POWER ADAPTER UNIT WITH INTEGRATED INPUT/OUTPUT INTERFACE, AND
PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH STORAGE RECESS FOR
MULTIFUNCTION POWER ADAPTER
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to devices (e.g. power adapters,
data ports and data plugs, audio ports and audio jacks, etc.)
which provide a connection between portable electronic devices
(e.g. smartphone, MP3 player, etc.) and associated peripheral
devices (e.g. earphones, USB ports, etc.) and/or external
power supplies.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Portable electronic devices providing a plurality of
functions such as telephone and internet connectivity, music
and video playback are well known. Such devices usually
require a power adapter for recharging a battery from a mains
power supply or via a USB connection and a set of earphones
for a user to listen to an audio output signal. When
travelling for extended periods, it is often necessary to
transport the power adapter and the set of earphones in
addition to the portable electronic device itself. In some
cases the power adapter and earphones can take up more space
than the portable electronic device itself.
Space saving designs for power adapters, earphones and
the like to increase their portability are already known. For
example, WO 2006/016119 discloses a design for a 3-pin plug
with foldable pins and CN 2396594 discloses a telephone
handset with a inbuilt cavity for storing earphones and
associated wiring. Devices with retractable USB plugs are also
known .
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
At its most general, the present invention provides a
multifunctional adapter or interface unit for a portable
electronic device, the adapter unit being stored or stowable
within the portable electronic device and preferably being
capable of providing a plurality of different connection
functions for the portable electronic device depending on its
physical configuration.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is
provided a portable electronic device comprising a main body,
and a multifunction interface unit communicably connectable to
the main body via a cable, wherein the main body includes a
recess for storing the interface unit, and wherein the
multifunction interface unit is selectively operable as a
power adapter and a user input/output device.
Herein the term "power adapter" may mean a unit for
transferring and, optionally, transforming power from an
external power source (e.g. mains power) to the portable
electronic device, e.g. for purpose of recharging a battery.
For example, the power adapter may be an AC/DC adapter, having
a transformer or rectifier integrated therewith.
Alternatively or additionally, the power adapter may function
to transfer power from an external supply (either DC or AC)
into a portable electronic device, with or without
transforming that power. For example, the power adapter may
function to connect the portable electronic device to a laptop
or desktop computer, from which a DC power signal is
available .
The term "user input/output device" may mean a unit that
operate to transfer and, optionally, transform signals to
and/or from the portable electronic device for use by a user.
For example, the user input/output device may be a pair of
earphones, which act to transfer an audio signal to a user.
Alternatively, the user input/output device may comprise a USB
adapter plug and cable for conveying data into or out of the
portable electronic device. In principle the user
input/output device may be any unit suitable for transferring
audio, video or data traffic between a user (or other external
device) and the portable electronic device.
The main body is the housing of the portable electronic
device which contains the functional components thereof, e.g.
processor, memory, display, etc. Incorporating a
multifunction interface unit into the main body provides a
complete self-contained portable entity, i.e. it is not
necessary for the user to remember to carry additional
components in order to use all of the functions of the device.
The device may include a mode selector arranged to
configure the circuitry of the device according to a selected
function of the multifunction interface unit. The mode
selector may be mounted on or part of the main body. The mode
selector may communicate, electronically and/or physically,
with the multifunction interface unit. The plurality of
selectable functions may permit the portable electronic device
to interface or interact with other entities. For example,
the multifunction interface unit may enable the portable
electronic device to connect to an external power supply (e.g.
mains power) or to other computing devices (via a USB
connection or the like) . Furthermore, the multifunction
interface unit may provide additional peripheral user
input/output means, such as audio (e.g. via earphones), or a
computer mouse or the like. According to the invention, the
interface to these additional functions can be inbuilt, i.e.
stowable in the device when not need. Moreover, the device
can be easily configurable to adapt to the selected function.
The portable electronic device may be a laptop computer,
tablet computer, smartphone, MP3 player, cell phone, or any
other portable electronic device. The main body may be a
conventional handset or casing, save for the recess to house
the multifunction interface unit and the mode selector.
The mode selector may be a physical switch or dial
operable by the user. Alternatively, the mode selector may
operate automatically, e.g. via software instructions running
in the portable electronic device, based on a detected
configuration of the multifunction interface unit.
The main body may include a battery. As mentioned above,
the multifunction unit may be operable as a power adapter,
whereby it performs a battery recharge function.
