GB2546798A

GB2546798A - Flying toy and flying toy power source

Info

Publication number: GB2546798A
Application number: GB1601713.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Zhikang Huang
Original assignee: Shenzhen Besunvo Co Ltd
Current assignee: Shenzhen Besunvo Co Ltd
Priority date: 2016-01-29
Filing date: 2016-01-29
Publication date: 2017-08-02
Also published as: GB201601713D0

Abstract

A flying toy comprises a remote flying component 10 upon which is located a first USB socket (13, figure 2b), a controller 2 employed to control movement of the remote flying component 10 and a rechargeable power source 11 having an integrated USB plug (17, figure 3). The USB plug provides a means for connecting the power source to the first USB socket of the remote component. This arrangement allows for the power source to be easily connected directly to the remote flying component without any need for a separate charger or bespoke plug and socket. The use of the integrated USB plug has the further advantage that the power source can be connected directly to a second USB socket to allow recharging to take place. The second USB socket may be located upon the controller (ie., USB socket 8).

Description

Flying Τον and Flying Τον Power Source

The present invention relates to the field of battery powered toys and in particular to the field of remote controlled flying toys.

Background to the Invention

There exist a number of remote controlled toys and in particular flying toys known in the art. The most common types of these flying toys are vehicles that employ propellers as a source of propulsion or lift, for example aeroplanes, helicopters and drones.

Typically, these remote controlled toys comprise a hand-held controller that is employed to transmit control signals to the remote component of the toy i.e. the vehicle. In general, there will be a first control means to control the elevation of the vehicle (e.g. a first joystick or a series of push buttons) and a second control means to control lateral movement of the vehicle in a plane of elevation (e.g. a second joystick or a series of inclinometers within the hand-held controller that act in combination to mirror movement of the controller itself onto the remote vehicle). Often further stabilising controls and apparatus on the vehicle are required in order to trim the movement of the flying vehicle e.g. to stop unwanted rotational movement.

One of the most common frustrations with these flying toys relates to their power consumption. The power sources for these toys often rechargeable. In order to assist the flight of the toy it is desirable to design the power sources to be as lightweight as possible. This design constraint limits the size and hence storage capacity of the bespoke battery cell design contained within the power sources as compared with other known rechargeable battery cells. As a result these remote controlled flying toys typically only provide five to ten minutes of flying time before their power source is required to be recharged.

The recharging process may involve the use of a charger that comprises a bespoke plug, located at a first end of a cable, that is designed to connect with a socket located on the vehicle and thus provide a means for electrical connection with the discharged battery cells. The second end of the cable may be hardwired to the hand-held controller thus providing a means for recharging of the discharged battery cells from a power source of the hand-held controller. Alternatively, the charger may further comprise a second plug, located at a second end of the cable, which permits the charger to be connected to an independent power supply.

It is also known for the recharging process to involve the initial step of removing the discharged battery cells from the body of the vehicle. The discharged battery cells are then located with a bespoke plug located at a first end of a cable or within a charger that comprises a socket designed to receive the discharged battery cells. These chargers again comprise a second plug at the opposite end of a cable that permits the charging device to be connected to an independent power supply.

In the above described embodiments the second plug may comprise a plug suitable for locating directly with a standard mains electrical socket. Alternatively, the second plug may be designed to locate with a Universal Serial Bus (USB) socket. The USB socket is generally located on an independent apparatus that is itself plugged into a mains electrical socket e.g. a personal computer.

The above described recharging processes typically take a minimum of thirty minutes which is a relatively long time, especially for a child, when compared with the available play time achieved from the charged battery cells. The use of the above described chargers can also lead to additional frustration as these are often lost or misplaced. The use of bespoke plugs can also lead to additional frustration as these can be difficult to manipulate, particularly for a child, and so can often be inadvertently damaged. A known solution to mitigate some of the above highlighted frustrations is for the manufacturer to provide a second battery cell that can be located within the flying toy for while the first battery cell is being recharged. However, like the chargers describe above, these additional battery cells can often themselves be lost or misplaced.

