Patent ID: 12261475

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Descriptions of technical features or aspects of an exemplary configuration of the disclosure should typically be considered as available and applicable to other similar features or aspects in another exemplary configuration of the disclosure. Accordingly, technical features described herein according to one exemplary configuration of the disclosure may be applicable to other exemplary configurations of the disclosure, and thus duplicative descriptions may be omitted herein.

Exemplary configurations of the disclosure will be described more fully below (e.g., with reference to the accompanying drawings). Like reference numerals may refer to like elements throughout the specification and drawings.

The phrases “battery mount,” “mount plate,” and “battery mount plate” may be used interchangeably herein. The phrases “battery,” “battery pack,” “cinematography battery,” “cinematography battery pack,” and “pack” may be used interchangeably herein.

The present disclosure provides a device, system, and method for parallel connection of cinematography battery packs utilizing a magnetic coupling mechanism. The present disclosure facilitates the stacking of cinematography battery packs in a parallel configuration, allowing efficient electrical, mechanical, and/or data communication connection between adjacent cinematography battery packs without the need for wired connections.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the device, system, and method employ electrical connection pads and leaf spring-type connectors, enabling secure and reliable electrical contact while minimizing the complexity and weight associated with conventional wiring methods, while also avoiding the use of pins which can misalign and break.

The incorporation of magnetic pads within the accessory-based power management device, system, and method according to the present disclosure incorporates an efficient method for aligning and securing cinematography battery packs during stacking while facilitating electrical, mechanical, and data transfer connections between the cinematography battery packs.

The magnetic/metal connection assembly described herein can be employed to align and secure cinematography battery packs to each other in a stacked arrangement. Each cinematography battery pack within the system may be equipped with magnetic pads strategically positioned along its edges or corners. These magnetic pads are designed to attract and align with corresponding magnetic pads on adjacent cinematography battery packs. The magnetic attraction enables precise alignment and secure stacking of the cinematography battery packs, eliminating the need for manual alignment or additional securing mechanisms.

The metal/magnetic pads of the magnetic connection assembly described herein may employ the two sets of pads on each pack that are not symmetrical, allowing for the packs to connect in only one direction.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a mechanical push-button release assembly incorporated into each cinematography battery pack can be employed to disconnect connected cinematography battery packs from each other.

The device, system, and method described herein may employ an electrical pad/leaf spring connection. For example, in addition to the magnetic pads of the magnetic coupling assembly described herein, each cinematography battery pack may employ electrical pads and/or leaf spring connectors. These connectors may be integrated into the cinematography battery pack's structure and serve as the primary means of electrical connection between adjacent cinematography battery packs. For example, when two cinematography battery packs are stacked and aligned using the magnetic pads of the magnetic coupling assembly, the electrical pads or leaf spring connectors make contact with corresponding pads on the adjacent cinematography battery pack, establishing a secure electrical and/or data communication connection between two connected cinematography battery packs.

The device, system, and method described herein may employ a secondary fastening plate. While the cinematography battery packs themselves may include fastener attachments for securing the packs to mounting points or rigging systems, a secondary part may be utilized to increase the system's versatility. The secondary fastening plate may employ additional magnetic pads and attachment points. These additional attachment points provide users with greater flexibility in securing and mounting the cinematography battery packs with another structure or device (e.g., another cinematography battery pack, a cinematography apparatus such as a camera, lighting system, or another device powered by a cinematography battery pack. As an example, the secondary fastening plate may be employed in scenarios where multiple attachment points are required for stability or customization.

The magnetic connection assembly may employ opposing magnetic connection pads. The opposing magnetic connection pads may incorporate permanent magnets capable of generating sufficient attractive forces to provide secure alignment and contact between cinematography battery packs (e.g., magnetic forces requiring from about 1 pound to about 10 pounds of force to break).

The magnetic pads may employ polarization to facilitate proper orientation during stacking, thereby preventing misalignment.

The electrical connection assembly may employ reciprocally arranged leaf spring-type connectors or similar electrical contact elements arranged at one end of each cinematography battery pack. The electrical connectors of the electrical connection assembly are arranged to engage with the mating pads on adjacent cinematography battery packs upon magnetic coupling, establishing electrical and/or data communication continuity between the cinematography packs.

