CN103222120B - Usb outlet charger - Google Patents

Abstract

A Universal Serial Bus (USB) charging module is disclosed for installation with a surface mount electrical outlet. The charging module allows easy and flexible installation in some new and already installed power outlets to provide convenient charging facilities for devices with USB connections. A casing, a charging circuit and an installation method for the charging module are also disclosed.

Description

USB socket charger

technical field

The invention relates to an electrical power socket in a building, for example in a hotel, office or home. In a specific form, the invention relates to an electrical outlet providing an interface for charging a Universal Serial Bus (USB) compatible device.

Cross-References to Related Applications

This application claims priority to Australian Provisional Patent Application No. 2010905218, filed 25 November 2010, entitled "USB Socket Charger".

The entire content of this document is hereby incorporated by reference.

Background technique

Many electronic devices—such as mobile phones, mp3 players, and digital cameras—recharge through a USB port in a computer or through a USB alternating current (AC) adapter that can be plugged into a wall outlet or electrical outlet. Charging devices through a USB port on a computer requires the computer to be turned on and also prevents other peripheral devices such as mice and storage devices from accessing the port while in use. By using a USB AC adapter, electronic devices can be charged at a wall outlet or electrical outlet. One part of the adapter has an AC plug that engages into an AC jack of a wall outlet, while the other part of the adapter has a USB port for coupling with a USB connector of an electronic device or appliance to be charged. The downside of this arrangement is that the USBAC adapter is a separate part that must be purchased and carried with you, and the AC plug is only available in certain countries. This leads to another disadvantage of using a USB AC adapter in a foreign country, namely that additional AC adapters are required to interface with outlets in different countries around the world.

There are also USB wall outlets where the USB charger is integrated with the power outlet. Having a USB charger integral to the power outlet can result in added complexity and costly repairs and replacement of components during installation.

It is an object of the present invention to ameliorate one or more of the above mentioned difficulties or at least to provide an advantageous alternative for charging USB compatible devices.

Other advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which, by way of illustration and example, some aspects and embodiments of the invention are disclosed.

Contents of the invention

In one aspect of the invention there is provided a USB charging module housing adapted for fastening to a surface mount electrical outlet, the housing comprising:

An interface for connecting the housing to a support of an electrical outlet, the interface comprising at least two deflectable clips, each for a support arranged with the rear of the grid of an electrical outlet Each of the at least two deflectable clips has a tapered surface to engage a corresponding recessed surface of a corresponding mating interface of the portion to hold the universal serial bus port to the power outlet, and each of the at least two deflectable clips has a tapered surface so as to remove the engaging portion from the power outlet. Deflects the deflectable clip when the rear is inserted into the support;

an inlet device that allows the universal serial bus charging circuit to be inserted into the housing; and

hole to allow external access to the Universal Serial Bus port.

In one form, the USB charging module housing further includes at least one aperture for receiving a cord carrying mains power.

In one form, the access means allowing insertion of the USB charging circuit into the housing is provided by an aperture in the outer face of the housing.

In one form, the aperture is covered by a removable portion.

In one form, the removable portion includes at least one aperture for receiving an electrical cord carrying mains power.

In one form, the support portion of the electrical outlet is an integral part of the grid.

In another form, the support for the electrical outlet is located in a mounting plate adapted to be attached to the rear of the grid.

In one form, the housing is connected from the front of the grid to the support of the electrical outlet.

In one form, the housing is attached to the support of the electrical outlet from the rear of the grid or panel.

In one form, the engaging portion of the USB charging module housing includes a plurality of clips extending outwardly from one or more exterior faces of the housing for a snap-fit arrangement Engages one or more surfaces of the support portion of the electrical outlet.

In one form, the clip has a tapered front face and a substantially vertical rear face.

In one form, the USB charging module housing has an aperture on the front face of the housing to allow external access to the USB port.

