Power charging device, kit and method of operation

Abstract

A switched mode power charging device (50) for an appliance (20, 30, 32) includes circuitry (60) including wireless interface circuitry (92) and operative to obtain appliance-related data for at least one personal care appliance (20, 30, 32) and to transmit the appliance-related data over the wireless interface circuitry (92).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a power charging device for supplying charging power to a rechargeable battery of an appliance, the appliance particularly including a personal care appliance. The present invention particularly relates to a technique for enabling the transfer of appliance-related data. The present invention also relates to a power charging device, a kit and a system comprising the power charging device and a method of operating the power charging device, the power charging device, the kit and the system and the method of operating enabling the transfer of appliance-related data. Background Art

[0002] Personal care appliances are widely used. Examples of such appliances include hair removal, cutting or trimming devices (such as razors, body trimmers, depilatory devices, etc.) or oral care devices (such as toothbrushes, tongue cleaning devices, or oral irrigators). Many personal care appliances or accessories used in association therewith are equipped with electronic components that monitor and record data related to the corresponding appliances. Some or all of the 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 is communicatively connected to the appliance. Some or all of the 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 communicating 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 required communication circuitry 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] These objects are solved by a switched mode power supply charging device according to claim 1, a kit according to claim 7 and a method according to claim 10. The dependent claims set forth advantageous embodiments.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a switch mode power supply charging device having connector pins for engaging with a power outlet and an appliance power connector further includes circuitry operative to obtain and transmit appliance related data.

[0007] A switch-mode power supply charging device for an appliance (such as a personal care appliance) according to an embodiment includes: a connector pin, which is used to engage with a power outlet; a power cable, which includes an appliance power connector; and a circuit, which includes a wireless interface circuit and operates to obtain appliance-related data for at least one appliance and transmit the appliance-related data through the wireless interface circuit.

[0008] A switch-mode power charging device for charging a rechargeable battery of a personal-care appliance comprises: connector pins operative to engage with a power outlet; a power cable comprising an appliance power connector; a power plug housing from which the connector pins project, the power plug housing being attached to an end of the power cable opposite to an end at which the appliance power connector is disposed; and a circuit comprising an AC / DC switch-mode converter and a wireless interface circuit, wherein the power plug housing houses the circuit, wherein the circuit operates to obtain appliance-related data for at least one personal-care appliance via at least one additional communication interface different from the wireless interface circuit, and wherein the wireless interface circuit operates to transmit the appliance-related data.

[0009] A kit according to one embodiment includes one or several appliances, such as personal care appliances, and a switch-mode power charging device, wherein the power charging device operates to transmit appliance-related data obtained for at least some of the one or several appliances.

[0010] A method for obtaining and transmitting appliance-related data according to one embodiment is performed by a power charging device, the power charging device comprising: a connector pin, the connector pin being operative to engage with a power outlet; a power cable, the power cable comprising an appliance power connector; and a circuit, the circuit comprising a wireless interface circuit. The method comprises: obtaining appliance-related data for at least one appliance by the circuit; and transmitting the appliance-related data by the circuit through the wireless interface circuit.

[0011] Advantageously, the switch mode power supply battery charger is used not only to charge the battery of the personal care device, but also as a data hub. The charger includes a wireless interface circuit for transmitting data. The charger also includes a cable that can be connected to the personal care appliance and works only in one direction for charging, or works in both directions, that is, works in a first direction from the charger to the personal care appliance to charge the personal care appliance, and works in the opposite direction to obtain data from the personal care appliance to the charger. The data is then further transmitted by the integrated wireless interface circuit via an Internet connection for further use or analysis. Therefore, the personal care appliance no longer requires any wireless interface circuit. Optionally or alternatively, the personal care appliance includes a communication interface different from the wireless interface circuit for obtaining data from one or more wired (e.g., via the above-mentioned charger cable) and / or wireless (e.g., via Bluetooth) appliances. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like or corresponding reference numerals designate like or corresponding elements.

[0013] Figure 1 A system including a power charging device is shown.

[0014] Figure 2 is a flow chart of an operating method of a power charging device.

[0015] Figure 3 is a flow chart of an operating method of a power charging device.

[0016] Figure 4 is a flow chart of an operating method of a power charging device.

[0017] Figure 5 is a flow chart of an operating method of a power charging device.

[0018] Figure 6 is a block diagram of a circuit of a power charging device.

[0019] Figure 7 It is a plan view of the power charging device.

[0020] Figure 8 It is a block diagram of a communication circuit of a power charging device.

[0021] Fig. 9 It is a block diagram of a communication circuit of a power charging device.

[0022] Fig.10 It is a detailed diagram of the power charging device.

[0023] Fig.11 A system including a power charging device is shown.

[0024] Fig.12 A system including a power charging device is shown.

[0025] Fig.13 is a flow chart of an operating method of a power charging device.

[0026] Fig.14 is a flow chart of the method.

[0027] Fig.15 is a flow chart of a method of configuring a power charging device.

[0028] Fig.16 is a flow chart of a method for enabling access to appliance related data.

[0029] Fig.17 A power charging device is shown.

[0030] Fig.18 A power charging device is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, the features of the embodiments may be combined with each other.

[0032] Although embodiments will be described in conjunction with a power charging device for a personal care appliance and in conjunction with systems, kits, and methods that may involve a personal care appliance, the technology is not limited thereto. For illustration, the power charging device is operable to supply power to a household appliance, which may be, but need not be, a personal care appliance. A kitchen appliance is an example of such an appliance.

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a power charging device and kits, systems and methods associated therewith. The power charging device has communication capabilities. The power charging device operates to obtain and transmit appliance related data.

[0034] As used herein, the phrase "powered" or "supplying power" includes providing electrical energy to an appliance for actual use of the appliance (e.g., for driving an electromechanical actuator using the supplied power) as well as providing electrical energy to the appliance for charging a battery that may optionally be present.

[0035] The power charging device may take a variety of forms and configurations, such as, but not limited to, a power cord and / or a more complex power charging device that includes a frame that both supports the appliance during charging and / or cleaning and provides power to the appliance.

[0036] The communication capabilities of the power charging device can be used not only in association with appliances that the power charging device can supply power to, but also in association with appliances that may require a different type of power charging device and / or may not require any power (because, for example, they do not include any electromechanical actuators).

[0037] The "appliance related data" obtained and transmitted by the power charging device may be or may include any one or any combination of the following:

[0038] - data relating to appliances that are engaged or otherwise coupled to the power charging device to provide electrical power thereto;

[0039] - data relating to a device with which a power charging device may mechanically engage or otherwise couple to provide power but not engage during data transfer; and / or

[0040] -Data relating to appliances to which the mains charging device is not mechanically engageable or coupleable to provide electrical power.

[0041] A power charging device for an appliance according to an embodiment includes: a connector pin, the connector pin is operative to engage with a power socket; a power cable, the power cable including an appliance power connector; and a circuit, the circuit including a wireless interface circuit and operating to obtain appliance-related data for at least one appliance and transmit the appliance-related data through the wireless interface circuit. Alternatively or additionally, the circuit is operable to receive data and, possibly after processing, provide the data to one or more personal care appliances using wired communication or wireless communication.

[0042] Integrating circuitry (which operates to obtain and transmit appliance-related data) into the power charging device allows the appliance-related data to be transmitted to, for example, a wide area network (WAN) and / or a user terminal 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 telephone, wearable device, tablet computer, or portable or fixed computer) to the appliance to transmit the appliance-related data.

[0043] The power charging device may be a power charging device for a personal care appliance. This facilitates the use of the power charging 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 them) may be equipped with the desired wireless data communication capability (e.g., communication with a server connected to a WAN). The power charging device provides such communication capability.

[0044] The power charging device may be a power charging device for a household appliance such as a household appliance. This facilitates the use of the power charging device in association with the household appliance. Users often have various household appliances for daily use, and not all household appliances (or even any of them) may be equipped with the desired wireless data communication capability (e.g., communication with a server connected to a WAN). The power charging device provides such communication capability.

[0045] The circuit may be arranged in a power plug housing operable to engage with a power socket. The connector pins may protrude from the power plug housing. The power plug housing and the appliance power connector may be arranged on opposite ends of a power cable.

[0046] Locating the circuit at the power plug housing provides ease of manufacture and facilitates recyclability. For illustration, the circuit may be mounted on (and external to) a waterproof housing of the power plug housing, wherein the converter is housed in the waterproof housing. Failure of the circuit with communication capability allows replacement of the circuit while allowing recycling of the converter. Failure of the converter allows the circuit with communication capability to be removed from the damaged converter and combined with an operating converter. Easy configurability is achieved because the power plug can selectively have communication capability when needed.

[0047] The circuit may include a converter that operates to perform voltage down-conversion. This allows a voltage level that is safe for the end user to be output at the appliance power connector. This also allows one or several integrated circuits (ICs) of the circuit and / or wireless interface circuit to be fed with the down-converted voltage provided by the converter.

[0048] The converter may include galvanic separation (eg, by means of a transformer). This allows galvanic separation to be achieved between the connector pins and the appliance power connector.

[0049] The converter may be an AC / DC converter. This facilitates the use of the power charging device for personal care appliances that require DC power.

[0050] The converter may be a switched mode power supply (SMPS). This facilitates the use of a mains charging device to derive the operating power for the appliance from the voltage of a mains socket.

[0051] The circuit may include a communication circuit connected to the output of the converter. The communication circuit may include a wireless interface circuit. This allows the circuit and its wireless interface circuit to be powered by the output of the converter. The output of the converter may also supply power for use by the appliance. The power supplied to the appliance may pass through the circuit.

[0052] The circuit is operable to obtain and transmit appliance-related data for one or several personal care appliances. This facilitates the use of the power charging device in association with personal care appliances. Users often have a variety of personal care appliances for daily use, and not all personal care appliances (or even any of them) may be equipped with the desired wireless data communication capability (e.g., communication with a server connected to a WAN). The power charging device provides such communication capability.

