DESC:PORTABLE POWER BANK

Field of the invention:

The present invention generally relates to power supply systems and, more particularly, to a portable power bank that supplies power to various portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets and like.

Background of the invention:

A use of portable electronic devices, such as mobile phones and laptops become more predominant with rapid development in technology. Most portable electronic devices are equipped with rechargeable batteries. The batteries can be charged using commercial alternating current or using solar cells. Commercial alternating current has the drawback that it is typically used only indoors and cannot be used outdoors to immediately recharge electrical equipment with low batteries. For this reason, it is necessary to carry a spare battery. If the portable electronic devices are used at outdoors, they cannot operate when the batteries are discharged.

Hence, there is a need to develop a portable power bank that is charged by multiple sources of charging such as solar energy, AC wall adapter and a computer/laptop USB connection for supplying power to various portable electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets and like.

Objects of the invention:

An object of the present invention is to provide a power bank that is charged by multiple sources of charging such as solar energy, AC wall adapter and a computer/laptop USB connection.

Another object of the present invention is to obtain maximum output current for fast charging of electronic devices like mobile phones and tablets.

Yet, another object of the present invention is to obtain a high intensity powerful light source from the power bank.

Still, another object of the present invention is to create an environmentally friendly power bank.

Summary of the invention:

Accordingly, the present invention provides a portable power bank. The portable power bank is charged by multiple sources of charging including solar energy, AC wall adapter and a computer/laptop USB connection. The portable power bank supplies power for charging of electronic devices including mobile phones and tablets. The portable power bank comprises a housing, a printed circuit board (PCB) and a rechargeable battery disposed in the housing and a stand. The PCB is a four layer PCB artwork that is implemented to achieve various objectives into a single product and also to eliminate EMI and heat dissipation. The rechargeable battery is 3100 mAh Li-Po rechargeable battery that is electrically connected to the PCB.

The housing includes a front side surface, a back side surface, a top side surface and a bottom side surface. The back side surface includes a solar panel and a light emitting diode (LED) indicator. The solar panel receives solar energy to convert into electrical energy. The LED indicator indicates that portable power bank is in solar charging mode, wherein the LED indicator is electrically connected with PCB. The solar panel charges the rechargeable battery for around 14-20 hours based upon the intensity of the sun. The top side surface includes an input port to receive external electrical energy for charging the power bank through wall adapters, personal computer, laptop and an output port to charge mobiles and tablets. Dual charging is facilitated by connecting the input port to any one of a wall-mount adapter and a PC/Laptop connection and connecting the output port to any one of mobile phone and tablet.

The bottom side surface includes a torch having a single light emitting diode (LED). The torch is highly efficient and has a single intensity. The front side surface has a user interface. The user interface includes a lamp, three buttons and a plurality of indicators. The lamp includes at least two LEDs. The lamp also includes customized anti-glare lenses to enhance and to provide a wide angle dispersion of the light output. The first button is arranged to turn on and turn off a lamp. An emergency SOS light is activated, when the first button is long pressed. The second button is arranged to switch on and switch off the power bank. The third button is arranged to turn on and turn off the torch. The plurality of indicators indicates the state of the battery.

The PCB includes a first circuit having an intelligent charging cum boost output voltage generator; a second circuit having a USB dedicated charging port controller and current limiting power switch IC; a third circuit having a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technology and solar panel voltage booster circuitry; a fourth circuit having a boost LED driver; a fifth circuit having a micro-controller for a host management.

The first circuit includes a Texas Instrument BQ24295 device that is employed for the purposes of smart battery charging from AC wall adapters and USB, boosting battery voltage in a range of 2.7v to 4.2v to 5v at maximum efficiency, battery temperature detection and primary battery protection. The second circuit includes a Texas Instrument TPS2511 dedicated USB charging port controller and current limiter that is employed for the purposes of an output current limiting and output switching, an automatic switching of USB D+ and D- lines connections for the attached portable electronic device and for providing cable compensation.

The third circuit includes Texas Instruments TPS61200 along with an operational amplifier OPA379 and a voltage reference TL431 that are employed to achieve maximum power point solar charging. The fourth circuit includes Texas Instruments LM3410 Boost Constant Current LED Driver that is used to achieve a stable light output at maximum efficiency even in varying battery voltage in the range of 4.2V to 2.7V. The fifth circuit includes a Microchip PIC16F886 (or equivalent) that is used for the purpose of managing different applications, continuous monitoring, fail safety and the user interface.