In another aspect of the present invention there is provided a USB charging module adapted to be secured to a surface mounted electrical outlet, the charging module comprising:

Universal Serial Bus port;

A universal serial bus charging circuit capable of receiving mains power input;

A housing comprising: an engagement portion for connecting the housing to a support portion of an electrical outlet, the engagement portion comprising at least two deflectable clips, each for engagement with an electrical outlet A corresponding recessed surface of a corresponding mating interface of a rearwardly disposed support portion of the grid engages to hold the USB port to the power outlet, each of the at least two deflectable clips having a tapered surface such that deflects the deflectable clip when the engaging portion is inserted into the support portion from the rear of the electrical outlet; an access means that allows insertion of a universal serial bus charging circuit into the housing; and an aperture for Allows external access to the Universal Serial Bus port.

In one form, a USB charging module includes a USB charging circuit having a printed circuit board.

In one approach, the USB charging module includes wires soldered directly to the PCB for connection to mains power either directly or via a switch.

In another approach, the USB charging module includes a terminal block mounted on the PCB for connection, either directly or via a switch, to the wires carrying the mains power.

In other embodiments, screw terminals for wire terminations are provided.

In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a surface mount power outlet for allowing a user to charge a Universal Serial Bus compliant device, the power outlet comprising:

support part;

A universal serial bus charging module, the universal serial bus charging module includes:

Universal Serial Bus port;

A universal serial bus charging circuit capable of receiving mains power input;

A housing comprising: an engagement portion for connecting the housing to a support portion of an electrical outlet, the engagement portion comprising at least two deflectable clips, each for engagement with an electrical outlet Each of the at least two deflectable clips having a tapered surface engages with a corresponding recessed surface of a corresponding mating interface of a support arranged at the rear of the grid to hold the universal serial bus port to the power outlet so as to deflect the deflectable clip when inserting the engaging portion from the rear of the power outlet into the support portion; an entry means allowing the universal serial bus charging circuit to be inserted into the housing; and an aperture for the to allow external access to the Universal Serial Bus port;

a grid adapted to allow user access to the Universal Serial Bus port;

a connection between the USB charging module and the mains power supply; and

A mounting device for mounting the power outlet to a mounting surface.

In one form, the mounting surface is a wall or a floor.

In one form, the power socket also includes a cover.

In one form, the mains power is between about 100V to 240V AC.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing a power outlet as described herein for allowing a user to charge a Universal Serial Bus compliant device, the method comprising the steps of:

connecting the joint of the USB charging module housing to the support of the power outlet;

Connect mains power to the USB charging module; and

Install the power outlet to the mounting surface.

In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method of installing a power outlet as described herein for allowing a user to charge a Universal Serial Bus compliant device, the method comprising the steps of:

connecting the joint of the USB charging module housing to the support of the power outlet;

Attach the mounting plate to the rear of the grid;

Connect mains power to the USB charging module; and

Install the power outlet to the mounting surface.

In one form, the electrical socket is attached or mounted to the mounting surface by fastening the grid to the mounting surface by means of screws.

It should be understood that, as used in this specification, the term "comprise" and any of its derivatives (eg, comprising and comprising) are considered to be inclusive of the features it refers to and are not meant to be exclusive of any other features. exists unless stated or implied.

Reference to any prior art in this specification is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or any form of representation that said prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the art.

Description of drawings

Various aspects of the invention will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings, in which:

1 is a front perspective view of a USB charging module housing according to a first aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the housing of the USB charging module in Fig. 1;

Figure 3 is a detail view of a portion of the joint of the USB charging module housing as shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a view of the removable cover fitted into the rear opening of the USB charging module housing;

Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a support portion of a surface mount power socket suitable for engagement with a USB charging module housing;

Figure 6 is a detailed view of the mating interface of the support shown in Figure 5;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a USB charging module according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a USB charging module according to other embodiments of the second aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 9 is a side view of the USB charging module shown in Fig. 8;

