Apparatus for connecting to an electrical source

An apparatus is disclosed for connecting a power supply to an electronic device. The apparatus comprises a first case having an insertion opening and a plurality of terminal-receiving grooves extending outwardly from an inner circumference of the insertion opening. A second case is coupled to the first case to form a receiving space. A rotary member is rotatably inserted in the insertion opening and having slots formed on at least one surface to align with the terminal-receiving grooves of the first case when the rotary member is turned in a first direction in a predetermined angle. A plug terminal assembly installed in the rotary member. In a first state, the plug terminal assembly is positioned approximately vertically upward. In a second state, the plug terminal assembly collapses to an approximately horizontal position.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(a), this application claims the benefit of earlier filing date and right of priority to Korean Application No. 56560/2004, filed on Jul. 20, 2004; the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for connecting electrical sources and more particularly, to an apparatus connecting electrical sources to an electrical device with an improved structure for folding and unfolding a plug terminal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1is a perspective view that illustrates a related art electrical connecting apparatus, such as a power adapter having a collapsible two-pronged plug.FIG. 2is a section view that illustrates the related art electrical connecting apparatus. The related art electrical connecting apparatus includes a case21, and a plug terminal22installed at a front surface of the case21. The plug terminal22is rotatable about a hinge portion22a.

Within the case21, a circuit board23couples to the plug terminal22. The circuit board23converts a high voltage into a low voltage. The plug terminal22may be connected to a power supply unit C, such as a wall mount electrical socket to receive the high voltage.

Extending out of the case21, an output terminal24connected to the circuit board23outputs the low voltage. The low voltage may be used to power an electronic device, not shown, such as a mobile communication terminal. Formed on the case21, a rectangular plug-receiving cavity25receives the plug terminal22in a folded position.

In the related art electrical connecting apparatus, the plug terminal22after an extended period of use becomes loose rotates in an undesirable direction. This causes inconvenience to the user when inserting the plug terminal into a wall socket.

Thus, there is a need for an improved electrical connecting apparatus that is more robust and provides advantages and more convenience to a user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an electrical connecting apparatus that provides simplified folding and unfolding of a plug terminal. Another object of the present invention is to provide simplified folding and unfolding of the plug terminal to improve a user's convenience. Another object of the present invention is to improve reliability of an electrical connecting apparatus by maintaining firmness of the plug terminal after repeated folding and unfolding.

In one embodiment, an apparatus is disclosed for connecting a power supply to an electronic device. The apparatus comprises a first case having an insertion opening and a plurality of terminal-receiving grooves extending outwardly from an inner circumference of the insertion opening. A second case couples to the first case to form a receiving space. A rotary member is rotatably inserted in the insertion opening and having slots formed on at least one surface to align with the terminal-receiving grooves of the first case when the rotary member is turned in a first direction in a predetermined angle.

A plug terminal assembly installed in the rotary member. In a first state, the plug terminal assembly is positioned approximately vertically upward in relation with a top surface of the first case. In a second state, the plug terminal assembly collapses to an approximately horizontal position in relation to the top surface of the first case such that terminal ends of the plug terminal assembly are positioned in the terminal-receiving grooves when the rotary member is turned in the first direction in the predetermined angle.

In a second embodiment, a collapsible plug assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises a first case having an insertion opening and a plurality of terminal-receiving grooves extending from an inner circumference of the insertion opening. A second case couples to the first case to form a receiving space. A boss portion is extended from inside the second case to correspond with the insertion opening. A rotary member is rotatably inserted in the insertion opening and having slots formed on at least one surface to align with the terminal-receiving grooves of the first case when the rotary member is turned in a first direction in a predetermined angle.

A plug terminal assembly is installed in the rotary member. In a first state, the plug terminal assembly is positioned approximately vertically upward in relation with a top surface of the first case. In a second state, the plug terminal assembly collapses to an approximately horizontal position in relation to the top surface of the first case such that terminal ends of the plug terminal assembly are positioned in the terminal-receiving grooves when the rotary member is turned in the first direction in the predetermined angle.

Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIGS. 3 and 4, the electrical connecting apparatus100comprises a first case110, a second case120, and a rotary member130. An insertion opening111for the rotary member130is provided proximal to a central portion of the first case110. A plurality of terminal-receiving grooves112extends from an inner circumference surface of the insertion opening111. The first case110couples to a second case120to form a receiving space therein. A boss portion122extends upward from the inner surface of second case120, as shown inFIG. 4.

The boss portion122corresponds to the insertion opening111. A rotary member130is rotatably installed within the insertion opening111of the first case110. Slots131are disposed within the rotary member130, preferable parallel to each other. Slots131line up with the terminal-receiving grooves112when the rotary member is rotated in a first direction in a predetermined or specified angle.

