Recharging device

Abstract

The invention relates to a recharging device (10) for recharging a battery of an electronic appliance (30), the recharging device (10) comprising: a housing (11) comprising a housing opening (12); a connection module arranged at least partly inside the housing (11) and configured to allow the connection of the battery of the electronic appliance (30) to the recharging device (10), the connection module comprising a connection module conductive element (14) extending between a first conductive element end (20) and a second conductive element end (21) along a length of the conductive element, the width of the conductive element and the thickness of the conductive element defining a conductive element transverse face (22) at the second conductive element end (21), the connection module conductive element (14) being movable between a first conductive element position in which a part of the connection module conductive element (14) protrudes outside the housing (11) by passing through the housing opening (12) so that at least part of the conductive element transverse face (22) is arranged outside the housing (11), and at least a second conductive element position occupied when a force is applied to the connection module conductive element (14), the connection module conductive element (14) being configured to return to the first conductive element position when said force is not applied to the connection module conductive element (14).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Recharging Device

[0003] technical field

[0004] The present invention, which belongs to the field of electronic device charging solutions, relates more specifically to a particular charging device architecture comprising a spring-blade connector.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] Generally, a charging device, such as a charging base or charger, includes a power adapter intended to be connected, for example, to a mains power outlet by means of a cord or electrical cable from the charging device, and a connector arranged to be able to electrically connect an electronic device to the charging device in order to electrically recharge a battery of the electronic device, once the adapter is plugged into the mains.

[0007] A charging device typically includes a housing configured to enclose, and therefore protect, various components of the charging device, including the power adapter and the connector.

[0008] The connector of a charging device includes at least one electrically conductive element, generally metallic, part of which is disposed within the housing, said housing also having an opening through which the conductive element is accessible from outside the housing and / or through which part of the conductive element protrudes outside the housing.

[0009] Some connectors include a movable conductive element, that is, a conductive element capable of occupying a first position, or initial position, when no electronic device is electrically connected to the charging device, and a second position, distinct from the first position, when an electronic device is electrically connected to the charging device.

[0010] Among the mobile conductive elements, some also exhibit a spring effect allowing the conductive element to automatically return to the first position, or initial position, once the electronic device to be recharged is disconnected from the charging device.

[0011] Such a mobile spring-effect conductive element is usually formed from a sheet of metal which is machined to obtain a more or less thin metal blade, which is then shaped into a particular form, generally a V-shaped profile.

[0012] In such a configuration of a spring-effect moving conductive element, the electrical contact area, i.e. the area of ​​support and electrical transmission for a conductive element of the electronic device to be recharged, is located on the area where the two branches of the V meet, while the two branches of the V, which extend inside the housing, are configured so as to obtain the required spring effect, i.e. the automatic return of the moving conductive element to its initial position once the electronic device is disconnected.

[0013] Thus, the electrical contact area offered by such a conductive element is generally linear, and transforming it to obtain a point electrical contact area requires subjecting the conductive element to a complex and time-consuming stamping process.

[0014] In at least one of the said first and second positions taken by the moving conductive element, at least part of the meeting area of ​​the two arms of the V protrudes outside the housing of the charging device by passing through the opening of the housing provided for this purpose, which must therefore have appropriate dimensions, and in particular a significant width, which negatively impacts the aesthetic appearance of the charging device.

[0015] Furthermore, a case opening with substantial dimensions, and in particular a significant width, promotes the introduction of dust or unwanted elements inside the case and especially between the two arms of the V-profile conductive element, i.e. in the area of ​​spring travel, which can disrupt the mechanism and in particular the mobility of the moving conductive element and therefore prevent the correct operation of the charging device connector or even cause a failure of the latter.

[0016] The V-shaped profile of the moving conductive element also has the disadvantage of making it subject to deformations, which can, for example, be caused by a malicious person inserting a hook between the arms of the V in order to reverse the electrical contact area of ​​the conductive element and thus render the charging device unusable.

