Wireless power supply device

Abstract

Power supply device for an electric toothbrush comprising a first power coupler on a first housing section, a second power coupler within a second housing section, and electronic circuits connecting the first power coupler and the second power coupler; - wherein the first power coupler is a power input coupler configured to move in a first direction to enter into physical and electrical contact with a socket to receive input power; - wherein the second housing section comprises a platform configured to support an electrical load and an internal compartment housing the second power coupler, the platform having a platform surface parallel to the first direction and extending away from the first power coupler, the second power coupler being a power output coupler; - wherein the electronic circuits are configured to convert the input power into output power suitable for wireless transmission through the second housing section; - wherein the first housing section and the second housing section are integrally joined, and the first housing section is located between the second housing section and the first power coupler, and - wherein the first power coupler is configured to interact with the socket, such that the second housing is raised in a cantilevered configuration above a base when the power input coupler is attached to a wall-mounted socket.

Description

AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to power supply devices and, more particularly, to a power supply device for powering portable devices such as electric toothbrushes. BACKGROUND

[0002] Many portable electrical devices are wireless devices powered by rechargeable batteries. The rechargeable batteries are typically housed within a main body of the device and require periodic battery charging, for example, wireless charging. Power supply devices configured to provide charging energy for portable electrical devices are widely available. Improved power supply devices suitable for charging portable electrical devices are advantageous and desirable. REVELATION

[0003] A power supply device is provided comprising a main housing including a first housing portion and a second housing portion, a first power coupler for receiving input power from a power supply, a second power coupler for wirelessly outputting power, and electronic circuitry housed within the main housing.

[0004] The first housing portion is located between the second housing portion and the first power coupler. The first power coupler is configured to enter physical and electrical communication with a power outlet to receive input power by moving in a first direction to approach the power outlet. The first power coupler may be a power plug having a plurality of prongs projecting from the first housing portion or a power outlet having receptacles within the first housing portion and extending in a direction opposite the first direction.

[0005] The first power coupler is configured to cooperate with a receptacle such that the second housing is elevated in a cantilever configuration above a floor surface when the power input coupler is attached to a wall-mounted receptacle.

[0006] The second housing section includes a platform configured to support an electrical load and an interior compartment housing the second power coupler. The platform defines the ceiling of the interior compartment and has an upper platform surface parallel to the first direction. The upper platform surface extends away from the first power coupler (and the receptacle, if connected) such that the second housing section and the first power coupler are located on opposite sides of the first housing section.

[0007] The first power coupler is a power input coupler that may be configured to provide mechanical support to carry the weight of the device and the load thereon when the first power coupler is attached to a wall outlet, such as a wall AC outlet.

[0008] The first power coupler and the first housing portion are configured to cooperate to support the second housing portion to project away from the first housing portion, to elevate the device in a cantilever configuration to project above a base surface, and to maintain the platform surface horizontal when the power input coupler is attached to a wall-mounted outlet.

[0009] The first power coupler may be fixedly formed with the first housing portion, for example formed integrally, or may be removably attached thereto.

[0010] The electronic circuits connect the first power coupler and the second power coupler and are configured to convert input power into output power suitable for wireless transmission through the second housing portion.

[0011] The electronic circuits typically include a power processing circuit configured to process the input power and generate an alternating electromagnetic field at one or more alternating frequencies. The second housing portion is configured such that the alternating electromagnetic field is intended to pass through the second housing portion to reach a load mounted on the second housing portion.

[0012] The second power coupler is a power output coupler configured to facilitate wireless power transfer through the second housing portion.

[0013] To facilitate wireless energy transmission through the second housing portion, the electronic circuitry may include an output coil having a winding axis and a magnetic core extending along the winding axis and around which windings of the output coil are wound.

[0014] In embodiments, the winding axis is perpendicular to the first direction, and the magnetic core as part of the second power coupler protrudes from an upper platform surface on the second housing portion and extends a vertical distance above a platform surface of the second housing portion. The magnetic core is surrounded or enclosed by a portion of the second housing portion that is a hollow portion made of a magnetically permeable material so that an energy-carrying electromagnetic field generated by the processing circuitry can be wirelessly coupled to a load in proximity to the second power coupler.

[0015] The hollow portion protrudes from the upper platform surface and extends to a height such that the upper end of the hollow portion terminates below the height of the first housing portion. In embodiments, the hollow portion terminates below half the height of the first housing portion.

