Mobile power supply for charging mobile equipment

Abstract

An adapter plug for a mobile power supply includes a housing, an electrical connector, a tip, and an electrical circuit. The electrical connector is associated with the housing and is configured to contact an electrical connector of a mobile power supply. The tip is configured to engage a wall-type power outlet. The electrical circuit is disposed within the housing and electrically connects the tip to the electrical connector. The tip, the electrical circuit, and the electrical connector of the housing are configured to electrically couple the electrical circuit to the electrical connector of the mobile power supply when the electrical connector of the housing contacts the electrical connector of the mobile power supply and when the tip engages the wall-type power socket. Power is delivered from the wall-type power outlet to the mobile power source to recharge a battery of the mobile power source.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mobile power bank configured to charge a mobile device. In some aspects, the present disclosure includes an adapter plug configured to charge the mobile power bank. Background Art

[0002] Power banks can be used to charge the batteries of mobile devices such as mobile phones. Summary of the invention

[0003] In one embodiment, an adapter plug for a mobile power supply includes a housing, an electrical connector, a prong, and an electrical circuit. The electrical connector is associated with the housing and is configured to contact the electrical connector of the mobile power supply. The prong is configured to engage a wall outlet. The electrical circuit is disposed within the housing and electrically connects the prong to the electrical connector. The prong, the electrical circuit, and the electrical connector of the housing are configured to deliver power from the wall outlet to the mobile power supply to recharge the battery of the mobile power supply when the electrical connector of the housing contacts the electrical connector of the mobile power supply and when the prong engages the wall outlet.

[0004] In another embodiment, a mobile power source configured to charge a portable device includes a housing, a first battery, a primary coil, and a cable. The first battery is disposed within the housing. The primary coil is electrically connected to the first battery and disposed within the housing below an external panel. The primary coil is configured to interact with a secondary coil of a portable device to deliver power from the first battery to a second battery fixed to the portable device in response to the portable device being disposed on or near the external panel to charge the second battery. The cable is fixed to the housing and has a connector. The connector is configured to engage an electrical port so that power is delivered from the electrical port to the first battery to charge the first battery, or so that power is delivered from the first battery to the second battery.

[0005] In yet another embodiment, a mobile power source configured to charge a portable device includes a housing, a first battery, a primary coil, and a port. The first battery is disposed within the housing. The primary coil is electrically connected to the first battery and disposed within the housing below an external panel. The primary coil is configured to interact with a secondary coil of a portable device to deliver power from the first battery to a second battery fixed to the portable device in response to the portable device being disposed on or near the external panel to charge the second battery. The port is fixed to the housing and configured to receive a cable, the cable being configured to deliver power from a wall outlet to the first battery to charge the first battery. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an adapter plug configured to be attached to a power bank to charge (e.g., recharge) a battery of the power bank;

[0007] Figure 2 This is a partial exploded view of the adapter plug;

[0008] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating electrical components of an adapter plug, a power bank, and an electrical grid;

[0009] Figure 4 is a front view of the power bank when the adapter plug is attached to the power bank;

[0010] Figure 5 is a rear view of the power bank when the adapter plug is attached to the power bank;

[0011] Figure 6 is a side view of the power bank showing the bracket in an advanced position;

[0012] Figure 7 is a bottom view of the power bank, showing the bracket in an advanced position;

[0013] Figure 8 is a perspective view of an adapter plug configured to be attached to a power bank in an alternative configuration to charge (e.g., recharge) a battery of the power bank;

[0014] Fig. 9 yes Figure 8 a side view of the adapter plug configuration shown;

[0015] Fig.10 is a right perspective view of an alternative configuration of an adapter plug and a power bank;

[0016] Fig.11 yes Fig.10Left side perspective view of the adapter plug and power bank shown;

[0017] Fig.12 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a mobile power source;

[0018] Fig.13 yes Fig.12 a rear perspective view of the illustrated embodiment of the power bank;

[0019] Fig.14 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a mobile power source;

