Patent Application
20120228281
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
Not applicable.
The present invention relates to a mascara eyelash curler for setting eyelashes upwardly in a gentle curve as part of make-up. Specifically, the present invention relates to a rapidly heated mascara eyelash curler and a method for rapidly heating a mascara eyelash curler. The mascara eyelash curler includes a high voltage battery in a space defined by a grip and a body of the mascara curler for serving as a power supply means, the body including an eyelash shaping unit with a heating unit composed of a heating member, and terminals arranged at the body and the grip for constructing a circuit for the high voltage battery. The heating unit allows the eyelash shaping unit to heat up fast for easier and more convenient eyelash makeup.
Among many cosmetics commonly used by women, mascara is particularly used for eyelash makeup to make eyelashes look longer and thicker, and is used for curling straight eyelashes in an upward direction to make the eyelashes naturally beautiful.
When applying mascara to eyelashes, a user first applies a desired amount of mascara to the brush before beginning, and gently strokes the mascara wand along the eyelashes, curling the lashes close to the root of the lash line with eyes looking down. Next, the user draws the mascara wand from the base to the tips of the lashes, moving the wand upwards. Then, the user holds the wand uprightly to apply mascara to the base of the lashes with a slight wiggle while gently applying the mascara parallel to the lash line. If the user wants her eyes look deep and full, she will have to apply mascara to every single lash gently.
Although a mascara brush alone may be sufficient to finish eyelash makeup, since it takes time for a mascara liquid to dry, some women use a heated eyelash curler to get eyelash makeup done quickly in seconds. That is, a heated eyelash curler dries the mascara applied to the eyelashes, allowing the user to finish her eyelash makeup fast and easily.
One example of such curlers capable of drying the mascara on eyelashes fast for easy eyelash makeup is disclosed in Korean Utility Model Registration No. 397146 as shown in
The mascara eyelash curler disclosed in
Screwed to the handle 10 of the eyelash curler is a mascara case 31 integrated with a mascara brush 35 to apply the mascara.
However, one of problems of the disclosed mascara eyelash curler in
Also, it requires a separate battery holder not only for securing the battery 15 serving as a power supply means of the mascara eyelash curler, but also for constructing a circuit between the switch 11 and the battery 15.
One example of eyelash shaping devices is disclosed in Korean Patent Application Publication No. 2002-020348 as shown in
Unfortunately though, similar problems found in
Furthermore, it requires a separate battery holder 14 for constructing a circuit between the battery 1 and an activation switch 60.
One example of eyelash beauty tools having an embedded heating element is disclosed in Korean Utility Model Application Publication No. 2000-015428 as shown in
However, the eyelash beauty tool in
In addition, it requires a separate wiring for constructing an electric circuit between the battery 11 and a PCB 19.
Another example of eyelash beauty tools is disclosed in Korean Utility Model Application Publication No. 2000-017442 as shown in
Again, the eyelash beauty tool in
In addition, it requires a separate battery holder for constructing an electric circuit between the battery 4 and a PCB/switch.
Screwed to the handle 10 of the eyelash curler is a mascara case 31 integrately with a mascara brush 35 to apply the mascara.
In view of the foregoing problems, it is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide rapidly heated mascara eyelash curler comprising a high voltage battery to supply high current power capable of superheating a heating member that constitutes a heating unit in a very short period of time up to an appropriate temperature for shaping eyelashes, and a rapid heating method of the mascara eyelash curler. The high voltage battery fits in a space defined by a grip and a body of the mascara eyelash curler for serving as a power supply means, and includes terminals arranged at the body and the grip for constructing a circuit for the high voltage battery.
To achieve the above objects, there is provided a rapidly heated mascara eyelash curler, comprising a grip, a body connected to one side of the grip, a replaceable battery arranged in a space defined by the connected body and grip, and an eyelash shaping part arranged in the body and including a heating unit composed of a heating member with terminals arranged at the body and the grip constructing a circuit for the battery, wherein the battery has a supply voltage larger than a rated voltage accommodated by the heating member.
