1. Field of the Invention
Various aspects of this invention relate to external battery packs for mobile devices (such as mobile phones, tablet devices, or similar electronics devices), where the external battery pack can be recharged quickly using an automotive 12V DC outlet (e.g., a cigarette lighter socket) or via an AC outlet. In various embodiments, the recharging speed may be several times faster than commonly seen battery packs in the current market.
2. Background
As electronics devices are becoming more and more popular and people tend to do more outdoor activities or traveling much often, the demand for battery powered devices has increased. With the increased usage of battery operated devices, there is a need for improved methods of charging those devices. Users often rely on dc-to-ac inverters connected to a car battery power outlet and charge their electronics devices through these inverters. These car inverters can convert the car battery's 12v direct current output to 100v-240v alternating current to supply power to external electronics. These kinds of car inverters often require the car to be on or in a “start” state. With the car running, it can waste a lot of gas. Likewise, the device being charged often requires a separate adapter, power strip, and charger for compatible electronic devices to use. The user is thus forced to bring excessive items along when traveling.
This invention also relates to a new fast charging mobile portable battery pack. Various exemplary embodiments include the following components: an input charging circuit, a battery module, and an output voltage stabilizer module. In various ones of these exemplary embodiments, the input charging circuit is connected to the battery module, which in turn is connection to the voltage output stabilizer module. The above mentioned battery module may also contain a self-protection circuit. Likewise, the input charging circuit and the voltage stabilizer module may be connected to a digital display circuit. In various exemplary embodiments, the digital display circuit can display the remaining power (i.e., state of charge) of the battery module while the battery pack is being recharged, and it can also display the remaining power (i.e., state of charge) of the battery module when it is discharging (e.g., when being used to charge a mobile device). The disclosed and other embodiments enhance the user's experience and fulfill user needs on the mobile battery pack.
Various battery packs are known in the prior art. However, it has been determined that each of the prior art battery packs fails to provide a satisfactory experience. For example, a certain battery pack is disclosed in Chinese patent number CN202696242. The Portable battery pack disclosed in CN202696242 can only use the color of an LED to indicate an estimated range of the remaining battery in the battery pack. It does not provide specific accurate percentage readings. This is undesirable and creates an inconvenience for users when they try to recharge or discharge the battery pack.
In order to overcome the weakness of the current technology described above, a fast charging portable battery pack that can provide accurate readings for the amount of battery power remaining in the battery pack is desirable.
Accordingly, in various exemplary embodiments, a new fast charging portable battery pack includes the following components: charging circuit, battery module, output voltage stabilizer module. The battery module may also contain a protection circuit. The charging circuit and the voltage stabilization module may be connected to a digital display circuit. In various exemplary embodiments the digital display circuit can display the battery level of the battery module when the battery pack is being recharged, and it can also display the remaining battery level when the battery pack is being discharged.
In various exemplary embodiments, the digital display circuit has one or more voltage and current acquisition chips, an analog to digital converter, and a digital display monitor.
In various exemplary embodiments, the charging circuit utilized an input port that matches the physical and electrical configuration of a power adapter's output port on a personal computer. For example, in various exemplary embodiments, the charging circuit may utilize a barrel plug socket to connect to an AC to DC converter typically used to power and charge laptop batteries. In various other exemplary embodiments, any port or protocol that is capable of providing power may be utilized.
This invention also relates to an in-car fast charging portable battery pack. In various exemplary embodiments, the fast charging portable battery pack is connected to an automobile battery through an electrical port in the vehicle. In such exemplary embodiments, the fast charging portable battery pack includes a charging circuit, a battery module and a voltage stabilizer circuit. In various exemplary embodiments, the fast charging portable battery pack utilizes and input port that is compatible with an electrical outlet or port in an automobile.
In various exemplary embodiments, the voltage stabilization module contains an output circuit featuring standard power output ports that are widely compatible with external electronics digital devices in the market. For example, in various exemplary embodiments, the output circuit may be a USB connection or any other port or protocol that is utilized by other portable electronics devices.
