Charging system for an electronic device, preferably for an electronic device for monitoring a physiological parameter

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a charging system for an electronic device, preferably an electronic device for monitoring a user's physiological parameter, notably through the analysis of a bodily fluid, typically interstitial, using microneedles. Such an electronic device could also be a smartwatch or a smart bracelet. More specifically, the invention aims to enable the most continuous use possible of these devices. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Certain pathologies such as diabetes require daily monitoring of biochemical parameters of the human body, that is to say the concentrations of certain compounds (blood sugar in the example of glucose).

[0003] We are familiar with devices using microneedles, which have the advantage of being less invasive than conventional needles, such as the one described in document WO2018104647. This device features a housing containing a removable capsule, the capsule of which holds microneedles configured to collect interstitial fluid. The housing itself contains most of the electronics.

[0004] This portable device, typically worn on the wrist, allows for continuous measurement and simply changing the capsule is enough to change the microneedles.

[0005] However, this portable device needs to be recharged.

[0006] To do this, a charging base is provided for this purpose; the electronic device is then connected to the base, which itself is connected to a power source in order to charge the electronic device.

[0007] One problem is mobility. The user must always ensure they have a power source to charge their device, which is inconvenient in terms of mobility. To overcome this problem, the user can use a portable power bank to ensure a constant power supply. However, this is still not ideal, as the user must also ensure they can charge the power bank and have the necessary connectors to plug it in.

[0008] The 2AAT010B charging system marketed by Guangzhou Gui Guan Power Plus Tech Corp (documents XP093243417 and XP093243423) includes a WCB005V charging base and a WCH003A external battery. A similar system called WiBa was also marketed by Avido (document XP055880126).

[0009] But in terms of user experience and mobility there is a need to offer a charging system that is simple to use, reliable and that improves the user experience, particularly in terms of mobility, and therefore requires the simplest possible connectivity. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The invention proposes to overcome at least one of these drawbacks.

[0011] To this end, the invention proposes an assembly according to independent claim 1.

[0012] The invention is advantageously complemented by the following features, taken alone or in any technically feasible combination thereof: The external battery and the base include complementary electrical connectors so that the external battery and the base are in electrical contact when assembled; the means for securing the base to the external battery include magnets that attract each other when they are in proximity; the means for securing the base to the electronic device include magnets that attract each other when they are in proximity; the means for securing the base to the external battery include clipping elements, so that the face of the battery fits snugly against the base in contact; the base and the external battery include complementary shapes to facilitate securing the base to the battery.

[0013] The invention has numerous advantages.

[0014] The invention allows for the extended use of the electronic device without access to electricity, providing access to vital information, which may be necessary in critical situations (prolonged treks, boat breakdowns, etc.). The user is therefore safer in these mobile use scenarios.

[0015] The invention provides a compact and mobile charging system that meets this need.

[0016] The ability to detach the external battery from the base unit makes it easy to replace. If the external battery fails, it can be replaced independently of the base unit. Similarly, if the base unit malfunctions, it can be replaced independently of the external battery.

[0017] In terms of mobility, it is also possible to provide several external batteries if the user does not have the possibility of recharging the external battery or their electronic device via a conventional power supply. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] Other features, purposes and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is purely illustrative and not limiting, and which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings on which: there figure 1 illustrates a charging system according to the invention; the figure 2 illustrates an electronic device for monitoring a physiological parameter connected to the charging system according to the invention; the figure 3 illustrates a portable charging battery for a charging system according to the invention; the figure 4 illustrates a top-view perspective base of a charging system according to the invention; the figure 5 illustrates a portable charging battery in perspective, viewed from below, of a charging system according to the invention; the figure 6 illustrates a portable charging battery seen from below of a charging system according to the invention; the figure 7 illustrates an electronic device connected to a base of a charging system according to the invention.

[0019] Across all figures, similar elements bear identical references. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] There figure 1 Figure 1 illustrates a charging system for an electronic device used to monitor an individual's physiological parameter. The charging system comprises a charging base 10 (dock) and an external rechargeable power bank 20. The external rechargeable power bank 20 will be referred to as the charging power bank, and the internal battery of the electronic device 2 will be referred to as the internal battery. As will be explained later, this charging power bank 20 is used only to charge the internal battery of the electronic device 2. It is not, therefore, an additional battery that replaces the internal battery of the electronic device 2 when it is depleted.