Figure 10 is an end view or rear view of the USB charging module shown in Figure 7 (wires not shown);

11 is a view of a USB charging module engaged with a grid or panel of a surface mount electrical outlet according to an embodiment of the invention;

12 is a view of a USB charging module engaged with a grid or panel of a surface mount electrical outlet according to other embodiments of the invention;

Fig. 13 is a surface-mounted power socket according to an embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention;

Fig. 14 shows a surface-mounted power socket according to other embodiments of the third aspect of the present invention;

15 is a circuit schematic depicting an embodiment of an AC mains voltage step-down and regulation component of a USB charging circuit;

16 is a schematic circuit diagram of a power regulation circuit with a DC-DC converter to regulate current and voltage suitable for a USB charging module;

17 is a top view of a USB charging circuit suitable for fitting into the housing of the USB charging module of FIG. 1;

Figure 18 is a perspective view of the USB charging circuit as shown in Figure 17;

Figures 19a to 19c depict a series of successive views of a method of mounting a USB charging module to a surface mounted power socket according to a fourth aspect of the invention; and

Figure 20 shows a flow chart describing a general method of installing a USB charging module into a surface mounted power socket according to a fourth aspect of the invention;

21 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a USB charging module suitable for front-entry engagement with an electrical outlet;

Fig. 22 is a sectional view through A-A of the junction of the USB charging module housing of Fig. 23;

Figure 23 is a front view of the USB charging module housing as depicted in Figure 21;

Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view B-B through the support portion of the grid or panel depicted in Figure 25;

Figure 25 is a front view of a grid or panel suitable for engagement with the USB charging module of Figure 21;

Figure 26 shows the USB charging module of Figure 21 to be connected from the front of a grid or panel according to an embodiment of the invention; and

Figure 27 shows the USB charging module of Figure 21 to be connected from the front of a grid or panel according to other embodiments of the invention.

In the following description, like reference numerals designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

detailed description

Referring now to Figures 1 to 4, there is shown a USB charging module housing 10 according to a first aspect of the present invention. The housing 10 has an aperture 12 through the front face 11 which is large enough to provide access for a USB connector to be inserted into a USB port or receptacle 50 housed within the housing (see FIG. 7 ). At the rear of the housing 10 (see FIG. 2 ) there is an opening or hole 13 enabling access for inserting a USB charging circuit 60 (see FIG. 7 ) into the housing 10 . Although this embodiment shows the rear of the housing open to provide access means for the USB charging circuit 60, it is possible that the opening 13 could be on a different face and could constitute the entire face or part of it. Figure 4 shows a removable cover 20 that engages the rear of the housing 10 to substantially seal the housing from dust and intrusions. The removable cover 20 has angled clips 26 and 27 which engage into mating holes 16 and 15 respectively of the housing 10 in a snap-fit arrangement. The lip of the angled clip 27 is inserted directly into the hole 15 and the lid 20 is then closed by applying a force close to the clip 26 until it snaps into the hole 16 . The clips 26 and 27 are flexible and resilient so that they can bend sufficiently to allow fitting into the apertures 15, 16, when the clips return to their undeformed positions.

