Retractable charging cable system

Abstract

A retractable charging cable system offers convenient access for charging and communication with on-site flexibility. A retractable charging cable system features a spool that incorporates a drive gear. A driven shaft has a driven gear that meshes with the drive gear. A guide is positioned on the driven shaft to slide along it as the driven gear is driven by the drive gear. The spool works to retract a cable, and the guide controls the cable's position along the spool during insertion and retraction.

Description

[0001] The technical field generally concerns cable systems for charging and signal communication, and in particular a retractable cable system that is convenient and maintainable for applications where stowability and flexibility of use may be desirable.

[0002] A number of portable electronic devices can be carried by individuals for use in a variety of locations. A common feature of these devices is that they have an internal battery that must be kept charged for the device to remain operational. Additionally, it may be desirable to provide a high-speed communication link between the devices and another electronic device with which they can connect. To ensure the ability to charge devices when needed, a person may carry a cable and / or a spare battery when moving from one location to another. Low battery anxiety may occur when the battery of a device, such as a smartphone, that a person is carrying approaches a low charge level.This situation can be exacerbated if an individual forgets to pack a charging cable.

[0003] EP 1 615 847 B1 describes a tool carrier.

[0004] DE 10 2009 046 327 A1 describes a device for electrically connecting an electric vehicle to a power outlet.

[0005] WO 2012 / 031 617 A1 describes a cable storage system for a charging cable of a hybrid or battery electric vehicle and electric vehicle, in particular an electric car, with such cable storage.

[0006] DE 10 2009 016 895 A1 describes a charging connection device for a motor vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered, comprising a connection body that can be attached to an opening of the motor vehicle and forms a connection space, further comprising an electrical connection device for electrically connecting an accumulator of the motor vehicle to an electrical supply source provided outside the motor vehicle for charging the accumulator, wherein the electrical connection device has a charging cable that can be connected to the accumulator and has an electrical plug device for connecting to the electrical supply source, and wherein the electrical connection device has a cable winding device with a rotatably mounted cable reel, wherein the cable reel is pre-tensioned in a winding position.

[0007] Many locations where convenient access to a charging cable is desirable are on mobile platforms, such as various types of vehicles. Other applications may be stationary, such as buildings and outdoor locations. These locations may include areas accessible to the public as well as private areas. In addition to accessibility, charging cables should ideally be kept in working order and are therefore preferably protected when not in use. Due to the frequency of their use, charging cables tend to wear out over time and may require replacement.

[0008] Accordingly, there is a desire to provide charging cable systems that are designed and constructed to be stored and used conveniently in a variety of locations, while also being flexible enough to be adapted to different applications. There is also a desire to provide easy maintenance, such as in situations where the cable is ready for replacement or exchange. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present description will become apparent from the detailed description below and the attached claims, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the preceding introduction.

[0009] It can be considered an object of the present invention to provide an improved retractable charging cable system.

[0010] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a retractable charging cable system according to claim 1. Further embodiments of the present invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0011] The exemplary embodiments are described below in conjunction with the following drawing figures, where the same reference numerals denote the same elements and where: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of an environment in the form of a vehicle which has a retractable cable system according to various embodiments; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the rear seat armrest area of ​​the vehicle from Fig. 1 with the retractable cable system according to various embodiments; Fig. 3 a cross-sectional representation generally by the line 3-3 in Fig. 2 according to different embodiments; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of the reel arrangement of the retractable cable system Fig. 1-3 according to different embodiments; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of the connection interface area of ​​the reel arrangement Fig. 4 according to different embodiments; Fig. 6 a perspective view of the roller arrangement Fig. 4 in an operational state according to various embodiments; Fig. 7 a partial section view generally through line 7-7 from Fig. 6 according to various embodiments; and Fig. 8 a perspective view of the roller arrangement from Fig. 4 in a state of partial disassembly with a removed cartridge according to various embodiments.