[0017] Existing solutions are therefore unsatisfactory in that they provide an unattractive charging device that is susceptible to vandalism and / or malfunctions caused, for example, by pollution inside the charging device casing.

[0018] Summary of the invention The present application aims to remedy all or some of the aforementioned drawbacks.

[0019] To this end, the present invention relates to a charging device for recharging the battery of an electronic device, the charging device comprising:

[0020] - a case including a case opening;

[0021] - a connection module disposed at least partly inside the housing and configured to allow the connection of the electronic device's battery to the charging device, the connection module comprising a conductive element of the connection module having a conductive element length, a conductive element width less than the conductive element length, and a conductive element thickness less than the conductive element length and less than the conductive element width, the conductive element of the connection module extending between a first conductive element end and a second conductive element end along said conductive element length, the first conductive element end being disposed in the housing, the conductive element width and the conductive element thickness defining a conductive element cross face at the second conductive element end,the conductive element of the connection module being movable between a first conductive element position in which a portion of the conductive element of the connection module protrudes outside the housing through the housing opening such that at least a portion of the transverse face of the conductive element is disposed outside the housing, and at least a second conductive element position occupied when a stress is exerted on the conductive element of the connection module, the conductive element of the connection module being configured to return to the first conductive element position when said stress is not exerted on the conductive element of the connection module.

[0022] According to the invention, the housing comprises an outer housing envelope enclosing at least part of the connection module, and on which said housing opening is provided.

[0023] According to the invention, said constraint is an external constraint, that is to say a constraint whose origin is external to the reloading device.

[0024] According to one possibility, the said constraint is an external constraint exerted by an element not part of the charging device, such as a third-party electronic device.

[0025] When said external constraint is not or is no longer exerted on the conductive element of the connection module, the latter occupies the first conductive element position in which the second end of the conductive element protrudes outside the housing so as to allow at least part of the transverse face of the conductive element to serve as an electrical contact area for a connector of an electronic device to be recharged.

[0026] According to one possibility, the first position of the conductive element corresponds to a natural position of the conductive element, that is to say the position in which the conductive element of the connection module is not subjected to any constraint.

[0027] According to another possibility, the first position of the conductive element corresponds to a position in which the conductive element of the connection module is subjected to an internal stress, i.e. a stress exerted by an element belonging to the charging device, for example by a part of the housing of the charging device.

[0028] According to one possibility, the second end of the conductive element protrudes in a direction substantially orthogonal to the part of the outer casing containing the casing opening.

[0029] When an external constraint is exerted on the conductive element of the connection module, for example when an element belonging to a connector of an electronic device to be recharged presses against the part of the transverse face of the conductive element disposed outside the housing, the conductive element of the connection module moves from the first conductive element position to at least a second conductive element position.

[0030] According to the invention, the housing opening must therefore simply be sized so that a part of the conductive element of the connection module located at the second end of the conductive element can pass through it.

[0031] More specifically, the case opening simply needs to be at least very slightly longer, and very slightly wider than the cross-section of the connecting module's conductive element at the second end of the conductive element, thus reducing the dimensions of the case opening compared to those found on known charging devices.

[0032] Thanks to the reduced dimensions of the case opening, the reloading device according to the invention is therefore more elegant than the reloading devices of the prior art, and the risks of introducing dust and other pollutants inside the case are reduced, which also advantageously reduces the risks of malfunctions of the reloading device.

[0033] Furthermore, both the configuration of the electrical contact area provided by at least part of the transverse face of the conductive element and the small dimensions of the housing opening make it difficult, if not impossible, to intentionally damage the charging device using a hook to twist and / or reverse the contact area. It is indeed impossible to commit such acts of vandalism against the charging device of the invention.

[0034] Since the electrical contact area offered by the conductive element of the connection module is located on the transverse face of the conductive element, a conductive element of a connector of an electronic device will therefore, during a recharging of the battery of said electronic device, press against a part of the transverse face of the conductive element.