It is recognised in the present invention that it would be advantageous, particularly for young children, to provide a flying toy and flying toy power source that obviates or at least mitigates the foregoing disadvantages of the flying toys and flying toy power sources known in the art.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a flying toy comprising a remote flying component upon which is located a first USB socket, a controller employed to control movement of the remote flying component and a rechargeable power source upon which is located a USB plug, wherein the USB plug provides a means for connecting the power source to the first USB socket of the remote component.

The above arrangement allows for the power source to be easily connected directly to the remote flying component without any need for a separate charger or bespoke plug and socket. The use of the integrated USB plug has the further advantage that the power source can be connected directly to a second USB socket to allow recharging to take place.

Most preferably the remote flying component comprises a power source housing within which the first USB socket is located. The power source housing provides mechanical support for the power source when the USB plug is connected to the first USB socket.

The power source and power source housing may comprise one or more tabs and or one or more grooves that provide a means for assisting the connection of the USB plug to the first USB socket.

Preferably the power source housing is located centrally on a body of the remote flying component.

Most preferably the controller comprises a second USB socket that provides a means for the controller to charge the power source when the USB plug is connected to the second USB socket.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a remote component for a flying toy, the remote flying component comprising a first USB socket that provides a means for connecting a USB plug of a rechargeable power source to the remote flying component.

Most preferably the remote component comprises a power source housing within which the first USB socket is located. The power source housing provides mechanical support for the power source when the USB plug is connected to the first USB socket.

Embodiments of the second aspect of the invention may include one or more features corresponding to features of the first aspect of the invention or its embodiments, or vice versa.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a controller for a flying toy, the controller comprising a USB socket that provides a means for the controller to charge a power source of the flying toy when the power source is connected to the USB socket.

Embodiments of the third aspect of the invention may include one or more features corresponding to features of the first or second aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provided a rechargeable flying toy power source the rechargeable flying toy power source comprising a casing within which is housed one or more rechargeable battery cells and a USB plug located on an external surface of the casing.

Optionally the casing comprises one or more guiding components to assist deployment of the rechargeable flying toy power source. The guiding components may comprise one or more tabs and or one or more grooves.

The casing may further comprise an end tab that provides a means to assist removal of the rechargeable flying toy power source.

Optionally the casing comprises a light source the illumination of which provides information on the status of the power source.

Embodiments of the fourth aspect of the invention may include one or more features corresponding to features of the first to third aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a kit of parts that can be assembled to form a flying toy, the kit of parts comprising: - a remote component in accordance with the second aspect of the present invention; a controller in accordance with the third aspect of the present invention; and one or more a rechargeable flying toy power source in accordance with the fourth aspect of the present invention.

Embodiments of the fifth aspect of the invention may include one or more features corresponding to features of the first to fourth aspects of the invention or their embodiments, or vice versa.

Brief Description of the Drawings

There will now be described, by way of example only, various embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings, of which:

Figure 1 presents a perspective view of a remote controlled flying toy in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

Figure 2 presents bottom views of a remote component of the flying toy of Figure 1 (a) with and (b) without its associated power source;

Figure 3 presents a perspective view of a power source of the remote controlled flying toy of Figure 1;

Figure 4 presents a schematic representation of the electrical circuitry of the power source of Figure 3;

Figure 5 presents a perspective view of the controller of Figure 1 charging the power source of Figure 3; and

Figure 6 presents a perspective view of an alternative remote component of the flying toy.

In the description which follows, like parts are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and the proportions of certain parts have been exaggerated to better illustrate details and features of embodiments of the invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

Figure 1 presents a schematic representation of a remote controlled flying toy 1 in accordance with an aspect of the present invention. The remote controlled flying toy 1 can be seen to comprise a controller 2 employed to control the movement of a remote component 3. In the presently described embodiment the controller 2 is a hand-held controller 2 while the remote component 3 comprises a helicopter.

The hand-held controller 2 can be seen to comprise a first joystick 4, that allows an operator to control the elevation and of the helicopter 3, and a second joystick 5, that allows the operator to control the directional movement of the helicopter 3. First 6 and second 7 trimming controls are also provided on the hand-held controller 2 that can be employed by the operator to stop unwanted rotational movement of the helicopter 3. A USB socket 8 is provided on the hand-held controller 2, the function of which is described in further detail below with reference to Figure 5.

