Abstract:
An Insertable indicator with a spare receptacle includes an indicating component and a power getting plug, the indicating component comprises an enclosure and an display screen disposed in the enclosure for displaying content, the power getting plug is intended for connection with a car power getting receptacle for obtaining power therefrom and supplying it to the display screen. The indicating component of the enclosure is pivoted with a side of an exposed end of the power getting plug; and an end surface of the exposed end of the power getting plug is provided with a spare receptacle electrically connected to the car power getting receptacle.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a vehicle accessory and more particularly, relates to an insertable indicator with a spare receptacle mounted on a cigarette lighter receptacle of a car, and also relates to a tire pressure status instrument employing the same indicator. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     External tire pressure gauges have been used widely the fundamental principle underlying which involves an external sensor installed on the wheel hub of a tire. Said sensor includes a bridge electronic gas pressure sensing device for sensing gas pressure. It transforms gas pressure signal into electric signal and transmits the signal to a receiver through a radio transmitter device. Kinds of data changes may be displayed on a screen of the receiver. Or, they may take form of buzzing to remind the driver. In addition, in case that tire gas leakage occurs and pressure change exceeds a safe threshold, alter will be generated for ensuring safe driving. 
     Normally, the display of tire status and alerting device are disposed on the front console of the cab and are coupled with a car battery by a connecting line so as to be powered. This kind of devices and their connecting lines occupy space of the cab. Moreover, these connecting lines may be accidently touched by the driver. Furthermore, instruments on the front console of the cab may divert attention of the driver and thus result in bad influence on safe driving of the car. To make improvement, many solutions have been proposed in related industry to integrate tire pressure monitor function into the car console. The present applicant has also proposed implementation of tire pressure monitor by getting power from the car cigarette lighter receptacle. However, the former solution causes heavy cost and therefore is not suitable for car products available in the marketplace. The latter one occupies the cigarette lighter receptacle of the car and is not convenient for the driver to use other display devices. 
     In detail, according to the applicant&#39;s solution where power is obtained from the car cigarette lighter receptacle, the indicator and its power getting plug are integral. The indicator is basically perpendicular to an axis direction of the plug of the cigarette lighter receptacle and is fixed onto the same element. This causes some shortcomings. 
     At first, as the indicator is fixedly connected to the plug, it can present data to the user only from one angle thus lacking flexibility. In this situation, the user is limited to read displayed data in the visual range of the indicator. 
     Secondly, as the indicator is fixedly connected to the plug and the indicator uses relatively large space, indicators of the same size will not certainly be suitable for cars with different console streamline design. Moreover, use of space around the power getting receptacle may also be influenced, hence influencing manipulation of the driver. For example, this may possibly obstruct pushing action of the gear levers. 
     Thirdly, once one or two power getting receptacles on the car are occupied by the indicator, it will be impossible to provide power receptacle for other devices. Apparently, this kind of resource use lacks of efficiency. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A primary object of the Invention is to overcome drawbacks of the above prior art and propose an insertable indicator with a spare receptacle. The indicator is capable of adjusting displaying angle so as to optimize space around the console inside a car and also optimize utilization of power getting receptacle resources. 
     Another object of the invention is to use said indicator and provide a tire pressure status instrument. 
     To achieve the above objects, the following solution is proposed. 
     An Insertable indicator with a spare receptacle includes an indicating component and a power getting plug, the indicating component comprises an enclosure and an display screen disposed in the enclosure for displaying content, the power getting plug is intended for connection with a car power getting receptacle for obtaining power therefrom and supplying it to the display screen. The indicating component of the enclosure is pivoted with a side of an exposed end of the power getting plug; and an end surface of the exposed end of the power getting plug is provided with a spare receptacle electrically connected to the car power getting receptacle. 
     Specifically, an ear portion with a pivoting hole is formed on a periphery adjacent to one side of the bottom of the base; an ear portion with a pivoting hole is formed on a periphery at one side of an exposed end of the power getting plug; the pivoting holes of the ear portions of the enclosure and power getting plug are coaxially located; and a rotation shaft passes through both pivoting holes so as to realize pivoting. 
     Alternatively, an ear portion with a pivoting hole is formed on a periphery of one side of the bottom of the base; an ear portion with a pivoting hole is formed on a periphery at one side of an exposed end of the power getting plug; the pivoting holes of the ear portions of the enclosure and power getting plug are coaxially located; and a rotation shaft passes through both pivoting holes so as to realize pivoting. 
     Preferably, a friction cushion is placed between the ear portion of the enclosure and that of the power getting plug. 
     Furthermore, the enclosure of the indicating component comprises a base, an upper casing and an upper cover; the base and upper casing are fastened together to form a receiving space for installing the display screen; and a transparent window is defined in the upper cover for exposing the display screen. 