[0021] There figure 2 illustrates an electronic device 2 for monitoring a physiological parameter of an individual placed on the load system 1. Such an electronic device 2 is presented here in the form of a watch which can be worn on a limb of the individual (arm, forearm, leg, thigh, calf, etc.).

[0022] The electronic device 2 includes a bracelet 3 or a strap enabling it to be attached to a limb and a housing 4. The housing 4 includes a display screen 5.

[0023] The electronic device 2 is preferably a device that includes microneedles configured to be inserted into the skin (into a superficial part of the epidermis). These microneedles allow for the collection and / or analysis of a bodily fluid.

[0024] In box 4 are arranged data processing means (in particular a processor or a microcontroller) configured to process measurements from the microneedles.

[0025] Electronic device 2 connects to base 10 in order to be charged through it.

[0026] As this is an electronic device 2, it includes an internal battery housed in casing 4 (not shown). In what follows, the term "charging the electronic device" will refer to charging its internal battery.

[0027] As mentioned in the introduction, such an electronic device 2 needs to be charged. In particular, it is charged using the charging system 1.

[0028] The portable 20-charge battery shown on the figure 3 includes a polygonal body 21 which includes several faces 22, 23, 24, 25.

[0029] Preferably, it is a parallelepiped with a length and a width. The thickness is adapted to the desired battery capacity. On the figure 3 The portable 20 charge battery has a parallelepiped shape with rounded corners but it can also be oblong.

[0030] A battery is housed inside the body 21. The battery stores and releases energy. It should be noted that the portable charging battery 20 is fast-charging, given that the user must be able to operate the electronic device 2 without it for only a limited time. Such a time is approximately thirty minutes in the case of an electronic device 2 for measuring glucose levels. Thus, a charging time of twenty to thirty minutes is acceptable without causing any inconvenience to the user, who must be able to operate the electronic device 2 with the shortest possible interruptions.

[0031] A visual indicator 26 such as a diode may be provided on one of the faces to indicate the state of charge of the portable charging battery 20.

[0032] The portable charging battery 20 may include on one of its faces, here the upper face 22, electrical contacts 221, for example, two electrical contacts preferably located in the center of face 221. These electrical contacts 221 allow the portable charging battery 20 to be electrically connected to the base 10. In the context of the invention, to allow the transfer of energy from the portable charging battery 20 to the base 10, an inductive zone is provided on the portable charging battery 20 to transfer energy by induction from the portable charging battery 20 to the base 10.

[0033] As illustrated on the figures 4, 5 et 6 , base 10 comprises an upper part 11 and a lower part 12.

[0034] The lower part 12 of the base 10 includes electrical contacts 121 complementary to those present on the portable charging battery 20 in order to electrically connect the base 10 to the portable charging battery 20. These electrical contacts 121 are located in the center of the lower part 12. Alternatively, to allow the transfer of energy from the portable charging battery 20 to the base 10, an inductive zone can be provided on this lower part to transfer energy by induction from the portable charging battery 20 to the base 10.

[0035] In order to connect the electronic device 2 to the upper part 11 of the base 10, electrical contacts 111 may be provided in the center of this upper part.

[0036] The upper part 11 of the base includes means 110 for removably attaching the electronic device 2 to and disconnecting it from the base 10 as needed. This attachment is considered removable; the electronic device 2 must be able to be connected and disconnected at will.

[0037] These means of securing include magnets which are preferably arranged on a zone 110 projecting from the base 10 in order to facilitate the connection of the device 2 to the base 10, the device 2 comprising a shape complementary to this zone 110.

[0038] The lower part 12 of the base 10 includes means for removably attaching 120 to one face of the portable charging battery 20 so as to attach and detach the battery from the support base as required.

[0039] Thus, the upper face 22 of the portable charging battery 20 also includes means 220 for removably attaching the portable charging battery 20 to the base 10, so as to attach and detach the portable charging battery 20 from the base 10 as needed. These attachment means 110, 220 allow for a complete connection with no degrees of freedom between the base 10 and the portable charging battery 20.

[0040] Here again, the connection is said to be removable on demand because the battery and the base must be able to connect and disconnect at will.

[0041] The means of securing the base to the portable charging battery 20 are therefore complementary.

