Induction charger and methods of its installation inside a dwelling which includes a worktop with furniture.

Abstract

Induction charger and installation instructions for a dwelling with a worktop. The induction charger comprises at least two modules, M1 and M2, assembled together by reversible fastening. The first module, M1, comprises a housing 6 containing a converter 7, which is surmounted by a receptacle 8 housing a primary coil 9. The second module, M2, comprises a ring 16 removably mounted on the first module, M1. The ring 16 is equipped around its periphery with a set of leaf springs 20 with inclined prongs 23. The assembly between the housing 6 and the receptacle 8 is configured as a keying device, ensuring a connection between the converter 7 and the primary coil 9. Reversing the ring 16 along its plane reverses the orientation of the inclined prongs 23. (See diagram: Fig. 1)

Description

Title of the invention: Induction charger and methods of its installation inside a dwelling which includes a movable worktop. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of inductive chargers fitted to the work surface of a piece of furniture—a table or desk, for example—for charging a battery pack of electrical energy in an electronic device, such as a cell phone. The invention concerns the arrangement of such an inductive charger and its installation method on a work surface. Previous art

[0002] It is common to enable the inductive charging of an electrical energy reserve equipping an electronic device, such as a cell phone. For this purpose, an inductive charger is installed on the work surface of a piece of furniture, providing a base on which the electronic device can be placed by a user for charging.

[0003] Typically, such an induction charger is essentially composed of: -) of an electrical current converter - hereinafter referred to as the converter - which is connected by cable to a power electrical energy source. The converter is commonly structured as an electronic circuit generating a high-frequency alternating current from the electrical current delivered by the power electrical energy source; -) a primary coil generating an electromagnetic field which is commonly powered by the converter. The primary coil generates the electromagnetic field which is used to charge the electronic device via a secondary coil with which it is equipped; -) at least one container housing the converter and the primary coil, and providing the base for installing the electronic device to be charged by the induction charger.

[0004] The base can rest on the work surface of the furniture. However, with such a configuration of the induction charger, the mobility of the base on the work surface causes inconvenience and discomfort for the user of the furniture.

[0005] To overcome this problem, it has been proposed to install the induction charger under the worktop of the cabinet, as shown in document CN216872929U. According to this document, the converter and primary coil containers are screwed together at a distance from each other under the worktop of the cabinet. The converter and primary coil are connected to each other by a cable equipped with a USB connector. (USB: from the acronym for Universal Serial Bus). A self-adhesive marker for installing the electronic device to be charged is placed on the upper surface of the work surface, directly above the primary coil.

[0006] It has also been proposed to install the induction charger held in position on the upper surface of the worktop, as shown in documents CN216872929U and EP2863502A1. According to these documents, the induction charger is mounted on a column extending through a housing passing through the worktop, the column supporting at its top the induction charger emerging out of the housing.

[0007] It seemed appropriate to propose an induction charger whose arrangement would solve the following problems: -) to facilitate the reversible installation of the induction charger on the worktop of the furniture by an installer - including an inexperienced installer - and / or by a technician intervening to carry out maintenance on the induction charger in the event of its malfunction, -) organize the induction charger to allow for its selective and alternative easy mounting on the worktop of the furniture in different installation positions, and / or -) to ensure efficient charging of the electronic device by the induction charger - being understood to be in correct working order - regardless of its intended installation position on the worktop of the furniture - and this while limiting its footprint to the upper surface of the worktop. Presentation of the invention

[0008] In this context, the invention aims to: -) an induction charger configured for charging an electrical energy reserve equipping an electronic device that is installed on the top surface of a work surface, such as a cell phone for example, and -) different mounting methods for such an induction charger on said work surface - in particular of an office piece of furniture or similar - allowing a user to charge with energy - via the induction charger - the electronic device placed by the user on the upper surface of the work surface.

[0009] The main objective of the invention is to provide a solution to at least the problems to be solved mentioned above and to overcome the related difficulties associated with the proposed solution. By way of non-restrictive example, it is particularly aimed at providing such an inductive charger: -) which is ergonomic by limiting or even avoiding being a cause of inconvenience or discomfort for the user of the electronic device to be charged placed on the surface upper part of the worktop, -) whose structural arrangement allows for easy installation on the furniture, including by an inexperienced installer, such as, for example, the user of the induction charger, -) whose structural arrangement allows for easy adaptation and installation on the furniture, according to various alternative positions for installing the induction charger on the furniture, and / or -) whose ability to charge the energy reserve of the electronic device placed on the work surface is reliable and efficient - being understood as the induction charger being in correct working order - and this regardless of various alternative installation positions of the induction charger on the furniture.

[0010] To achieve this according to a global approach to the invention, it is proposed to organize the induction charger into different modules of components which are selectively and alternatively assembled together in a reversible and / or differentiated manner, according to different modes of installation of the induction charger inside a housing provided in the thickness of the worktop.

[0011] In other words, the induction charger of the invention is composed of different modules assembled together reversibly, each comprising several components. Each module forms a unit of components that are assembled together, reversibly with respect to the components of at least one of the modules. The induction charger can thus be configured differently, alternatively into various specific induction chargers, according to different mounting methods within the different compartments provided by the worktop of the furniture.

[0012] From a selection of different modules comprising the induction charger and / or their assembly methods, specific induction chargers of differentiated configuration can be used alternatively depending on the configuration of the housings in which the specific induction chargers are planned to be installed respectively.

[0013] The modules comprising the induction charger can be wholly or partially pre-assembled into a single unit—preferably in the workshop or by the installer at the induction charger installation site—while allowing the installer to selectively separate them to configure the induction charger into different specific induction chargers. The different specific induction chargers are configured by selective use and / or by differentiated assembly methods of the modules and / or their components comprising the induction charger proposed by the invention.

[0014] The modules of the induction charger each form a cohesive whole of components - or in other words, a unit - which are assembled together in a re- reversible for at least one of them, which facilitates maintenance of the induction charger by a technician when needed. Such component unity simplifies the handling of the modules, particularly by an installer. The modules are selectively and easily assembled with each other in a reversible manner, to form alternative specific induction chargers whose configurations are specifically adapted to different installation methods within specific slots in the worktop.

[0015] All the different modules that make up the induction charger – as well as the components they respectively comprise – are assembled together according to a unidirectional assembly direction that is oriented along a unidirectional mounting direction of the specific induction chargers within their designated housing. This further simplifies the installer's task, regardless of the configuration of the specific induction chargers they must install – according to the assembly direction of their modules – within the housing provided in the thickness of the worktop and specifically designated for them.

[0016] According to a basic architecture of the induction charger, the modules it comprises are at least two in number - including a first module and a second module - which are assembled together in a reversible manner and which form a first specific induction charger.

[0017] By quickly and easily adapting the first specific induction charger, the assembler can configure the first specific induction charger into at least a second specific induction charger. Such an adaptation of the basic architecture of the induction charger is achieved, in particular, by easily modifying the relative position between the two modules it comprises and by adding a third module.

[0018] Regardless of the respective configurations of the specific induction chargers, the modules comprising each of them include at least the first module and the second module, the structural integrity of whose respective components is preserved. The modules comprising the specific induction chargers are reversibly assembled together along the same assembly direction.

[0019] The first module comprises a housing containing the converter and a receptacle containing the primary coil. The housing and the receptacle are mechanically assembled to each other by reversible interlocking, via cooperating interlocking members with which the housing and the receptacle are respectively equipped.

