Switch-mode power supply charger device, kit, and method of manufacturing and using such a power device

Abstract

The switch-mode power charger device (50) for personal care equipment (20, 30) comprises a power cable (54) and a power plug (51). The power plug comprises a housing (63, 69) having a first compartment (61) and a second compartment (62) adjacent to the first compartment (61). A converter (71) is disposed within the first compartment (61). A communication circuit (90) is disposed in the second compartment (62).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a switch-mode power supply charger device for supplying power to a device, particularly a personal care device. The present invention particularly relates to a power supply device having a communication interface. The present invention also relates to a kit and a system comprising such a switch-mode power supply charger device, and a method of manufacturing and using such a power supply device.

Background Art

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

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] 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, in order to improve user convenience.

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 (while still enabling) the device itself having to have the communication circuitry required for its particular communication standard. Also, the object of the present invention is to provide such a device that can be manufactured in an efficient manner.

[0005] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a switch-mode power supply charger device that operates to supply power to a device, particularly a personal care device, and recharge its battery comprises a communication circuit that operates to transmit device-related data.

[0006] The switch-mode power supply charger device may be configured to engage with an electrical outlet and comprise a power plug having several compartments, and the communication circuit is disposed in one of the compartments.

[0007] A switch-mode power supply charger device for charging a rechargeable battery of a personal care device, the switch-mode power supply charger device comprising: a power cable having a connector for reversibly and releasably engaging with the device; a power plug configured to engage with a power outlet, the power plug comprising a housing, the housing comprising a first compartment sealed against water ingress and a second compartment adjacent to the first compartment, the housing comprising a wall separating the first compartment and the second compartment, the wall defining the second compartment, the wall comprising a passage through which at least one conductor extends from the interior of the first compartment to the interior of the second compartment, the passage being sealed against water ingress into the first compartment; a housing; an AC / DC switch-mode converter disposed within the first compartment, the converter comprising a converter input and a converter output galvanically isolated from the converter input and electrically connected to the power cable; and a communication circuit disposed within the second compartment and electrically connected to the converter output, the communication circuit comprising a wireless interface circuit for wirelessly connecting the switch-mode power supply charger device to a wide area network or a local area network.

[0008] A switch-mode power supply charger device for a personal care device according to one embodiment comprises at least a power cable having a connector for reversibly and releasably engaging with the device and a power plug configured to engage with a power outlet. The power plug comprises a housing, the housing comprising a first compartment and a second compartment adjacent to the first compartment. The power plug comprises a converter disposed within the first compartment, the converter comprising a converter input and a converter output galvanically isolated from the converter input and electrically connected to the power cable. The power plug comprises a communication circuit disposed within the second compartment and electrically connected to the converter output, the communication circuit comprising a wireless interface circuit.

[0009] A kit according to one embodiment comprises a personal care device and a power device.

[0010] A method of manufacturing a switch mode power charger device for a personal care device according to one embodiment is to provide a power plug component having connector pins for engaging a power outlet and a first compartment, the first compartment housing a converter comprising a converter input and a converter output galvanically isolated from the converter input, the first compartment being defined by a wall, placing a communication circuit on the wall and electrically connecting the communication circuit to the converter output, the communication circuit comprising a wireless interface circuit, attaching an enclosure for the communication circuit to form a second compartment of the power plug, and providing a power cable attached to the power plug, the power cable having a connector for engaging the device.

[0011] Use of a switch mode power charger device according to one embodiment includes using the switch mode power charger device to provide a communication link over which device-related data is transmitted.

[0012] Accordingly, the switch mode power charger device is made from two compartments, one of which is at least sealed or protected against water ingress, and optionally both are sealed or waterproof protected. This enables the easy manufacture of a charger configuration having at least a dual function as a data hub for transmitting and collecting data as well as for charging the battery. The wireless module is easily added to the housing structure of the charger compartment housing by providing a second module / compartment / housing that provides an add-on for the first compartment that houses the switch mode converter. The wireless communication circuit benefits from the power provided by the module housed in the first compartment and also optionally from the data received via the power and then transmitted by the communication circuit. Alternatively, data is also received by the communication circuit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] The embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings in which the same or corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding elements.

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] The embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The features of the embodiments may be combined with each other unless otherwise specified.

[0015] Embodiments are described in connection with a power device for a personal care device, as well as in connection with systems, kits, and methods that may include a personal care device, but the technology is not limited thereto. For purposes of explanation, a switch mode power charger device can operate to supply power to a household appliance, and the household appliance may or may not be a personal care device. A kitchen appliance is an example of such a device.

[0016] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a power device, as well as kits, systems, and methods related thereto. A switch mode power charger device has a communication function. The switch mode power charger device operates to transmit device-related data.

[0017] As used herein, the terms "power source" or "power supply" include the supply of electrical energy to a device for live use thereof (e.g., for using the electrical energy supplied to drive an electromechanical actuator), and optionally, the supply of electrical energy to a device for charging a battery that may be present.

[0018] The communication function of the switch mode power charger device is used not only in connection with devices to which the switch mode power charger device can supply electrical energy, but also in connection with devices that may require different types of electrical switch mode power charger devices, and / or devices that may not require power because they do not include, for example, an electromechanical actuator.

[0019] "Device-related data" transmitted by a switch-mode power supply charger device can be data related to a device that the switch-mode power supply charger device is mechanically engaged with to provide power thereto, data related to a device that the switch-mode power supply charger device can be mechanically engaged with to provide power thereto but is not engaged with during data transmission, and / or data related to a device that the switch-mode power supply charger device cannot be mechanically engaged with to provide power thereto.

[0020] A switch-mode power supply charger device for a device according to one embodiment includes a power cable having a connector for reversibly and releasably engaging with the device, and a power plug configured to engage with a power outlet. The power plug includes a housing, and the housing includes a first section and a second section adjacent to the first section. The power plug includes a converter disposed within the first section, and the converter includes a converter input and a converter output that is galvanically isolated from the converter input and electrically connected to the power cable. The power plug includes a communication circuit disposed within the second section and electrically connected to the converter output, and the communication circuit includes a wireless interface circuit.

[0021] The integration of the communication circuit into the switch-mode power supply charger device enables device-related data to be transmitted, for example, to a wide area network (WAN) without requiring (while still enabling) an interface for communication with the WAN to be present in the device itself and without requiring the user to communicatively couple a terminal device (such as a cellular phone, wearable, tablet, or portable or stationary computer) to the device for transmission of device-related data.

[0022] The configuration of the two compartments of the power plug and the integration of the communication circuit into the power plug facilitate manufacturing. The communication circuit may be attached outside the first compartment, where power conversion is performed within the first compartment, and the first compartment supplies a power level that poses no safety hazard to the user. The first compartment can have a configuration that can be used without the communication circuit, making the manufacture of the power plug including the communication circuit efficient.

[0023] The two-compartment configuration of the power plug is also useful for recyclability and / or maintenance. For illustration, the communication circuit can continue to be used in relation to a different converter when the converter of a switch-mode power charger device is no longer fully operational. For further illustration, a new communication circuit can be mounted on a switch-mode power charger device including an operational converter when the original communication circuit is no longer fully operational.