[0053] The circuit is operable to: obtain at least some of the appliance-related data for the personal-care appliance when the personal-care appliance is engaged with the appliance power connector, and / or obtain at least some of the appliance-related data for the one or more second personal-care appliances when the appliance power connector is engaged with a first personal-care appliance that is different from the one or more second personal-care appliances. This allows the power charging device to act as a communication hub that enables communication between the personal-care appliance and, for example, a computing device remote from the personal-care appliance via wireless communication technology.

[0054] The circuitry is operable to obtain some or all of the appliance related data via at least one further communication interface distinct from the wireless interface circuitry.

[0055] The at least one further communication interface may comprise a wired communication circuit operative to obtain the appliance-related data via a conductor also operative to supply power to the appliance. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one further communication interface may comprise a further wireless interface circuit distinct from the wireless interface circuit. This allows the power charging device to obtain the appliance-related data for transmission from one or several appliances without requiring the appliances to support the communication technology used by the power charging device to transmit the appliance-related data.

[0056] The circuit is operable to transmit data received at the wireless interface circuit 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 charging device without requiring the personal care appliance itself to have an interface that allows the appliance to access a repository storing configuration data, firmware or software updates.

[0057] The circuit is operable for one-way communication or two-way communication with the personal-care appliance.

[0058] One-way or two-way communication with the personal care appliance may be established via the at least one further 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 from the power charging device to the personal care appliance.

[0059] The power charging device may include a waterproof housing from which the connector pins protrude. The waterproof housing may contain a converter, such as an AC / DC converter, therein. The waterproof housing may have an IPX rating of IPX4 or higher, but is not limited thereto. Safety during use in environments often encountered by personal care appliances, such as shaving or oral care devices, is thereby achieved.

[0060] The waterproof housing may have an outer surface, and the circuit may be mounted on the outer surface of the waterproof housing. This enables easy assembly of the circuit that provides communication capabilities.

[0061] The outer surface of the waterproof housing on which the circuit is mounted need not be an exposed surface, but may be covered by an enclosure.

[0062] The power charging device may also include an enclosure attached to the waterproof housing, wherein the circuit is disposed within the enclosure (ie, the circuit is sandwiched between the enclosure and an outer surface of the waterproof housing).

[0063] The waterproof shell and the enclosure may in combination form a power plug housing for a power plug operative to engage with a power socket.

[0064] The enclosure may be an end cap attached to the waterproof housing. This facilitates easy assembly of the power plug by assembling the circuit on the outer surface of the waterproof housing and then closing the circuit with the enclosure.

[0065] The circuit may have a configuration mode, wherein the wireless interface circuit may be configurable for subsequent transmission of appliance related data. The configuration mode allows the power charging device to receive information required to transmit the appliance related data.

[0066] The configuration mode may be operable such that it does not allow communication between the power charging device and an appliance to be configured from which appliance-related data is obtained. The communication between the power charging device and the appliance may be implemented in a manner encoded in the power charging device and the appliance, respectively. The communication between the power charging device and at least one of the appliances for obtaining the appliance-related data may be implemented using a proprietary communication technique, such as communication over a conductor of a power cable.

[0067] The power charging device may include a user interface.

[0068] The circuit is operable to enter the configuration mode in response to a user input action at the user interface. This facilitates initiation of the configuration mode.

[0069] In the configuration mode, the circuitry is operable to receive configuration information required for subsequent transmission of appliance-related data to a remote computing device via the access point.

[0070] The user interface may allow output of information related to the operation of the power charging device, such as its communication status or configuration status. The user interface may allow the power charging device to be configured for communication with, for example, an access point. This may be done via communication with a user terminal, which communication needs to be selectively established only for configuration of the access point and not for subsequent transmission of appliance related data.

[0071] 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.

[0072] The user interface may include at least one status indicator, the at least one status indicator being operative to output status information associated with the communication circuit, optionally wherein the at least one status indicator may include several light segments. The status indicator may include one or several light emitting elements. The status indicator may include one or several LEDs. The status indicator may include one or several LED-based light segments, which may be arranged partially or completely around the circumference of the end face of the power plug. This allows several status indicators to be integrated on a smaller area.

[0073] The power charging device may include a memory. This facilitates temporary storage of device-related data prior to transmission.

[0074] The memory may include a persistent memory. The persistent memory may store therein access information that allows the communication circuit to communicate via the access point and / or transmit appliance related data to a server or computer.

[0075] The persistent memory may store therein security-related data, wherein the communication circuitry is operative to use the security-related data for data obfuscation, encryption, and / or authentication when transmitting appliance-related data.

[0076] The circuitry is operable to receive configuration information via the wireless interface circuitry or via a second wireless interface circuitry different from the wireless interface circuitry. This allows the circuitry of the power charging device to be configured using, for example, a user terminal.

[0077] A kit according to one embodiment includes one or more appliances and a power charging device operable to transmit appliance-related data for one or several of the appliances.

[0078] The power charging device operates to act as a communication hub for collecting and transmitting appliance related data from one or several personal care appliances or other appliances. The appliances need not (but may still) be equipped with an interface allowing them to transmit their data to an access point coupled to a wide area network.

[0079] The power charging device may also be operable to act as a communication hub for relaying (possibly after processing).

[0080] The one or several appliances may be selected from the group comprising hair cutting, trimming or removing appliances and oral care appliances such as an electric toothbrush or an oral irrigation device.

[0081] The kit may also include an access point for a wireless local area network (WLAN). The circuitry may be operable to transmit the appliance-related data to a remote computing device via the WLAN access point. This allows the power charging device to operate as a hub that collects, optionally processes and / or aggregates appliance-related data and then transmits the appliance-related data via the access point.

[0082] The kit may also include a user terminal.The circuit is operable to receive configuration information for the wireless interface circuit from the user terminal, the configuration information being required for subsequent transmission of appliance-related data to a remote computing device via an access point of a wireless local area network (WLAN).

[0083] The circuitry is operable to provide appliance-related data to a user terminal.

[0084] The kit may include a first appliance having a connector operative to engage with an appliance power connector, the first appliance operative to be powered by a power charging device.

[0085] When the power charging device is coupled to the first appliance, the power charging device is operable to obtain and / or transmit appliance-related data related to the first appliance.

[0086] The kit may include a second appliance having a female connector operative to engage with the appliance power connector, the second appliance operative to be powered by the power charging device.

[0087] When the power charging device is coupled to a first appliance, the power charging device is operable to obtain and / or transmit appliance-related data related to a second appliance (ie, collection and transmission of appliance-related data is not limited to the appliance with which the power charging device is currently engaged).

[0088] The kit may include a second implement that is not mechanically engageable with the power charging device.

[0089] When the power charging device is coupled to a first appliance, the power charging device is operable to obtain and / or transmit appliance-related data related to a second appliance (ie, collection and transmission of appliance-related data is not limited to appliances to which the power charging device can be used to supply power).

[0090] The second appliance may be an appliance without an electromechanical actuator. That is, the collection and transmission of appliance-related data is not limited to appliances with electromechanical actuators. For example, the second appliance may be a wet shaver without an electromechanical actuator.

[0091] A method of obtaining and transmitting appliance-related data according to one embodiment is performed by a power charging device, the power charging device comprising: a connector pin, the connector pin is operable to engage with a power outlet; a power cable, the power cable comprising an appliance power connector; and a circuit, the circuit comprising a wireless interface circuit. The method may include: obtaining appliance-related data for at least one appliance (such as a personal care appliance) by the circuit; and transmitting the appliance-related data by the circuit through the wireless interface circuit. Alternatively or additionally, the circuit may transmit data that has been received via the wireless interface circuit to the personal care appliance using wired communication or wireless communication.

[0092] In this approach, integrating circuitry (which operates to obtain and transmit appliance-related data) into a power charging device allows the 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 a user to communicatively couple a terminal device (such as a cellular telephone, wearable device, tablet computer, or portable or fixed computer) to the appliance to transmit the appliance-related data.

[0093] The method may also include supplying power, from the power charging device, to at least one personal-care appliance engaged with the appliance power connector.

[0094] The method may include receiving, by the circuitry, configuration information required for subsequent transmission of appliance-related data to a remote computing device via the access point.

[0095] The method may include storing, by the circuitry, the configuration information.

[0096] The method may include accessing and using, by the circuitry, the configuration information for transmitting the appliance-related data to a remote computing device via the access point.

[0097] The receipt, storage and use of configuration information allows the circuit to be configured for transmitting appliance related data. The configuration may be performed using, for example, a user terminal.

[0098] Obtaining the appliance-related data may include obtaining at least some of the appliance-related data for the personal-care appliance while the personal-care appliance is being engaged with the appliance power connector.

[0099] Obtaining the appliance-related data may include obtaining at least some of the appliance-related data for one or more second personal care appliances when the appliance power connector is engaged with a first personal care appliance different from the one or more second personal care appliances.

[0100] The second appliance may not be able to mechanically engage with the power charging device.

[0101] The second appliance may be an appliance without an electromechanical actuator. That is, the collection and transmission of appliance-related data is not limited to appliances with electromechanical actuators. For example, the second appliance may be a wet shaver without an electromechanical actuator.

[0102] The personal care appliance may be selected from the group consisting of hair cutting, trimming or removing appliances and oral care appliances (eg dental care appliances).

[0103] The method may be performed using a power charging device according to an embodiment.

[0104] The power charging device may have a waterproof case that may be sealed to prevent water from entering. The waterproof case may have a waterproof rating of, for example, IPX4, IPX5 or higher. The circuit may be arranged downstream of the converter housed in the waterproof case along the power transmission path from the connector pins for the power socket to the appliance. The circuit may be arranged in another compartment of the power charging device, which may have a waterproof rating less than that of the waterproof case, because the voltage down-conversion has occurred upstream of the communication circuit.