In order to execute the battery recharge function, the
multifunction interface unit may include a power adapter plug
portion that is receivable in a mains power socket. For
example, the power adapter plug portion may include a body
having a pair of terminal pins protruding therefrom, wherein
the pair of terminal pins are shaped and spaced to be
receivable in a mains power socket (e.g. a two-pin or threepin
mains power socket) . The power adapter plug portion may
be connected to the device via a cable containing wiring
suitable for conveying a power signal for recharging the
battery. The power adapter plug portion may include a
transformer for converting an AC mains signal into a DC power
signal. The mode selector may be arranged to configure the
circuitry of the device to pass the power signal from the
power adapter plug portion to the battery.
If the multifunction interface unit operates as a user
input/output device, it may execute a peripheral communication
function, i.e. it may control or facilitate communication
between the portable electronic device and an external
peripheral device. Herein the term "peripheral device" may
have its conventional meaning, i.e. any device that is used to
send or receive information from a computing device.
According to the invention, the multifunction interface unit
may comprise one or more peripheral devices. For example, the
multifunction interface unit may comprise a pair of earphones
or a USB plug adapter. Each peripheral device may be
communicably connectable, e.g. via a cable and suitable
adapter plug (e.g. USB adapter or jack), to the power adapter
plug portion when the power adapter plug portion is stowed in
the recess of the portable electronic device.
The multifunction interface unit may include a peripheral
storage portion in which the peripheral device is stowable
when not in use. The peripheral storage portion may be part
of the power adapter plug portion. For example, the body of
the power adapter plug portion may have a retractable tray
slidably or pivotably mounted therein. The tray may be
arranged to receive one or more peripheral components, such as
a pair of earphones. The peripheral component may be
communicably connected to the handset wirelessly (e.g. using
the Bluetooth® protocol) or via a cable.
Alternatively or additionally, the peripheral storage
portion may be separate or separable from the multifunction
interface unit. For example, the peripheral storage portion
may include a data transfer component for inserting into a
data communication port on another computing device to enable
data communication between the portable electronic device and
the other computing device. The data transfer component may
be or may capable of insertion into a port on another
computing device. For example, the data transfer component
may be a USB plug (e.g. a USB type A connector) .
The multifunction interface unit may comprise a power
adapter plug body (e.g. containing a peripheral device storage
portion as discussed above), a data transfer connector, e.g.
USB plug, and a cable connected between the power adapter plug
body and data transfer connector. The recess in the main body
of the portable electronic device may be arranged to receive
all of the power adaptor plug body, cable and data transfer
component. Preferably, the recess includes terminal
connectors arranged so that the plug adaptor body and the data
transfer connector and operably connected to the portable
electronic device when the multifunction interface unit is
stowed in the recess. In this way, the device may
automatically select the relevant function for the
multifunction interface unit depending on which connections in
the recess are detected to be present. Thus, if the data
transfer connector is detached but the power adapter plug
remains connected, the multifunction interface unit operates
as a data transfer unit. If the data transfer component is
connected and the power adapter unit detached, the
multifunction interface unit operates as a power adapter. In
this arrangement, the capable thus has a dual functionality,
depending on the operation mode of the multifunction interface
unit .
If the power adapter plug body includes a peripheral
device storage portion, e.g. retractable tray, this is
preferably accessible while the power adapter plug body is
secured in the recess. The peripheral device may thus be
accessed independently of the power adapter plug. Again, the
portable electronic device may detect the configuration in
which the peripheral device is detached but the power adapter
plug and data transfer connector remain connected. In this
configuration, the multifunction interface unit thus operates
as a user input/output device.
The multifunction interface unit may include a controller
portion for sending user instructions to the main body of the
portable electronic device (sometimes referred to herein as
the handset) . For example, the controller portion may include
volume control push buttons and/or a locking switch. The
controller portion may be located on an outer side of the
handset when the multifunction interface unit is stowed
therein so that the controller portion are accessible in use.
The peripheral storage portion may be part of the controller
portion. For example, the controller portion may include a
retractable tray as mentioned above. In one embodiment, the
controller portion may comprise a retractable data transfer
component, e.g. a retractable plug, such as a USB plug or the
like.
The controller portion may be separate from the power
adapter plug portion. The controller portion may be connected
to the handset by a first length of cable, and the power
adapter plug portion (and its associated peripheral component)
may be connected to the controller portion by a second length
of cable. The cable may be configured to carry the necessary
signals to or from a handset depending on the selected mode of
operation .
The main body may include a recessed channel around its
side surfaces to store the cable. The cable may comprise a
flat sheath that encapsulates the wiring, wherein the flat
sheath is shaped to fit snugly in the recessed channel. This
may facilitate alignment of the cable in the channel and can
improve the appearance of the main body (e.g. mobile phone
handset) . In one embodiment, the cable may be magnetically
retainable in the recessed channel, e.g. using one or more
magnets in the main body, which attract corresponding magnets
mounted in the cable itself.
Alternatively, the cable may comprise a plurality of
rigid portions that are retainable in a folded stack
configuration for storage in a corresponding recess in the
portable electronic device.
