Power supply charging device, kit and operation method

Abstract

The switch-mode power supply charging device (50) of the machines (20, 30, 32) includes a circuit (60) having a wireless interface circuit (92), and the circuit (60) is operative to obtain device-related data for at least one personal care device (20, 30, 32) and transmit the device-related data via the wireless interface circuit (92).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention specifically relates to a power supply charging device for supplying charging power to a rechargeable battery of a device, which is equipped with a personal care device. The present invention specifically relates to a technology that enables communication of device-related data. The present invention also relates to a power supply charging device, a kit and a system comprising the power supply charging device, and a method of operating the power supply charging device that enables communication of device-related data.

Background Art

[0002] Personal care devices are widely used. Examples of such devices include hair removal, cutting, or trimming (shavers, body groomers, hair removal devices, etc.), or oral care devices (toothbrushes, tongue cleaning devices, or oral shower devices, etc.). Many personal care devices or accessories used in association therewith are equipped with electronic components that monitor and record data related to each device. Some or all of the data can be used to generate an output provided via a dedicated user interface provided on the device or on a user terminal that can be communicatively connected to the device. Some or all of the data can be used for maintenance or other service-related purposes.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] In order to improve user convenience, it is desirable to provide further improvements in the technical field of communication of device-related data, particularly in the technical field related to personal care devices.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide an improved device, kit, system, and method that facilitate the transmission of data collected by a device, particularly a personal care device. In particular, the object of the present invention is to enable device-related data to be transmitted over a desired wireless communication standard (such as a member of the IEEE 802.11 standard family) without the device itself having to have (while still making it possible) the communication circuitry required for its particular communication standard. Further, the object of the present invention is to provide such a device that can be manufactured in an efficient manner.

[0005] These objects are addressed by the switch-mode power supply charging device according to claim 1, the kit according to claim 7, and the method according to claim 10. Advantageous embodiments are described by the dependent claims.

[0006] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a switch-mode power supply charging device having connector pins for engaging with a power outlet and a device power connector further comprises a circuit that operates to acquire and transmit device-related data.

[0007] A switch-mode power supply charging device for a device (such as a personal care device) according to an embodiment comprises connector pins that operate to engage with a power outlet, a power supply cable comprising a device power connector, and a wireless interface circuit, and a circuit that operates to acquire device-related data for at least one device and transmit the device-related data via the wireless interface circuit.

[0008] A switched-mode power supply charging device for charging a rechargeable battery of a personal care device includes a connector pin that operates to engage with an electrical outlet, a power supply cable having a device power connector, a power plug housing from which the connector pin protrudes and which is attached to an end of the power supply cable opposite the end where the device power connector is provided, and a circuit including an AC / DC switched-mode converter and a wireless interface circuit. The power plug housing houses the circuit, and the circuit operates to obtain device-related data for at least one personal care device via at least one further communication interface different from the wireless interface circuit, and the wireless interface circuit operates to transmit the device-related data.

[0009] A kit according to one embodiment includes one or several devices (such as personal care devices) and a switched-mode power supply charging device, and the power supply charging device operates to transmit device-related data obtained for at least some of the one or several devices.

[0010] A method for obtaining and transmitting device-related data according to one embodiment is performed by a power supply charging device including a connector pin that operates to engage with an electrical outlet, a power supply cable having a device power connector, and a circuit having a wireless interface circuit. The method includes obtaining, by the circuit, device-related data for at least one device, and transmitting, by the circuit, the device-related data via the wireless interface circuit.

[0011] Advantageously, the switch-mode power supply battery charger not only charges the battery of the personal care device but also functions as a data hub. The charger comprises a wireless interface circuit for transmitting data. The charger is also connectable to the personal care device and comprises a cable operable in one direction or bidirectionally, i.e., in a first direction from the charger to the personal care device for charging the personal care device and in the opposite direction for obtaining data of the personal care device to the charger, for charging only. The data is then further transmitted by the integrated wireless interface circuit via an Internet connection for further use or analysis. As a result, the personal care device no longer requires a wireless interface circuit. Optionally or alternatively, the personal care device comprises a communication interface different from the wireless interface circuit for obtaining data from one or more wired (e.g., by the above charger cable) and / or wireless (e.g., by Bluetooth) devices.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding elements.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The features of the embodiments can be combined with each other unless otherwise explicitly described.

[0014] The embodiments are described in relation to a power supply and charging device for personal care devices, as well as systems, kits, and methods that may involve personal care devices, but the technology is not limited thereto. For the sake of explanation, the power supply and charging device may operate to supply power to household devices, which may or may not be personal care devices. Kitchen appliances are examples of such devices.

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a power supply and charging device, as well as kits, systems, and methods associated therewith. The power supply and charging device has communication capabilities. The power supply and charging device operates to acquire and transmit device-related data.

[0016] As used herein, the phrases "power supply" or "supplying power" include the provision of electrical energy to a device for live use of the device (e.g., for using the electrical energy supplied to drive an electromechanical actuator), and optionally, the provision of electrical energy to charge a battery that may be present.

[0017] Power supply charging devices can take various forms and configurations, such as, but not limited to, more complex power supply charging devices that include a power cord and / or a frame that supports the device and provides power to the device during charging and / or cleaning.

[0018] The communication capabilities of a power supply charging device are used not only in association with devices that the power supply charging device can supply power to, but can also be used in association with devices that may require different types of power supply charging devices and / or devices that may not require power, for example, because they do not include an electromechanical actuator.

[0019] The "device-related data" acquired and transmitted by a power supply charging device can be any one or any combination of the following, or can include them. Data related to a device with which the power supply charging device is engaged or otherwise coupled to provide power. Data related to a device that the power supply charging device is mechanically engageable or otherwise couplable to provide power to, but is not engaged during data transmission, and / or Data related to a device that the power supply charging device is not mechanically engageable or couplable to provide power to.

[0020] A switch-mode power supply charging device for a device according to one embodiment includes a connector pin that operates to engage with an electrical outlet, a power supply cable having a device power connector, and a circuit that includes a wireless interface circuit and operates to obtain device-related data for at least one device and transmit the device-related data via the wireless interface circuit. Alternatively or additionally, the circuit may operate to receive data and, optionally after processing, provide the data to one or several personal care devices using wired or wireless communication.

[0021] Integrating the (circuit that operates to obtain and transmit device-related data) into the power supply charging device enables the device-related data to be transmitted, for example, to a wide area network (WAN) and / or a user terminal, without the need for an interface for communication with the WAN to be present in the device itself (although still possible), and without the user having to communicatively couple a terminal device (such as a cellular phone, wearable, tablet, or portable or fixed computer) to the device for the transmission of the device-related data.

[0022] The power supply charging device may be a power supply charging device for a personal care device. This facilitates the use of a power supply charging device associated with a personal care device. Users tend to have various personal care devices for daily use, and not all of them (or even any of them) are equipped with the desired wireless data communication capabilities (e.g., communication with a server connected to a WAN). The power supply charging device provides this communication capability.

[0023] The power supply and charging device can be a power supply and charging device for household appliances such as home appliances. This facilitates the use of the power supply and charging device associated with the home appliance. Users tend to have various home appliances for daily use, and not all of them (or even any of them) are equipped with the desired wireless data communication capability (for example, communication with a server connected to the WAN). The power supply and charging device provides this communication capability.

[0024] The circuit can be disposed within a power plug housing that operates to engage with an electrical outlet. The connector pins can protrude from the power plug housing. The power plug housing and the device power connector can be disposed at both ends of the power supply cable.

[0025] Providing the circuit in the power plug housing offers ease of manufacture and facilitates recyclability. For illustration, the circuit can be mounted on (and external to) the watertight shell of the power plug housing that houses the converter. A failure of the circuit with communication capability allows the circuit to be replaced while enabling the converter to be recycled. A failure of the converter allows the circuit with communication capability to be disassembled from the failed converter and combined with an operable converter. The power plug enables configurability as the communication capability can be selectively provided when desired.

[0026] The circuit can include a converter that operates to perform voltage down-conversion. This enables the device power connector to output a voltage level that is safe for the end user. This also allows one or several integrated circuits (ICs) of the circuit and / or the wireless interface circuit to be supplied with the down-converted voltage provided by the converter.

[0027] The converter may include galvanic isolation (e.g., by a transformer). This enables galvanic isolation to be implemented between the connector pins and the device power connector.

[0028] The converter may be an AC / DC converter. This facilitates the use of a power supply charging device for personal care devices that require a DC supply.

[0029] The converter may be a switched mode power supply (SMPS). This facilitates the use of a power supply charging device for deriving the operating power of the device from the voltage of the power outlet.

[0030] The circuit may include a communication circuit connected to the output of the converter. The communication circuit may include a wireless interface circuit. This enables the circuit and its wireless interface circuit to be powered by the output of the converter. The output of the converter may also supply power for use by the device. The power supplied to the device may pass through the circuit.

[0031] The circuit may be operative to acquire and transmit device-related data for one or several personal care devices. This facilitates the use of a power supply charging device associated with the personal care device. Users tend to have various personal care devices for daily use, and not all of them (or even any of them) are equipped with the desired wireless data communication capabilities (e.g., communication with a server connected to a WAN). The power supply charging device provides this communication capability.

[0032] The circuit can operate to obtain at least a portion of the device-related data for the personal care device while the personal care device is engaged with the device power connector, and / or to obtain at least a portion of the device-related data for one or some second personal care devices while the device power connector is engaged with a first personal care device that is different from the one or some second personal care devices. This enables the power supply charging device to act as a communication hub that enables communication between the personal care device and, for example, a computing device remote from the personal care device via a wireless communication technology.

[0033] The circuit can operate to obtain some or all of the device-related data via at least one additional communication interface that is different from the wireless interface circuit.

[0034] The at least one additional communication interface can include a wired communication circuit that operates to obtain device-related data via a conductor that also operates to supply power to the device. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one additional communication interface can include an additional wireless interface circuit that is different from the wireless interface circuit. This enables the power supply charging device to obtain device-related data for transmission from one or some devices without requiring the device to support the communication technology used by the power supply charging device for transmitting the device-related data.

[0035] The circuit can operate to transmit data received by the wireless interface circuit to the personal care device. This enables data for configuring the personal care device, firmware or software updates for the personal care device, or other data to be provided to the personal care device via the power supply charging device without requiring the personal care device itself to have an interface that enables the device to access a repository in which configuration data, firmware or software updates are stored.

[0036] The circuit can operate for one-way or two-way communication with a personal care device.