     In addition, the power getting plug further includes: 
     a conversion circuit for obtaining power from the car power getting receptacle and providing the same to the spare receptacle; 
     a positive electrode connecting element connected with the positive electrodes of the conversion circuit and car power getting receptacle; 
     a negative electrode connecting element connected with the negative electrodes of the conversion circuit and car power getting receptacle; 
     a lower casing inserted into the car power getting receptacle and having an inner space for accommodating the conversion circuit, positive and negative electrode connecting elements; and 
     a lower casing covered on the exposed end of the lower casing so as to form an end surface of the exposed end. 
     The conversion circuit is integrated into two parallel circuit boards; and the spare receptacle is sandwiched between the two circuit boards. 
     Preferably, the spare receptacle is a USB socket. 
     Preferably further, the positive electrode connecting element comprises a positive electrode pushing needle and a positive electrode resilient tongue; one end of the positive electrode resilient tongue is exposed out of the power getting plug and connected with the positive electrode of the car power getting receptacle, and the other end thereof locates between the two conversion circuits; and the positive electrode resilient tongue connects the positive electrode pushing needle and one of the conversion circuit board. 
     Preferably, the negative electrode connecting element comprises a negative electrode resilient tongue and a spring bracket; part of the negative electrode resilient tongue is exposed out of the lower casing and connects the negative electrode of the car power getting receptacle; the negative electrode resilient tongue is mounted on the spring bracket and is positioned between the two conversion circuit boards and is electrically connected with the conversion circuit boards; and the spring bracket is also intended for maintaining separation between the negative electrode resilient tongue and the positive electrode pushing needle or between it and the positive electrode resilient tongue. 
     A tire pressure status instrument includes a tire pressure monitor circuit and a tire pressure signal receiving antenna. The instrument incorporates an insertable indicator with a spare receptacle aforementioned; and said tire pressure monitor circuit and tire pressure signal receiving antenna are disposed in the indicating component. 
     Compared to prior art, the invention has the following advantages. 
     At first, the insertable indicator with a spare receptacle obtains power from a car power getting receptacle by insertion, thus avoiding introducing the indicating component from the windshield of the car cab which otherwise would have diverted attention of the driver. 
     Secondly, the indicator may be rotated a certain angle respect to the power getting plug. By this manner, the indicator may be disposed at any angle within a certain angle range. This will help the drive adjust and watch the content displayed by the indicator. 
     Thirdly, due to introduction of a spare receptacle, other electric devices will also be powered with ease though the car power getting receptacle is occupied by the indicating component. In addition, a widely used USB socket is employed in the invention and this is convenient for providing power to many kinds of electric devices. 
     Fourthly, the USB socket is axially located on the power getting plug and is exposed out of the end surface thereof. On one hand, when the indicating component and end surface are assembled together, the USB socket will be covered by the indicator. On the other hand, when the indicating component is located away from the end surface, that is, when the indicating component is opened, insertion of the USB plug into the socket will not interfere with the indicator, and basically this will not increase space occupied by the USB plug. It will also not increase space occupied by the USB plug in the cab. Therefore, the turn-able indicating component and spare receptacle hidden into the power getting plug will not interfere with each other and will benefit from each other. 
     Finally, the insertable indicator with a spare receptacle of the invention has wide use. For example, it can be used as a tire pressure status instrument for detecting car tire pressure. It may also be used in other car-carried electric devices such as MP3, and navigator and is suitable for large scale production. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an insertable indicator with a spare receptacle according to the invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows an exploded perspective view of an insertable indicator with a spare receptacle; 
         FIG. 3A  shows a front view of an insertable indicator with a spare receptacle according to the invention; 
         FIG. 3B  shows a cross-sectional view along line A-A of  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4A  shows a side view of an insertable indicator with a spare receptacle according to the invention; 
         FIG. 4B  shows a cross-sectional view along line B-B of  FIG. 4A ; and 
         FIG. 5  shows an exploded perspective view of a base and lower cover of insertable indicator with a spare receptacle according to the invention, illustrating mainly pivoting structure of the base and lower cover and location of a through hole from which a USB socket exposes. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is described in further detail in conjunction with various embodiments and accompanied drawings. 
     Please refer to  FIG. 1  showing a perspective view of an insertable indicator with a spare receptacle according to the invention. An insertable indicator with a spare receptacle includes a power getting plug inserted into a car power getting receptacle and an indicating component  1  disposed on the power getting plug  2 . The indicating component  1  is powered by the power getting plug  2  so as to operate normally. 