[0042] The idea is to connect the base 10 directly to the portable charging battery 20 without a dedicated power cord so that the base 10 can be powered by the portable charging battery 20 so that it can charge the electronic device 2 or so that it can charge the portable charging battery 20. As such, the portable charging battery 20 does not include a dedicated connector for plugging in any cord as is very often the case with classic portable batteries or power banks.

[0043] The means of attaching the base to the portable charging battery can take several forms. It can be a magnetic attachment or a clip-on attachment.

[0044] According to one embodiment, these fastening means 120 comprise magnets positioned in the lower part of the base 10, the portable charging battery 20 having complementary magnets 220 on the face that is to be in contact with the base. Simply bringing the portable charging battery 20 close to the base is sufficient for fastening. Additionally, a complementary shape may be provided to facilitate fastening the base to the portable charging battery 20. This is visible on the figures 3 And 4 or the fastening means 120, 220 are positioned on the side of the portable charging battery 20 on domes 222 protruding from the face which must be connected to the base 10 and in cavities 122 on the lower part of the base 10. Of course, it can be provided that the fastening means are positioned independently of the complementary shapes facilitating fastening.

[0045] In one embodiment, fastening means include clipping tabs preferably positioned on the base. The tabs are C-shaped or right-angled. More generally, they are shaped to fit the face of the portable charging battery 20, which is to be clipped to the base.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the means of securing are the combination of complementary magnets and clipping tabs.

[0047] The base 10 also includes a connector 13 for connecting the base to an external power source. This could be, for example, a USB or USB-C connector to which a power cord is attached, which is itself connected to a power source (mains outlet or power bank). A connecting cable is not required to power the base from the portable charging battery 20 of the invention.

[0048] The base 10 can therefore be powered either by the portable charging battery 20 or by an external source.

[0049] The charging system 1 allows for several use cases.

[0050] When the base 10 is connected to an external source, it can charge the electronic device and / or the portable charging battery 20. Indeed, the electronic device 2 and the portable charging battery 20 can be connected and charged individually, as shown in the diagram. figure 2 . The electronic device 2 and the portable charging battery 20 are thus connected simultaneously to the base 10 so that each can be charged. From the user's point of view, they are therefore charged together.

[0051] When the base 10 is not connected to an external power source with the portable charging battery 20 attached to its underside, the base is used to charge the electronic device 2 from the portable charging battery 20. Of course, the electronic device 2 can also be used independently with the base 10, as shown in the diagram. figure 7 .

[0052] When the rechargeable 20-charge portable battery is attached to the base, the base and the 20-charge portable battery form a single unit, visible on the figure 1 , which if we do not connect the base 10 to an external source does not require a connector since all contacts are direct between the different elements.

Claims

1. An assembly comprising an electronic device (2) for monitoring a physiological parameter of an individual comprising an internal battery and a charging system (1) for the internal battery of the electronic device (2), the charging system comprising: - a charging base (10) for the electronic device (2) having an upper part and a lower part, the base (10) comprising a power connector (13) adapted to connect the base (10) to an external power source (10) capable of supplying power to the base (10); - a portable rechargeable charging battery (20) comprising several sides; the upper part (11) of the charging base comprising means for removably securing the electronic device; the lower part (12) of the charging base and one side of the portable charging battery (20) comprising removable fastening means for fastening and unfastening the portable charging battery (20) to and from the charging base (10) as required, ing contact between the base and the side of the portable charging battery (20) allowing: - when the base (10) is connected to an external source and is powered, to charge the electronic device and / or to charge the portable charging battery (20); - when the base (10) is not connected to an external source and is not powered, to charge the electronic device (2) from the portable charging battery (20); wherein the portable charging battery (20) and the base (10) are configured to be connected via an induction charging area, the battery being able to supply power to the base (10) by induction.

2. An assembly according to claim 1, wherein the portable charging battery (20) and the base (10) comprise complementary electrical connectors (111, 221) such that the portable charging battery (20) and the base (10) are in electrical contact when assembled.

3. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for securing the base (10) to the portable charging battery (20) comprise magnets that attract each other when they are close together.

4. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the means for securing the base (10) to the electronic device (2) comprise magnets that attract each other when they are close together.

5. Assembly according to one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the means for securing the base to the battery comprise clip elements, so that the face of the portable charging battery (20) fits snugly against the base (10).

6. Assembly according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base (10) and the battery comprise complementary shapes in order to facilitate attachment of the base to the portable charging battery (20).