[0037] One-way or two-way communication with a personal care device can be established via at least one additional communication interface. The two-way communication capability can be used by a power supply charging device to provide data for configuring the personal care device, update data for the personal care device, or other data to the personal care device.

[0038] The power supply charging device can comprise a watertight shell from which connector pins protrude. The watertight shell can contain a converter such as an AC / DC converter therein. The watertight shell can have an IPX rating of IPX4 or higher, but is not limited thereto. Safety during use in an environment frequently encountered by a personal care device (such as a shaving or oral care device) is achieved.

[0039] The watertight shell can have an outer surface, and the circuit can be mounted on the outer surface of the watertight shell. This facilitates the assembly of the circuit that provides the communication capability.

[0040] The outer surface of the watertight shell on which the circuit is mounted need not be an exposed surface, but can be covered by an enclosure.

[0041] The power supply charging device can further comprise an enclosure attached to the watertight shell, and the circuit is disposed within the enclosure (i.e., the circuit is sandwiched between the enclosure and the outer surface of the watertight shell).

[0042] The watertight shell and the enclosure can be combined to form a power plug housing for a power plug that operates to engage with an electrical outlet.

[0043] The enclosure can be an end cap attached to a watertight shell. This facilitates the assembly of the power plug by assembling the circuit on the outer surface of the watertight shell and then enclosing the circuit with the enclosure.

[0044] The circuit can have a configuration mode in which a wireless interface circuit can be configured for subsequent transmission of device-related data. The configuration mode enables the power supply charging device to receive the information required to transmit the device-related data.

[0045] The configuration mode can operate so as not to enable communication between the power supply charging device and the device to be configured from which the device-related data is to be obtained. The communication between the power supply charging device and the device can be implemented in a manner encoded in the power supply charging device and the device respectively. The communication between at least one of the power supply charging device and the device for obtaining the device-related data can be implemented using a unique communication technology such as communication via the conductors of the power supply cable.

[0046] The power supply charging device can include a user interface.

[0047] The circuit can operate to enter the configuration mode in response to a user input operation at the user interface. This facilitates the start of the configuration mode.

[0048] In the configuration mode, the circuit can operate to receive the configuration information required for subsequent transmission of the device-related data to a remote computing device via an access point.

[0049] The user interface may be capable of outputting information related to the operation of the power supply charging device (e.g., its communication status or configuration status). The user interface may be capable of enabling the power supply charging device to be configured to communicate with, for example, an access point. This may be done via communication with a user terminal and need only be selectively established for the purpose of configuring the access point and not for subsequent transmission of device-related data.

[0050] The user interface may comprise at least one actuating element for operating to put the communication circuit into a configuration mode. The actuating element may comprise a physical actuating element. The actuating element may comprise a button which may be a soft button or a hard button.

[0051] The user interface may comprise at least one status indicator for operating to output status information related to the communication circuit. Optionally, at least one status indicator may comprise several light segments. The status indicator may comprise one or several light-emitting elements. The status indicator may comprise one or several LEDs. The status indicator may comprise one or several LED-based light segments which may be arranged partially or entirely around the circumference of the end face of the power plug. This enables several status indicators to be integrated on a small area.

[0052] The power supply charging device may comprise a memory. This facilitates temporarily storing device-related data before transmission.

[0053] The memory may comprise a persistent memory. The persistent memory may store therein access information that enables the communication circuit to communicate via an access point and / or transmit device-related data to a server or a computer.

[0054] The persistent memory may store security-related data therein, and the communication circuit operates to use the security-related data for data obfuscation, encryption, and / or authentication when transmitting device-related data.

[0055] The circuit may operate to receive configuration information via a wireless interface circuit or via a second wireless interface circuit different from the wireless interface circuit. This enables, for example, using a user terminal to configure the circuit of the power supply charging device.

[0056] A kit according to one embodiment includes one or several devices and a power supply charging device, and the power supply charging device operates to transmit device-related data to one or several devices.

[0057] The power supply charging device operates to act as a communication hub for collecting and transmitting device-related data from one or several personal care devices or other devices. It is not necessary (but still possible) for the device to be equipped with an interface that enables it to transmit data to an access point coupled to a wide area network.

[0058] The power supply charging device may also operate to act as a communication hub for relaying (optionally after processing) the power supply charging device.

[0059] One or several devices may be selected from the group consisting of hair cutting, trimming, or removal devices, and oral care devices (such as electric toothbrushes or oral shower devices).

[0060] The kit may further comprise an access point of a wireless local area network (WLAN). The circuit may be operative to transmit device-related data to a remote computing device via the WLAN access point. This enables the power supply charging device to operate as a hub that collects, optionally processes and / or aggregates, and then transmits device-related data via the access point.

[0061] The kit may further comprise a user terminal. The circuit may be operative to receive, from the user terminal, configuration information of a wireless interface circuit required for subsequent transmission of device-related data to a remote computing device via an access point of a wireless local area network, WLAN.

[0062] The circuit may be operative to provide device-related data to the user terminal.

[0063] The kit may comprise a first device having a connector operative to engage with a device power connector, and the first device may be operative to be powered by a power supply charging device.

[0064] The power supply charging device may be operative to obtain and / or transmit device-related data related to the first device while the power supply charging device is coupled to the first device.

[0065] The kit may comprise a second device having a female connector operative to engage with a device power connector, and the second device may be operative to be powered by a power supply charging device.

[0066] The power supply charging device may be operative to obtain and / or transmit device-related data related to the second device while the power supply charging device is coupled to the first device (i.e., the collection and transmission of device-related data is not limited to the device to which the power supply charging device is currently engaged).

[0067] The kit may include a second device that cannot mechanically engage with the power supply charging device.

[0068] The power supply charging device may be operative to acquire and / or transmit device-related data related to the second device while the power supply charging device is coupled to the first device (i.e., the collection and transmission of device-related data is not limited to devices that can be used by the power supply charging device to supply power).

[0069] The second device may be a device that does not have an electromechanical actuator. That is, the collection and transmission of device-related data is not limited to devices having an electromechanical actuator. The second device may be, for example, a wet shaver that does not have an electromechanical actuator.

[0070] A method of acquiring and transmitting device-related data according to one embodiment is performed by a power supply charging device comprising a connector pin operative to engage with a power outlet, a power supply cable comprising a device power connector, and a circuit comprising a wireless interface circuit. The method may include, by the circuit, acquiring device-related data for at least one device (such as a personal care device), and, by the circuit, transmitting the device-related data via the wireless interface circuit. Alternatively or additionally, the circuit may transmit data received via the wireless interface circuit to the personal care device using wired or wireless communication.

[0071] Integrating the circuit (operative to acquire and transmit device-related data) into the power supply charging device in this way enables device-related data to be transmitted, for example, to a wide area network (WAN) without the need for an interface for communication with the WAN to be present on the device itself (although still possible), and without the need for the user to communicatively couple a terminal device (such as a cellular phone, wearable, tablet, or portable or fixed computer) to the device for transmission of device-related data.

[0072] This method may further include supplying power to at least one personal care device engaged with a device power connector by a power supply charging device.

[0073] This method may include receiving, by a circuit, configuration information required for subsequent transmission of device-related data to a remote computing device via an access point.

[0074] This method may include storing, by a circuit, the configuration information.

[0075] This method may include accessing and using, by a circuit, the configuration information to transmit device-related data to a remote computing device via an access point.

[0076] Receiving, storing, and using the configuration information enables the circuit to be configured to transmit device-related data. This configuration may be implemented, for example, using a user terminal.

[0077] Obtaining device-related data may include obtaining at least a portion of the device-related data for the personal care device while the personal care device is engaged with the device power connector.

[0078] Obtaining device-related data may include obtaining at least some of the device-related data for one or more second personal care devices while the device power connector is engaged with a first personal care device that is different from the one or more second personal care devices.

[0079] The second device may not be capable of mechanically engaging with the power supply charging device.

[0080] The second device may be a device without an electromechanical actuator. That is, the collection and transmission of device-related data is not limited to devices with an electromechanical actuator. The second device may be, for example, a wet shaver without an electromechanical actuator.

[0081] The personal care device may be selected from the group consisting of hair cutting, trimming or removal devices and oral care devices (e.g., dental care devices).

[0082] This method may be performed using a power supply charging device according to one embodiment.

[0083] The power supply charging device may have a waterproof shell that can be sealed against water ingress. The waterproof shell may have, for example, an IPX4, IPX5 or higher waterproof rating. The circuit may be disposed downstream along the power transmission path from the connector pins for the power outlet of the converter housed within the waterproof shell to the device. Since the voltage down-conversion has already been performed upstream of the communication circuit, the circuit may be disposed within a further compartment of the power supply charging device that may have a lower waterproof rating than the waterproof rating of the waterproof shell.

[0084] The power supply charging device may operate to pass the electrical energy output by the converter through the communication circuit to the power supply cable. This configuration facilitates the manufacture of the power supply charging device. The communication circuit provides voltage down-conversion, is sealed against water ingress, and may be added as an autonomous power plug component that acts as a first compartment integrated with the power supply charging device together with the communication circuit in the power supply charging device.

[0085] The circuit may comprise at least one additional communication interface circuit different from the wireless interface circuit for collecting device-related data. The at least one additional communication interface circuit enables the collection of device-related data for transmission via the wireless interface circuit without the device itself necessarily having respective wireless interface circuits.

[0086] The at least one additional communication interface circuit may comprise a wired communication circuit. The wired communication circuit may operate to collect device-related data via first and second conductors of a power supply cable to which power is supplied. Alternatively or additionally, the at least one additional communication interface circuit may comprise an additional wireless interface circuit different from the wireless interface circuit. The at least one additional communication interface circuit enables a power supply charging device to collect device-related data for transmission via the interface, without (while still enabling) the device itself needing to be operable for data transmission via the wireless interface circuit through which the power supply charging device transmits the device-related data.

[0087] The at least one additional communication interface circuit may comprise both a wired communication circuit and an additional wireless interface circuit different from the wireless interface circuit. Thus, the power supply charging device may comprise at least three different communication interface circuits, providing versatility in collecting device-related data.

[0088] This method may include transmitting, by the circuit, data received by the wireless interface circuit to the personal care device. This enables data for configuring the personal care device, firmware or software updates for the personal care device, or other data to be provided to the personal care device via the power supply charging device without the device itself necessarily having an interface that enables the device to access a repository in which configuration data, firmware or software updates are stored.

[0089] This method may include performing one-way or two-way communication with a personal care device by a circuit.

