Field of the invention
The present invention generally relates to USB-connector and in-particular relates to its implementation within vehicles.

Background of the invention

Usage of USB-devices as the power source and for data-transmission has now become commonplace. The same has also become rampant in respect of vehicles, since the same allows the vehicle-engine/battery to energize the mobile devices. USB-receptacles may be seen present within the handlebar, beneath the seat, or any other user-accessible place within the vehicle.
As far as handlebar is concerned, the USB device may be made a part of the handlebar switch-assembly or mounted anywhere within the instrument cluster. Yet, the problem with such installation is that the USB device remains prone to seepage of dust, moisture owing to exposure to outside environment. As a result, the USB module undergoes physical and functional damage over a period of time and needs to be replaced periodically, thereby leading to added expenditure. Moreover, even if the USB module is disposed in a concealed area (say beneath the seat), it remains prone to burnout (e.g. due to overheating) and requires periodic replacement.
Overall, there remains a necessity to secure the assembly of the USB -module within the vehicle such that frequency of its replacement is curtailed and/or the extent of replacement is minimized.
Further, there remains a necessity to achieve an ease of assembly of the USB-module within the vehicle while occupying least-amount of space within with respect to an assembly of the vehicle (e.g. the handlebar) that hosts the user-interface or user-controls.
Summary of the invention
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that are further described in the detailed description of the present disclosure. This summary is not intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended for determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

The present subject matter provides a USB module. The USB module comprises a first assembly comprising a USB receptacle, a first PCB supporting the USB receptacle and a wire electrically soldered to the USB receptacle from a first end. A second-assembly is electrically linked to the first-assembly by being electrically soldered to the wire from a second end thereof. The second assembly comprises a second PCB supporting a voltage converter to transmit down-converted power to the receptacle, and a wire-harness for electronically coupling the second PCB to a power source.

In accordance with the purposes of the disclosure, the present invention discloses a split type USB comprising a USB socket/receptacle assembly (i.e. first assembly) connected to the charging-assembly (second assembly) through a wire-based connecting element. In an example the present subject matter provides the USB socket assembly that can be mounted on a handle driven automobile and the charging assembly can be placed at any location inside the handle driven automobile. The present subject matter provides the USB socket assembly of a smaller-size thereby making it less bulky and easy-fit within the user-interface of vehicle. This is in contrast to existing USB assemblies having charging section integrated in same housing, thereby requiring large spaces to fit within the user-interface.

Furthermore, in the present subject matter in a scenario where the USB socket assembly gets damaged due to environmental conditions or misuse, the same can be replaced while retaining the old charging assembly confined within the vehicle itself. The present subject matter at least has an advantage in mass-production owing to the provision of split-system and ease of connection (e.g. through soldering of wires). Further, the USB socket assembly and the charging PCB may be manufactured independently and finally connected to each other through wiring.

To further clarify advantages and features of the present subject matter, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
Brief description of the drawings
These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates an assembled-view of a split-USB module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 2 illustrates an exploded-view of a split-USB module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 3 (a and b) illustrates a rear-view of a split-USB module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
Figure 4 (a and b) illustrates an isometric view of the split-type USB module, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and
Figure 5 illustrates an exploded-view of a split-USB module, in accordance with the another embodiment of the present invention as depicted in Fig. 4.

Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

Detailed Description
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present subject matter. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a nonexclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or subsystems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Embodiments of the present subject matter will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 illustrates an assembled-view of the split-type USB (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an exemplary imitation, the split type USB (100) comprises the USB socket assembly (102) connected to the charging-assembly (104) through a wire-connector (122).

In accordance with various aspects of the embodiment, the split type USB (100) comprises a USB socket-assembly (102) and a charging assembly (104). In an example, the USB socket assembly (102) may be mounted on a handle driven automobile, such as on a handle bar, a speedometer, a boot box, and the like. Without limitation, examples of a handle driven automobile include a two-wheeler, a three-wheeler. In an example, the charging assembly (104) may be placed at any location inside the handle driven automobile. In both the examples, the USB socket assembly (102) and the charging assembly (104) may be positioned by using mechanical fasteners, such as screws, bolts and the like.

Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of a split type USB (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present-invention.

In said embodiment, the USB socket assembly (102) comprises a socket housing (106), a back cover (108), a grommet (110), a sealing pad (112), a cap (114), a sleeve (116) and a spring (118). Further, the socket housing (106) contains a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly (120). In said embodiment, the PCB assembly (120) comprises a USB connector receptacle (120a) mounted over a PCB supporting board (120b). In said embodiment, the PCB supporting board (120b) is electrically connected to a pair of connectors (122) or wire (122), where the pair of connectors (122) is coupled to the charging assembly (104) in order to transmit a voltage or to the USB socket assembly (102). Specifically, the pair of connectors (122) are coupled to the charging assembly (104) in order to transmit down-converted voltage to the USB socket assembly (102) from a power-source. As described later, a second wire (128) connects with the power-source and transfers the converted power to the USB socket assembly (102) from the charging assembly (104).