The cable itself may include a split portion comprising a
pair of separable cable strands, e.g. for delivering audio
signals to a respective earphone. The pair of separable cable
strands may be connected together so that the split portion
resembles a single cable. The connection may be physical, but
preferably the pair of separable cable strands are arranged to
be magnetically attracted together.
The power adapter plug portion itself may be an
independent aspect of the invention. According to this
aspect, there may be provided a power adapter unit for a
portable electronic device, the power adapter unit comprising:
a plug body having a plurality of terminal pins shaped as
spaced to be receivable in a mains power socket; a cable
connected to the plug body for conveying an electrical signal
received through the plurality of terminal pins; a user
input/output device; and a retractable storage tray in the
plug body for holding the user input/output device. The user
input/output device may be a peripheral device as described
above, e.g. a pair of earphones or the like. The retractable
tray may include a recess shaped to receive the earphones.
The pair earphones may be separable from the plug body, when
in use.
The cable connected to the plug body may also be
connected to the user input/output device. For example, the
cable may comprises a pair of cable strands, each cable strand
being of a respective one of the pair of earphones. The cable
may thus be arranged to convey a power signal from the
plurality of terminal pins when the user input/output device
is stored in the storage tray, and to convey a communication
signal to the user input/output device when the user
input/output device is removed from the storage tray. For
example, the cable may convey an audio signal to the
earphones. To achieve this, the storage tray may include one
or more electric terminals that physically contact and
electrically connect to corresponding electric connections on
the user input/output device when mounted in the storage tray.
The recess in the storage tray may be arranged to ensure safe
and repeatable contact. For example, when the user
input/output device is a pair of earphones, the one or more
electric terminals may be provided on a collar in the recess
that receives the neck of the earphone. An electric
connection may thus be provided on the neck of the earphone to
convey the power signal to the cable. The electric connection
on the neck of the earphone may be isolated or shielded from
the audio components in the earphone. Alternatively, the
electric connection may be switched based on the output from a
control device, e.g. a microchip mounted in the earphones that
is controllable via the main body.
The connector portion discussed above may also be
understood as an independent concept presented herein.
According to this concept, there may be provided a peripheral
cable interface for a portable electronic device, the
peripheral cable interface comprising a body connectable
between a peripheral component and the portable electronic
device by a first cable and a second cable respectively, the
body including a first body portion having a first cable port
for receiving the first cable and a second body portion having
a second cable port for receiving the second cable, wherein
the first body portion and second body portion are rotatable
relative to each one between a storage configuration in which
the first cable port and second cable port are at the same end
of the body and a use configuration in which the first cable
port and second cable port are at different ends of the body.
The peripheral cable interface may be mountable in a recess in
the portable electronic device when in the storage
configuration .
The peripheral cable interface may include a user
interface arranged to communicate user instructions to the
portable electronic device. The user interface may be used to
control audio volume, etc.
The peripheral cable interface may include a data
transfer component (e.g. USB connector) for inserting into a
USB port on another computing device to enable data
communication between the portable electronic device and the
other computing device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Embodiments of the invention are described in detail
below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1A is a front perspective view of a smartphone that
incorporates a multifunction interface unit that is an
embodiment of the invention;
Fig. IB is a rear perspective view of the smartphone
shown in Fig. 1A;
Fig. 2A shows a power adapter plug portion of the
multifunction interface unit when removed from the smartphone
of Fig. 1A;
Fig. 2B shows the power adapter plug portion of Fig. 2A
with a peripheral storage tray pivoted outward therefrom;
Fig. 2C shows the power adapter plug portion of Fig. 2B
with a pair of earphones removed from the peripheral storage
tray;
Fig. 3A shows a rear perspective view of the smartphone
with the power adapter plug portion removed;
Fig. 3B shows a rotatable selector dial on the back of
the smartphone of Fig. 3A;
Fig. 3C shows a close-up view of the rotatable selector
dial ;
Fig. 4A shows a controller portion of the multifunction
interface unit in a storage configuration when removed from
the smartphone of Fig. 1A;
Fig. 4B shows the controller portion of Fig. 4A in a dat
transfer plug deployed configuration;
Fig. 4C shows a transition of the controller portion of
Fig. 4A from the storage configuration towards an earphone
deployed configuration;
Fig. 4D shows the controller portion of Fig. 4A in the
earphone/power adapter plug deployed configuration;
Fig. 5 shows the relatively rotatable components of the
controller portion of Fig. 4A;
Fig. 6 shows an exploded view of the controller portion
of Fig. 4A;
Fig. 7A shows a multifunction power adapter plug that is
another embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 7B shows the multifunction power adapter plug of
Fig. 7A with its hinged cover in an open position;
Fig. 7C shows the multifunction power adapter plug of
Fig. 7A with a slidable peripheral storage tray partially
extracted therefrom;
Figs. 8A and 8B show left and right side views
respectively of a multifunction power adapter plug that is
another embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 8C is a perspective view of a smartphone having the
multifunction power adapter plug of Figs. 8A and 8B mounted in
a side edge recess thereof;
Fig. 9 is a right side view of a multifunction power
adapter plug that is another embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 10A is a perspective view of a multifunction power
adapter plug that is another embodiment of the invention; and
Fig. 10B is a perspective view of a smartphone having the
multifunction power adapter plug of Fig. 10A mounted in a back
surface recess thereof.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION; FURTHER OPTIONS AND PREFERENCES
Fig. 1A shows a smartphone 100 having a multifunction
interface unit that is an embodiment of the invention.