Another aspect of the present invention provides a rapid heating method of the mascara eyelash curler, comprising the steps of: deciding to turn on/off an activation switch; if the activation switch is turned on, a battery supplying, to a heating member, a power supply voltage larger than a rated voltage accommodated by the heating member; if the temperature of the heating member reaches an appropriate temperature, supplying the power from the battery to the heating member at predetermined time intervals; and after elapse of preset time from turning on the activation switch, cutting off the power supply from the battery to the heating member.
The rapidly heated mascara eyelash curler and the rapid heating method of the mascara eyelash curler in accordance with the present invention have the following advantages.
(1) The battery is accommodated in a space defined by the body and the grip, so a separate battery holder for constructing a circuit for the battery is no longer required.
(2) Since the terminal, which is provided to electrically connect a PCB for controlling the mascara eyelash curler with the battery, is arranged at the inner surface of the body, the electrical conductivity structure between the PCB and the battery can be simplified.
(3) Since the terminal is coupled to a stepped portion on the inner surface of the body, the terminal and the body are coupled to each other in a neat and tidy manner.
(4) The battery is installed tightly, leaving almost no gap between the battery itself and the battery-storage space, so the battery can be secured more stably.
(5) Since the supply voltage (3V) of the battery used as a power supply means is relatively higher than the rated voltage (1.8V) the electric heating wire used as a heater can accommodate, an overcurrent momentarily flows through the electric heating wire to rapidly heat the heating unit arranged in the eyelash shaping part, so eyelash shaping is done in a much reduced amount of time.
(6) When the heating temperature of the heating unit reaches a proper temperature for shaping eyelashes, the temperature sensor built in the heating unit produces a light signal indicative of proper temperature so the eyelashes may not be shaped with an insufficiently heated curler or the eyelashes may not be injured by an overheated curler.
(7) The user is informed, while in use of the mascara eyelash curler, of replacement time of the high voltage battery used as a power supply means, the information being given in form of blinking LED by a supply voltage-check circuit that is operationally coupled with the activation switch.
(8) With the activation switch being turned on, if the body cap is screwed onto the vial, the activation switch automatically goes to the off position by the projection that is formed on the inner face of the cap, so the lifespan of the high voltage battery can be extended.
(9) After the temperature of the heating unit reaches a proper temperature for shaping eyelashes, the activation switch in the on position automatically goes to the off position in preset time (e.g., approximately 3 minutes later) to cut off the power supply from the high voltage battery. In this manner, not only can the lifespan of the high voltage battery be extended, but the user is also protected against burns and injuries caused by the overheated heating unit.
(10) Teflon wire used as a shape retainer makes sure that the shape of the electric heating wire of the heating unit is always retained.
(11) Teflon wire is strong at the mascara applied for eyelash shaping and enables the eyelash shaping part to gently slides along the eyelashes it comes in contact with for easy and convenient eyelash makeup.
The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the embodiments, which makes reference to the several figures of the drawing as listed below.
The above and other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of the embodiments, given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
In the following description of the present invention reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part thereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, exemplary embodiments illustrating the principles of the present invention and how it may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized to practice the present invention and structural and functional changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Hereinafter, the operational principle of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
An eyelash curler according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a body 300 connected to one side of a grip 100.
Detachably connected to the other side of the grip 100 is a mascara vial 200 to enable a user to carry the mascara case separately.
The following now explains about an embodiment where the mascara vial 200 is connected to the other side of the grip 100.
Defined inside of the mascara case 200 on the other side of the grip 100 is a mascara-storage space 205 for containing a mascara liquid.
The mascara vial 200 is joined with the grip 100 as follows.
A mascara brush 221 is formed on one side of a mascara wand 220, and a mascara wand handle 230 is formed to the other side of the mascara wand 220.
Along the outer circumferential surface of the mascara wand handle 230 are formed grooves (not shown) at regular intervals.
Also, along the inner circumferential surface of the grip 100 are formed projections (not shown) at regular intervals to fit into the grooves interferentially.
A screw 231 for the mascara wand handle 231 is provided at the inner surface of the mascara wand handle 230.