[0105] The power charging device is operable to transfer the power output by the converter to the power cable through the communication circuit. This configuration facilitates the manufacture of the power charging device. The communication circuit can be added to an autonomous power plug component that provides voltage down conversion, is sealed to prevent water ingress, and acts as the first compartment in the power charging device that is integrated into the power charging device together with the communication circuit.

[0106] The circuit may include at least one further communication interface circuit different from the wireless interface circuit to collect appliance related data. The at least one further communication interface circuit enables the power charging device to collect appliance related data for transmission via the wireless interface circuit without requiring the appliance itself to have a corresponding wireless interface circuit.

[0107] The at least one further communication interface circuit may comprise a wired communication circuit. The wired communication circuit is operable to collect appliance-related data via a first conductor and a second conductor of a power cable through which power is supplied. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one further communication interface circuit may comprise a further wireless interface circuit distinct from the wireless interface circuit. The at least one further communication interface circuit enables the power charging device to collect appliance-related data for transmission via an interface without requiring (while still allowing) the appliance itself to be operated for data transmission via the wireless interface circuit through which the power charging device transmits the appliance-related data.

[0108] The at least one further communication interface circuit may comprise both a wired communication circuit and a further wireless interface circuit different from the wireless interface circuit.Thus, the power charging device may comprise at least three different communication interface circuits, thereby providing flexibility in collecting appliance related data.

[0109] The method may include transmitting, by the circuit, data received at the wireless interface circuit 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 charging device without requiring the personal care appliance itself to have an interface that allows the appliance to access a repository storing configuration data, firmware or software updates.

[0110] The method may include performing, by the circuitry, one-way communication or two-way communication with the personal-care appliance.

[0111] One-way communication or two-way communication with the personal-care appliance may be performed via the at least one further 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 from the power charging device to the personal-care appliance.

[0112] In the apparatus, kit and method according to the embodiment, the appliance is operable to communicate with the circuit of the power charging device using a second communication standard (such as wired communication on the conductors of the power cable, Bluetooth or BLE) different from the communication standard supported by the wireless interface circuit of the circuit of the power charging device (such as IEEE 802.11a, b, g, n, ac, ax and / or ad). This allows a cheaper communication chipset to be used for communication between the appliance and the power charging device, thereby eliminating the need to provide a chipset for communicating with, for example, an access point in the appliance.

[0113] The appliance may be configured such that it is incapable of communicating in accordance with a communication standard supported by the wireless interface circuitry of the power charging device circuitry, such as IEEE 802.11a, b, g, n, ac, ax and / or ad. This allows a less expensive communication chipset to be used for communication between the appliance and the power charging device, thereby eliminating the need to provide a chipset for communicating with, for example, an access point in the appliance.

[0114] The appliance may include an appliance connector operative to mechanically engage an appliance power connector of the power charging device. This allows the power charging device to transmit appliance related data for an appliance that can be powered by the power charging device.

[0115] The appliance may be configured so that it cannot mechanically engage the connector of the power charging device. This allows the power charging device to transmit appliance related data for appliances that may have a different dedicated power source and / or may not require any wired power at all.

[0116] A system according to one embodiment includes an appliance and a power charging device. The power charging device is operative to transmit appliance related data via a wireless interface circuit.

[0117] The power charging device is operable to supply electrical power to the appliance.

[0118] The appliance may be a personal care appliance.

[0119] The personal care appliance may be selected from the group consisting of hair cutting, trimming or removing appliances and oral care appliances (eg dental care appliances).

[0120] The appliance is operable to communicate with the circuitry of the power charging 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 circuitry of the power charging device (such as IEEE 802.11a, b, g, n, ac, ax and / or ad). This allows a less expensive communication chipset to be used for communication between the appliance and the power charging device, thereby eliminating the need to provide a chipset for communicating with, for example, an access point in the appliance.

[0121] The appliance may be configured such that it is incapable of communicating in accordance with a communication standard supported by the wireless interface circuitry of the power charging device circuitry, such as IEEE 802.11a, b, g, n, ac, ax and / or ad. This allows a less expensive communication chipset to be used for communication between the appliance and the power charging device, thereby eliminating the need to provide a chipset for communicating with, for example, an access point in the appliance.

[0122] The appliance may include an appliance connector operative to mechanically engage an appliance power connector of the power charging device. This allows the power charging device to transmit appliance related data for an appliance that can be powered by the power charging device.

[0123] The appliance may be configured so that it cannot mechanically engage the appliance power connector of the power charging device. This allows the power charging device to transmit appliance-related data for appliances that may have a different dedicated power source and / or may not require any wired power at all.

[0124] The power charging device is operable to transmit data received at the wireless interface circuit to the appliance. This allows data for configuring the appliance, firmware or software updates for the appliance, or other data to be provided to the appliance via the power charging device without requiring the appliance itself to have an interface that allows the appliance to access a repository storing configuration data, firmware or software updates.

[0125] The power charging device may be operable for one-way communication or two-way communication with the appliance.

[0126] One-way or two-way communication with the appliance may be established via at least one further 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 from the power charging device to the personal care appliance.

[0127] The system may include both a first appliance and a second appliance, wherein the power charging device operates to obtain appliance-related data for both the first appliance and the second appliance for transmission via the wireless interface circuit.

[0128] The system may include an access point. The system may include a router having an access point. The access point may be a WLAN (e.g., WiFi) access point. The access point may be operable to communicate in accordance with at least one of IEEE 802.11a, b, g, n, ac, ax, ad.

[0129] The system may include a computer or server.The power charging device is operable to transmit the appliance related data to the computer or server via a WAN to which the access point is coupled.

[0130] The system may include a user terminal. The user terminal may be a handheld user terminal. The user terminal is operable to receive appliance-related data or data derived therefrom from a computer or server. This allows a user to conveniently review 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.

[0131] The power charging device is operable to provide appliance related data directly to the user terminal.

[0132] The power charging device is operable to establish a communication link directly to the user terminal for configuration of the wireless interface circuitry.

[0133] The power charging device is operable to receive information from the user terminal about the name and / or key of the access point to which the appliance related data is to be transmitted. This facilitates configuration of the power charging device using the user terminal without requiring the user terminal to be located near the appliance for transmission of appliance related data.

[0134] The power charging device is operable to receive information from the user terminal regarding an identifier and / or a password of the user required to access a user-specific storage area in the server or computer.

[0135] The power charging device is operable to transmit the appliance related data to the access point without transmitting the appliance related data to the user terminal.

[0136] Use of a power charging device according to one embodiment includes using the power charging device to provide a communication link through which appliance related data is transmitted.

[0137] The use may include transmitting the appliance-related data via a wireless interface circuit operating in accordance with at least one of IEEE 802.11a, b, g, n, ac, ax, ad.

[0138] The use may include interfacing 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, b, g, n, ac, ax, ad) with the access point by the power charging device.

[0139] Additional optional features for use according to an embodiment correspond to optional features of the power charging device, kit or system according to an embodiment.

[0140] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the system 10. The system 10 includes a power charging device 50. The power charging device 50 operates to transmit appliance related data via a wireless interface circuit of the power charging device 50.

[0141] The system 10 comprises one or several appliances 20, 30, 32. The appliances 20, 30, 32 may be household appliances, in particular personal care appliances. The appliance may be or may comprise a hair cutting, trimming and / or removal device and / or an oral care device. The appliance may be selected from a group comprising an electric razor, a wet razor, a body trimmer, a hair trimmer, a hair removal device, an electric toothbrush, a tongue cleaner, and an oral irrigator. The appliances 20, 30, 32 may respectively comprise a circuit that can be communicatively accessed by the power charging device 50 for reading appliance-related data from the appliances 20, 30, 32 by the power charging device 50.

[0142] One, several or all of the appliances 20, 30, 32 may include an appliance connector 21, 31 for receiving power. At least one of the appliances 20, 30, 32 may be operable to mechanically engage with the power charging device 50 and receive power from the power charging device. The appliances may include an appliance 32 that is not operable to receive power via the appliance power connector 55 of the power charging device 50.

[0143] The power charging device 50 is operable to collect appliance-related data from a first appliance and / or a second appliance, the power charging device being connected to the first appliance to provide power thereto, and the power charging device being not connected to the second appliance. The power charging device 50 includes circuitry that operates to transmit appliance-related data. The power charging device 50 is operable to transmit appliance-related data via an interface that allows the appliance-related data to be transmitted to a server 44 or computer 44 connected to a wide area network (WAN) 43 (such as the Internet). The server 44 or computer 44 may be provided in the cloud. The power charging device 50 is operable to transmit appliance-related data via, for example, a WLAN interface (e.g., in accordance with or compatible with IEEE 802.11, such as IEEE 802.11-2012 or IE 802.11-2016).

[0144] The appliance-related data may, but need not, relate to an appliance being supplied with power by the power charging device 50. The power charging device is operable to collect and transmit appliance-related data for an appliance (such as a personal care appliance) that is not capable of being electrically connected to the power charging device 50 to receive power therefrom, is not currently electrically connected to the power charging device 50 to receive power therefrom, and / or does not require any wired connection to the power charging device 50 to receive power therefrom.

[0145] The power charging device 50 is also operable to obtain and transmit appliance-related data associated with a second appliance 30 , 32 that is different than the appliance 20 with which the power charging device 50 is engaged.

[0146] The appliance-related data may include data retrieved by the power charging device 50 from the appliance 20 , 30 , 32 via a wired or wireless communication channel and / or data collected by the power charging device 50 while it is connected to the appliance.

[0147] The operation and construction of the power charging device 50 will be described in more detail below.