Although the invention is illustrated herein with reference to
a smartphone, it can be appreciated that it is applicable to
any consumer electronic device, especially portable electronic
devices such as laptop computers, tablet computers, etc.
The smartphone 100 may be operable in a conventional
manner, e.g. by a touch screen 102 and button 104. The
multifunction interface unit is housed within the smartphone
body. A s described below, in this embodiment the
multifunction interface unit has two parts. The first part is
a power adapter plug portion 200 (shown in Figs. 2A to 2C) and
the second part is a controller portion 300. The smartphone
100 is connected to the controller portion 300 by a first
length of cable (not shown in Fig. 1A and IB) . The controller
portion 300 is connected to the power adapter plug portion 200
by a second length of cable (also not shown) . The body of the
smartphone 100 includes a recessed channel 106 around its
sides for receiving the first and second lengths of cable.
The cable is connected, either permanently or removably, to
the smartphone 100 at the end of the recessed channel 106.
In a preferred embodiment, the first and second lengths
of cable comprises a flat sheath made of a suitable flexible
material (e.g. silicone rubber) in which the conductive wire
elements are embedded. The cable may be retained in the
channel 106. In a preferred embodiment, the cable may be
retained in the channel 106 using magnets, which facilitate
alignment .
A s shown in Fig. IB, the multifunction interface unit is
mounted along the bottom side of the smartphone 100. The
controller portion 300 is mounted at the edge of the
smartphone so that is presents an outer surface at the edge of
the smartphone. This outer surface may have control buttons,
e.g. for volume, or a phone lock switch, which operate in a
conventional manner.
The smartphone 100 includes a stand 400 that pivots out
of a recess 108 in the back surface of the body of the
smartphone 100. The stand 400 also functions as the handle of
a rotatable selector dial discussed below with reference to
Figs. 3A to 3C.
Fig. 2A illustrates the power adapter plug portion 200
after it is removed from the body of the smartphone 100. The
power adapter plug portion 200 comprises a body 201 having two
pins 202 projecting from one end thereof. The pins 202 may be
shaped and spaced in a manner to fit a conventional two-pin
plug socket. A s shown in Fig. 3A, the body of the smartphone
includes a pair of slots 110 for receiving the pins 202 when
the power adapter plug portion 200 is stored therein.
The body 201 of the power adapter plug portion 200 stores
the necessary circuitry to transmit a power signal from the
pins 202 to the cable 206. In this embodiment, the body 201
also houses a peripheral storage tray 208, which is pivotable
in and out of the body 201 on a hinge 204. Fig. 2B shows the
peripheral storage tray 208 partly rotated out of the body
201. In this embodiment, a pair of earphones 210 are stored
in the peripheral storage tray 208. Fig. 2C shows the
peripheral storage tray 208 fully rotated out of the body 201
and the earphones 210 removed. The peripheral storage tray
208 includes a recessed pocket 212 for receiving the earphones
210.
The cable 206 comprises two separate strands. Each
strand is attached to a respective earphone 210. One or both
cable strands are capable of transmitting the power signal
from the power adapter plug portion 200 to the smartphone and
conveying an audio signal from the smartphone to the earphones
210. The function performed by the cable 206 may depend of
the position of the rotatable selector dial, as discussed
below. To make electrical contact between the pins 202 and
the wiring in the cable 206, the recessed pocket 212 in the
peripheral storage tray 208 may include an electric terminal
214 at a position where it contacts a corresponding terminal
216 on the collar of one or both earphones 210. The circuitry
may be arranged to shield or isolate the earphones 210 from
the power signal. Each cable may carry four or more separate
conductive wires. Each wire can be used to carry a power
signal, data signal or an audio signal. The signals can be
shared across the wires, or a cable may carry two signals,
e.g. an audio signal and a control signal on different pairs
of wires in the cable.