The screw 231 for the mascara wand handle 231 forms a screw connection portion with a screw 211 formed on a mascara cap 210.
The following gives tips on applying mascara kept in the mascara-storage space 205 for eyelash makeup.
First, a user detaches the mascara cap 210 from the grip 100 and sweeps the mascara brush 221 attached to the mascara wand 220 vertically in the mascara-storage space 205 to transfer a sufficient amount of the mascara liquid to the mascara brush 221.
The user then takes the mascara brush 221 with a sufficient amount of the mascara liquid thereon out of the mascara cap 210.
When the mascara brush 221 is being taken out of the mascara cap 210, a mascara blade 240 which is arranged at the entrance side of the mascara cap 210 for diminishing the cross-sectional area of the mascara cap 210 allows only an appropriate amount of the mascara liquid to be remained at the mascara brush 221.
In this way, the mascara brush 221 holds an appropriate amount of the mascara liquid for eyelash makeup.
For eyelash makeup, the user first applies the mascara liquid to upper lashes and then lower lashes.
As the user applies the mascara liquid evenly to the eyelashes and rolls the mascara brush 221 in an upward direction, the eyelashes get waved.
Once the mascara liquid is applied to the eyelashes, the user dries the mascara liquid to set it on the eyelashes. This is done with the help of an eyelash shaping part 370 (to be described) provided at the other side of the grip 100 as part of the body 300.
The following now explains in detail about the body 300 including the eyelash shaping part 370 used for drying and setting the mascara liquid on the eyelashes, and the grip 100 where the body 300 is joined.
The body 300 includes a space where a battery 500 for connecting high voltage power to the eyelash shaping part 370 is accommodated, and the eyelash shaping part 370 formed extendedly from the body 300.
The eyelash shaping part 370 is provided with a heating unit 375 having an electric heating wire 371.
The grip 100 with which the body 300 is joined has a hollow cylindrical shape, and a space (not shown) is defined at one side of the grip 100 to accommodate the mascara vial 200 as noted earlier.
In addition, a space (not shown) is defined at the other side of the grip 100 to accommodate the body 300.
The space reserved for the mascara vial 200 at one side of the grip 100 and the space reserved for the body 300 at the other side of the grip 100 are created by a circular inner partition plate 130 placed inside the grip 100.
Since the circular inner partition plate 130 is installed closer to the mascara vial 200, the space for the mascara vial 200 is relatively smaller than the space for the body 300.
The following now explains how the grip 100 and the body 300 are joined with each other.
The grip 100 has a click groove 101 formed on the entrance side (not shown) joining with the body 300.
In a corresponding position to the click groove 101 of the grip, a click protrusion 301 is then formed at a protruded plate 302 of a lower body 381 as part of the body 300.
The click protrusion 301 is formed on the outside of the protruded plate 302.
Therefore, when the body 300 is pushed into the grip 100, the click protrusion 301 of the body is inserted into the click groove 101 of the grip, thereby joining the grip 100 and the body 300 together.
The protruded plate 302 having the click protrusion 302 formed thereon is provided at a part of the lower body 381 of the body 300, and a space 303 is created at the lateral surface and the front surface of the protruded plate 302 as a room for allowing deformation of the protruded plate 302.
That is to say, by virtue of the space 303 given to the lateral surface and front surface of the protruded plate 302, the protruded plate 302 is free to make a slight deformation inwardly of the lower body 381.
Thus, the click protrusion 301 of the protruded plate 302 experiences a slight elastic deformation inwardly of the lower body 381 as it is joined with the grip 100.
Once the click protrusion 301 of the protruded plate 302 fits into the click groove 101 of the grip 100, the elastic deformation occurred in the click protrusion 301 of the protruded plate 302 disappears, and the click protrusion 301 gets out of the lower body 381 through the click groove 101 of the grip 100.
The following now explains an example of how to separate the grip 100 from its joined state with the body 300.
First, the user presses the click protrusion 301 formed at the protruded plate 302 of the lower body 381 inwardly of the lower body 381. Then, elastic deformation occurs to the click protrusion 301 to make it escape from the protruded plate 302 through the click groove 101 of the grip 100.