[0148] The power charging device 50 includes a power cable 54 having a connector 55 for reversibly and releasably engaging with the appliances 20, 30, 32. The power charging device 50 includes a power plug 51 configured to engage with the power socket 41. The power charging device 50 includes circuitry that operates to obtain and transmit appliance-related data associated with one or more of the appliances 20, 30, 32, 32. The power plug 51 has connector pins 52, 53 that are used to electrically couple to the power socket by coupling with the power socket 41.

[0149] The circuit for obtaining and transmitting the appliance-related data may be provided in the power plug 51, or in any other suitable location, preferably downstream of the converter of the power charging device 50. For illustration, the circuit for obtaining and transmitting the appliance-related data may be integrated into the appliance power connector 55 of the power charging device. Alternatively or additionally, the power charging device 50 may include a frame for supporting the appliance thereon and providing power to the appliance, and the circuit for obtaining and transmitting the appliance-related data may be integrated into the frame.

[0150] When circuitry for obtaining and transmitting appliance-related data is provided in the power plug 51 , the power plug 51 may have a configuration with at least two different compartments, as will be described in more detail below.

[0151] The power plug 51 has connector pins 52 , 53 for electrically coupling to a power outlet by coupling with the power outlet 41 .

[0152] The power charging device 50 may operate as follows.

[0153] Configuration of the power charging device 50

[0154] This is an operational phase that does not need to be performed every time it is used. The 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 power charging device 50 when it is provided to the user.

[0155] In the configuration mode, the circuitry of the power charging 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 circuitry of the power charging device may receive information required to access a user-specific protected storage space in the server or computer 44. This information may be persistently stored in the power charging device 50 and may be accessed when the power charging device 50 transmits appliance-related data.

[0156] The power charging device 50 may enter the configuration mode in response to a physical input action performed on an actuation element of the power charging device 50 .

[0157] 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 a protected user-specific storage device connected to the WAN 43) may be received by the power charging device 50 from the user terminal 45. The user terminal 45 may provide an interface that allows a user to enter alphanumeric information for configuring the power charging device 50 for its intended communications toward the access point 42 and, optionally, toward the server or computer 44. The power charging device 50 may receive the configuration information from the user terminal 45 and may persistently store the configuration information for later use in transmitting appliance-related data.

[0158] Obtaining instrument-related data

[0159] During field use of the power charging device 50, the power charging device 50 may obtain appliance-related data. This may include receiving information from the respective appliance 20, 30, 32 via a wired communication link or a wireless communication link. Alternatively or additionally, (part of) the appliance-related data may be generated by the power charging device 50. For illustration, during one or several charging cycles, the power charging device 50 may determine characteristics (such as charging current and charging voltage) when charging a rechargeable battery in one or several of the appliances 20, 30, 32, which may be useful for establishing information about the battery status (such as battery health).

[0160] The appliance-related data obtained by the circuitry of the power charging device 50 may be aggregated, transformed (e.g., filtered and / or Fourier transformed), or otherwise processed prior to transmission. Specifically, the appliance-related data transmitted by the power charging device 50 need not contain the same information as the appliance-related data obtained by the power charging device 50.

[0161] The appliance-related data may include appliance operation data. The appliance operation data may include information about the time, aggregate time, and / or frequency of use. The appliance operation data may include information about parameters measured by the appliance 20, 30, 32, such as voltage, current, battery capacity, battery charge cycle information, and / or temperature. Such information may be useful for providing assistance to the user, for example, by providing information about component wear, suggestions about appliance use, or other useful user instructions. Such information may also be useful for maintenance.

[0162] Additionally or alternatively, 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 20, 30, 32. The appliance status data may include parameters measured by the appliance 20, 30, 32 or may be derived from parameters measured by the appliance, such as the state of a component (such as a foil or cutting blade of a hair cutting device) that is subject to wear during use of the appliance, or other status information indicating the state of the appliance 20, 30, 32 or its components. Such information is useful for providing assistance to the user, for example, by providing information about component wear, advice on appliance use, or other useful user instructions. Such information may also be used for maintenance purposes.

[0163] When the power charging device 50 obtains the appliance-related data, the power charging device may use a communication interface different from the wireless interface circuit through which the power charging device 50 transmits the appliance-related data. For example, the power charging device 50 may have a circuit that includes a first communication chipset (e.g., a WiFi communication chip) or other circuit that operates to transmit the appliance-related data, and a second communication chipset or other circuit (e.g., Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or a wired communication chip) that operates to receive data from at least one of the appliances 20, 30, 32.

[0164] The appliance related data may be temporarily stored in the power charging device 50 .

[0165] Transmission equipment related data

[0166] During field use of the power charging device 50, the power charging device 50 may transmit appliance-related data. The power charging device 50 may initiate transmission of appliance-related data in response to a triggering event, such as at least one of: receiving new appliance-related data, expiration of a timer, connecting the power charging device 50 to the power outlet 41 and, optionally, the appliance. Optionally, conditionally, when the power charging device 50 is engaged with the power outlet 41 and the appliance, the power charging device 50 may initiate transmission of appliance-related data at user-configurable time intervals.

[0167] The transmission of appliance-related data by the power charging device 50 can also be performed at

[0168] Transmitting appliance related data may include selectively establishing a communication connection for transmitting appliance related data via the circuit. Configuration information allowing the power charging device to establish the communication link 47 may be retrieved from a memory integrated in the power charging device. Transmitting appliance related data may include selectively transmitting the appliance related data to a computer or server 44 via the circuit for storage. Access information allowing access to a user-specific storage space may be retrieved from the memory integrated in the power charging device.

[0169] The circuitry of the power charging device may include wireless interface circuitry allowing appliance related data to be transmitted via access point 42 (which may be a WLAN access point, in particular a WiFi access point) and WAN 43 to a computer or server 44 remote from the power charging device 50 .

[0170] Providing data to the appliance

[0171] During field use of the power charging device 50, the power charging device 50 can 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 power charging device 50 can be operated to provide data for configuring the appliance, firmware or software updates for the personal care appliance, or other data to the appliance without requiring the appliance to have an interface that allows the appliance to access a repository where data for configuring the appliance, firmware or software updates for the personal care appliance, or other data to be transmitted to the appliance is stored or received.

[0172] 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 power charging device 50 communicating the data to the appliance.

[0173] In another example, the user terminal 45 may provide data for configuring an appliance, such as a personal care appliance, wherein the power charging device 50 communicates the data to the appliance.

[0174] Accessing instrument-related data

[0175] 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 power charging device 50 is configured to transmit data via, for example, the access point 42). The user terminal 45 may access the appliance-related data to, for example, perform the following operations:

[0176] - checking his / her usage of the appliances 20, 30, 32 based on appliance related data (such as the time spent shaving and / or brushing his / her teeth);

[0177] - receiving suggestions related to his / her use of the appliance 20, 30, 32 based on the appliance-related data (such as suggestions for modifying the operating mode of the appliance)

[0178] - receiving advice on recommended maintenance operations (such as replacement of replaceable parts; cutting blades or razor blades or toothbrush implementations are examples) based on the appliance related data; and / or

[0179] - receiving recommendations on maintenance operations (such as replacement of batteries) that should be performed by qualified personnel based on appliance-related data.

[0180] 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 power charging device 50. The power charging device 50 may be operable to provide the appliance-related data to the user terminal 45 (e.g., via a direct wireless communication link between the power charging device 50 and the user terminal 45).

[0181] The appliance related data need not be accessed via a user terminal.For illustration, the appliance related data may be selectively accessed by a maintenance person when performing maintenance operations on an appliance.

[0182] The methods disclosed herein may respectively include using the transmitted appliance-related data for maintenance and repair purposes of the appliance.

[0183] Figure 2 is a flow chart of a method 110 according to one embodiment. The method may be automatically performed by the power charging device 50.

[0184] At step 111 , the power charging device 50 supplies power to a first appliance, such as a first appliance 20 having a connector 21 operative to engage with an appliance power connector 55 .

[0185] At step 112 , the power charging device 50 may obtain appliance-related data for the first appliance being supplied with power.

[0186] Alternatively or additionally, at step 112, the power charging device 50 may obtain appliance-related data for one or more second appliances that are not currently engaged with the power charging device 50. This allows the power charging device 50 to collect data for appliances 30, 32 located near the appliance 20 engaged with the power charging device 50. For illustration, the power charging device 50 may collect data for the electric shaver 20 when supplying power to the electric shaver 50, but may also collect data from other appliances such as body trimmers, hair removal devices, electric toothbrushes, dental irrigators, and / or wet shavers via a wireless communication link.

[0187] The appliance-related data obtained at step 122 may include appliance operating data. The appliance operating data may include information about the time, aggregate time, and / or frequency of use of the respective first appliance and / or second appliance. The appliance operating data may include information about parameters (such as voltage, current, battery capacity, battery charge cycle information, and / or temperature) measured by the respective first appliance and / or second appliance, optionally buffered in the respective first appliance and / or second appliance, and read by the power charging device at step 122.

[0188] 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 appliance and / or second appliance. The appliance status data may include parameters measured by the appliance or may be derived from parameters measured by the appliance, such as battery health, the status of components that are subject to wear during use of the respective first appliance and / or second appliance (such as a foil or cutting blade of a hair cutting device), or other status information indicative of the status of the appliance or its components. Part or all of the data may be measured by the respective first appliance and / or second appliance, optionally buffered in the respective first appliance and / or second appliance, and read by the power charging device at step 122. Part or all of the data may be obtained by the power charging device (e.g., by deriving battery health information from charging current and / or voltage during a charging or battery calibration cycle).

[0189] At step 113, the appliance related data may be transmitted by the power charging device 50. The transmission may be to a remote computer or server via a WLAN. The power charging device 50 may operate as a communication hub that transmits the appliance related data to a remote computer or server via an access point of the WLAN.