[0035] Thus, and contrary to prior art solutions, the wear of the conductive element of the connection module does not depend on the thickness of the conductive element but on its length, to the benefit of the longevity of the charging device.

[0036] According to one possibility, the casing is made of at least one electrically insulating material.

[0037] According to one possibility, the conductive element of the connection module is at least partially metallic, that is, it comprises at least one metal.

[0038] An electronic device is defined as any electronic device comprising a rechargeable battery, that is, a battery that can be charged and recharged via a charging device according to the invention. Such an electronic device includes a connector designed to allow the electrical connection of its battery to a charging device in order to recharge said battery.

[0039] In one scenario, the electronic device includes an electronic payment terminal.

[0040] According to another possibility, the electronic device includes a communication terminal, such as a smartphone.

[0041] The electrical device connector includes a first conductive element electrically connected to one of the two battery terminals, and a second conductive element electrically connected to the other of the two battery terminals.

[0042] The electrical connection of the electronic device's battery to the charging device implies that the electronic device's connector is electrically connected to the charging device's connection module. Therefore, the first conductive element of the electronic device's connector makes contact with a conductive element of the charging device's connection module, and the second conductive element of the electronic device's connector makes contact with an additional conductive element of the charging device's connection module. In addition to the connection module's connector element, the charging device's connection module effectively includes an additional conductive element.

[0043] According to one possibility, the charging device connection module includes an additional conductive element of the connection module identical to the conductive element of the connection module.

[0044] In particular, the additional conductive element of the connection module extends over an additional conductive element length between a first additional conductive element end located in the housing and a second additional conductive element end, an additional conductive element width and an additional conductive element thickness defining an additional conductive element cross face at the second additional conductive element end.

[0045] According to this possibility, the case includes an additional case opening having the same shape and dimensions as the case opening.

[0046] The additional conductive element of the connection module is movable between a first additional conductive element position in which a portion of the additional conductive element of the connection module protrudes outside the housing through the additional housing opening so that at least a portion of the transverse face of the additional conductive element is disposed outside the housing, and at least a second additional conductive element position occupied when a stress is exerted on the additional conductive element of the connection module, the additional conductive element of the connection module automatically returning to the first additional conductive element position when said stress is not exerted on the additional conductive element of the connection module.

[0047] In one scenario, the charging device further includes a power adapter, at least partially housed within the casing, designed to be connected to an external power supply, such as a wall outlet. For this purpose, the charging device may include a cable or cord designed to connect the adapter module to a wall outlet, said cable or cord including a male plug for connection to the wall outlet.

[0048] The power adapter is configured to convert alternating current (AC) supplied by the wall outlet into direct current (DC). The power adapter is further configured to provide sufficient electrical power to recharge the battery of an electronic device.

[0049] The AC adapter is also designed to be coupled to the connection module. For example, the AC adapter is coupled to the connection module when the connection module's conductive element occupies at least one second conductive element position, and when the connection module's additional connector element occupies at least one second additional conductive element position. In this configuration, and when the AC adapter is connected to a wall outlet, the connection module is capable of transmitting the electrical power supplied by the AC adapter to a battery in an electronic device.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the conductive element of the connection module comprises a metal blade with a rectangular cross-section.

[0051] According to this embodiment, the conductive element of the connection module has a conductive element width of constant value over the entire length of the conductive element, and a conductive element thickness of constant value over the entire length of the conductive element.

[0052] The transverse face of the conductive element has a rectangular shape, and the conductive element of the connection module also includes, at the first end of the conductive element, an additional transverse face of a conductive element with a rectangular shape.

[0053] The length of the conductive element and the width of the conductive element define a first principal face of the conductive element and a second principal face of the conductive element parallel and opposite to the first principal face of the conductive element, the distance between the first principal face of the conductive element and the second principal face of the conductive element corresponding to the thickness of the conductive element.