[0020] As a result of their interlocking, the housing and the receptacle are assembled together along the assembly direction, the receptacle being intended to be oriented towards the face upper part of the work surface. The said cooperating interlocking elements are arranged in a keying which imposes, as a result of their cooperation - as a consequence of the interlocking between the housing and the receptacle - an electrical connection between the converter and the primary coil, via cooperating connectors - in particular arranged as sockets with USB ports - with which they are each equipped and which cooperate by direct interlocking between them.

[0021] Said cooperating interlocking members include in particular: -) at least one enclosure partially raising a closure cover of the internal volume of the housing that overhangs a bottom of the housing, the housing cover being oriented towards a bottom of the receptacle, and -) a cavity which is provided in the internal volume of the receptacle by partitions, the cavity being opened by providing - at least transversely to the direction of assembly - a passage for introducing the box into the cavity.

[0022] The housing and the cavity are notably shaped as right prisms with a rectangular base of complementary shapes, which require assembly by interlocking between the housing and the receptacle in a predefined position, simultaneously resulting in the interlocking of the connectors equipping the converter and the primary coil respectively. The cavity is arranged as a guide channel for the housing by lateral sliding of the housing inside the cavity perpendicular to the assembly direction, until the housing abuts against a lateral partition delimiting the cavity, resulting in the close interlocking of the connectors equipping the converter and the primary coil respectively.

[0023] The recess provides – via the housing – a guide for interlocking between the casing and the receptacle in a predefined interlocking position determined by the complementary shapes of the housing and the recess. The housing and the recess thus at least partially compensate for the keying by imposing the relative positioning and close interlocking of the connectors equipping the converter and the primary coil respectively.

[0024] The cavity includes, in particular, at least one lateral opening leading outwards from the receptacle in a direction perpendicular to the assembly direction, which is formed by a notch in a peripheral wall of the receptacle. The housing and the receptacle are joined by lateral sliding, or in other words, along a joining direction oriented perpendicular to the assembly direction.

[0025] Preferably, the cavity is also open on its face facing the housing, providing a clearance through which the housing can be partially inserted into the cavity, prior to sliding it inside the cavity. This facilitates the assembler's task during assembly between the casing and the receptacle by sliding the casing into the cavity.

[0026] At the end of the housing's travel within the recess, the connectors equipping the converter and the primary coil are connected to each other. The recess's clearance facilitates handling in the relative position between the housing and the receptacle, and their lateral interlocking via the housing inserted at the end of its travel inside the recess. Due to their tight interlocking, the connectors contribute to securing the interlocking between the housing and the receptacle along the assembly direction, because their close interlocking along the interlocking direction is oriented perpendicular to the assembly direction.

[0027] It will be noted from the outset that the maintenance of the fit between the housing and the receptacle via the connectors is stabilized by elastic support of the charger by induction against the wall delimiting the housing which rigorously maintains the first module in the centering position inside the housing.

[0028] The second module of the induction charger is reversibly assembled to the first module along the assembly direction, preferably by screwing. The second module includes a ring with a thread that meshes with a thread in the first module. The thread in the ring is formed, in particular, of an internal thread that meshes with an external thread formed on the outer periphery of the receptacle.

[0029] The second module comprises at least: -) said ring, the extension axis of which extends along the assembly direction of the induction charger and consequently along the mounting direction, and -) A set of leaf springs fitted to the ring, radially distributed around its outer periphery. One proximal end of the leaf springs is fixed to the ring, while their other distal end is folded back on itself, forming a spur, preferably with a sharp edge. The spurs of the leaf springs are each positioned radially from the outer peripheral face of the ring and are inclined relative to the assembly direction and, consequently, relative to the mounting direction of the induction charger inside its housing.

[0030] Leaf springs are at least integral to the centering elements of the specific induction chargers within their designated housing, by means of the tabs bearing against the wall of the housings that respectively receive the specific induction chargers. The leaf springs bear radially – via the tabs – against the wall of the work surface delimiting the housing. Consequently, the leaf springs also contribute to maintaining the housing and the receptacle in the nested position, by stabilizing the centering of the first module. the interior of the dwelling that receives it.

[0031] Furthermore, in accordance with the configuration of the first specific induction charger - from which, as a reminder, the third module is excluded - the leaf springs constitute - via the spoilers - a support element for the first module inside a blind housing which receives it as described later.

[0032] The third module of the induction charger is reversibly assembled to the first module along the assembly direction, notably by interlocking. The third module forms – by bearing against the upper surface of the work surface – a support element by suspending the unit comprising the first and second modules previously assembled together.

[0033] The third module comprises at least: -) a hollow disc which is assembled by reversible interlocking to the receptacle and more specifically to a lid it includes. The reversible interlocking between the hollow disc and the receptacle is achieved in particular by hooking, between hooks integrated into the hollow disc which are respectively housed by reversible rotation of the hollow disc -around the direction of assembly - in grooves in the lid of the receptacle, -) a plate that covers the disc recess and provides a support – on the upper surface of the work surface – for the electronic device to be loaded, and -) subsidiarily a decorative indicator for the top face of the plate, which provides in particular an obvious reference point for placing the electronic device to be charged on the support and subsidiarily a decorative and / or more or less flexible and / or pleasant to the touch covering.

[0034] In summary, it is clear at least from the above: -) that the different modules comprising the induction charger each individually form a unitary set of components. The components of the modules are assembled together to form a whole that can be easily handled by an assembler; -) that such unitary assemblies facilitate the task of the assembler to selectively assemble the modules together into various specific induction chargers, which have differentiated and adapted configurations according to the configuration of the housing which receives them respectively; -) that the modules are joined together by reversible assembly following a unidirectional assembly direction, the assembler being able to assemble the modules together in various ways according to specific modalities determining the configurations of the various specific induction chargers; -) that the participating ring of the second module can be assembled to the first module in alternative positions, by reversing it according to its extension plan the orientation of the inclined spoilers according to the configuration of the housing provided in the thickness of the worktop, as referred to later.

[0035] The induction charger is suitable for installation, at least partially, in the direction of its mounting within a housing that receives it. The architecture of the induction charger allows an installer to configure it into various specific induction chargers, for selective mounting of the induction charger alternately within different housings.

[0036] Such an adaptation of the architecture of the induction charger according to different configurations allows an assembler to configure it easily and quickly alternatively into induction chargers specifically adapted to the housing which receives them, blind housing or through housing as referred to below.

[0037] More specifically, it is taken into account that the housing receiving the induction charger—regardless of its architecture or, in other words, the number of modules selectively used—advantageously has a regular circular cross-section extending axially perpendicularly to the work surface. The axial extension of the housing defines the mounting direction of the induction charger within the housing that receives it. The diametrical extension of the housing is greater than the diametrical extension of the ring comprising the second module, and less than the diametrical extension of the second module defined by the leaf spring tabs, excluding the time it takes for the leaf springs to be pressurized inside the housing receiving the induction charger.

[0038] It is notably considered that, according to variant configurations of the various housings intended to receive the induction charger: -) either in the first case the housing is a blind housing whose bottom is oriented towards the upper face of the worktop and whose other end, oriented towards the lower face of the worktop, is open, the blind housing opening out of the worktop at its lower face, -) or in a second case the housing is a through housing open at each of its ends to the outside of the worktop, opening respectively on its upper face and its lower face.

[0039] A first mounting case for the induction charger is considered, at least partially inside the worktop. According to this first mounting case, the induction charger is mounted inside a blind housing that extends along the mounting direction perpendicular to the plane defined by the worktop and opens outwards from the worktop on its underside.