[0190] The appliance-related data transmitted at step 113 may include appliance operating data. The appliance operating data may include information about the time, aggregate 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 is useful for providing assistance to the user, for example, by providing information about component wear, advice about appliance use, or other useful user instructions. Such information may also be used for maintenance purposes.

[0191] The appliance-related data transmitted at step 113 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 parameters measured by the appliance, such as battery health status, the status of components that are subject to wear during use of the appliance (such as a sheet or 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, advice on appliance use, or other useful user instructions. Such information may also be used for maintenance purposes. The appliance-related data may include first appliance-related data associated with one or more appliances having an appliance connector that operates to engage in a matching manner with a connector of a power charging device. The appliance-related data may include second appliance-related data associated with one or more other appliances that do not have an appliance connector that operates to engage in a matching manner with a connector of a power charging device. Thus, the power charging device can 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 mobile phone or computer to participate in the data collection and transmission. The user's mobile phone or computer can selectively be used only to configure the power charging device for the corresponding home network and / or user.

[0192] Step 113 may be repeated. The repetition of step 113 may be triggered by a triggering event. The triggering event may be or may include engagement of the power charging device with a power outlet and / or appliance, expiration of a timer, or other criteria that may be persistently stored in the power charging device or may be configurable.

[0193] As mentioned above, various data processing techniques can be applied to the appliance-related data before it is transmitted. These techniques can be selected from aggregation, filtering, transformation, etc.

[0194] Figure 3 is a flow chart of the method 120 . The method may be automatically executed by the power charging device 50 .

[0195] At step 121 , the power charging device 50 supplies power to a first appliance, such as a first appliance 20 having a connector 21 operative to engage with an appliance power connector 55 .

[0196] At step 122, the power charging device 50 obtains appliance-related data for a number of appliances. The number of appliances may include some of the following:

[0197] - a first appliance 20 being supplied with power;

[0198] - One or several second appliances 30, 32 which are not supplied with power.

[0199] For illustration, the power charging device 50 may collect data of the electric shaver 50 when supplying power to the electric shaver 20, but may also collect data from other appliances such as a body trimmer, a hair removal device, an electric toothbrush, a dental irrigator and / or a wet shaver via a wireless communication link.

[0200] The appliance-related data obtained at step 122 may include appliance operating data. The appliance operating data may include information about the time, aggregate time, and / or frequency of use of the respective first appliance and / or second appliance. The appliance operating data may include information about parameters (such as voltage, current, battery capacity, battery charge cycle information, and / or temperature) measured by the respective first appliance and / or second appliance, optionally buffered in the respective first appliance and / or second appliance, and read by the power charging device at step 122.

[0201] 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 appliance and / or second appliance. The appliance status data may include parameters measured by the appliance or may be derived from parameters measured by the appliance, such as battery health, the status of components that are subject to wear during use of the respective first appliance and / or second appliance (such as a foil or cutting blade of a hair cutting device), or other status information indicative of the status of the appliance or its components. Part or all of the data may be measured by the respective first appliance and / or second appliance, optionally buffered in the respective first appliance and / or second appliance, and read by the power charging device at step 122. Part or all of the data may be obtained by the power charging device (e.g., by deriving battery health information from charging current and / or voltage during a charging or battery calibration cycle).

[0202] At step 123, appliance-related data for several appliances may be transmitted by the power charging device 50. The transmission may be to a remote computer or server via a WLAN. The power charging device 50 may operate as a communication hub that transmits appliance-related data to a remote computer or server via an access point of the WLAN.

[0203] Various data processing techniques may optionally be applied to the appliance-related data prior to transmission of the appliance-related data.

[0204] Figure 4 is a flow chart of the method 130 . The method may be automatically executed by the power charging device 50 .

[0205] At step 131, the power charging device 50 may receive configuration information. The configuration information may be received by the power charging device 50 via a wireless interface circuit or via another wireless interface, such as a Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) interface, through which the appliance-related data is subsequently transmitted. The configuration information may be received from a user terminal. The configuration information may include information that allows the power charging device 50 to transmit appliance-related data to a remote computer or server 44 connected to a WAN 43, such as the Internet, via a WLAN. The configuration information may include an identifier (e.g., a name) of an access point, such as a WLAN access point. The configuration information may include a key, password, or other security code required to connect to the WAN via the access point. For illustration, the configuration information may include a WPA key (which may be a WPA2 or WPA3 key) or other password for connecting to the access point.

[0206] Alternatively or additionally, the configuration information may include an identifier assigned to the user at the server or computer 44 (such as an account name) and / or a password required for the user to authenticate at the server or computer 44 .

[0207] In one specific implementation, both information for connecting to WAN 43 via access point 42 and information for accessing a secure storage area located at or managed by server or computer 44 may be received in the configuration information.

[0208] At step 132, configuration information may be stored in the power charging device 50. The configuration information may be stored in a non-volatile memory of the power charging device 50. The stored configuration information may include information that allows the power charging device 50 to transmit appliance-related data to a remote computer or server 44 connected to a WAN 43 (such as the Internet) via a WLAN. The configuration information may include an identifier (e.g., a name) of an access point (such as a WLAN access point). The configuration information may include a key, password, or other security code required to connect to the WAN via the access point, as previously explained. Alternatively or additionally, the configuration information may include an identifier (such as an account name) assigned to a user at a server or computer 44 and / or a password required for the user to authenticate at the server or computer 44.

[0209] At step 133 , after termination of the configuration mode and during live use of the power charging device, the configuration information may be accessed and used to transfer appliance related data.

[0210] At step 133, the appliance-related data may be transmitted using an identifier (e.g., a name) and a key (e.g., a WPA key) of the access point 42. When obtaining and / or transmitting the appliance-related data, the appliance-related data may be obtained from an appliance engaged with the power charging device to provide power thereto and / or from one or more appliances not engaged with the power charging device.

[0211] Processing of the appliance-related data may be performed prior to transmitting the appliance-related data. The processing may include any one or any combination of the following: aggregating data obtained from an appliance over a period of time; aggregating data obtained from several devices; filtering; performing a transformation (such as a Fourier transform); performing a threshold comparison; processing the obtained appliance-related data using processing logic to determine information about the state of the appliance or its components (such as information about the blade of a hair removal or cutting appliance, or information about the battery of a personal care appliance).

[0212] The transmitting step 133 may be performed continuously while the power charging device provides power to the appliance.

[0213] The transmitting step 133 may be selectively performed in response to a triggering event. The triggering event may depend on appliance related data obtained from one or several appliances. For example, the mains charging device may:

[0214] - obtaining appliance related data indicative of a state of use or a polymerization time of at least one component of the appliance;

[0215] - processing the appliance related data to determine whether to output information or warnings to a user (such as information recommending maintenance action or information requiring maintenance action); and

[0216] - When it is determined that information or warnings are to be output to the user, selectively accessing and using the configuration information to transmit appliance related data.

[0217] The triggering event may be user configurable. For example, the user may specify in the configuration information 131 under which conditions the appliance-related data will be transmitted.

[0218] As a specific example, the power charging device may:

[0219] - obtain information about the battery charge cycle from an appliance engaged therewith or from an appliance not engaged therewith;

[0220] -processing information about battery charge cycles to determine a battery health status indicator;

[0221] - based on the battery health status indicator, determining whether to transmit appliance-related data indicating that the battery may require maintenance or replacement; and

[0222] - when it is necessary to notify the user that the battery may require maintenance or replacement (this may be determined by comparing the battery health status indicator to one or more health status thresholds),

[0223] Access and use configuration information to transfer appliance related data.

[0224] The trigger conditions defining at which point in time (ie at which health status level) the user is to be notified can be adjusted in a user-specific manner during the configuration step of entering configuration information.

[0225] As a specific example, the power charging device may:

[0226] - obtaining information including the time period of use of the hair cutting, removing or trimming appliance (the time period being stored in the appliance and read out by the power charging device);

[0227] - processing the usage period to determine the health status or other status indicators of the blade and / or cutting sheet;

[0228] - determining, based on the health status or other status indicator, whether to transmit appliance-related data indicating that the blade and / or cutting sheet should be replaced; and

[0229] -Accessing and using the configuration information to transmit appliance related data when it is necessary to notify the user that the blade should be changed and / or the slice should be cut.

[0230] The trigger conditions defining at which point in time (ie at which degradation state of the blade and / or the cut sheet) the user is informed can be adjusted in a user-specific manner in a configuration step of inputting configuration information.

[0231] As a further specific example, the power charging device may:

[0232] - obtain information about the battery charge status from an appliance engaged therewith or from an appliance not engaged therewith;

[0233] - Processing the battery charge state by comparing the battery charge state with one or several threshold values;

[0234] - based on the result of the threshold comparison, determining whether to transmit appliance-related data indicating that the battery charge state has reached a certain threshold (such as a first threshold to alert the user that charging is recommended and a second threshold to alert the user that charging is required); and

[0235] - When it is necessary to notify the user that the battery charge level has reached any of these thresholds, the configuration information is accessed and used to transmit appliance related data.

[0236] The trigger conditions defining at which point in time (ie at which battery charge level) the user is to be notified can be adjusted in a user-specific manner in a configuration step of entering configuration information.

[0237] As a further specific example, the power charging device may:

[0238] - obtain information about the battery charge cycle from an appliance engaged therewith or from an appliance not engaged therewith;

[0239] -processing information about battery charge cycles to determine a battery health status indicator;

[0240] - based on the battery health status indicator, determining whether to transmit appliance-related data indicating that the battery may require maintenance or replacement; and

[0241] - when it is necessary to notify the user that the battery may require maintenance or replacement (this may be determined by comparing the battery health status indicator to one or more health status thresholds),

[0242] Access and use configuration information to transfer appliance related data.

