Holding device for battery-powered electrical appliances with coupling means for connection to a source of power

The invention is directed to a holding device for battery-powered electrical appliances as, for example, shavers, hair cutters and the like, which include at least one rechargeable storage cell, in which the storage cell of the electrical appliance is connected to a source of power for recharging purposes by a coupling means establishing electrical contact. In addition to providing the retaining members, the holding device includes a coupling means for establishing electrical contact between the electrical appliance one the one side and an electrical lead or a source of power on the other side, and an interlocking device arranged between the electrical appliance and the coupling means such as to selectively permit an electrical connection to be made between the electrical appliance and the coupling means. Following removal of an interlocking device, for example, by hand, the connector plug of the electrical appliance may be plugged into the connector socket of the coupling means.

This invention relates to a holding device for battery-powered electrical 
appliances as, for example, shavers, hair cutters, massagers, 
toothbrushes, drills, hand screwdrivers and the like, which include at 
least one rechargeable storage cell. In addition to providing the 
retaining members, the holding device is equipped with a coupling means 
for establishing electrical contact between the electrical appliance and a 
source of power for the purpose of recharging the storage cell. 
Holding devices for electrically powered small appliances are known in the 
art (DE 80 12 410 U1), for example, for shavers, in which the 
battery-powered shaver can be placed down vertically in positive 
engagement with a suitable receptacle, with contact pins provided on the 
underside of the shaver engaging in a mating connector socket located on 
the appliance holder. Opposite the coupling end for the shaver, the 
connector socket structure provides a connector plug. A power cord socket 
may be connected to this connector plug. The appliance holder enables a 
battery-powered appliance, which in this arrangement is a shaver, to be 
used independently of an electrical outlet, that is, cordless, and the 
storage cell of the electrical appliance to be recharged within the 
appliance holder without further provisions during periods of non-use. 
The advantage of this device is particularly that an electrical appliance 
can be recharged continually, causing the storage cell of the electrical 
appliance to be in a fully charged condition practically each time it is 
used. On the other hand, in these known appliance holders the electrical 
appliances and thus their rechargeable storage cells remain connected to 
the electrical power supply for an unnecessarily long period of time. 
Therefore, in the use of such a device, the provision of an overcharge 
protection for the storage cell is a must. Yet, also with an overcharge 
protection built in, a permanent low current flow to the cell cannot be 
avoided. While such conditions are not advantageous in the conventional 
nickel-cadmium batteries, they are not detrimental either. However, when 
substituting, for example, cadmium-free nickel hydride cells for the 
nickel-cadmium cells, permanent recharging, no matter how small, may 
damage and in the worst case overheat and eventually destroy the nickel 
hydride cells. A recommendation would be necessary instructing the user to 
plug the power cord to the appliance holder only when it is desired to 
recharge the storage cell. Precisely such user instructions present the 
problem that they are not observed or that the power cord may be misplaced 
during the period of non-use, which, overall, is not user friendly. 
It is an object of the present invention to provide a holding device for 
batter-powered electrical appliances as, for example, hair cutters, 
massagers, toothbrushes, drills, hand screwdrivers and the like, which 
include at least one rechargeable storage cell, in which the holding 
device is comprised of retaining members and a coupling means for charging 
the storage cell of the electrical appliance, with the coupling means 
comprising one or several connector plugs and/or connector sockets for 
establishing electrical contact between the electrical appliance on the 
one side and a source of power on the other side, without necessarily 
involving permanent recharging of the storage cell. This object is 
accomplished by the present invention in that recharging of the storage 
cell of the electrical appliance is interruptible without disconnecting 
the connection between the holding device and the source of power. 
In a further feature, the object of the invention is suitably accomplished 
by means of a holding device providing, in addition to the retaining 
members, a coupling means for establishing electrical contact between the 
electrical appliance on the one side and an electrical lead or a source of 
power on the other side, with a mechanically movable interlocking device 
being provided which is adapted to be placed between the electrical 
appliance and the coupling means such as to prevent an electrical 
connection from being made between the electrical appliance and the 
coupling means. 