[0090] One-way or two-way communication with a personal care device may be performed via at least one additional communication interface. The two-way communication capability may be used by a power supply charging device to provide data for configuring a personal care device, update data for the personal care device, or other data to the personal care device.

[0091] In the devices, kits, and methods according to embodiments, the device may operate to communicate with the circuit of the power supply charging device using a second communication standard different from the communication standards (such as IEEE802.11a, b, g, n, ac, ax, and / or ad, etc.) supported by the wireless interface circuit of the power supply charging device circuit (such as wired communication via a power supply cable, Bluetooth, or a conductor of BLE). This enables an inexpensive communication chipset to be used for communication between the device and the power supply charging device, eliminating the need to provide a chipset for communicating with access points within the device.

[0092] The device may be configured not to be able to communicate according to the communication standards (such as IEEE802.11a, b, g, n, ac, ax, and / or ad, etc.) supported by the wireless interface circuit of the power supply charging device circuit. This enables an inexpensive communication chipset to be used for communication between the device and the power supply charging device, eliminating the need to provide a chipset for communicating with access points within the device.

[0093] The device may include a device connector that operates to mechanically engage with the device power connector of the power supply charging device. This enables the power supply charging device to transmit device-related data for a device that can be powered by the power supply charging device.

[0094] The device can be configured so as not to be mechanically engageable with the connector of the power supply charging device. This enables the transmission of device-related data to a device in cases where the power supply charging device may have different dedicated power supplies and / or may not require a wired power supply at all.

[0095] A system according to one embodiment includes a device and the power supply charging device. The power supply charging device operates to transmit device-related data via a wireless interface circuit.

[0096] The power supply charging device can operate to supply power to the device.

[0097] The device can be a personal care device.

[0098] The personal care device can be selected from the group consisting of hair cutting, trimming or removal devices and oral care devices (e.g., dental care devices).

[0099] The device can operate to communicate with the circuit of the power supply charging device using a second communication standard (such as wired communication via a power supply cable, Bluetooth, or a conductor of BLE) different from the communication standard (such as IEEE802.11a, b, g, n, ac, ax, and / or ad) supported by the wireless interface circuit of the circuit of the power supply charging device. This enables an inexpensive communication chipset to be used for communication between the device and the power supply charging device, eliminating the need to provide a chipset for communicating with an access point etc. within the device.

[0100] The device can be configured so as not to be able to communicate according to the communication standard (such as IEEE802.11a, b, g, n, ac, ad, etc.) supported by the wireless interface circuit of the circuit of the power supply charging device. This enables an inexpensive communication chipset to be used for communication between the device and the power supply charging device, eliminating the need to provide a chipset for communicating with an access point etc. within the device.

[0101] The device may include a device connector that operates to mechanically engage with the device power connector of the power supply charging device. This enables the power supply charging device to transmit device-related data to a device for which the power supply charging device can supply power.

[0102] The device may be configured so as not to be able to mechanically engage with the device power connector of the power supply charging device. This enables the power supply charging device to transmit device-related data to a device that may have a different dedicated power source and / or may not require a wired power source at all.

[0103] The power supply charging device may operate to transmit data received by the wireless interface circuit to the device. This enables data for configuring the device, firmware or software updates for the device, or other data to be provided to the device via the power supply charging device without the device itself needing to have an interface that enables the device to access a repository in which configuration data, firmware or software updates are stored.

[0104] The power supply charging device may operate for one-way or two-way communication with the device.

[0105] One-way or two-way communication with the device may be established via at least one additional communication interface. The two-way communication capability may be used by the power supply charging device to provide data for configuring a personal care device, update data for the personal care device, or other data to the personal care device.

[0106] The system may include both a first device and a second device, and the power supply charging device may operate to obtain device-related data for both the first device and the second device for transmission via the wireless interface circuit.

[0107] The system may include an access point. The system may include a router that includes the access point. The access point may be a WLAN (e.g., WiFi) access point. The access point may operate to communicate according to at least one of IEEE 802.11a, b, g, n, ac, ax, ad.

[0108] The system may include a computer or a server. The power supply charging device may operate to transmit device-related data to the computer or the server via a WAN to which the access point is connected.

[0109] The system may include a user terminal. The user terminal may be a handheld user terminal. The user terminal may operate to receive device-related data or data derived therefrom from the computer or the server. This enables the user to conveniently review device-related data or data derived therefrom (such as an evaluation of the use of the user's personal care device and / or information regarding maintenance operations required or recommended to be performed on the user's personal care device) via the user terminal.

[0110] The power supply charging device may operate to directly provide device-related data to the user terminal.

[0111] The power supply charging device may operate to directly establish a communication link to the user terminal for the configuration of a wireless interface circuit.

[0112] The power supply charging device may receive from the user terminal information regarding the name and / or key of the access point to which the device-related data is transmitted. This obviates the need to position the user terminal near the device for the transmission of device-related data and facilitates the configuration of the power supply charging device that uses the user terminal.

[0113] The power supply charging device can be operative to receive, from a user terminal, information regarding an identifier and / or a passcode required for the user to access a user-specific storage area in a server or a computer.

[0114] The power supply charging device can be operative to transmit device-related data to an access point without transmitting the device-related data to the user terminal.

[0115] Use of the power supply charging device according to one embodiment includes using the power supply charging device to provide a communication link over which device-related data is transmitted.

[0116] Use can include transmitting device-related data via a wireless interface circuit operating in accordance with at least one of IEEE802.11a, b, g, n, ac, ax, ad.

[0117] Use can include interfacing, by the power supply charging device, a device that does not have a wireless interface circuit capable of communicating with an access point (e.g., does not have an interface according to at least one of IEEE802.11a, b, g, n, ac, ax, ad) with the access point.

[0118] Additional optional features of the use according to the embodiment correspond to optional features of the power supply charging device, kit, or system according to the embodiment.

[0119] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system 10. The system 10 includes a power supply charging device 50. The power supply charging device 50 is operative to transmit device-related data via a wireless interface circuit of the power supply charging device 50.

[0120] System 10 includes one or several devices 20, 30, 32. The devices 20, 30, 32 can be household devices, especially personal care devices. The devices can be or include hair cutting, trimming, and / or removal devices, and / or oral care devices. The devices can be selected from the group consisting of electric shavers, wet shavers, body groomers, hair trimmers, hair removal devices, electric toothbrushes, tongue cleaners, and mouth shower devices. Each of the devices 20, 30, 32 can include a circuit that can be communicably accessed by a power supply charging device 50 to read device-related data from the devices 20, 30, 32.

[0121] One, several, or all of the devices 20, 30, 32 can include device connectors 21, 31 for receiving power. At least one of the devices 20, 30, 32 can operate to mechanically engage with and receive power from the power supply charging device 50. The devices can include a device 32 that does not operate to receive power via the device power connector 55 of the power supply charging device 50.

[0122] The power supply charging device 50 can operate to collect device-related data from a first device that is connected to supply power and / or a second device that is not connected. The power supply charging device 50 includes a circuit for transmitting device-related data. The power supply charging device 50 can operate to transmit device-related data via an interface corresponding to the transmission of device-related data to a server 44 or a computer 44 connected to a wide area network (WAN) 43 such as the Internet. The server 44 or the computer 44 can be provided on the cloud. The power supply charging device 50 can operate to transmit device-related data via a WLAN interface (for example, compliant with IEEE802.11 such as IEEE802.11-2012 or IE802.11-2016 or compatible with it).

[0123] Machine-related data may, but need not, relate to a device that is being powered by the power supply charging device 50. The power supply charging device may operate to collect and transmit machine-related data for a device that cannot be electrically connected to the power supply charging device 50 to receive power therefrom, a device that is not currently electrically connected to the power supply charging device 50 to receive power therefrom, and / or a device that does not require a wired connection to the power supply charging device 50 to receive power therefrom (such as a personal care device).

[0124] The power supply charging device 50 may also operate to obtain and transmit machine-related data related to a second device 30, 32 that is different from the device 20 with which the power supply charging device 50 is engaged.

[0125] Machine-related data may include data retrieved by the power supply charging device 50 from the devices 20, 30, 32 via a wired or wireless communication channel, and / or data collected by the power supply charging device 50 while the power supply charging device 50 is connected to the device.

[0126] The operation and configuration of the power supply charging device 50 will be described in more detail below.

[0127] The power supply charging device 50 includes a power supply cable 54 having a connector 55 for reversibly and releasably engaging the devices 20, 30, 32. The power supply charging device 50 includes a power plug 51 configured to engage an electrical outlet 41. The power supply charging device 50 includes a circuit that operates to obtain and transmit machine-related data related to one or some of the devices 20, 30, 32. The power plug 51 has connector pins 52, 53 for electrically coupling to the electrical outlet by engaging the electrical outlet 41.

[0128] A circuit for acquiring and transmitting device-related data may be provided within the power plug 51, or in any other suitable location, preferably downstream of the converter of the power supply charging device 50. For purposes of illustration, the circuit for acquiring and transmitting device-related data may be integrated into the device power connector 55 of the power supply charging device. Alternatively or additionally, the power supply charging device 50 may include a frame for supporting the device and providing power to the device, and the circuit for acquiring and transmitting device-related data may be integrated into the frame.

[0129] When the circuit for acquiring and transmitting device-related data is provided in the power plug 51, the power plug 51 may have a configuration having at least two separate compartments, as described in more detail below.

[0130] The power plug 51 has connector pins 52, 53 for electrically coupling to the power outlet by coupling to the power outlet 41.

[0131] The power supply charging device 50 may operate as follows.

[0132] Configuration of the power supply charging device 50 This is an operating phase that does not need to be executed every time it is used. The configuration may be executed only once and / or when the access information of the access point 42 changes and / or when the access information of the user-specific protected storage space in the server or computer 44 changes. This configuration is optional and may be omitted, for example, if the relevant communication data has already been provisioned to the power supply charging device 50 when it is provided to the user.

[0133] In the configuration mode, the circuit of the power supply charging device 50 can receive information required to transmit device-related data to the server or computer 44 via the access point 42. Alternatively or additionally, the circuit of the power supply charging device can receive information required to access a user-specific protected storage space within the server or computer 44. This information can be permanently stored in the power supply charging device 50 and accessed when the power supply charging device 50 transmits device-related data.

[0134] The power supply charging device 50 can enter the configuration mode in response to a physical input operation executed on an operating element of the power supply charging device 50.