The helicopter 3 can be seen to comprise a rotor system 9 mounted on top of a body 10. A rechargeable power source 11 for the helicopter 3 is mounted on the underside of the body 10 i.e. on the opposite side of the body 10 to which the rotor system 9 is mounted. It is preferable, for stability purposes, for the power source 11 to be located centrally on the underside of the body 10.

Figure 2 presents bottom views of the remote component 3 of the flying toy of Figure 1 (a) with and (b) without its associated power source 11. From Figure 2(b) the helicopter 3 can be seen to further comprise a power source housing 12 located within which is a USB socket 13. Grooves 14 may also be located on the inner surface of the sides of the power source housing 12.

Figure 3 presents a perspective view of the power source 11 of the helicopter 3 once removed from the power source housing 12. The power source 11 can be seen to comprise a casing 15 within which the electrical circuitry 16, as presented in further detail in Figure 4, are housed. A USB plug 17 is integrated at one side of the casing 15. The USB plug 17 provides a means for connecting the power source 11 directly to a USB socket without the need to employ a separate charger, as is the case for those flying toys known in the art. This may be the USB socket 13 of the helicopter 3 so as to provide it the required operating power source or alternatively one employed for recharging the power source 11.

Guide tabs 18 located on the power source 11 are located on opposite sides of the casing 15 and are designed to locate within grooves 14 when the power source 11 is located within the power source housing 12. It will be appreciated that in an alternative embodiment the grooves 14 may be located on the external surface of the casing 15 and the tabs on the internal surface of the power source housing 12.

An end tab 19 provides assistance for an operator to remove the power source 11 from the power source housing 12. In addition to the USB plug 17 locating with the USB socket 13, the casing 15 preferably forms an interference fit with the power source housing 12 when the power source 11 is located therein.

Twenty two apertures 20 are located across the top of the casing 15 which provide a means for cooling the power source 11 during operation. A light source 21 allows the operator to know when the power source 11 is electrically connected to a USB socket. The light source 21 may emit a first colour (e.g. blue) when providing power e.g. when connected to the helicopter 3. The light source 21 may emit a second colour (e.g. red) when the power source 11 is low on power and or when charging. A third colour (e.g. green) may be emitted in order to indicate that the power source 11 is charged.

Figure 4 presents a schematic representation of the electrical circuitry 16 of the power source 11. The diagram shows the USB plug 17 and two rechargeable battery cells 22 electrically connected to a microcomputer unit 23 that provides a means for controlling all of the components of the electrical circuitry 16. Located between the USB plug 17 and the microcomputer unit 23 is the above described light source 21. Located between the microcomputer unit 23 and the two rechargeable battery cells 22 is a battery cell protection integrated circuit 24 and a voltage regulator 25.

The microcomputer unit 23 ensures that when the USB plug 17 is connected to the USB socket 13 of the helicopter 3 the power source 11 provides the helicopter 3 with the required operating power. Similarly, the microcomputer unit 23 ensures that when the USB plug 17 is connected to an independent power source (for example a USB socket of a personal computer) the battery cells 22 are recharged.

Alternatively, and as shown in Figure 5, the hand-held controller 2 of the flying toy 1 may be employed as the independent power source for recharging battery cells 22.

Importantly, this charging by the hand-held controller 2 can take place at the same time as a second power source 11 is providing the required operating power to the helicopter 3. This provides the flying toy 1 with increased play time when compared with those flying toys known in the art. Indeed the only limitation is the lifetime of the traditional longer life battery cells located within the hand-held controller 2.

In order to further demonstrate the flexibility of the presently described flying toy system Figure 6 presents a perspective view of an alternative remote component of the flying toy. In this embodiment the remote component 26 comprises a drone. The drone 26 can be seen to comprise a central body 27 around which are mounted are four rotor systems 28. A rechargeable power source 11 for the drone 26 is mounted on the underside of the body 27. It is preferable, for stability purposes, for the power source 11 to be located centrally on the underside of the body 27. As with the above described helicopter 3, the power source 11 is again located within a power source housing 12 within which is located the USB socket 13

The USB technology employed within the above described remote controlled flying toys 1 may comprise any of the known industry standards e.g. versions USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB 3.1 or USB Type-C.

The above described remote controlled flying toys 1 offer a number of advantages over the systems known in the art. In first instance, the toy may comprise two or more power sources 11. This allows a power source to be charged by the controller 2 while another is being used to operate the remote component 3 and 26. Such an arrangement significantly reduces any play downtime experienced by an operator.