[0054] The length of the conductive element and the thickness of the conductive element define a first lateral face of the conductive element and a second lateral face of the conductive element parallel and opposite to the first lateral face of the conductive element, the distance between the first lateral face of the conductive element and the second lateral face of the conductive element corresponding to the width of the conductive element.

[0055] In one possibility, the housing opening has an oblong shape, meaning that its length and width are less than the length of the housing opening. In another possibility, the length of the housing opening is slightly greater, advantageously very slightly greater, than the width of the conductive element.

[0056] According to one possibility, the width of the housing opening is intended to be slightly greater, advantageously very slightly greater, than the thickness of the conductive element.

[0057] Thanks to the shape of the connection module's conductive element and its arrangement inside and outside the housing, the width of the housing opening can be significantly reduced compared to that of conventional charging devices, as it now depends solely on the thickness of the conductive element. Indeed, the thinner the conductive element, the smaller the housing opening can be.

[0058] In addition, the conductive element of the connection module almost completely obstructs the housing opening, especially when it occupies the first conductive element position, which greatly reduces the risk of introducing dust and other pollution inside the housing.

[0059] According to one possibility, the thickness of the conductive element is negligible compared to its length and width. According to this possibility, the width of the housing opening is negligible compared to its length.

[0060] According to one possibility, the conductive element of the connection module is formed from a sheet of metal.

[0061] According to one possibility, the transverse face of the conducting element presents a substantially flat surface.

[0062] According to one possibility, the transverse face of the conducting element is substantially orthogonal to the first principal face of the conducting element, as well as to the first lateral face of the conducting element. According to this possibility, the transverse face of the conducting element provides a planar electrical contact area.

[0063] According to another possibility, the transverse face of the conductive element is inclined, meaning that it is not orthogonal to the first principal face of the conductive element, or not orthogonal to the second principal face of the conductive element. In this case, the transverse face of the conductive element provides a linear electrical contact area.

[0064] In another possibility, the transverse face of the conductive element has a non-planar surface, for example, a curved surface. In yet another possibility, the transverse face of the conductive element has a convex surface. In this possibility, the transverse face of the conductive element provides a point contact area.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the transverse face of the conducting element has two salient points.

[0066] According to this arrangement, the transverse face of the conductive element has two electrical contact points on which a conductive element of a connector of an electrical device to be recharged can rest when the conductive element of the connection module occupies the first conductive element position.

[0067] Having two electrical contact points on the conductive element of the connection module, rather than a single linear or planar contact area, ensures electrical contact with increased efficiency.

[0068] Furthermore, this improves the reliability of the charging device's connection module, which continues to function despite deterioration of either of the two electrical contact points.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the transverse face of the conducting element has a curved surface of concave shape.

[0070] According to this arrangement, the transverse face of the conductive element defines, on either side of the transverse face of the conductive element, a first electrical contact point and a second electrical contact point on which a conductive element of a connector of an electrical device to be recharged can come to rest when the conductive element of the connection module occupies the first position of conductive element.

[0071] This arrangement is advantageous, especially since it is easy to machine the transverse face of the conductive element so as to obtain said curved surface of concave shape and thus the two points of contact, particularly when the conductive element of the connection module includes a metal blade of rectangular cross-section.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the conductive element is less than 0.600 millimeters.

[0073] Thanks to this arrangement of the invention, the case opening width can be less than 0.900 millimeters, and advantageously between 0.825 and 0.875 millimeters.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the thickness of the conductive element is less than 0.200 millimeters. Thanks to this arrangement of the invention, the width of the housing opening can be less than 0.500 millimeters, and for example advantageously between 0.373 and 0.423 millimeters.

[0075] According to one possibility, the thickness of the conductive element is approximately equal to 0.15 millimeters.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the conductive element of the connection module comprises a first metal, and a second metal covering at least part of the transverse face of the conductive element.

[0077] According to one possibility, the first metal includes one of the following: copper, aluminum, iron.

[0078] One possibility is that the second metal includes gold.