[0012] The following detailed description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit applications and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding introduction or the following detailed description.

[0013] As used herein, the term "module" refers to any hardware, software, firmware, electronic control unit or component, processing logic, and / or processor device, individually or in any combination, including, without limitation: application-specific integrated circuits, electronic circuits, processors and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, combinational logic circuits, and / or other suitable components providing the described functionality. The connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and / or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may exist in an embodiment of the present description.

[0014] With reference to Fig. Figure 1 shows an environment 100 in which a user can wear a device 102 that can be charged and / or connected for communication purposes via a cable 104. The cable 104 is part of a retractable cable system 106 with a reel assembly 108 from which the cable 104 can be extended. In the current embodiment, the environment 100 is a vehicle 110. The vehicle 110 can be any of a number of different types of land, sea, or air vehicles and, in certain embodiments, can be, for example, a passenger car of any configuration. In embodiments, the vehicle 110 can be any of a number of different types of automobiles, such as a sedan, station wagon, truck, or off-road vehicle, and can be two-wheel drive (i.e., rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive), four-wheel drive, or all-wheel drive.Although the retractable cable system 106 can be described within one embodiment of the vehicle 110, it is not limited to this embodiment but has application in a number of applications, including in any environment 100 where the use of a charging and / or communication cable 104 is desirable.

[0015] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 110 has a body 112 which is mounted on or integrated with a chassis, which may form part of the body 112. Generally, the body 112 houses the components of the vehicle 110 and serves as an electrical ground for systems on the vehicle 110. The body 112 is connected to front and rear axles 114, for example, by chassis elements (not shown). The axles 114 are connected to wheels 116 on which the vehicle 110 rolls. Any number of the wheels 116 may be coupled to a drive system 120 to propel the vehicle 110.

[0016] The drive system 120 includes a drive machine 122, such as a motor and / or an electric motor. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the drive system 120 provides torque to drive the wheels 116 through a drivetrain comprising a transmission 124. In various embodiments, the transmission 124 can be configured to couple the front wheels 116 to the drive system 120 via the front axle 114. In other embodiments, the transmission can be configured to couple the rear wheels 116 via the rear axle 114.

[0017] The vehicle 110 has an interior 126, defined by the body 112, which is lined with or includes a number of interior components 128, which may be functional and / or aesthetic. The interior components 128 may include a dashboard, seats, armrests, door panels, a headliner, video systems, instruments, trim components, compartments, consoles, floor coverings, trays, holders, etc. The retractable wiring system 106 may be based in or on any of the interior components 128 of the vehicle 110. In some embodiments, the retractable wiring system 106 may be based in a dedicated interior component 128, such as a dedicated housing.

[0018] The retractable cable system 106 is part of an electrical system 130 of the vehicle 110. In general, the electrical system 130 can comprise a number of electrically operated, interface-forming, and / or controlled features of the vehicle 110 and can be implemented as a number of integrated and / or mutually communicating subsystems or separate systems. For the purposes of this description, the electrical system 130 comprises a controller 132, a battery 134, an infotainment system 136, and the retractable cable system 106; however, it is understood that any number of other elements may be included in the electrical system 130. The electrical system 130 can be connected to the drive system 120, which may be controlled by a powertrain controller (not shown).

[0019] The control unit 132 is coupled to the infotainment system 136, the battery 134, the retractable wiring system 106, the vehicle body 112 as ground, and the drive system 120. It is understood that the control unit 132 may be coupled to a number of other devices and systems of the vehicle 110. The control unit 132 uses data, information, and measurements from various sensors (not shown). In general, the control unit 132 is configured to receive inputs from the various devices, including sensors configured to generate signals proportional to various physical input parameters associated with the vehicle 110, its subsystems, and other interconnected systems. The control unit 132 uses these inputs to effect control actions of the vehicle 110 and its systems.

