CN102077304B - Inductively coupled shelving and storage boxes - Google Patents

Abstract

Inductively coupled shelving units and storage bins with integrated primary coils are provided, as well as inductively coupled systems for storage and charging of equipment. Power is inductively coupled from the primary coil to a device containing the secondary coil. Primary coils may be integrated into the shelving unit to charge the devices stored on the shelving unit. The primary coil may be similarly integrated into the storage case. The inductively coupled shelving unit may also be configured to receive and hold an inductively coupled storage container, such as a tool box or the like. An integrated secondary coil in the toolbox receives power inductively coupled from the primary coil in the shelving unit. An integrated primary coil in the toolbox then inductively couples the received power to a secondary coil in the individual device. The integrated primary coil may provide varying amounts of power.

Description

Inductively coupled shelving and storage boxes

Background technique

One problem associated with many common electronic devices in today's world is the necessary cords and cables associated with the various electronic devices. Rechargeable cordless devices are a common alternative. These devices still require charging and require associated wires and cables to provide this charging.

Technology has evolved to address these limitations by providing inductively coupled circuits. This circuit dynamically finds resonance and optimizes the power transfer from the primary coil to the secondary device with the secondary coil. This power transfer can occur under various, varying load conditions. Using this circuit, the primary supply circuit adapts its operation to the needs of the secondary equipment being powered. This circuit also allows the primary supply circuit to supply power to multiple secondary devices simultaneously.

Contents of the invention

Smart, inductively coupled power circuits have been developed to transfer power from a power source to a device without the need for a wired connection. The primary coil inductively couples power to a secondary coil integrated in devices such as laptops, PDAs, cell phones, and power tools. Embodiments of the present invention incorporate this inductive coupling technology into shelving units, storage containers, and systems for charging and storing devices.

In one embodiment, the primary coil is integrated into the shelving of the shelving unit. Low, medium and high power primary coils can be integrated in the rack in any position, quantity and combination. The shelving unit may be installed in a vehicle.

In another embodiment, the primary coil is integrated in the storage tank. Low, medium and high power primary coils can be integrated in the storage box in any position, quantity and combination. The storage case may be a tool case configured to house and hold equipment including the secondary coil. The storage tank may also contain an integrated secondary coil configured to receive power inductively coupled by the external primary coil.

In yet another embodiment, a system for storing and charging a tool is provided. A shelving unit with a primary coil integrated into the shelving is configured to house an inductively coupled storage tank. The storage tank contains an integrated secondary coil configured to receive power inductively coupled by the primary coil integrated in the shed. The power that is inductively coupled to the storage tank is then inductively coupled to a secondary coil in the device by a primary coil integrated in the storage tank. The system can be installed in a vehicle.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This "Summary" is not intended to identify key features or substantive features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Description of drawings

The present invention is described in detail below with reference to accompanying drawing, in accompanying drawing:

Fig. 1 is a partial perspective view of an inductively coupled scaffolding unit;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an inductively coupled storage tank;

3 is an orthogonal bottom view of the inductively coupled storage tank of FIG. 2 with the bottom housing removed;

Figure 4 is a partial perspective view of the inductively coupled storage tank of Figure 2;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of an inductively coupled tool frame; and

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the inductively coupled tool frame of FIG. 5 .

Detailed ways

Embodiments of the invention are described in detail herein to satisfy legal requirements. However, the description itself is not meant to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter could be practiced in other ways as well.

As mentioned in the background section, techniques have been developed to provide intelligent inductively coupled circuits. The circuit dynamically looks for resonance and optimizes the power transfer from the primary coil to the secondary device with the secondary coil. This circuit allows the primary coil to determine and supply the power needs of the secondary equipment. Using this circuit, the primary supply circuit adapts its operation to the needs of the secondary equipment being powered. This circuit also allows the primary supply circuit to supply power to multiple secondary devices simultaneously. Examples of this circuit and the operation of this circuit are contained in the following U.S. patents, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference: 6,436,299; 6,673,250; 6,731,071; 6,806,649;

The primary coils necessary to form an inductively coupled power circuit as described above can be integrated in the shelving unit. The shelving unit with integrated primary coils may be a conventional shelving unit in a house or office, or the shelving unit may be mounted on a vehicle.