In various exemplary embodiments, the battery module is a single battery or a set of batteries to meet various time charging time requirements of different electronics devices. In various exemplary embodiments, the battery module contains fast charging rechargeable battery cell(s) to reduce the charging time.
In various exemplary embodiments, the charging circuit includes a step-down circuit that protects the battery module(s). In various exemplary embodiments, the stabilizer circuit contains a voltage step-up circuit to increase the voltage of each individually connected single battery to 5V; or a voltage step-down circuit to decrease the voltage of a set of batteries to 5V; or a suitable combination of step-down and step-up circuits together depending on battery set configuration.
In various exemplary embodiments, the voltage stabilization has a single Chip Micyoco control circuit that is usable to control the stability of the battery module's output voltage. In various exemplary embodiments, the charging circuit and the voltage stabilizer module are connected to a digital display circuit. In various ones of these exemplary embodiments, the digital display circuit can display the battery level of the battery module when the battery pack is being recharged, it can also display the remaining power level of the battery module when the battery pack is being discharged. In such embodiments, the user can visualize the accurate remaining power level inside the battery pack.
The following description utilizes preferred and other embodiments, applications and figure diagrams to further explain this invention. However, it should be appreciated that the disclosed invention is broader than the discussed embodiments and that other known and later developed components applications and the like may be within the scope of the disclosed invention. The implementations discussed herein are only used to further explain this invention, but it shall not limit the scope of this invention.
As shown in
As shown in
It should be appreciated that in various exemplary embodiments, the charging circuit 110 utilizes an input port that matches the physical and electrical configuration of a popular or frequently used port or adapter such as a computer power adapter's output port 300. In various exemplary embodiments, the charging circuit 110 utilizes a barrel plug socket to connect to a AC to DC adaptor typically used to power and charge laptop batteries. Likewise, the voltage stabilization module 130 may utilize an output circuit or port 132 that uses a standard power output port which is compatible with digital devices 200, such as portable electronics devices. In various exemplary embodiments, the output port is a USB port.
In various exemplary embodiments, the battery module 120 is a single battery cell. In various other exemplary embodiments, the battery module 120 includes multiple sets of battery cells to satisfy different kinds of digital device charging demands. The battery module 120 utilizes one or more fast charging rechargeable battery cells to reduce the time to necessary to charge the battery pack 100. In various exemplary embodiments, the charging circuit 110 includes a step-down circuit to protect the battery module 120. In various exemplary embodiments, the stabilization circuit 130 contains a voltage step-up circuit to increase the voltage of a single battery or battery cell to 5V. Likewise, in various exemplary embodiments, the stabilization circuit 130 may include a voltage step-down circuit to decrease the voltage of a set of batteries to 5V. Alternatively, the stabilization circuit 130 may utilize a combination of those step up and step down circuits together. Providing the appropriate voltage can help protect the digital device(s) 200 being charged from the battery pack 100.
In various exemplary embodiments, and as shown in
As shown in
In the embodiment shown in the figures, the charging circuit and the voltage stabilizer module are connected to a digital display circuit. The digital display circuit can be used to display the power level of the battery module when the battery pack is being charged or discharged.
It should be appreciated that the above-outlined descriptions and figures are exemplary embodiments only and shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. A person of ordinary skill in the art in this technology field can easily learn the aspects of this invention and apply them to other currently existing and later developed components as necessary.
In various exemplary embodiments and as shown in
In various exemplary embodiments, the battery pack uses a step-down charging circuit and logical control circuit together. The logical control circuit can control the battery pack charging external digital devices by drawing power either from its internal battery module or from automobile battery under the hood.
In various exemplary embodiments, the fast charging battery pack 500 includes a protection circuit 522 in the battery module 520. This protection circuit 522 may be connected with a single battery cell or a set of battery cells depending on the configuration of the battery pack 500.
In various exemplary embodiments, the fast charging battery pack can also indicate the charging status and remaining power of the battery module. In various exemplary embodiments, the fast charging battery pack includes a single chip Micyoco control circuit 534.