[0024] The switch-mode power charger device may be a switch-mode power charger device for personal care equipment. This facilitates the use of switch-mode power charger devices related to personal care equipment. Users tend to have various personal care equipment for daily use, and not all of them (or even any of them) are equipped with the desired wireless data communication function (e.g., communication with a server connected to a WAN). The switch-mode power charger device provides this communication function.

[0025] The switch-mode power charger device may be a switch-mode power charger device for household equipment such as household appliances. This facilitates the use of switch-mode power charger devices related to household equipment. Users tend to have various household equipment for daily use, and not all of them (or even any of them) are equipped with the desired wireless data communication function (e.g., communication with a server connected to a WAN). The switch-mode power charger device provides this communication function.

[0026] The first compartment may be sealed against water ingress. The first compartment may have, for example, a waterproof rating of IPX4, IPX5, IPX6 or higher. The communication circuit may be disposed downstream along the power transmission path from the connector pins for the power outlet of the converter housed in the first compartment to the device. Since the voltage down-conversion has already been performed upstream of the communication circuit, the second compartment may have a lower waterproof rating than the waterproof rating of the first compartment.

[0027] The first compartment may be watertight.

[0028] The switch-mode power supply charger device can be operated to pass the electrical energy output by the converter through the communication circuit to the power cable. This configuration facilitates the manufacture of the power device. The communication circuit provides voltage down-conversion, is sealed against water ingress, and may be added to the self-powered plug component that functions as a first compartment integrated with the power device together with the communication circuit in the power device.

[0029] The connector may include electrical contacts that abut corresponding contacts of the device.

[0030] The connector may include an inductive and / or capacitive power transmission configuration for non-contact power transmission to the device.

[0031] The communication circuit can be operated to be powered by the power output by the converter. The power used by the communication circuit can be derived from the power passing through the communication circuit and going towards the device.

[0032] The housing may include a wall that separates the first compartment and the second compartment. This configuration facilitates the manufacture of the switch-mode power supply charger device by providing a mount for the communication circuit.

[0033] The housing may include end caps. The end caps and the wall may define a second compartment. This configuration facilitates the manufacture of the power device. The communication circuit and the end caps may provide voltage down-conversion, be sealed against water ingress, and may be added to the self-powered plug components that function as the first compartment within the power device. Thus, only the second compartment needs to be added to the power charger device to add wireless functionality. By providing a cap for this second compartment, only the module is added to the self-powered plug device, ensuring a modularity-based design.

[0034] The wall may include a passage through which at least one conductor extends from the interior of the first compartment to the interior of the second compartment. The passage may be sealed against water ingress into the first compartment. This configuration facilitates the manufacture of the switch-mode power charger device while ensuring that all components of the device that may be exposed to the power voltage are sealed against water ingress. Optionally, for example, the second compartment added to the first housing compartment by a housing cap may not be very well sealed against water ingress.

[0035] The power plug may include a sealing configuration that seals the passage against water ingress into the first compartment. This configuration facilitates the manufacture of the switch-mode power charger device while ensuring that all components of the device that may be exposed to the power voltage are sealed against water ingress.

[0036] The power plug may include at least one sheath into which at least one conductor is received and that is integral with the wall or is sealingly attached to the wall. This configuration facilitates the manufacture of the switch-mode power charger device while ensuring that all components of the device that may be exposed to the power voltage are sealed against water ingress.

[0037] The communication circuit may comprise a power input connected to at least one conductor. Thereby, while supplying power to the communication circuit by the power output from the circuit housed in the first compartment, it becomes possible for the power going towards the device to pass through the communication circuit.

[0038] The communication circuit may comprise a power output electrically connected to the conductor of the power cable. Thereby, while supplying power to the communication circuit by the power output from the circuit housed in the first compartment, it becomes possible for the power going towards the device to pass through the communication circuit.

[0039] The power plug may comprise several connector pins for engaging with a power outlet, each of the several connector pins extending along a first direction, and the wall extending transversely, optionally perpendicularly, to the first direction. This enables the communication circuit to be conveniently arranged towards the end face of the power plug and facilitates the electronic coupling of the communication circuit with the user interface.

[0040] The wireless interface circuit may be operative to transmit device-related data. The communication of device-related data to a computer or server connected to a wide area network (such as the Internet) is enabled by the power device without the device itself necessarily having a communication interface that enables communication, for example, with an IEEE 802.11 compliant access point.

[0041] Device-related data may include device operation data. The device operation data may include information regarding the time of use, the aggregation time, and / or the frequency. The device operation data can 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 the use of the device, or other useful user instructions. Such information may also be useful for maintenance purposes.

[0042] 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 the device. The device status data may include or be derived from parameters measured by the device, such as battery health status, the status of components that are subject to wear during use of the device (such as the outer blade or cutting blade of a hair-cutting device), or other status information indicative of 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.

[0043] The equipment-related data may include first equipment-related data associated with a first equipment having an equipment connector operable to matingly engage with a connector of the power device.

[0044] The equipment-related data may include second equipment-related data associated with a second equipment that does not have an equipment connector operable to matingly engage with the connector of the power device.

[0045] The second equipment-related data may relate to equipment that does not have an electromechanical actuator.

[0046] Alternatively or additionally, the communications circuitry may operate to receive data and, possibly after processing, provide the data to one or more personal care devices using wired or wireless communications.

[0047] The communications circuitry may comprise at least one further communications interface circuit distinct from the wireless interface circuit for collecting equipment-related data, the at least one further communications interface circuit enabling the switched mode power supply charger device to collect equipment-related data for transmission via the wireless interface circuit without requiring the equipment itself to have a respective wireless interface circuit.

[0048] At least one additional communication interface circuit may comprise a wired communication circuit. The wired communication circuit may be operative to collect device-related data via first and second conductors of a power cable to which power is supplied. Alternatively or additionally, at least one additional communication interface circuit may comprise an additional wireless interface circuit different from the wireless interface circuit. At least one additional communication interface circuit enables a switch mode power charger device to collect device-related data for transmission via the interface, such that the device itself need not (still may) operate for data transmission via the wireless interface circuit through which the switch mode power charger device transmits device-related data.

[0049] 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 switch mode power charger device may comprise at least three different communication interface circuits and may provide versatility in collecting device-related data.

[0050] The communication circuit may be operative to transmit data received by the wireless interface circuit to the personal care device. Thereby, data for configuring the personal care device, firmware or software updates for the personal care device, or other data may be provided to the personal care device via the power device without the personal care 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.

[0051] The communication circuit may be operative for one-way or two-way communication with the personal care device.

[0052] One-way or two-way communication with a personal care device may be established via at least one additional communication interface. The two-way communication function may be used by a power 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.

[0053] The switch-mode power charger device may comprise a memory. The memory may be arranged in a second compartment. This facilitates temporarily storing device-related data before transmission.

[0054] The memory may comprise a persistent memory. The persistent memory may internally store access information that enables the communication circuit to communicate via an access point and / or transmit device-related data to a server or computer.