[0135] Configuration information (which may include the name or other identifier of the access point 42, a key for communication with the access point 42, user identifier and / or password information for accessing the protected user-specific storage connected to the WAN 43) can be received by the power supply charging device 50 from the user terminal 45. The user terminal 45 can provide an interface that enables the user to input alphanumeric information for configuring the power supply charging device 50 for its intended communication to the access point 42 and, optionally, the server or computer 44. The power supply charging device 50 can receive the configuration information from the user terminal 45 and permanently store the configuration information for later use when transmitting device-related data.

[0136] Acquisition of Device-Related Data During on-site use of the power supply and charging device 50, the power supply and charging device 50 may acquire device-related data. This may include receiving information from each of the devices 20, 30, 32 via a wired or wireless communication link. Alternatively or additionally, (a part of) the device-related data may be generated by the power supply device 50. For illustration purposes, during one or several charging cycles, the power supply and charging device 50 may determine the characteristics (such as charging current and voltage) when charging a rechargeable battery in one or several of the devices 20, 30, 32, which may be useful for establishing information regarding the battery state (such as battery health).

[0137] The device-related data acquired by the circuit of the power supply and charging device 50 may be aggregated, transformed (e.g., filtered and / or Fourier transformed), or otherwise processed before transmission. In particular, the device-related data transmitted by the power supply and charging device 50 does not necessarily have to contain the same information as the device-related data acquired by the power supply and charging device 50.

[0138] The device-related data may include device operation data. The device operation data may include information regarding time, aggregation time, and / or usage frequency. The device operation data may include information regarding parameters (such as voltage, current, battery capacity, battery charge cycle information, and / or temperature) measured by the devices 20, 30, 32. Such information is useful for providing assistance to the user, for example, by providing information regarding component wear, suggestions regarding device usage, or other useful user instructions. Such information is also useful for maintenance.

[0139] Alternatively or additionally, the device-related data may include device status data. The device status data may include information regarding the status of at least one component of devices 20, 30, 32. The device status data may include parameters measured by devices 20, 30, 32, such as the status of components that wear out during use of the device (e.g., the foil or cutting blade of a hair cutting device), or other status information indicating the status of devices 20, 30, 32 or their components, or may be derived therefrom. Such information is useful for assisting the user, for example, by providing information regarding component wear, suggestions regarding device use, or other useful user instructions. Such information may also be useful for maintenance purposes.

[0140] Note that when the power supply charging device 50 acquires device-related data, a communication interface different from the wireless interface circuit through which the power supply charging device 50 transmits the device-related data may be used. For the sake of explanation, the power supply charging device 50 may have a circuit including a first communication chipset (e.g., a WiFi communication chip) or other circuit that operates to transmit device-related data, and a second communication chipset or other circuit (e.g., Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or a wired communication chip) that operates to receive data from at least one of devices 20, 30, 32.

[0141] The device-related data may be temporarily stored in the power supply charging device 50.

[0142] Transmission of Device-Related Data During on-site use of the power supply and charging device 50, the power supply and charging device 50 may transmit device-related data. The power supply and charging device 50 may initiate transmission of device-related data in response to a trigger event (such as receipt of new device-related data, expiration of a timer, connection of the power supply and charging device 50 to the power outlet 41, and optionally at least one of the connection to the device). The power supply and charging device 50 may optionally and conditionally initiate transmission of device-related data at time intervals that may be user-configurable when the power supply and charging device 50 is engaged with the power outlet 41 and the device.

[0143] Note that the transmission of device-related data by the power supply and charging device 50 may occur in the following cases.

[0144] Transmitting device-related data may include selectively establishing a communication connection for transmitting the device-related data via a circuit. Configuration information that enables the power supply and charging device to establish the communication link 47 may be retrieved from a memory integrated with the power supply and charging device. Transmitting device-related data may include selectively transmitting the device-related data via a circuit to a computer or server 44 for storage. Access information that enables access to a user-specific storage space may be retrieved from a memory integrated with the power supply and charging device.

[0145] The circuit of the power supply and charging device may include a wireless interface circuit that enables device-related data to be transmitted from the power supply and charging device 50 to a remotely located computer or server 44 via the access point 42 (which may be a WLAN access point, particularly a WiFi access point) and the WAN 43.

[0146] Provision of Data to the Device During on-site use of the power supply charging device 50, the power supply charging device 50 can optionally operate to provide data received via the access point 42 or directly from the user terminal 45 to one or several devices. The power supply charging device 50 can operate to provide data for configuring the devices, firmware or software updates for personal care devices, or other data to the devices, and the devices do not need to have an interface that enables the devices to access a repository where data for configuring the devices, firmware or software updates for personal care devices, or other data sent to the devices is received or stored.

[0147] In one example, the computer or server 44 can provide software or firmware updates to the devices (such as personal care devices), and the power supply charging device 50 passes the data to the devices.

[0148] In another example, the user terminal 45 can provide data for configuring the devices (such as personal care devices), and the power supply charging device 50 passes the data to the devices.

[0149] Access to device-related data Device-related data and / or additional information generated from the device-related data can be accessed by the user using the user terminal 45 (which can be the same as the user terminal used when the power supply charging device 50 is configured to transmit data via, for example, the access point 42, but does not have to be). The user terminal 45 can access the device-related data, for example, for the following purposes. - Review the usage (such as the time spent shaving and / or brushing teeth) of the users of the devices 20, 30, 32 based on the device-related data, - Receive suggestions regarding the usage of the users of the devices 20, 30, 32 (such as suggestions for modifying the operating mode of the devices) based on the device-related data, - Receive advice regarding recommended maintenance operations (such as replacement of replaceable components, cutting blades or shaver foils or toothbrush appliances, etc.) based on device-related data, and / or - Receive advice regarding maintenance operations (such as battery replacement) to be performed by a qualified person based on device-related data.

[0150] The user terminal 45 can access device-related data via a server or computer 44, or by using a direct communication link with the wireless interface circuit of the power supply charging device 50. The power supply charging device 50 can operate to provide device-related data to the user terminal 45 (e.g., via a direct wireless communication link between the power supply charging device 50 and the user terminal 45).

[0151] Accessing device-related data via the user terminal is not required. For the sake of explanation, device-related data can be selectively accessed by service personnel when performing maintenance operations on the device.

[0152] The methods disclosed herein can each include using the transmitted device-related data for the purpose of device maintenance and service.

[0153] Figure 2 is a flowchart of a method 110 according to an embodiment. This method can be automatically executed by the power supply charging device 50.

[0154] In step 111, the power supply charging device 50 supplies power to a first device, such as a first device 20 having a connector 21 that operates to engage with the device power connector 55.

[0155] In step 112, the power supply charging device 50 can obtain device-related data for the first device to which power is being supplied.

[0156] Alternatively or additionally, in step 112, the power supply charging device 50 may obtain device-related data for one or several second devices with which the power supply charging device 50 is not currently engaged. This enables the power supply charging device 50 to collect data of devices 30, 32 located in the vicinity of the device 20 with which the power supply charging device 50 is engaged. For illustration, while supplying power to the electric shaver 20, the power supply charging device 50 may collect data for the electric shaver 50, but may also collect data from other devices such as a body groomer, a hair removal device, an electric toothbrush, a dental shower, and / or a wet shaver via a wireless communication link.

[0157] The device-related data obtained in step 122 may include device operation data. The device operation data may include information regarding the time of use, the aggregated time, and / or the frequency of use of the respective first and / or second devices. The device operation data may be measured by the respective first and / or second devices and optionally buffered by the respective first and / or second devices and may include information regarding parameters (such as voltage, current, battery capacity, battery charge cycle information, and / or temperature, etc.) read by the power supply charging device in step 122.

[0158] The device-related data obtained in step 122 may include device status data. The device status data may include information regarding the status of at least one component of each of the first and / or second devices. The device status data may include battery health status, the status of components that wear out during use of each of the first and / or second devices (such as the foil or cutting blade of a hair cutting device), or other status information indicating the status of the device or its components, which may include parameters measured by the device or may be derived therefrom. In step 122, some or all of the data may be measured by each of the first and / or second devices, optionally buffered in each of the first and / or second devices, and read by the power supply charging device. Some or all of the data may be obtained by the power supply charging device (for example, by deriving battery health information from the charging current and / or voltage during a charging or battery calibration cycle).

[0159] In step 113, the device-related data may be transmitted by the power supply charging device 50. The transmission may be a transmission to a remote computer or server via WLAN. The power supply charging device 50 may operate as a communication hub that communicates the device-related data to a remote computer or server via a WLAN access point.

[0160] The device-related data transmitted in step 113 may include device operation data. The device operation data may include information regarding time, aggregated time, and / or usage frequency. The device operation data may include information regarding parameters measured by the device (such as voltage, current, battery capacity, battery charge cycle information, and / or temperature). Such information is useful for providing assistance to the user, for example, by providing information regarding component wear, suggestions regarding device use, or other useful user instructions. Such information may also be useful for maintenance purposes.

[0161] The device-related data transmitted in step 113 may include device status data. The device status data may include information regarding the status of at least one component of the device. The device status data may include parameters measured by the device, or derivable therefrom, such as battery health status, the status of components that wear out during use of the device (such as the foil or cutting blade of a hair cutting device), or other status information indicating the status of the device or its components. Such information is useful for providing assistance to the user, for example, by providing information regarding component wear, suggestions regarding device use, or other useful user instructions. Such information may also be useful for maintenance purposes. The device-related data may include first device-related data related to one or several devices having a device connector that operates to fit and engage with a connector of a power supply charging device. The device-related data may include second device-related data related to one or several other devices that do not have a device connector that operates to fit and engage with a connector of a power supply charging device. Thus, the power supply charging device can operate as a data aggregation and transmission hub for collecting and transmitting device-related data for various devices (such as various personal care devices or other household devices) without requiring the user's mobile phone or computer to be involved in data collection and transmission. The user's mobile phone or computer may be selectively used only for their respective home networks and / or for configuring the power supply charging device for the user.

[0162] Step 113 may be repeated. The repetition of step 113 may be triggered by a trigger event. The trigger event may be, or may include, the engagement of the power supply charging device with a power outlet and / or a device, the expiration of a timer, or other criteria that may be permanently stored or configurable within the power supply charging device.

[0163] As described above, various data processing techniques can be applied to device-related data before transmission of the device-related data. These techniques can be selected from aggregation, filtering, conversion, and the like.

[0164] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of method 120. This method can be automatically executed by power supply charging device 50.

[0165] In step 121, power supply charging device 50 supplies power to a first device, such as first device 20 having connector 21 that operates to engage with device power connector 55.