[0040] According to this first mounting case, the induction charger is configured as a first specific induction charger, according to which: -) the first specific induction charger includes the first module and the only the second module, the receptacle being assembled to the housing and the third module being excluded, and -) the participating ring of the second module is mounted on the receptacle - notably by screwing - in a first reversing position along its extension plane according to which the beaks of the leaf springs equipping the ring are inclined towards the underside of the work surface.

[0041] The first specific induction charger is inserted into the blind housing from the underside of the worktop – along a first direction of assembly – until the receptacle is forced against the bottom of the blind housing. Inserting the induction charger into the blind housing causes the tabs to flex, the tabs gaining at least some firm support against the wall delimiting the housing. This support is advantageously reinforced by a modest anchoring of the tabs into the worktop bordering the housing. Such anchoring of the tabs is facilitated by their tapered shape towards the wall delimiting the housing, the preferably sharp edge of which can at least scratch and / or moderately penetrate the worktop bordering the housing.

[0042] The deflectors center the first specific induction charger within the blind housing and hold it in position within the work surface, preventing it from accidentally falling out of the housing. In the absence of the third module, the ring equipped with leaf springs forms an effective and reliable support element for the first specific induction charger within the blind housing.

[0043] It should be noted that the optional use of a self-adhesive double-sided film to reinforce the retention of the first specific induction charger against the bottom of the blind housing cannot be excluded. In this case, the self-adhesive double-sided film is applied to the upper surface of the cover fitted to the receptacle and to the bottom of the blind housing.

[0044] A second mounting method for the induction charger inside the worktop is also considered. According to this second mounting method, the induction charger is mounted inside a through-hole that extends along the mounting direction, opening at each end to the outside of the worktop, respectively at its upper and lower faces.

[0045] According to this second mounting case, the induction charger is arranged as a second specific induction charger, according to which: -) The first specific induction charger is complemented by the third module, whose components – including at least the hollow disc, the circuit board and, optionally, the decorative indicator – are assembled to the first module by interlocking. reversible from the hollowed-out disc to the receptacle lid previously assembled to the housing, and -) The ring of the second module is mounted around the periphery of the receptacle in a second flipped position along its extension plane. In this second flipped position, the prongs of the leaf springs equipping the ring are inclined towards the disc. The ring is screwed onto the receptacle, preferably against the underside of the disc for reinforcement along the edge of its recess containing the disc's mounting hooks.

[0046] The second specific induction charger is slid into the housing from the top surface of the work surface – in a second direction of mounting – until the disc is fully seated against the top surface of the work surface. Consequently, only the disc with at least the mounting plate emerges from the housing, flush with the top surface of the work surface.

[0047] The insertion of the second specific induction charger into the through-hole causes the leaf springs to flex towards the disc, the inclined fins of which are oriented towards the upper surface of the worktop. The fins bear against the wall of the worktop delimiting the hole, by: -) providing centering of the second charger by specific induction inside the housing, -) by stabilizing the connection between the housing and the receptacle, and consequently the connection between the connectors equipping the converter and the primary coil, and -) by providing support assistance by the disc of the second specific induction charger inside the through-housing.

[0048] It should be noted that the two aforementioned cases of installation of the induction charger inside a housing that comprises the worktop are not restrictive with regard to other possible methods of mounting the induction charger on the worktop, by selective separation or assembly between at least two modules and / or their components that comprise the induction charger.

[0049] In summary, as stated above, the invention relates to an induction charger configured as an accessory for a worktop within a compartment therein. Such an induction charger is of the type arranged as a charging device for an electronic appliance placed on the upper surface of the worktop.

[0050] It is understood that the electronic device is placed by an individual on the upper surface of the work surface, such as classically overhanging the charger by induction, preferably as close as possible to a primary coil that it contains to promote the efficiency of its energy loading.

[0051] The induction charger according to the invention comprises at least one container housing respectively: -) an electrical current converter which is equipped with an electrical connection cable to a remote electrical power source, -) a primary coil generating an electromagnetic field, conventionally derived from the electrical energy supplied by the converter via an electrical connection between them. The converter and the primary coil are electrically connected to each other via compatible connectors with which they are respectively equipped, including connectors arranged as USB ports.

[0052] In this context, according to the invention, the induction charger comprises at least two modules which are fixed together by reversible assembly, of which: -) a first module comprising a housing containing the converter and a receptacle containing the primary coil, which are assembled in a removable manner following a unidirectional assembly direction of the induction charger components, and -) a second module comprising a ring mounted removable on the first module. The ring is equipped around its perimeter with a set of leaf springs which are angularly distributed around its outer periphery.

[0053] One proximal end of each of the slats is fixed to the ring, the other distal end of each of the slats being arranged in a protruding beak on the outer periphery of the ring. The beaks are inclined with respect to said assembly direction, providing at least centering elements for the inductive charger within said housing which receives it.

[0054] It is understood, but if necessary specified concerning leaf springs, that the notions proximal and distal are relative notions appreciated with regard to the position of the ends of the leaves in relation to the circumference of the ring in the mounting position of the leaf springs angularly distributed on the ring.

[0055] The spoilers provide protection by elastic deformation of the slats: -) inductive charging centering devices inside the housing that receives it, -) stabilization elements in the assembly station between the receptacle and the housing, at least as a result of the centering of the charger by induction taking support - via the spoilers - against the wall of the work surface delimiting the housing, and / or -) support elements inside an induction charger housing comprising only a single unit including the first module and the second module assembled together by support - or even by anchoring moderate - spoilers against the worktop wall delimiting the housing.

[0056] Other specific characteristics of at least one induction charger of the invention - not restrictive or limiting with regard to other characteristics it may have - are as follows.

[0057] The induction charger comprises a third module including at least one hollow disc which is mounted by reversible assembly to the first module via cooperating interlocking elements that they respectively comprise. The disc is equipped with at least one plate for closing its hollow which provides a support for the electronic device to be charged via the primary coil. It is understood that in this case the disc with the plate is intended to be placed outside the housing, resting on the upper surface of the work surface.

[0058] The ring is mounted by reversible fastening on the first module in two alternative fastening positions, by reversing the ring along its extension plane, of which: -) a first position of the ring on the first module in which the spoilers are inclined towards the base of the first module, in accordance with a first configuration of the induction charger as a first specific induction charger excluding the third module, and -) a second position of the ring on the first module according to which the spoilers are oriented towards the top of the first module in accordance with a second configuration of the induction charger in a second specific induction charger including the third module.

[0059] It is understood that the relative notions top and bottom, or other related notions such as top and base, are appreciated according to said assembly direction with regard to the relative positions between the receptacle and the housing assembled together, the receptacle overhanging the housing being intended to be oriented towards the upper face of the work surface.

[0060] The ring is preferably reversibly fixed to the first module by screwing it around the perimeter of the receptacle. This provides a reliable reversible assembly of the ring to the first module and easy handling between the first and second modules for their assembly and / or separation. However, other methods of reversible fixing between the ring and the first module are not excluded, such as, for example, by reversible interlocking or, for example, via quick-release fasteners.

[0061] The housing and the receptacle are assembled together along the assembly direction by reversible interlocking, via cooperating interlocking elements with which they are respectively provided and which incorporate a keying feature. The keying feature forces the connectors with which the converter is respectively equipped to cooperate. and the primary coil in the interlocking position between the housing and the receptacle.