[0020] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the controller 132 is part of a computer system or comprises a computer system. It is understood that the controller 132 is otherwise distinct from the one shown in Figure 1. Fig. The controller 132 can be configured as any number of controllers and / or microcontrollers communicating with each other. For example, separate individual controllers can control aspects of the drive system 120 and the infotainment system 136. Accordingly, references to a controller 132 refer to arrangements with one or more controllers. The controller 132 can receive information from various sources, process this information, and provide control commands based on it to produce results such as the operation of the vehicle 110 and its systems.

[0021] In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 132 comprises a processor 140 and a storage device 142 and is coupled to a storage device 144. The processor 140 performs the computational and control functions of the controller 132 and can comprise any type of processor or multiple processors, individual integrated circuits such as a microprocessor, or any suitable number of integrated circuit devices and / or printed circuit boards that work together to perform the functions of a processing unit. During operation, the processor 140 can execute one or more programs and can use data, any of which may be contained in the storage device 144, and as such, the processor 140 controls the general operation of the controller 132.

[0022] The storage device 142 can be any suitable type of memory. For example, the storage device 142 can have volatile and non-volatile storage in read-only memory, random-access memory, and keep-alive memory. In the illustrated embodiment, the storage device 142 can store the programs mentioned above together with one or more stored data values, such as for short-term data access.

[0023] The storage device 144 stores the data, for example, for long-term data access for use in the automatic control of the vehicle 110 and its systems. The storage device 144 can be any suitable type of storage device, including random-access storage devices such as disk drives and flash systems. The storage device 144 comprises a non-volatile, computer-readable medium configured to store data, such as on the vehicle 110. In one exemplary embodiment, the storage device 144 comprises a source from which the storage device 142 receives the programs that execute one or more embodiments of one or more methods described herein. In another exemplary embodiment, the programs can be stored directly in the storage device 142 and / or accessed by other means.The programs represent executable instructions that are used by the controller 132 in processing information and controlling the vehicle 110 and its systems.

[0024] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the retractable cable system 106 is connected to the electrical system 130. In embodiments, the retractable cable system 106 may comprise at least parts of the electrical system 130. In embodiments, the retractable cable system 106 may be a part of the electrical system 130. In embodiments, the retractable cable system 106 may be directly connected to the infotainment system 136. The cable 104 generally remains connected to the electrical system 130, and when the device 102 is connected to the cable 104, it has access to the vehicle's power supply system 110, including the battery 134. When the device 102 is connected to the cable 104, it may also form an interface with the controller 132 and / or the infotainment system 136.Accordingly, the device 102 can be charged and can also exchange data, information, functions, and operations with the controller 132 and / or the infotainment system 136 and / or other systems of the vehicle 110. The device 102 can be any device that is powered, rechargeable, and / or capable of communicating data, such as a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, radio, light, fan, camera, gaming device, media player, fitness monitor, portable power supply, etc. When a connection is established between the device 102 and the cable 104, the electrical system 130 can recognize the device 102 and present options to the user, such as through the device 102, the infotainment system 136, or another passenger interface.

[0025] The cable 104 can be a standard Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable. In embodiments, the cable 104 can be selected for compatibility with a specific type of device or it can be a universal cable. For example, the cable 104 can be a USB-C type with compatible connectors 146 and 148. In embodiments, the connector 146, which is coupled to the electrical system 130 of the vehicle 110, can be provided with an adapter set to be coupled with different types of cables 104. In this way, a user can provide a cable 104 of their choice for use in the retractable cable system 106, and as standards or devices evolve, the cable 104 can be replaced to meet the user's needs. In embodiments, the controller 132 monitors the cable 104.Control unit 132 determines whether cable 104 is connected to electrical system 130 and can notify the driver, for example via the infotainment system, if the connection is missing. The control unit can also determine the condition of cable 104 and provide a notification if its condition is suboptimal or deteriorated, indicating a need to replace cable 104.