When the user pulls the grip 100 while the click protrusion 301 is free, the grip 100 and the body 300 are separated from each other.
Meanwhile, when the grip 100 and the body 300 are joined together, a space is created therein as a housing space for a replaceable, high voltage battery 500 that connects power to the heating unit 375 of the eyelash shaping part 370 to heat the electric heating wire 371 of the heating unit 375.
The eyelash shaping part 370 is extendedly formed from the body 300, and arranged inside the eyelash shaping part 370 is the heating unit 375 that is heated by the high voltage power supplied from the high voltage battery 500.
The eyelash shaping part 370 has a plurality of comb-shaped safety projections 372 to protect the eyelashes against any possible injuries caused by heat from the electric heating wire 371 of the heating unit 375.
Spaces are formed between the comb-shaped safety projections 372 at regular intervals to let the eyelashes smoothly slide into the spaces during the eyelash makeup.
The following now explains about a rapid heating operation of the heating unit 375 by the connection of high voltage power of the high voltage battery 500.
The high voltage battery 500 is a replaceable battery having 3V nominal capacity, in place of conventionally used batteries having a 1.5V nominal capacity.
Since the high voltage battery 500 has a 3V nominal capacity, it can supply a relatively high voltage to the heating unit 375, compared with regular batteries.
The heating unit 375, to which high voltage power from the high voltage battery 500 is connected to generate heat necessary to shape or curl the eyelashes, is composed of an electric heating wire 371 and a Teflon wire 373.
The electric heating wire 371 winds around the U-shaped Teflon wire 373, and a coupling element 374 is formed by soldering or the like between the electric heating wire 371 and a PCB 320 with a built-in IC chip 321 for controlling the operation of the mascara eyelash curler.
The heating unit 375 is heated up by high voltage power that is selectively supplied from the high voltage battery 500 to the electric heating wire 371 of the heating unit 375 in response to the operation of the activation switch 310 which is turned on or off as being pressed up or down on the outer surface of the grip 100.
That is, a conductive contactor (not shown) is formed on the rear surface of the activation switch 310 to be connected with a terminal of the PCB 320.
When the activation switch 310 is pressed up to the on position, its conductive contactor contacts the terminal of the PCB 320, and such a touch enables power supply to the electric heating wire 371 and the LED 360 of the heating unit 375, and to the IC chip 321 in the PCB 320.
When the activation switch 310 is pressed down to the off position, on the other hand, its conductive contactor does not touch the terminal of the PCB 320 so power supply to the electric heating wire 371 and the LED 360 of the heating unit 375, and to the IC chip 321 in the PCB 320 is cut off.
As noted before, the heating unit 375 includes the electric heating wire 371, and a rated voltage accommodated by the electric heating wire 371 is approximately 1.8V.
When the activation switch 310 is pressed up to the on position, high voltage power (i.e. 3V) from the high voltage battery 550 is connected to the electric heating wire 371.
As mentioned above, since the rated voltage of the electric heating wire 371 is approximately 1.8V, the connection of high voltage power substantially above the rated voltage of the electric heating wire 371 rapidly overheats the electric heating wire 371.
Therefore, the electric heating wire 371 of the heating unit 375 is rapidly overheated immediately after the activation switch 310 is pushed up to the on position, reaching an appropriate temperature for shaping eyelashes in a very short period of time.
With reference to
The electric heating wire 371 is coupled, as described earlier, with the PCB 320 by the coupling element 374 used for itself and the PCB.
The PCB 320 includes an IC chip 321 and an FET 322.
The high voltage battery 500 is connected to a condenser C1, and high voltage power is connected from the high voltage battery 500 to the IC chip 321.
The IC chip 321 has the following roles.
When the activation switch 310 is pressed up to the on position, the IC chip 321 sends a signal to immediately connect high voltage power from the high voltage battery 500 to the electric heating wire 371, thereby controlling the power connection time of a 3V supply voltage for enabling rapid heating of the electric heating wire 371.