[0062] The keying feature is provided by the structural interlocking arrangements of the cooperating interlocking elements of the housing and the receptacle. The keying feature ensures the relative positions of firm interlocking between the housing and the receptacle and enables cooperation between the connectors of the converter and the primary coil, respectively, for their electrical connection, thus securing the housing and receptacle in the interlocking position.

[0063] More specifically, the housing comprises a base surmounted by a lid enclosing its internal volume, the lid of the housing being oriented towards a base of the receptacle. The base and the lid of the housing are connected to each other at a distance from each other by a peripheral side wall of the housing which extends between its base and its lid along the assembly direction.

[0064] The bottom of the receptacle is covered by a lid that encloses the internal volume of the receptacle. The bottom and the lid of the receptacle are connected to each other at a distance along the assembly direction by a peripheral side wall of the receptacle.

[0065] It is understood that the lateral notion is applied in particular to a position distant from the direction of assembly and / or to an extension parallel to the direction of assembly.

[0066] The lid of the housing is partially raised by a box that is oriented towards the bottom of the receptacle. The bottom of the receptacle provides a recess with a shape complementary to the box, which is delimited by partitions that extend partly inside the volume of the receptacle delimited by its side wall. The complementary shape between the box and the recess that houses it by interlocking is at least partly constitutive of the keying feature.

[0067] The cavity is arranged as a guide channel for the housing along an insertion direction oriented perpendicular to the assembly direction. The side wall of the receptacle has a notch providing a passage for inserting the housing into the cavity. A lateral partition delimiting the cavity acts as a stop against which the housing is pressed at the end of its insertion stroke inside the cavity.

[0068] The connectors equipping the converter and the primary coil respectively are placed in the cooperation station by interlocking with each other at the end of the interlocking travel of the housing inside the recess. The interlocking connectors are at least partially constituting elements that retain the interlocking position between the housing and the receptacle.

[0069] The ring has around its circumference a plurality of cages for fixing the leaf springs, the proximal end of each leaf being embedded inside one of the cages assigned to him.

[0070] The leaf springs are thus firmly held in position on the ring. The mounting of the leaves on the ring at their proximal end does not prevent them from bending due to stress on the tabs bearing against the mass of the work surface when the induction charger is inserted into its housing.

[0071] The disc is assembled to the first module by reversible interlocking via hooks distributed around the periphery of the disc's recess. The hooks cooperate respectively with grooves distributed around the periphery of the receptacle cover, by rotating the disc on the receptacle around the assembly direction.

[0072] Such interlocking arrangements between the disc and the first module provide a reliable assembly between them, allowing the disc to support by suspension the assembly formed by the first module and the second module assembled together and inserted inside the housing provided by the worktop.

[0073] The invention also relates to alternative mounting methods for an induction charger according to the invention, based on different configurations of the induction charger that selectively utilize all or part of its modules, including at least the first and second modules. Such alternative mounting methods are, in particular, selectively implemented by an installer according to different configurations of the housings—blind or through-hole—made in the thickness of the worktop perpendicular to its extension plane.

[0074] A first method of mounting an induction charger of the invention is proposed, inside a blind recess formed in the thickness of a worktop. The blind recess opens onto the underside of the worktop and its bottom is oriented towards the upper side of the worktop.

[0075] In this context, the induction charger is configured according to the first specific induction charger and is inserted into the blind housing via its opening on the underside of the worktop. According to this configuration of the induction charger, the assembly process successively comprises the following operations: -) check the correct configuration of the induction charger in accordance with the first specific induction charger, and if not, configure it correctly by excluding the third module and / or by turning the ring around along its extension plane by tilting the tabs towards the base of the first module; -) Insert the first specific induction charger into the blind housing from its opening towards its back, until the receptacle is placed against the bottom of the windowless dwelling. Then, -) to control the centering and effective support of the first specific induction charger inside the blind housing, by means of the supports that bear against the wall of the worktop delimiting the blind housing; and -) in the absence of a marking on the upper face of the work surface of the position of the blind housing, provide such a marking.

[0076] It should be noted that the thickness of the bottom of the blind housing extending along the mounting direction can be limited to a few millimeters - such as on the order of three millimeters - to promote a fast and efficient energy charging of the electronic device by the first specific induction charger.

[0077] A second method of mounting an induction charger of the invention is also proposed, inside a housing passing through a movable worktop along its entire thickness, opening at each of its ends respectively on the upper face and the lower face of the worktop.

[0078] In this context, the induction charger is configured according to the second specific induction charger and is inserted into the through-housing via its opening on the upper surface of the worktop. According to this configuration of the induction charger, the assembly process comprises the following successive operations: -) check the correct configuration of the induction charger in accordance with the second specific induction charger, and failing that configure it correctly by assembling the third module to the first module and / or by turning the ring around along its extension plane by tilting the tabs towards the third module; -) Insert the second specific induction charger into the through-hole from its opening on the top surface of the worktop to its opening on the bottom surface of the worktop, until the disc of the third module is placed against the top surface of the worktop at the edge of the opening of the housing on the top surface of the worktop. Then; -) check the centering inside the through housing of the second charger by specific induction due to the support of the spoilers against the wall of the worktop delimiting the through housing by elastic deformation of the slats, and check the support in suspension by the disc of the assembly comprising the first module assembled to the second module.

[0079] It should be taken into account that the organization and in particular the structural modularity of an induction charger according to the invention, particularly with regard to the structural and reversible assembly methods between the modules and / or between their components, do not preclude other possible configurations of the induction charger to form various other specific induction chargers and / or various other Installation methods for an induction charger according to the invention on a mobile work surface.

[0080] In other words, it should be noted that the various configurations of an induction charger according to the invention in specific induction chargers - and their alternative methods of mounting on a work surface which have just been described - are not restrictive with regard to other possible configurations of an induction charger according to the invention in various other specific induction chargers and / or with regard to other alternative methods of installing an induction charger according to the invention on a work surface. Presentation of the figures

[0081] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment, in relation to the following figures: [Fig. 1] is an exploded perspective view of an induction charger according to the invention, based on an example configuration of its architecture. All the modules comprising the illustrated induction charger and their components are shown successively along an assembly direction of the induction charger, separated by a distance from one another. [Fig.2] is an exploded perspective view of a first module of the induction charger shown in [Fig.1], comprising a receiver box for a converter and a receiver receptacle for a primary coil. [Fig.3] is a top perspective view of the components of the first module shown in Figures 1 and 2. The housing containing the converter and the receptacle containing the primary coil are shown separated from each other, being placed at a distance from each other along a radial interlocking direction between them. [Fig.4] is a perspective view from below of the components of the first module shown in Figures 1 to 3. As in [Fig.3], the housing containing the converter and the receptacle containing the primary coil are shown separated from each other, being placed at a distance from each other along the direction of radial interlocking between them. [Fig.5] is a perspective view of the first module shown in Figures 1 to 4. The components of the first module, including the housing containing the converter and the receptacle containing the primary coil, are shown in the interlocking position with each other in the direction of assembly. [Fig.6] is an exploded perspective view of a second module of the induction charger shown in [Fig.1], intended to be mounted in the assembly direction on the receptacle shown in Figures 1 to 5. The second module includes a ring and a set of leaf springs angularly distributed around its outer periphery. [Fig.7] is a perspective view assembled along the assembly direction, of the components of the second module of the induction charger shown in figures 1 and 6. The leaf springs are installed on the ring by being mounted angularly distributed around the outer periphery of the ring. [Fig. 8] is an assembled perspective view, following the assembly direction, of the first module assembled as shown in [Fig. 5], onto which is mounted the second module assembled as shown in [Fig. 7]. The induction charger is configured as a specific first induction charger. [Fig.9] is an illustration of a first method of installation following a first direction of mounting of the induction charger inside a blind housing made in the thickness of a furniture worktop perpendicular to the extension plane of the worktop. [Fig. 10] is an exploded perspective view along the assembly direction of a third module of the induction charger shown in [Fig. 1], intended to be mounted on a cover of the receptacle shown in Figures 1 to 5. The third module includes a hollow disc, a support and a decorative element. [Fig.1 1] is an assembled perspective view, along the assembly direction, of the components of the third module of the induction charger shown in Figures 1 and 10. [Fig. 12] is a perspective view from below, along the assembly direction, of the first and second modules assembled together as shown in [Fig. 8]. The third module is shown assembled as shown in [Fig. 11] and attached to the first module. The induction charger, comprising the first module assembled to the second module and the third module assembled to the first module, is configured according to a specific second induction charger. [Fig. 13] illustrates a second installation method, following a second direction of mounting the induction charger within the thickness of a worktop. The induction charger is configured according to the second specific induction charger shown in [Fig. 12], and is installed inside a through-hole cut into the thickness of a worktop, perpendicular to the worktop extension plane. Detailed description of the invention