In use, to parallelize the cinematography battery packs, the cinematography battery packs are stacked upon each other in a desired configuration. As the cinematography battery packs are stacked, the magnetic connection pads on each cinematography battery pack attract and align with the corresponding pads on neighboring cinematography battery packs. Simultaneously or substantially simultaneously, the leaf spring-type connectors make electrical and/or data communication contact with the mating pads, completing the parallel connection.

Once stacked and connected, the cinematography battery packs form a parallel electrical pathway, allowing the combined energy storage capacity and output capability of the system to be utilized efficiently. That is, the stacked cinematography battery packs are configured to be charged and to discharge as a single electrical bank. The magnetic coupling assembly described herein facilitates low-resistance electrical connections, minimizing power losses and optimizing system performance.

Unless otherwise indicated herein, each of the battery packs described have the same configuration as each other, and any number of such battery packs can be stacked and both mechanically and electrically connected with each other, as described herein. Thus, duplicative descriptions may be omitted.

Referring toFIGS.1to12, a system (e.g., system100) for parallel charging and discharging of multiple cinematography battery packs includes a first cinematography battery pack101. The first cinematography battery pack101includes at least two orifices (see, e.g. orifices102,103,104and105inFIG.1) defined in a first surface106of the first cinematography battery pack101. A first metal or magnetic member (see, e.g., metal or magnetic members107,108,109, and110inFIG.1) is arranged in each of the orifices. A female electrical connection111is supported by the first surface1006of the first cinematography battery pack101. A second cinematography battery pack112is configured to be electrically and mechanically connected with the first cinematography battery pack101. The second cinematography battery pack112includes at least two projections (see, e.g., projections113,114,115, and116inFIG.2) extending from a second surface117of the second cinematography battery pack112. A second metal or magnetic member (see, e.g., metal or magnetic members118,119,120, and121inFIG.2) is supported by each of the projections. Each second metal or magnetic member is configured to connect with the corresponding first metal or magnetic member to magnetically connect the first cinematography battery pack101with the second cinematography battery pack112. A male electrical connection122is supported by the second surface117of the second cinematography battery pack112. The male electrical connection122is configured to be received in the female electrical connection111to electrically connect the first cinematography battery pack101with the second cinematography battery pack112. At least one power port (see, e.g., power ports123,124,125, and126) is defined in the first cinematography battery pack101or the second cinematography battery pack112. The power port is configured to charge the first cinematography battery pack101and the second cinematography battery pack112in a parallel arrangement by a single source of electrical power. The power port is also configured to discharge the first cinematography battery pack101and the second cinematography battery pack112in the parallel arrangement.

A shape, size, and dimensions of each of the orifices, protrusions and magnets are arranged to correspond with each other. That is, the orifices are shaped to receive the protrusions therein (e.g., to prevent lateral movement of the cinematography battery packs with respect to each other). As an example, each of the protrusions and orifices may define a circular, cylindrical, or tubular shape.

A shape defined by the magnetic or metal members may be circular, cylindrical, or donut shaped. A size defined by each of the metal or magnetic members may be arranged so that the metal or magnetic member fit into the orifices or at a distal-facing end of the projections. The projections may also be referred to as posts or protrusions, and the orifices may also be referred to as indents or recesses. In use, the metal or magnetic members may be arranged to directly contact each other. The metal or magnetic members may each be secured to the corresponding projection or orifices by a connecting member, such as a screw, grommet, or the like.

Referring particularly toFIGS.2to4, an actuatable post127is arranged in the second cinematography battery pack112. The actuatable post127is configured to be actuated between a first retracted position (see, e.g.,FIG.4) and a second extended position (see, e.g.,FIG.4). An actuation button128is arranged in the second cinematography battery pack112. The actuation button128is operably coupled with the actuatable post127. The actuation button128is configured to actuate the actuatable post127between the first retracted position and a second extended position. Upon actuation of the actuatable post127to the extended position, the actuatable post127pushes against the first surface106of the first cinematography battery pack101to separate the first cinematography battery pack101from the second cinematography battery pack112.

In use, depressing the actuation button128causes actuation of the actuatable post127which applies pressure to adjacent cinematography battery pack to separate the first cinematography battery pack101from the second cinematography battery pack112. The actuatable post127makes separating cinematography battery packs easier by at least partially mechanically separating cinematography battery packs from each other without the need for a user to manually apply enough force to break the magnetic connection between the cinematography battery packs. The actuatable post127may partially separate the cinematography battery packs from each, such as by breaking the magnetic connection between two orifices/posts but maintaining the magnetic connection between two other orifices/posts, such that final separation of the cinematography battery packs is achieved though the application of manual force by a user. Thus, separating the cinematography battery packs can occur in two steps, first by the actuation of the actuatable post127to partially separate the cinematography battery packs, and second by a user manually applying a mechanical force (e.g., by pulling the cinematography battery packs apart) to complete the separation of the cinematography battery packs.