[0055] The persistent memory may internally store security-related data, and the communication circuit operates to use the security-related data for data obfuscation, encryption, and / or authentication when transmitting device-related data.

[0056] The power plug may comprise a user interface. The user interface may enable information related to the operation of the power device (e.g., its communication status or configuration status) to be output. The user interface may enable the switch-mode power charger 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 configuring the access point and not for subsequent transmission of device-related data.

[0057] The user interface may comprise at least one actuating element for operating the communication circuit to enter 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.

[0058] The user interface may include at least one status indicator that operates to output status information related to the communication circuit. Optionally, the at least one status indicator may include several light segments. The status indicator(s) may include one or more light-emitting elements. The status indicator may include one or more LEDs. The status indicator(s) may include one or more LED-based light segments that may be disposed partially or entirely around the circumference of the end face of the power plug. Thereby, several status indicators can be integrated in a small area.

[0059] The converter may be an AC / DC converter. This facilitates the use of a switch-mode power charger device for obtaining the operating power of the device from the voltage of the power outlet.

[0060] The converter may be a switch-mode power supply (SMPS). This facilitates the use of a switch-mode power charger device for obtaining the operating power of the device from the voltage of the power outlet.

[0061] The kit may include a device and a power device. The switch-mode power charger device operates to transmit device-related data via a wireless interface circuit.

[0062] The device may be a personal care device.

[0063] 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).

[0064] The device can operate to communicate with the communication circuit of the switch-mode power charger device using a second communication standard (such as wired communication via the conductors of a power cable, Bluetooth, or BLE, etc.) different from the communication standards (such as IEEE 802.11 a, b, g, n, ac, ax, and / or ad, etc.) supported by the wireless interface circuit of the communication circuit of the power device. This enables the use of an inexpensive communication chipset for communication between the device and the power device, for example, eliminating the need to provide a chipset for communicating with an access point within the device.

[0065] The device may be configured not to be able to communicate according to the communication standards (such as, for example, IEEE 802.11 a, b, g, n, ac, ax, and / or ad, etc.) supported by the wireless interface circuit of the communication circuit of the power device. This enables the use of an inexpensive communication chipset for communication between the device and the power device, for example, eliminating the need to provide a chipset for communicating with an access point within the device.

[0066] The kit may further include an access point for a wireless local area network (WLAN). The communication circuit may operate to transmit device-related data to a remote computing device via the WLAN access point. This enables the switch-mode power charger device to operate as a hub that collects device-related data via the access point, optionally processes and / or aggregates it, and then transmits it.

[0067] The kit may further include a user terminal. The communication circuit may operate to receive configuration information for the wireless interface circuit required for subsequent transmission of device-related data to a remote computing device via an access point for a wireless local area network (WLAN) from the user terminal.

[0068] The communication circuit may operate to provide device-related data to the user terminal.

[0069] The device may comprise a device connector that operates to mechanically engage with a connector of a power device. This enables a switch mode power charger device to transmit device-related data for a device that can be powered by the power device.

[0070] The device may be configured such that it cannot mechanically engage with a connector of a power device. This enables a switch mode power charger device to transmit device-related data for a device that may have a different dedicated power source and / or may not require any wired power at all.

[0071] The kit may comprise both a first device and a second device, and the switch mode power charger device may operate to obtain device-related data for both the first device and the second device for transmission via a wireless interface circuit.

[0072] A system according to one embodiment comprises a device and a power device. The switch mode power charger device operates to transmit device-related data via a wireless interface circuit.

[0073] The switch mode power charger device may operate to supply power to the device.

[0074] The device may be a personal care device.

[0075] 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).

[0076] The device may operate to communicate with the communication circuit of the switch mode power charger device using a second communication standard (such as wired communication via the conductors of a power cable, Bluetooth, or BLE, etc.) different from the communication standards (such as IEEE 802.11 a, b, g, n, ac, ax, and / or ad, etc.) supported by the wireless interface circuit of the communication circuit of the power device. This enables the use of an inexpensive communication chipset for communication between the device and the power device, for example, eliminating the need to provide a chipset for communicating with an access point within the device.

[0077] The device may be configured such that it cannot communicate according to the communication standards (such as, for example, IEEE 802.11 a, b, g, n, ac, ax, and / or ad, etc.) supported by the wireless interface circuit of the communication circuit of the power device. This enables the use of an inexpensive communication chipset for communication between the device and the power device, for example, eliminating the need to provide a chipset for communicating with an access point within the device.

[0078] The device may include a device connector that operates to mechanically engage with the connector of the power device. This enables the switch mode power charger device to transmit device-related data for a device that can be powered by the power device.

[0079] The device may be configured such that it cannot mechanically engage with the connector of the power device. This enables the switch mode power charger device to transmit device-related data for a device that may have a different dedicated power source and / or may not require any wired power at all.

[0080] The system may include both a first device and a second device, and the switch mode power charger device may operate to obtain device-related data for both the first device and the second device for transmission via the wireless interface circuit.

[0081] The system may include an access point. The system may include a router that includes an access point. The access point may be a WLAN (e.g., WiFi) access point. The access point may be operative to communicate in accordance with at least one of IEEE 802.11 a, b, g, n, ac, ax, ad.

[0082] The system may include a computer or a server. The switch-mode power charger device may be operative to transmit device-related data to the computer or the server via a WAN to which the access point is coupled.

[0083] The system may include a user terminal. The user terminal may be a handheld user terminal. The user terminal may be operative to receive device-related data or data derived therefrom from the computer or the server. Thereby, the user can 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 that need to be performed or are recommended for the user's personal care device(s)) via the user terminal.

[0084] The switch-mode power charger device may be operative to directly provide device-related data to the user terminal via a communication link.

[0085] The switch-mode power charger device may be operative to directly establish a communication link with the user terminal for the configuration of a wireless interface circuit.

[0086] The switch-mode power charger device may be operative to receive from the user terminal information regarding the name and / or key of the access point to which device-related data is to be transmitted. This facilitates the configuration of the switch-mode power charger device for using the user terminal without requiring the user terminal to be placed near the device(s) for the transmission of device-related data.

[0087] The switch mode power charger device may be operative to receive information regarding an identifier and / or a passcode for a user required to access a user-specific storage area within a server or a computer from a user terminal.

[0088] The switch mode power charger device may be operative to send device-related data to an access point without sending the device-related data to the user terminal.

[0089] A method of manufacturing a switch mode power charger device for a device according to one embodiment is to provide a power plug component having connector pins for engaging a power outlet and a first compartment, the first compartment housing a converter comprising a converter input and a converter output galvanically isolated from the converter input, the first compartment being defined by a wall, placing a communication circuit on the wall and electrically connecting the communication circuit to the converter output, the communication circuit comprising a wireless interface circuit, attaching an enclosure for the communication circuit to form a second compartment of the power plug, and providing a power cable attached to the power plug, the power cable having a connector for engaging the device.

[0090] This method enables the switch mode power charger device to be manufactured in an efficient manner. A waterproof power plug component (which may be used as a stand-alone component for devices not requiring a communication function) may be combined with a communication circuit disposed external to the waterproof enclosure of the power plug component.