The interlocking device is advantageously movably connected with the 
holding device. Loosely inserted interlocking devices as, for example, 
caps placed over the coupling means, may also be considered; however, they 
have the disadvantage that they may become lost. 
Using the same basic elements as in the aforementioned solution, the 
holding device may include guiding means for supporting the electrical 
appliance, which provide at least two positions for holding the electrical 
appliance within the holding device, electrical contact of the electrical 
appliance with the coupling means being made in only one position. 
In a further solution, the holding device, in using basic elements similar 
to those in the aforementioned solutions, includes a manually actuatable 
electric switch selectively releasing and interrupting the flow of current 
within the coupling means. 
Any one of the solutions set forth ensures a safe holding function for the 
electrical appliance during periods of non-use, with the option to 
establish electrical contact of the rechargeable storage cell of the 
electrical appliance to a source of power through a coupling means. In all 
arrangements, the electrical lead, for example, a cord, may always remain 
connected with an electrical outlet or some other source of power and the 
holding device. This eliminates the need for frequent plugging of the 
attachment socket of the power cord to the coupling means which may cause, 
for example, cord breakage in the proximity of the plug when used 
frequently without exercising sufficient care. 
It is a particular advantage that the user may store the electrical 
appliance in the holding device such that no connection exists with the 
coupling means and thus with the source of power. It is not until the user 
notices that the electric storage cell is materially discharged which is 
indicated, for example, by suitable visual or audible means on the 
electrical appliance, that he may place the electrical appliance in the 
holding device such as to connect it electrically to the source of power 
via the coupling means, or he establishes the electrical connection 
intentionally by actuation of the switch. 
Further advantages and details will become apparent from the subsequent 
description of embodiments and the accompanying drawings illustrating some 
preferred features.

The holding device of FIG. 1 is comprised of a wall structure 1, a lower 
supporting structure 2 connected therewith, and retaining members 3. This 
holding device may be placed down on a surface or it may be mounted on a 
wall in a manner known per se. The lower supporting structure 2 includes a 
shoulder 9 with a connector socket 4 engaged by the contact pins of an 
electrical appliance not shown in this embodiment. An electrical appliance 
as, for example, a shaver which is placed down in this holding device is 
thus held by both the shoulder 9 with the connector socket 4 and the 
retaining members 3. The bracket-type retaining members 3 are slidably 
arranged in the wall structure 1 in guideways 5 provided at either end 
thereof, such as to enable them to conform to various electrical 
appliances intended to be held in the holding device. 
The connector socket 4 is part of a coupling means including connector pins 
underneath the supporting structure 2 for insertion of a power cord socket 
which in turn is connected to the electrical supply. When the electrical 
appliance is replaced in the holding device without the interlocking clip 
structure 6 described in the following, an electrical connection will be 
established between the rechargeable storage cell in the electrical 
appliance and the source of power, causing the storage cell to be 
recharged. In a known manner, rechargeable electrical appliances possess 
protective devices avoiding overcharging. Yet, the appliance remains at 
all times connected to the power source supplying continually a low 
current. Such minor and unavoidable recharging may, over time, overheat 
and eventually damage the storage cells. 
