be derived from these parameters, such as battery health status, status of components that are subject to wear during use of the appliance (such as a mesh blade or a cutting blade of a hair cutting device), or other status information indicating the status of the appliance or its components. Such information is useful for providing assistance to the user, for example, by providing information about component wear, suggestions for appliance usage, or other useful user instructions. Such information may also be useful for maintenance purposes. The appliance-related data may include first appliance-related data related to one or more appliances having an appliance connector that is operated to be matingly engaged with a connector of the power supply device. The appliance-related data may include second appliance-related data related to one or more other appliances that do not have an appliance connector that is operated to be matingly engaged with a connector of the power supply device. Thus, the switch-mode power charger device may operate as a data aggregation and transmission hub for collecting and transmitting appliance-related data for various appliances (such as various personal care appliances or other household appliances) without requiring the user's cell phone or computer to participate in the data collection and transmission. The user's cell phone or computer may selectively be used only to configure the switch mode power charger device for the corresponding home network and / or user.

[0204] Step 114 may be repeated. The repetition of step 114 may be triggered by a triggering event. The triggering event may be or may include engagement of the switch mode power supply charger device with a mains socket and / or an appliance, expiration of a timer, or other criteria that may be permanently stored in the switch mode power supply charger device or may be configurable at steps 111 to 113.

[0205] Figure 8 is a flow chart of a method 120 that may be performed by a power supply device.

[0206] At step 121 , a switch mode power supply charger device may provide power to a first electrical appliance.

[0207] At step 122, the switch mode power supply charger device obtains appliance related data. The appliance related data may be related to a first appliance currently being powered. Alternatively or additionally, the appliance related data may be related to one or more second appliances not currently powered by the power supply device. The communication between the second appliance and the communication circuit 90 may be enabled by a battery of the second appliance.

[0208] The appliance-related data obtained at step 122 may include appliance operation data. The appliance operation data may include information about the time, cumulative time, and / or usage frequency of the corresponding first appliance and / or second appliance. The appliance operation data may include information about parameters (such as voltage, current, battery capacity, battery charging cycle information, and / or temperature) measured by the corresponding first appliance and / or second appliance, optionally cached in the corresponding first appliance and / or second appliance, and read by the switch mode power supply charger device at step 122.

[0209] The appliance-related data obtained at step 122 may include appliance status data. The appliance status data may include information about the status of at least one component of the respective first and / or second appliance. The appliance status data may include parameters measured by the appliance, or may be derived from these parameters, such as battery health, the status of components that are subject to wear during use of the respective first and / or second appliance (such as a mesh blade or a cutting blade of a hair cutting device), or other status information indicating the status of the appliance or its components. At step 122, some or all of this data may be measured by the respective first and / or second appliance, optionally cached in the respective first and / or second appliance, and read by the switch mode power supply charger device. Some or all of this data may be obtained by the switch mode power supply charger device (e.g., by deriving battery health information from the charging current and / or voltage during a charging or battery calibration cycle).

[0210] At step 123, the appliance-related data may be transmitted by the power supply device. The switch mode power charger device may transmit appliance-related data for one or more appliances, such as various personal care appliances or other household appliances, without requiring the user's cell phone or computer to participate in the data collection and transmission.

[0211] Fig. 9 is a flow chart of a method 130 that may be performed by a power supply device.

[0212] At step 131 , a switch mode power supply charger device may provide power to a first electrical appliance.

[0213] At step 132, the switch mode power supply charger device obtains appliance related data for a plurality of appliances. The plurality of appliances may, but need not, include a first appliance. The plurality of appliances may include one or more appliances that are engageable with an appliance connector of the power supply device. The plurality of appliances may include one or more appliances that are not engageable with an appliance connector of the power supply device. The plurality of appliances may include one or more appliances that include an electromechanical actuator. The plurality of appliances may include one or more appliances that do not include an electromechanical actuator but include a monitoring circuit for monitoring the use of the respective appliances.

[0214] The appliance-related data obtained at step 132 may include appliance operation data or appliance status data, as explained above.