[0082] The figures and their detailed, non-limiting descriptions illustrate the invention in particular ways that are not restrictive as to the scope of the invention. The figures and their detailed descriptions of an exemplary embodiment of the invention may serve to further define it, if necessary in relation to the description given previously. Furthermore, to avoid overloading the figures and thus facilitate their reading, the Reference numbers indicated on any of the figures may be used in the description of any other figure without implying their presence on all figures.

[0083] In Figures 9 and 13, an electronic device 1 – such as, frequently, a mobile phone – is placed by a user on the upper surface 2a of a worktop 2 for charging. To this end, the worktop 2 is equipped with an inductive charger 3a or 3b, which is installed inside a recess 4a or 4b in the worktop 2. The recess 4a or 4b extends into the worktop 2 along its thickness, in a unidirectional mounting direction DM1 of the inductive charger 3a, 3b within the recess 4a or 4b that houses it, the mounting direction DM1 being oriented perpendicular to the worktop 2.

[0084] However, the housings 4a or 4b can be configured differently. For example, as illustrated in [Fig. 9], the housing can be configured as a blind housing 4a, the bottom of which 5a is oriented towards the upper face 2a of the work surface 2 and which has an opening 5b on the lower face 2b of the work surface 2. For example again, as illustrated in [Fig. 13], the housing can be a through housing 4b having an opening at each of its ends, respectively towards the upper face 2a and the lower face 2b of the work surface 2.

[0085] In this context, the invention proposes an induction charger 3a, 3b with a simple structure which allows an assembler to configure it quickly and easily, according to different installation modes inside the worktop 2. From the same induction charger 3a, 3b made available to the assembler, the assembler can quickly and easily adapt its configuration specifically into differentiated specific induction chargers 3a, 3b.

[0086] The specific induction chargers 3a, 3b can in particular be configured to allow their selective mounting and retention inside one of the various housings 4a or 4b mentioned above assigned to them, blind housing 4a or through housing 4b. In other words, the structure, arrangement and ergonomics of the induction charger 3a, 3b allow its rapid adaptation into various specific induction chargers 3a, 3b and their easy mounting inside a worktop 2, according in particular to the arrangement of said housings 4a or 4b which are specifically intended to receive them.

[0087] It is understood, but further clarified here in relation to the explanations that follow, that the induction charger 3a, 3b made available to the assembler comprises at least two modules, including at least a first module M1 and a second module M2. A third module M3 may be supplied to the assembler upon request, or may be supplied together with the first module M1 and the second module M3. module M2 separately or pre-assembled to the first module Ml.

[0088] In other words, at least the first module M1 and the second module M2, and potentially the third module M3, can be supplied to the assembler: -) or preferably pre-assembled, for example in a workshop, particularly with regard to the first module M1 and the second module M2 which constitute a first specific induction charger 3a, and potentially the third module M3 which participates jointly with the first module M1 and the second module M2 in the constitution of a second specific induction charger 3b, -) either separated from each other, in particular with regard to a separation of the third module M3 from the other two modules M1 and M2, the first module M1 and the second module M2 being themselves either pre-assembled together or separated from each other.

[0089] In [Fig. 1], the induction charger 3b comprises the first module M1, illustrated in isolation in Figures 2 to 5, the second module M2 illustrated in isolation in Figures 6 and 7 and the third module M3 illustrated in isolation in Figures 10 and 11. The modules M1, M2 and M3 are assembled successively with each other along a unidirectional assembly direction DA1 oriented in correspondence with the mounting direction DM1 of the induction charger 3a, 3b inside the housing 4a or 4b which comprises the work surface 2.

[0090] Depending on the arrangement of the housing 4a or 4b receiving the induction charger 3a, 3b, the induction charger 3b illustrated in [Fig.1] is configurable into various specific induction chargers 3a, 3b, each comprising at least the first module M1 and the second module M2.

[0091] According to a configuration of the induction charger 3b specifically adapted for mounting inside a through housing 4b that comprises the worktop 2, the induction charger 3b further comprises a third module M3.

[0092] More specifically, in Figures 8 and 9, the induction charger can be configured as a first specific induction charger 3a comprising only the first module M1 and the second module M2, the third module M3 being excluded. The first specific induction charger 3a is notably configured to be installed inside a blind housing 4a as illustrated in [Fig. 9].

[0093] More specifically, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, the induction charger can be configured as a second specific induction charger 3b which includes the first module M1 and the second module M2, as well as the third module M3. The second specific induction charger 3b is notably configured to be installed inside a through-hole housing 4b as illustrated in [Fig. 13].

[0094] In [Fig. 1] and in more detail in Figures 2 to 5, the first module M1 comprises two components including a housing 6 housing a current converter 7 and a receptacle 8 housing a primary coil 9 generating an electromagnetic field allowing to charge the electrical energy reserve of the electronic device 1 installed on the work surface 2. Following the assembly direction DA1 - and therefore also following the mounting direction DM1 - the receptacle 8 is oriented towards the upper face 2a of the work surface 2 and the housing 6 is oriented towards the lower face 2b of the work surface 2 as illustrated in figures 9 and 13.

[0095] The housing ô comprises a base lOb integrated into a peripheral side wall 10a of the housing 6 which extends along the assembly direction DAl, between the base lOb and a cover 1 la of the housing ô which closes the internal volume of the housing 6 by being oriented towards the receptacle 8. The converter 7 is fixed inside the housing, in particular by screwing, and is connected to a remote electrical power source via a cable 18 with which the housing 6 is equipped.

[0096] The converter 7 is equipped with a connector 7a with USB ports which is mounted on an electronic board 14 positioned above and at a distance from the converter 7 along the assembly direction DA1. The electronic board 14 is connected to the converter 7, notably via a flexible ribbon cable 14a. Prior to the attachment of the cover 1la to the housing 6, the electronic board 14 is installed by sliding it Cl transversely to the assembly direction DA1, inside a housing 13a formed as a raised section of the cover 1la of the housing 6, with the connector 7a emerging from the housing 13a as illustrated in [Fig. 3].

