FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to charging electronic devices and more particularly a charging apparatus for charging electronic devices stored in a portable storage apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Portable electronic devices (PED) like cell phones, PDA, music device, iPod, camera, video game system, audio/video device, GPS unit, a laptop or other computer and similar hand held electronic devices have grown in popularity, owing to the range of functions they now provide. The problem with these devices is that being portable, they are powered by a battery that requires frequent charging. An incompletely charged portable electronic device may lose power during its use, over a period of time leading to loss of stored information in some cases.

Most commonly these devices are charged by connecting them to a power source via a cable. The devices are provided with a charging cable which allows the device to be charged via a 110V/220V AC power source commonly found in the home or office at a wall outlet.

The use of portable electronic devices as mentioned above is in commonplace for owners/users of these devices to rely exclusively on them to communicate with others and maintain efficiency in the professional and personal lives. Therefore it is imperative to carry them during travel, vacation, etc. Further during an adventurous trip, expedition, outing which may be a remote destination with no way to charge their device, the use of such PEDs are indispensable.

One solution to the above problem is to obtain an additional or backup battery which comes at great expense and inconvenience. The extra batteries and chargers must be carried by the user, along with the electronic device, thereby diminishing the overall portability.

Therefore there is a need for charging electronic devices which is likely to be carried in a portable storage apparatus during its mobility. Further it is more desirable to minimize the number and cost of circuit elements so as to provide the relevant market for low cost products without sacrificing performance.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The summary represents the simplified condensed version of the claimed subject matter and it is not an extensive disclosure of the claimed subject matter. The summary neither identifies key or critical elements nor delineates the scope of the claimed subject matter. The summary presents the simplified form of the claimed subject matter and acts as a prelude to the detailed description that is given below.

The present invention and its embodiments are made to provide for charging electronic device on its mobility and more particularly a charging apparatus for charging the rechargeable battery of electronic devices stored in a portable storage apparatus from solar power and other external sources.

Another object of the invention is to provide an inexpensive circuit for recharging the battery of an electronic device using minimum number of components without sacrificing the performance.

Briefly, these and other objects of the present invention are accomplished by providing a charging apparatus comprising of at least one solar panel generating electric power in response to received light under all lighting conditions including ambient light conditions, integrated as a part of the top surface of a storage apparatus operable to store an electronic device. The charging apparatus further comprises of a universal USB charger, plurality of indicators, an internal battery which is rechargeable and a charging circuit comprising of an input connector accepting the input connection from external power source like AC and another input connector accepting the input connection from the solar panel. The charging circuit further comprising of an integrated switching and control portion wherein, the switching portion switches from solar panel input to external power source on plugging in external power source adapter and switching back to solar charging if external power source charging is below acceptable voltage and current levels for charging the internal battery.

The charging circuit comprising of the control portion detects the temperature rise of the battery and controls the power supply required for charging the internal battery by switching off the power supply and a regulation portion which regulates the voltage and current received as input from the internal battery to the required levels for charging the electronic device in the portable storage apparatus. The charging circuit further comprises of an output connector directing the current from the solar panel or input current from external power source to the internal battery and an output connector directing the current from the internal battery to the electronic device being charged in the portable storage apparatus.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features, advantages and other aspects of the embodiments of the present invention will be obvious to any person skilled in the art to appreciate the invention when read with the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG 1 is a portable storage apparatus in one embodiment of the present invention where the inner compartments are seen from an oblique direction.

FIG 2 is the detached portion of the portable storage apparatus as seen from an oblique direction where the subject matter of the invention is deployed.

FIG 3 is a block diagram of the charging apparatus included in the portable storage apparatus in accordance with the embodiments of the invention.

FIG 4 is a circuit diagram of an input connector that accepts input from external power source like AC.

FIG 5 is a circuit diagram of an input connector that accepts input from the solar panel.

FIG 6 is a circuit diagram that includes switching and control portion in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG 7 is a circuit diagram of an output connector to the internal battery.

FIG 8 is a circuit diagram that shows the regulation portion in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG 9 is a circuit diagram of an output connector that connects to the portable electronic device that is charged through the portable storage apparatus.