[0026] When installed in the retractable cable system 106, the cable 104 is conveniently presented in the interior 126 of the vehicle 110. The cable 104 can be presented at any interior component 128 and at any passenger or driver position in the vehicle 110. In the current embodiment, the retractor assembly 108, which carries the cable 104, is located in the center armrest 150 of the rear seat 151. Thus, the cable 104 is accessible and readily available from both passenger positions in the rear seat 151, even while the passenger is wearing a seat belt. Passengers do not need to carry a separate charging cable.

[0027] With reference to Fig. 2 The armrest 150 has two alternative locations for the retractable cable system 106. One location is in front of the lowered armrest 150 and the other is on top of the lowered armrest 150. In embodiments, two retractable cable systems 106 may be included so that, if there are two rear-seat passengers, each can have a dedicated connection. The winding assemblies 108 (in Fig. (2 not visible) are arranged in the armrest 150 behind the panels 152 and 154, which can be opening doors. The panels 152 and 154 have openings 156 and 158, respectively, through which the cables 104 can be routed from the cable reel assemblies 108 to the outside of the armrest 150. The cables 104 can be completely contained within the armrest 150 when not in use, as shown, or their connectors can be located on the outside of the openings 156 and 158. When located inside, the panels 152 and 154 can be opened, the cables 104 routed through the openings 156 and 158, and then the panels 152 and 154 closed, allowing the cables 104 to be pulled out to the desired length for use. When stowed away, the retractable cable systems 106 present a clean appearance from the outside of the armrest 150.

[0028] The arrangement of the roller assemblies 108 inside the armrest 150 is in Fig. Figure 3, to which reference is made, shows that each reel assembly 108 has a housing 160 attached to the armrest 150. Each reel assembly 108 has a cable 104 wound onto a spool assembly 163 with a follower assembly 166 to keep the cable 104 organized and prevent tangling, twisting, fraying, etc. Both the spool assembly 163 and the follower assembly 166 have rotatable components. The two reel assemblies 108 can be used and operated independently, and both are coupled to the electrical system 130.

[0029] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the coil assembly 163 comprises a coil 164 and shafts 167 and 168, each rotatably supported by two brackets 170 and 172. The brackets 170 and 172 are attached to the armrest 150. The coil assembly 163 includes a drum 174, onto which the cable 104 is wound, and a gear 176. The drum 174 and the gear 176 rotate together on the shafts 167 and 168. The coil assembly 163 includes a winder assembly 162, which engages at various points to hold the cable 104 at selected unwound lengths and can be released to retract the cable 104 onto the coil 164. The drive assembly 166 has a guide 178 which is mounted on a shaft 180, and the guide 178 moves along the shaft 180 as the shaft 180 rotates.

[0030] The rewinding assembly 162 is releasably lockable and, in several embodiments, includes a spring 182 to apply a force to rotate the spool 164 to retract the cable 104, and a ratchet assembly 184 to hold the cable 104 at a desired length of extension. In other embodiments, a different type of rewinding assembly 162 may be used. While the internal components of the rewinding assembly 162 are not shown in detail, such mechanisms are commercially available, and those skilled in the art will understand their function and construction. The spring 182 may be a coil spring, such as a clock spring, a torsion spring, an elastic band, or another type of tensioner. The spring 182 may be coiled to increase its tension when the cable 104 is pulled out and may unwind to retract the cable 104 when the ratchet assembly 184 is disengaged.The ratchet assembly 184 can include a ratchet gear 188 and a pawl 190. The ratchet gear 188 rotates with the spool 164. The pawl 190 can be pivotally mounted on the bracket 170 and is designed to engage with the ratchet gear 188 to hold the spool 164 against the force of the spring 182, and can be spring-loaded in the direction of the ratchet gear 188. The structure of the pawl 190 and the ratchet gear 188 effectively allows the cable 104 to be retracted to the desired length, where it allows the reel assembly 162 to lock in place to hold the cable 104 in the desired position.If it is desired to retract the cable 104 completely or partially, it is simply necessary to apply a force sufficient to impart a slight movement to the winding assembly 162, whereby at this time the force of the spring 182 rotates the coil 164 to retract the cable 104 which is wound onto the coil 164.