[0079] According to one possibility, the conducting element mainly comprises the first metal.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the second metal covers only the part of the transverse face of the conductive element disposed outside the housing when the conductive element of the connection module occupies the first position of the conductive element.

[0081] Thus, only the part of the transverse face of the conductive element forming the electrical contact zone is covered by the second metal.

[0082] Compared to known recharging devices, the surface area of ​​the conductive element to be covered by the second metal is reduced, since it only involves covering the electrical contact area formed by the transverse face of the conductive element.

[0083] This reduces the manufacturing cost of the conductive element of the connection module, and therefore that of the charging device.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the conductive element of the connection module comprises a first portion of conductive element extending along a first direction of conductive element extension, a second portion of conductive element extending along a second direction of conductive element extension, and a third portion of conductive element extending along a third direction of conductive element extension.

[0085] According to this arrangement, the first portion of the conducting element extends, over a first part of the length of the conducting element and in a first direction of extension of the conducting element, between the first end of the conducting element and a first end of the second portion of the conducting element.

[0086] The second portion of the conductive element extends, over a second part of the length of the conductive element and in a second direction of extension of the conductive element, between said first end of the second portion of the conductive element and a second end of the second portion of the conductive element.

[0087] The third portion of the conductive element extends, over a third part of the length of the conductive element and along a third direction of extension of the conductive element, from the second end of the second portion of the conductive element to the second end of the conductive element.

[0088] According to one possibility, the first direction of conductive element extension is substantially parallel to at least a part of the outer casing, and the third direction of conductive element extension is substantially orthogonal to a part of the outer casing on which the casing opening is provided.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the recharging device includes a locking mechanism configured to hold the first portion of the conductive element stationary.

[0090] Thanks to the locking mechanism, the first portion of the conductive element is kept immobile at all times within the housing, even when the conductive element of the connection module moves between the first conductive element position and at least one second conductive element position and vice versa.

[0091] According to this arrangement, the first portion of the conductive element is therefore arranged to be held immobile within the housing, while the second portion of the conductive element and the third portion of the conductive element are intended to be mobile.

[0092] In particular, when the conductive element of the connection module moves from the first conductive element position to at least a second conductive element position and vice versa, the second and third conductive element portions move within the housing, while the first conductive element portion remains stationary thanks to the locking mechanism.

[0093] According to one possibility, the second direction of conductive element extension varies when the connecting module's conductive element moves from the first conductive element position to at least one second conductive element position, and vice versa. According to this possibility, the value of the angle formed by the second direction of conductive element extension with the first direction of conductive element extension varies when the connecting module's conductive element moves from the first conductive element position to at least one second conductive element position, and vice versa. According to one possibility, the second direction of conductive element extension coincides with the first direction of conductive element extension when the connecting module's conductive element occupies the first conductive element position.According to this possibility, the conductive element of the connection module has an L-shaped profile when it occupies the first conductive element position, that is, the position it occupies when said constraint is not or is no longer exerted on it.

[0094] According to one possibility, when a stress is applied to the connecting module's conductive element, the second portion of the conductive element gradually deflects to a tilted position. This gradual deflection allows the third portion of the conductive element to move progressively, and more generally, the connecting module's conductive element to move progressively from its first position to at least one second position. When the connecting module's conductive element occupies at least one second position and the previously applied stress is completely released, the connecting module's conductive element gradually and automatically returns to its first position.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises a first part of the locking mechanism provided on the conductive element of the connection module, and a second part of the locking mechanism provided on the housing and configured to cooperate with the first part of the locking mechanism.

[0096] In one possibility, the first part of the locking mechanism includes a conductive element opening provided on the first portion of the conductive element. In this possibility, the second part of the locking mechanism includes a fastening element configured to cooperate with the conductive element opening in order to hold the first portion of the conductive element immobilized within the housing.

[0097] According to one possibility, the conductive element orifice is a circular orifice, and the fixing element includes a stud suitable for passing through said circular orifice.

[0098] According to one possibility, the outer casing includes at least an upper outer casing portion and a lower outer casing portion between which the conductive element of the connection module extends at least in part, and in particular the first portion of the conductive element.