Figs. 3A to 3C illustrate the configuration and function
of the rotatable selector dial 402, which is operated using
the handle 400. The handle 400 is pivotable about the
rotatable selector dial 402 between a protruding position (as
shown in Figs. 3A to 3C) and a stored position, in which it is
seated in recess 108. The position of the rotatable selector
dial 402 sets the internal circuitry of the smartphone 100 to
ensure that it is correctly configured to send and/or receive
an appropriate signal along the cable from the multifunction
interface unit.
The circled section in Fig. 3B is shown in close up in
Fig. 3C. In this embodiment, the rotatable selector dial 402
is movable between three positions, which represent respective
functions of the multifunction interface unit. The first
function 404 is for charging the battery of the smartphone .
Here the internal circuitry of the smartphone is configured to
convey a power signal received from the power adapter plug
portion to recharge the battery. The second function 406 is
for USB functionality. Here the internal circuitry of the
smartphone is configured to send and receive data
communication signals from a USB plug on the controller
portion 300 (discussed below) . The third function 408 is for
earphone operation. Here the internal circuitry of the
smartphone is configured to send an audio signal to the
earphones 210.
The rotatable selector dial 402 may include one or more
actuating protrusions which interface with the body 201 in
different ways depending on the position of the dial. For
example, when the rotatable selector dial 402 selects third
function 408, an actuating protrusion may extend into the body
201 to release the tray 208 without disturbing the position of
the body 201 in the smartphone 100. For the first and second
functions, the rotatable selector dial 402 may include
actuating protrusions which act to push or lever the body 201
or controller portion 300 out of the recess in the smartphone
100. The handle 400 may be further pivotable when in these
positions to cause the actuating protrusions to extend further
into the recess. There may be a restrictive collar around the
rotatable selector dial 402 which inhibits further such
pivoting of the handle 200 unless it is properly aligned in
the position of the relevant function.
Figs. 4A to 4D shows the controller portion 300 of the
multifunction interface unit after it has be removed from the
smartphone 100. Fig. 4A shows the controller portion 300 in a
storage configuration, in which it can be stowed in the
smartphone 100. In this configuration, the controller portion
300 receives two lengths of cable 206, 306 into the same end
thereof. The first length of cable 306 connected the
controller portion 300 to the smartphone. The second length
of cable 206 connects the controller portion 300 to the power
adapter plug portion 200.
The controller portion 300 itself comprises a cuboidal
body 301 made from two triangular prisms 303, 305 which can be
twisted relative to one another about a central pivot point as
shown in Fig. 4C. The first length of cable 306 connects to a
first triangular prism 303, and the second length of cable 206
connects to a second triangular prism 305. Twisting the two
triangular prisms 303, 305 about 180° relative to each other
therefore causes the lengths of cable 206, 306 to extend from
opposite ends of the controller portion 300 as shown in Fig.
4D. In this configuration, the controller portion 300 can be
used as a quasi-remote volume control on a cable that extends
from the smartphone 100 to the earphones 210.
The controller portion 300 includes a slider 308 on the
first triangular prism 303. The slider 308 is operable to
extend and retract a data transfer plug 310 from the body 301.
Fig. 4B shows the data transfer plug 310 in an extended
position ready for use. The data transfer plug may be capable
of insertion into a USB port.
The second triangular prism 305 includes a data transfer
port 312, e.g. a USB port. When the slider 308 is retracted,
electrical contacts 314 on the bottom surface of the data
transfer plug 310 align with and electrically connect to
corresponding contact on the second triangular prism 305,
whereby data communication signals received in the data
transfer port 312 can be conveyed to the smartphone using the
same circuitry as the data transfer plug 310.
Fig. 5 shows a view of the controller portion 300 in
which the first and second triangular prisms 303, 305 are
separated. The first triangular prism 303 includes a
projecting post 316 which is received in a corresponding
recess in second triangular prism 305. The first and second
triangular prisms 303, 305 are relatively rotatable about the
post 316.
Electrical connection between the first and second
triangular prisms 303, 305 is achieved using a pair of
electrical terminals 318 on the first triangular prism 303,
which overlie and electrically connect to corresponding
electrical terminals on the second triangular prism 305, and a
male coaxial connector 320 on the first triangular prism 303,
which is rotatably mounted in a corresponding female connector
(not shown) on the second triangular prism 305. The coaxial
connector forms a permanent electrical connection through the
controller portion 300, whereas the electrical terminals 318
form a connection only when the triangular prisms are aligned.
Fig. 6 shows an exploded view of the connector portion
300, which illustrates how the data transfer plug 310 can be
formed in one piece with the slider 308 to move relative to
the first and second triangular prisms 303, 305.