Connection plates140installed at the boss portion122of the second case120connect to a printed circuit board160. A plug terminal assembly150, comprising for example a pair of elongated electric terminals, is rotatably installed at a bottom portion of the rotary member130.

In one embodiment, a first portion of the assembly150, when installed, contacts each of the connection plates140. A second portion of the assembly150penetrates the insertion opening111of the first case110for exposing the plug terminal assembly150outside of the first case110.

Referring toFIGS. 4 and 6, a finger insertion groove113is preferably formed at the terminal-receiving grooves112to allow a user conveniently unfold the plug terminal assembly150when it is in a folded state. The finger insertion groove113is deep enough to allow for the tip of a user's finger to come in contact with the plug terminal assembly150, when it is in a folded state. In a preferred embodiment, the finger insertion groove113is approximately 10 mm wide.

Referring back toFIG. 4, a flange133is disposed around an outer edge of the rotary member130. While inserted in the insertion opening111, the flange133prevents the rotary member130from unintentionally slipping out from the first case110.

Referring toFIG. 5, inside the first case110, a stopping groove114is formed near the insertion opening111. A stopper134is formed at an outer circumferential surface of the rotary member130. The stopper134corresponds with the stopping groove114. When a user rotates the rotary member130to fold or unfold the plug terminal assembly150, a rotating angle of the rotary member130is restricted. Preferably, the rotary member130is restricted to a maximum predetermined angle. The plug terminal assembly150provides two elongated electric terminals: a first terminal151and a second terminal152. The first and second terminals151,152insert into the slots131a,131bof the rotary member130.

Referring toFIGS. 4 and 5, a shaft153, formed of an insulation material, for example, connects the first terminal151with the second terminal152. The shaft can be rotatably inserted into a shaft groove132of the rotary member130. A groove154is formed in the middle of the shaft153. A protrusion155is formed at the rotary member130, which corresponds with the groove154.

In the unfolded state, when the protrusion155is inserted in the groove154, the plug terminal assembly150firmly maintains the unfolded state. First connection protrusions156are formed at a first end of the first and second terminals151,152. Second connection protrusions141are formed at each of the connection plates140corresponding to the first connection protrusions156.

In the unfolded state, the first connection protrusions156contact the second contact protrusions141. A second end of each of the first and second terminals151,152pass through the insertion opening111of the first case110to extend outside of the first case110. In the folded state, the first connection protrusions156of the first and second terminals151,152do not contact the second connection protrusions141. That is, the second end of each of the first and second terminals151,152is inserted in the terminal-receiving grooves112, respectively. As the rotary member130is rotated, each of the slots131a,131bof the rotary member130is aligned with a corresponding terminal-receiving groove112, thus, allowing the folding of the plug terminal assembly150.

Referring toFIGS. 4–6, the procedure for folding and unfolding the plug terminal assembly150is herein described. As shown inFIG. 6, a plug terminal assembly150is depicted as dotted lines in the folded state. To unfold the plug terminal assembly150, the user puts a finger in the finger insertion opening113and flips upward the first terminal151. In this example, because the shaft153is rotatably connected with the shaft groove132, the plug terminal assembly150rotates about the shaft153so that both the first and second terminals151,152extend approximately vertically upward in relation to outer surface of the first unit110.

When the plug terminal assembly150is completely rotated, the protrusion155is inserted in the groove154, thereby firmly maintaining the unfolded state of the plug terminal assembly150. As a user rotates the plug terminal assembly150in a clockwise direction, for example, the rotary member130rotates clockwise. The slots131of the rotary member130become distally located from the terminal-receiving grooves112causing a contact to be maintained between the first contact protrusions153and the second contact protrusions141. In the unfolded state, a support portion112supports the plug terminal assembly150, thereby firmly maintaining the unfolded state.

To change the plug terminal assembly150from the unfolded to the folded state, the user rotates the plug terminal assembly150counterclockwise, for example. The rotary member130rotates in a counter-clockwise direction a result. The slots131of the rotary member130align with the terminal-receiving grooves112. In the folded state, the first contact protrusions153do not contact the second contact protrusions141. Consequently, when a user presses on the first terminal151or the second terminal152, the plug terminal assembly150rotates about the shaft153because the shaft153is rotatably inserted in the shaft groove132of the rotary member130. When the plug terminal assembly150is completely rotated, the first terminal151and the second terminal152are received in the terminal-receiving grooves112.

Referring toFIG. 7, the electrical connecting apparatus200in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention comprises a first case210, a second case220, and a rotary member230. The first case210has an insertion opening211proximate to the center. In addition, the first case210has a plurality of terminal-receiving grooves212extending outward from the inner circumference of the insertion opening211. The first case210is coupled to the second case220to form a receiving space.