[0091] The switch mode power charger device may be a switch mode power charger device according to one embodiment.

[0092] The enclosure may be an end cap.

[0093] Attaching the enclosure may include, or may include, attaching the enclosure by ultrasonic welding.

[0094] This method may further include electrically connecting the conductors of the power cable to the power output of the communication circuit.

[0095] This method may include electrically connecting the output of the converter to the power input of the communication circuit.

[0096] Use of a switch mode power supply charger device according to one embodiment includes using the switch mode power supply charger device to provide a communication link over which device-related data is transmitted.

[0097] The use may include transmitting device-related data via a wireless interface circuit operating in accordance with at least one of IEEE 802.11 a, b, g, n, ac, ax, ad.

[0098] The use may include interfacing 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 IEEE 802.11 a, b, g, n, ac, ax, ad) with the access point via a power device.

[0099] Additional optional features of the manufacturing method and / or use according to the embodiment correspond to optional features of the power device, kit, or system according to the embodiment.

[0100] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of system 10. System 10 includes a switch mode power supply charger device 50. The switch mode power supply charger device 50 is operative to transmit device-related data via the wireless interface circuit of the switch mode power supply charger device 50.

[0101] System 10 includes one or more devices 20, 30. The device(s) 20, 30 may be household devices, particularly personal care devices. The device may be, or may include, a hair cutting, trimming, and / or removal device, and / or an oral care device, or may be selected from the group consisting of an electric shaver, a wet shaver, a body groomer, a hair trimmer, a hair removal device, an electric toothbrush, a tongue cleaner, and a mouth shower device. Each of the device(s) 20, 30 may include a circuit that can be communicatively accessed by a switch-mode power charger device 50 to read device-related data from the device(s) 20, 30.

[0102] One, some, or all of the device(s) 20, 30 may include device connectors 21, 31 for receiving power. At least one of the devices 20, 30 may operably engage with the switch-mode power charger device 50 and receive power from the switch-mode power charger device 50.

[0103] The switch-mode power charger device 50 may operate to collect device-related data from a first device to which it is connected and / or a second device to which it is not connected for supplying power thereto. The switch-mode power charger device 50 includes a communication circuit that operates to transmit device-related data. The switch-mode power charger device 50 may 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 may be provided on the cloud. The switch-mode power charger device 50 may operate to transmit device-related data via a WLAN interface (e.g., compliant with IEEE 802.11 such as IEEE 802.11-2012 or IE 802.11-2016, or compatible therewith).

[0104] The device-related data may or may not be related to a device that is being powered by the switched-mode power supply charger device 50. The switched-mode power supply charger device may operate to collect and transmit device-related data for devices (such as personal care devices) that cannot be electrically connected to the switched-mode power supply charger device 50 to receive power therefrom, are not currently electrically connected to the switched-mode power supply charger device 50 to receive power therefrom, and / or do not require any wired connection to the switched-mode power supply charger device 50 to receive power.

[0105] The device-related data can include data retrieved by the switched-mode power supply charger device 50 from the devices 20, 30 via a wired or wireless communication channel and / or data collected by the switched-mode power supply charger device 50 while the switched-mode power supply charger device is connected to the device.

[0106] The operation and configuration of the switched-mode power supply charger device 50 will be described in more detail below.

[0107] The switched-mode power supply charger device 50 includes a power cable 54 having a connector 55 for reversibly and releasably engaging with the devices 20, 30. The switched-mode power supply charger device 50 includes a power plug 51 configured to engage with an electrical outlet 41. The power plug 51 includes a housing. As will be described in more detail below, the housing may include a first compartment that houses a converter that operates to perform voltage down-conversion. The housing may include a second compartment, different from the first compartment, in which a communication circuit is disposed. The power supplied to the devices 20, 30 may pass through the communication circuit within the second compartment. The first compartment may be sealed against water ingress.

[0108] The power plug 51 has connector pins 52, 53 for electrically coupling to a power source by coupling to the electrical outlet 41.

[0109] The switch-mode power supply charger device 50 may operate as follows.

[0110] Configuration of the switch-mode power supply charger device 50 This is an operating stage 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 can be omitted, for example, when the relevant communication data has already been provisioned in the switch-mode power supply charger device 50 when provided to the user.

[0111] In the configuration mode, the communication circuit of the switch-mode power supply charger device 50 can receive the information necessary to transmit device-related data to the server or computer 44 via the access point 42. Alternatively or additionally, the communication circuit of the switch-mode power supply charger device can receive the information necessary to access the user-specific protected storage space in the server or computer 44. This information can be permanently stored in the switch-mode power supply charger device 50 and can be accessed when the switch-mode power supply charger device 50 transmits device-related data.

[0112] The switch-mode power supply charger device 50 may enter the configuration mode in response to a physical input operation executed on the operating element of the switch-mode power supply charger device 50.

[0113] Configuration information (which may include the name or other identifier of access point 42, a key for communication with access point 42, a user identifier and / or passcode information for accessing a protected user-specific storage device connected to WAN 43) may be received from user terminal 45 by switch mode power charger device 50. User terminal 45 can provide an interface that enables a user to input alphanumeric information for configuring switch mode power charger device 50 for its intended communication with access point 42 and optionally server or computer 44. Switch mode power charger device 50 can receive configuration information from user terminal 45 and can permanently store the configuration information for later use when transmitting device-related data.

[0114] Obtaining Device-Related Data During on-site use of switch mode power charger device 50, switch mode power charger device 50 can obtain device-related data. This can include receiving information from respective devices 20, 30 via a wired or wireless communication link. Alternatively or additionally, (a portion of) the device-related data may be generated by power device 50. For illustration, during one or more charging cycles, switch mode power charger device 50 can determine characteristics (such as charging current and voltage) when charging one or more rechargeable batteries of devices 20, 30, which can be useful for establishing information regarding battery state (such as battery health).

[0115] Device-related data may include device operation data. Device operation data may include information regarding time of use, aggregated time, and / or frequency. Device operation data can include information regarding parameters (such as voltage, current, battery capacity, battery charge cycle information, and / or temperature) measured by devices 20, 30. Such information is useful for providing assistance to the user, for example, by providing information regarding wear of components, suggestions regarding use of the device, or other useful user instructions. Such information can also be useful for maintenance.

[0116] 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. The device status data may include, or be derived from, parameters measured by devices 20, 30, such as the status of a component that wears during use of the device (such as the outer blade or cutting blade of a hair cutting device), or other status information indicating the status of devices 20, 30 or their components. Such information is useful for providing assistance to the user, for example, by providing information regarding component wear, suggestions regarding the use of the device, or other useful user instructions. Such information may also be useful for maintenance purposes.

[0117] When the switch mode power charger device 50 acquires device-related data, a communication interface different from the wireless interface circuit for the switch mode power charger device 50 to transmit the device-related data can be used. For purposes of illustration, the switch mode power charger device 50 may include 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 the device(s) 20, 30.

[0118] The device-related data may be temporarily stored in the switch mode power charger device 50.

