Charging aid

Abstract

A charging aid is disclosed with which a mobile phone or such device can be charged with the aid of a second mobile phone or similar device, which has a first and a second male plug 1, 2 which are firmly connected by means of a coupling element (5) which has transmission elements for the transmission of current.

Description

[0001] Mobile phones and other electronic devices with rechargeable batteries are usually charged using a charger. In addition, there are various auxiliary devices for charging such devices. These include power banks, which are connected to the device via a cable, and charging pads, which can charge the device wirelessly via induction.

[0002] Document DE 20 2021 104 873 U1 discloses a charging device comprising a first male connector permanently connected to a coupling element in the form of a cable. This cable is further permanently connected to a second male connector to transfer power from one device to another via the cable.

[0003] Document CN 2 04 615 121 U describes an electronic adapter that allows different types of plug interfaces to be connected to an electronic device.

[0004] Document CN 1 307 380 A discloses a connecting element that allows a printed circuit board to be connected with various plug connectors in order to connect the printed circuit board to various devices.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of creating a charging aid that is so compact that it can be carried at all times and is able to charge a device such as a mobile phone, iPad, wireless headphones and the like on the go with the help of a power bank or another electronic device.

[0006] This problem is solved by the features of claim 1. The claimed charging aid has a first male connector that is rigidly connected to a coupling element, which is further rigidly connected to a second male connector. The coupling element also has transmission elements for transmitting current. The coupling element is held by means of a fork-like holder provided on the rear of both connectors, which serves to transmit current from the connectors to the circuit board. The fork-like holder thus serves to accommodate the coupling element and to transmit current, enabling a stable and compact design. This charging aid is therefore extremely compact and can be carried at any time, for example, in a wallet. It allows the electrical connection of a first device to a second device in order to recharge one device by supplying current from the other device.

[0007] Which device is charged by which depends on the order in which the two devices are connected. The device supplying power is connected to the charger first. Only then is the device receiving power, i.e., the one being charged, connected. In this way, current flows only from the power-supplying device to the device being charged. Only if one of the devices has a completely empty battery and is therefore switched off does the order of connection not matter, and the empty device will inevitably be charged by the device whose battery still has capacity.

[0008] Due to the widespread adoption of the USB-C standard, male connectors are more advantageous than USB-C connectors. However, all other common connectors are also possible, as well as combinations of different connectors, for example, one connector being USB-C and another being Lightning. Adapters can also be used to connect various devices.

[0009] The transmission elements are advantageously connected to the plugs in such a way that only charging current can be transferred from one device to another, in order to avoid unwanted data transmission.

[0010] The transmission elements can be wires. However, it is advantageous to use a circuit board with conductive traces. Such a circuit board can also form the actual coupling element, so that the two connectors are connected to each other via the circuit board, which also enables power transmission.

[0011] Both connectors have fork-like holders on their reverse side to secure the coupling element, such as the aforementioned circuit board. Generally, it is sufficient for each connector to have one such holder. However, two opposing fork-like holders can also be provided on each connector to ensure a stronger connection between the connectors and the coupling element.

[0012] To protect against environmental influences, the coupling element is advantageously enclosed in a housing. However, it can itself be designed as a housing, so that a separate housing is not required. Advantageously, the housing also surrounds a rear part of the connector and is firmly connected to it.

[0013] An LED may be provided on the outside of the casing to indicate charging. This is particularly useful when charging a device with a completely depleted battery, as it allows immediate confirmation that charging has begun. Alternatively, a display may be provided on the outside of the casing to show the charging process and the charge level.

[0014] The LED or display can also be integrated on the circuit board, with a corresponding recess or transparent element in the housing.

[0015] Advantageously, protective caps are provided to protect the outward-facing electrical contacts of the plugs from dirt or damage. These protective caps are removed before use and replaced after use. The invention is described in more detail with reference to a specific embodiment. Fig. Figure 1 shows a view of the charging aid. Fig. Figure 2 shows the charging aid in a three-dimensional representation without a housing. Fig. Figure 3 shows the charging aid without its housing in a top view. Fig. Figure 4 shows the charging aid without its housing from the side. Fig. Figure 5 shows the charging aid with protective caps.