The figures are not drawn to scale and are illustrated for simplicity and clarity to help understand the various embodiments of the present invention. Throughout the drawings it should be noted that like reference numbers are used to depict the same or similar elements, features and structures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following descriptions with reference to the accompanying drawings are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of exemplary embodiments of the invention as defined by the claims and their equivalents. Accordingly, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various changes and modifications of the embodiments described herein can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

The terms and words used in the following description and claims are not limited to the bibliographical meanings, but, are merely used by the inventor to enable a clear and consistent understanding of the invention. Accordingly, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention are provided for illustration purpose only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2a, 2b are figures of a portable storage apparatus of this embodiment seen from oblique directions. As shown in these figures, portable storage apparatus 100 has a storage space comprising of an interior portion segregated into compartments 110 and 120 operable to store laptop, books and other accessories, an exterior portion 140 with a provision for front pouch with knife pleat 150 and a top portion 101 mounted on the top surface of the exterior portion 140.

The preferred embodiments provide at least one solar panel 102 attached on the top flap of the top portion which may be unzipped or removably attached by means of a zipper 103. It is to be understood that the attachment means may also be carried on by Velcro hook-and-loop fasteners, a button-mechanism, or any other inter-locking mechanism. Solar panel 102 as discussed may either be rigid or flexible and may also include a photovoltaic panel or photovoltaic cell or cells. Special material and glue may also be used to stick the solar panel onto the top flap ensuring that the solar panel stays on the top portion without allowing any water getting in through the glue that binds the solar panel with the top portion. A printed circuit board (PCB) encompassing the charging circuit is attached below the solar panel 102 (not shown in figure).

As an example, a mobile phone is shown as a portable electronic device (PED) fixed within its slot 104 below the solar panel assembly comprising of solar panel 102 and the PCB. An external connector cable 106 from the output of the charging circuit connects to the PED which is charged in the portable storage apparatus 100. An elasticized mesh 105 provides a cushioning effect for the solar panel assembly. The top portion 101 may be closed by means of concealed magnetic closures 130 or by any other inter-locking mechanism. The exterior portion 140 of the portable storage apparatus may include typical backpack features comprising of padded straps 160, lumbar support 210, slit pocket 220 and trolley attachment 230.

The portable storage apparatus interior and exterior, top portion, the straps, pockets, and other portions may be constructed of lightweight, high strength fabrics and materials. The fabrics and materials may be resistant to UV light and further may be tear and stain resistant. The fabrics may also be a combination of nylon, high density foam and neoprene. Other materials may be used by themselves or in combination such as, rubber, natural fabrics, synthetic fabrics, recycled tires and inner tubes, polyurethane, recycled PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), and the like.

The portable storage apparatus may take many forms in addition to the backpack style discussed. The bag may be a laptop leather bag (different from backpack), a purse, a carrying bag messenger bag, a shoulder bag, or any other bag of sufficient size and form to allow mounting of the solar panel. The bag may be constructed of soft and flexible materials or solid and rigid materials. The bag may be constructed of a combination of soft and rigid materials. For example, the bag may have a flexible back and a solid front. The solar panel assembly may be molded to define and fit the contours of the apparatus.

The portable storage apparatus 100 of this embodiment has a charging apparatus 300, as shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the charging apparatus 300. As shown in this figure, the charging apparatus 300 is constituted by providing: solar panel 102 which generates electric power in response to received light under all lighting conditions including ambient light; an external power source 212 like an alternating current (AC); a charging circuit 310 comprising of a solar panel input connector 500, and another input connector 400 for receiving power from external power source like AC adapter, an integrated switching and control portion 600, an internal battery 620 which is rechargeable, an output connector 700 that directs the current from solar panel/external power source towards the internal battery 620, a regulation portion 800 and an output connector 900 that connects to the PED 320 that is charged in the portable storage apparatus 100.