In accordance with the present invention, the holding device includes an 
interlocking clip structure 6 rotatably carried in the wall structure 1 in 
hinges 7. The clip structure 6 is mounted such as to drop forward under 
the influence of gravity, coming to rest directly on the shoulder 9, that 
is, the connector socket 4. When the electrical appliance is replaced in 
the holding device, it will always come to sit on the clip structure 6. A 
connection between the contact pins in the electrical appliance and the 
connector socket 4 will thus be avoided. This prevents recharging of the 
storage cell in the electrical appliance. It is only after the user of the 
electrical appliance has determined, for example, by means of a pilot 
light, that the storage cell of the electrical appliance needs recharging, 
that he has the possibility to swing the clip structure 6 into the plane 
of the wall structure 1 by actuating a control element 8, which 
subsequently enables him to place the electrical appliance directly down 
onto the shoulder 9 to connect it to the connector socket 4. In this 
position, the storage cell of the electrical appliance is connected to the 
power source, being recharged until the appliance is again withdrawn from 
the holding device. Advantageously, the bottom end of the electrical 
appliance is configured such as to have a safe lateral support on the clip 
structure 6. 
With this holding device of the invention, it is possible to store the 
electrical appliance in the holding device without the need for additional 
manipulation and without necessarily contacting the rechargeable storage 
cell with a power source. This eliminates the danger involved in the 
undesirable feature of having to constantly charge the storage cell, and 
its potential detrimental effects. The cable, not shown in the drawings, 
between the coupling means and the power source may remain connected to 
the holding device at all times. Recharging the storage cell of the 
electrical appliance will occur only when the clip structure 6 is 
intentionally moved away from the connector socket 4. 
FIG. 2 shows an interlocking device of the invention using an interlocking 
tongue structure 13. The holding device incorporates again a wall 
structure 10 to which a supporting structure 11 is attached. Integrally 
formed with the supporting structure 11 is an electric coupling means 
including at the top a connector socket 12 and at the bottom a connector 
plug not shown in the Figure. Suitable for introduction in the connector 
plug in a known manner is an attachment socket connected at its other end 
to a source of power through a power cord. The tongue structure 13 is 
mounted in the wall structure 10, bearing against the connector socket 12 
under spring action. In its plane of contact with the connector socket 12, 
a recess 14 is embedded in the tongue structure 13 for engagement with a 
complementary part on the electrical appliance when replaced in the 
holding device to provide secure positional orientation. When the 
electrical appliance is stored in the holding device, it will sit on the 
tongue structure 13, its plug being then unable to contact the connector 
socket 12. When the user of the electrical appliance wishes to recharge 
the storage cell, he will be required to push one of the control elements 
15 provided on either side of the supporting structure 11 in order to 
cause the tongue structure 13 to be moved away from the connector socket 
12 into the interior of the wall structure 10. 
The control elements 15 are connected with the spring-loaded tongue 
structure 13. Only after the tongue structure 13 is moved away from the 
connector socket 12 can the electrical appliance be engaged with the 
connector socket 12, establishing electrical contact between the connector 
plug of the electrical appliance and the connector socket 12. The 
rechargeable storage cell of the electrical appliance will then be 
recharged. As soon as the electrical appliance is again removed from the 
holding device, the tongue structure 13 will return to its interlocking 
position by spring action. Also in this embodiment, the user is required 
to release the charging operation of the storage cell intentionally by 
actuating one of the control elements 15. 
FIG. 3 shows a holding device incorporating a wall structure 20, a 
supporting structure 21, and retaining members 23. A connector socket 22 
is arranged in a coupling means integrally formed with the supporting 
structure 21 and having on its other side a connector plug not shown. The 
connector socket 22 is enclosed by an interlocking bearing member 24. The 
interlocking bearing member 24 is spring-mounted in the wall structure 20 
by means of an elbow lever and can be moved up and down relative to the 
connector socket 22 by means of a control element 25. The interlocking 
bearing member 24 is configured such as to provide a good support for the 
electrical appliance when replaced in the holding device. Pushing the 
control element 25 down causes an upward movement of the interlocking 
bearing member 24, preventing contact to be established between the 
connector plug in the electrical appliance and the connector socket 22. 
Imparting an upward push to the control element 25 moves the interlocking 
bearing member 24 downward relative to the connector socket 22, causing 
the connector plug in the electrical appliance to be introduced into the 
connector socket 22 when the electrical appliance is replaced. The storage 
cell in the electrical appliance will then be charged. 