[0099] In one embodiment, the charging device includes a docking station arranged to accommodate the electronic device. In another possibility, the charging device is a charging base comprising a docking station arranged to accommodate an electronic device, such as an electronic payment terminal or a smartphone.

[0100] The charging device allows the charging of a battery of an electronic device when said electronic device is placed in or on the charging device's docking station and the charging device's AC adapter is connected to a wall outlet.

[0101] According to one possibility, the charging device includes a support element configured to hold the electronic device in position on the docking station.

[0102] Brief description of the figures

[0103] Figures [Fig.1 a] to [Fig.1 c] represent a reloading device according to one embodiment of the invention.

[0104] Figure [Fig.2] represents an example of the realization of a conductive element of the connection module of the charging device of figures 1 a to 1 c.

[0105] Figures [Fig.3a] to [Fig.3c] represent part of the interior of the reloading device of figures 1 a to 1 c.

[0106] Figures [Fig.4a] and [Fig.4b] represent an electronic device to be recharged using the recharging device shown in Figures 1a to 1c.

[0107] Detailed description

[0108] The reloading device 10 includes a housing 11, which includes an outer housing envelope configured to enclose and protect some of the components of the reloading device 10.

[0109] The outer casing includes an oblong-shaped casing opening 12 having a casing opening length and a casing opening width less than said casing opening length.

[0110] The outer casing also includes an additional casing opening 13 identical to casing opening 12.

[0111] The charging device 10 includes a docking station 16 arranged to accommodate an electronic device 30 as shown in Figure 3a. The charging device further includes a support element 17 configured to hold the electronic device 30, accommodated on the docking station 16, in position, for example in the charging position.

[0112] The charging device 10 also includes a power cord 18 intended to connect the charging device to an external power supply.

[0113] The charging device 10 is capable of charging a battery of the electronic device 30 when the latter is placed on the docking station 16 of the charging device 10 and held in the charging position by the support element 17.

[0114] The charging device 10 includes a connection module located mostly inside the housing 11, the connection module being configured in particular to allow the connection of a battery of the electronic device 30 to the charging device 10.

[0115] The connection module of the charging device 10 comprises a conductive element of the connection module 14, which is shown in Figure 2 in its natural position, i.e., the position in which no stress is exerted on said conductive element of the connection module 14. In said natural position of the connection module, the second direction of extension of the conductive element along which the second portion of the conductive element 14.2 extends coincides with the first direction of extension of the conductive element along which the first portion of the conductive element 14.1 extends. Thus, the conductive element, when no stress is exerted on it, has an L-shaped profile (as shown in Figure 2) in which the first portion of the conductive element 14.1 and the second portion of the conductive element 14.2 form the longest arm of the L, and in which the third portion of the conductive element 14.3 forms the shortest branch of the L.

[0116] The connection module of the charging device 10 also includes a conductive element of the connection module 15 identical to the conductive element of the connection module 14.

[0117] The outer enclosure includes at least an upper outer enclosure portion 11.1 and a lower outer enclosure portion 11.2 between which the conductive element of the connection module 14 extends at least in part.

[0118] The conductive element of the connection module 14 comprises a rectangular cross-section metal blade, and consists of a first portion of conductive element 14.1, a second portion of conductive element 14.2 and a third portion of conductive element 14.3.

[0119] Furthermore, the conductive element of connection module 14 has a conductive element length L (L=Li +L2+L3), a conductive element width I less than the conductive element length and a conductive element thickness e negligible compared to the conductive element length L and also negligible compared to the conductive element width I.

[0120] The housing opening 12 is dimensioned so that the length of the housing opening is slightly greater than the width of the conductive element I, and so that the width of the housing opening is slightly greater than the thickness of the conductive element e.

[0121] The conductive element of the connection module 14 extends between a first end of a conductive element 20 and a second end of a conductive element 21 over said length of conductive element L.

