CHARGING ASSEMBLY FOR ORAL HEALTH DEVICES

A charging assembly for an oral health device is disclosed. The charging assembly includes a first coupling end including an electrical contact configured to electrically connect to a battery of the oral health device; a second coupling end including an electrical contact configured to electrically connect to a power source; and a controller position between the first coupling end and the second coupling end and electrically coupled to the first coupling end and the second coupling end, wherein the controller selectively enables current to flow from the second coupling end to the first coupling end.

TECHNICAL FIELD

One or more embodiments of the present disclosure relate generally to charging assemblies, such as electrical connectors, including charging cords, charging assemblies, and electrical connectors, for oral health devices.

BACKGROUND

Oral health devices, such as oral irrigators, electric toothbrushes, and combination units, often require a power source in order to power a motor to activate a brush motion and/or pump for fluid expulsion. Often, the power source may be a battery or other portable electricity storage element that needs to be recharged as power is used by the oral health device. Many consumers may leave the oral health device coupled to the charger for extended periods of time, such as days or months. Conventional charging assemblies for oral health devices may continue to provide power to the battery as long as the charging assembly is connected, which can waste power and damage the battery. Further, many oral health devices may require outdated electrical connections for the charging assembly, which may prevent users from utilizing newer technologies, such as universal serial bus connectors. As such, there is a need for improved charging assemblies for oral health devices.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a charging assembly for an oral health device is disclosed. The charging assembly includes a first coupling end including an electrical contact configured to electrically connect to a battery of the oral health device; a second coupling end including an electrical contact configured to electrically connect to a power source; and a controller position between the first coupling end and the second coupling end and electrically coupled to the first coupling end and the second coupling end, wherein the controller selectively enables current to flow from the second coupling end to the first coupling end.

In another embodiment, a method for charging an oral health device is disclosed. The method includes determining that a battery for the oral health device is electrically coupled to charging assembly; enabling a current flow from a power source to the battery via the charging assembly; and determining that a charge time has elapsed and disabling the current flow from the power source to the battery.

In yet another embodiment, a charger for an oral health device is disclosed. The charger may include a first a first plug to couple to a socket of the oral health device and electrically couple to a battery within the oral health device; a second plug to couple to a power source; and a state machine circuit configured to selectively enable current to flow from the power source to the battery based on a charge state or a drain state of the battery.

The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail and no limitation as to the scope of the claimed subject matter is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, or the like in this summary. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. Moreover, for the purposes of clarity, detailed descriptions of certain features will not be discussed when they would be apparent to those with skill in the art so as not to obscure the description of the present disclosure. The claimed subject matter is not necessarily limited to the arrangements illustrated herein, with the scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to the present disclosure, a charging assembly, which may be detachable from a device to be charged, is disclosed. The charging assembly may be used with various types of devices that require electrical power, such as, but not limited to, oral health devices including oral irrigators, electrical toothbrushes, and combination irrigators/brushes, as well as other types of powered consumer products and devices. In one example, the charging assembly may act to couple the oral health device to an electrical connector, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector, even if the oral health device was originally designed for other types of electrical connectors. For example, the charging assembly may include a first coupling end that can mechanically and electrically couple to the oral health device and a second coupling end that mechanically and electrically couple to a USB or other type of port, where the first and second coupling ends may have different coupling protocols or structures from one another. In this manner, the charging assembly may allow backwards compatibility for the device to be charged with improved charging technologies.

In some instances, the charging assembly may be configured to limit power consumption by the oral health device, which may help to save power and reduce over charging of a battery for the oral health device. For example, the charging assembly may include a controller that may reduce or limit current from a power source to the first coupling end of the charging assembly once a charging time has elapsed, e.g., after the battery has been fully charged. In this manner, the charging assembly may reduce power waste and may prevent the battery from being over charged.