In one embodiment, the housing 10 features a clip interface including four clips 14 positioned around the four sides of the housing 10 . These clips form a joint connecting the housing 10 to a support 30 of a surface mounted power socket (see FIG. 5 ). The support 30 may be integral with the grid or panel of the electrical socket or be located on a mounting plate adapted to be attached to the rear of the grid or panel. Figure 3 shows a detail view of the clip 14, in particular of the type having a tapered front face 14b and a substantially vertical rear face 14a. This clip is designed to engage with a mating interface 34 of the support portion 30, which is most clearly shown in FIG. 6 . FIG. 6 shows details of a typical mating interface 34 that would connect to the USB charging module housing 10 . The tapered surface 14b of the clip 14 will engage a corresponding tapered surface 35 of the support portion 30 when the housing 10 is inserted into the support portion 30 . As more insertion force is applied, the clip 14 will deflect slightly as it passes the vertical surface 37 of the support portion 30 . The substantially vertical rear face 14 a of the clip 14 will eventually pass the lowest point of the vertical surface 37 , where it reaches the recessed horizontal surface 36 of the support 30 . The compressive force on the clip 14 is then released and the clip is deflected rearwardly to its undeformed position and the substantially vertical rear face 14a is in face-to-face contact with the recessed horizontal surface of the support 30 36 to thereby hold the housing 10 to the support 30 . In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 , the support portion 30 has only two mating interfaces 34 , which requires the use of only two of the four clips 14 to connect the housing 10 to the support portion 30 . Actually, two or more clips 14 can be used to fix the housing, and the supporting portion 30 can also have two or more mating interfaces 34 .

Referring now to Figure 7, there is shown a USB charging module 40 according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention. Enclosed within the housing 10 are a USB port 50 and a USB charging circuit 60 . The wires 70, 71 to be connected to the mains supply are soldered directly to the printed circuit board (PCB) 62 of the charging circuit 60 (see Figure 16). The wires 70, 71 exit the housing 10 through holes 22 through the removable cover 20 (see Fig. 10). During installation these wires may be connected to the mains supply either directly or via a switch. In other embodiments, screw terminals for wire terminations may simply be provided in place of terminal blocks.

Referring now to Figures 8 and 9, there is shown a USB charging module 80 according to another embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention. Enclosed within the housing 10 is a USB port 50 and a USB charging circuit 60 having a terminal block 65 to be connected to mains power. During installation, a wire carrying mains power, either directly or via a switch, is connected to the terminal block 65 to power the USB charging circuit 60 . The wires enter the housing 10 through holes 18 on one side of the housing 10 .

In the embodiments of the USB charging module described above, the power input to the module is mains power (also known as household power, mains power or grid power) supplied between approximately 100V to 240V alternating current (AC). The USB charging circuit 60 regulates and steps down the voltage to the available 4.75V to 5.25V direct current (DC) typically required for charging many electronic devices.

Referring now to FIGS. 11-14 , various embodiments of a USB charging module 40 or 80 are shown connected to a grid or panel of surface mounted electrical outlets. FIG. 11 shows a USB charging module 40 engaged with a support 30 which is integral with a grid or panel 100 . In one example, the support portion 30 is machined into the grid or panel 100 in an integral manner during manufacture. In another embodiment, the support 30 is provided as a separate piece and is attached to the grid or panel during or prior to installation. Grid or panel 100 can be constructed from plastic, metal, or any other suitable material. Figure 11 shows a grid or panel 100 with two holes 102 (only one visible in this view) capable of receiving switches or other electrical connectors in addition to USB ports. Furthermore, when the USB charging module is designed to be modular, it can always be easily interchanged for a switch or other required user interface. The grid or panel 100 shown in Figure 11 can be adapted in a number of ways, such as to provide for AC outlets which are commonly found in most household electrical outlets. The grid or panel 100 is fastened to the wall by screws or other suitable fasteners passing through the mounting flange 101 . These fasteners may be provided in any suitable location on the grid or panel 100 and may vary in number.

FIG. 12 shows the USB charging module 80 engaged with the support 30 located in a mounting plate 200 adapted to be inserted into the rear of the grid or panel 110 . In this arrangement, the support portion 30 is machined into the mounting plate 200 in one piece. Such a mounting plate 200 (also referred to as a base or base plate) in a standard electrical outlet typically includes electrical contacts for the AC jack, a switch base and terminals for connecting mains power wires. The mounting plate 200 is designed to be received by the rear of the grid or panel 110 . As shown in FIG. 12 , the mounting plate 200 is fastened to the grid or panel 110 by screws at mounting locations 201 . The grid or panel 110 is mounted to the wall by screws at mounting locations 111 , 112 .