[0243] The trigger conditions defining at which point in time (ie at which health status level) the user is to be notified can be adjusted in a user-specific manner during the configuration step of entering configuration information.

[0244] Figure 5 is a flow chart of the method 140 . The method 140 may be executed by the power charging device 50 .

[0245] At step 141, a user input is received at a user interface (UI) of the power charging device 50. The user input may be a user input for entering a configuration mode.

[0246] At step 142, in response to receiving the user input, a communication connection may be established with the user terminal device 45. The communication connection may be established via a wireless interface other than the wireless interface circuit through which the appliance-related data is subsequently transmitted. For illustration, the communication connection at step 142 may be a Bluetooth or BLE connection.

[0247] At step 143, configuration information may be received from the user terminal device 45. The user terminal device 45 may execute instruction code that allows the user to input configuration information of the power charging device at the user terminal device 45. The user terminal device 45 may transmit the configuration information to the power charging device 50.

[0248] At step 144, the power charging device transmits the appliance related data via the wireless interface circuit using the configuration information received in step 143. Step 144 may be implemented in any of the ways described above for step 133.

[0249] The transmission of the appliance-related data at step 144 may be performed via a different wireless interface circuit than the further wireless interface through which the configuration information was received at step 143 .

[0250] Figure 6 6 is a schematic partial view of a power charging device, showing the circuit 60 in more detail. The circuit 60 may be incorporated into the power plug 51, but is not limited thereto. The power plug 51 includes a first compartment 61 and a second compartment 62 separated by a wall 65.

[0251] Circuit 60 may include converter 71. Converter 71 may include transformer 72. Converter 71 may be operable to perform voltage down conversion. Converter 71 may include galvanic separation. Converter 71 may have a converter input 78 and a converter output 79 galvanically separated from converter input 78. Primary side 72a and secondary side 72b of the transformer may be galvanically separated from each other.

[0252] The converter 71 may be an AC / DC converter. The converter 71 may be a switch mode power supply (SMPS).

[0253] The converter 71 may be disposed in the power plug 51 , but is not limited thereto.

[0254] The converter 71 may be surrounded and bounded by an enclosure (such as a compartment of the power plug) of the power plug 51. The enclosure may provide waterproof properties according to at least IPX4 or greater (determined according to, for example, ISO 20653, DIN 40050-9 or IEC 60529).

[0255] The circuit 60 includes a communication circuit 90. As used herein, the term "communication circuit" does not exclude the implementation of functions other than providing communication functions, as long as the 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 circuit 60 is operable to deliver power to the appliance for operating or charging the appliance and / or controlling a user interface provided on the power plug.

[0256] The circuit 60 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 circuit (including performing data retrieval and / or transmission functions and optionally control functions for a user interface).

[0257] 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 several additional data interfaces for obtaining appliance related data. Alternatively, the same wireless interface circuit may be used for obtaining and transmitting appliance related data.

[0258] The communication circuitry 90 includes a wireless interface circuit 92. The wireless interface circuit 92 is operable to transmit appliance related data via a WLAN (eg, WiFi) access point. The wireless interface 92 is operable to transmit appliance related data to a server or computer 44 connected to the WAN 44 via a WLAN access point.

[0259] The wireless interface circuit 92 may include an antenna 92'. The antenna 92' is operable to transmit and optionally receive 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 802.11-19).

[0260] The communication circuit 90 may include a control circuit 91. The control circuit 91 is operable to control the transmission of data via the wireless interface circuit 92. The control circuit 91 is operable to control the storage of the acquired appliance-related data in the memory 95. The control circuit 91 is operable to control the output of the stored appliance-related data from the memory 95 for transmission via the wireless interface circuit 92.

[0261] The memory 95 may be a non-volatile memory. Even during a period when the power plug 51 is not engaged with the power socket 41, the memory 95 may be operable to store appliance-related data.

[0262] 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.

[0263] 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.

[0264] The communication circuit 90 may have a conductor 97 interconnecting the power input 98 and the power output. The conductor 97 may be implemented as a conductive trace. In operation of the power charging device, power is transferred from the converter 71 to the appliance engaged with the connector 55 via the conductor 97.

[0265] The communication circuit 90 may include a power circuit 96. The power circuit 96 may be connected to the conductor 97, or may be otherwise connected to a power input 98. The power circuit 96 is operable to provide power to the wireless interface circuit 92, the control circuit 91, and the user interface 100 (if present).

[0266] The communication circuit 90 may include a user interface (UI) 100. The user interface 100 is operable to output status information on the communication circuit 90. The user interface 100 is operable 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 charging device, which allows configuration of at least one of a parameter, an address, a key, and / or an identifier, which allows the communication circuit 90 to transmit appliance-related data to the access point 42 and / or the computer or server 44.

[0267] Figure 71 is a schematic diagram of a specific implementation of the UI 100. The UI 100 may include at least one status indicator 102 to 105, which operates to output status information related to the communication circuit 90. The at least one status indicator may include several light segments 102 to 105. The status indicator may include one or several light emitting elements 102 to 105. The status indicator may include one or several LEDs 102 to 105. The status indicator may include one or several LED-based light segments 102 to 105, which may be arranged partially or completely around the circumference of an end face of the power plug 51, which end face may be opposite to the end face 64 from which the connector pins 52, 54 protrude. This allows several status indicators 102 to 105 to be integrated on a smaller area.

[0268] The UI 100 may include at least one actuation element 101 operable to cause the 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 (e.g., two, three, or more) of status indicators 102 to 105 arranged on its periphery.

[0269] The power charging device may be operable so that the control circuit 91 selectively activates one or several of the status indicators 102 to 105. Using the area available on the power plug, the status indicators may be activated continuously or in an intermittent manner (e.g., flashing) to provide status information. The control circuit 91 may be operable to activate one or several of the status indicators to indicate one or more of the following:

[0270] - the power charging device is in a configuration mode, in which it is operable to be configured for communication with the access point 42 and / or the computer or server 44;

[0271] - the power charging device is in the process of establishing a communication link with the access point 42 and / or the computer or server 44;

[0272] - the power charging device has established a communication link with the access point 42 and / or the computer or server 44;

[0273] - The power charging device captures the appliance related data (which can be realized via the wireless interface circuit 92 or a communication interface different from the wireless interface circuit 92);

[0274] -The power charging device transmits device-related data.

[0275] The same indicator 102 to 105 may be operated differently to indicate different states. For illustration, the same indicator 102 to 105 may be operated in two different modes (a flashing mode and a continuous mode) to indicate two different states. For illustration, one of the status indicators may be operated in a flashing mode to indicate that the power charging 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 power charging device has established a communication link with the access point 42 and / or the computer or server 44.

[0276] The power charging device can capture appliance-related data from one or several appliances (and not necessarily limited to the appliances supplied with power). The power charging device can capture appliance-related data using the wireless interface 92. Alternatively or additionally, the power charging device may include one or several additional communication interface circuits for capturing appliance-related data.

[0277] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a communication circuit 90 that may be used in a power charging device according to one 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 are operable 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 is operable to provide communication with an access point 42. The wireless interface circuit 92 is operable to provide one-way communication or two-way communication with the access point 42 that allows appliance-related data to be transmitted to a computer or server 44.

[0278] The further interface circuit 93 may not be able to establish a communication link with the access point 42. The further interface circuit 93 is operable to communicate with one or several appliances in order to obtain appliance related data by the power charging device.

[0279] The additional interface circuit 93 may, but need not, be implemented as a wireless circuit. More than one additional interface circuit 93 may be provided, wherein at least one of the additional interface circuits 93 is a wireless circuit operating according to a communication protocol different from the communication protocol used by the wireless interface circuit 92. The power charging device may include both at least one additional interface circuit 93 and a wired circuit, the at least one additional interface circuit being a wireless circuit operating according to a communication protocol different from the communication protocol used by the wireless interface circuit 92, the wired circuit operating to collect appliance-related data via a conductor, via which power is supplied to an appliance for field use.

[0280] The further interface circuit 93 is 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 power charging device is set to a configuration mode (e.g., by actuation of the actuation element 101), the further 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 a password for a user-specific data storage repository area) from the terminal device 45 or another device selectively communicatively coupled to the communication circuit 90 for configuring the power charging device.

[0281] The communication circuit 90 is operable to store the obtained appliance-related data in the memory 95. The communication circuit 90 may optionally be operable to process the data obtained from one or several appliances before the data is transmitted as appliance-related data. For illustration, the communication circuit 90 is operable to aggregate the data collected from the same appliance over an extended period of time before the data is transmitted as appliance-related data.

[0282] The communication circuit 90 is operable 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.

[0283] The wireless interface circuit 92 and the further interface circuit 93 may be implemented by different ICs, for example, by different chips or chipsets.

[0284] Fig. 9 is a block diagram of a communication circuit 90 that may be used in a power charging device according to one 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 are operable 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 is operable to provide communication with an access point 42. The wireless interface circuit 92 is operable to provide one-way communication or two-way communication with the access point 42 that allows appliance-related data to be transmitted to a computer or server 44.

[0285] The first further interface circuit 93 and the second further interface circuit 94 may not be able to establish a communication link with the access point 42. The first further interface circuit 93 and the second further interface circuit 94 are operable to communicate with one or several appliances so as to obtain appliance-related data by the power charging device. The first further interface circuit 93 and the second further interface circuit 94 may be complementary in the sense that one interface circuit uses a wired communication technology (such as communication through conductors in a power cable via which power is supplied to an appliance for use in the field) and the other interface circuit 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)).

[0286] In one embodiment, the wireless interface circuit 92 is operable to transmit data via a communication link with the access point 42 in accordance with a technique conforming to IEEE 802.11 (e.g., 802.11-12 or 802.11-19). The first additional interface circuit 93 is operable to obtain the appliance-related data by reading data from the appliance using communications via conductors in a power cable via which power is supplied to the appliance in field use. The second additional interface circuit 94 is operable to obtain the appliance-related data by reading data from the appliance using a wireless communication technique other than 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).

