Cable management techniques for power converters
First Claim
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1. An AC-to-DC power converter, comprising:
- an AC power plug having AC power prongs extending therefrom, the prongs adapted for mating engagement with an AC power outlet;
a cord housing to which the AC power plug is pivotably attached allowing the AC power plug to pivot about an axis between an extended position in which the AC power prongs face outward from the cord housing and a retracted position in which the AC power prongs face inward and further allowing the AC power plug to pivot about the axis an angular extent of 360 degrees, wherein the cord housing includes a frame defining a central void into which the prongs are received when the AC power plug is pivoted sufficiently, and wherein the DC power cord is retracted into the cord housing around the central void;
a DC power cord having a DC power plug at one end thereof, adapted for mating engagement with a DC power inlet;
a retraction mechanism attached to the DC power cord that resiliently urges the DC power cord into the housing; and
AC-to-DC power conversion circuitry electrically connected between the AC power plug and the DC power cord, wherein the AC-to-DC power conversion circuitry is located within the AC power plug.
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Abstract
A variety of arrangements for management of DC power cords in AC-to-DC power converters. These arrangements include a frame for wrapping the cord around, in which the AC power plug may or may not be pivotably attached to the frame. The AC-to-DC power conversion circuitry may be miniaturized and contained within either the AC power plug or the frame. In addition, other arrangements include a retractable reel for the DC power cord that may be located within the frame or within the AC power plug.
37 Citations
12 Claims
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1. An AC-to-DC power converter, comprising:
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an AC power plug having AC power prongs extending therefrom, the prongs adapted for mating engagement with an AC power outlet; a cord housing to which the AC power plug is pivotably attached allowing the AC power plug to pivot about an axis between an extended position in which the AC power prongs face outward from the cord housing and a retracted position in which the AC power prongs face inward and further allowing the AC power plug to pivot about the axis an angular extent of 360 degrees, wherein the cord housing includes a frame defining a central void into which the prongs are received when the AC power plug is pivoted sufficiently, and wherein the DC power cord is retracted into the cord housing around the central void; a DC power cord having a DC power plug at one end thereof, adapted for mating engagement with a DC power inlet; a retraction mechanism attached to the DC power cord that resiliently urges the DC power cord into the housing; and AC-to-DC power conversion circuitry electrically connected between the AC power plug and the DC power cord, wherein the AC-to-DC power conversion circuitry is located within the AC power plug. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 5, 6)
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4. An AC-to-DC power converter, comprising:
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a housing; a DC power cord having a DC power plug at one end thereof, adapted for mating engagement with a DC power inlet; an AC power plug pivotably attached to the housing, with AC power prongs extending from the AC power plug, the prongs adapted for mating engagement with an AC power outlet, wherein the housing includes a frame defining a central void into which the prongs are received when the AC power plug is pivoted sufficiently, and wherein the DC power cord is retracted into the housing around the central void; a retraction mechanism within the housing that resiliently urges the DC power cord into the housing; and AC-to-DC power conversion circuitry located within the AC power plug, the circuitry electrically connected between the AC power prongs and the DC power plug. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8)
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9. An AC-to-DC power converter, comprising:
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an AC power plug having AC power prongs extending therefrom, the prongs adapted for mating engagement with an AC power outlet; a cable management device outside of the AC power plug to which the AC power plug is pivotally attached, wherein the cable management device includes a frame defining a central void into which the prongs are received when the AC power plug is pivoted sufficiently; a DC power cord engagable with the cable management device, the DC power cord having a DC power plug adapted for mating engagement with a DC power inlet at one end thereof, and wherein the DC power cord is retracted into the cable management device around the central void; and AC-to-DC power conversion circuitry electrically connected between the AC power prongs and the DC power cord and located within the AC power plug. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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Specification