The actuatable post127may be offset from a center of the corresponding cinematography battery pack. The actuatable post127may be arranged in a recess or orifice133. A distal-most end of the actuatable post may be flush with an outer surface of the corresponding cinematography battery pack. The actuatable post127may define a cylindrical shape, for example.

Referring particularly toFIGS.1and8to10, each cinematography battery pack may include a number of charging ports (see, e.g., power ports123,124,125, and126) arranged about the cinematography battery pack. Each charging port configured to power an accessory product such as a camera (i.e., to discharge the cinematography battery pack or stacked cinematography battery packs in a parallel arrangement). Each charging port is also configured to charge the cinematography battery packs or stacked cinematography battery packs in a parallel arrangement.

As an example, the charging ports (see, e.g., power ports123,124,125, and126) may include a USB-C PD power port or a DTAP port, or a number of each type of ports. Other USB ports may also be included in the cinematography battery packs (e.g., USB-A, etc.).

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the female electrical connection111and the male electrical connection122define an electrical power connection assembly129(see, e.g.,FIG.3). The electrical connection assembly129is configured to transmit electrical power and data.

For example, the female electrical connection111and the male electrical connection122define a leaf spring electrical connection assembly.

Referring particularly toFIGS.5to7,11and12, a fastening orifice130is defined in the first surface106of the first cinematography battery pack101. The fastening orifice130is configured to couple the first cinematography battery pack101with another structure.

As an example, the fastening orifice130may be a threaded bore configured to receive a connecting member, such as a screw or bolt therein.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, a fastening plate131is configured to connect with the first cinematography battery pack101or the second cinematography battery pack112.

In use, the fastening plate131is configured to mechanically and/or electrically connect with a cinematography device (see, e.g., camera132inFIGS.11and12). The fastening plate131is configured to form a mechanical and/or electrical connection between the first cinematography battery pack101or the second cinematography battery pack112and the cinematography device. The fastening plate131may include orifices or projections corresponding with the orifices or projections of the cinematography battery packs.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the at least two orifices include at least four orifices and the at least two projections include at least four projections. The orifices of the at least four orifices and the projections of the at least four projections are asymmetrically aligned with each other to form a directional orientation between the first cinematography battery pack101and the second cinematography battery pack112. As an example, two of the orifices and projections may be relatively closer to a midline or center of the corresponding cinematography battery packs.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the metal or magnetic members of each of the at least four orifices and the at least four projections each define a polarity. The polarity of the metal or magnetic members of each of the at least four orifices and the at least four projections is arranged to prevent misalignment between the first cinematography battery pack101and the second cinematography battery pack112.

Referring generally toFIGS.1to12, a cinematography battery pack101for parallel charging and discharging with other cinematography battery packs includes at least two orifices defined in a first surface of the cinematography battery pack. A first metal or magnetic member is arranged in each of the at least two orifices. A female electrical connection is supported by the first surface of the cinematography battery pack. at least two projections extend from a second surface of the cinematography battery pack. A second metal or magnetic member is supported by each of the at least two projections. Each second metal or magnetic member is configured to connect with the corresponding first metal or magnetic member to magnetically connect the cinematography battery pack with at least one other cinematography battery pack. A male electrical connection is supported by the second surface of the cinematography battery pack. The male electrical connection is configured to be received in the female electrical connection of the other cinematography battery pack to electrically connect the cinematography battery pack with the other cinematography battery pack. At least one power port is defined in the cinematography battery pack. The power port is configured to charge the cinematography battery pack and the other cinematography battery pack in a parallel arrangement by a single source of electrical power connected with the cinematography battery pack. The power port is also configured to discharge the cinematography battery and the other cinematography battery pack in the parallel arrangement.

Referring particularly toFIGS.2to4, an actuatable post (see, e.g., post127) is arranged in the cinematography battery pack101.