[0122] More specifically, the first portion of conductive element 14.1 extends, over a first part L1 of the length of conductive element L and along a first direction of conductive element extension, between the first end of conductive element 20 and a first end of the second portion of conductive element 27.

[0123] The second portion of conductive element 14.2 extends, over a second part L2 of the length of conductive element L and along a second direction of conductive element extension, between said first end of second portion of conductive element 27 and a second end of second portion of conductive element 28.

[0124] The third portion of conductive element 14.3 extends, over a third part L3 of the length of conductive element L and along a third direction of conductive element extension, between the second end of the second portion of conductive element 28 and up to the second end of conductive element 21.

[0125] The width of the conducting element I and the thickness of the conducting element e define a transverse face of the conducting element 22 at the second end of the conducting element 21. As can be seen in Figure 2, the transverse face of the conducting element 22 is not perfectly planar, but has a curved surface of concave shape.

[0126] Thus, the transverse face of the conducting element 22 has two salient points 23, 24 arranged on either side of the transverse face of the conducting element 22.

[0127] The conductive element of the connection module 14 is movable between a first conductive element position shown in Figure 3b, in which part of the conductive element of the connection module 14 protrudes outside the housing 11 through the housing opening 12 so that at least part of the transverse face of the conductive element 22 is disposed outside the housing 11, and a second conductive element position shown in Figure 3a, which is occupied by the conductive element of the connection module 14 when an external constraint is exerted on the conductive element of the connection module 14.

[0128] The connecting module conductive element is further configured to return to the first conductive element position (shown in Figure 3b) when said external constraint is no longer exerted on the connecting module conductive element.

[0129] According to the embodiment shown, the first position of the conductive element corresponds to a position occupied by the conductive element of the connection module 14 when a constraint is exerted on the conductive element of the connection module by a stop 11.11 belonging to the upper part of the outer envelope 11.1. Thus, if in the first position of the conductive element said external constraint is no longer exerted on the conductive element of the connection module 14, an internal constraint is exerted via the stop 11.11, which is indeed an element belonging to the housing 11 of the charging device so that the conductive element of the connection module 14 does not return to the natural position of the conductive element (which would be occupied in the total absence of constraint), but to a position close to the natural position of the conductive element.

[0130] The conductive element of the connection module 14 is shown within the housing 11 in Figure 3a, while the electronic device 30 is received on the docking station 16 of the charging device 11 and exerts a constraint, i.e. said external constraint, on the conductive element of the connection module 14. As shown in Figures 4a and 4b, the electronic device 30 is an electronic payment terminal comprising a connector, a housing 33 and a screen 34, said connector comprising a conductive element 31 and an additional conductive element 32.

[0131] As shown in Figure 3a, the conductive element 31 of the connector of the electronic device 30 rests on the transverse face of the conductive element 22, and in particular on the two salient points 23, 24 which present said transverse face of the conductive element 22, which causes the conductive element of the connection module 14 to occupy the second conductive element position.

[0132] The charging device 10 includes a locking mechanism configured to hold the first portion of the conductive element 14.1 immobile. Regardless of the position occupied by the conductive element of the connection module 14, the first portion of the conductive element 14.1 is held permanently immobile within the housing 11, even when the conductive element of the position module 14 moves from the first conductive element position to the second conductive element position and vice versa.

[0133] The locking mechanism includes a first part of the locking mechanism 25 provided on the conductive element of the connection module 14, and a second part of the locking mechanism 26 provided on the housing 11 and configured to cooperate with said first part of the locking mechanism 25.

[0134] Indeed, the first part of the locking mechanism 25 includes a conductive element orifice, specifically a circular orifice, provided on the first portion of the conductive element 14.1, while the second part of the locking mechanism 26 includes a fixing element configured to cooperate with said conductive element orifice in order to permanently hold the first portion of the conductive element 14.1 immobile.