[0016] The hollow section and the platform are integrally formed from a waterproof material such as hard plastics.

[0017] The device is compact and convenient and does not require a flexible cable to connect a charging station and a power outlet.

[0018] The wall mounting arrangement is advantageous due to its elevation above a base surface to reduce wetting of the device when working in a humid environment. ILLUSTRATIONS

[0019] The present disclosure is made by way of example and described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. is a front perspective view of an exemplary power supply device according to the disclosure, Fig. a perspective rear view of the exemplary device of Fig. is, Fig. a front view of the exemplary device of Fig. is, Fig. a plan view of the exemplary device of Fig. is, Fig. Side views of the exemplary device of Fig. are, Fig. a bottom view of the exemplary device of Fig. is, Fig. a rear or a perspective rear view of the exemplary device of Fig. with the power input coupler removed, Fig. is a schematic diagram showing a toothbrush on the exemplary device of Fig. which is configured as a toothbrush charger, Fig. are views illustrating a variation embodiment of the exemplary device of Fig. show. DESCRIPTION

[0020] An exemplary power supply device 100 includes a main housing, a power input coupler, a power output coupler, and electronics connected between the power input coupler and the power output coupler, as shown in Fig. shown.

[0021] The device is configured for attachment to a power source from which operating power of the device is received. The power source may be a standard AC wall outlet or other types of outlets that may be available from time to time without restriction to the general public. Example standard AC wall outlets currently in use around the world are shown and described in Wikipedia: at https: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / AC power plugs and sockets. A wall outlet is typically configured in the form of a wall outlet, and the power input coupler is configured as a power plug compatible with the wall outlet. In some embodiments, the wall outlet is configured as a power plug, and the power input coupler is configured as a power outlet compatible with the power plug.In embodiments, the outlet is configured as a wireless outlet to facilitate wireless power output, in which case the outlet and the power input coupler may have a power coupling surface, for example, a closed power coupling surface, that is not in the form of a plug or a socket.

[0022] The power input coupler 140 is configured to couple to an external power source to receive input power for operating the electronics and for output. The power output coupler is configured to output power to a load when a load is coupled to the power output coupler. The electronics are connected to the power input coupler to receive input power for operating the device and may include power conversion electronics to convert input power to output power for coupling to the load.

[0023] The main housing includes a first housing portion 110, on which the power input coupler is disposed, and a second housing portion 120, on which the power output coupler is disposed. The first housing portion is a portion of the main housing closest to a power outlet and / or the surface on which the power outlet is disposed when the device is attached to the power outlet during use. In embodiments, the first housing portion is configured to engage the power outlet and / or the surface on which the power outlet is disposed.Specifically, the first housing portion includes a first surface 112, which is a front surface located proximate to and in engagement with the second housing portion, and a second surface 114, which is a rear surface configured to face opposite to and / or in engagement with the receptacle and / or the surface on which the receptacle is disposed when the device is in use. The first housing portion includes a peripheral wall 116 connecting its front and rear surfaces and defining its thickness. In embodiments, the front surface, the rear surface, and the peripheral wall cooperate to define a power coupler receptacle. Optionally, the rear surface of the first housing portion is in engagement with the receptacle and / or the surface on which the receptacle is mounted.

[0024] The second housing portion 120 is in engagement with the first housing portion and protrudes away from the first housing portion. Specifically, the second housing portion protrudes away from the first housing portion 110 and extends away from the power input coupler 140 such that the first housing portion is located between the second housing portion and the outlet when the power input coupler is in use and attached to the outlet to couple power therefrom. In embodiments, the main housing is configured to be held in the palm of the hand and is palm-sized.

[0025] In exemplary embodiments, the second housing portion includes an upper plate having an upper surface 122, a lower plate having a lower surface 124, and a peripheral wall 126 connecting the upper plate and the lower plate to define an interior compartment. The upper plate defines a platform having a platform surface that is the upper surface of the upper plate. The platform surface is configured to couple energy between the device and the load during exemplary operations. The lower surface defines a bottom surface configured to contact a horizontal surface and support the weight of the device when the device is freely placed on the support surface.