Referring toFIG. 8, a boss portion222, in this example ring-shaped, extends from interior surface of the second case220to correspond with the insertion opening211. A rotary member230is rotatably installed within the insertion opening211of the first case210. Slots231are disposed within the rotary member230and correspond to the terminal-receiving grooves212. Connection plates240are installed at both sides of the boss portion222of the second case220. The connection plates240contact a printed circuit board260and a plug terminal assembly250inserted in the rotary member230.

One end (lower portion) of the rotary member230contacts each of the connection plates240. The other end (upper portion) of the rotary plate230passes through the insertion opening211of the first case210so as to pass through outside of the first case210. A terminal support member270, installed in the boss portion222, rotatably supports the plug terminal assembly250. Preferably, a finger insertion groove213is formed at the terminal-receiving groove211so that a user may conveniently fold or unfold the plug terminal assembly250.

As for a structure of the rotary member230, a flange233is formed around an outer circumference of the rotary member230. The flange233secures the rotary member230while rotatably inserted in the insertion opening211to the first case210. A stopping groove214is formed inside the first case210near the insertion opening211. At an outer circumferential surface of the rotary member230, a stopper234is formed to correspond with the stopping groove214. When a user rotates the rotary member230to fold or unfold the plug terminal assembly250, a rotating angle of the rotary member230is restricted, namely, the rotary member230may be rotated only up to a specified angle.

The plug terminal assembly250includes two terminals: a first terminal251and a second terminal252. The first terminal251and the second terminal252are inserted in the slots231of the rotary member230. A shaft253formed of an insulation material, for example, connects the first terminal251with the second terminal252. A connection protrusion256is formed at first end of each of the first and second terminals251and252. A plurality of connection grooves241, which are formed at each connection plate240, correspond to the connection protrusion256.

In the unfolded state of the plug terminal assembly250, the connection protrusions256of the first and second terminals251and252elastically contact the connection grooves241. Second ends of each of the first and second terminals251,252detachably insert into the insertion opening211to extend outside of the first case210.

In the folded state of the plug terminal assembly250, the contact protrusions256of the first and second terminals251,252do not contact the connection grooves241. In the folded state, the end portions of the first and second terminals251,252are inserted in the terminal-receiving grooves212of the first case210.

As a user rotates the rotary member230, each of the slots231of the rotary member230are selectively aligned with terminal-receiving grooves212of the first case210, thereby providing for folding of the plug terminal assembly250. A shaft222ais preferably formed at the central location of the boss portion222. A shaft hole271is formed at the center of the terminal support member270, corresponding to the shaft222a. Coupling rings272are formed at sides of the terminal support member270. Coupling rings272insert along the end of the shaft253of the plug terminal assembly250. A support portion222bis formed at the boss portion222. The support portion222bsupports the unfolded state of the plug terminal assembly250.

Referring toFIGS. 9 and 10, operation of the electrical connecting apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. As shown, a dotted line inFIG. 10depicts the plug terminal assembly250in a folded state. To move the plug terminal assembly250from the folded state to the unfolded state, a user inserts his/her finger in the finger insertion opening213and pulls the first terminal251in an upward fashion. Because the shaft253is rotatably inserted in the rings272of the terminal support member270, the plug terminal assembly250rotates about the shaft253.

When the user rotates the plug terminal assembly250in a clockwise direction, for example, the rotary member230and the terminal support member270rotate clockwise. Afterwards, the slots231of the rotary member230from the terminal-receiving grooves212elastically contact the contact protrusions256while being secured within the contact grooves241. The support portion222b, which is formed at the boss portion222, and the contact grooves241, serve to firmly maintain the unfolded state of the plug terminal assembly250.

To change to the folded state from the unfolded state, which is depicted inFIG. 10as a solid line, a user rotates the plug terminal assembly250counterclockwise, for example, to rotate the rotary member230in a counterclockwise direction. The slots231of the rotary member230are linearly aligned with the terminal-receiving grooves212. In the folded state, the contact protrusions256are maintained to prevent contact the terminal-receiving grooves212.

If the user presses down on the first terminal251or the second terminal252, the plug terminal assembly250is rotated about the shaft253because the shaft253is rotatably inserted in the rings271of the terminal support member270. When the plug terminal assembly250is completely rotated, the first terminal251or the second terminal252is received in the terminal-receiving grooves212. As the first terminal251or the second terminal252is received in the terminal-receiving grooves212, the electrical connecting apparatus200can be simply and easily maintained.

As described, the present invention the folding and unfolding of the plug terminal is very easily performed. In addition, the present invention provides for the unfolded state of the plug terminal to be firmly maintained. This improvement increases a user's convenience and reliability when utilizing a plug terminal.