[0287] The first further interface circuit 93 is 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 power charging device is set to a configuration mode (e.g., by actuation of the actuation element 101), the further 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 a password for a user-specific data storage repository area) from the terminal device 45 or another device selectively communicatively coupled to the communication circuit 90 for configuring the power charging device.

[0288] Part or all of the circuit 90 may also be disposed within the housing of the power supply device 50. The converter 71 and the communication circuit 90 may be disposed in separate compartments having separate IPX ratings. For illustration, the converter 71 may be disposed in a first compartment of the power plug having an IPX rating that exceeds the IPX rating of a second compartment in which the communication circuit 90 is disposed. Alternatively, part or all of the communication circuit 90 may also be disposed separately from the power plug 50. For illustration, part or all of the communication circuit 90 may be disposed in the appliance power connector 55 or in a bracket of the device operable to receive and support the appliance thereon.

[0289] Fig.10 is a schematic partial view of a power charging device showing a power plug 51 in which a converter 71 and a communication circuit 90 are arranged.

[0290] The power plug 51 includes a first compartment 61 and a second compartment 62 separated by a wall 65 .

[0291] The first compartment 61 houses a converter 71. The converter 71 may include a transformer 72. The converter 71 is operable to perform voltage down-conversion. The converter 71 includes galvanic separation. The converter 71 has a converter input 71a and a converter output 71b galvanically separated from the converter input 71a.

[0292] The converter 71 may be an AC / DC converter. The converter 71 may be a switch mode power supply (SMPS).

[0293] The first compartment 61 is surrounded and defined by an enclosure 63. The enclosure 63 may provide waterproof properties according to at least IPX4 or greater (determined according to, for example, ISO 20653, DIN 40050-9 or IEC 60529). A wall 65 may be formed by the compartment enclosure 63. The wall 65 may be integral with a side wall extending between the wall and the end wall 64, wherein the connection pins 52, 53 protrude from the end wall. The wall 65 may be transverse, in particular perpendicular to the direction 151 along which the connection pins 52, 53 extend.

[0294] The enclosure 63 surrounding the first compartment 61 may be waterproof. For illustration, the enclosure 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 the 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.

[0295] The second compartment 62 houses the communication circuit 90. As used herein, the term "communication circuit" does not exclude that the communication circuit fulfills functions other than providing communication functions, 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 is operable to deliver power to the appliance for operating or charging the appliance and / or controlling a user interface provided on the power plug.

[0296] 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).

[0297] 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 several additional data interfaces for obtaining appliance related data. Alternatively, the same wireless interface circuit may be used for obtaining and transmitting appliance related data.

[0298] The communication circuit 90 may include a first chip or chipset 74 that provides wireless interface circuitry for transmitting appliance-related data. The communication circuit 90 may include at least one second chip or chipset 75 that provides wired interface circuitry or wireless interface circuitry, thereby allowing the communication circuit to receive data from one or more appliances. The communication circuit 90 may include at least one IC that is operable to coordinate and control the operation of the communication circuit 90.

[0299] The communication circuit 90 may include a circuit board 73. One or several ICs including or providing a wireless communication interface or a wired communication interface may be mounted on the circuit board 73. Additional components such as a circuit for powering the IC using power supplied by the converter 71 may also be mounted on the circuit board 73.

[0300] 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.

[0301] 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 that extends 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.

[0302] When connector 55 is engaged with an appliance and power plug 51 is engaged with power outlet 41 , power may be transferred from converter 71 to the appliance through communication circuit 90 .

[0303] The second compartment 62 is defined by an end cap 69, which may be joined to the enclosure 63, for example, at the wall 65. The connection between the end cap 69 and the enclosure 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) less than the first compartment 61. The end cap 69 may be attached by ultrasonic welding 67, adhesive or other attachment means.

[0304] Second compartment 62 can have a height 152 measured along direction 151 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 152 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.

[0305] The sealing arrangement 68 may be implemented in various forms. Figure 3 A specific implementation is shown, in which the wall 65 includes a channel 81 through which at least one conductor 79 passes 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 close abutment. The sheath 82 may have a resilient force so as to act in a sealing manner on the conductors in their conductor sheaths. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing arrangement may be formed by a molding material 68 applied to seal the channel 81 to prevent water ingress.

[0306] The power charging device 50 according to any embodiment is operable to obtain appliance related data of appliances to which the power charging device 50 is capable of supplying power.

[0307] Fig.11is a schematic diagram of a kit and system 10 including a power charging device 50 and an appliance 20. The appliance may be a personal care appliance or another household appliance. The appliance 20 includes a connector 23 operable to engage with an appliance power connector 55 of the power charging device 50. The connector 23 may be a female connector. The connector 23 may include a power terminal for receiving a DC voltage. The power terminal may be implemented as a connector pin 24.

[0308] The appliance 20 includes an electromechanical actuator 25. The actuator 25 is operable to actuate at least one operating element displaceably supported on a housing 22 of the appliance 20. The actuator 25 may operate in response to energy received via the connector 23 or, if present, in response to energy received from a battery 26.

[0309] The appliance 20 may include a battery 26 , which may be rechargeable. When the battery 26 is provided, the appliance 20 may be configured so that not only the actuator 25 but also the communication circuit 27 and / or the sensor 28 and / or the memory 29 may be supplied with power from the battery 26 .

[0310] The appliance 20 may include a communication circuit 27. The communication circuit 27 is operable to provide the power charging device 50 with appliance related data.

[0311] The power charging device 50 may use a push or pull mechanism to obtain the appliance related data. The communication circuit 27 of the appliance is operable to output the appliance related data to the power charging device 50 in response to a request from the power charging device 50.

[0312] The appliance related data may be based at least in part on the output of the sensor 28. The sensor data may be stored in the memory 29 for subsequent retrieval and use by the power supply device 50. The data read from the appliance 50 may include an identifier. The identifier may be a unique identifier of the appliance 20.

[0313] Fig.12 is a schematic diagram of a kit and system 10 including a power charging device 50 and an appliance 32. The appliance 32 may be a personal care appliance or another household appliance. The appliance 32 is not operable to establish an electrically conductive connection with the power charging device 50. The appliance 32 may be an appliance having a housing 33 without a power connector.

[0314] The appliance 32 may include a battery and / or energy harvesting circuit 34. The battery and / or energy harvesting circuit 34 may be operable to power the communication circuit 27, the memory 29, and / or the sensor 28.

[0315] The energy harvesting circuit 34 is operable to provide power to the battery, the communication circuit 27, the memory 29 and / or the sensor 28. This can be done in response to the received electromagnetic radiation. The power charging device 50 is operable to generate electromagnetic radiation that can be used by the battery harvesting circuit 34 of the appliance 32.

[0316] The communication circuit 27 is operable to provide appliance related data to the power charging device 50 .

[0317] The power charging device 50 may use a push or pull mechanism to obtain the appliance related data. The communication circuit 27 of the appliance is operable to output the appliance related data to the power charging device 50 in response to a request from the power charging device 50.

[0318] The appliance related data may be based at least in part on the output of the sensor 28. The sensor data may be stored in the memory 29 for subsequent retrieval and use by the power supply device 50.

[0319] The data read from the appliance 50 may include an identifier. The identifier may be a unique identifier for the appliance 32.

[0320] Fig.13 is a flow chart of the method 160 . The method 160 may be automatically executed by the power charging device 50 .

[0321] At step 161 , the power charging device 50 may supply power to the appliance.

[0322] At step 162 , the power charging device 50 may enable collection of appliance related data for access by the user.

[0323] Step 162 may include:

[0324] - obtaining, by the power charging device, appliance-related data of the appliance to which the power charging device supplies power and / or one or more other appliances;

[0325] - Transmission of appliance related data by the power charging device. The appliance may use configuration information that allows the power charging device to transmit appliance related data to a remote server or computer 44 for storage and / or processing.

[0326] Step 162 may be implemented using any of the techniques described in detail above.

[0327] Fig.14 is a flow chart of method 165. Method 165 may be automatically performed by power charging device 50 and remote computing device 44.

[0328] At step 162 , the power charging device 50 may enable collection of appliance related data for access by the user.

[0329] Step 162 may include:

[0330] - obtaining, by the power charging device, appliance-related data of the appliance to which the power charging device supplies power and / or one or more other appliances;

[0331] - Transmission of appliance related data by the power charging device. The appliance may use configuration information that allows the power charging device to transmit appliance related data to a remote server or computer 44 for storage and / or processing.

[0332] Step 162 may be implemented using any of the techniques described in detail above.

[0333] At step 163 , the remote computing device 44 enables the user to access the appliance-related data or information derived therefrom.

[0334] Fig.15 and Fig.16 is a flow chart of a method that may be performed by a user terminal, such as user terminal 45 .

[0335] Fig.15 is a flow chart of a method 170 that may be executed by a user terminal 45 to enable a power charging device 170 to operate as a communication hub for appliances, such as personal care appliances.

[0336] At step 171, a communication link may be established between the user terminal 45 and the power charging device 50. Establishment of the communication link may be achieved in response to at least one user input action. The communication link may be selectively established in response to one user input action at the power charging device 50 (such as actuation of an actuation element of the UI 100 that causes the power charging device 50 to enter a configuration mode) and in response to another user input action at the user terminal 45 (such as confirmation that the user intends to provide configuration information to the detected power charging device). The communication link may be a Bluetooth or BLE link. Actuation of the UI 100 to enter the configuration mode may cause the power charging device 50 to transmit an electromagnetic signal (such as a BLE or Bluetooth advertisement, but not limited thereto) via at least one wireless interface that allows the power charging device 50 to be detected.