[0026] The platform surface projects away from the first housing portion and is configured to support a load when the load is attached to the device to absorb energy during use. During exemplary energy transfer operations, a load is intended to rest or sit on the platform surface, and power coupling is intended to occur between the device and the load through the platform surface.

[0027] An exemplary platform includes a front end, which is a free end, and a rear end, which is in engagement with the first housing portion, and more particularly in engagement with the front surface of the first housing portion. Optionally, the platform surface and the base surface are configured such that the platform surface is horizontal when the base surface sits on a horizontal support surface and supports the weight of the device and the load thereon. In embodiments, the front surface of the first housing portion is perpendicular to the platform surface. In embodiments, the first housing portion 110 and the second housing portion 120 cooperate to form an L-shaped main housing.

[0028] The main housing and the power input coupler 140 are configured such that the first housing portion is located between the second housing portion and the outlet, with the second housing portion projecting away from the outlet and the first housing portion when the power input coupler 140 is attached to an outlet. In embodiments, the platform surface is supported and maintained as a horizontal support surface projecting away from a wall to which a wall-mounted outlet (shortened to a "wall outlet") is mounted when the power input coupler is attached to the wall outlet. In some embodiments, the platform surface may be an inclined surface, and the load may be held on the platform surface by magnetic force or by a retention mechanism, such as a latching mechanism.

[0029] The device can be wall-mounted or can rest on a base surface. When the device rests on a base surface, for example, a horizontal support surface, the bottom surface of the device is in contact with the base surface as a support surface, the combined weight of the device and the load is supported by the base surface, and the load is held upright and projects vertically away from the platform surface and away from the support surface.

[0030] When the device is wall-mounted, for example, when the power input coupler is attached to a wall outlet, the device is elevated above a base surface, and its weight is no longer supported by the base surface. When the device is wall-mounted, the second housing section cantilevers and projects away from the first housing section and the wall to protrude above the base surface.

[0031] The first housing section and the second housing section are configured such that the weight of the second housing section is supported only by the first housing section. The first housing section and the power input coupler are configured such that, when a load is supported on the second housing section, the combined weight of the second housing section and the load is supported only by the first housing section, which in turn is supported by the power input coupler in cooperation with the wall outlet. Since the wall outlet is located on a wall, the combined weight is essentially supported by the wall.

[0032] In embodiments, the platform surface is in engagement with the first housing portion and projects at an angle, for example at a right angle, away from the first housing portion.

[0033] The inner compartment of the second housing portion is configured to house the electronics or a substantial portion thereof. The electronics include a plurality of power input terminals configured as a power input. The power input is connected to the power input coupler to receive input power. The electronics may include power conversion circuitry configured to convert or regulate input power to a power suitable for output to the load. The power conversion circuitry is connected to the power input coupler via the power input and includes a plurality of power output terminals configured as a power output for outputting energy to the power output coupler.

[0034] The electronics may include peripheral circuits, such as sensing circuits, regulation circuits, and / or indicator circuits, without limitation of generality. To accommodate use in humid or human-related environments, the main housing, and in particular the second housing section, may be configured to be water-resistant or waterproof. In embodiments, the first housing section and the second housing section are integrally connected.

[0035] In embodiments, the power conversion circuits include a primary winding and a transformer core. The primary winding has a power input configured as a pair of power input terminals connected to the power input coupler. In embodiments, the pair of power input terminals is also the power input of the device. The transformer core typically includes a magnetic core having a first leg on which the primary winding is wound and a second leg in magnetic communication with the first leg and configured to establish a magnetic coupling with a secondary winding at the load.The primary winding, secondary winding, and transformer core cooperate to form a transformer in which the secondary winding is detachable from the primary winding and the magnetic core to facilitate wireless power transfer (WPT) between the device and the load. Typically, the transformer is a step-down transformer with an output voltage significantly lower than the input voltage.

[0036] In embodiments, the second leg projects beyond the platform surface such that the magnetic core forming the second leg is surrounded by a magnetically permeable housing, such as a plastic housing, to facilitate field coupling through the platform surface. The magnetically permeable housing is preferably formed integrally with the top plate of the second housing section to enhance watertightness. The magnetically permeable housing is made of an electrical insulator, such as a hard plastic, to provide magnetic permeability and electrical insulation simultaneously. The magnetically permeable housing may be configured as a stud 132, such as a hard plastic stud, that projects vertically from the platform surface and extends away from the second housing section.The pin 132 is a hollow housing portion within which a magnetic core is housed. The magnetic core is surrounded by an output coil of the power processing circuit and extends along a winding axis of the output coil.