The stand is fixed on the housing for providing a support to the housing. The stand is in a rectangular shape with one side open. The stand includes an opening at a centre of a closed side of the stand, two openings at each end of the open side of the stand and two screw threads fitted at the center of each of two vertical sides of the stand. The openings are adapted for attaching a lanyard to carry and/or to hold the power bank. The screw threads including 1/4inch-20 UNC threads are adapted for attaching the power bank to a car mount, a tripod and a gorilla kickstand.

Brief description of the drawings:

The objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent when the disclosure is read in conjunction with the following figures, wherein

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a portable power bank in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 2 shows a front view of the portable power bank of figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a back view of the portable power bank of figure 1;

Figure 4a shows a right side view of the portable power bank of figure 1;
Figure 4b shows a left side view of the portable power bank of figure 1;

Figure 5a shows a top side view of the portable power bank of figure 1;

Figure 5b shows a bottom side view of the portable power bank of figure 1;

Figure 6 shows a circuit diagram of an intelligent charging cum boost output voltage generator, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 7 shows a circuit diagram of a USB dedicated charging port controller and current limiting power switch IC, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 8 shows a circuit diagram of a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technology and solar panel voltage booster circuitry, in accordance with the present invention;

Figure 9 shows a circuit diagram of a boost LED driver, in accordance with the present invention; and

Figure 10 shows a circuit diagram of a host management using a micro-controller, in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed description of the embodiments:

The foregoing objects of the present invention are accomplished and the problems and shortcomings associated with the prior art, techniques and approaches are overcome by the present invention as described below in the preferred embodiments.

The present invention provides a portable power bank that is a multi-function stand-alone device providing energy storage for various applications. The portable power bank is charged by multiple sources of charging such as solar energy, AC wall adapter and a computer/laptop USB connection. The portable power bank supplies power for charging of electronic devices like mobile phones and tablets. The portable power bank also provides a high intensity powerful light source.

The present invention is illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, throughout which reference numbers indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. These reference numbers are shown in brackets in the following description.

Referring to figures 1 to 10, a portable power bank (150) (hereinafter referred as, “the power bank (150)”) in accordance with the present invention is shown. The power bank (150) is charged by multiple sources of charging such as solar energy, AC wall adapter and a computer/laptop USB connection. The power bank (150) supplies power for charging of electronic devices like mobile phones and tablets. The power bank (150) includes a housing (50) having a front side surface, a back side surface, a top side surface and a bottom side surface; a printed circuit board (not shown) (hereinafter referred as, “the PCB”) disposed in the housing (50), a rechargeable battery (not shown) disposed in the housing (50) and a stand (40).

The back side surface (not numbered) of the housing (50) (refer fig. 3) includes a solar panel (10) for receiving solar energy to convert into electrical energy. An LED indicator (not shown) provided on the back side surface of the housing (50) is electrically connected with the PCB. The LED indicator indicates that the power bank (150) is into the solar charging mode. The solar panel (10) charges the rechargeable battery for around 14-20 hours based upon the intensity of the sun. In an embodiment, the rechargeable battery can be charged in ambient (low light) / cloudy atmosphere thus ensuring that the power bank (150) charges in all weather conditions. In the embodiment, a 1.4W mono crystalline solar panel is used along with the maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technology and a boost circuitry (refer Fig. 8) that provides upto 300mA charging current (in good sun). In the specific embodiment, the power bank (150) can yield upto 1.5Amps of current at 5V to charge various mobiles and tablets.

The top side surface (not numbered) of the housing (50) (refer fig. 5a) comprises of an input port (12) and an output port (14). The input port (12) is used to receive external electrical energy for charging the power bank (150) through any wall adapters, any PC / laptop and like. The output port (14) is used to charge various mobiles and tablets. The input port (12) and the output port (14) also allow a dual charging by connecting the input port (12) either to a wall-mount adapter (not shown) or to a computer/laptop connection and connecting the output port (14) to any mobile phone, tablets and like. The AC adapter requires upto 1.5 to 2 hours for charging the rechargeable battery. In the embodiment, if a 2A adapter is used, then the power bank (150) and any one of mobile phone, tablets both can charge simultaneously. In an alternative embodiment, if a 1A adapter is used, then the power bank can charge first and then any one of mobile phone, tablets is charged. In a specific embodiment, the input port (12) is a micro USB port and the output port (14) is a standard USB port.