[0119] Transmission of Device-Related Data During on-site use of the switch-mode power supply charger device 50, the switch-mode power supply charger device 50 may transmit device-related data. The switch-mode power supply charger device 50 can initiate the transmission of device-related data in response to a trigger event (such as receipt of new device-related data, expiration of a timer, at least one of the power outlet 41 of the switch-mode power supply charger device 50 and an optional connection to a device, etc.). The switch-mode power supply charger device 50 can initiate the transmission of device-related data at an optionally configurable time interval, optionally conditionally, when the switch-mode power supply charger device 50 is engaged with the power outlet 41 and the device.

[0120] The transmission of device-related data by the switch-mode power supply charger device 50 may be performed in the following cases.

[0121] Transmitting device-related data may include selectively establishing a communication connection for transmitting the device-related data via a communication circuit. Configuration information that enables the switch-mode power supply charger device to establish a communication link 47 may be retrieved from a memory integrated into the power device. Transmitting device-related data may include selectively transmitting the device-related data to a computer or server 44 for storage via a communication circuit. Access information that enables access to a user-specific storage space may be retrieved from a memory integrated into the power device.

[0122] The communication circuit of the switch-mode power supply charger device may include a wireless interface circuit that enables device-related data to be transmitted from the switch-mode power supply charger device 50 to a computer or server 44 located remotely via an access point 42 (which may be a WLAN access point, particularly a WiFi access point) and a WAN 43.

[0123] Provision of Data to a Device During on-site use of the switched-mode power supply charger device 50, the switched-mode power supply charger device 50 may optionally operate to provide data received via the access point 42 or directly from the user terminal 45 to one or more devices. The switched-mode power supply charger device 50 does not require the device(s) to have an interface that enables the device(s) to access a repository in which data for configuring the device, firmware or software updates for personal care devices, or other data transmitted to the device is stored or received, and may operate to provide data for configuring the device, firmware or software updates for personal care devices, or other data transmitted to the device.

[0124] In one example, a computer or server 44 can provide software or firmware updates to a device (such as a personal care device), and the switched-mode power supply charger device 50 passes the data to the device.

[0125] In another example, the user terminal 45 can provide data for configuring a device (such as a personal care device), and the switched-mode power supply charger device 50 passes the data to the device.

[0126] Access to device-related data Device-related data and / or additional information generated from the device-related data may be accessed by the user using the user terminal 45 (which may be the same as the user terminal used when the switched-mode power supply charger device 50 is configured to transmit data via, for example, the access point 42, but does not have to be the same). The user terminal 45 accesses the device-related data to, for example, - Review the use of the user's device(s) 20, 30 (such as the time spent shaving and / or brushing the user's teeth) based on the device-related data, - Receive proposals regarding the use of devices (plural possible) 20, 30 (such as proposals to change the operating mode of the devices) based on device-related data, - Receive advice regarding recommended maintenance operations (such as replacement of replaceable components, where the cutting blade or the outer blade of the shaver or the toothbrush appliance is an example) based on device-related data, and / or - Optionally receive advice regarding maintenance operations (such as battery replacement) to be performed by a qualified person based on device-related data.

[0127] 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 switch-mode power charger device 50. The switch-mode power charger device 50 can be operated to provide device-related data to the user terminal 45 (for example, via a direct wireless communication link between the switch-mode power charger device 50 and the user terminal 45).

[0128] There is no need to access device-related data via the user terminal. For illustration, device-related data can be selectively accessed by service personnel when performing maintenance operations on the device.

[0129] The methods disclosed herein can each include using the transmitted device-related data for the purpose of maintaining and servicing the device(s).

[0130] Figure 2 is a schematic partial view of a power device showing the power plug 51 in more detail. The power plug 51 includes a first compartment 61 and a second compartment 62 separated by a wall 65.

[0131] The first compartment 61 houses a converter 71. The converter 71 may include a transformer 72. The converter 71 can be operative to perform voltage down conversion. The converter 71 includes galvanic isolation. The converter 71 has a converter input 71a and a converter output 71b that is galvanically isolated from the converter input 71a.

[0132] The converter 71 may be an AC / DC converter. The converter 71 may be a switched-mode power supply (SMPS).

[0133] The first compartment 61 is surrounded and defined by an enclosure 63. The enclosure 63 can provide waterproofing properties of at least IPX4 or higher (determined, for example, in accordance with ISO 20653, DIN 40050-9, or IEC 60529). 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 the connection pins 52, 53 project. The wall 65 may be transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the direction 141 in which the connection pins 52, 53 extend.

[0134] The enclosure 63 surrounding the first compartment 61 may be waterproof. By way of example, the enclosure 63 may comply with IPX4 or higher (determined, for example, in accordance with ISO 20653, DIN 40050-9, or IEC 60529). A sealing arrangement 68 can be provided in the passage through which the conductor 79 passes from the first compartment 61 through the wall 65. The sealing arrangement may be, or may comprise, a molding material 68 applied to prevent ingress of water into the first compartment 61.

[0135] 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 communication functions, provided that the communication circuit provides at least some communication functions that enable device-related data to be transmitted via a wireless interface circuit. As will be described in more detail below, the communication circuit may operate to send power to the device to operate or charge the device and / or to control a user interface provided on a power plug.

[0136] The communication circuit 90 may include one or more integrated circuits (ICs). The integrated circuit may be or may comprise one or more 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 in accordance with the IEEE 802.11 standard (e.g., compliant with IEEE 802.11-2012 or 802.11-2016), at least one additional communication chip or chipset different from the IEEE 802.11 chip or chipset, and an IC for controlling the operation of the communication circuit, including performing data retrieval and / or transmission functions and optionally control functions for a user interface.

[0137] 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 more additional data interfaces for obtaining device-related data. Alternatively, the same wireless interface circuit may be used for obtaining and transmitting device-related data.

[0138] 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 more devices. The communication circuit 90 may comprise at least one IC that can operate to adjust and control the operation of the communication circuit 90.

[0139] The communication circuit 90 may comprise a circuit board 73. One or more 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 supplying power to the IC(s) using the power supplied by the converter 71 can also be implemented on the circuit board 73.

[0140] The circuit board 73 may be attached to the wall 65. The circuit board 73 can be attached to the wall 65 using any suitable fixing mechanism. The circuit board 73 may be attached to the wall 65 using an adhesive, but is not limited thereto.

[0141] The communication circuit 90 can comprise a power input connected to the output of the converter 71. The communication circuit 90 can include a power output connected to a conductor 79 that extends through the cable 54 to an electrical contact within the connector 55. The communication circuit 90 can comprise a power output connected to the conductor 59 of the power cable 54.

[0142] When the connector 55 engages with the device and the power plug 51 engages with the power outlet 41, power can pass from the converter 71 through the communication circuit 90 to the device.

[0143] The second compartment 62 is defined, for example, at the wall 65 by an end cap 69 that can engage with the enclosure 63. The connection between the end cap 69 and the enclosure 63 may be waterproof, but it does not have to be. The second compartment 62 may have a lower IPX rating (determined, for example, according to ISO 20653, DIN 40050-9, or IEC 60529) than the first compartment 61. The end cap 69 may be attached by ultrasonic welding 67, an adhesive, or other attachment means.