With respect to the charging apparatus 300 the solar panel 102 and the external power source like an AC adaptor 212 are exposed outside and other constitution elements of the charging circuit are encompassed in a PCB that is set inside the flap of the top portion 101 of the portable storage apparatus 100. The charging circuit 310 supplies electric power generated through the power generation of the solar panel 102 or by external power source like an AC adapter 212 to the internal battery 620 as shown in FIG. 3.

FIG 4 is a circuit diagram that shows an input connector 400 comprising of a decoupling capacitor 410 for the external power source input. It should be noted that the external power source may be a power source generated by means including domestic 220 volt (V) or commercial 440 V AC, piezo-electric, thermo-electric or by other means capable of providing a regulated DC power output either by any adaptor means or by inbuilt conversion mechanisms. As a preferred embodiment domestic AC input of 110V to 220V is used as an external power source. An AC adapter converts an AC voltage of about 100 to 240 volts to a stable DC voltage of, for example about 6 or 12 to 15 volts. As a preferred embodiment the input connector 400 accepts an input voltage of 6 V DC from a micro-USB AC adaptor. FIG 5 is a circuit diagram that shows an input connector 500 comprising of a decoupling capacitor 510 for the solar input.

FIG 6 is a circuit diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of the integrated functions of the switching and control portion 600 of the charging circuit 310. As shown in the figure, the switching and control portion 600 is constituted by providing an integrated circuit (IC) 610, a thermistor 680, programmable resistors 630, 640, 660, 670 and indicators 611, 612. An AC/DC adapter or DC car charger may optionally be plugged into the input connector 400 in situations of easy availability of external power source or where there is not enough light for the solar cells to operate and charge the battery. As a preferred embodiment external power source like AC (not shown in the figure) supplies the electric power as direct current (DC) output through the adaptor means and it is received through the input connector 400 to pin 1 of IC 610. The power from solar panel received through the input connector 500 is connected to pin 2 of IC 610.

The charging circuit 310 is constituted in a manner in which the IC 610 is the heart of the circuit. When both the inputs from solar panel 102 and the external power source (212) like AC are operating, the IC 610 decides as to one which is supplying an electric power of a higher voltage has a higher priority, and supplies the electric power to the internal battery 620 and switches accordingly. Conversely, if the voltage of the electric power generated by the solar panel 102 is larger than the voltage of the electric power supplied from the external power source like AC 212, the electric power is supplied from the solar panel 102 to the internal battery 620 through the output of pin 10 of IC 610 which switches accordingly. The preferred embodiments of the invention provide for a lithium-ion battery as an internal battery which is integrated with the charging circuit (not shown in figure). It is to be noted that the internal battery 620 used may be a lithium-ion battery, a lithium-polymer battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, or a nickel-cadmium battery. It is envisaged that instead of a single internal battery a battery bank comprising of one or more internal batteries may be integrated within the circuit thus giving more durability, versatility in power supply for charging the PED in the portable storage apparatus. In consonance with the above, one or more additional solar panels may be integrated with the portable storage apparatus for appropriate power inputs from solar panels.

Pin 6 to 9 are programmable resistors. Pin 6 is used to program external power source like AC adapter current. In other words, as a preferred embodiment resistor 630 is programmed for a value of 1.13K which sets 500mA output for internal battery 620. This ensures that the current drawn from AC is limited to the appropriate range. Similarly Pin 7 is used to program solar panel input. As an exemplary embodiment resistor 640 is mounted which sets 500mA output for internal battery 620. The 8th pin is Charge Enable (CE) - chip enable and is grounded enabling the entire functionality to work.

As part of IC 610 performing the control portion of the charging circuit 310, a thermistor 680 is mounted with resistor 670 and it is connected to the ground (GND) of the internal battery 620. The 9th pin of IC 610 is temperature sensing pin which has an allowable temperature range from 0 to 45 degrees. If the internal battery temperature rises above 45 degree, it automatically puts the IC chip 610 in sleep mode thus preventing the damage caused to the internal battery, circuit and the circuit components. Depending on the temperature, the thermistor 680 may give some voltage like 200mV at pin number 9. Based on the voltage range, the IC chip 610 automatically charges the internal battery 620 in three phases: Conditioning, Constant current and Constant voltage.