In various exemplary embodiments, the fast charging portable battery pack 500 can charge the external device(s) 600 by drawing power from its internal battery module 520 or by forwarding the power from the automobile battery 700. In various exemplary embodiments, the fast charging battery pack 500 does not need to convert the 12V DC provided by the automobile battery 700 to a suitable AC voltage (such as, for example, 100-240V AC). This has the added advantage of reducing a voltage conversion step (thereby eliminating inefficiencies) and reduces the number of chargers and cables necessary to charge multiple items.
In addition to charging external digital devices 600 by forwarding power from the automobile batter 700, various exemplary embodiments are also able to recharge the battery module 520 from the automobile battery 700. As such, the fast charging battery pack can provide additional battery power to portable devices when away from other power sources.
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Battery module includes a fast charging rechargeable battery core. This fast charging battery core may be a single cell or a set of battery cells.
In various exemplary embodiments, there is a protection circuit in the battery module. This protection circuit may be connected to the single battery cell or the set of battery cells.
In various exemplary embodiments, the circuit also contains a display unit which can indicate the charging status and remaining power in the battery module. In various exemplary embodiments, this unit is connected to the single Chip Micyoco control circuit.
As shown in the exemplary embodiment shown in
This fast charging portable battery pack can be directly connected to an automobile battery and directly charge digital devices from there; it can also charge its battery module from car storage battery so that users can use this fast charging portable battery pack when they leave the car.
Also disclosed is a double source portable battery pack. This portable battery pack has a detachable top cover portion and a lower case portion that the top cover can fit into. In various exemplary embodiments, the lower case portion includes an extrusive circuit board, and a battery compartment. Inside the battery compartment, there is a middle divider panel that separates the compartment into two sections. Between the divider panel and the top cover portion, it forms a space to enclose swappable batteries. Between the divider panel and the bottom panel of the lower case portion, it encloses the internal rechargeable battery. There are several horizontal sets of cylindrical battery contacts featured inside the swappable battery slot. There are several vertical sets of contacts for connected to internal battery inside the same space. A cylindrical battery is placed in the slot and connected to every cylindrical battery contacts. This invention uses the swappable cylindrical battery as the portable battery pack's main power source and use the internal battery as the supplementary power source. By leaving the space and connect contacts for swappable batteries, the pack is more user friendly. This design provides convenience for customers, fulfills customer's needs, helps to improve the reliability of the battery pack, maximizes the customer's satisfaction, and also reduces costs to the end user by eliminating the need for multiple battery packs.
In various exemplary embodiments, and as shown in
In various exemplary embodiments, depending on how users use this product, the two battery sources can be selected to provide power to external electronic devices. This design helps to supply power to electronics devices when user needs be far away from power outlets for extended periods of time.
In various exemplary embodiments, for each of the mentioned cylindrical battery contacts 10, there is a cylindrical battery placed and connected. For each of set of contacts for internal battery, there is a rectangular battery attached. With those two power sources, it can provide additional power required by the user.
In various exemplary embodiments, the bottom panel of the lower case has several heat dissipation cutouts, which helps to extend the life of the battery cells and the battery pack.
In various exemplary embodiments on one sidewall of the lower case, there is a charging input port and charging output ports of the portable battery pack. The described charging output ports are compatible with electronic devices. One port output has a first voltage potential and a first current limit. The other output port has a second voltage potential and second current limit.
In various exemplary embodiments the lower case sidewall has a power switch and a battery status switch. The battery status switch can toggle to display the internal rechargeable battery and external swappable battery's charging status.
In various exemplary embodiments, the top cover has a display; this display shows the remaining power of the enclosed batteries.
In various exemplary embodiments the battery compartment includes a middle divider panel that separates the compartment into two sections. Between the divider panel and the top cover portion, it forms a space to enclose swappable batteries. Between the divider panel and the bottom panel of the lower case portion, it encloses the internal rechargeable battery. Various exemplary embodiments include several horizontal sets of cylindrical battery contacts featured inside the swappable battery slot. Various exemplary embodiments include several vertical sets of contacts for connection to internal batteries inside the same space. A cylindrical battery may be placed in the slot and connected to any of the cylindrical battery contacts. The battery source may be toggled to provide output power according to how user uses the product.