[0166] In step 122, power supply charging device 50 obtains device-related data for several devices. The several devices can include some of the following. - The first device 20 being powered, - One or several second devices 30, 32 not being powered.

[0167] For illustration, while powering the electric razor 20, power supply charging device 50 can collect data for the electric razor 50, but can also collect data from other devices, such as a body groomer, hair removal device, electric toothbrush, dental shower, and / or wet shaver via a wireless communication link.

[0168] The device-related data obtained in step 122 can include device operation data. The device operation data can include information regarding the usage time, aggregation time, and / or frequency of each of the first and / or second devices. The device operation data is measured by each of the first and / or second devices and optionally buffered in each of the first and / or second devices and can include information regarding parameters (such as voltage, current, battery capacity, battery charge cycle information, and / or temperature) read by the power supply charging device in step 122.

[0169] The device-related data obtained in step 122 may include device status data. The device status data may include information regarding the status of at least one component of each of the first and / or second devices. The device status data may include battery health status, the status of components that wear out during use of each of the first and / or second devices (such as the foil or cutting blade of a hair cutting device), or other status information indicating the status of the device or its components, which may be included in or derived from parameters measured by the device. In step 122, some or all of the data may be measured by each of the first and / or second devices, optionally buffered in each of the first and / or second devices, and read by the power supply charging device. Some or all of the data may be obtained by the power supply charging device (for example, by deriving battery health information from the charging current and / or voltage during a charging or battery calibration cycle).

[0170] In step 123, device-related data for some devices may be transmitted by the power supply charging device 50. The transmission may be a transmission to a remote computer or server via WLAN. The power supply charging device 50 may operate as a communication hub that communicates device-related data to a remote computer or server via a WLAN access point.

[0171] Various data processing techniques may optionally be applied to the device-related data before transmission of the device-related data.

[0172] Figure 4 is a flowchart of method 130. This method may be automatically executed by the power supply charging device 50.

[0173] In step 131, the power supply charging device 50 can receive configuration information. The configuration information can be received by the power supply charging device 50 via a wireless interface circuit through which device-related data will be transmitted later, or via another wireless interface (such as a Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) interface). The configuration information can be received from a user terminal. The configuration information can include information that enables the power supply charging device 50 to transmit device-related data to a remote computer or server 44 connected to a WAN 43 such as the Internet via a WLAN. The configuration information can include an identifier (e.g., name) of an access point such as a WLAN access point. The configuration information can include a key, password, or other security code required to connect to the WAN via the access point. For illustration, the configuration information can include a WPA key (which can be a WPA2 key or a WPA3 key) or other password for connecting to the access point.

[0174] Alternatively or additionally, the configuration information can include an identifier (such as an account name) assigned to the user in the server or computer 44 and / or a password required by the user for authentication in the server or computer 44.

[0175] In one implementation, both information for connecting to the WAN 43 via the access point 42 and information for accessing a protected storage area located in or managed by the server or computer 44 can be received in the configuration information.

[0176] In step 132, the configuration information can be stored in the power supply charging device 50. The configuration information can be stored in the non-volatile memory of the power supply charging device 50. The stored configuration information may include information that enables the power supply charging device 50 to transmit device-related data via WLAN to a remote computer or server 44 connected to a WAN 43 such as the Internet. The configuration information may include an identifier (e.g., name) of an access point such as a WLAN access point. The configuration information may include a key, password, or other security code required to connect to the WAN via the access point as described above. Alternatively or additionally, the configuration information may include an identifier (such as an account name) assigned to the user in the server or computer 44 and / or a password required by the user for authentication in the server or computer 44.

[0177] In step 133, after the end of the configuration mode and during the live use of the power supply charging device, the configuration information can be accessed and used to transmit device-related data.

[0178] In step 133, the identifier (e.g., name) and key (e.g., WPA key) of the access point 42 can be used to transmit device-related data. The device-related data can be obtained from a device in which the power supply charging device is involved in supplying power when obtaining and / or transmitting the device-related data, and / or from one or several devices in which the power supply charging device is not involved.

[0179] The processing of device-related data can be performed before transmitting the device-related data. The processing can include aggregating data obtained from a device over a period of time, aggregating data obtained from several devices, filtering, performing a transformation (such as a Fourier transform), performing a threshold comparison, processing the obtained device-related data with processing logic to determine information regarding the status of the device or its components (such as information regarding the blades of a hair removal or cutting device, or information regarding the battery of a personal care device), or any combination thereof.

[0180] The transmission step 133 can be continuously performed while the power supply charging device is supplying power to the device.

[0181] The transmission step 133 can be selectively performed in response to a trigger event. The trigger event can depend on device-related data obtained from one or several devices. For the sake of explanation, the power supply charging device - obtains device-related data indicating the usage status or aggregation time of at least one component of the device, - processes the device-related data to determine whether information or a warning should be output to the user (such as information recommending a maintenance operation, or information indicating that a maintenance operation is required), and - selectively accesses configuration information for transmitting the device-related data and can use the configuration information when it is determined that information or a warning should be output to the user.

[0182] The trigger event can be configurable for use. For the sake of explanation, the user can specify in the configuration information 131 under what conditions the device-related data is transmitted.

[0183] As a specific example, the power supply charging device - obtains information regarding the battery charging cycles for the engaged device or from a non-engaged device, - Process information regarding battery charge cycles to determine a battery health status indicator, - Based on the battery health status indicator, determine whether device-related data indicating that the battery may require maintenance or replacement should be sent, and - When it is necessary to notify the user that the battery may require maintenance or replacement (which can be determined by comparing the battery health status indicator with one or several health status thresholds), access the configuration information for transmitting the device-related data and use the configuration information.

[0184] The trigger condition that defines at which point (i.e., at which health level status) the user is notified can be adjusted in a user-specific manner in the configuration step where the configuration information is input.

[0185] As a specific example, the power supply charging device - Obtain information including the usage period of a hair cutting, removing, or trimming device (the period is stored in the device and read by the power supply charging device), - Process the usage period to determine the health status or other status indicator of the blade and / or cutting foil, - Based on the health status or other status indicator, determine whether device-related data indicating that the blade and / or cutting foil should be replaced should be sent, and - When it is necessary to notify the user that the blade and / or cutting foil should be replaced, access the configuration information for transmitting the device-related data and use the configuration information.

[0186] The trigger condition that defines at which point (i.e., at which degradation state of the blade and / or cutting foil) the user is notified can be adjusted in a user-specific manner in the configuration step where the configuration information is input.

[0187] As a further specific example, the power supply charging device - Obtain information regarding the battery charge state from an engaged device or a non-engaged device, - Process the battery charge state by comparing the battery charge state with one or several threshold values, - Based on the result of the threshold comparison, determine whether device-related data indicating that the battery charge state has reached a specific threshold (such as a first threshold warning the user that charging is recommended and a second threshold warning the user that charging is required, etc.) should be transmitted, and - When it is necessary to notify the user that the battery charge level has reached any of these thresholds, access the configuration information for transmitting the device-related data and use the configuration information.

[0188] The trigger condition defining at which point (i.e., at which battery charge level) the user is to be notified can be adjusted in a user-specific manner in the configuration step where the configuration information is input.

[0189] As a further specific example, the power supply charging device - Obtain information regarding the battery charge cycle for an engaged device or from a non-engaged device, - Process the information regarding the battery charge cycle to determine a battery health state indicator, - Based on the battery health state indicator, determine whether device-related data indicating that the battery may require maintenance or replacement should be transmitted, and - When it is necessary to notify the user that the battery may require maintenance or replacement (which can be determined by comparing the battery health state indicator with one or several health state threshold values), access the configuration information for transmitting the device-related data and use the configuration information.

[0190] The trigger condition defining at which point (i.e., at which health level state) the user is to be notified can be adjusted in a user-specific manner in the configuration step where the configuration information is input.

[0191] Figure 5 is a flowchart of method 140. Method 140 can be executed by the power supply charging device 50.

[0192] In step 141, user input is received at a user interface (UI) of the power supply charging device 50. The user input can be a user input to enter a configuration mode.

[0193] In step 142, in response to receiving the user input, a communication connection with the user terminal device 45 can be established. The communication connection can be established via a further wireless interface different from the wireless interface circuit through which device-related data will be transmitted later. For illustration, the communication connection in step 142 can be a Bluetooth or BLE connection.

[0194] In step 143, configuration information can be received from the user terminal device 45. The user terminal device 45 can execute instruction codes that enable the user to input configuration information for the power supply charging device in the user terminal device 45. The user terminal device 45 can transmit the configuration information to the power supply charging device 50.

[0195] In step 144, the power supply charging device transmits device-related data via the wireless interface circuit using the configuration information received in step 143. Step 144 can be implemented in any of the methods described for step 133 above.

[0196] The transmission of the device-related data in step 144 can be executed via a wireless interface circuit different from the further wireless interface through which the configuration information is received in step 143.

[0197] FIG. 6 is a schematic partial view of a power supply charging device, showing circuit 60 in more detail. Circuit 60 may be built into power plug 51, but is not limited thereto. Power plug 51 includes a first compartment 61 and a second compartment 62 separated by wall 65.

[0198] Circuit 60 may include a converter 71. Converter 71 may include a transformer 72. Converter 71 may be operative to perform a voltage down conversion. Converter 71 may include galvanic isolation. Converter 71 may have a converter input 78 and a converter output 79 that is galvanically separated from converter input 78. The primary side 72a and the secondary side 72b of the transformer may be galvanically separated from each other.

[0199] Converter 71 may be an AC / DC converter. Converter 71 may be a switched-mode power supply (SMPS).

[0200] Converter 71 may be disposed within power plug 51, but is not limited thereto.

[0201] Converter 71 may be surrounded by an enclosure of power plug 51 (such as a compartment of the power plug), with a boundary defined. The enclosure may provide a waterproof property of at least IPX4 or higher (determined, for example, in accordance with ISO20653, DIN40050-9, or IEC60529).

[0202] Circuit 60 includes a communication device 90. As used herein, the term "communication circuit" does not exclude the performance of functions other than providing a communication function, provided that the circuit provides at least some communication functions that can be transmitted via an interface circuit that provides a communication function. As will be described in more detail below, circuit 60 may operate to operate a device or pass power to the device for charging and / or control a user interface provided on the power plug.