The actuatable post is configured to be actuated between a first retracted position and a second extended position. An actuation button is arranged in the cinematography battery pack. The actuation button is operably coupled with the actuatable post. The actuation button is configured to actuate the actuatable post between the first retracted position and a second extended position. Upon actuation of the actuatable post to the extended position, the actuatable post pushes against another cinematography battery pack to separate the cinematography battery pack from the other cinematography battery pack.

In use, the flow of electrical current between the cinematography battery packs may be controlled by at least one onboard MCU of a cinematography battery pack. For example, the MCU of the one battery pack in the stack connected with a charging cable (e.g., a USB-C charging cable as inFIG.8) can be selected as the governing MCU to control the flow of electrical charging power to the other battery packs in the stack. Thus, power can be distributed until each partially charged battery pack in the stack has approximately the same level of charge. When the charge levels have been approximately or substantially equalized between the battery packs, the electrical charging power can then be evenly distributed between the battery packs to power or charge the battery packs. As an example, the electrical charging power can pass through a first battery in a stack and into the second battery in the stack, and the electrical charging power can further pass through the second battery in the stack and into the third battery in the stack such that each of the batteries (e.g., three batteries101,112, and201of system100as illustrated inFIG.8) is charged at substantially the same rate.

During the process of equalizing the initial charge level of the battery packs, the electrical power stored in one battery can be passed to another battery in the stack. For example, a fully charged first battery in a stack might be at least partially used to charge two additional batteries in the stack the are fully depleted. In this example, if no external source of charging power is provided, a fully charged first battery connected with two completely drained second and third batteries would result in a stack with three battery packs that are each approximately ⅓ charged. Thus, when a source of external charging power is provided, each of the battery packs can then be charged at substantially the same rate, as described or incorporated by reference herein.

Referring now toFIGS.13to17, other aspects of fastening plates are shown. The fastening plates (collectively “fastening plates231”) ofFIGS.13-17share several similarities to the fastening plate131described herein. In the interest of brevity and clarity, some of the similarities between the fastening plate131and the fastening plates231will not be described in detail. Additionally, each of the fastening plates231a-231cinFIGS.15-17have the same or similar first surface237as the first surface237of the fastening plate231shown inFIG.13, and a different second surface250from each other. Additionally, while the description below indicates that the fastening plates231are configured to connect with the first cinematography battery pack101, the fastening plates231are also configured to connect with the second cinematography battery pack112, for instance.

With particular reference toFIGS.13, the first surface237of the fastening plate231is shown. The fastening plate231is configured to connect with the first cinematography battery pack101, and is configured to connect with a cinematography device132(see, e.g., a camera inFIGS.11and12). More particularly, the fastening plate231is configured to mechanically and electrically connect with the first cinematography battery pack101, and is configured to mechanically and electrically connect with the cinematography device132. The fastening plate231is also configured to transmit data between the first cinematography battery pack101and the cinematography device132, such as through an SMBUS connection.

The fastening plate231includes a plurality of orifices (see, e.g., orifices232,233,234,236inFIG.13) defined in the first surface237of the fastening plate231. A first metal or magnetic member (see, e.g., metal or magnetic members238,239,240,241inFIG.13; collectively referred to herein as “magnetic member238” or “magnetic members238”) is arranged in each of the orifices. Additionally, a plurality of through holes242extend through the fastening plate231to allow the fastening plate231to be mechanically connected with the cinematography device132having corresponding holes, for instance, such as by employing a number of screws or bolts.

The first cinematography battery pack101includes a plurality of projections (see, e.g., projections151,152,153,154inFIG.11) extending from a second surface155of the first cinematography battery pack101and corresponding with the orifices232,233,234,236of the fastening plate231. A metal or magnetic member (see, e.g., metal or magnetic member156inFIG.11) is supported by each of the projections. Each metal or magnetic member156of the first cinematography battery pack101is configured to magnetically connect with or engage the corresponding magnetic member238of the fastening plate231to magnetically connect the first cinematography battery pack101with the fastening plate231.

The fastening plate231includes a first (e.g., female) electrical connection243that is supported by the first surface237of the fastening plate231. The first electrical connection243of the fastening plate231is configured to electrically connect to a corresponding (e.g., male) electrical connection157(seeFIG.11) of the first cinematography battery pack101.

In an aspect of the present disclosure, the first electrical connection243of the fastening plate231and the corresponding electrical connection157of the first cinematography battery pack101define an electrical power connection assembly, which is configured to transmit electrical power and data. For example, the first electrical connection243of the fastening plate231and the corresponding electrical connection157of the first cinematography battery pack101define a leaf spring electrical connection assembly.