In another implementation, the PCB assembly (120) comprises only a USB connector receptacle (120a). In said implementation, terminals of the USB connector receptacle (120a) are operably connected to the pair of connectors (122), where the pair of connectors (122) is coupled to the charging assembly (104) in order to transmit the voltage to the USB socket assembly (102). In both the implementations, the pair of connectors (122) represents electrical-connectors and without limitation includes wires, and the like.

Furthermore, the back cover (108) covers the socket housing (106) from backside and includes an oblong shaped hole, as shown in the figure, that allows the pair of connectors (122) to pass through and operably connect the PCB assembly (120). In said embodiment, the grommet (110) is made to fit the oblong shaped hole of the back cover (108) and comprises two holes in order to allow the pair of connectors (122) to pass through and operably connect the PCB assembly (120). The grommet (110) is further arranged to seal backside of the socket housing (106) from outside materials such as, water, dust, and the like.

In said embodiment, the sealing pad (112) and the cap (114) cover the socket housing (106) from front side. For this purpose, the sealing pad (112) is placed under the cap (114) covering the USB connector receptacle (120a). The sealing pad (112) and the cap (114) further seal front side of the socket housing (106) from outside materials such as, water, dust, and the like. In an example, the cap (114) is made of plastic material. In an example, the sleeve (116) is suitably fixed by a fixing means (not shown) to the socket housing (106). In said example, the cap (114) rotates about the sleeve (116) guided by torsion action of the spring (118) such that upon opening of the cap (114) the spring (118) opens. As the cap (114) is closed the spring (118) in response closes.

In accordance with various aspects of the embodiment, the charging assembly (104) comprises a charging housing (124) and a main PCB assembly (126) placed inside the charging housing (124). In an example, the main PCB assembly (126) may down-convert 12 Volts (V) – 24V of the handle driven automobile into 5V for charging mobile or other USB electronic devices. As already discussed, the down-converted voltage is transmitted to the USB socket assembly (102) (i.e. to the receptacle 120a) through the pair of connectors (122). In said embodiment, the main PCB assembly (126) is operably connected to another pair of connectors (128). Further, another pair of connectors (128), i.e. a wire-harness (128) is coupled to a battery (not shown in this figure) of the handle bar driven automobile. In said embodiment, another pair of connectors (128) transmits a current from the battery to the main PCB assembly (126).
As would be understood, another pair of connectors (128) is an electrical connector and without limitation includes wires, and the like. In said embodiment, the pair of connectors (122) and other pair of connectors (128) are secured to the charging housing (124) by a clamp (130), such as a tie-band, a cord clamp, and the like.
In an example, the USB socket assembly (102) and the charging assembly (104) may be coated with conformal coating, epoxy potting, fitting cover, and the like for protection.
Figure 3 (a and b) illustrates a rear-view of a split-USB module, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. While Fig. 3a, corresponds to the rear isometric-view with respect to Fig. 1. Fig. 3b represents a vertically sectioned isometric-view with respect to Fig. 3a. As may be seen in Fig. 3b, the vertical-section reveals the composition of the USB socket 102 and the charging assembly 104.

Figure 4a illustrates an isometric view of the split-type USB (100) when seen from the front, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 4b illustrates another view with respect to Figure 4a as shown from the back, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.

Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view with respect to embodiment as depicted in Figure 4. Following is a tally of components as forming a part of the socket assembly 102 and the charging assembly 104 along with reference-numerals in accordance with the present embodiment of Fig. 5.

114. CAP
112. SEALING PAD
118. TORSION SPRING
116. SLEEVE
505. TOP COVER (ULTRASONIC WELDED TO HOUSING 1)
120_a. USB FEMALE VERTICAL CONNECTOR
120_b. PCB 1
106. HOUSING 1
110. WIRE GROMMET
122. WIRING HARNESS 1
511. PLASTIC COVER (ULTRASONICALLY WELDED TO HOUSING 2)
126. PCB ASSEMBLY 2
124. HOUSING 2
128.WIRING HARNESS 2

As may be seen, the USB socket assembly (102) comprises a USB Vertical female-connector (120_b) as mounted on PCB 1 (120_b) which has two wires soldered of wiring harness 122. The PCB assembly comprises PCB 1 (120_b) and USB Vertical female connector (120_a) is inserted in housing 1 (106) from front-side and held by suitable means so that it does not vibrate during operation. From backside, wire-grommet (110) is pushed back to the housing with an oblong hole to seal the hole and wires against water-ingress. Again, from top side, the plastic cover (505) is fitted to the housing 1 (106) by suitable means such as ultrasonic-welding. To cover the USB window in cover (505), the cap (114) may be fitted as described previously.