[0203] Circuit 60 may comprise one or several integrated circuits (ICs). The integrated circuit may be or may include one or several of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a processor, a controller, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a combination thereof. The IC may comprise a communication chip or chipset for communicating according to the IEEE802.11 standard (e.g., compliant with IEEE802.11-2012 or 802.11-2016), at least one additional communication chip or chipset different from the IEEE802.11 chip or chipset, and an IC for controlling the operation of the circuit, including performing data search and / or transmission functions and optionally control functions for the user interface.

[0204] Communication circuit 90 may comprise at least one wireless interface circuit for transmitting device-related data. Communication circuit 90 may optionally comprise one or several additional data interfaces for acquiring device-related data. Alternatively, the same wireless interface circuit may be used for acquiring and transmitting device-related data.

[0205] Communication circuit 90 comprises a wireless interface circuit 92. Wireless interface circuit 92 may be operative to transmit device-related data via a WLAN (e.g., WiFi) access point. Wireless interface 92 may be operative to transmit device-related data to a server or computer 44 connected to WAN44 via a WLAN access point.

[0206] The wireless interface circuit 92 may include an antenna 92'. The antenna 92' may be operative to transmit in the 5 GHz and / or 2.4 GHz bands and optionally to receive. The wireless interface circuit 92 may be a communication chip or chipset for communicating in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard (e.g., compliant with IEEE 802.11-2012 or 802.11-19).

[0207] The communication circuit 90 may include a control circuit 91. The control circuit 91 may be operative to control data transmission via the wireless interface circuit 92. The control circuit 91 may be operative to control storage of the acquired device-related data in the memory 95. The control circuit 91 may be operative to control output of the stored device-related data from the memory 95 for transmission via the wireless interface circuit 92.

[0208] The memory 95 may be a non-volatile memory. The memory 95 may be operative to store device-related data even during a period when the power plug 51 is not engaged with the power outlet 41.

[0209] The communication circuit 90 may have a power supply input section 98 and a power supply output section 97. The power supply input section 98 may be connected to the output section of the converter 71 to receive power therefrom. The power supply input section 98 may be coupled to the low voltage side of the converter 71.

[0210] The communication circuit 90 may have a power supply output section 99. The power supply output section 99 may be electrically connected to a conductor extending within the power supply cable 54.

[0211] The communication circuit 90 may have a conductor 97 interconnecting the power supply input section 98 and the power supply output section. The conductor 97 may be implemented as a conductive trace. In operation of the power supply charging device, power is passed from the converter 71 through the conductor 97 to the device engaged with the connector 55.

[0212] The communication circuit 90 may include a power supply circuit 96. The power supply circuit 96 may be connected to the conductor 97 or alternatively may be connected to the power supply input section 98. The power supply circuit 96 may operate to provide power to the wireless interface circuit 92, the control circuit 91, and, if present, the user interface 100.

[0213] The communication circuit 90 may include a user interface (UI) 100. The user interface 100 may operate to output status information on the communication circuit 90. The user interface 100 may operate to receive user input that causes the communication circuit 90 to enter a configuration procedure that enables the communication circuit 90 to communicate with, for example, the access point 42 and / or the computer or server 44. In response to the operation of the operating elements of the UI 100, the communication circuit 90 may establish a communication link to a programming device (such as the terminal 45) separate from the power supply charging device, thereby enabling at least one of a parameter, an address, a key, and / or an identifier to be configured, thereby enabling the communication circuit 90 to transmit device-related data to the access point 42 and / or the computer or server 44.

[0214] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of an implementation form of the UI 100. The UI 100 may include at least one status indicator 102-105 that operates to output status information regarding the communication circuit 90. The at least one status indicator may include several light segments 102-105. The status indicator may include one or several light-emitting elements 102-105. The status indicator may include one or several LEDs 102-105. The status indicator may include one or several LED-based light segments 102-105 that may be partially or entirely arranged around the circumference of the end face of the power plug 51, which may be on the opposite side of the end face 64 from which the connector pins 52, 54 protrude. This enables several status indicators 102-105 to be integrated in a small area.

[0215] UI100 may include at least one operating element 101 that operates to cause the circuit to enter the configuration mode 92. The operating element 101 may include a physical operating element. The operating element 101 may include a button that may be a soft button or a hard button. The operating element 101 may include a button disposed at the center of a region having a plurality (e.g., two, three, or more) of status indicators 102-105 disposed peripherally.

[0216] The power supply charging device may operate such that the control circuit 91 selectively activates one or some of the status indicators 102-105. The status indicator may be activated continuously or intermittently (e.g., blinking) to provide status information using an available area on the power plug. The control circuit 91 may operate by activating one or some of the status indicators to indicate one or more of the following. - The power supply charging device is in a configuration mode in which it is configured to communicate with the access point 42 and / or the computer or server 44. - The power supply charging device is in a process of establishing a communication link with the access point 42 and / or the computer or server 44. - The power supply charging device has established a communication link with the access point 42 and / or the computer or server 44. - The power supply charging device captures device-related data (which may be implemented via a communication interface different from the wireless interface circuit 92 or the wireless interface circuit 92). - The power supply charging device transmits device-related data.

[0217] The exactly same indicators 102 to 105 can be operated differently to indicate different statuses. For the sake of explanation, the exactly same indicators 102 to 105 can be operated in two different modes (the blinking mode and the continuous mode) to indicate two different states. For the sake of explanation, one of the status indicators can be operated in the blinking mode to indicate that the power supply charging device is in the process of establishing a communication link with the access point 42 and / or the computer or server 44, and can be operated in the continuous mode to indicate that the power supply charging device has established a communication link with the access point 42 and / or the computer or server 44.

[0218] The power supply charging device can capture device-related data from one or several devices (not necessarily limited to the devices being powered). The power supply charging device can capture device-related data using the wireless interface 92. Alternatively or additionally, the power supply charging device can include one or several additional communication interface circuits for capturing device-related data.

[0219] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a communication circuit 90 that can be used in a power supply charging device according to an embodiment. The communication circuit 90 includes a wireless interface circuit 92 and can additionally include a further interface circuit 93. The wireless interface circuit 92 and the further interface circuit 93 can operate to provide communication capabilities using different data carriers (e.g., different frequencies and / or different media such as wired and wireless). The wireless interface circuit 92 can operate to provide communication with the access point 42. The wireless interface circuit 92 can operate to provide one-way or two-way communication with the access point 42 that enables device-related data to be transmitted to the computer or server 44.

[0220] Additional interface circuit 93 may not be able to establish a communication link with access point 42. The additional interface circuit 93 may operate to communicate with one or several devices to obtain device-related data by a power supply charging device.

[0221] The additional interface circuit 93 may be implemented as a wireless circuit, but it is not necessary to be implemented. Two or more additional interface circuits 93 may be provided, and at least one of the additional interface circuits 93 is a wireless circuit operating according to a communication protocol different from that used by the wireless interface circuit 92. The power supply charging device may include both at least one additional interface circuit 93 that is a wireless circuit operating according to a communication protocol different from that used by the wireless interface circuit 92 and a wired circuit that operates to collect device-related data via a conductor to which power is supplied to the devices used on-site.

[0222] The additional interface circuit 93 may operate to receive data from a programming device such as the terminal device 45 that provides access information for communicating with the access point 42 and / or the computer or server 44. For the sake of explanation, when the power supply charging device is set to the configuration mode (e.g., by the operation of the operating element 101), the additional interface circuit 93 may receive access information for the access point 42 (such as the name and key of the WLAN) and / or access information for a protected storage area in the computer or server 44 (such as an identifier and / or a password for the user-specific data repository area) from the terminal device 45 or another device selectively communicably coupled to the communication circuit 90 to configure the communication circuit 90.

[0223] The communication circuit 90 may operate to store the acquired device-related data in the memory 95. The communication circuit 90 may optionally operate to process data acquired from one or several devices before transmitting it as device-related data. For the sake of explanation, the communication circuit 90 may operate to aggregate data collected from the same device over an extended period before transmitting it as device-related data.

[0224] When transmitting device-related data, the communication circuit 90 may operate to store in the memory 95 access information regarding the access point 42 (such as the name and key of the WLAN) and / or access information regarding a protected storage area within the computer or server 44 (such as an identifier and / or password regarding the user-specific data repository area) for later use.

[0225] The wireless interface circuit 92 and the further interface circuit 93 may be implemented by different ICs, for example, by different chips or chip sets.

[0226] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a communication circuit 90 that may be used in a power supply charging device according to an embodiment. The communication circuit 90 includes a wireless interface circuit 92, a first further interface circuit 93, and a second further interface circuit 94. The wireless interface circuit 92, the first further interface circuit 93, and the second further interface circuit 94 may operate to provide communication capabilities using different data carriers (such as wired and wireless, different frequencies and / or different media). The wireless interface circuit 92 may operate to provide communication with the access point 42. The wireless interface circuit 92 may operate to provide one-way or two-way communication with the access point 42 that enables device-related data to be transmitted to the computer or server 44.

[0227] The first additional interface circuit 93 and the second additional interface circuit 94 may not be able to establish a communication link with the access point 42. The first additional interface circuit 93 and the second additional interface circuit 94 may operate to communicate with one or several devices to obtain device-related data by means of a power supply charging device. The first additional interface circuit 93 and the second additional interface circuit 94 may be complementary in the sense that one uses a wired communication technology (such as communication via a conductor in a power supply cable that supplies power to the devices used on-site), and the other uses a wireless communication technology (such as a machine-to-machine (M2M) communication protocol supported by a cellular standard such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or LTE or LTE-A).

[0228] In one implementation, the wireless interface circuit 92 may operate to transmit data via a communication link with the access point 42 in accordance with IEEE802.11 (for example, 802.11-12 or 802.11-19) compliant technology. The first additional interface circuit 93 may operate to obtain device-related data by reading data from a device using communication via a conductor in a power supply cable that supplies power to the devices used on-site. The second additional interface circuit 94 may operate to obtain device-related data by reading data from a device using a wireless communication technology different from IEEE802.11 (such as a machine-to-machine (M2M) communication protocol supported by a cellular standard such as Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or LTE or LTE-A).

[0229] The first additional interface circuit 93 may operate to receive data from a programming device such as the terminal device 45 that provides access information for communicating with the access point 42 and / or the computer or server 44. For purposes of explanation, when the power supply charging device is set to the configuration mode (e.g., by the operation of the operating element 101), the additional interface circuit 93 may receive access information for the access point 42 (such as the name and key of the WLAN) and / or access information for a protected storage area within the computer or server 44 (such as an identifier and / or a password for the user-specific data repository area) from the terminal device 45 or another device selectively communicatively coupled to the communication circuit 90 to configure the communication circuit 90.