Furthermore, since a spare power source 11 can located with the controller 2 for charging while the other is located within the remote component 3 and 26 there is a significantly reduced opportunity for losing or misplacing the power sources 11.

Similarly, the above described remote controlled flying toys 1 do not require the use of an independent charger thus removing the frustration associated with prior art systems when these components become lost or misplaced. A further advantage resides in the use of USB plugs and sockets. Operators will generally by familiar with employing such components due to their employment in a number of technical fields. They are also found to require less manual dexterity on the part of the operator when compared to the use of bespoke plugs within the prior art systems. This makes the remote controlled flying toys 1 easier to manipulate, particularly for a child, while reducing the risk of inadvertent damaged to the associated plugs and sockets. A flying toy comprising a remote flying component upon which is located a first USB socket is described. The flying toy further comprises a controller employed to control movement of the remote flying component and a rechargeable power source having an integrated USB plug. The USB plug provides a means for connecting the power source to the first USB socket of the remote component. This arrangement allows for the power source to be easily connected directly to the remote flying component without any need for a separate charger or bespoke plug and socket. The use of the integrated USB plug has the further advantage that the power source can be connected directly to a second USB socket to allow recharging to take place. The second USB socket may be located upon the controller.

Throughout the specification, unless the context demands otherwise, the terms “comprise” or “include”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, “includes” or “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers, but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Furthermore, reference to any prior art in the description should not be taken as an indication that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

The foregoing description of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. The described embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilise the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Therefore, further modifications or improvements may be incorporated without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

Claims: 1) A flying toy comprising a remote flying component upon which is located a first USB socket, a controller employed to control movement of the remote flying component and a rechargeable power source upon which is located a USB plug, wherein the USB plug provides a means for connecting the power source to the first USB socket of the remote component.
2) A flying toy as claimed in claim 1 wherein the remote flying component comprises a power source housing within which the first USB socket is located.
3) A flying toy as claimed in claim 3 wherein the power source and power source housing comprise one or more tabs and or one or more grooves that provide a means for assisting the connection of the USB plug to the first USB socket.
4) A flying toy as claimed in either of claims 2 or 3 wherein the power source housing is located centrally on a body of the remote flying component.
5) A flying toy as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the controller comprises a second USB socket that provides a means for the controller to charge the power source when the USB plug is connected to the second USB socket.
6) A remote component for a flying toy, the remote flying component comprising a first USB socket that provides a means for connecting a USB plug of a rechargeable power source to the remote flying component.
7) A remote component for a flying toy as claimed in claim 6 wherein the remote flying component comprises a power source housing within which the first USB socket is located.
8) A controller for a flying toy, the controller comprising a USB socket that provides a means for the controller to charge a power source of the flying toy when the power source is connected to the USB socket.
9) A rechargeable flying toy power source the rechargeable flying toy power source comprising a casing within which is housed one or more rechargeable battery cells and a USB plug located on an external surface of the casing.
10) A rechargeable flying toy power source as claimed in claim 9 wherein the casing comprises one or more guiding components to assist deployment of the rechargeable flying toy power source.
11) A rechargeable flying toy power source as claimed in claim 10 wherein the guiding components may comprise one or more tabs and or one or more grooves.
12) A rechargeable flying toy power source as claimed in any of claims 9 to 11 wherein the casing further comprises an end tab that provides a means to assist removal of the rechargeable flying toy power source.
13) A rechargeable flying toy power source as claimed in any of claims 9 to 12 wherein the casing comprises a light source the illumination of which provides information on the status of the power source.
14) A kit of parts that can be assembled to form a flying toy, the kit of parts comprising: - a remote component as claimed in either of claims 6 or 7; - a controller as claimed in claim 8; and - one or more rechargeable flying toy power sources as claimed in any of claims 9 to 13.
15) A flying toy substantially as herein described and illustrated in Figure 1.
16) A remote component for a flying toy as herein described and illustrated in Figures 1, 2 and 6.
17) A controller for a flying toy as herein described and illustrated in Figures 1 and 5.
18) A rechargeable flying toy power sources herein described and illustrated in Figure 3.