[0031] The coil assembly 163 includes the gear 176, which can be any type of gear, but in the current embodiment is a helical gear. The follower assembly 166 includes the guide 178, which is mounted on the shaft 180, and a gear 192, which has helical teeth that mesh with the teeth of the gear 176 to rotate together with it. Accordingly, when the cable 104 is pulled out, the coil 164 rotates on a drive shaft 193, and the gear 176 acts as a drive gear. The gear 176 drives the gear 192 as a driven gear, which rotates the shaft 180 as a driven shaft on a driven shaft 195.

[0032] With reference to Fig. Since the coil 164 rotates and the cable 104 is coupled to the electrical system 130, a rotary connection can be provided. In one embodiment for the purposes of an example, a USB slip ring 191 can be included. The USB slip ring 191 can be designed to transmit signals according to standard protocols through a rotary interface. The USB slip ring 191 rotatably connects the cable 104 to a fixed connection for the transmission of power and data. With the USB slip ring 191, the connection always remains relaxed and free from twisting, thus preventing stress and wear on the cable 104. The cable 104 can be a standard USB cable with the connector 146 coupled to a rotary connector 187. The USB slip ring 191 has a flange 185 which is attached to the bracket 172 with a fixed conductor 183 which is coupled to the electrical system 130.The USB slip ring 191 has internal slip rings that maintain contact between the rotary terminal 187 and the conductor 183. Accordingly, the cable 104 can remain connected during insertion and retraction through the connector 146 and can be disconnected as needed.

[0033] With reference to Fig. 6 together with Fig. The shaft 180 has threads or teeth 194, and the guide 178 has internal threads or teeth that mesh with the teeth 194. For example, the shaft 180 can be a type of worm gear, and the teeth 194 can be worm threads. The guide 178 has internal threads that mesh with the shaft 180, so that the guide 178 moves along the length of the coil 164 when the shaft 180 rotates together with the coil 164. The guide 178 has a groove around its outer circumference, which is called the guide recess 196. The guide recess 196 is an area formed by the shape of the guide 178 into which the cable 104 fits, and together with the outer circumference 197 of the coil 164 defines the position of the point of the cable 104 that enters or exits the coil 164 during insertion and retraction.The shape of the guide recess 196 and its position relative to the spool 164 define a window 199 through which the cable 104 must pass during insertion and retraction. A stop 198 prevents the guide from rotating, so that it moves along the shaft 180 as it rotates. The stop 198 can be a rod attached to the supports 170 and 172.

[0034] When the spring 182 causes the coil 164 to rotate to draw in the cable 104, the guide 178 moves and spreads the cable 104 along the coil 164 as the cable 104 passes through the moving window 199. The cable 104 is wound onto the coil 164 in a spiral shape, which prevents tangling. When the cable 104 is pulled out, the guide 178 moves in the opposite direction and guides the cable 104 as it passes through the moving window 199 and is guided by the coil 164.

[0035] With reference to Fig. 7 together with Fig. The coil 164 is a type of cartridge that can be removed from the reel assembly 108 for the purpose of replacing the cable 104. The coil 164 has a cylinder 202 in the form of a hollow cylinder with an open end 204 and a closed end 206. The coil 164 has a slide 210, which is also hollow cylindrical and has an open end 212 and a closed end 214. A wall 216 extends over the interior of the slide 210 closer to the open end 212 than to the closed end 214. The slide 210 is first received in the cylinder 202, at the open end 212. A spring 220, which is a coil spring, is compressed between the closed end 206 of the cylinder 202 and the wall 216 of the slide 210. The spring 220 exerts a force to push the slide 210 out of the open end 204 of the cylinder 202.The cylinder 202 has a slot 222 and the slide 210 has a stop 224 which is arranged in the slot 222 to hold the slide 210 in the cylinder 202.