[0037] In addition to facilitating wireless power transfer between the device and a load, the hard plastic pin also serves to maintain the load in a horizontal position relative to the platform when the load rests on a horizontal platform surface. Specifically, the hard plastic pin has a pin axis coaxial with the core axis of the secondary winding and restricts movement of the load in radial directions relative to the core axis when the platform surface is horizontal.A load compatible with this embodiment would include a secondary winding wound around a recessed housing, for example, a recessed plastic housing portion formed as an axial recess at the bottom of the load. The plastic spigot of the device is configured to be received within the plastic recessed portion of the load in a snug fit to facilitate energy transfer and position retention. The spigot, in cooperation with the platform surface, defines a docking structure for holding a load on the platform surface.

[0038] In embodiments, the second housing portion may include a receptacle having a recess for receiving a power coupling portion of the load. For example, the receptacle may include a peripheral wall extending downwardly from the top plate of the second housing portion to define a recess. The peripheral wall may be surrounded by an electrically insulated magnetic core rising or projecting from the bottom plate and forming a second leg of the transformer. A load compatible with this embodiment would include a secondary winding wound around an axially projecting tubular plastic housing formed at the bottom end of the load.

[0039] The electrically isolated pin cooperates with the magnetic core forming the second leg of the transformer to define an exemplary power output coupler of the device.

[0040] In embodiments, the power conversion circuits are compatible with the Qi (RTM) standard. For example, a charging coil with windings parallel to the platform surface can be offset directly below the magnetically permeable platform to facilitate wireless power transfer without loss of generality.

[0041] In some embodiments, particularly when the device is used in dry environments, the power output coupler may be an electrical connector having exposed electrical contacts to facilitate power transfer. For example, the electrical connector may be a USB connector configured to mate with a mating connector on the load. The electrical connector may be mounted above or below the platform surface, without loss of generality. The electrical connector and platform are configured to hold the load upright when the platform surface is horizontal, similar to the arrangement in the case of power transfer by magnetic field coupling. When the power output coupler is an electrical connector, the transformer may be replaced by a buck-boost power converter.

[0042] The power conversion circuitry includes a plurality of power conductors configured as a power input to connect the power input coupler and the electronics to facilitate the transfer of power between the power input coupler and the electronics. The plurality of power conductors extend through the first housing portion to connect to the power input coupler and the electronics, such as the primary winding, within the second housing portion.

[0043] In embodiments, the power input coupler includes a plurality of rigid conductor pins configured to mate with a corresponding plurality of conductors of a receptacle to facilitate transfer of power from the receptacle to the electronics of the device. The rigid conductor pin is typically configured as a metal rod for reasonable robustness. In embodiments, the plurality of rigid conductor pins project away from the main housing and extend away from the first housing portion in a first direction parallel to the platform surface. In embodiments where the receptacle is a standard receptacle, the rigid conductor pins are sized to mate with the corresponding plurality of conductors of the receptacle to facilitate a reliable mating engagement.If the receptacle conforms to a standard, the metal pins forming the line entry coupler shall also have dimensions and configurations conforming to that standard, without loss of generality.

[0044] The power input coupler is configured to approach a power outlet in a first direction, and the second housing portion projects away from the first housing portion in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0045] In embodiments, the first housing portion extends in a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction to form a partition between the power output coupler and the power input coupler. The third direction is perpendicular to the platform surface and parallel to the direction along which the height or thickness of the second housing portion is defined. The height of the second housing portion is defined by the partition between the platform surface and the floor surface. If the device is wall-mounted, the third direction is also the vertical direction.

[0046] The partition extends in the third direction to define the height of the first housing section, and the height of the first housing section is greater than the height of the second housing section. In embodiments, the height of the partition is greater than the height of the second housing section by between 20% and 100%, for example, by 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% or more, or a range or ranges selected from a combination of any of the aforementioned values.

[0047] The partition protrudes beyond the platform surface and defines a splash guard between the power output coupler and the power input coupler to mitigate splashes of conductive liquid, such as water, into the receptacle. In embodiments, the third direction is parallel to the axial direction of the plastic stud 132, and the plastic stud is located in front of the partition, while the power input coupler and therefore the receptacle are located behind the partition.