[0215] At step 133, the appliance-related data may be transmitted by the power supply device. The switch mode power charger device may transmit appliance-related data for one or more appliances, such as various personal care appliances or other household appliances, without requiring the user's cell phone or computer to participate in the data collection and transmission.

[0216] Fig.11 is a flow chart of a method 140 of manufacturing a power supply device. Figure 12 to Figure 14 The stages of the method are shown.

[0217] At step 141, the communication circuit 90 is assembled on a power plug component 150, which has connector pins 52, 53 for engaging with a mains socket and a first compartment 61. The first compartment 61 accommodates a converter 71, which includes a converter input and a converter output galvanically isolated from the converter input. The first compartment is defined by a wall 65, which can be arranged opposite to and spaced from the end wall 64 from which the connector pins 52, 54 extend. The circuit board of the communication circuit 90 can be arranged on the wall 65 and attached to the wall ( Fig.12 and Fig.13 ). The power plug component has a waterproof (eg IPX4 or higher) housing 63.

[0218] At step 142, an electrical connection may be established. The electrical connection may be established in such a way that a conductive path is established from the converter output of converter 71 to the power input of communication circuit 90 and through communication circuit 90 to the power output of communication circuit 90. Step 142 may include connecting a conductor passing through the passage in wall 65 to the power input terminal ( Fig.13 ).

[0219] At step 143, the end cap 69 may be installed to enclose the communication circuit 90 ( Fig.13 and Fig.14 The conductor extending through the power cable 54 may be electrically connected to the power output terminal of the communication circuit 90 ( Fig.14 ).

[0220] The end cap 69 may be joined to the housing 63, for example at the wall 65 or at a side wall of the housing 63 extending between the walls 64, 65. The connection between the end cap 69 and the housing 63 may, but need not be, waterproof. The attachment of the end cap 69 may be achieved in such a way that the second compartment 62 defined between the end cap and the wall 65 may have an IPX rating lower than the IPX rating of the compartment 61 (determined according to, for example, ISO 20653, DIN 40050-9 or IEC 60529). The end cap 69 may be attached by ultrasonic welding 67, adhesive or other attachment means. The fixing means may extend circumferentially around the entire circumference where the end cap 69 contacts the housing 63.

[0221] Various effects and advantages are achieved by the present invention. Power supply devices, kits, systems and methods facilitate the transmission of data collected by electrical appliances, particularly personal care appliances. Power supply devices, kits, systems and methods allow the transmission of appliance-related data via a desired wireless communication standard (such as a member of the IEEE 802.11 family of standards) without requiring (while still allowing) the appliance itself to have the required communication circuitry for that particular communication standard. Switching mode power supply charger devices can be manufactured in an efficient manner.

[0222] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range around that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "approximately 40 mm".

Claims

1. A switch mode power supply charger device (50) for charging a rechargeable battery of a personal care appliance (20, 30), the switch mode power supply charger device (50) comprising: a power cable (54) having a connector (55) for reversibly releasably engaging the electrical appliance (20, 30); A power plug (51) configured to engage with a mains socket (41) and comprising: A housing (63, 69) comprising a first compartment (61) sealed to prevent water ingress and a second compartment adjacent to the first compartment (61) (62); wherein the housing (63, 69) includes the first compartment (61) a wall (65) separated from the second compartment (62), the wall defining the second compartment (62); wherein the wall (65) comprises a passage (81) through which at least one conductor (79) extends from the interior of the first compartment (61) to the interior of the second compartment (62), the passage (81) being sealed to prevent water from entering the first compartment (61); an AC / DC switch mode converter (71) disposed in the first compartment (61), the converter (71) comprising a converter input (71a) and a converter output (71b) galvanically isolated from the converter input (71a) and electrically connected to the power cable (54); and A communication circuit (90) is arranged in the second compartment (62) and electrically connected to the converter output terminal (71b), the communication circuit (90) includes a wireless interface circuit (92) for wireless connection of the switch mode power supply charger device with a wide area network or a local area network.