Figs. 7A, 7B and 7C show a multifunction plug adapter 500
that is another embodiment of the invention. The plug adaptor
500 comprises a cuboidal body 501 having a pair of terminal
pins 502 projecting from a front edge thereof. The body 501
is hollow, and has a slidable tray 504 mounted therein (see
Fig. 7C) . The rear edge of the body 501 comprises a cover
506 that is connected to a corner of the housing at a living
hinge 508 which permits the cover 506 to pivot between a
closed position (shown in Fig. 7A) and an open position (shown
in Fig. 7B) .
The cover 506 has a slidable button 510 on its outer
surface which operates a catch 512 on the inside surface
thereof. The catch 512 cooperates with a recess of the
slidable tray to secure the cover 506 to the tray when in the
closed position. The catch 512 may be biased into engagement
with the recess.
A s shown in Figs. 7B and 7C, the slidable tray 504 is
connected to the underside of the cover 506 by an arm 514. A
first end of the arm 514 is pivotably attached to the
underside of the cover 506 at a first living hinge 516, and a
second end of the arm 514 opposite to the first end is
pivotably attached to the slidable tray 504 at a second living
hinge 518. In operation, the arm 514 permits a limited
sliding range for the tray 504, whereby the tray is prevent
from leaving the body 501. There is a recess 520 in the top
surface of the slidable tray 504 shaped to receive the arm 514
when the cover 506 is in the closed position.
Similarly to the arrangement discussed with reference to
Figs. 2A, 2B and 2C above, the slidable tray 504 includes a
shaped pocket 522 for receiving a pair of earphones 524. A
cable 526 (e.g. a pair of cables magnetically retained
together as discussed above) for the earphones extend through
an opening formed by gaps in the corners of the slidable tray
504 and body 501 respectively.
The other end of the cable 526 is connected or
connectable to a portable electronic device (e.g. smartphone,
tablet, laptop, MP3 player, etc.) . The cable 526 may
terminate at a USB plug. The cable is capable of performing
two functions: (i) audio data signal delivery to the earphones
(e.g. from the portable electronic device), and (ii) power
(recharging) signal delivery from the power adapter plug (e.g.
to the portable electronic device) . The slidable tray 504 may
include a collar 530 at the gap in its corner for engaging the
cable 526, e.g. in an interference fit. The collar 530 may
have power connector portions (e.g. operating inductively or
conductively) for transferring power into the cable 526.
The multifunction plug adapter 500 shown in Figs. 7A, 7B
and 7C may be mountable in a recess formed in the side edge
surface of a portable electronic device (e.g. smartphone 600)
as shown in Figs. 8A, 8B and 8C. The cable 526 may be
arranged to adopt a folded stack configuration. The folded
stack configuration may be formed from a plurality of rigid
cable sub-portions, which retained one on top of another e.g.
used magnets or the like. Each rigid cable sub-portions is
separated from its nearest neighbour by a flexible joint,
whereby the cable forms a repeating "S" pattern up the folded
stack .
A USB plug 532 is attached at the end of the cable
opposite to the body 501.
The smartphone 600 may include a recess (not shown)
similar to that discussed above with reference to Fig. 3A for
receiving the body 501 of the plug adapter 500. The body 501
may be retained in the recess by means of a mechanical catch,
which is releasable by operation of slider 602.
The smartphone 600 may further include a narrow recessed
channel shaped to receive the cable 526 in the folded stack
configuration. The recessed channel may have a depth selected
to ensure that the cable formed part of the side edge of the
smartphone when stored therein. This configuration also means
that the cover 506 of the body is directly accessible on the
side edge of the smartphone 600. The button 510 on the cover
can thus be operated independently of the slider 502, whereby
the earphones can be extracted without removing the body 501
from the smartphone.
The recessed channel may have a USB port at its base for
receiving the USB plug 532. Thus, when the multifunction plug
adapter is stored in the smartphone 600, the USB plug 532 is
operatively connected to the smartphone 600. This
configuration enables the multifunction plug adaptor to be
ready for use with either the earphones of the power adapter.
If the earphones are extracted from the body, the USB port
acts as an output unit, whereby audio signals are sent from
the smartphone through the USB plug. Alternatively, if the
power plug adapter is extracted, the USB port acts as an input
unit, for deliver a power (recharge) signal into the
smartphone. In a further development, the USB plug 532 may be
detached from the smartphone 600 while the plug adapter body
501 and earphones are stowed. In this arrangement the
multifunction unit may operate as a data transfer unit, to
permit the smartphone to be connected to another computing
device, whereby data signals can be sent through the cable
into and out of the smartphone. In this arrangement, the
recess for receiving the plug adapter body 501 may be provided
with suitable electrical connections to enable data signals to
be transferred to and from the cable 526.
Fig. 9 shows the multifunction plug adapter 500 of Figs.