[0097] The cover 1la of the housing 6 is in particular fixed by screwing to the peripheral side wall 10a of the housing 6, via a set of screws 12a. The screws 12a pass through the cover 1la of the housing 6 and are screwed into the inside of barrels 12b which extend, along the assembly direction DA1, to the inner face of the peripheral side wall 10a of the housing 6.

[0098] Like the housing 6, the receptacle 8 has a base 8a integrated into a peripheral side wall 8b of the receptacle 8, which extends along the assembly direction DA1 between the base 8a and a lid 8c of the receptacle 8, enclosing its internal volume. The lid 8c of the receptacle 8 is notably fixed by screwing to the side wall 8b of the receptacle 8, via a set of screws 12c passing through the lid 8c of the receptacle 8 and screwed respectively into the inside of barrels 13b integrated into the side wall 8b of the receptacle 8, extending into the inside of the receptacle 8.

[0099] The primary coil 9 is housed inside the receptacle 8 and is equipped with the connector 9a with USB ports connected to the underside of the primary coil 9. The connector 9a equipping the coil 9 is oriented perpendicular to the assembly direction DA1.

[0100] As can be seen in [Fig. 4], connector 9a passes through a partition by means of a push-fit connection lateral 8d inside of the receptacle 8 which laterally delimits the bottom 15a of a cavity 15 provided inside the receptacle 8. As a result of the passage through the lateral partition 8d by the connector 9a, the connector 9a opens towards the interior of the cavity 15.

[0101] The housing 6 and the receptacle 8 are assembled superimposed along the assembly direction DA1 by reversible interlocking, the receptacle 8 overhanging the housing 6 as illustrated in [Fig. 5]. For this purpose, as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the housing 6 and the receptacle 8 have respective interlocking elements 17a, 17b, which are notably formed by the box 13a of the housing 6 and which is housed inside the recess 15 provided in the bottom 8a of the receptacle 8.

[0102] The cavity 15 and the housing 13a cooperate by interlocking, being formed as right prisms with a rectangular base of complementary shapes. The housing 13a is formed as a raised section of the cover 1a of the casing 6 and is housed inside the cavity 15 formed in the bottom 8a of the receptacle 8. The complementary shape between the housing 13a and the cavity 15 provides a keying feature that requires the connectors 7a and 9a, respectively equipping the converter 7 and the primary coil 9, to cooperate.

[0103] As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the cover 1la of the housing 6 includes the housing 13a, which forms part of the interlocking element 17a fitted to the housing 6. The housing 13a is shaped as a raised section of the cover 1la of the housing, forming a male interlocking element 17a oriented towards the bottom 8a of the receptacle 8, which has the recess 15 formed within its internal volume. The recess 15 forms part of the interlocking element 17b fitted to the receptacle 8, forming a female interlocking element 17b that houses the housing 13a.

[0104] The cavity 15 has a clearance 15b open towards the box 13a along the assembly direction DA1, and has a lateral outlet 15c provided by a notch 15d which is partially included in the lateral wall 8b of the receptacle 8. To facilitate the operation of fitting the box 13a inside the cavity, the box 13a can first be partially inserted inside the cavity 15 via the clearance 15b. Then the box 13a can be fully inserted inside the cavity 15 in the final position of interlocking between the housing 6 and the receptacle 8, by sliding the box 13a along an interlocking direction DC1 perpendicular to the assembly direction DA1, through the lateral opening 15c which is provided by the lateral wall 8b of the receptacle 8.

[0105] The connector 9a, which is fitted to the primary coil 9, emerges from the interior volume of the receptacle 8 by passing through the lateral partition 8d of the receptacle 8, which laterally closes the compartment 15, separating the interior volume of the compartment 15 from that of the receptacle 8 housing the primary coil 9. At the end of the insertion stroke between the housing 6 and the receptacle 8 by butting the box 13a against the inner side partition 8d of the receptacle 8, the connector 7a equipping the converter 7 and emerging out of the box 13a, is forced to cooperate with the connector 9a equipping the primary coil 9 which emerges out of the inner volume of the receptacle through the inner side partition 8d of the receptacle 8.

[0106] The close-fitting cooperation between the connectors 7a, 9a equipping respectively the converter 7 and the primary coil 9, provides immobilization of the housing 13a inside the cavity 15. The housing 6 and the receptacle 8 are then assembled together superimposed along the assembly direction DA1 - as illustrated in [Fig.5] - via the connectors 7a, 9a which are firmly fitted together.

[0107] On [Fig.1], figures 6 to 9 and figures 12, 13, the second module M2 includes a ring 16 and a set of leaf springs 21 - three in number in the illustrated example - which are angularly distributed on the outer periphery of the ring 16. The ring 16 has an internal thread 16a for its reversible mounting by screwing onto the first module ML. More specifically, the ring 16 has an internal thread 16a which cooperates by screwing with an external thread 16b which has the receptacle 8.

[0108] The leaf springs 20 with leaflets 21 are fixed to the ring 16 by fitting the proximal end 21a of the leaflets 21—including their end closest to the ring 16—into cages 22 which are angularly distributed around the periphery of the ring 16 and which receive, by a firm fit, the proximal ends 21a of the leaflets 21 assigned to them. The other distal end 21b of the leaflets 21 is shaped into a tapered spur 23 providing a sharp edge. The spurs 23 are inclined with respect to the extension axis of the ring 16, or in other words, with respect to the assembly direction DA1 and consequently to the mounting direction DM1.

[0109] By way of non-restrictive indication, the spoilers 23 are inclined at an angle between 30° and 45° with respect to the extension axis of the ring 16. The spoilers 23 can be inclined either towards the cover 8c of the receptacle 8, or towards the housing 6. For this purpose, the ring 16 is mounted by reversible screwing onto the receptacle 8 allowing - after its removal from the receptacle 8 - its reversal along its extension plane Pl. Such a reversal of the ring 16 makes it possible to orient the second module M2 in two opposite orientations along the assembly direction DA1 and consequently along the mounting direction DM1.

[0110] The spoilers 23 are thus inclined in the opposite direction SI or S2 of insertion of the induction charger according to the configuration of the housing, blind housing 4a or through housing 4b as illustrated in figures 9 and 13. According to a first reversal position of the ring 16 assembled to the receptacle 8 as illustrated in figures 7 to 9, the spoilers 23 are inclined towards the lower face of the ring 16. According to a second reversed position of the ring 16 assembled to the receptacle 8 as illustrated in figures 12 and 13, the spoilers 23 are inclined towards the upper face of the ring 16.

[0111] In figures 1, 12 and 13, the induction charger is configured as a specific second induction charger 3b comprising the first module M1, the second module M2 and the third module M3 which is illustrated separately in figures 10 and 11. More particularly visible in figures 1, 10 and 11, the third module M3 comprises a hollow disc 24, a plate 25 for closing the hollow 24a of the disc 24 and incidentally a decorative indicator 26 for dressing the plate 25 on its upper face along the assembly direction DA1 and consequently the assembly direction DM1.

[0112] The plate 25 provides a support for the electronic device 1 to be loaded via the primary coil 9, as illustrated in [Fig. 13]. The plate 25 – incidentally covered on its upper surface by the decorative indicator 26 – is assembled to the hollowed-out disc 24 by interlocking, as illustrated in [Fig. 11]. According to the illustrated example, the third module M3 is assembled by reversible hooking to the receptacle 8 constituting the first module M1, as illustrated in Figures 12 and 13.