2. The switch mode power supply charger device (50) according to claim 1, wherein: The housing (63, 69) includes an end cap (69) further separating the first compartment (61) and the second compartment (62), the end cap (69) and the wall defining the second compartment (62).

3. The switch mode power supply charger device (50) according to claim 1, wherein: The power plug (51) comprises a sealing arrangement (68; 82) which seals the passage (81) to prevent water from entering the first compartment (61), optionally wherein the sealing arrangement (68; 82) comprises a moulding material (68).

4. A switch mode power supply charger device (50) according to claim 1 or claim 3, wherein: The power plug (51) comprises at least one sheath (82) in which the at least one conductor is received and which is integral with or sealingly attached to the wall (65).

5. A switched mode power supply charger device (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The communication circuit (90) includes a power input (98) connected to the at least one conductor (79).

6. A switched mode power supply charger device (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The communication circuit (90) includes a power output (97) electrically connected to a conductor (59) of the power cable (54).

7. A switched mode power supply charger device (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The power plug (51) comprises a plurality of connector pins (52, 53) for engaging with the mains socket (41), each of the plurality of connector pins (52, 53) extending along a first direction (141), wherein the wall (65) extends transversely to the first direction (141), optionally perpendicular to the first direction (141).

8. A switched mode power supply charger device (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The switch mode power supply charger device (50) is provided with at least dual functions as a power supply for charging the battery and as a data concentrator for collecting and transmitting data.

9. A switched mode power supply charger device (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The wireless interface circuit (92) is operated to transmit appliance related data, optionally wherein the appliance related data comprises appliance operation data or appliance status data.

10. The switch mode power supply charger device (50) according to claim 9, wherein: The communication circuit (90) includes at least one additional communication interface circuit (93, 94) different from the wireless interface circuit (92) to collect the appliance-related data. Optionally, the at least one additional communication interface circuit (93, 94) includes a communication circuit (93) and / or an additional wireless interface circuit (94) different from the wireless interface circuit (92), and the communication circuit is operated to collect the appliance-related data via a first conductor and a second conductor of the power cable (54) for powering the appliance.

11. A switched mode power supply charger device (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The power plug (51) comprises a user interface (100), optionally wherein the user interface (100) comprises: at least one actuating element (101) which is operated to cause the communication circuit (90) to enter a configuration mode (92), and / or At least one status indicator (102-105) operable to output status information associated with the communication circuit (90), optionally wherein the at least one status indicator (102-105) comprises a plurality of optical segments (102-105).

12. A switched mode power supply charger device (50) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The first compartment is sealed to prevent water ingress, thereby providing a waterproof rating of IPX4, IPX5, IPX6 or higher, and / or the second compartment is poorly sealed to prevent water ingress compared to the first compartment and is provided with a waterproof rating lower than that of the first compartment.

13. A kit, comprising: Personal care appliances (20,30); and A switched mode power supply charger device (50) as claimed in any preceding claim, operable to communicate appliance related data via the wireless interface circuit (92).

14. The kit of claim 13, wherein: The personal care appliance (20, 30) is selected from the group consisting of: a hair cutting, trimming or removing appliance (20) and an oral care appliance (30).

15. A method of manufacturing a switch mode power charger device (50) for a personal care appliance (20, 30), the method comprising: A power plug assembly (150) is provided, the power plug assembly having connector pins (52, 53) for engaging with a mains socket and a first compartment (61), wherein the first compartment (61) accommodates a converter (71), the converter comprising a converter input (71a) and a converter output (71b) galvanically isolated from the converter input (71a), the first compartment (61) being bounded by a wall (65); Arranging a communication circuit (90) on the wall (65) and electrically connecting the communication circuit (90) to the converter output (71b), the communication circuit (90) comprising a wireless interface circuit (92); attaching a housing (69) for said communication circuit (90) to form a second compartment (62) for a power plug (51); and A power cable (54) is provided attached to the power plug (51), the power cable (54) having a connector (55) for engaging with the electrical appliance (20, 30).

16. Use of a switched mode power supply charger device (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising using the switched mode power supply charger device (50) to provide a communication link through which appliance related data is transmitted.

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