The front side surface (not numbered) of the housing (50) (refer fig. 2) includes a user interface (not numbered). The user interface consists of a lamp (16), a first button (18), a second button (20), a third button (26) and a plurality of indicators (22). The lamp (16) comprises at least two LEDs. The lamp (16) also includes customized anti-glare lenses (not numbered) that are used to enhance and to provide a wide angle dispersion of the light output. In the embodiment, there are three intensities of light for the lamp that can be adjusted by the user as per requirements to enable longer hours of light. In the specific embodiment, the lamp (16) gives upto14 hours of light at the first intensity, upto 22 hours of light at the second intensity and upto 50 hours of light at the third intensity. The first button (18) is used to turn on and turn off a lamp (16). An emergency SOS light is activated when the first button (18) is long pressed. The second button (20) is used to switch on and switch off the power bank (150). The plurality of indicators (22) is connected to the rechargeable battery to indicate a level of the electrical energy of the battery. The plurality of indicators (22) allows the user to know the state of the rechargeable battery.

The bottom side surface (not numbered) of the housing (50) (refer fig. 5b) comprises of a torch (24). The torch (24) comprises of a single LED (light emitting diode). The torch (24) is highly efficient and has a single intensity. The intensity of the torch (24) varies according to a battery voltage. If the battery voltage is high, then the output of the torch (24) is also high. The third button (26) is used to turn on and turn off the torch (24).

The stand (40) is fixed on the housing (50) for providing a support to the housing (50). The stand (40) is in a rectangular shape with one side open. An opening (28) is adapted at a centre of a closed side of the stand (40). Two other openings (30) are provided at each end (not numbered) of the open side of the stand (40). The openings (28, 30) are used for attaching a lanyard to carry and/or to hold the power bank (150). The stand (40) is fitted with two screw threads (32) at the center of each of two vertical sides of the stand (40). In an embodiment, the screw threads (32) are 1/4inch-20 UNC threads. The screw threads (32) are adapted for attaching the power bank (150) to a car mount (not shown), a tripod (not shown), a gorilla kickstand (not shown), and any other device and like.

The stand (40) rotates freely around 360 degrees without damaging the housing (50). The stand (40) allows a user to keep the power bank (150) in different positions and in slant position at various angles. Hence, the user can adjust the power bank (150) as per the direction of the sunlight during the charging of the power bank (150) by solar energy. The stand (40) also provides protection to the housing (50) and facilitates additional rigidity.

Referring to figure 6, a first circuit (60) of an intelligent charging cum boost output voltage generator, in accordance with the present invention is shown. The first circuit (60) includes a Texas Instrument BQ24295 device that is employed for the purposes of smart battery charging from AC wall adapters and USB, boosting battery voltage in a range of 2.7v to 4.2v to 5v at maximum efficiency, battery temperature detection and primary battery protection.

Referring to figure 7, a second circuit (70) of a USB dedicated charging port controller and current limiting power switch IC, in accordance with the present invention is shown. The second circuit (70) includes a Texas Instrument TPS2511 dedicated USB charging port controller and current limiter that is employed for the purposes of an output current limiting and output switching, an automatic switching of USB D+ and D- lines connections for the attached portable electronic device and for providing cable compensation. The second circuit (70) automatically detects the type of phone / tablet connected to the power bank (150) for the purpose of charging and matches the charging profile automatically to provide maximum charging current.

Referring to figure 8, a third circuit (80) of a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technology and solar panel voltage booster circuitry, in accordance with the present invention is shown. The third circuit (80) includes Texas Instruments TPS61200 along with an operational amplifier OPA379 and a voltage reference TL431 that are employed to achieve maximum power point solar charging. The third circuit (80) achieves maximum utilization of the solar panel (10) in different sun light conditions. The third circuit (80) automatically switches off the load in case of very low light thereby protecting the solar panel (10).

Referring to figure 9, a fourth circuit (90) of a boost LED driver, in accordance with the present invention is shown. The fourth circuit (90) includes Texas Instruments LM3410 Boost Constant Current LED Driver that is used to achieve a stable light output at maximum efficiency even in varying battery voltage in the range of 4.2V to 2.7V. The LED driver takes PWM signal from the host micro controller for the purpose of dimming.
Referring to figure 10, a fifth circuit (100) of a host management using a micro-controller (100), in accordance with the present invention is shown. The fifth circuit (100) includes a Microchip PIC16F886 (or equivalent) that is used for the purpose of managing different applications, continuous monitoring, fail safety and the user interface.

In the embodiment, the PCB is a four layer PCB artwork that is implemented to achieve various objectives into a single product and also to eliminate EMI and heat dissipation. The rechargeable battery is electrically connected to the PCB. In the embodiment, the rechargeable battery is 3100 mAh Li-Po rechargeable battery. The electric power stored in the battery is sent for charging portable electronic devices.

