Abstract: A configurable battery connector (20) is provided for accommodating a plurality of different battery types (10). The connector (20) includes a plurality of slots (24, 26) for receiving enlarged headed connectors of a battery and two sets of electrical terminals (32, 34), each for a specific battery type. The electrical terminals (34) of one of the sets of terminals are provided on movable members (36, 38) which are coupled together to as to move from a first configuration in which these terminals (34) are active to a second configuration in which they are located behind a face plate (22) of the connector (20) and out of use, such that the terminals (32) of the other set of terminals are active. A latch keeps the connector (20) in one of its two configurations while a plurality of springs bias it to the other configuration when the latch is released. The connector allows different battery types to be attached to cameras, chargers and the like without the need for an adapter.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 20, 2001
Date of Patent:
October 28, 2003
Assignee:
PAG Limited
Inventors:
Alan Howard Lavender, Peter Jonathan Roberts
Abstract: A casing for a battery charger has an internal volume for accommodating the charging and control components of a charger and a front panel including a plurality of openings for accommodating a display and control switches. Connected to a side of the casing, there is provided a battery fitting which includes a guide member fixed to the casing and a carriage which can slide reciprocally in the guide member. A battery is placed on the same table top as the charger and engages the fitting for mechanical and electrical coupling to the charger. The sliding nature of the fitting can accommodate different size batteries. Furthermore, as the charger does not support the battery, the charger can be made smaller and lighter.
Abstract: A casing for a battery charger has an internal volume for accommodating the charging and control components of a charger and a front panel including a plurality of openings for accommodating a display and control switches. Connected to a side of the casing, there is provided a battery fitting which includes a guide member fixed to the casing and a carriage which can slide reciprocally in the guide member. A battery is placed on the same table top as the charger and engages the fitting for mechanical and electrical coupling to the charger. The sliding nature of the fitting can accommodate different size batteries. Furthermore, as the charger does not support the battery, the charger can be made smaller and lighter.
Abstract: A battery connector for mechanically and electrically connecting an external battery to a piece of equipment has two plates which mate face to face. On each are complementary, elongated mechanical engagement portions. One engaged first, forms a hinge; the other forms a locking device. Electrical connections are made when the two plates are locked together.