Figure 1 shows part of a shelving unit. The shelving unit 10 includes shelving 12 , 14 , 16 and 18 . Although FIG. 1 shows four racks, an inductively coupled rack unit may contain any number of racks. Docking area 26 is attached to scaffolding 16 and houses the primary coil. The primary coil may be attached to the surface of the docking area 26 , attached below the docking area 26 or embedded in the docking area 26 . The primary coil could alternatively also be integrated in the scaffolding 16 instead of the docking area 26 . In one such embodiment, a cylindrical hole is drilled in the scaffolding, and the primary coil is attached from below the scaffolding so that the top of the primary coil is flush with the scaffolding surface. Primary coils can also be installed under trellises, attached by screws, bolts, brackets or any other means. In other embodiments, the primary coil may be built into the scaffolding, with wires running from the edge of the scaffolding or through the hardware supporting the scaffolding unit.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , if the pergola unit 10 is installed in a vehicle, the primary coil integrated in the docking area 26 may draw power from the vehicle's battery or electrical circuitry. The shelving unit in the building can power the integrated primary coil through a connection to an electrical outlet. The docking area 26 is formed to provide a frictional engagement with the tool case 28 . Although Figure 1 shows a tool box, the shelving unit can be configured to accommodate and hold any inductively coupled storage box. Clips, locking devices, or other means for securing the tool case 28 to the docking area 26 are also contemplated. This engagement allows the tool case 28 to be removed from the docking area 26 for use, while maintaining the tool case 28 in place during storage. For implementation in a vehicle, the frictional engagement described above ensures that the tool case 28 remains in place during transport.

The inductively coupled storage tank can also simply rest on the inductively coupled shelving unit without the docking surface 26 . In such an embodiment, the primary coil may be integrated into the scaffolding 16 . Even when the docking surface 26 is used, the primary coil can be integrated in the scaffolding 16 instead of the docking surface 26 . In other embodiments, multiple primary coils are embedded or otherwise integrated into the scaffolding 16 or the docking surface 26 . In embodiments with multiple primary coils, the multiple coils may be controlled by one control circuit.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , the docking area 26 includes a small indicator light 30 that illuminates when the tool case 28 is properly in place and charging. Tool box 28 preferably houses an array of cordless power tools. The power tool is equipped with a common secondary coil and battery pack unit, or is fully equipped with individual batteries and secondary coil units. Other devices that contain secondary coils, such as laptop computers and other portable electronic devices, are also stored in the inductively coupled storage bin that engages the docking area 26 . Tool box 28 is configured to distribute power inductively coupled from a primary coil within docking area 26 to a plurality of secondary coils in tool box 28 . Specifically, as described further below, the primary coil in docking area 26 distributes power to a plurality of secondary coils integrated in the tool box. A secondary coil integrated in the tool box 28 distributes power to a plurality of primary coils integrated in the tool box 28 . These integrated primary coils then inductively couple power to the secondary coils in the battery cells. This embodiment allows the tool to be charged when not in use. For sheds mounted in vehicles, the tools will be able to charge as the service vehicle travels from job site to job site, allowing workers to take the charged tool to any job site. In another embodiment, the primary coil in docking area 26 may directly inductively couple power to a secondary coil contained in a device battery cell.

2-4 are detailed views of tool box 28 . As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 , the tool case 28 is designed to house one or more power tools 32 . The power tool is cordless and has an associated battery pack 34 . Tool box 28 is designed to orient power tools and hold them in place. More specifically, the tool box 28 forms a docking area for each of the plurality of tools at the bottom of the tool box. These docking areas are designed to orient the tool's battery pack 34 directly above the primary coil in the tool box 28 . Figure 2 shows the toolbox 28 without tools.

Figure 3 shows the inside of the bottom of the tool box 28, with the various electrical circuits and primary coils. As mentioned above, the primary coil is oriented to deliver power to the tool's battery pack. The primary coil integrated into the tool box 28 receives power from a secondary coil integrated into the tool box 28 which receives power inductively coupled from the primary coil integrated into the docking area 26 . The primary coils integrated into the kit 28 can be controlled by individual circuits or by one circuit control mechanism. In embodiments with multiple primary coils, one circuit may control all of the multiple primary coils.

FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate an exemplary embodiment in which the inductively coupled storage tank is a machine tool stand 500 . Stand body 502 includes a molded compartment 504 configured to receive and hold a cordless drill 506 . The cordless drill 506 can be easily removed for use and charged while stored in the tool stand 500 . Molded spacers 504 are best seen in FIG. 6 . In other embodiments, the housing body 502 may include one or more molded compartments for receiving and holding other equipment including secondary coils. The primary coils are embedded or otherwise mounted in the chassis body 502 in close proximity to each molded space such that power is inductively coupled from each primary coil to each secondary coil in the device. In FIG. 5, the primary coil is embedded or otherwise mounted in the base body 502 such that when the cordless drill is placed in the molded compartment 504, the secondary coil in the cordless drill 506 is in close proximity to the coil in the base body 502. The primary coil 502, and power is inductively coupled from the primary coil to the secondary coil.

With continued reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 , in some embodiments, the housing body 502 also includes a molded compartment 508 configured to accommodate and hold an additional battery 510 , which includes a secondary coil. The primary coil is embedded or otherwise mounted in the housing body 502 in close proximity to the molded compartment 508 so that the additional battery 510 is charged while stored in the molded compartment 508 . Still further embodiments include multiple primary coils capable of charging multiple devices including secondary coils.

With continued reference to Figures 5 and 6, the housing body 502 is tapered such that it is wider at the top than at the bottom. One side of the stand body 502 is generally flat. Referring now to FIG. 6 , side panels 512 include the generally flat sides. The tool stand 500 can be mounted against a side surface such as a vehicle wall or a building wall. When mounted against a side surface, the side panels 512 are screwed, bolted, mounted in brackets, or otherwise mounted against the side surface. If the tool stand 500 is installed in a vehicle, the embedded primary coil receives power from the vehicle's battery or engine. If the tool frame is mounted on a building wall, the primary coil can receive power from an electrical outlet or a battery.

Primary coils can be low, medium or high power. Low power primary coils provide up to about 20 watts of power. Medium power primary coils provide between 20 and 100 watts of power. High power primary coils provide greater than approximately 100 watts of power. Any number and combination of primary coils may be integrated in the docking area 26 and scaffoldings 12 , 14 , 16 and 18 of FIG. 1 .

Returning to Figure 1, for embodiments where the primary coil is integrated directly into the shelf 12, 14, 16 or 18 and no docking surface is used, an indicator is preferably used to facilitate proper placement of the inductively coupled storage tank. In particular, an outline of the area is preferably provided on the scaffolding 12, 14, 16 or 18 together with a logo, picture or other indicia. In particular, there may be an indicator light for each primary coil integrated into the scaffolding 12 , 14 , 16 or 18 . More specifically, the indicator lights are embedded below the surface of the trellis and covered with a material that allows light to pass through, such as Plexiglas. The indicator light can be turned on when the device is placed on the corresponding primary coil and charged. Other indicators - such as dark lines - can outline the charging area for each primary coil. The outline of the charging area can also be shown with LEDs or other illuminated indicators.

In the embodiments described herein having multiple primary coils, one circuit may control all of the multiple primary coils.

The invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments. These examples are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. Alternative embodiments will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains without departing from the scope of the invention.

It will thus be apparent that the present invention is well adapted to attain all of the objects and objects set forth above, as well as other advantages which are apparent and inherent in the system and method. It will be appreciated that certain features and subcombinations have utility and can be used without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is conceivable by the claims and is included within the scope of the claims.

Claims (20)