FIG. 4 shows a holding device enabling the electrical appliance to be 
selectively stored in two positions. Molded into the housing 30 of the 
holding device which is preferably an injection molded plastic part are a 
first receptacle 31 and a second receptacle 32. The first receptacle 31 
has no connection to a source of power. By contrast, the bottom of the 
receptacle 32 accommodates a coupling means for making electrical contact 
between the storage cell of the electrical appliance and a power source. 
This coupling means includes a connector socket 33 within the receptacle 
32 and a connector plug 34 on its other side. An attachment socket 35 of a 
power cord may be pushed onto the connector plug 34. With this holding 
device of the invention, the user has the option to store the electrical 
appliance vertically using the first receptacle 31, or in an inclined 
position using the second receptacle 32. Whilst the storage cell in the 
electrical appliance is not contacted with a power source when receptacle 
31 is used, electrical contact will be established when the electrical 
appliance is stored in receptacle 32. 
In a modification of the solution shown in FIG. 4, the electrical appliance 
is stored in a receptacle similar to receptacle 31 when recharging of the 
storage cell is not desired, while, when it is desired to recharge the 
storage cell, the electrical appliance is turned about its axis, 
preferably through 90 degrees, to be subsequently placed in a receptacle 
intersecting, and lying at an elevation deeper than, receptacle 31 and 
having integrally formed therein a connector socket similar to connector 
socket 33. When the electrical appliance is stored in this receptacle, the 
connector plug of the electrical appliance will make contact with the 
connector socket, and the storage cell will be recharged. 
FIG. 5 shows a holding device for an electric toothbrush. A wall structure 
40 incorporates a sleeve-type supporting structure 41 into which the 
electric toothbrush 42 is placed. Integrally formed within the supporting 
structure 41 for contacting the toothbrush 42 is a connector socket 43 and 
on the other side a connector plug 44 for contacting with an attachment 
socket 45 of a power cord. 
In this arrangement, it is an essential feature or the invention that the 
connector socket 43 and the connector plug 44 can be connected to each 
other only by means of an electric switch, in the embodiment shown by a 
pushbutton switch 46. The individual electrical connections are not shown 
in more detail for clarity of illustration. Further connected in the 
circuit between the connector socket 43 and the connector plug 44 by means 
of the pushbutton switch 46 is a pilot light 47 providing a visual 
indication when the storage cell of the toothbrush 42 is being charged. 
When the charging condition of the storage cell of the toothbrush 42 is 
normal, the toothbrush 42 is merely stored in the sleeve 41. An electrical 
contact with a source of power will not be established because the 
pushbutton switch 46 has not been actuated. Only after the user has 
determined that the storage cell of the toothbrush 42 requires recharging 
will he actuate the pushbutton switch 46 after replacing the toothbrush 42 
in the sleeve 41, thereby establishing the electrical connection between 
the connector socket 43 and the connector plug 44. At the same time, the 
pilot light 47 will go on, reminding the user that the toothbrush 42 is 
being recharged. It would be suitable to provide a further device in which 
the switch 46 goes to power off whenever the toothbrush 42 is removed (not 
shown in the drawing). 
All solutions of the present invention show that the holding devices are 
configured such that the storage cells are not recharged when the 
electrical appliances are stored normally. Only when the user, in 
performing an intentional operation, deactivates the interlocking members 
provided on the holding device or establishes the flow of current 
intentionally, will the storage cell of the electrical appliance be 
contacted with the electric coupling means or a power source. These 
solutions prevent to a high degree of safety overcharging of the storage 
cells and thus their damage. On the other hand, the cord connecting the 
holding device to the power source, for example, to an outlet, may remain 
connected to the holding device at all times. This thus affords a highly 
user-friendly storage, avoiding in the worst case cord breaks due to 
frequent plugging and unplugging of the attachment plugs.