As many oral heath devices may remain “plugged in” even after fully charged, the charging assembly may also be configured to initiate a recharge after a drain period. For example, in instances where the charging assembly has remained coupled to the battery of the oral health device for a length of time corresponding to a drain period for the battery (e.g., time sufficient for the battery charge to dissipate or drain), the charging assembly will initiate charging to recharge the battery. The ability to both limit overcharging, while allowing the charging assembly to remain plugged into or coupled to the oral health device, while also ensuring that the battery will have sufficient power to operate the oral health device at a given time, helps to both save power, enable a good user experience, and prevent battery damage.

Turning to the figures,FIG.1illustrates a perspective view of a charging system100, including a device102and a charging assembly104for charging the device102or otherwise providing power directly to the device102(e.g., directly to a motor rather than to a battery). In one example, the device102is an oral health device, such as an oral irrigator, toothbrush, or combination unit, but in other embodiments may be any other type of consumer product or device requiring power. In instances where the device102is an oral irrigator, the charging connector104may provide power to a battery108that supplies power to a motor that drives a pump to expel fluid into a user's mouth. In instances where the device102is a toothbrush or a combination oral irrigator/brushing device, the charging connector104may provide power to the battery108that provides power to a motor that activates a vibration or brush motion (e.g., oscillates a brush head).

The device102includes a charging port106or socket that corresponds to and receives the charging assembly104. For example, as shown inFIG.1, in this example, the charging port106may be defined as a recessed cavity within a sidewall of an outer housing of the device102. The charging port106may include one or more electrical contacts that when connected to the charging assembly104complete a circuit to allow the transfer of an electrical current from the charging assembly104to the corresponding component, e.g., battery108, within the device102. For example, the charging port106may be electrically connected to the battery108, motor, circuit, processing element, or the like, within the device102, such that once an electrical connection is made with the charging assembly104and current flow is initiated by the charging assembly104, the connected internal components within the device102receive electrical current. It should be noted that in some instances, the device102may include one or more power converters or the like that transform the input power into a desired format or level satisfactory for the device102. Alternatively, or additionally, the charging assembly104may include power transformers. Also, it should be noted that while the embodiments herein are discussed as providing power to the battery108, in other instances, the charging assembly104may provide power directly to the power consuming element, such as the motor, within the device102.

FIGS.2-4illustrate various views of the charging assembly104. As shown, the charging assembly104may include a cable112that extends between a charger110and a plug or second coupling end114. The cable112or power cord may include one or more electrical wires150a,150bor conductors and optionally may be wrapped with an insulator.

The second coupling end114may include an electrical connector, which may be configured to mechanically and electrically couple to a power source. In one example, the second coupling end114may be in the form of a universal serial bus (USB) plug and be configured to mate with USB compatible sockets or ports. In one example, the charging assembly104may include a power converter116which may include a set of prongs130extending from a first surface and a coupling port126, which may be a USB port, on the second side. In this example, the converter116may electrically couple the second coupling end114to a power source, such as a wall outlet, or the like. However, in other embodiments, the second coupling end114may be configured to directly couple to a power source, such as a USB outlet, which may be formed as part of a wall outlet or coupled to a device (e.g., electronically powered device that can supply power to the connector assembly104).

With continued reference toFIGS.2-4, the charger110may be coupled to a first end of the cable112. The charger110may define a first coupling end117for the charging assembly104and may be electrically positioned between the second coupling end114and the first coupling end117and configured to selectively allow current flow between the two ends114,117. It should be noted that in some embodiments, the second coupling end114may be coupled to or formed on the opposite side of the charger110from the first coupling end117. For example, in instances where the cable112may be omitted, the second coupling end114may be coupled directly to the charger110, rather than through the cable112as shown inFIGS.2-4. Additionally, in some embodiments, the first coupling end117may correspond to a first type of electrical connector and the second coupling end114may correspond to a second type of electrical connector, where the second coupling end114transforms the first coupling end117to allow compatibility with different types of connection assemblies, including USB.

