Battery charger having oblique coupling rails
US7541774B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jun 2, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 16, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02J7/0045
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A battery charger with an improved battery retention system is provided. The battery charger includes at least one pocket having a bottom and sidewalls. A pair of battery engagement rails, or coupling rails, extends outward into the pocket at an angle that is non-orthogonal with the sidewalls. These non-orthogonal rails, which may include embedded electrical contacts, mate with non-orthogonal female slots in a battery pack housing. The non-orthogonal angle prevents lateral forces applied to the battery from causing intermittent electrical connections between the battery pack and the charger. Additionally, the non-orthogonal angle of the rails allows batteries of various sizes to be inserted into the pocket while ensuring a consistent and reliable electrical connection.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.