Modular charging device
A modular charging device includes a chassis, a plurality of cradle mounts and a power distribution unit including a power outlet corresponding to each of the said cradle mounts. Each mount is suitably adapted for detachably affixing a cradle to the chassis, and a charging plug of each cradle is electrically connectable to the power distribution unit via a fly lead providing an electrical connection between the said charging plug and the power outlets. The use of a modular chassis and cradle mount system may conveniently enable each cradle to be attached or detached individually, meaning that the component parts can be removed and replaced upon failure, or for upgrade, with minimal effort. Additionally, the invention suitably permits charging of multiple mobile communication devices or batteries for same.
1. A modular charging device comprising:
a chassis;
a plurality of cradles, each having a fly lead including a charging plug;
a plurality of cradle mounts each adapted for detachably affixing one of the cradles to the chassis; and
a power distribution unit comprising a power outlet corresponding to each of the cradle mounts,
wherein the charging plug of each cradle is electrically connectable to the power distribution unit via the fly lead providing an electrical connection between the charging plug and the power outlet, and
each cradle is specifically adapted to receive a particular model of portable, or hand-held, rechargeable device and comprises a plug-type power connector that engages with a charging socket of the rechargeable device when the rechargeable device is correctly seated in the cradle, thereby providing electrical power from the power distribution unit to the rechargeable device to recharge the device.
2. A modular charging device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the charging plug of each cradle is electrically connectable to the power distribution unit via electrical connections provided in the cradle mounts.
3. A modular charging device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the power distribution unit comprises a mains transformer.
4. A modular charging device as claimed in claim 3 , further comprising a bracket for mounting the mains transformer on the exterior of the chassis.
5. A modular charging device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the power distribution unit comprises a power regulation and distribution circuit for delivering a controlled voltage and/or current to each of the power outlets.
6. A modular charging device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the power distribution unit comprises a data interface.
7. A modular charging device as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the data interface comprises an Ethernet or USB interface.
8. A modular charging device as claimed in claim 7 , wherein the power distribution unit comprises a power-over-Ethernet or powered USB interface.
9. A modular charging device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the chassis is wall-mountable.
10. A modular charging device as claimed in claim 9 , further comprising a wall-mounting bracket or brackets for detachably affixing the chassis to a wall or other vertical surface.
11. A modular charging device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the chassis is free-standing.
12. A modular charging device as claimed in claim 11 , further comprising one or more feet attachable to the chassis, said feet being adapted to enable the chassis to rest stably on a horizontal surface or table top.
13. A modular charging device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the chassis is mountable within a server cabinet.
14. A modular charging device as claimed in claim 13 , wherein the width of the chassis is substantially 19″ (480 mm) and wherein the ends of the chassis comprise screw-receiving apertures to enable the chassis to be secured within a server cabinet using screws.
15. A modular charging device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the chassis is formed from a pressed steel box.
16. A modular charging device as claimed in claim 1 , comprising four of the cradle mounts.
17. A modular charging device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein any one of the cradle mounts comprises a plastics injection molded quick release ratchet plate, to which cradles can be detachably affixed.
18. A modular charging device as claimed in claim 1 , suitable for use with mobile communication devices that is modular to allow on site user repair or modification.