[0144] The second compartment 62 may have a height 142 measured along the direction 141 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 142 may 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.

[0145] The sealing configuration 68 may 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 may be attached to the wall 65 or integrally formed with the wall 65 and may extend into the second compartment 62. The sheath 82 may be formed as a conduit in which the conductors received in their 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 may be formed by a molding material 68 applied to seal the passage 81 against water intrusion.

[0146] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of a communication circuit 90. The communication circuit 90 may be included in the switched-mode power supply charger device 50 of FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0147] The communication circuit 90 includes a wireless interface circuit 92. The wireless interface circuit 92 may be operative to transmit device-related data via a WLAN (e.g., WiFi) access point. The wireless interface 92 may be operative to transmit device-related data to a server or computer 44 connected to the WAN 44 via the WLAN access point.

[0148] The wireless interface circuit 92 may include an antenna 92’. The antenna 92’ can 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).

[0149] 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 the storage of the acquired device-related data in the memory 95. The control circuit 91 can be operative to control the output of the stored device-related data from the memory 95 for transmission via the wireless interface circuit 92.

[0150] The memory 95 may be a non-volatile memory. The memory 95 can be operative to store device-related data even during a period when the power plug 51 is not engaged with the power outlet 41.

[0151] The communication circuit 90 can have a power input 98 and a power output 97. The power input 98 can be connected to the output of the converter 71 and receive power therefrom. The power input 98 may be coupled to the low voltage side of the converter 71.

[0152] The communication circuit 90 can have a power output 99. The power output 99 may be electrically connected to a conductor extending within the power cable 54.

[0153] The communication circuit 90 can have a conductor 97 that interconnects the power input 98 and the power output. The conductor 97 may be implemented as a conductive trace. In the operation of the power device, power is sent by the conductor 97 from the converter 71 to the device engaged with the connector 55.

[0154] 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 to the power input 98. The power supply circuit 96 can operate to provide supply power to the wireless interface circuit 92, the control circuit 91, and, if present, the user interface 100.

[0155] The communication circuit 90 may include a user interface (UI) 100. The user interface 100 can operate to output status information on the communication circuit 90. The user interface 100 can operate to receive user input that causes the communication circuit 90 to enter a configuration procedure that enables the communication circuit 90 to be configured to communicate, for example, with 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 can establish a communication link to a programming device (such as the terminal 45) separate from the power 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.

[0156] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an implementation form of the UI 100. The UI 100 can 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 can include several light segments 102-105. The status indicator(s) may include one or more light emitting elements 102-105. The status indicator(s) can include one or more LEDs 102-105. The status indicator(s) can include one or more LED-based light segments 102-105 that can be disposed partially or entirely around the circumference of the end face of the power plug 51, which can be on the opposite side of the end face 64 where the connector pins 52, 54 protrude. Thereby, several status indicators 102-105 can be integrated into a small area.

[0157] The UI 100 can include at least one operating element 101 for operating to cause the communication circuit to enter the configuration mode 92. The operating element 101 can include a physical operating element. The operating element 101 can include a button, which may be a soft button or a hard button. The operating element 101 may include a button disposed at the center of an area having a plurality (e.g., two, three, or more) of status indicators 102-105 disposed around it.

[0158] The switch mode power charger device can operate such that the control circuit 91 selectively activates one or more of the status indicators 102-105. The status indicator can be activated continuously or intermittently (e.g., blinking) to provide status information using the available area on the power plug. The control circuit 91 may operate to activate one or more of the status indicators to indicate one or more of the following: - The switch mode power charger device is in a configuration mode in which it operates to be configured for communication with the access point 42 and / or the computer or server 44. - The switch-mode power supply charger device is in the process of establishing a communication link with access point 42 and / or a computer or server 44. - The switch-mode power supply charger device has established a communication link with access point 42 and / or a computer or server 44. - The switch-mode power supply charger device captures device-related data (which may be implemented via a wireless interface circuit 92 or a communication interface different from the wireless interface circuit 92). - The switch-mode power supply charger device transmits the device-related data.

[0159] The exact same indicators 102-105 may operate differently to indicate different statuses. For illustration, the exact same indicators 102-105 can be operated in two different modes (a blinking mode and a continuous mode) to indicate two different states. By way of example, one of the status indicators can be operated in the blinking mode to indicate that the switch-mode power supply charger device is in the process of establishing a communication link with access point 42 and / or a computer or server 44, and can be operated in the continuous mode to indicate that the switch-mode power supply charger device has established a communication link with access point 42 and / or a computer or server 44.

[0160] The switch-mode power supply charger device can capture device-related data from one or more devices (plural possible) (not necessarily limited to devices that are being powered). The switch-mode power supply charger device can use the wireless interface 92 to capture device-related data. Alternatively or additionally, the switch-mode power supply charger device may include one or more additional communication interface circuits for capturing device-related data.

[0161] FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a communication circuit 90 that may be used in a switch mode power charger device according to one embodiment. The communication circuit 90 includes a wireless interface circuit 92 and may additionally include a further interface circuit 93. The wireless interface circuit 92 and the further interface circuit 93 may operate to provide communication functions using different data carriers (e.g., different frequencies and / or different media such as wired and wireless). 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.

[0162] The further interface circuit 93 may not be able to establish a communication link with the access point 42. The further interface circuit 93 may operate to communicate with one or more devices to obtain device-related data by the power device.

[0163] The further interface circuit 93 may be implemented as a wireless communication circuit, but it is not necessary to be implemented as such. Two or more further interface circuits 93 may be provided, and at least one of the further interface circuits 93 is a wireless communication circuit that operates according to a communication protocol different from the communication protocol used by the wireless interface circuit 92. The switch mode power charger device may include both at least one further interface circuit 93 that is a wireless communication circuit operating according to a communication protocol different from that used by the wireless interface circuit 92 and a wired communication circuit that operates to collect device-related data via a conductor through which power is supplied to the device in use on site.

[0164] A further interface circuit 93 may be operative to receive data from a programming device such as a terminal device 45 that provides access information for communicating with the access point 42 and / or a computer or server 44. By way of example, when a switch mode power charger device is set to a configuration mode (e.g., by operation of the operating element 101), the further interface circuit 93 may receive access information for the access point 42 (such as a WLAN name and key) and / or access information for a protected storage area within the computer or server 44 (such as an identifier and / or a passcode for a 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.

[0165] The communication circuit 90 may be operative to store the acquired device-related data in the memory 95. Optionally, the communication circuit 90 may be operative to process data acquired from one or more devices before transmitting it as device-related data. By way of illustration, the communication circuit 90 may be operative to aggregate data collected from one and the same device over an extended period of time before transmitting it as device-related data.

[0166] When transmitting device-related data, the communication circuit 90 may be operative to store in the memory 95 access information regarding the access point 42 (such as a WLAN name and key) and / or access information regarding a protected storage area within the computer or server 44 (such as an identifier and / or a passcode regarding a user-specific data repository area) for later use.