Accordingly, mechanical engagement between the fastening plate231and the first cinematography battery pack101also results in an electrical engagement between the fastening plate231and the first cinematography battery pack101.

Referring now toFIG.14, internal components of the fastening plate231are shown. In particular, a second electrical connection260of the fastening plate231is shown and is electrically coupled to the first electrical connection243of the fastening plate231. The second electrical connection260includes a printed circuit board262and a plurality of wires264engaged therewith, which can function as an electrical interconnect. In the illustrated aspect, the plurality of wires264includes a first wire264a(e.g., a negative wire), a second wire264b(e.g., a SDA smart battery connection), a third wire264c(e.g., a SCL smart battery connection), and a fourth wire264d(e.g., a positive wire). The free ends of the wires264can be terminated with an appropriate connector or directly soldered to the cinematography device132, for example.

The second electrical connection260is configured to electrically engage an electrical connection of the cinematography device132. Thus, the fastening plate231is configured to receive electrical power and data from the first cinematography battery pack101, and is configured to transmit electrical power and data to the cinematography device132.

Referring now toFIGS.15to17, different aspects of the second surface250of the fastening plate231are shown. Each illustrated aspect includes a different mount arrangement configured to mechanically engage the cinematography device132. That is, the embodiments described below with reference toFIGS.15to17enable the fastening plate231to operate as an adapter between the cinematography device132and the magnetic/electrical connections described herein.

With initial regard toFIG.15, a fastening plate231ahaving a V-mount adapter232ais shown. The V-mount adapter232aincludes a V-mount electrical terminal block233a, and a V-shaped bracket234a. The fastening plate231ais configured to mechanically and electrically engage a cinematography device132that includes features for engaging a V-mount battery, for instance.

Referring now toFIG.16, a fastening plate231bhaving a G-mount adapter232bis shown. The G-mount adapter232bincludes a G-mount electrical terminal block233b, and a plurality of locating pins234b. The fastening plate231bis configured to mechanically and electrically engage a cinematography device132that includes features for engaging a G-mount battery, for instance.

Referring now toFIG.17, a fastening plate231chaving a B-mount adapter232c(e.g., a camcorder adapter) is shown. The B-mount adapter232cincludes B-mount electrical terminals233c, and a plurality of mechanical engagement features234c. The fastening plate231cis configured to mechanically and electrically engage a cinematography device132that includes features for engaging a B-mount battery or a camcorder, for instance.

A shape, size, and dimensions of each of the orifices, protrusions and magnets are arranged to correspond with each other. That is, the orifices are shaped to receive the protrusions therein (e.g., to prevent lateral movement of the cinematography battery packs with respect to each other). As an example, each of the protrusions and orifices may define a circular, cylindrical, or tubular shape.

A shape defined by the magnetic or metal members may be circular, cylindrical, or donut shaped. A size defined by each of the metal or magnetic members may be arranged so that the metal or magnetic member fit into the orifices or at a distal-facing end of the projections. The projections may also be referred to as posts or protrusions, and the orifices may also be referred to as indents or recesses. In use, the metal or magnetic members may be arranged to directly contact each other. The metal or magnetic members may each be secured to the corresponding projection or orifices by a connecting member, such as a screw, grommet, or the like.

A USB-C PD connection device, system, and method are described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/428,874, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

An exemplary switching circuit for cinematography battery packs (e.g., battery pack101) is described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,630,095, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. The switching circuit may be employed to switch the output voltage provided by cinematography battery pack101.

Dual voltage battery packs are described in U.S. Pat. No. 11,735,841, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein, and U.S. Pat. No. 11,770,012, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

The battery packs described herein may be configured to connect with one or more battery mount plates. The battery mount plates described herein may be in the form of various battery mount arrangements, such as V-mount, G-mount, B-mount, or other arrangements configured to connect with a corresponding cinematography battery pack (e.g., cinematography battery pack101) via an electromechanical connection. Mount plates having different mounting arrangements for connecting with different types of batteries is described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,197,630, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein. A mount plate having various features is described in U.S. Pat. No. 10,841,492, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

As an example, the magnets of the metal or magnetic members described herein may be neodymium magnets and the metal of the metal or magnetic member may be or may include steel, iron, nickel, or cobalt.

It will be understood that various modifications may be made to the aspects and features disclosed herein. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of various aspects and features. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended thereto.