Advantages of the invention:

1. The power bank (150) is charged by multiple sources of charging such as solar energy, AC wall adapter and a computer/laptop USB connection.
2. The power bank (150) facilitates dual charging by connecting the input port (12) either to a wall-mount adapter or to a computer/laptop connection and connecting the output port (14) to any mobile phone, tablets and like.
3. The power bank (150) provides a high intensity powerful light source along with an emergency SOS light.
4. The power bank (150) provides a convenient user interface.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstances may suggest or render expedient, but such omissions and substitutions are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention. ,CLAIMS:We claim:

1. A portable power bank (150) comprising:
a housing (50) having a front side surface, a back side surface, a top side surface and a bottom side surface, wherein
• the back side surface having a solar panel (10) for receiving solar energy to convert into electrical energy and a light emitting diode (LED) indicator arranged thereon to indicate solar charging mode of the portable power bank (150);
• the top side surface having an input port (12) to receive external electrical energy for charging the power bank (150) and an output port (14) to charge mobiles and tablets, wherein a dual charging is facilitated by connecting the input port (12) to any one of a wall-mount adapter and a computer/laptop connection and connecting the output port (14) to any of mobile phone and tablet;
• the bottom side surface having a torch (24) including a single light emitting diode (LED), wherein the torch (24) is highly efficient and has a single intensity;
• the front side surface having a user interface, the user interface including a lamp (16) having at least two light emitting diodes (LED), a first button (18) arranged to turn on and turn off a lamp (16) and to activate emergency SOS light by long pressing the first button (18), a second button (20) arranged to switch on and switch off the power bank (150), a third button (26) arranged to turn on and turn off the torch (24) and a plurality of indicators (22);
a printed circuit board (PCB) disposed in the housing (50), the PCB having four layer artwork to achieve objectives into a single product and to eliminate Electro Magnetic Interference (EMI) and heat dissipation, wherein the LED indicator arranged on the back side surface of the housing (50) is electrically connected with the PCB, the PCB including,
• a first circuit (60) having an intelligent charging cum boost output voltage generator;
• a second circuit (70) having a USB dedicated charging port controller and current limiting power switch IC;
• a third circuit (80) having a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) technology and solar panel voltage booster circuitry;
• a fourth circuit (90) having a boost LED driver;
• a fifth circuit (100) having a micro-controller for a host management;
a rechargeable battery disposed in the housing (50) and electrically connected to the PCB and the plurality of indicators (22), wherein the plurality of indicators (22) indicate the state of the battery; and
a stand (40) fixed on the housing (50) for providing a support to the housing (50), the stand (40) having a rectangular shape with one side open, the stand (40) including an opening (28) at a centre of a closed side of the stand (40), two openings (30) at each end of the open side of the stand (40) and two screw threads (32) fitted at the center of each of two vertical sides of the stand (40);
wherein, the power bank (150) is charged by multiple sources of charging including solar energy, AC wall adapter and a computer/laptop USB connection and the power bank (150) supplies power for charging of electronic devices including mobile phones and tablets.

2. The portable power bank (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rechargeable battery is 3100 mAh Li-Po rechargeable battery that is charged by the solar panel (10) for around 14-20 hours based upon the intensity of the sun and the AC adapter requires upto 1.5 to 2 hours for charging the rechargeable battery.

3. The portable power bank (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the openings (28, 30) are adapted for attaching a lanyard to carry and/or to hold the power bank (150) and the screw threads (32) having 1/4inch-20 UNC threads are adapted for attaching the power bank (150) to a car mount, a tripod and a gorilla kickstand.

4. The portable power bank (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lamp (16) includes customized anti-glare lenses to enhance and to provide a wide angle dispersion of the light output.

5. The portable power bank (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first circuit (60) includes a Texas Instrument BQ24295 device that is employed for the purposes of smart battery charging from AC wall adapters and USB, boosting battery voltage in a range of 2.7v to 4.2v to 5v at maximum efficiency, battery temperature detection and primary battery protection.

6. The portable power bank (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second circuit (70) includes a Texas Instrument TPS2511 dedicated USB charging port controller and current limiter that is employed for the purposes of an output current limiting and output switching, an automatic switching of USB D+ and D- lines connections for the attached portable electronic device and for providing cable compensation.

7. The portable power bank (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third circuit (80) includes Texas Instruments TPS61200 along with an operational amplifier OPA379 and a voltage reference TL431 that are employed to achieve maximum power point solar charging.

8. The portable power bank (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fourth circuit (90) includes Texas Instruments LM3410 Boost Constant Current LED Driver that is used to achieve a stable light output at maximum efficiency even in varying battery voltage in the range of 4.2V to 2.7V.

9. The portable power bank (150) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fifth circuit (100) includes a Microchip PIC16F886 for managing different applications, continuous monitoring, fail safety and the user interface.

Dated this 20th day of January 2017

Madhavi Vajirakar
(Agent for the applicant)
(IN/PA-2337)