[0230] Part or all of the circuit 90 may be disposed within the enclosure of the power supply device 50. The converter 71 and the communication circuit 90 may be provided in separate compartments having separate IPX ratings. For purposes of explanation, the converter 71 may be provided in the first compartment of the power plug having an IPX rating exceeding the IPX rating of the second compartment in which the communication circuit 90 is disposed. Alternatively, part or all of the communication circuit 90 may be provided separately from the power plug 50. For purposes of explanation, part or all of the communication circuit 90 may be disposed within the device power connector 55 or within the stand of a device that operates to receive and support the device.

[0231] FIG. 10 is a schematic partial view of the power supply charging device showing the power plug 51 in which the converter 71 and the communication circuit 90 are disposed.

[0232] The power plug 51 includes a first compartment 61 separated by the wall 65 and a second compartment 62.

[0233] The first compartment 61 houses a converter 71. The converter 71 may include a transformer 72. The converter 71 may operate to perform voltage down conversion. The converter 71 includes galvanic isolation. The converter 71 has a converter input section 71a and a converter output section 71b that is galvanically separated from the converter input section 71a.

[0234] The converter 71 may be an AC / DC converter. The converter 71 may be a switch mode power supply (SMPS).

[0235] The first compartment 61 is surrounded by an enclosure 63 and has a defined boundary. The enclosure 63 may provide a waterproof property of at least IPX4 or higher (determined, for example, according to ISO20653, DIN40050-9, or IEC60529). The wall 65 may be constituted by the compartment enclosure 63. The wall 65 may be integral with a side wall extending between the wall and an end wall 64 from which connection pins 52, 53 project. The wall 65 may be transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the direction 151 in which the connection pins 52, 53 extend.

[0236] The enclosure 63 surrounding the first compartment 61 may be waterproof. For the sake of explanation, the enclosure 63 may comply with IPX4 or higher (determined, for example, according to ISO20653, DIN40050-9, or IEC60529). A sealing configuration 68 may be provided in a passage through which a conductor 79 passes from the first compartment 61 through the wall 65. The sealing configuration may be or may include a molding material 68 applied to prevent water ingress into the first compartment 61.

[0237] The second compartment 62 houses the communication circuit 90. As used herein, the term "communication circuit" does not exclude the communication circuit from performing functions other than providing a communication function, provided that the communication function is transmitted via an interface circuit that provides the communication function, and that the communication circuit provides at least some communication functions. As will be described in more detail below, the communication circuit may operate to power the device or pass power to the device to operate or charge it, and / or to control a user interface provided on the power plug.

[0238] The communication circuit 90 may comprise one or several integrated circuits (ICs). The integrated circuit may be or may include one or several of application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), processors, controllers, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or combinations thereof. The IC may comprise a communication chip or chipset for communicating in accordance with the IEEE802.11 standard (e.g., compliant with IEEE802.11 - 2012 or 802.11 - 2016), at least one additional communication chip or chipset different from the IEEE802.11 chip or chipset, and an IC for controlling the operation of the communication circuit, including performing data search and / or transmission functions and optionally control functions for the user interface.

[0239] The communication circuit 90 may comprise at least one wireless interface circuit for transmitting device - related data. The communication circuit 90 may optionally comprise one or several additional data interfaces for obtaining device - related data. Alternatively, the same wireless interface circuit may be used for obtaining and transmitting device - related data.

[0240] The communication circuit 90 may comprise a first chip or chipset 74 that provides a wireless interface circuit for transmitting device-related data. The communication circuit 90 may comprise at least one second chip or chipset 75 that provides a wired or wireless interface circuit, enabling the communication circuit to receive data from one or several devices. The communication circuit 90 may comprise at least one IC that may operate to regulate and control the operation of the communication circuit 90.

[0241] The communication circuit 90 may comprise a circuit board 73. One or several ICs that include or provide a wireless or wired communication interface may be mounted on the circuit board 73. Additional components such as a circuit for powering the ICs using the power supplied by the converter 71 may also be mounted on the circuit board 73.

[0242] The circuit board 73 may be fixed to the wall 65. The circuit board 73 may be fixed to the wall 65 using any suitable fixing mechanism. The circuit board 73 may be fixed to the wall 65 using an adhesive, but is not limited thereto.

[0243] The communication circuit 90 may comprise a power supply input connected to the output of the converter 71. The communication circuit 90 may comprise a power supply output connected to a conductor 79 that extends through the cable 54 to an electrical contact within the connector 55. The communication circuit 90 may comprise a power supply output connected to the conductor 59 of the power supply cable 54.

[0244] When the connector 55 engages with the device and the power plug 51 engages with the power outlet 41, power may pass from the converter 71 through the communication circuit 90 to the device.

[0245] The second compartment 62 is bounded, for example, by an end cap 69 that can engage the enclosure 63 at the wall 65. The connection between the end cap 69 and the enclosure 63 can be waterproof, but need not be watertight. The second compartment 62 can have a lower IPX rating (e.g., determined according to ISO 20653, DIN 40050-9, or IEC 60529) than the first compartment 61. The end cap 69 can be secured by ultrasonic welding 67, an adhesive, or other fastening means.

[0246] The second compartment 62 can have a height 152 measured along the direction 151 from the surface of the wall 65 to a point on the outer surface of the end cap 69 that has the maximum distance from the plane defined by the surface of the wall 65 facing away from the converter 71. The height 152 can be less than 1 cm, less than 0.9 cm, less than 0.8 cm, less than 0.7 cm, less than 0.6 cm, or less than 0.5 cm.

[0247] The sealing configuration 68 can be implemented in various forms. FIG. 3 shows an implementation form in which the wall 65 includes a passage 81 through which at least one conductor 79 passes from the first compartment 61 to the second compartment 62. The sheath 82 can be secured to the wall 65 or formed integrally with the wall 65 and can extend into the second compartment 62. The sheath 82 can be formed as a conduit in which the conductors received in the respective conductor sheaths can be received in close contact. The sheath 82 can have an elasticity that seals the conductors in the conductor sheaths in a sealing manner. Alternatively or additionally, the sealing configuration can be formed by a molding material 68 applied to seal the passage 81 against water ingress.

[0248] The power supply charging device 50 according to any embodiment can operate to obtain device-related data for a device to which the power supply charging device 50 can supply power.

[0249] Figure 11 is a schematic view of a kit and system 10 comprising a power supply charging device 50 and a device 20. The device can be a personal care device or another household device. The device 20 comprises a connector 23 operative to engage with a device power connector 55 of the power supply charging device 50. The connector 23 can be a female connector. The connector 23 can comprise power terminals for receiving a DC voltage. The power terminals can be implemented as connector pins 24.

[0250] The device 20 comprises an electromechanical actuator 25. The actuator 25 can operate to actuate at least one operating element displaceably supported on a housing 22 of the device 20. The actuator 25 can operate in response to energy received via the connector 23 or, if present, from a battery 26.

[0251] The device 20 can comprise a battery 26 that can be rechargeable. When the battery 26 is provided, the device 20 can be configured such that not only the actuator 25 but also a communication circuit 27 and / or a sensor 28 and / or a memory 29 can be powered from the battery 26.

[0252] The device 20 can comprise a communication circuit 27. The communication circuit 27 can operate to provide device-related data to the power supply charging device 50.

[0253] The power supply charging device 50 can use a push or pull mechanism to obtain device-related data. The communication circuit 27 of the device can operate to output device-related data to the power supply charging device 50 in response to a request from the power supply charging device 50.

[0254] The device-related data can be at least partially based on the output of the sensor 28. The sensor data can be stored in the memory 29 for subsequent retrieval and use by the power supply device 50. The data read from the device 50 can include an identifier. The identifier can be a unique identifier for the device 20.

[0255] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a kit and system 10 including a power supply charging device 50 and a device 32. The device 32 can be a personal care device or another household device. The device 32 does not operate to establish an electrically conductive connection with the power supply charging device 50. The device 32 can be a device having a housing 33 without an electrical connector.

[0256] The device 32 can include a battery and / or an energy harvesting circuit 34. The battery and / or the energy harvesting circuit 34 can operate to supply power to the communication circuit 27, the memory 29, and / or the sensor 28.

[0257] The energy harvesting circuit 34 can operate to provide power to the battery, the communication circuit 27, the memory 29, and / or the sensor 28. This can be done in response to received electromagnetic radiation. The power supply charging device 50 can operate to generate electromagnetic radiation that can be used by the energy harvesting circuit 34 of the device 32.

[0258] The communication circuit 27 can operate to provide device-related data to the power supply charging device 50.

[0259] The power supply charging device 50 can use a push or pull mechanism to obtain device-related data. The communication circuit 27 of the device can operate to output device-related data to the power supply charging device 50 in response to a request from the power supply charging device 50.

[0260] The device-related data can be at least partially based on the output of the sensor 28. The sensor data can be stored in the memory 29 for subsequent retrieval and use by the power supply device 50.

[0261] The data read from the device 50 can include an identifier. The identifier can be a unique identifier for the device 32.

[0262] FIG. 13 is a flowchart of method 160. Method 160 can be automatically executed by power supply charging device 50.

[0263] In step 161, power supply charging device 50 may supply power to the device.

[0264] In step 162, power supply charging device 50 may enable collection of device-related data for user access.

[0265] Step 162 - obtaining, by the power supply charging device, device-related data for the device it powers and / or one or more other devices, and - transmitting, by the power supply charging device, the device-related data. The device may use configuration information that enables the power supply charging device to send the device-related data to a remote server or computer 44 for storage and / or processing.

[0266] Step 162 may be implemented using any one of the techniques described in detail above.

[0267] FIG. 14 is a flowchart of method 165. Method 165 can be automatically executed by power supply charging device 50 and remote computing device 44.

[0268] In step 162, power supply charging device 50 may enable collection of device-related data for user access.

[0269] Step 162 - obtaining, by the power supply charging device, device-related data for the device it powers and / or one or more other devices, and - It may include transmitting device-related data by a power supply charging device. The device may use configuration information that enables the power supply charging device to transmit the device-related data to a remote server or computer 44 for storage and / or processing.

[0270] Step 162 may be implemented using any one of the techniques described in detail above.

[0271] In step 163, the remote computing device 44 enables the user to access device-related data or information derived therefrom.

[0272] FIGS. 15 and 16 are flowcharts of methods that may be executed by a user terminal such as user terminal 45.