These three phases are visually indicated by means of indicators like Light Emitting Diodes (LED), and other types of indicators as well such as but not limited to display, blinking lights, speakers, sounds, and/or tones. However, the preferred embodiment is to use LEDs 611 and 612 which is controlled by IC 610 connected to pins 3 and 4. The resistors 613 and 690 limit the input current to the LEDs from the internal battery 620.

If the starting voltage of the internal batter is initially too low, a small constant current is applied until the battery reaches a certain threshold specified by the manufacturer referred to as precharge or conditioning. This state may be visually indicated by both LEDs 611 and 612 remaining in the ON state (i.e. illuminating). Once the internal battery crosses this threshold of conditioning it is charged with constant voltage referred to as fast charging or Constant current. This state may be indicated by LED 611 in the ON state and LED 612 in the OFF state (not illuminating). Once the internal battery crosses this threshold of fast charging normal charging takes over by constant voltage. When the charging is complete its state may be indicated by LED 611 in the OFF state and LED 612 in the ON state. Charging is terminated when the charging current drops below the threshold. The thermistor 680 is used to protect the battery from overcharge and over discharge and limit the charger current/voltage to stay within safe values. The sleep mode of the charging apparatus may be indicated by both LEDs 611 and 612 remaining in the OFF state.

FIG 7 is a circuit diagram that shows an output connector 700 comprising of a output filter capacitor 710. This output connector 700 directs the current from the output of pin 10 towards the internal battery 620 for charging it. FIG. 8 is a circuit diagram showing the regulation portion 800. As shown in this figure, the regulation portion 800 is constituted by providing an integrated circuit (IC) 820, an inductor 810, an input capacitor 890, a feedback capacitor 860 and a diode 840. The IC 820 used here is based on Buck/Boost architecture known within electronic parlance as a DC-DC converter to supply a regulated DC output voltage. The input capacitor 890 ensures that the input voltage (Vin at pin 5) from the internal battery 620 does not drop excessively during switching transients.

The IC 820 accepts an input voltage between 2.7 V and 5.5 V and converts it into a regulated output voltage upto 24 volts. However the preferred embodiment of the regulation portion function is to give USB's universal power and voltage ratings at 5V, 500mA.

Inductor 810 is a switching inductor whose switching frequency is internally set to 1.6 mega hertz (MHz). The saturation current rating of the inductor 810 is maintained higher than the peak current that it will experience during circuit operation. The Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR) is maintained less than 100 mega Ohms for high efficiency.

The regulation portion 800 has a constitution in which the regulation portion 800 and the output diode 840 which blocks the reverse-current are connected in series as shown in the figure 8. The output diode 840 is selected to handle the peak current and the reverse voltage. The rated reverse voltage of the diode 840 is higher than the sum of input and output voltages (Vin+Vout) and the average diode current is equal to the output current at full load. The output feedback capacitor 860 is selected based upon the desired output ripple and transient response.

FIG 9 is a circuit diagram that shows an output connector 900 comprising of a output filter capacitor 910. This output connector 900 connects to the Universal USB connector that connects to the PED being charged through the portable storage apparatus. The charging current drawn through the output connector 900 is essentially sourced from the internal battery 620 and may be used to charge a wide range of electronic devices by providing wide range of connectors (not shown in the figures). It is to be understood that the output from the regulation portion 800 may be programmed to receive output voltages at varying levels up to 24 V. Therefore depending on the requirements of charging PEDs the required output voltage levels may be programmed for output. However the preferred embodiment of the regulation portion function is to give USB's universal power and voltage ratings at 5V, 500mA.

In accordance with the charging apparatus 300 provided in the portable storage apparatus 100 of this embodiment it is possible to design the charging circuit 310 as a dedicated circuit for supplying small amount of generated power by the solar panel 102. Further by applying the charging apparatus 310 of this embodiment, it is possible to improve the charging efficiency of the charging apparatus which may use multiple solar panels and/or the photovoltaic generator such as the solar battery.