[0167] 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.

[0168] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a communication circuit 90 that can be used in a switch mode power supply charger device according to one embodiment. The communication circuit 90 includes a wireless interface circuit 92, a first additional interface circuit 93, and a second additional interface circuit 94. The wireless interface circuit 92, the first additional interface circuit 93, and the second additional interface circuit 94 can operate to provide communication functions 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.

[0169] 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 more devices to obtain device-related data by the power 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 conductors in a power cable that supplies power to a device in use at the site), and the other uses a wireless communication technology (such as a machine-to-machine (M2M) communication protocol supported by Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or a cellular standard such as LTE or LTE-A).

[0170] In one implementation form, the wireless interface circuit 92 may operate to transmit data via a communication link with the access point 42 in accordance with IEEE 802.11 (e.g., 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 conductors within a power cable through which power is supplied to the device in the field. 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 IEEE 802.11 (such as a machine-to-machine (M2M) communication protocol supported by Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), or a cellular standard such as LTE or LTE-A).

[0171] 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 a computer or server 44. By way of example, when a switch-mode power supply charger device is set to a 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 passcode for a user-specific data repository area) from the terminal device 45 or another device selectively communicatively coupled to the communication circuit 90 for configuring the communication circuit 90.

[0172] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method 110 that can be used to configure a switch mode power charger device for transmitting device-related data. Steps 111-113 of method 110 may need to be selectively executed only if any one of the following occurs: (i) initial configuration of the switch mode power charger device by the user, (ii) optionally, the name and / or key of access point 42 changes, and / or (iii) the user's identifier and / or passcode on computer or server 44 changes.

[0173] In step 111, a user input is received at the UI 100 of the power device. The user input may be the actuation of a button. The user input may cause the communication circuit 90 to enter a configuration mode.

[0174] In step 112, the communication circuit 90 establishes a communication connection with the user terminal device 45. The communication connection with the user terminal device 45 may be established using an interface circuit of the communication circuit 90 (e.g., a Bluetooth or BLE chip) that is different from the interface circuit of the communication circuit 90 used for transmitting device-related data.

[0175] In step 113, configuration information is received by the switch mode power charger device from the user terminal device 45 via the communication link established in step 112. The configuration information can include access information regarding access point 42 (such as the name and key of the WLAN), and / or access information regarding a protected storage area within computer or server 44 (such as an identifier and / or passcode regarding the user-specific data repository area). The configuration information may be permanently stored in the memory 95 for subsequent use. [[ID=1,4]]

[0176] In step 114, the switched-mode power supply charger device may transmit device-related data via a wireless interface circuit (e.g., in accordance with IEEE 802.11). The device-related data may include device-related data obtained before the configuration in steps 111 - 113 when the device-related data is determined by monitoring performed by the switched-mode power supply charger device itself (such as in the case of battery health information) and / or when the device-related data is obtained via a wired or wireless interface different from that configured in steps 111 - 113. The device-related data may also include device-related data obtained after the configuration in steps 111 - 113.

[0177] The device-related data transmitted in step 114 can include device operation data. The device operation data may include information regarding the time of use, aggregated time, and / or frequency. The device operation data can 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.

[0178] The device-related data transmitted in step 114 can include device status data. The device status data can include information regarding the status of at least one component of the device. The device status data can include parameters measured by the device, or derived therefrom, such as battery health status, the status of components that undergo wear during use of the device (such as the outer blade 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, proposals regarding the use of the device, or other useful user instructions. Such information can also be useful for maintenance purposes. The device-related data can include first device-related data related to one or more devices having a device connector that operates to fit and engage with a connector of a power device. The device-related data can include second device-related data related to one or more other devices that do not have a device connector that operates to fit and engage with a connector of a power device. Thus, the switch mode power charger 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 or other household devices, etc.) without requiring the user's mobile phone or computer to be involved in data collection and transmission. The user's mobile phone or computer can be selectively used only for configuring the switch mode power charger device for their respective home network and / or for the user.

[0179] Step 114 may be repeated. The repetition of step 114 can be triggered by a trigger event. The trigger event can be, or include, the engagement of the power outlet of the switch mode power charger device and / or with a device, the expiration of a timer, or other criteria that can be permanently stored within the switch mode power charger device or can be configurable in steps 111 - 113.

[0180] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method 120 that can be performed by a power device.

[0181] In step 121, the switched-mode power supply charger device can supply power to a first device.

[0182] In step 122, the switched-mode power supply charger device obtains device-related data. The device-related data may be related to the first device to which power is currently being supplied. Alternatively or additionally, the device-related data may be related to one or more second devices to which power is not currently being supplied by the power device. Communication between the second device(s) and the communication circuit 90 may be enabled by the battery of the second device(s).

[0183] The device-related data obtained in step 122 may include device operation data. The device operation data may include information regarding the usage time, aggregated time, and / or frequency of each first and / or second device. The device operation data can include information regarding parameters (such as voltage, current, battery capacity, battery charge cycle information, and / or temperature, etc.) measured by each first and / or second device(s), and optionally buffered in each first and / or second device(s) and read by the switched-mode power supply charger device in step 122.

[0184] 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 first and / or second device(s). The device status data may include battery health status, the status of components that are subject to wear during use of each first and / or second device(s) (such as the outer blade or cutting blade of a hair cutting device), or other status information indicating the status of the device or its components, etc., and may include or be derived from parameters measured by the device. Some or all of the data can be measured by each first and / or second device(s), optionally buffered in each first and / or second device(s), and read by the switch mode power charger device in step 122. Some or all of the data may be obtained by the switch mode power charger device (for example, by deriving battery health information from the charging current and / or voltage during a charging or battery calibration cycle).

[0185] In step 123, the device-related data may be transmitted by the power device. The switch mode power charger device may transmit device-related data for one or more devices (such as various personal care or other household devices) without requiring the user's mobile phone or computer to be involved in data collection and transmission.

[0186] FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method 130 that may be executed by the power device.

[0187] In step 131, the switch mode power charger device can supply power to the first device.

[0188] In step 132, the switched-mode power supply charger device acquires device-related data regarding a plurality of devices. The plurality of devices may or may not include a first device. The plurality of devices may include one or more devices that can engage with the device connector of the power device. The plurality of devices may include one or more devices that cannot engage with the device connector of the power device. The plurality of devices may include one or more devices that include an electromechanical actuator. The plurality of devices may include one or more devices that do not include an electromechanical actuator but include a monitoring circuit for monitoring the use of each device.

[0189] As described above, the device-related data acquired in step 132 may include device operation data or device status data.

[0190] In step 133, the device-related data may be transmitted by the power device. The switched-mode power supply charger device may transmit device-related data for one or more devices (such as various personal care or other household devices) without requiring the user's mobile phone or computer to be involved in data collection and transmission.

[0191] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method 140 for manufacturing a power device. The steps of the method are shown in FIGS. 12-14.