[0048] In embodiments, the partition has an axial height that exceeds the axial height of the plastic stud, wherein the axial height is measured in an axial direction perpendicular to the platform surface. In embodiments, the height of the partition is less than or equal to twice the axial height or depth of the power output coupler.

[0049] In embodiments, the partition has a width that is greater than the width of the power input coupler, the width being measured in a direction perpendicular to the first direction and the third direction. In embodiments, the partition has a width that is greater than the width of the power input coupler by 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% or more, or a range or ranges selected from a combination of any of the aforementioned values.

[0050] In embodiments, the platform surface has a width comparable to or equal to the width of the partition. For example, the width of the platform surface may be greater than the width of the power input coupler by 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% or more, or a range or ranges selected from a combination of any of the aforementioned values.

[0051] In embodiments, the platform surface has a depth, measured in a direction parallel to the first direction and / or the second direction, that is comparable to or equal to the width of the platform surface. For example, the depth of the platform surface may be greater than the depth of the power input coupler by 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100% or more, or a range or ranges selected from a combination of any of the aforementioned values.

[0052] In embodiments, for example, power connectors compliant with IEC standards, e.g., types A, B, C, etc., the power input coupler comprises an insulated portion to which the plurality of rigid conductor pins are mounted. In embodiments where the power input coupler is configured as a power plug, the insulated portion projects away from the first housing portion and extends in the first direction as projecting pins such that the projecting insulated portion is located between the projecting pins and the rear surface of the first housing portion.In these embodiments, the insulated protrusion and the plurality of rigid conductor pins are received in a tightly fitting manner by an inner peripheral wall of a power outlet and the receptacle connectors of the power outlet, respectively, with the weight of the load and the device being cooperatively supported by the peripheral wall and the receptacle connectors. In embodiments, the device is compact and has a palm-sized housing such that each dimension of the main housing is comparable to or shorter than the palm of an average adult, for example, equal to or less than 10 cm. One example to increase compactness is to configure the platform and the power input coupler such that an extent of the platform surface intersects the insulated portion of the power input coupler surrounding the conductors.

[0053] In embodiments, the power input coupler is removable from the device. To facilitate removably receiving the power input coupler, the first housing portion includes a power coupler receptacle configured to removably receive a power input coupler.

[0054] In embodiments, the first housing section includes a front plate defining the front surface, a rear plate defining the rear surface, and a peripheral plate connecting the front plate and the rear plate. In embodiments, the peripheral plate is integrally formed with the front plate and defines a rear plate receptacle.

[0055] In embodiments where the first housing portion is configured to include a power coupler receptacle, the power coupler receptacle is formed on the rear plate. The rear plate is configured as a power coupler receptacle and includes a base portion and a peripheral portion surrounding the base portion. The base portion is a plate portion surrounded by the peripheral wall of the first housing portion. A plurality of openings are formed on the base portion, and the openings are configured to allow a portion of the power input terminals to be exposed to and contactable at the base portion. The power input terminals may be configured as elastic contacts that are elastically deformable in the first and second directions.The openings may be sealed to improve watertightness while allowing exposure of the power input terminals for contact through a removable power input coupler.

[0056] The power coupler receptacle includes retention means for tightly retaining a removable power input coupler. In embodiments, the power coupler receptacle includes a pair of flanges 118, wherein the flanges are spaced in the first direction from the base portion and distributed in parallel on two sides of the exposed contacts. The flanges are configured as guide means for guiding the entry of the removable power input coupler into an operative position. The peripheral portion defines an entry opening through which the power input coupler is to enter the power coupler receptacle. In one embodiment, the entry opening is located on the bottom side of the device and adjacent to the bottom surface of the second housing portion.When the removable power input coupler is in its operating position in the power coupler receptacle, the power input coupler is held firmly by the power coupler receptacle with the power input terminals urging against corresponding contacts on the removable power input coupler to make electrical contact therewith.