In charging assembly (104) as shown, wires of wiring harness 1 (122) and wiring harness 2 (128) having grommet are passed through oblong holes of the housing 2 (124) and soldered to PCB assembly 2 (126). Then the PCB assembly (126) may be fitted in housing 2 (124) from topside by suitable means to hold the PCB. Then wire grommets 110 are pressed to seal the hole and wires against water ingress. A top plastic cover (511) may be joined to housing 2 (124) by suitable means such as ultrasonic welding for water proofing.

Overall, by virtue of the aforesaid features, the present advantages of such an arrangement are obvious and given below.
1. The USB socket can be conveniently mounted anywhere due to its smaller size on vehicle handle bar or speedometer or boot box while charging assembly can be mounted at other locations. In an example, the USB socket may be fitted in handle-bar switches of a two-wheeled vehicle.

2. The present subject matter addresses the problem of space, as the USB socket is less bulky as compared to conventional USB assembly having charging sections in same housing.

3. Mounting is also simplified due to less weight of USB socket. In an example, the USB socket can be fitted on vehicle by various connector-means. Example of various connecting means include screws (as shown in preceding figures), snaps which get locked in panel, tightening with help of ring-nut, push-fit in panel with rubber-grommet or locked in panel with help of metal clip.

4. The preceding description of present subject matter illustrates wire harness (128) from charging assembly (104) being soldered into PCB-assembly (120b) of the USB socket (102). In another embodiment, harness (128) may have sealed connector at one end and PCB can have mating connector soldered on-board. This arrangement at least facilitates servicing and modularity since complete-unit need not be changed in case of malfunction. For example, If USB socket (102) gets damaged due to environmental conditions or misuse, it can be replaced by pulling out the connector and replacing socket unit (102) and plugging back the mating connector.

5. Last but not the least, the present subject matter’s arrangement adduces an advantage in terms of mass production and fitment at customer end, as long bulky wires need not be carried with both assemblies (102, 104). Both wiring harnesses (122, 128) can be soldered with charging PCB (126) and may be manufactured, shipped and installed irrespective of USB socket assembly (102).

In alternate embodiment, there can be no harness (122, 128) at the socket assembly (102) and charging assembly (104) end. Both assemblies (102, 104) can have mating terminals which can be connected by assembling them together forming one single unit or by wiring harness so that they can be located at different locations. Such an arrangement can lead to considerable cost saving in all aspects such as manufacturing, vehicle assembly & servicing.

In yet another alternate embodiment, the USB socket (102) can be conveniently provided without any voltage converter unit forming a part of the charging assembly (104), especially in vehicles with high end electronics systems. The 5V DC power to USB socket (102) can be provided by vehicle electronics with all protections such as transient voltage protection, over voltage, short circuit, reverse battery, etc. This can lead to appreciable saving on part cost.
The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of the embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of the embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.

WE CLAIM:
1. A universal serial bus (USB) connector module (100) comprising:
a first-assembly (102) comprising:
a USB receptacle (120a); and
a first printed circuit Board (PCB) (120b) supporting the USB receptacle (120a) and a first wire (122) originating from the first PCB (120b);
and
a second-assembly (104) electronically linked with the first-assembly (102) by the first wire (122), said second-assembly (104) comprising:
a second PCB (126) provided for power-conversion in respect of power transmitted to the first PCB (120b) from a power source via the first wire (122); and
a second wire (128) connected to the power-source generating said transmitted power.

2. The USB connector module (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first wire (122) is electrically soldered to the USB-receptacle (120a) and the first PCB (120b) from a first end.

3. The USB connector module (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second-PCB (126) is electronically linked to the first-assembly (102) by being electrically-soldered to a second-end of the first wire (122).

4. The USB connector module (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second assembly (104) comprises said second PCB (126) supporting a voltage-converter circuit for down-converting the power transmitted to the USB receptacle (120a);

5. The USB connector module (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said second PCB (126) is a wire-harness for electronically coupling the second PCB (126) to the power-source.

6. The USB connector module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first assembly (102) is configured to be disposed at a user-accessible location within a vehicle and comprises: a socket housing (106), a back cover (108), a grommet (110), a sealing pad (112), a cap (114), a sleeve (116) and a spring (118).
7. The USB connector module (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the USB receptacle (120a)of the first assembly (102) is operably connected to a pair of connectors (122) acting as the first wire emerging from the first assembly (102).

8. The USB connector module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second assembly (104) comprises a main PCB assembly (126) for down-conversion of a generated electrical power of about 12 V-24V to about 5V for charging electronic-devices.

9. The USB connector module as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main PCB assembly (126) is operably connected to a wire-harness (128) as the second wire (128) in turn coupled to the power-source.

10. The USB connector module (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first (122) and second wires (128) are rigidly-connected to the first (102) and/or second assemblies (104) through at-least one of:
a clamp-connection (130); and
a grommet-mechanism (110).