Various exemplary embodiments use the swappable cylindrical battery as the portable battery pack's main power source and use the internal battery as the supplementary power source.
As shown in
As shown in
The lower case portion 3 sidewall has a power switch 8, battery status switch 9 of the portable battery pack. A battery status switch can toggle to display the internal rechargeable battery and external swappable battery's charging status.
In various exemplary embodiments, the top cover portion 3 has a display 2, this display 2 may show the remaining power of the enclosed batteries.
As shown in
When using this portable battery pack, either rectangular or cylindrical battery cells can be used. Rectangular battery and cylindrical battery cells, however cannot be used together. In addition, the cylindrical battery can be AA or AAA batteries, and the rectangular battery may be a lithium type battery, such as a lithium ion battery or a lithium polymer. Each battery cell may have a voltage ranging from between approximately 3.5V and approximately 5.5V DC
Various exemplary embodiments utilize the swappable cylindrical battery as the portable battery pack's main power source and use the internal battery as a supplementary power source.
As shown in
It should be appreciated that various exemplary embodiments may require a minimum of 2 battery cells connected in series with each other. Various ones of these exemplary embodiments may additionally have battery cells connected in parallel to each other. Various exemplary embodiments may have multiple sets of 2 or more battery cells connected in series with each with two or more of the multiple sets connected in parallel with each other. For example, various exemplary embodiments may have or may require two battery cells connected in series with each other and connected in parallel to a second set or two battery cells that are connected in series with each other.
With further reference to
In various exemplary embodiments, the battery module contains a set of battery cells with rated voltage ranging from 3.5V˜5V, and those battery cells are connected in a configuration in which a minimum of 2 battery cells are connected in series. In various exemplary embodiments, each cell receive no less than 2 A or higher charging current while the battery module is being recharged.
In various exemplary embodiments, the battery cells in the battery module are lithium polymer type and featuring rated voltage ranging from 3.5V˜5V. In various exemplary embodiments each battery cells is ensured its maximum usable capacity not to degrade to 80% of its rated capacity within 500 recharge-discharge cycles, and its volume not to pop greater than 5% while being charged at 2 coulombs power under an environment with a constant temperature of 85 degree Celsius or under.
In various exemplary embodiments, the battery module is connected to the input charging circuit. The input charging circuit may step down or step up the voltage to match the battery module's rated voltage in order to recharge the battery module. During this process, in various exemplary embodiments, a minimum of 2 battery cells in the battery module will receive at least 2 A current while being charged.
Various exemplary embodiments also include a self-protection circuit. The protection circuit will cut off the connection of the battery module when extreme conditions happen to any cells in the battery module. The extreme conditions include but are not limited to battery short circuit, battery overheat, severe physical shocks and the like.
In various exemplary embodiments, the voltage stabilizer circuit has one or more standard power output ports featuring a rated voltage ranging from 3.5V˜5.5V which are compatible to a wide selection of external mobile devices. The voltage stabilizer may be connected to the battery module, input charging circuit, and control processor module. In various exemplary embodiments, the output ports can charge external mobile devices by drawing power from the battery module, such power will pass through the voltage stabilizer and step down to a voltage ranging from 3.5V˜5.5V and deliver to external mobile device via output ports. While the input charging port is connected to 12V 2.0 A+DC, under the supervision of the control processor the voltage stabilizer module can also receive power from input charging circuit, step down the voltage to a voltage ranging from 3.5˜5.5V, forward to the output ports and charge the external mobile devices.
In various exemplary embodiments, an optional display module is connected to the input charging circuit and the voltage stabilization module. The display module is comprised of a display or a plurality of LEDs, voltage-current acquisition chip and analog to digital (AD) converter. The display or LEDs can display various information about the battery module (i.e. battery level, charging time, battery status and the like) while the battery pack is being recharged or discharged. In various exemplary embodiments, the display results are computed in the AD converter using the data collected by acquisition chip.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 61/904,795 filed on Nov. 15, 2013, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61904795 | Nov 2013 | US |