The first coupling end117may include one or more electrical and/or mechanical connectors, such as prongs118a,118bthat may define a male connection for the connector assembly104to the device102. However, in other embodiments, the first coupling end117may be configured as a female connection and the electrical and/or mechanical connection may be defined as one or more recesses, e.g., a socket. In one example, the prongs118a,118bmay extend from the front or first end of the charger110may optionally include keying structures, such as differently shaped or sized prongs118a,118bto help align the first coupling end117within the port106of the device102. For example, the second prong118bmay have a non-circular or flat side and be slightly larger in diameter from the first prong118a, however, in other implementations other alignment or coupling structures may be used. It should be noted that the prongs118a,118bmay define a mechanical connection to mechanically couple the charging assembly104to the device102, as well as define an electrical connection to electrically couple the charging assembly104to the device102.

A charger housing124may define an enclosure for components of the charger110and may also define mechanical structures, such as the mechanical components of the first coupling end117. In one example, the charger housing124may include a first housing shell132aand a second housing shell132bthat may be coupled together to define a housing compartment148. To that end, in some embodiments, the shells132a,132bmay include securing features140a,140b,140c,140d,142a,142b,142c,142dthat interact together to align and optionally secure the shells132a,132btogether. For example, the securing features140a,140b,140c,140d,142a,142b,142c,142dmay include post and recess elements that engage to couple the shells132a,132btogether. However, in other embodiments, tabs, adhesive, or other coupling elements may be used as well.

In some embodiments, the first shell132aof the housing124may include an aperture146, which may be configured to receive a light cover134therethrough. A nub144may extend from the rear or second side of the housing124, which may act as a strain preventer to help prevent the cable112from bending adjacent the hosing124.

A controller136or control module may be positioned within the housing124and may be electrically coupled to the cable112and the first coupling end117. For example, the controller136may be coupled between wires138a,138bor electrical contacts that define the prong contacts120a,120bto electrically connect to the device102and wires150a,150bor electrical connections that couple to or define part of the cable112(e.g., couple to the second coupling end114). In this manner, the controller136can selectively control current flow between the first coupling end117and the second coupling end114, as discussed in more detail below. The controller136may include a circuit board, such as a printed circuit board, as well as one more control or electrical components that can selectively disconnect or connect the first coupling end117to the second coupling end114.

FIG.5illustrates a schematic of one embodiment of the controller136. It should be noted that althoughFIG.5illustrate specific electrical components, such as resistors, transistors, capacitors, and the like, similar functionality as described herein may be achieved with different electrical component arrangements and as such the configuration ofFIG.5is meant as illustrative only. The various features of the controller136as shown in the schematic inFIG.5may be mounted to a substrate, such as a circuit board, and electrically connected via wire traces, contact pads, wires, or the like.

A light control module160which may control activation of a status light, such as a light emitting diode (LED)156may be included in the controller136. The light control module160selectively provides power to the LED156, such as to indicate the start and/or end of charging for the device102. For example, when the controller136is charging the battery108, the light control module160activates the LED156and deactivates the LED156when the controller136is not charging the battery108.

A state machine166or state module may determine when to enable current flow from the second coupling end114to the first coupling end117or otherwise provide power to the device102. The state machine166may include various features, such as one or more timing elements that can determine a charge time, a drain time, and other time periods and whether such periods have elapsed as discussed in more detail below. In some embodiments, the state machine166may be in the form of an analog circuit, where decisions may be based on sequential logic functional components, but in other embodiments, the state machine166may include a micro controller, processing element, or the like, and utilize software to execute the functionality. In some embodiments, the state machine166may include memory or other storage components may store information, such as information related to charging or timing periods, or the like. In other embodiments, the memory may be omitted and instead sequential logic may be used. Examples of the specific logic or decisions made by the state machine166are discussed in more detail with respect toFIG.6.