In this embodiment, the portable storage apparatus 100 is described as including the charging apparatus 300, however, the present invention is not limited by this and can be applied to all portable apparatuses which include a rechargeable battery.

The foregoing detailed description has discussed only a few of the many forms that this invention can take. It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be understood as an illustration of selected forms that the invention can take and not as a definition of the invention. It is only the following claims, including all equivalents that are intended to define the scope of the invention.

It should be further noted that the individual features of the different embodiments of the invention may individually or in arbitrary combination be subject matter to another invention. It would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the present invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive.

We claim:

1. A charging apparatus for charging an electronic device stored in a portable storage apparatus comprising:

at least one solar panel generating electric power in response to received light under all lighting conditions including ambient light conditions,

integrated as a part of the top surface of a storage apparatus operable to store an electronic device;

a universal USB charger and indicators;

at least one internal battery which is rechargeable;

a charging circuit supplying electric power generated from the solar panel or external power source to the internal battery, the charging circuit comprising:

an input connector comprising of a decoupling capacitor accepting the input connection from external power source;

an input connector comprising of a decoupling capacitor accepting the input connection from the solar panel;

an integrated switching and control portion wherein, the switching portion switches from solar panel input to external power source input on plugging in external power source and switching back to solar charging if external power source is below acceptable voltage and current levels for charging the internal battery and wherein, the control portion which detects the temperature rise of the internal battery and controls the power supply required for charging the internal battery by switching off the power supply for charging the internal battery;

a voltage regulation portion which regulates the voltage and current received as input from the internal battery to the required voltage levels for charging the electronic device in the portable storage apparatus;

an output connector comprising of a filter capacitor directing the current from the solar panel or input current from external power source to the internal battery; and

an output connector comprising of an output filter capacitor directing the current from the voltage regulation portion to the electronic device being charged through the portable storage apparatus by means of Universal USB charger.

2. The charging apparatus according to claim 1 wherein, the switching and control portion includes an integrated circuit, thermistor and programmable resistors.

3. The charging apparatus according to claim 1 wherein, the voltage regulation portion includes an integrated circuit, inductor, programmable resistors, diode and feedback capacitor.

4. A portable storage apparatus for charging an electronic device comprising:

at least one solar panel generating electric power in response to received light under all lighting conditions including ambient light conditions,

integrated as a part of the top surface of a storage apparatus operable to store an electronic device;
a universal USB charger and indicators;

at least one internal battery which is rechargeable;

a charging circuit supplying electric power generated from the solar panel or external power source to the internal battery, the charging circuit comprising:

an input connector comprising of a decoupling capacitor accepting the input connection from external power source;

an input connector comprising of a decoupling capacitor accepting the input connection from the solar panel;

an integrated switching and control portion wherein, the switching portion switches from solar panel input to external power source input on plugging in external power source and switching back to solar charging if external power source is below acceptable voltage and current levels for charging the internal battery and wherein, the control portion which detects the temperature rise of the internal battery and controls the power supply required for charging the internal battery by switching off the power supply for charging the internal battery;

a voltage regulation portion which regulates the voltage and current received as input from the internal battery to the required voltage levels for charging the electronic device in the portable storage apparatus;
an output connector comprising of a filter capacitor directing the current from the solar panel or input current from external power source to the internal battery; and

an output connector comprising of an output filter capacitor directing the current from the voltage regulation portion to the electronic device being charged through the portable storage apparatus by means of Universal USB charger.

5. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising:

A storage space comprising of an interior portion, an exterior portion and a top portion within the exterior portion for storing an electronic device wherein the upper flap of the top portion be removably attached with the portable storage apparatus; and

an external connector adapted to connect plurality of electronic devices for charging the battery of the electronic device.

6. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising means for removably attaching the solar panel assembly comprising of solar panel and the printed circuit board on the top portion.

7. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising of compartment layers within the interior portion capable of housing laptops, travel accessories and the like.

8. The apparatus of claim 4 further comprising of padded straps, lumbar support, slit pocket, trolley attachment, front pouch with knife pleat and the like on the exterior portions.

9. The apparatus of claim 4 comprising a backpack as a portable storage apparatus.