Figure 13 shows in more detail a surface mount power socket 500 allowing a user to charge a USB compatible device according to a third aspect of the invention. In this arrangement, the USB charging module 40 or 80 is attached to a support 30 which may be integral with the grid or panel or on a mounting plate adapted to be attached to the rear of the grid or panel. department. In this embodiment, in addition to the USB charging module 40 or 80 , the power socket 500 also has a pair of switches and an AC jack. An electrical outlet 500 such as this allows the user to plug in a common AC type connector with the power on or off and also advantageously provides the user with access to a USB port 50 for charging electronic devices. If the USB charging module 40 or 80 is wired directly to the mains without a switch, then the charging module 40 or 80 is constantly connected to the mains power so that when the user connects his device into the USB port, charging will automatically start. If the USB charging module 40 or 80 is wired to mains via a switch, no power will be available until the user engages the switch to the "on" position. As shown in FIG. 14, in another embodiment of a wall-mounted power outlet 510, a USB charging module 40 or 80 is provided that additionally has an LED status light 55 indicating the Whether the device is charging. Also shown in Figures 13 and 14 are cover plates 90, 91 which are adapted to fit around the periphery of the power socket. When the electrical outlet is mounted to a surface such as a wall or floor, the covers 90, 91 typically snap fit around a grid or panel and are provided primarily for aesthetic reasons.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the embodiments of the surface mount electrical socket described herein are in no way limiting how the invention may be carried out. The geometric arrangement of switches, AC jacks, USB ports, or other network connection ports can be customized to suit specific applications. The support 30 also does not necessarily have to be defined as an integral part of the grid or panel or on a mounting plate adapted to be inserted into the rear of the grid or panel. The support portion 30 may be mounted or machined into almost any structure, including a box or other structural housing. In addition, the joint part of the USB charging module housing and the support part of the power socket can be designed to have an interface instead of the illustrated clip arrangement, which achieves the following main purpose of the present invention: to provide a suitable A modular USB housing that fits into a surface-mounted power outlet, allowing the user to charge USB-compatible devices.

Referring now to FIGS. 15-19 , there is shown a USB charging circuit 60 which receives a 240V AC mains power input and provides a 5V DC output to the USB port 50 , suitable for charging USB compatible electronic devices. The USB charging circuit 60 includes the following stages. In the first stage shown in Figure 15, the 240V AC mains input is first stepped down using a transformer 61 to step down the high AC voltage to a low AC voltage (eg 15V, 1.2A). The stepped down AC voltage then passes through a rectification circuit 63 (eg, a bridge rectifier) which outputs a varying rectified voltage shown as a full wave output on load _RL . As shown in Figure 16, the varying voltage is then smoothed by means of a capacitor to produce a relatively smooth DC voltage with small fluctuations. A voltage regulator (eg, a 7812 integrated circuit (IC)) is then used to output a regulated 12V DC output, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

In the second stage, a DC-DC converter such as the TPS40210 current-mode boost controller from Texas Instruments is then used to regulate the output suitable for a USB charger, an implementation of which is shown in Figure 16 shown in . The TPS40210 implements a DC-DC single-ended primary inductance converter (SEPIC) with input and output current regulation performed by closed-loop feedback control, and output voltage regulation. The TPS40210 ensures that: the output voltage of the USB charger is between about 4.75V and 5.25V (nominal 5V DC), the operating current is about 1A, and it also prevents overcharging. The voltage input in Fig. 16 is a stable 12V from the first stage, which is converted into a stable 5V DC voltage output by the circuit shown. It should be understood that this is only one example of how a USB charging circuit may be implemented and any other suitable circuit arrangement may be used.