[0113] Particularly visible in [Fig.10], the hollowed-out disc 24 has hooks 27a which are angularly distributed around the periphery of the hollow 24a of the disc 24. Particularly visible in Figures 2 to 5 and 8 to 9, the lid 8c of the receptacle 8 has grooves 27b around its periphery.

[0114] The reversible assembly between the first module M1 and the third module M3 is achieved by introducing the hooks 27a into the grooves 27b which are respectively assigned to them, from a relative pivoting PV1 - around the assembly direction DA1 - between the hollowed disc 24 and the first module M1, more specifically between the hollowed disc 24 and the cover 8c of the receptacle 8.

[0115] It appears from the embodiment examples described in relation to figures 1 to 13 that the induction charger is configurable into at least two specific induction chargers distinct from each other, including a first specific induction charger 3a and a second specific induction charger 3b.

[0116] As illustrated in Figures 8 and 9, the first specific induction charger 3a comprises only the first module M1 and the second module M2, which are assembled together along the assembly direction DA1 and consequently along the mounting direction DM1. The ring 16 is screwed onto the first module M1 and more specifically onto the receptacle 8, in a first reversible position along its extension plane PI in which the inclination of the tabs 23 is oriented towards the housing 6.

[0117] As illustrated in Figures 12 and 13, the second induction charger 3b The specific assembly comprises all the components of the first module M1 and all the components of the second module M2. The first module M1 and the second module M2 are assembled together according to the assembly method for the first module M1 and the second module M2 of the first specific induction charger 3a. The ring 16 is screwed onto the first module M1 and more specifically onto the receptacle 8.

[0118] Unlike the first specific 3a induction charger, the second specific 3b induction charger: -) further comprises the third module M3 which is fixed by reversible interlocking onto the first module M1, and more specifically onto the cover 8c of the receptacle 8, and -) The ring 16 is mounted by screwing in a second reversing position along its extension plane PI, according to which the inclination of the spoilers 23 is oriented towards the third module M3.

[0119] It emerges in summary that from the overall architecture of the first specific induction charger 3a, the configuration of the first specific induction charger 3a can be quickly and easily modified into another configuration, in particular a configuration specific to the second specific induction charger 3b, and this without significantly increasing the overall size of the first specific induction charger 3a.

[0120] Furthermore, the various modules M1, M2, M3 and / or their components comprising the specific induction chargers 3a, 3b are assembled together in an easily reversible manner. This has the advantage of allowing individual access to each of the modules M1, M2, M3 and / or their components in the event of a malfunction of the specific induction chargers 3a, 3b, which may require maintenance. Moreover, the assembly and / or disassembly operations between the modules M1, M2, M3 comprising the various specific induction chargers 3a, 3b can be carried out without the use of tools. This makes the assembly of the different modules M1, M2, M3 together quick and easy.

[0121] The assembly of the various modules M1, M2, M3 together in various specific induction chargers 3a, 3b can be carried out quickly, while ensuring the relevance of the correct configuration of the various specific induction chargers 3a, 3b - in particular with regard to the assembly by interlocking and the relative immobilization between the housing 6 and the receptacle 8 - as well as the reliability obtained from the electrical connection between the converter 7 and the primary coil 9 via the connectors 7a, 9a which they respectively have.

[0122] Furthermore, the assembly operations of any of the specific induction chargers 3a, 3b inside the specific housings 4a, 4b provided in the plane of The tasks assigned to them, 2, can be carried out quickly and easily by an assembler. Indeed, such assembly operations can be performed without the need for tools – neither common nor specific – by simply sliding the specific induction chargers 3a, 3b into the housings 4a or 4b assigned to them respectively.

[0123] Regardless of the specific induction charger configurations 3a or 3b, the modules M1, M2, M3 and / or their respective components are assembled together and mounted inside the work surface 2 in the same direction, the mounting direction DM1 being oriented in the same assembly direction DA1 between the modules M1, M2, M3 and / or their respective components.

[0124] More specifically, in Figures 9 and 13, the specific induction chargers 3a, 3b are inserted similarly by simply sliding them into their designated slots 4a or 4b, in the two opposite directions SI and S2 of the same unidirectional mounting direction DM1. Regardless of the direction SI or S2 of insertion of the specific induction chargers 3a, 3b into their designated slots 4a or 4b, the leaflets 21 of the springs 20 are then jointly subjected to bending by bearing – via the tabs 23 – against the wall of the work surface 2 delimiting the slots 4a or 4b according to the mounting direction DM1.

[0125] The firm contact of the supports 23 against the wall of the work surface 2 ensures at least correct centering of the specific induction chargers 3a, 3b within their designated housing 4a or 4b. Furthermore, the contact of the supports 23 against the wall of the work surface 2, which defines the housings 4a or 4b, reinforces the interlocking position between the housing 6 and the receptacle 8 of the first module M1, which are not subjected to opposing transverse stresses, thus ensuring the quality of the connection between the converter 7 and the primary coil 9 via the connectors 7a, 9a.

[0126] More specifically on [Fig.9], the first specific induction charger 3a is introduced inside a blind housing 4a in a first direction SI of the mounting direction DM1, until the cover 8c of the receptacle 8 is brought to a stop at the bottom of the blind housing 4a, the thickness of which El is moderate - such as on the order of a few millimeters - to place the primary coil 9 as close as possible to the upper face 2a of the work surface 2 on which the electronic device 1 to be charged is placed by a user.

[0127] The diametral dimensioning DI of the blind housing 4a is preferably calibrated to force the deflection of the slats 21 of the springs 20 and consequently reinforce the bearing surface of the supports 23 against the wall of the worktop 2 delimiting the housing blind 4a. This advantageously promotes a firm support against - or even a moderate anchoring of the spoilers 23 in - the mass of the worktop 2 under the effect of the weight of the first specific induction charger 3a supported by the spoilers 23 which are inclined towards the lower face 2b of the worktop 2.

[0128] More specifically, in [Fig. 13], the second specific induction charger 3b is inserted into a through-hole 4b in a second direction S2 of the mounting direction DM1. The second specific induction charger 3b is inserted into the through-hole 4b until the third module M3 – via the disc 24 – is pressed against the upper face 2a of the work surface 2.

[0129] The hooking of the third module M3 to the cover 8c of the receptacle 8 at its periphery, based on a relative pivoting PV1 between the third module M3 and the first module M1, generates a holding force on the disc 24 of the second specific induction charger 3b, which is oriented inversely to the direction S2 of insertion of the second specific induction charger 3b into the through-hole 4b. The second specific induction charger 3b is thus effectively supported inside the through-hole 4b by the disc 24, which bears against the edge of the upper opening of the through-hole 4b, against the weight of the first module M1 assembled to the second module M2.