[0135] As can be seen by observing Figure 3c, which represents the conductive element of connection module 14 in the first conductive element position and at least one second conductive element position respectively, the second portion of conductive element 14.2 and the third portion of conductive element 14.3 are movable, and their mobility allows the conductive element of connection module 14 to move from the first conductive element position to the second conductive element position and vice versa.

[0136] In particular, when the conductive element 31 of the connector of the electronic device 30 comes to rest on the two salient points 23, 24, the third portion of the conductive element 14.3 undergoes a downward translational movement along the third direction of conductive element extension, while the second portion of the conductive element 14.2 gradually bends so as to tilt relative to the first direction of conductive element extension.

[0137] When the conductive element of the connection module 14 occupies at least one second conductive element position (visible in Figure 3a) and the previously exerted external constraint is released because the electronic device 30 is removed from the docking station 16, the conductive element of the connection module 14 gradually and automatically returns to the first conductive element position. In this first conductive element position, the second end of the conductive element 21 passes completely through the housing opening 12 and protrudes outside the housing 11 such that the transverse face of the conductive element 22, and in particular the two protruding points 23, 24, are located outside the housing.

Claims

DEMANDS 1. Charging device (10) for charging a battery of an electronic device (30), the charging device (10) comprising: a housing (11) including a housing opening (12); a connection module disposed at least partially inside the housing (11) and configured to permit the connection of the battery of the electronic device (30) to the charging device (10), the connection module comprising a conductive element of the connection module (14) having a conductive element length, a conductive element width less than the conductive element length, and a conductive element thickness less than the conductive element length and less than the conductive element width, the conductive element of the connection module (14) extending between a first conductive element end (20) and a second conductive element end (21) along said conductive element length,the first end of the conductive element (20) being disposed in the housing (11), the width of the conductive element and the thickness of the conductive element defining a transverse face of the conductive element (22) at the level of the second end of the conductive element (21), the conductive element of the connection module (14) being movable between a first conductive element position in which a part of the conductive element of the connection module (14) passes through the housing opening (12) and in which the second end of the conductive element (21) protrudes outside the housing (11) so that at least a part of the transverse face of the conductive element (22) is disposed outside the housing (11) in order to serve as an electrical contact area for a connector of the electronic device (30), and at least a second conductive element position occupied when a stress is exerted on the conductive element of the connection module (14),the conductive element of the connection module (14) being configured to return to the first conductive element position when said constraint is not exerted on the conductive element of the connection module (14).

2. Recharging device (10) according to claim 1, in which the conductive element of the connection module (14) comprises a metal blade with a rectangular cross-section.

3. Recharging device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the transverse face of the conducting element (22) has two salient points (23, 4. Recharging device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the transverse face of the conducting element (22) has a curved surface of concave shape.

5. Recharging device (10) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the thickness of the conductive element is less than 0.60 millimeter.

6. Recharging device (10) according to claim 5, in which the thickness of the conductive element is less than 0.20 millimeter.

7. Recharging device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conductive element of the connection module (14) comprises a first metal, and a second metal covering at least in part the transverse face of the conductive element (22).

8. Recharging device (10) according to claim 7, wherein the second metal covers only the part of the transverse face of conductive element (22) disposed outside the housing (11) when the conductive element of connection module (14, 15) occupies the first conductive element position.

9. Charging device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the conductive element of the connection module (14) comprises a first portion of conductive element (14.1) extending along a first direction of conductive element extension, a second portion of conductive element (14.2) extending along a second direction of conductive element extension, and a third portion of conductive element (14.3) extending along a third direction of conductive element extension.

10. Recharging device (10) according to claim 9, comprising a locking mechanism configured to hold immobile the first portion of conductive element (14.1).

11. Recharging device (10) according to claim 10, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a first part of the locking mechanism (25) provided on the conductive element of the connection module (14), and a second part of the locking mechanism (26) provided on the housing (11) and configured to cooperate with the first part of the locking mechanism (25).

12. Charging device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, the charging device comprising a docking station (16) arranged to accommodate the electronic device (30).

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