     Please refer to  FIG. 2 . The indicating component  1  includes an enclosure  11  composed of a number of parts and electronics disposed inside the enclosure  11 . The enclosure  11  includes an upper casing  111 , a base  112 , an upper cover  113  and a transparent element  114 . The enclosure  11  may take on square shape (as shown in  FIG. 2 ) or circle shape. The upper casing  111  and base  112  are erectly assembled together to define a receiving space for receiving said electronics. Specifically, the electronics has a display screen  12  for displaying video information such as data and image. The display screen  12  includes a control circuit  121 , a LCD panel  123  electrically connected to the control circuit  121 , and a back light panel  122 . The control circuit  121  is positioned on the base  112  and is secured thereon by a plurality of limiting grooves of the base  112 . The back light panel  122  is stacked on the control circuit  121 , and the LCD panel  123  is in turn stacked on the back light panel  122 . The control circuit  121  processes signals input therein and then the LCD panel  123  displays them. Next, the back light panel  122  is switched on to illuminate the LCD panel  123 . For the image displayed on the display screen to be easily seen by the driver and to protect the display screen  12 , a transparent element  114  is provided on the screen  12 . The transparent element  114  is fastened by an upper cover  113  sleeved on the upper casing  111 . An aperture is defined in the upper casing  111  for accommodating said transparent element  114  thus providing a transparent window. 
     In this embodiment, a tire pressure status instrument is produced by addition of other functional components to the indicating component  1 . In addition to said display screen  12 , the tire pressure status instrument further includes a tire pressure monitor circuit and a tire pressure signal receiving antenna. The tire pressure monitor circuit is integrated with the control circuit  121  of the screen  12 , and they are both printed on a same circuit board. The tire pressure signal receiving antenna takes form of antenna sheet  13 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the antenna sheet  13  is tightly pressed against a frame of the upper casing  111  of the indicator and is of a square frame shape. In addition, a plurality of supporting legs  131  is extended downwardly from the antenna sheet  13  for securing other components. The periphery of the back light panel  122  is provided with several holding brackets  1221  for locating said supporting legs  131 . The antenna sheet  13  is located in place by said holding brackets  1221  of the back light panel  122 . Then, the antenna sheet  13  is electrically connected with the control circuit  121  held below the back light panel  122 . In case that the enclosure  11  is of circle, the antenna sheet  13  will correspondingly be of circle. The tire pressure signal receiving antenna receives signals including tire pressure date transmitted from the car tire pressure gauge and then send them to the tire pressure monitor circuit. The tire pressure monitor circuit analyzes said tire pressure signals and outputs tire pressure information to the display screen under control of the control circuit such that the information will be displayed by said display screen. 
     Please continue referring to  FIG. 2 . The power getting plug  2  includes: 
     a spare receptacle embodied in this embodiment as a USB socket  231 ; 
     a conversion circuit  23  shown as a USB conversion circuit  23  in this embodiment for getting power from car power getting receptacle and electrically connected with the USB socket  231 , said USB conversion circuit  23  being integrated into two conversion circuit boards  232  and  233  respectively, said two conversion circuit boards  232  and  233  being welded onto two sides of the USB socket  231 ; 
     a positive electrode connecting element  24  electrically connected to the positive electrodes of the USB conversion circuit  23  and car power getting receptacle respectively, said positive electrode connecting element  24  including a positive electrode resilient tongue  241  and a positive electrode pushing needle  242 . As shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B , one end of the positive electrode pushing needle  242  touches the positive electrode of the car power getting receptacle, while the other end thereof is disposed between the conversion circuit boards  232  and  233 . The positive electrode resilient tongue  241  is constructed of metal sheet and forms a resilient construction. One end of the metal sheet is fixed onto the conversion circuit board  233  and is firmly pressed against one end of the positive electrode pushing needle  242  located between the two conversion circuit boards such that the positive electrode pushing needle  242  is electrically coupled with said conversion circuit board  233 ; 
     a negative electrode connecting element  25  connected with the negative electrodes of the USB conversion circuit and car power getting receptacle. The negative electrode connecting element  25  includes a negative resilient tongue  251  and a spring bracket  252 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the negative resilient tongue  251  is also made of a metal sheet and also forms a solid resilient construction. A middle segment of the metal sheet is protruded outwardly to touch the negative electrode of the car power getting receptacle. Two ends of the metal sheet are secured on the spring bracket  252  which is positioned between the conversion circuit boards  232  and  233  for maintain solid construction of the negative resilient tongue  251  and location of the negative resilient tongue  251  at the power getting plug  2 . It further maintains a distance between the negative resilient tongue  251  and positive electrode pushing needle  242  or positive electrode resilient tongue  241  for avoiding short circuit. The negative resilient tongue  251  is electrically connected with the conversion circuit boards  232  and  233  through the spring bracket  252 , thus finally electrically being connected with the negative electrodes of the USB conversion circuit  23  and power getting receptacle; 