[0036] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the slide 210 is first pressed into the cylinder 202 to remove the coil 164 from the winding assembly 108. The stop 224 moves in the slot 222 and the spring 220 is compressed. This allows the shaft 168 to be removed from the bracket 172, releasing the end of the coil 164. The coil 164 can then be tilted on the shaft 167, the cable 104 can be disconnected, and the coil 164 can be removed from the winding assembly 108. The cable 104 can be removed from the coil 164 and replaced with a new cable 104. The coil 164 can then be reinstalled in the winding assembly 108.

[0037] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 8, the shaft 168 has a notch 230, which creates a weakened point in the shaft 168. During operation of the reel assembly 108, when the cable 104 is extended, a force on the cable 104 exceeding a threshold value breaks the shaft 168 at the notch 230, allowing the cable 104 to be pulled free from the reel 164, for example, if the cable 104 becomes entangled with an occupant. If the shaft 168 breaks, the entire reel 164 can be replaced with a new part.

[0038] Accordingly, a retractable cable system for use with device USB cables provides a conveniently accessible and usable charging and / or communication connection. The system integrates a retractable charging cable into any environment, including various locations within a vehicle. For deployment, a mechanism features a drive gear that transmits torque to a driven gear to power a shaft and move a guide, providing anti-twist and anti-tangling operation during both extension and retraction. A spring provides torsion to retract the cable when not in use, and a locking mechanism allows the passenger to extend the cable to the desired length. A mechanical anti-twist guide is provided in a compact, low-profile housing. Older or damaged cables can be easily replaced, ensuring maintainability.

Claims

[1] Retractable charging cable system (106), comprising: a coil (164) which has a drive gear (176); a driven shaft (180) having a driven gear (192) which meshes with the drive gear; and a guide (178) which is arranged on the driven shaft (180) and configured to move along the driven shaft when the driven gear (192) is driven by the drive gear (176), wherein the coil (164) is configured to retract a cable (104), and the guide (178) is configured to guide the cable (104) along the coil (164) during insertion and retraction, wherein the coil (164) is mounted on a shaft (168) having a notch (230) configured to break when a force on the cable (104) exceeds a threshold value; wherein the driven shaft (180) includes a guide gear, and wherein the guide (178) moves on the guide gear during rotation of the driven shaft (180) to move the guide (178) during insertion and retraction to prevent twisting and tangling of the cable (104); wherein: the coil (164) is contained in a winding arrangement (108), the coil has a cylinder (202) with an open end, a slide (210) is arranged in the cylinder (202), a spring (220) is included between the cylinder (202) and the slide (210) to apply a force to pull the slide (210) out of the cylinder (202), the cylinder (202) has a slot (222), and the slider (210) has a stop (224) which is arranged in the slot (222) and is configured to hold the slide (210) in the cylinder (202) and to allow the slide (210) to slide into the cylinder (202) to remove the coil (164) from the rewinder assembly (108); the retractable charging cable system (106) further comprising: a spring (182) that pre-tensions the coil (164) to automatically retract the cable (104) into a wound state on the coil (164) when not in use; a reel assembly (108) which is releasably lockable and configured to lock and release the cable (104) in place at a desired length in order to retract the cable (104). [2] Retractable charging cable system (106) according to claim 1, wherein the coil (164) is removable from the winding arrangement (108) in order to replace the cable (104). [3] Retractable charging cable system (106) according to claim 1, comprising an electric vehicle system, wherein the cable (104) is coupled to the electric vehicle system. [4] Retractable charging cable system (106) according to claim 1, wherein the reeling arrangement (108) is arranged in a vehicle interior component. [5] Retractable charging cable system (106) according to claim 1, wherein: the roller assembly (108) is arranged in a vehicle interior component, the vehicle interior component includes a door for accessing the retractor assembly (108), and the door has a slot through which the cable can be extended.

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