Once the electric heating wire 371 has reached an appropriate temperature for eyelash makeup, the IC chip 321 controls the power supply to be done intermittently at fixed time intervals of about 10 sec to 15 sec so as to compensate any temperature drop in the electric heating wire 371 during the eyelash shaping as it is exposed to a contact with air.
By intermittently connecting power to the electric heating wire 371 at fixed time intervals, the electric heating wire 371 is maintained at an appropriate temperature for shaping eyelashes.
After elapse of approximately three minutes since the activation switch 310 was pressed up to the on position and stayed on, even if the user does not press down the activation switch 310 to the off position, the IC chip 321 controls that the current of the high voltage battery would be cut off automatically for the sake of increasing lifespan of the high voltage battery 500 and keeping user safety.
The current connection control is achieved by virtue of a preset timer in the IC chip 321.
More details on the IC chip 321 are now proved below.
There are eight pins in the IC chip 321.
First, a voltage for driving the IC chip 321 is input through the 8th pin, and the 1st pin is used as a path (ground) to output the applied voltage to the IC chip 321.
The 6th pin sends pre-programmed signals to the 2nd and 5th pins, if the activation switch 310 is pressed up to the on position.
In response to the signal from the 6th pin, the 2nd pin sends a signal for activating the LED 360.
A resistor R1 is connected between the LED 360 and the IC chip 321.
In response to the signal from the 6th pin, a signal flowing out of the IC chip 321 from the 5th pin goes through a resistor R3 connected to the IC chip 321.
In response to the signal from the 5th pin, a 3V power supplied from the high voltage battery 500 crosses the FET 322 and flows to the electric heating wire 371 of the heating unit 375. As such, the power connected electric heating wire 371 is heated up rapidly.
The 3rd pin is a grounding pin, and the 4th pin is connected to a resistor R2 and to a condenser C2.
The FET 322 stands for Field-Effect Transistor, which plays a role in the output current control with an input voltage, based on the similar operating principle of a vacuum tube.
When the electric heating wire 371 of the heating unit 375 is properly warmed up, the user curls her eyelashes upwardly with the safety projections 372 being positioned towards the eyelashes. Then, when the user brushes her eyelashes upwardly, the heat of the electric heating wire 371 of the heating unit 375 dries and sets the mascara liquid applied to the eyelashes so the user gets waved eyelashes as desired.
For the sake of increasing lifespan of the high voltage battery 500 and protecting the user against any possible injuries, the activation switch 310 is automatically turned off when a body lid 400 covers the body 300.
That is, even though the activation switch 310 provided at the outside the body 300 may be in the on position, if the user covers the body 300 with the body lid 400, an inner projection 402 formed on the inside of the body lid 400 comes in contact with the activation switch 310.
If the body lid 400 is pushed further towards the body 300, the inner projection 402 on the body lid in contact with the activation switch 310 moves the activation switch 310 to the off position.
Furthermore, the LED 360 indicating an operation state of the body 300 and the temperature sensor 361 indicating an appropriate temperature for shaping eyelashes are arranged between the activation switch 310 in the body and the eyelash shaping part 370.
The temperature sensor 361 shows a similar color (i.e. black) to the body 300 if it is not powered.
Meanwhile, as the heating unit 375 is heated up and its temperature gets higher, the color of the temperature sensor 361 gradually turns from block to red by the time it is ready for eyelash shaping.
The LED 360 arranged between the activation switch 310 and the temperature sensor 361 is lighted when the activation switch 310 moves to the on position, and the LED light is turned off when the activation switch 310 moves to the off position.
The emission wavelength of the LED 360 varies depending on the kind of impurity added to a semiconductor.
Therefore, the LED can emit a variety colors such as green, red, yellow, blue, white and the like according to the kind of added impurity.
In one embodiment of the present invention, a red LED is used to emit red light featuring excellent visibility and having the longest wavelength in the visible range.
If an output voltage of the high voltage battery 500 becomes lower than a predetermined reference in the IC chip 321, it is suggested that the user should press the activation switch 310 up to the on position and then turns on-and-off the LED 360 three times in a row, that is, the red light is turned on and off three times.