[0057] In embodiments, the device is configured as a toothbrush charger for wirelessly charging an internal battery, which is a rechargeable battery within the toothbrush. The toothbrush includes a main housing within which a motor, a toothbrush head driven by the motor, a rechargeable battery, and charging circuitry are disposed. The charging circuitry includes an inductive element including a coil configured to couple energy from an external energy source to charge the internal battery. The main housing is elongated and extends along a longitudinal axis, which is a central axis, and includes a recess at its bottom portion. The recess is defined by a peripheral wall surrounding the central axis and extending in an axial direction to define an axial recess.The axial recess is configured such that the peripheral wall defining the recess engages the projecting pin 132 of the device to facilitate power coupling from the power supply device to the toothbrush, as shown in FIG. Fig. 10. The power supply device 100 and the toothbrush as an exemplary load are configured such that the load is movable in a first axial direction to enter a power coupling engagement and in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction, to exit the power engagement. The axial direction is defined by a central axis of the toothbrush and / or the central axis of the power output coupler.

[0058] The exemplary device 200 of Fig. has all the features of the device 100, except that the second housing section is more compact and has a longer bottom surface that is substantially flat, allowing the device to rest more neatly on a flat support surface. As shown in Fig. As shown, the first power coupler 140 includes a pair of pins 142 that form part of a standard electrical connector configured to make an electrical connection with a power source to receive input power.

[0059] While the present disclosure has been made with reference to the embodiments and example configurations, the embodiments and example configurations are only examples and are not intended to be limiting.

Claims

[1] A power supply device for an electric toothbrush comprising a first power coupler on a first housing portion, a second power coupler within a second housing portion, and electronic circuits interconnecting the first power coupler and the second power coupler; - wherein the first power coupler is a power input coupler configured to move in a first direction to enter into physical and electrical communication with a power outlet to receive input power; - wherein the second housing portion comprises a platform configured to support an electrical load and an internal compartment housing the second power coupler, the platform having a platform surface parallel to the first direction and extending away from the first power coupler, the second power coupler being a power output coupler; - wherein the electronic circuits are configured to convert the input power into output power suitable for wireless transmission through the second housing portion; - wherein the first housing section and the second housing section are integrally connected, and the first housing section is located between the second housing section and the first power coupler, and - wherein the first power coupler is configured to cooperate with the outlet such that the second housing is elevated in a cantilever configuration above a floor surface when the power input coupler is attached to a wall-mounted outlet. [2] The device of claim 1, wherein the second housing portion comprises a bottom surface, and wherein the platform has a platform surface configured to support the load such that the platform surface is horizontal when the bottom surface rests on a horizontal surface to support the weight of the device. [3] The device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first power coupler is configured to approach the receptacle in the first direction, and the platform surface extends in the second direction to project away from the first housing portion, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. [4] A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first housing portion comprises a front plate having a front plate surface adjacent to the platform surface, and wherein the front plate surface projects for a height above the platform surface when the device rests on a horizontal surface and wherein the bottom surface is in engagement with the horizontal surface and supports the weight of the device. [5] The device of claim 4, wherein the power input coupler has a height and the height of the plate surface projecting above the platform surface is a fraction of the height of the power input coupler; and / or wherein the front plate surface and the platform surface are integrally formed. [6] Apparatus according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the apparatus comprises a load retaining structure projecting perpendicularly from the platform surface, and wherein the load retaining structure faces opposite to the front plate surface. [7] The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the load retention structure is made of a magnetically permeable material and surrounds the power output coupler. [8] The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the power output coupler is a magnetic leg of a transformer. [9] The apparatus of any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the second housing portion comprises a top plate defining the platform surface and a bottom plate defining a bottom surface, the top plate and the bottom plate cooperating to define a circuit compartment within which the electronic circuits are housed, and a plurality of conductors extending through the front plate to interconnect the electronic circuits and the power input coupler. [10] The apparatus of any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the first housing portion comprises a rear plate cooperating with the front plate to define the first housing portion, and wherein a power coupler receptacle is formed on the rear plate for removably receiving a removable power input coupler. [11] The apparatus of claim 10, wherein a plurality of resilient electrical contacts are mounted on the front plate, and wherein the plurality of resilient electrical contacts project through the rear plate and are configured to make electrical contact with the removable power coupler. [12] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first housing section comprises a peripheral wall and the second housing section comprises a peripheral wall, and wherein the peripheral wall of the first housing section and the peripheral wall of the second housing section are formed in one piece. [13] Apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the power output coupler and the platform surface cooperate to define a docking structure for holding a load. [14] The apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the load comprises a recessed housing and the power output coupler is configured to engage the recessed housing to retain the load.

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