A battery detector162or load verifier may be electrically coupled to the state machine166. In one embodiment, the battery detector162may be a voltage divider that analyzes a load coupled to the controller136, e.g., at the first coupling end117, to determine whether there is a battery or other electrical consumption component electrically coupled to the controller136. For example, the battery detector162may be configured to detect a voltage drop when the electrical contacts120a,120bof the first coupling end117are coupled to the battery108in the device102. However, in other embodiments, different detection characteristics may be used to detect whether the first coupling end117is coupled to the battery108.

With continued reference toFIG.5, the controller136may also include a current limiter164. The current limiter164is configured to selectively reduce or prevent current from flowing to the electrical contacts120a,120bin the first coupling end117. For example, the current limiter164may use one or more transistors to limit the current flow provided to the contacts120a,120bvia the controller136. In one example, the current limiter164may be activated or deactivated by the state machine166and may be electrically coupled thereto. For example, an enable signal may be provide by the state machine166based on one or more charging states, discussed in more detail below.

With reference again toFIGS.2-4, the controller136may be assembled, e.g., the various components electrically coupled together, and may then be electrically connected to the first coupling end117and second coupling end114. For example, wires138a,138bor electrical contacts may be coupled to the controller136and may extend to or be formed into the electrical contacts120a,120bfor the prongs118a,118b. Similarly, wires150a,150bor electrical contacts may be coupled from the controller136to the cable112or in some instances the second coupling end114and specifically the electrical contact128.

The controller136and electrical connections may be positioned within the housing compartment148and the housing shells132a,132bmay be secured together. For example, the securing and alignment features140a,140b,140c,140d,142a,142b,142c,142d, may be aligned and secured together, securing the housing shells132a,132bin position. It should be noted that the electrical contacts120a,120bfor the prongs118a,118bmay remain exposed even after the housing124is secured over the controller136. Additionally, the LED156may be aligned with the aperture146in the housing and the cover134may be positioned over the LED156and positioned within the aperture146. In this manner, light emitted from the LED156may be visible from an exterior of the charger assembly104.

With reference toFIG.1, to charge the device102, the user orients the first coupling end117towards the port106and inserts the prongs118a,118binto the port106of the device102. The electrical contacts120a,120bof the prongs118a,118bthen couple to corresponding contacts (not shown) within the device102. The connection may then complete an electrical circuit between the battery108and the charging assembly104. The charging assembly104may then provide current from the power source, e.g. wall outlet, coupled to the second coupling end114to the battery108. As the charging assembly104is activated and providing current to the battery108, the light control module160illuminates the LED156providing feedback to the user regarding the active charging state of the charging assembly104. In some instances, the charging assembly104may selectively prevent current flow, which may help prevent over charging of the battery108, while also helping to ensure that the battery108has a sufficient charge and the device102is ready to use at any given time. In these instances, the light control module160may deactivate the LED156to provide feedback to the user that charging has completed or is otherwise not active.

FIG.6illustrates an method200for charging the device102via the charging assembly104. The method200may begin with operation202and the charging assembly104may be activated. For example, the charging assembly104may activate the controller136to allow current to flow from the power source to the first coupling end117to be able to detect whether the device102is electrically coupled thereto. In one example, the state machine166may be configured to sense a signal from the battery detector162.

In operation204, it may be determined whether a battery108or other load is electrically connected to the charging assembly104. For example, the battery detector162output may be analyzed to determine whether there is a voltage drop at the voltage output which may indicate that the battery108is electrically coupled to the charger110of the charging assembly104.

If a battery108or other load is not detected, the method200proceeds to operation206and the charging module or controller136is deactivated. For example, the current limiter may be activated and current flow may be reduced or stopped to the first coupling end117. Optionally, a wait operation208may be completed before the method200returns to operation202. For example, in some implementations, the charging assembly104may “ping” or check for the device102being coupled at a select interval (e.g., activate current flow to the first coupling end117to allow detection of a load) which may be predetermined or random. In one embodiment, the wait operation208may be approximately once every second or every couple of seconds, such that the charging assembly104may check for a connection to the device102every second. For example, the controller may include a clock that may be used to determine the various time frames if wait operations are utilized.