Claims

Demands

1. An induction charger arranged as an accessory for the equipment of a worktop (2) within a housing (4a, 4b) therein, the induction charger (3a, 3b) being arranged as a device for electrically charging an electronic appliance (1) placed on the upper surface (2a) of the worktop (2), the induction charger (3a, 3b) comprising at least one container equipped with a centering ring (16) within the housing (4a, 4b) which receives it, the container housing respectively: -) an electric current converter (7) which is equipped with an electrical connection cable (18) to a remote electrical power source, -) a primary coil (9) generating an electromagnetic field, the converter (7) and the primary coil (9) being electrically connected to each other via cooperating connectors (7a, 9a) with which they are respectively equipped, characterized: in that the induction charger (3a, 3b) comprises at least two modules which are fixed together by reversible assembly, of which: -) a first module (M1) comprising a housing (6) containing the converter (7) and a receptacle (8) containing the primary coil (9), which are removably assembled together along a unidirectional assembly direction (DA1) of the components of the induction charger (3a, 3b), and -) a second module (M2) comprising said ring (16) which is removably mounted on the first module (M1), the ring (16) being equipped around its periphery with a set of leaf springs (20) (21) which are angularly distributed around its outer periphery, and in that a proximal end (21a) of each of the leaflets (21) is fixed to the ring (16), the other distal end (21b) of each of the leaflets (21) being arranged in a protruding beak (23) on the outer periphery of the ring (16), the beaks (23) being inclined with respect to said assembly direction (DA1) providing at least induction centering elements for the charger inside said housing (4a, 4b) which receives it, the ring (16) being mounted by reversible fastening on the first module (M1) in two alternative fastening positions, by reversing the ring (16) according to its expansion plan.

2. Induction charger according to 1, characterized in that it comprises a third module (M3) including at least one hollow disc (24) which is mounted by reversible assembly to the first module (M1) via cooperating interlocking members which they respectively comprise, the disc (24) being equipped at least with a plate (25) for closing its hollow (24a) which provides a support dedicated to supporting the electronic device (1) to be charged via the primary coil (9).

3. Induction charger according to claim 2, characterized in that the two said alternative reversible fixing positions of the ring (16) on the first module (Ml) comprise: -) a first position of the ring (16) on the first module (Ml) according to which the spoilers (23) are inclined towards the base of the first module (Ml), in accordance with a first arrangement of the induction charger in a specific first induction charger (3a), the third module (M3) being removed from the first module (Ml), and -) a second position of the ring (16) on the first module (Ml) according to which the spoilers (23) are oriented towards the top of the first module (Ml) in accordance with a second arrangement of the induction charger in a specific second induction charger (3b), the third module (M3) being assembled to the first module (Ml).

4. Induction charger according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the housing (6) and the receptacle (8) are assembled together along the assembly direction (DA1) by reversible interlocking, via cooperating interlocking members (17a, 17b) with which they are respectively provided and which provide a keying feature constraining the cooperation between the connectors (7a, 9a) with which the converter (7) and the primary coil (9) are respectively equipped in the interlocking position between the housing (6) and the receptacle (8).

5. Induction charger according to claim 4, characterized in that the housing (6) comprises a base (10b) surmounted by a lid (lla) closing its internal volume, the lid (lla) of the housing (6) being oriented towards a base (8a) of the receptacle (8), the base (10b) and the lid (1la) of the housing (6) being connected to each other at a distance from each other by a peripheral side wall (10a) of the housing (6) which extends between its base (10b) and its lid (1la) along the assembly direction (DA1), in that the base (8a) of the receptacle (8) is surmounted by a lid (8c) closing the internal volume of the receptacle (8), the base (8a) and the cover (8c) of the receptacle (8) being connected to each other at a distance along the assembly direction (DA1) by a peripheral side wall (8b) of the receptacle (8), and in that the cover (1a) of the housing (6) is partially raised by a box (13a) which is oriented towards the bottom (8a) of the receptacle (8), the bottom (8a) of the receptacle (8) providing a cavity (15) of complementary shape to the box (13a) which is delimited by partitions which extend partly inside the volume of the receptacle (8) delimited by its side wall (8b), the complementarity of shape between the box (13a) and the cavity (15) which houses it by interlocking being at least partly constitutive of the keying.

6. Induction charger according to claim 5, characterized in that the cavity (15) is arranged as a guide channel for the housing (13a) along an insertion direction (DC1) oriented perpendicular to the assembly direction (DA1), the side wall (8b) of the receptacle (8) having a notch (15d) providing a passage for the insertion of the housing (13a) into the cavity (15), a side partition (8d) delimiting the cavity (15) constituting a stop against which the housing (13a) is pressed at the end of its insertion stroke inside the cavity (15), and in that the connectors (7a, 9a) equipping respectively the converter (7) and the primary coil (9) are placed in a position for interlocking at the end of the housing's insertion stroke (13a) inside the cavity (15), the connectors (7a,9a) nested together, being at least partly constituting retaining elements in the nested position between the housing (6) and the receptacle (8).

7. Induction charger according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the ring (16) has around its perimeter a plurality of cages (22) for fixing leaf springs (20) (21), the proximal end (21a) of each of the leaf (21) being embedded inside one of the cages (22) assigned to it.

8. An induction charger according to claim 2 and any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the disc (24) is assembled to the first module (M1) by reversible interlocking via hooks (27a) distributed around the periphery of the recess (24a) of the disc (24) and which cooperate respectively with grooves (27b) distributed around the periphery of the cover (8c) of the receptacle (8), by rotary pivoting (PV1). of the disk (24) on the receptacle (8) around the assembly direction (DA1).

9. A method for mounting an induction charger according to any one of claims 3 to 8, inside a blind housing (4a) formed in the thickness of a worktop (2), the blind housing (4a) opening onto the lower face (2b) of the worktop (2) and its bottom (5a) being oriented towards the upper face (2a) of the worktop (2), characterized in that the induction charger is arranged in accordance with the first specific induction charger (3a) and is introduced inside the blind housing (4a) via its opening (5b) on the lower face (2b) of the worktop (2), the mounting method successively comprises the following operations: -) Check the correct arrangement of the induction charger according to the first specific induction charger (3a), and if not, arrange it correctly by removing the third module (M3) and / or by reversing the ring (16) along its extension plane (PI) by tilting the tabs (23) towards the base of the first module (M1), -) Insert the first specific induction charger (3a) into the blind housing (4a) from its opening (5b) towards its bottom (5a), until the receptacle (8) is placed against the bottom (5a) of the blind housing (4a), then, -) to control the centering and effective support of the first specific induction charger (3a) inside the blind housing (4a) by the spoilers (23) bearing against the wall of the worktop (2) delimiting the blind housing (4a), and -) in the absence of a marking on the upper face (2a) of the work surface (2) of the position of the blind housing (4a), provide such a marking.

10. A method for mounting an induction charger according to any one of claims 3 to 8, inside a through-hole (4b) in a worktop (2) extending through its entire thickness, opening at each of its ends respectively into the upper face (2a) and the lower face (2b) of the worktop (2), characterized in that the induction charger being arranged according to the specific second induction charger (3b) and introduced inside the through-hole (4b) via its opening into the upper face (2a) of the worktop (2), the mounting method successively comprises the following operations: -) Check the correct arrangement of the induction charger according to to the second specific induction charger (3b), and failing that arrange it correctly by assembling the third module (M3) to the first module (M1) and / or by turning the ring (16) along its extension plane by tilting the tabs (23) towards the third module (M3), -) insert the second specific induction charger (3b) into the through-hole (4b) from its opening on the upper face (2a) of the worktop (2) to its opening on the lower face (2b) of the worktop (2), until the disc (24) of the third module (M3) is placed against the upper face (2a) of the worktop (2) at the edge of the opening of the through-hole (4b) on the upper face (2a) of the worktop (2), then, -) check the centering inside the through housing(4b) of the second specific induction charger (3b) as a result of the support of the spoilers (23) against the wall of the work surface (2) delimiting the through housing (4b) by elastic deformation of the slats (21), and check the support in suspension by the disc (24) of the assembly comprising the first module (M1) assembled to the second module (M2).

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