Referring specifically to FIGS. 17 and 18 , an embodiment of the physical circuit layout of the USB charging circuit 60 is shown. Using a two-layer PCB 62 provides a compact and efficient way of encapsulating all components within the housing 10 . On one layer of the PCB 62 mounts the USB port 50, optional terminal block 65 and circuit components for AC mains voltage taper down and first stage stabilization (including transformers, capacitors, 7812 IC voltage regulator and rectification circuit ). On the second layer of the PCB 62 is provided the power regulation circuit for the output of the USB charger (comprising the TPS40210 and various other capacitors, inductors, resistors and diodes).

In other embodiments, 2, 3 or more PCBs are provided on which circuit components are arranged instead of (or in addition to) a two-layer arrangement.

Referring now to Figures 19a to 19c, there is shown a series of successive views of a method of mounting a USB charging module 80 to a surface mounted mains socket according to a fourth aspect of the invention. In this embodiment, the mounting surface is a wall 90 . In Fig. 19a, the step of connecting the joint part of the USB charging module housing 10 to the support part 30 of the power socket is shown. FIG. 19 a shows the USB charging module 80 already engaged with the support 30 . FIG. 19 b shows the next step in connecting mains power to the USB charging circuit 60 . The USB charging module 80 and the grid or panel assembly are held in close proximity to the wall opening where the power outlet will be placed. Wires from the mains (typically active and neutral, optionally together with ground) are physically connected to the USB charging circuit 60 . The specific embodiment shown in Figures 19a to 19c shows a USB charging module 80 with a terminal block 65 for terminating the mains wires. The final step in the installation is to attach or mount the power socket to the wall 90 as shown in Figure 19c. The grid or panel is held flat against the wall 90 and screws or other suitable fastening means are inserted through the mounting holes in the grid or panel and fixedly fastened to the wall 90 . In another example, the USB charging module 40 may be connected by using the wires 70, 71 as described above.

FIG. 20 shows a flowchart of a method of installing the USB charging module 40 or 80 to a surface mount electrical outlet. In step 600, the installer starts with a USB charging module. In step 601 , the joint portion of the USB charging module housing 10 is connected to the supporting portion 30 of the power socket. In step 602, a determination is made as to whether the support is located in a mounting plate that is not integral to the grid or panel. If the support 30 is integral with the grid or panel, then in step 604 mains power is connected to the USB charging circuit 60 and the power socket is attached or mounted to the mounting surface (the mounting surface may be a wall or floor or other suitable face). If the support 30 is located in a mounting plate that is not integral to the grid or panel, there is an additional step 603 of connecting the mounting plate to the grid or panel.

In step 605, the installer then connects the AC mains power to the USB and then simultaneously installs or attaches the power outlet assembly to the installation surface, such as a wall 90 or the floor. In step 606, the result of the method is a surface mount USB power or charging socket.

Once installed, the power outlet provides an interface for charging USB-compatible devices. The USB charging module 40, 80 receives mains input power between approximately 100V to 240V AC and converts it to a stable 5V DC suitable for charging USB compatible electronic devices. The modular housing 10 enables the power outlet to have interchangeable interfaces to suit job requirements. Without having to replace the entire power outlet, the USB charging module 40, 80 can be removed from the power outlet and replaced by a switch or any other interface.

Referring now to FIGS. 21-27 , another embodiment is shown whereby the USB charging module 40 , 80 is connected from the front to the support 130 of a grid or panel 120 of a surface mount electrical outlet, thereby providing a "front-entry " Insertion selection. In view of the above description of connecting the USB charging module 40, 80 to the support 30 in the back of the grid or panel, it is also desirable to be able to insert the module from the front of the grid or panel. It should be appreciated that such a connection, one example of which is shown in FIGS. 21-27 , may be advantageous in many ways. Figure 21 schematically shows a USB charging module 40, 80 capable of being connected to mains power, as shown above. In one form, the module may have a clip interface including a clip 18 as shown in more detail in FIGS. 22-23 . Figure 23 is a front view of the USB charging module housing 10 showing the positioning of the two clips 18 suitable for the front-entry connection of the module. Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view through A-A of Figure 23, providing details of a possible clip arrangement. This snap arrangement allows the housing 10 to engage the support 130 of the grid or panel 120 as shown in FIG. 25 . Figure 24 shows a cross-sectional view through B-B of Figure 25, generally showing the support portion 130 in more detail. The housing 10 of the USB charging module 40 , 80 is inserted through the hole 132 of the support portion 130 . The clip arrangement facilitates a snap-fit connection between the clip 18 and the support portion 130 . When the module is inserted into the grid or panel, the resilient clip 18 bends slightly with the application of force such that the outermost surface of the clip 18 can pass the innermost surface 133 of the support 130 . Once engaged, surface 19 of housing 10 mates with recessed surface 131 of support 130 and surface 18a of clip 18 contacts surface 134 of support 130 .