[0192] In step 141, the communication circuit 90 is assembled on a power plug component 150 having connector pins 52, 53 for engaging with a power outlet and a first compartment 61. The first compartment 61 houses a converter 71 having a converter input and a converter output galvanically isolated from the converter input. The first compartment is disposed opposite an end wall 64 from which connector pins 52, 54 protrude and is defined by a wall 65 spaced from the end wall 64. The circuit board of the communication circuit 90 may be disposed on and attached to the wall 65 (FIGS. 12 and 13). The power plug component has a waterproof (e.g., IPX4 or higher) enclosure 63.

[0193] In step 142, an electrical connection can be established. The electrical connection may be established such that a conductive path is established from the converter output of converter 71 to the power input of communication circuit 90 and to the power output of communication circuit 90 via communication circuit 90. Step 142 may include connecting a conductor passing through a passage in wall 65 to the power input terminal of the communication circuit (FIG. 13).

[0194] In step 143, end cap 69 may be attached to surround communication circuit 90 (FIGS. 13 and 14). A conductor extending through power cable 54 may be electrically connected to the power output of communication circuit 90 (FIG. 14).

[0195] End cap 69 may be engaged with enclosure 63, for example, on wall 65 or on the side wall of enclosure 63 extending between walls 64 and 65. The connection between end cap 69 and enclosure 63 may be waterproof, but need not be. The attachment of end cap 69 may be performed such that a second compartment 62 defined between end cap and wall 65 may have an IPX rating lower than that of compartment 61 (determined in accordance with, for example, ISO 20653, DIN 40050-9, or IEC 60529). End cap 69 may be attached by ultrasonic welding 67, adhesive, or other attachment means. The fixing means may extend circumferentially over the entire circumference where end cap 69 contacts enclosure 63.

[0196] Various effects and advantages are achieved by the present invention. The power device, kit, system, and method facilitate the transmission of data collected by a device, particularly a personal care device. The power 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 (while still enabling) the device itself having to have the communication circuitry required for its particular communication standard. The switch mode power charger device can be manufactured in an efficient manner.

[0197] The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood as being strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead, unless otherwise indicated, 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 charger device (50) for charging a rechargeable battery of a personal care device (20, 30), wherein the switched-mode power supply charger device (50) comprises: A power cable (54) having a connector (55) for reversibly and releasably engaging with the device (20, 30); A power plug (51) configured to engage with a power outlet (41); A housing (63, 69), the housing (63, 69) comprising a first compartment (61) sealed against water ingress and a second compartment (62) adjacent to the first compartment (61), the housing (63, 69) comprising a wall (65) separating the first compartment (61) from the second compartment (62), the wall defining the second compartment (62); The wall (65) comprises a passage (81) through which at least one conductor (79) extends from the interior of the first compartment (61) to the interior of the second compartment (62), the passage (81) being sealed against water ingress into the first compartment (61), the housing (63, 69); An AC / DC switched-mode converter (71) disposed within the first compartment (61), the converter (71) comprising a converter input (71a) and a converter output (71b) galvanically isolated from the converter input (71a) and electrically connected to the power cable (54), the AC / DC switched-mode converter (71); A communication circuit (90) disposed within the second compartment (62) and electrically connected to the converter output (71b), the communication circuit (90) comprising a wireless interface circuit (92) for wirelessly connecting the switched-mode power supply charger device to a wide area network or a local area network, the communication circuit (90), a power plug (51); Comprising a switched-mode power supply charger device (50).

2. The housing (63, 69) further comprises an end cap (69) separating the first compartment (61) from the second compartment (62), the end cap (69) and the wall defining the second compartment (62), the switched-mode power supply charger device (50) according to claim 1.

3. The power plug (51) comprises a sealing configuration (68, 82) for sealing the passage (81) against the ingress of water into the first compartment (61), and optionally, the sealing configuration (68, 82) comprises a molding material (68), the switched-mode power supply charger device (50) according to claim 1.

4. The power plug (51) comprises at least one sheath (82) in which at least one conductor is received and which is integral with or sealingly attached to the wall (65), the switched-mode power supply charger device (50) according to claim 1 or 3.

5. The communication circuit (90) comprises a power input (98) connected to the at least one conductor (79), the switched-mode power supply charger device (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The communication circuit (90) comprises a power output (97) electrically connected to the conductor (59) of the power cable (54), the switched-mode power supply charger device (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The power plug (51) comprises several connector pins (52, 53) for engaging with the power socket (41), each of the several connector pins (52, 53) extends along a first direction (141), and the wall (65) extends transversely, optionally perpendicularly, to the first direction (141), the switched-mode power supply charger device (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The switched-mode power supply charger device (50) comprises at least a dual function as a power source for battery charging and as a data hub for collecting and transmitting data, the switched-mode power supply charger device (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The wireless interface circuit (92) operates to transmit device-related data, and optionally, the device-related data includes device operation data or device status data, the switched-mode power supply charger device (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The communication circuit (90) comprises at least one further communication interface circuit (93, 94) different from the wireless interface circuit (92) for collecting the device-related data. Optionally, the at least one further communication interface circuit (93, 94) operates to collect the device-related data via a first conductor and a second conductor of the power cable (54) used to supply power to the device, and / or a further wireless interface circuit (94) different from the wireless interface circuit (92), the switch-mode power charger device (50) according to claim 9. **Claim 11** The power plug (51) comprises a user interface (100), and optionally, the user interface (100) at least one actuating element (101) for operating to cause the communication circuit (90) to enter the configuration mode (92), and / or at least one status indicator (102-105) operating to output status information related to the communication circuit (90), optionally, the at least one status indicator (102-105) comprising a plurality of light segments (102-105), at least one status indicator (102-105), the switch-mode power charger device (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 10. **Claim 12** The first compartment provides an IPX4, IPX5, IPX6 or higher waterproof rating and is sealed against water ingress, and / or the second compartment is not sealed against water ingress and provides a waterproof rating lower than that of the first compartment, the switch-mode power charger device (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 11. **Claim 13** A kit comprising a personal care device (20, 30), and a switch-mode power charger device (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the switch-mode power charger device (50) operates to transmit device-related data via the wireless interface circuit (92), a kit. **Claim 14** The personal care device (20, 30) is selected from the group consisting of a hair cutting, trimming or removal device (20) and an oral care device (30), the kit according to claim 13. **Claim 15** A method of manufacturing a switch-mode power charger device (50) for a personal care device (20, 30), the method comprising To provide a power plug component (150) having connector pins (52, 53) for engaging with a power outlet and a first compartment (61), wherein the first compartment (61) houses a converter (71) comprising a converter input (71a) and a converter output (71b) galvanically isolated from the converter input (71a), and the first compartment (61) is defined by a wall (65). To arrange a communication circuit (90) on the wall (65) and electrically connect the communication circuit (90) to the converter output (71b), wherein the communication circuit (90) comprises a wireless interface circuit (92). To attach an enclosure (69) for the communication circuit (90) to form a second compartment (62) of the power plug (51). To provide a power cable (54) attached to the power plug (51), wherein the power cable (54) has a connector (55) for engaging with the device (20, 30). A method comprising the above.

16. Use of the switch-mode power charger device (50) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising using the switch-mode power charger device (50) to provide a communication link over which device-related data is transmitted.

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