[0337] At step 172 , the user terminal 45 may transmit the configuration information to the power charging device 50 for storage and / or subsequent use in transmitting appliance-related data (without necessarily using the user terminal 45 for such subsequent transmission).

[0338] Some or all of the configuration information may be read from the user terminal 45 (such as access information of the access point 42 which may be stored in the general communication settings of the user terminal 45, or access information of the remote computing device 44 which may be stored in a dedicated instruction code (such as an application) executed on the user terminal 45). When the communication link is established at step 171, some or all of the configuration information may be received via the user interface of the user terminal 45.

[0339] The configuration information may include information that allows the power charging device 50 to transmit appliance-related data to a remote computer or server 44 connected to a WAN 43 (such as the Internet) via a WLAN. The configuration information may include an identifier (e.g., a name) of an access point (such as a WLAN access point). The configuration information may include a key, password, or other security code required to connect to the WAN via the access point. For illustration, the configuration information may include a WPA key (which may be a WPA2 or WPA3 key) or other password for connecting to the access point.

[0340] Alternatively or additionally, the configuration information may include an identifier assigned to the user at the server or computer 44 (such as an account name) and / or a password required for the user to authenticate at the server or computer 44 .

[0341] Both information for connecting to WAN 43 via access point 42 and information for accessing a secure storage area located at or managed by server or computer 44 may be received in the configuration information.

[0342] Fig.16 1 is a flow chart of a method 180 that can be executed by a user terminal 45 to access appliance-related data at a remote computing device 44 and / or retrieve appliance-related data from a remote computing device 44. Accessing appliance-related data at a remote computing device 44 and / or retrieving appliance-related data from a remote computing device 44 has the benefit of consolidating the data in one location. A user can access and / or retrieve appliance-related data using a variety of terminal devices. Appliance-related data can also be accessed by, for example, maintenance personnel for repair and / or maintenance purposes.

[0343] At step 181, a communication link may be established between the user terminal 45 and the remote computing device 44. The communication link may, but need not, be established via a WLAN having an access point 42. The communication link may be established via a cellular network and / or via a LAN. Accessing and / or retrieving appliance-related data may require the user terminal 45 to perform authentication. Authentication may be performed using an identifier assigned to the user at the remote computing device 44 (such as an account name) and / or a password required for the user to authenticate at the remote computing device 44.

[0344] At step 182, appliance related data is retrieved. A user may retrieve data for maintenance and / or operational monitoring of one or several appliances.

[0345] Although the communication circuit 90 has been described in detail as a device in which the power plug 51 of the power charging device is housed, other configurations are possible.Alternatively or additionally, although the power charging device 50 has been described in detail as a device in which the power charging device 50 is a power cord, other configurations are possible.

[0346] Fig.17 A power charging device 50 is shown having a power plug 51 operative to engage with a power outlet and an appliance power connector 55. Part or all of the communication circuit 90 may be disposed in the housing of the appliance power connector 55. Power for powering the appliance may be transferred through the communication circuit 90 during use.

[0347] Fig.17 A power charging device 50 is shown having a power plug 51 operative to engage with a power outlet and an appliance power connector 55. Part or all of the communication circuit 90 may be disposed in the housing of the appliance power connector 55. Power for powering the appliance may be transferred through the communication circuit 90 during use.

[0348] like Figure 1 As shown, the power charging device can be implemented as a power cord. Fig.18 Another power charging device 190 is shown. The power charging device includes a plug 193 for engaging with a power outlet, a support 191 and a bracket 192 for receiving an appliance thereon. Part or all of the communication circuit 90 can be arranged in the housing of the support 191 and / or the bracket 192. Power for powering the appliance can be transmitted through the communication circuit 90 during use. The power charging device 190 is operable to communicate with the appliance via an additional wireless interface circuit (such as an additional wireless interface circuit 94) (using one-way communication or two-way communication). The power charging device 190 is operable to charge the appliance inductively and / or capacitively.

[0349] Various effects and advantages can be obtained by the present invention. The power charging device, kit, system and method facilitate the transmission of data collected by appliances, especially personal care appliances. The power charging device, kit, system and method allow the transmission of appliance-related data over 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. The power charging device can be manufactured in an efficient manner.

[0350] The dimensions and values ​​disclosed herein should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values ​​cited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, each such dimension is intended to represent the stated value and a functionally equivalent range around that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

Claims

1. A switch mode power supply charging device (50; 190) for charging a rechargeable battery of a personal care appliance (20, 30, 32), the switch mode power supply charging device comprising: Connector pins (52, 53) operative to engage with a power outlet; a power cable (54), the power cable comprising an appliance power connector (55); a power plug housing (63, 69) from which the connector pins (52, 53) project, the power plug housing (63, 69) being attached to an end of the power cable (54) opposite to the end where the appliance power connector (55) is provided; and A circuit (60) comprising an AC / DC switch mode converter (71) and a wireless interface circuit (92), wherein the power plug housing (63, 69) accommodates the circuit (60), wherein the circuit (60) operates to obtain appliance-related data for at least one personal care appliance (20, 30, 32) via at least one additional communication interface (93, 94) different from the wireless interface circuit (92), and wherein the wireless interface circuit (92) operates to transmit the appliance-related data.

2. A switch mode power supply charging device (50; 190) according to claim 1, wherein the circuit (60) operates to: obtaining at least some of the appliance-related data for the personal-care appliance (20, 30, 32) while the personal-care appliance (20, 30, 32) is engaged with the appliance power connector (55); and / or When the appliance power connector (55) is engaged with a first personal care appliance (20, 30, 32) that is different from one or more second personal care appliances (20, 30, 32), at least some of the appliance-related data for the one or more second personal care appliances (20, 30, 32) is obtained.

3. A switched mode power supply charging device (50; 190) according to any one of the preceding claims, Wherein the at least one further communication interface (93, 94) comprises: wired communication circuitry (93) operative to obtain the appliance-related data over a conductor of the power cable (54) operative to supply electrical power; and / or A further wireless interface circuit (94) is different from the wireless interface circuit (92).

4. A switch mode power supply charging device (50; ... 190), wherein the power charging device (50; 190) comprises a waterproof shell (63), the connector pins (52, 53) protrude from the waterproof shell, the waterproof shell (63) has an outer surface (65), and the circuit (60) is mounted on the outer surface (65) of the waterproof shell (63), Optionally, the power charging device (50; 190) further comprises a packaging member (69) attached to the waterproof shell (63) in which the circuit (60) is arranged, and further optionally, the packaging member (69) is an end cover attached to the waterproof shell (63).

5. A switch mode power supply charging device (50; ... 190), wherein the circuit (60) has a configuration mode in which the wireless interface circuit (92) can be configured for subsequent transmission of the appliance-related data.

6. A switch mode power supply charging device (50; 190) according to claim 5, wherein the power supply charging device (50; 190) includes a user interface (100), and the circuit (60) operates to enter the configuration mode in response to a user input action at the user interface (100), and / or wherein in the configuration mode, the circuit (60) operates to receive configuration information required for subsequent transmission of the appliance-related data to a remote computing device (44) via an access point (42), optionally wherein the circuit (60) operates to receive the configuration information via the wireless interface circuit (92) or via a second wireless interface circuit (94) different from the wireless interface circuit (92).

7. A kit, comprising: One or more personal care appliances (20, 30, 32); as well as A switched mode power supply charging device (50; 190), the power charging device (50; 190) is operated to transmit appliance-related data for one or several personal care appliances (20, 30, 32).

8. Kit according to claim 7, wherein the one or several personal care appliances (20, 30, 32) are selected from the group consisting of hair cutting, trimming or removing appliances (20, 32) and oral care appliances (30).

9. The kit according to claim 7 or claim 8, further comprising: An access point (42) of a wireless local area network (WLAN), wherein the circuit (60) is operative to transmit the appliance-related data to a remote computing device (44) via the WLAN access point (42); and / or A user terminal (45), wherein the circuit (60) is operative to receive configuration information for the wireless interface circuit (92) from the user terminal (45), the configuration information being required for subsequent transmission of the appliance-related data to a remote computing device via an access point (42) of a wireless local area network (WLAN).

10. A method for obtaining and transmitting appliance related data, the method comprising: a switch mode power supply charging device (50; 190), the switch mode power supply charging device comprising: connector pins (52, 53), the connector pins being operable to engage with a power outlet; a power cable (54), the power cable comprising an appliance power connector (55); and a circuit (60), the circuit comprising a wireless interface circuit (92), the method comprising: Obtaining appliance-related data for at least one personal-care appliance (20, 30, 32) via the power cable (54) and / or via at least one further communication interface (93, 94) different from the wireless interface circuit (92); and The appliance related data is transmitted via the wireless interface circuit (92).

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising supplying power from the power charging device (50; 190) to at least one personal care appliance (20, 30, 32) engaged with the appliance power connector (55).

12. The method according to claim 10 or claim 11, further comprising: receiving, by the circuit (60), configuration information required for subsequent transmission of the appliance-related data to a remote computing device (44) via an access point (42); storing the configuration information by the circuit (60); as well as The configuration information is accessed and used by the circuit (60) for transmitting the appliance-related data to the remote computing device (44) via the access point (42).

13. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein obtaining the appliance-related data comprises: obtaining at least some of the appliance-related data for the personal-care appliance (20, 30, 32) while the personal-care appliance (20, 30) is engaged with the appliance power connector (55); and / or When the appliance power connector (55) is engaged with a first personal care appliance (20) that is different from one or more second personal care appliances (30, 32), at least some of the appliance-related data for the one or more second personal care appliances (30, 32) is obtained.

14. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the power charging device (50; 190) operates as a communication hub, which obtains appliance-related data for one personal care appliance among several personal care appliances (20, 30, 32) when supplying power to the personal care appliance and transmits the appliance-related data to a computing device (44).

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