26-27 show exploded views of the USB charging modules 40, 80 and the front entry installation of the grid or panel. FIG. 26 shows a grid or panel 120 with two holes 132 enabling more than one USB charging module 40 , 80 to be inserted. Figure 27 shows a grid or panel 140 with a single hole 132 for receiving the USB charging module 40, 80 from the front. Furthermore, Fig. 27 shows a cover plate 145 which is attached or mounted to the grid or panel after the USB charging module 40, 80 has been connected and screws 146 which are used to attach or Mounts to a surface such as a wall or floor.

While various illustrative examples of the present invention have been described in the foregoing detailed description, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments, but can be modified without departing from Various rearrangements, modifications and substitutions are possible within the scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims.

Claims (26)

1. USB (universal serial bus) charging module housing, the USB (universal serial bus) charging module housing is adapted to secure to surface mount Supply socket, the housing includes：

Junction surface, the junction surface is used to that the housing to be connected to the support of the supply socket, and the junction surface includes At least two can deflection clip, each it is described can deflection clip be used for and the grid of supply socket rear portion arrangement support The corresponding recessed surfaces engagement of corresponding matching interface so that USB port remained to into the supply socket, it is described at least Two each that can be in deflection clip there is tapered surface so as to by the junction surface from the supply socket it is described after Can deflection clip deflection described in making during portion's insertion support；

Inlet device, the inlet device allows that USB (universal serial bus) charging circuit is inserted in the housing；And

Hole, the hole is used to allow outside access USB port.

2. housing according to claim 1, the housing is also included for receiving the electric wire for carrying main supply at least One hole.

3. housing according to claim 1, wherein, the inlet device is by the Kong Laiti in the exterior face of the housing For.

4. housing according to claim 3, wherein, the part that the Kong Youke is removed covers.

5. housing according to claim 4, wherein, the part removed includes carrying main supply for receiving At least one hole of electric wire.

6. housing according to claim 1, wherein, the support of the supply socket is the all-in-one-piece portion of grid Point.

7. housing according to claim 1, wherein, the supporting portion of the supply socket is described in installing plate Installing plate is adapted to be coupled to the rear portion of grid.

8. housing according to claim 1, wherein, the housing is connected to the supply socket from the front portion of the grid The support.

9. housing according to claim 1, wherein, the housing is connected to the supply socket from the rear portion of the grid The support.

10. the housing according to any one of claim 1 to 9, wherein, for allowing outside access USB (universal serial bus) The hole position of port is on the forward face of the housing.

11. USB (universal serial bus) charging modules, the USB (universal serial bus) charging module is adapted to secure to surface-pasted power supply Socket, the charging module includes：

USB port；

USB (universal serial bus) charging circuit, the USB (universal serial bus) charging circuit can receive main supply input；

Housing, the housing includes：Junction surface, the junction surface is used to that the housing to be connected to the supporting of the supply socket Portion, the junction surface include at least two can deflection clip, each it is described can deflection clip be used for and the grid of supply socket The corresponding recessed surfaces of the corresponding matching interface of the support of rear portion arrangement engage to keep the USB port To the supply socket, described at least two can be in deflection clip each there is tapered surface so as to by the junction surface Can deflection clip deflection described in making when inserting the support from the rear portion of the supply socket；

Inlet device, the inlet device allows that the USB (universal serial bus) charging circuit is inserted in the housing；And Hole, the hole is used to allow USB port described in outside access.