By repeatedly turning on and off the LED 360, the user easily learns when to replace the high voltage battery 500.
The following now explains about the high voltage battery 500 housed in the space defined by the joined grip 100 and body 300, and first and second connection terminals 350 and 305 connected to the high voltage battery 500.
The first connection terminal 350 includes a PCB connection element 354 connected to the PCB 320, and a battery anode connection element 352 connected to the anode of the high voltage battery 500.
Thus, one side of the first connection terminal 350 is connected to the PCB 320, and the other side of the first connection terminal 350 is connected to the anode of the high voltage battery 500 through an anode connection terminal 120 of the high voltage battery 500.
The PCB connection element 354 of the first connection terminal 350 is relatively shorter than the battery anode connection element 352 of the first connection terminal 350, and is used to connect the first connection terminal 350 to the PCB 320.
The battery anode connection element 352 of the first connection terminal 350 has a plurality of first connection terminal grooves 351.
Also, the battery anode connection element 352 of the first connection terminal 350 has a projection 353 that is protruded outwardly of the body 300.
When the body 300 joins with the grip 100, the projection 353 comes in contact with a lateral surface 121 of the anode connection terminal 120 of the high voltage battery.
An example of how the first connection terminal 350 is secured to a first connection terminal seat 340 in the body 300 is now explained below.
In order to make the first connection terminal 350 settled in the first connection terminal seat 340, the plurality of grooves 351 formed in the first connection terminal 350 receives therethrough a plurality of first connection terminal locking projections 341 that are formed at corresponding positions to the grooves 351.
The plurality of the first connection terminal locking projections 341 that fit into the plurality of grooves 351 formed in the first connection terminal 350 form fused junctions by ultrasonic soldering.
By such fused junctions, the first connection terminal 350 is securely seated into the body 300.
Also, the first connection terminal locking projections 341, which are slightly protruded inwardly towards the body 300, are fused or molten by ultrasonic soldering to suffer a slight decrease in their height during the formation of the fused junctions with the first connection terminal 350.
In result, during replacement of the high voltage battery 500 in the space defined by the joined body 300 and grip 100, the first connection terminal locking projections 341 do not impede putting in or taking out the replaceable battery 500.
To ensure the first connection terminal 350 is securely seated on the inside of the lower body 381 of the body 300, the seat 340 has a stepped surface. This stepped portion will be referred to as a first connection terminal seat step 342.
The first connection terminal seat step 342 is in a recess form in correspondence to the shape of the first connection terminal 350 seated on the inside of the lower body 381 of the body 300.
Thus, the first connection terminal 350 fits into the recessed portion of the first connection terminal seat step 342, and, as noted earlier, the first connection terminal locking projections 341 formed on the inside of the lower body 381 are inserted into the first connection terminal grooves 351.
Furthermore, the projection 353 of the battery anode connection element 352 of the first connection terminal is inserted into a first connection terminal seat groove 343.
The projection 353 of the battery anode connection element 352 of the first connection terminal being inserted into a first connection terminal seat groove 343 then comes in contact with the lateral surface 121 of the anode connection terminal 120 of the high voltage battery connected to the anode of the high voltage 500.
The following now explains in details about the anode connection terminal 120 of the high voltage terminal.
One side of the bottom surface of the anode connection terminal 120 of the high voltage battery comes in contact with the inner partition plate 130 of the grip, and the other side of the bottom surface of the anode connection terminal 120 comes in contact with an anode contact spring 110 of the high voltage battery.
Therefore, the high voltage battery 500 housed in the space defined by the joined body 300 and grip 100 is brought into contact with the anode contact spring 110, and the anode contact spring 110 is brought into contact with the anode connection terminal 120 of the high voltage battery.
The following now explains about the configuration of a circuit for connecting high voltage power between the high voltage battery 500 and the PCB 320.
The lateral face 121 of the anode connection terminal 120 of the high voltage battery that is designed to contact the inner surface of the grip 100 is also brought into contact with the projection 353 of the battery anode connection element of the first connection terminal (to be described).