1. An inductively coupled scaffolding unit comprising: Shelving units with shelving; a first primary coil integrated in said scaffold, the first primary coil being connected to a power source, the first primary coil being capable of inductively coupling power to a device comprising a secondary coil; One or more indicators on the surface of the scaffolding, which show, for the first primary coil, the charging area, which is the area in which the electrical current between the first primary coil and the secondary coil Inductive coupling can be obtained; An inductively coupled storage tank comprising: a first secondary coil associated with an outer surface of the storage tank to provide proximity and alignment with the first primary coil when the storage tank is placed on the shelf, a first compartment wherein the first device having the second secondary coil is removably retained, the first compartment containing the second primary coil associated therewith and positioned in alignment with the second secondary coil, a second compartment, wherein a second device having a third secondary coil is removably retained, the second compartment containing a third primary coil associated therewith and positioned in alignment with the third secondary coil, and a distribution circuit electrically coupled between the first secondary coil and the second and third primary coils; and a docking unit coupled to the shelf over the charging area and housing a storage box removably disposed in the docking unit, and the docking unit holds the storage box to overcome the storage box in a plane parallel to the shelf Lateral movement within. 2. The inductively coupled trellis unit of claim 1, further comprising an indicator for each primary coil showing a charging area. 3. The inductively coupled scaffold unit of claim 1, wherein said one or more primary coils are a combination of primary coils selected from the group consisting of low power primary coils, medium power primary coils, high power primary coils. 4. The inductively coupled shelving unit of claim 1 , wherein a docking unit configured to receive and hold an inductively coupled storage tank is attached to the shelving unit, and wherein integrated into said one or more sheds The one or more primary coils in the frame are integrated in the docking unit. 5. The inductively coupled shelving unit of claim 4, wherein the inductively coupled storage box is a tool box. 6. The inductively coupled shelving unit of claim 1, wherein the shelving unit is mounted in a vehicle. 7. The inductively coupled scaffolding unit of claim 1, wherein a plurality of primary coils are integrated in the one or more scaffolds, and wherein the plurality of primary coils are controlled by an electrical circuit. 8. An inductively coupled storage tank comprising: a docking unit coupled to the scaffold; and A storage box removably retained in the docking unit and containing: a first secondary coil associated with the outer surface of the storage tank adjacent to and aligned with a primary coil associated with the docking unit or shelf, A first compartment configured to receive and removably hold therein a first electrical device having a battery containing a second secondary coil, the first compartment containing a battery associated therewith and positioned within the first electrical device a first primary coil aligned with a second secondary coil when the device is arranged in the first compartment, A second compartment configured to accommodate therein and removably retain a backup battery having a third secondary coil and configured for use with the first electrical device, the second compartment containing the backup battery associated therewith and positioned at the backup a second primary coil aligned with the third secondary coil when the battery is disposed in the second compartment, and A distribution circuit electrically coupled between the first secondary coil and the first and second primary coils, the distribution circuit adapts the second and third primary coils to the power requirements of the battery and the backup battery, respectively. 9. An inductively coupled storage tank according to claim 8, wherein said one or more internal primary coils are a combination of primary coils selected from the group consisting of low power primary coils, medium power primary coils, high power primary coils. 10. The inductively coupled storage tank of claim 8, wherein a plurality of primary coils are integrated in the inductively coupled storage tank, and wherein the plurality of primary coils are controlled by an electrical circuit. 11. An inductively coupled storage case according to claim 8, wherein the storage case is a tool box comprising a compartment designed to accommodate and hold one or more tools comprising one or more secondary coils. 12. The inductively coupled storage box of claim 8, wherein the storage box is a tool stand mounted on a side surface. 13. The inductively coupled storage tank of claim 8, further comprising: one or more secondary coils integrated in the storage tank, wherein the one or more secondary coils integrated in the storage tank are capable of receiving Power inductively coupled from one or more external primary coils, and wherein power inductively coupled to a secondary coil integrated in the storage tank is transmitted to the one or more external coils integrated in the storage tank primary coil. 14. An inductively coupled storage tank according to claim 13, wherein the tank is designed to receive power inductively coupled from a surface comprising one or more primary coils. 15. A system for storing and inductively charging a device comprising: one or more surfaces; one or more primary coils integrated into said one or more surfaces, wherein, Each of the one or more primary coils is connected to a power source, and wherein each of the one or more primary coils is capable of inductively coupling power to a secondary coil; a storage tank capable of storing one or More than one device containing a secondary coil. 16. The system according to claim 15, further comprising: one or more secondary coils integrated in the storage tank, wherein the secondary coil is capable of receiving signals from said one integrated in said one or more surfaces. or more than one primary coil inductively coupled power; one or more primary coils integrated into the storage tank capable of inductively coupling power received by a secondary coil integrated into the storage tank to one or more The one or more devices on one secondary coil. 17. The system of claim 15, wherein the one or more surfaces are shelving in a shelving unit. 18. The system of claim 15, wherein a docking area configured to receive and hold a storage box is attached to the shelving unit. 19. The system of claim 15, wherein the storage box is a tool box. 20. The system of claim 15, wherein the system is installed in a vehicle.

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