12. USB (universal serial bus) charging modules according to claim 11, wherein, the USB (universal serial bus) charging circuit Including printed circuit board (PCB).

13. USB (universal serial bus) charging modules according to claim 12, wherein, a plurality of electric wire is soldered directly to described Printed circuit board (PCB), for directly or via switch being connected to main supply.

14. USB (universal serial bus) charging modules according to claim 12, wherein, patch panel is arranged on into the printing electricity On the plate of road, directly or via switch the electric wire of main supply is carried for being connected to.

15. USB (universal serial bus) charging modules according to claim 12, wherein, there is provided for the spiral end of wire terminations Son.

16. surface-pasted supply sockets, the supply socket is used to allow user to charge USB (universal serial bus) compatible equipment, The supply socket includes：

Support；

USB (universal serial bus) charging module, the USB (universal serial bus) charging module includes：

USB port；

USB (universal serial bus) charging circuit, the USB (universal serial bus) charging circuit can receive main supply input；

Housing, the housing includes：Junction surface, the junction surface is used to that the housing to be connected to described in the supply socket Support, the junction surface include at least two can deflection clip, each it is described can the deflection clip net that is used for supply socket The corresponding recessed surfaces of the corresponding matching interface of the support of the rear portion arrangement of lattice are engaged with by the USB port Remain to the supply socket, described at least two can be in deflection clip each there is tapered surface to connect described Conjunction portion make when inserting the support from the rear portion of the supply socket it is described can deflection clip deflection；Inlet device, institute Stating inlet device allows that the USB (universal serial bus) charging circuit is inserted in the housing；And hole, the hole is used to permit Perhaps USB port described in outside access；

Grid, the grid is adapted to allow for user and accesses the USB port；

Connecting portion, the connecting portion is between the USB (universal serial bus) charging module and main supply；And

Erecting device, the erecting device is used to for the supply socket to be attached to installation surface.

17. supply sockets according to claim 16, wherein, the support is the all-in-one-piece part of the grid.

18. supply sockets according to claim 16, wherein, the supporting portion in installing plate, fit by the installing plate In the rear portion for being connected to the grid.

19. supply sockets according to claim 16, wherein, the USB (universal serial bus) charging module housing is from the net The front portion of lattice is connected to the support.

20. supply sockets according to claim 16, wherein, the USB (universal serial bus) charging module housing is from the net The rear portion of lattice is connected to the support.

21. supply sockets according to claim 16, wherein, the installation surface is wall or floor.

22. supply sockets according to claim 16, the supply socket also includes cover plate.

23. supply sockets according to claim 16, wherein, alternating current of the main supply in about 100V to 240V Between.

24. install the power supply for allowing user to charge USB (universal serial bus) compatible equipment according to claim 16 inserts The method of seat, the method comprising the steps of：

The junction surface of the USB (universal serial bus) charging module housing is connected to into the support of the supply socket；

The main supply is connected to into the USB (universal serial bus) charging module；And

The supply socket is attached to into the installation surface.

25. install the power supply for allowing user to charge USB (universal serial bus) compatible equipment according to claim 18 inserts The method of seat, the method comprising the steps of：

The junction surface of the USB (universal serial bus) charging module housing is connected to into the support of the supply socket；

The installing plate is connected to into the rear portion of grid；

The main supply is connected to into the USB (universal serial bus) charging module；And

The supply socket is attached to into the installation surface.

26. according to claim 24 or 25 installation supply sockets methods, wherein, by by the grid by means of spiral shell Nail is fastened to the installation surface and the supply socket is attached to into the installation surface.