Meanwhile, a cathode of the high voltage battery 500 comes in contact with the second connection terminal 305 connected to the PCB 320.
As discussed before, the first connection terminal 350 is seated in the first connection seat 340 formed on the inner surface of the body 300.
The high voltage battery 500 is accommodated in the space defined by the joined body 300 and grip 100.
Therefore, the first connection terminal 350 is positioned between the high voltage battery 500 and the body 300, and, in particular, the battery anode connection element 352 of the first connection terminal 350 is arranged in parallel to the outer surface of the high voltage battery 500.
The projection 353 formed on the battery anode connection element of the first connection terminal is inserted into the first connection terminal seat groove 343 formed in the position corresponding to the projection 353.
The projection 353 of the battery anode connection element of the first connection terminal is slightly protruded outwardly of the body 300, passing through the first connection terminal seat groove 343.
As such, the projection 353 of the battery anode connection element of the first connection terminal being slightly protruded outwardly of the body 300 then comes in contact with the lateral surface 121 of the anode connection terminal 120 of the high voltage battery.
As just mentioned above, the anode of the high voltage battery 350 contacts the lateral surface 121 of the anode connection terminal 120 of the high voltage battery which is connected with the anode connection contact spring 110 of the high voltage battery.
The projection 353 of the battery anode connection element of the first connection terminal in contact with the lateral surface 121 of the anode connection terminal 120 of the high voltage battery forms, through the first connection terminal 350, a part of the circuit to enable connection between the PCB 320 and the anode of the high voltage battery 350.
In addition, the same projection 353 forms, through the second connection terminal 305 of the high voltage battery, a part of the circuit to enable connection between the PCB 320 and the cathode of the high voltage battery 350.
Accordingly, high voltage power is connected to the PCB 320 through the first and second connection terminals 350 and 305 which are connected to the anode and cathode of the high voltage battery 500, respectively.
The following now explains in detail about the support of the PCB 320 onto the inside the body 300.
The PCB 320 is supported by a first support 386 and a second support 387 for the PCB provided at the lower body 381.
The first PCB support 386 has a stepped portion (not shown) not only to stably support the PCB 320, but also to immobilize the PCB 320.
The second PCB support 387 assists the first PCB support 386 in support of the PCB 320.
The PCB 320 is therefore fitted stably into a space that is defined by part (not shown) of the lateral surface of the lower body 381 at the contact area between the first support 386 and the PCB 320, and by electric heating wire supports 390 and 391 and the second support 387.
The electric heating wire 371 connected to the PCB 320 and the Teflon wire 373 wound by the electric heating wire 371 are supported through two grooves (not shown) formed by joining the electric heating wire support 391 provided at the lower body and the electric heating wire support 390 provided at the upper body.
The upper body 380 and the lower body 381 are joined to form the body 300 as follows.
First, a first coupling element 382 and a second coupling element 384 formed on the upper body 380 are joined with a first coupling element 383 and a second coupling element 385 formed on the upper body 381, respectively.
The first coupling element 382 of the upper body has a protruded safety bar (not shown) to get into a groove in the first coupling element 383.
The cross section of the first coupling element 382 of the upper body has an angle bracket shape, creating a hollow space inside.
Thus, the interior space formed in the first coupling element 382 of the upper body facilitates its insertion into the groove of the first coupling element 383 of the lower body, thereby functioning as a buffer to allow a slight elastic deformation which occurs to the first coupling element 382 of the upper body.
The second coupling element 384 of the upper body also has a safety bar (not shown) to enable its insertion into the groove of the second coupling element 385 of the lower body.
As the safety bars fit into the corresponding grooves, the upper body 380 and the lower body 381 are smoothly joined together, thereby completing the body 300.
Then the body 300, as noted earlier, provides a housing space for the high voltage battery 500.
While the invention has been shown and described with respect to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008-0081003 | Aug 2008 | KR | national |
| 2008-0081005 | Aug 2008 | KR | national |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 12455539 | Jun 2009 | US |
| Child | 13478035 | US |