[0016] Good Fig. Figure 1 shows the two male USB-C connectors, 1 and 2. These are connected to each other on their back side, as can be seen more clearly in the... Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4. The rear part and the coupling element 5 for connecting the two USB-C connectors 1 and 2 are surrounded by a housing 3, which has a lightning bolt-shaped LED element 4 in its central area. This LED element lights up red when charging is successful, indicating the charging process to the user.

[0017] In Fig. Figure 2 shows the coupling element 5 in the form of a circuit board in a three-dimensional representation. This element connects the rear parts of USB-C connectors 1 and 2 and establishes the contact between them. The electrical contact is made via pins 6 of USB-C connectors 1 and 2 and corresponding recesses 7 in the circuit board 5. Only contact is established between the elements required for transmitting charging current. Data transmission is therefore excluded. Furthermore, in Fig. 2 an element of the fork-like bracket 8 can be seen. This will be referred to in particular when explaining the Fig. 4 discussed in more detail.

[0018] In Fig. Figure 3 shows the previously discussed elements of the charging aid very clearly in the top view. In the right part of the illustration, the fork-like brackets 8 are clearly visible, one of which is provided for each of the USB-C connectors 1 and 2. These brackets 8, as can be seen from the illustration, Fig. 4 can be seen, the circuit board 5 and serve to hold it, especially when mounting the charging aid.

[0019] In Fig. Figure 4 clearly shows that the bracket 8 has two arms that are firmly connected to the respective USB-C connectors 1 and 2, clamping the circuit board 5 between them. During final assembly, the [unclear text] is [unclear text] Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 The charging aid shown is provided with the housing 3, which additionally ensures strength.

[0020] Fig. Figure 5 shows the charging aid with a protective cap attached and one removed.

Claims

[1] Charging aid with a first male plug (1) which is permanently connected to a coupling element (5) which is further permanently connected to a second male plug (2) and has transmission elements for transmitting current, characterized by , that the coupling element (5) is held by means of a fork-like holder (8) which is provided on the rear side of both plugs (1, 2), and the fork-like holder (8) also serves to transfer power from plugs (1, 2) to the circuit board. [2] Loading aid according to claim 1, characterized by , that the male connectors (1, 2) on mobile phones, iPads, wireless headphones are common connectors (1, 2), preferably both connectors (1, 2) are USB-C connectors. [3] Loading aid according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the transmission elements are connected to the plugs (1, 2) in such a way that only power for charging devices but no data can be transmitted. [4] Loading aid according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that the transmission elements are wires or conductor tracks on a circuit board. [5] Charging aid according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the coupling element (5) is a circuit board which has conductive traces. [6] Loading aid according to claim 1, characterized by , that two fork-like holders (8) are provided on each of the two plugs (1, 2). [7] Loading aid according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that each connector (1, 2) has pins (6) on the reverse side which engage with the circuit board and are suitable for transmitting current. [8] Loading aid according to claim 7, characterized by , that the pins (6) have a rectangular or square shape and engage in corresponding recesses (7) or slots of a circuit board, wherein the recesses (7) or slots of the circuit board are electrically connected to conductor tracks. [9] Charging aid according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the coupling element (5) is surrounded by a housing (3). [10] Loading aid according to claim 9, characterized by , that the housing (3) also surrounds a rear part of the plugs (1, 2) and is firmly connected to them. [11] Loading aid according to claim 9 or 10, characterized by , that an LED (4) is provided on the coupling element (5) or on the outside of the housing to indicate a charging process. [12] Charging aid according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized by , that a display is provided on the coupling element (5) or on the outside of the housing (3) to indicate the charging process and the charging status. [13] Loading aid according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by , that protective caps are provided for attaching to the plugs (1, 2).

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