[0273] FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a method 170 that may be executed by user terminal 45 to enable power supply charging device 170 to operate as a communication hub for a device such as a personal care device.

[0274] In step 171, a communication link may be established between user terminal 45 and power supply charging device 50. The establishment of the communication link may be achieved in response to at least one user input action. The communication link may be selectively established in response to one user input action at power supply charging device 50 (such as the actuation of an actuating element of UI 100 that causes power supply charging device 50 to enter the configuration mode) and another user input action at user terminal 45 (such as confirming that the user intends to provide configuration information to the detected power supply charging device). The communication link may be a Bluetooth or BLE link. The actuation of UI 100 to enter the configuration mode may cause power supply charging device 50 to transmit an electromagnetic signal (such as, but not limited to, BLE or Bluetooth advertisement) via at least one wireless interface that enables power supply charging device 50 to be detected.

[0275] In step 172, the user terminal 45 may transmit configuration information to the power supply charging device 50 for storage when transmitting device-related data and / or for later use (it is not necessary to use the user terminal 45 for this later transmission).

[0276] Part or all of the configuration information may be read from the user terminal 45 (such as access information of the access point 42 that may be stored in the general communication settings of the user terminal 45, or access information of the remote computing device 44 that may be stored in dedicated instruction codes (such as apps) executed on the user terminal 45). When the communication link is established in step 171, part or all of the configuration information may be received via the user interface of the user terminal 45.

[0277] The configuration information may include information that enables the power supply charging device 50 to transmit device-related data to a remote computer or server 44 connected to a WAN 43 such as the Internet via a WLAN. The configuration information may include an identifier (such as a name) of an access point such as a WLAN access point. The configuration information may include a key, password, or other security code required to connect to the WAN via the access point. For illustration, the configuration information may include a WPA key (which may be a WPA2 key or a WPA3 key) or other password for connecting to the access point.

[0278] Alternatively or additionally, the configuration information may include an identifier (such as an account name) assigned to the user in the server or computer 44 and / or a password required by the user for authentication in the server or computer 44.

[0279] Both information for connecting to the WAN 43 via the access point 42 and information for accessing a protected storage area located in or managed by the server or computer 44 may be received in the configuration information.

[0280] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a method 180 that can be executed by a user terminal 45 to access device-related data in a remote computing device 44 and / or to retrieve device-related data from the remote computing device 44. Accessing device-related data in the remote computing device 44 and / or retrieving device-related data from the remote computing device 44 has the advantage that the data is integrated in one place. A user can access device-related data and / or retrieve device-related data using various terminal devices. The device-related data can also be accessed, for example, by maintenance staff for service and / or maintenance purposes.

[0281] In step 181, a communication link can be established between the user terminal 45 and the remote computing device 44. The communication link can be established via a WLAN having an access point 42, but need not be established. The communication link can be established via a cellular network and / or a LAN. Access to and / or retrieval of device-related data may require the user terminal 45 to perform authentication. The authentication can be performed using an identifier (such as an account name) assigned to the user in the remote computing device 44 and / or a password required by the user for authentication in the remote computing device 44.

[0282] In step 182, device-related data is retrieved. The user can retrieve data for maintenance and / or operation monitoring of one or several devices.

[0283] Although a device in which a communication circuit 90 can be housed in a housing of a power plug 51 of a power supply charging device has been described in detail, other configurations are possible. Alternatively or additionally, although a device in which the power supply charging device 50 is a power cord has been described in detail, other configurations are possible.

[0284] FIG. 17 shows a power supply and charging device 50 having a power plug 51 that operates to engage with an electrical outlet and a device power connector 55. Part or all of the communication circuit 90 may be disposed within the housing of the device power connector 55. Power for supplying power to the device may pass through the communication circuit 90 during use.

[0285] FIG. 17 shows a power supply and charging device 50 having a power plug 51 that operates to engage with an electrical outlet and a device power connector 55. Part or all of the communication circuit 90 may be disposed within the housing of the device power connector 55. Power for supplying power to the device may pass through the communication circuit 90 during use.

[0286] The power supply and charging device may be implemented as a power cord, as shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 18 shows another power supply and charging device 190. The power supply and charging device includes a plug 193 for engaging with an electrical outlet, a support 191, and a stand 192 for receiving a device thereon. Part or all of the communication circuit 90 may be disposed within the enclosure of the support 191 and / or the stand 192. Power for supplying power to the device may pass through the communication circuit 90 during use. The power supply and charging device 190 may operate to communicate with the device via a further wireless interface circuit, such as a further wireless interface circuit 94 (using one-way communication or two-way communication). The power supply and charging device 190 may operate to inductively and / or capacitively charge the device.

[0287] Various effects and advantages are achieved by the present invention. The power supply and charging device, kit, system, and method facilitate the transmission of data collected by a device, particularly a personal care device. The power supply and charging device, kit, system, and method enable device-related data to be transmitted over a desired wireless communication standard (such as a member of the IEEE 802.11 standard family) without requiring the device itself to have the communication circuit required for its particular communication standard (while still making it possible). This power supply and charging device can be manufactured in an efficient manner.

[0288] The dimensions and values disclosed in this specification should not be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean both the recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding that value. For example, a dimension disclosed as "40 mm" is intended to mean "about 40 mm".

Claims

1. A switched-mode power supply charging device (50; 190) for charging a rechargeable battery of a personal care device (20, 30, 32), connector pins (52, 53) operative to engage with an electrical outlet, a power supply cable (54) comprising a device power connector (55), a power plug housing (63, 69) from which the connector pins (52, 53) project and which is attached to an end of the power supply cable (54) opposite the end where the device power connector (55) is provided, a circuit (60) comprising an AC / DC switched-mode converter (71) and a wireless interface circuit (92), wherein the power plug housing (63, 69) houses the circuit (60), and the circuit (60) is operative to obtain device-related data for at least one personal care device (20, 30, 32) via at least one further communication interface (93, 94) different from the wireless interface circuit (92), and the wireless interface circuit (92) is operative to transmit the device-related data, the switched-mode power supply charging device (50; 190).

2. The circuit (60) is operative to obtain at least a portion of the device-related data for the personal care device (20, 30, 32) while the personal care device (20, 30, 32) is engaged with the device power connector (55), and / or operative to obtain at least a portion of the device-related data for one or some second personal care devices (20, 30, 32) while the device power connector (55) is engaged with a first personal care device (20, 30, 32) different from the one or some second personal care devices (20, 30, 32), the switched-mode power supply charging device (50; 190) according to claim 1.

3. The at least one further communication interface (93, 94) is a wired communication circuit (93) operative to obtain the device-related data via a conductor of the power supply cable (54) operative to supply power, and / or The switched-mode power supply charging device (50; 190) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a further wireless interface circuit (94) different from the said wireless interface circuit (92).

4. The power supply charging device (50; 190) is a watertight shell (63) from which the connector pins (52, 53) protrude, the watertight shell (63) having an outer surface (65), and the circuit (60) being mounted on the outer surface (65) of the watertight shell (63), comprising a watertight shell (63). Optionally, the power supply charging device (50; 190) further comprises an enclosure (69) attached to the watertight shell (63) in which the circuit (60) is arranged, and further optionally, the enclosure (69) is an end cap attached to the watertight shell (63). The switched-mode power supply charging device (50; 190) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The circuit (60) has a configuration mode in which the wireless interface circuit (92) can be configured for subsequent transmission of the device-related data. The switched-mode power supply charging device (50; 190) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The power supply charging device (50; 190) comprises a user interface (100), and the circuit (60) is operable to enter the configuration mode in response to a user input operation at the user interface (100), and / or In the configuration mode, the circuit (60) operates to receive configuration information required for subsequent transmission of the device-related data to a remote computing device (44) via an access point (42), and optionally, the circuit (60) operates to receive the configuration information via the wireless interface circuit (92) or via a second wireless interface circuit (94) different from the wireless interface circuit (92). The switched-mode power supply charging device (50; 190) according to claim 5.

7. A kit comprising one or several personal care devices (20, 30, 32), and A switch-mode power supply charging device (50; 190) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the power supply charging device (50; 190) is operative to transmit device-related data for one or some of the personal care devices (20, 30, 32), a switch-mode power supply charging device (50; 190), and a kit comprising the same.

8. The kit according to claim 7, wherein the one or some personal care devices (20, 30, 32) are selected from the group consisting of hair cutting, trimming, or removal devices (20, 32) and oral care devices (30).

9. A wireless local area network, WLAN access point (42), wherein the circuit (60) is operative to transmit the device-related data to a remote computing device (44) via the WLAN access point (42), and / or A user terminal (45), wherein the circuit (60) is operative to receive configuration information of the wireless interface circuit (92) required for subsequent transmission of the device-related data to a remote computing device via a wireless local area network, WLAN access point (42) from the user terminal (45), and the kit according to claim 7 or 8 further comprising the user terminal (45).

10. A method for acquiring and transmitting device-related data, the method being executed by a switch-mode power supply charging device (50; 190), the switch-mode power supply charging device (50; 190) comprising connector pins (52, 53) operative to engage with a power outlet, a power supply cable (54) comprising a device power connector (55), and a circuit (60) comprising a wireless interface circuit (92), the method comprising acquiring device-related data for at least one personal care device (20, 30, 32) via the power supply cable (54) and / or via at least one additional communication interface (93, 94) different from the wireless interface circuit (92); and transmitting the device-related data via the wireless interface circuit (92).

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising supplying power to at least one personal care device (20, 30, 32) engaged with the device power connector (55) by the power supply charging device (50; 190).

12. receiving, by the circuit (60), configuration information required for subsequent transmission of the device-related data to a remote computing device (44) via an access point (42); storing, by the circuit (60), the configuration information; accessing and using, by the circuit (60), the configuration information to transmit the device-related data to the remote computing device (44) via the access point (42), the method according to claim 10 or 11 further comprising the steps of:

13. The obtaining of the device-related data comprises: obtaining at least a part of the device-related data for the personal care device (20, 30, 32) while the personal care device (20, 30) is engaged with the device power connector (55), and / or obtaining at least a part of the device-related data for the one or some second personal care devices (30, 32) while the device power connector (55) is engaged with a first personal care device (20) different from the one or some second personal care devices (30, 32), the method according to any one of claims 10 to 12 comprising the steps of:

14. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the power supply charging device (50; 190) operates as a communication hub that obtains device-related data for the several personal care devices (20, 30, 32) while supplying power to one of the personal care devices (20, 30, 32) and transmits the data to a computing device (44).

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