7A, 7B and 7C with an alternative folded stack configuration
for the cable 526. In this arrangement, the rigid cable subportions
are arranged vertically rather than horizontally.
This allows them to be longer, which may improve the speed
with which the cable can be stored.
Figs. 10A and 10B shows the multifunction plug adapter
500 of Figs. 7A, 7B and 7C with yet another cable storage
configuration. In this embodiment, the body 501 of the plug
adapter is receivable in a recess formed in the top edge
surface of the smartphone 600. The cover 506 and button 510
are directly accessible as explained above. The slider 602
for releasing the plug adapter body 501 is located on the side
edge of the smartphone 600.
The cable 526 in this embodiment is stored in a planar
configuration which can lie against (and be secured, e.g.
magnetically, to) the rear surface of the smartphone 600.
Aspects of the disclosure presented herein may be
summarised by the following statements:
A portable electronic device comprising: a main body, and
a multifunction interface unit communicably connected to the
main body via a cable, the multifunction interface unit
providing a plurality of selectable functions, wherein the
main body includes a recess for storing the interface unit.
A portable electronic device as described above including
a mode selector arranged to configure the circuitry of the
device according to a selected function of the multifunction
interface unit.
A portable electronic device as described above, wherein
the mode selector is a physical switch or dial.
A portable electronic device as described above, wherein
the main body houses: a user input/output interface; a
processor; a memory; software instructions stored on the
memory and executable by the processor, wherein the software
instructions include instructions for configuring operation of
the portable electronic device according to a setting of the
mode selector.
A portable electronic device as described above, wherein
the main body includes a battery, and the plurality of
selectable functions includes a battery recharge function and
a peripheral communication function.
A portable electronic device as described above, wherein
the multifunction interface unit includes a power adapter plug
portion that is receivable in a mains power socket.
A portable electronic device as described above, wherein
the power adapter plug portion includes a body having a
plurality of terminal pins protruding therefrom, wherein the
plurality of terminal pins are shaped and spaced to be
receivable in a mains power socket.
A portable electronic device as described above, wherein
the power adapter plug portion includes a peripheral storage
portion .
A portable electronic device as described above, wherein
the peripheral storage portion a retractable tray slidably or
pivotably mounted in the power adapter plug portion, the
retractable tray being arranged to receive one or more
peripheral components.
A portable electronic device as described above, wherein
the one or more peripheral components is a pair of earphones.
A portable electronic device as described above, wherein
the cable is arranged to convey an audio signal from the
portable electronic device or a power signal to the portable
electronic device.
A portable electronic device as described above, wherein
the multifunction interface unit is permanently connected to
the main body via the cable.
A portable electronic device as described above including
a peripheral storage portion that is separate or separable
from the multifunction interface unit.
A portable electronic device as described above, wherein
the peripheral storage portion includes a data transfer
component for inserting into a data communication port on
another computing device to enable data communication between
the portable electronic device and the other computing device.
A portable electronic device as described above including
a controller portion for sending user instructions to the
handset .
A portable electronic device as described above, wherein
the main body includes a recessed channel around its side
surfaces to store the cable.
A portable electronic device comprising: a main body, and
a multifunction interface unit communicably connected to the
main body via a cable, the multifunction interface unit
providing a plurality of selectable functions, wherein the
main body includes a recessed channel around its side surfaces
to store the cable.
A portable electronic device as described above, wherein
the cable is magnetically retainable in the recessed channel.
A portable electronic device as described above, wherein
the cable includes a split portion comprising a pair of
separable cable strands, wherein the pair of separable cable
strands are arranged to be magnetically attracted together.
A portable electronic device as described above, wherein
the cable comprises a flat sheath that encapsulates
electrically conductive wiring.
A power adapter unit for a portable electronic device,
the power adapter unit comprising: a plug body having a
plurality of terminal pins shaped as spaced to be receivable
in a mains power socket; a cable connected to the plug body
for conveying an electrical signal received through the
plurality of terminal pins; and a peripheral storage portion
in the plug body, the peripheral storage portion being
arranged to hold a peripheral component.
A power adapter unit as described above, wherein the
peripheral component is a pair of earphones, whereby the
peripheral storage portion includes a recess shaped to receive
the earphones.
A power adapter unit as described above, wherein the
peripheral storage portion includes one or more electric
terminals that physical contact and electrically connect to
corresponding electric connections on the peripheral component
when mounted in the peripheral storage portion.
A peripheral cable interface for a portable electronic
device, the peripheral cable interface comprising a body
connectable between a peripheral component and the portable
electronic device by a first cable and a second cable
respectively, the body including: a first body portion having
a first cable port for receiving the first cable, and a second
body portion having a second cable port for receiving the
second cable, wherein the first body portion and second body
portion are rotatable relative to each one between a storage
configuration in which the first cable port and second cable
port are at the same end of the body and a use configuration
in which the first cable port and second cable port are at
different ends of the body.