If in operation204a battery108or other load is detected, the method200proceeds to operation210and current flow to the battery108is enabled or continued. For example, the controller136may electrically connect the contacts120a,120b(coupled to the battery108) to the current source coupled to the prongs130of the converter116or otherwise coupled to the contact128at the second coupling end114. In these instances, the current limiter164may be configured to allow almost all or all of the current from the source at the second coupling end114to reach the contacts120a,120bat the first coupling end117.

After coupling of the battery108to the power source, the method200proceeds to operation212and the controller136determines whether a charge time has elapsed or been surpassed. For example, the state machine166may determine whether the time period, which may be preset, has elapsed while the battery108has been coupled to the charger110. In one example, the charge time may correspond to an estimated time to fully charge the battery108from a fully depleted state. In other instances, the charge time may correspond to a time to charge the battery108to another level, e.g., 75% charged or 85% charged. Additionally, while in some instances the charge time may be predetermined or set, in other instances, the charge time may be dynamic or variable. In some embodiments, the charge time may be selected based on the battery108that the charging assembly104is configured to be used to charge. In other words, the charge time may be correlated to or correspond to the battery108, including the battery108size, type, and current level.

If the charge time has not yet elapsed, the method200may proceed to operation214and the controller136may optionally wait for a period of time. After operation214or until the charge time has elapsed in operation212, the method200returns to operation204and determines whether the battery remains connected. For example, the charging assembly104may cease charging after the battery108has been disconnected, even if the charging time has not yet elapsed. In one implementation, the battery108must be connected and the charging time not yet elapsed for the controller136to continue to provide power to the electrical contacts120a,120b.

With continued reference toFIG.6, in operation212, once the charge time has elapsed or expired, the method200may proceed to operation214and the controller136may limit or disconnect the battery108from the power source. For example, the controller136may activate the current limiter164to restrict or prevent current flow from the second coupling end114to flow to the contacts120a,120bof the first coupling end117, effectively preventing current flow to the battery108(e.g., disable current flow). As one example, the current limiter164may provide activate a saturation mode for one or more transitions, that act to prevent current from flowing to the contacts120a,120b, despite the second coupling end114receiving power from the power source. In other instances, the controller136may limit current in other manners, such as including an mechanical switch or the like that may decouple the contacts120a,120bfrom the power source.

After the current flow has been discontinued, the method200may proceed to operation216and the controller136may determine whether a battery108is reconnected. For example, the controller136may allow current flow to the first coupling end117and utilize the battery detector162to determine whether there is a load, such as the battery108, recoupled to the charging assembly104. If the battery108is not connected, the method200may return to operation206and the charging assembly104may deactivate or turn off current flow to the battery108before awaking again, allowing current flow to determine if the battery108has been detected.

If in operation216the battery108is coupled to the charging assembly104, the method200may proceed to operation218and the controller136may determine whether a drain time has elapsed. For example, the drain time may correspond to a length of time for the battery to fully or substantially deplete from full charge without use. As one example, the drain time may correspond to a time of 5 to 30 days and sometimes may correspond to a time between 7 and 10 days, but depends on the battery size and type. If the drain time has not elapsed, the method200may return to operation216with an optional wait period before proceeding. If, on the other hand, the drain time has lapsed, the method200may return to operation202and the battery108may be recharged, e.g., current may be provided from the power source to the contacts120a,120bto charge the battery108.

All relative and directional references (including top, bottom, side, front, rear, and so forth) are given by way of example to aid the reader's understanding of the examples described herein. They should not be read to be requirements or limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use unless specifically set forth in the claims. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, joined, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other, unless specifically set forth in the claims.