     a lower casing  21  for accommodating said USB conversion circuit  23 , positive electrode pushing needle  242 , positive electrode resilient tongue  241 , negative resilient tongue  251  and spring bracket  252 . The lower casing  21  is of a cylindrical shape and a receiving space is defined therein. An opening is defined in an upper sidewall of the lower casing  21  for assembling said negative resilient tongue  251  and providing in advance an opening through which the negative resilient tongue  251  exposes out of the lower casing  21 . As the assembling location of the negative resilient tongue  251  is determined, the assembling location of the USB conversion circuit  23  is also determined correspondingly. That is, the USB conversion circuit  23  is vertically disposed such that its USB socket  231  faces up and is disposed in a same plane with the negative resilient tongue  251 . Said plane is a plane in which an axis of the opening  211  and lower casing locates. The lower portion of the lower casing  21  tapers inwardly such that a central through hole  212  is defined at the axis for passing through of the positive electrode pushing needle  242 ; 
     a lower cover  22  covered on an end surface of the lower casing  21  and exposed out of the car power getting receptacle, a platform is formed on the lower cover  22  for engaging the base  112  of the indicating component  1 . Referring to  FIGS. 3A-3B ,  4 A- 4 B and  5 , the upper portion of the lower cover  22  is of square corresponding to that of the base  112 , while the lower portion thereof is of cylinder corresponding to that of the lower casing  21 . A rectangular through hole  224  is defined axially and centrally in the lower cover  22  for receiving the USB socket  231  of the conversion circuit  23  of the lower casing  21 . The USB socket  231  contained in said rectangular through hole  224  is a spare receptacle; 
     a silicone ring  26  for limiting location of the power getting plug at the car power getting receptacle. The silicone ring  26  is tightly sleeved on the upper portion of the lower casing  21 . The total height of the silicone ring  26  from top to bottom doesn&#39;t exceed a protrusion of the negative resilient tongue  251 . When the power getting plug is inserted into the power getting receptacle, the silicone ring  26  will be inserted into a gap between an outer wall of the plug and inner wall of the receptacle, thus preventing loosing of the plug. 
     The indicating component  1  and power getting plug  2  are connected to each other by a pivoting construction. As shown in  FIG. 5  in details, a pair of first pivoting portions  221  is formed at one side of an exposed end surface of the power getting plug of the lower cover  22 . The pair of the pivoting portions takes form of a pair of ear portions each has a horizontal through hole defined therein as shown in FIG.  5 . a  groove  2211  is defined between the two ear portions. Correspondingly, a pair of second pivoting portions  1121  is formed on the base  112  at the same side adjacent the bottom surface of the base (or they may be directly formed on the bottom surface). The pair of second pivoting portions  1121  engages the first pivoting portions  221 . That is, an ear portion with a horizontal through hole is formed as shown in  FIG. 5 . This ear portion may be inserted into the groove  2211  and be located coaxially with the through holes of the first pivoting portions  221 . A rotation shaft  222  may be installed into theses through holes. The indicating component may rotate relative to the power getting plug via said shaft. More preferably, a friction cushion  223  is placed on a contact arc surface between the second pivoting portion  1121  and groove  2211  for increasing friction force between the first and second pivoting portions  221 ,  1121 . By this manner, the base  112  may be located at any angle with respect to the lower cover  22  due to rotation shaft  222 . 
     In entire indicator, the indicating component  1  and USB conversion circuit  23  are connected with each other in parallel. As described above, the USB conversion circuit  23  is connected with the positive and negative electrodes of the car power getting receptacle through the positive and negative electrode connecting elements  24  and  25  respectively. The indicating component  1  is electrically connected to the positive and negative electrodes of the car power getting receptacle through well known lead lines (not shown). In this embodiment, a through hole is defined in the lower cover  22  at a location between its rectangular through hole  224  and second pivoting portion  1121  through which a lead line passes and connects to the indicating component  1  so as to obtain power. 
     A plurality of auxiliary components  14  are also provided to the indicator. It includes a button tab  141  for clasping the base  112  and lover cover  22 , a corresponding spring  142 , a button  143  for controlling displayed contents on the display screen  12 , and an indicating lamp  145  for indicating power status. 
     Based on above description of the structure, when the insertable indicator with a spare receptacle according to the invention is used as a tire pressure status instrument, the power getting plug  2  is inserted into the power getting receptacle of the car. When powered, the display screen  12  starts. According to desire, the driver may select to rotate the indicating component  1  so as to easily watch the displayed contents. At this time, the USB socket  231  which had been masked by the indicating component  1  is now exposed for use. 
     Summarily, the insertable indicator with a spare receptacle and tire pressure status instrument of the invention have small size, various functions, optimized design, are convenient for use and have expansive application. 
     Though various embodiments of the invention have been illustrated above, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand that, variations and improvements made upon the illustrative embodiments fall within the scope of the invention, and the scope of the invention is only limited by the accompanying claims and their equivalents.