A peripheral cable interface as described above including
a user interface arranged to communicate user instructions to
the portable electronic device.
A peripheral control interface as described above
including a data transfer component for inserting into a port
on another computing device to enable data communication
between the portable electronic device and the other computing
device.
A peripheral control interface as described above,
wherein the data transfer component is a retractable plug on
the first or second body portion.

CLAIMS
1 . A portable electronic device comprising a main body,
and a multifunction interface unit communicably connectable to
the main body via a cable, wherein the main body includes a
recess for storing the interface unit, and wherein the
multifunction interface unit is selectively operable as a
power adapter and a user input/output device.
2 . A portable electronic device according to claim 1
including a mode selector arranged to configure the circuitry
of the device according to a selected function of the
multifunction interface unit.
3 . A portable electronic device according to claim 2 ,
wherein the main body includes:
a user interface;
a processor;
a memory;
software instructions stored on the memory and executable
by the processor, wherein the software instructions include
instructions for configuring operation of the portable
electronic device according to a setting of the mode selector.
4 . A portable electronic device according to claim 2 or
3 , wherein the mode selector is arranged to operate
automatically based on a detected configuration of the
multifunction interface unit.
5 . A portable electronic device according to any
preceding claim, wherein the main body includes a battery, and
wherein the multifunction unit is operable as a power adapter
to perform a battery recharge function.
6 . A portable electronic device according to any
preceding claim, wherein the multifunction interface unit
includes a power adapter plug portion securable to one end of
the cable, the power adapter plug portion being receivable in
a mains power socket.
7 . A portable electronic device according to claim 6 ,
wherein the multifunction interface unit comprises a
peripheral device connected to the cable, the peripheral
device being stowable in the power adapter plug portion.
8 . A portable electronic device according to claim 7 ,
wherein the power adapter plug portion includes a retractable
storage tray mounted therein, wherein the peripheral device is
securable in the storage tray.
9 . A portable electronic device according to claim 7 O
i, wherein the peripheral device is a pair of earphones.
10. A portable electronic device according to claim 9 ,
wherein the cable is arranged to convey an audio signal from
the portable electronic device o a power signal to the
portable electronic device.
11. A portable electronic device according to any of
claims 6 to 10, wherein the multifunction interface unit
comprises a data transfer connector connected to the cable at
an end thereof opposite to the power adapter plug portion,
wherein the recess in the main body of the portable electronic
device is arranged to receive all of the power adapter plug
portion, the cable and the data transfer component, and
wherein the recess includes terminal connectors arranged so
that the power adapter plug portion and the data transfer
connector are operably connected to the portable electronic
device when the multifunction interface unit is stowed in the
recess .
12. A portable electronic device according to any
preceding claim having a controller portion for sending user
instructions to the main body of the portable electronic
device .
13. A portable electronic device according to any
preceding claim, wherein the cable is magnetically retainable
in or on the main body.
14. A portable electronic device according to claim 13,
wherein the cable comprises a flat sheath that encapsulates
electrically conductive wiring and magnetic retention
elements .
15. A portable electronic device according to claim 14,
wherein the cable comprises a plurality of rigid portions that
are retainable in a folded stack configuration for storage in
a corresponding recess in the portable electronic device.
16. A power adapter unit for a portable electronic
device, the power adapter unit comprising:
a plug body having a plurality of terminal pins shaped
and spaced to be connectable to an external power source;
a cable connectable to the plug body for conveying
electrical power received through the plurality of terminal
pins; and
a user input/output device connected to the cable to send
or receive an electrical signal,
wherein the user input/output device is stowable in the
plug body, and
the power adapter unit is selectively operable as a power
adapter and the user input/output device.
17. A power adapter unit according to claim 16, wherein
the plug body comprises a retractable storage tray for holding
the user input/output device.
18. A power adapter unit according to claim 17, wherein
the retractable storage tray is slidably or pivotably mounted
in the plug body.
19. A power adapter unit according to any one of claims
16 to 18, wherein the user input/output device is a pair of
earphones, and the plug body includes a recess shaped to
receive the earphones.
20. A power adapter unit according to any one of claims
16 to 19, wherein the plug body includes one or more electric
terminals that physical contact and electrically connect to
corresponding electric connections on the user input/output
device when mounted in the plug body.
21. A power adapter unit according to any one of claims
16 to 20, wherein the multifunction interface unit comprises a
data transfer connector connected to the cable at an end
thereof opposite to the plug body.
22. A power adapter unit according to claim 21, wherein
the data transfer connector is a USB connector.