[0020] Fig.15 yes Fig.14 a rear perspective view of the illustrated embodiment of the power bank;

[0021] Fig.16 yes Figure 12 to Figure 15 Control diagram of each subcomponent of the mobile power supply shown;

[0022] Fig.17 is a diagram illustrating electrical components of a power bank and a portable device that can be charged by the power bank;

[0023] Fig.18 is a diagram illustrating a sensor as a subcomponent of a mobile power source and a power source for the sensor;

[0024] Fig.19 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of a mobile power source with a power cable shown in a stowed position;

[0025] Fig. 20 The power cables are shown in the operating position. Fig.19 A front perspective view of an embodiment of a mobile power supply;

[0026] Fig.21 The power cable is shown in the stowed position. Fig.19 A bottom perspective view of an embodiment of a mobile power source; and

[0027] Fig. 22 yes Fig.19 A front view of an implementation scheme of a mobile power supply. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein. However, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples, and other embodiments may take various alternative forms. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; some features may be enlarged or minimized to show the details of specific components. Therefore, the specific structural details and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as being restrictive, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt the embodiments in different ways. As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, the various features illustrated and described with reference to any of the accompanying drawings may be combined with the features shown in one or more other drawings to produce embodiments that are not explicitly shown or described. The combination of features shown provides representative embodiments for typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of features consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure may be desired for specific applications or implementations.

[0029] refer to Figures 1 to 3 , an adapter plug 42 is shown, which is configured to engage a power bank to recharge the battery of the power bank. The adapter plug 42 is separate from or external to the power bank. The adapter plug 42 is attachable to and detachable from the power bank. The adapter plug 42 is attachable to and detachable from the housing of the power bank. The adapter plug 42 includes a housing 44 having an exterior panel 46.

[0030] The adapter plug 42 includes a pin 48 protruding from the housing 44 (or other electrical connector (e.g., an inductive connector) associated with the housing 44). The pin 48 is configured to engage an electrical outlet (e.g., a port) defined by the mobile power supply. The pin 48 can also be disengaged from the electrical outlet. The pin 48 can be a spring pin or a spring-loaded pin. The adapter plug 42 also includes a prong 50 protruding from the housing 44. The prong 50 is configured to engage a wall outlet 52. The wall outlet 52 is connected to a power source (e.g., an electrical grid 54) and is configured to receive power from the power source. The prong 50 can also be disengaged from the wall outlet 52. The pin 48 and the prong 50 can protrude from different external panels 46 of the housing 44. The external panel 46 from which the pin 48 protrudes can be substantially perpendicular to the external panel 46 from which the prong 50 protrudes. Substantially perpendicular (e.g., an incremental integer) can refer to any incremental angle ranging between completely perpendicular and 15° from completely perpendicular.

[0031] The adapter plug 42 also includes an electrical circuit 56 disposed within the housing 44. The electrical circuit 56 electrically connects the prong 50 to the pin 48. Figure 3As shown, the mobile power supply 10 includes an electrical circuit including a primary coil 22, a switch 38, a port 31, and a battery 20. The electrical circuit of the mobile power supply 10 that connects the power outlet (e.g., port 31) to the battery 20 of the mobile power supply 10 is configured to deliver power from the wall power outlet 52 to the battery 20 of the mobile power supply 10 to recharge the battery 20 when the pin 48 engages the power outlet (e.g., port 31) defined by the mobile power supply 10 and when the prong 50 engages the wall power outlet 52. The electrical circuit 56 may include a buck converter 58 configured to reduce the voltage from the wall power outlet 52 that is delivered to the pin 48 and ultimately delivered to the battery 20 of the mobile power supply 10. The buck converter 58 may be a transformer including a primary coil 60 and a secondary coil 62.

[0032] The adapter plug 42 may include a magnet 64 disposed near an outer surface of the adapter plug 42 or near one of the outer panels 46 of the housing 44 of the adapter plug 42. The magnet 64 may be disposed below one of the outer panels 46 that serves as a cover for the magnet 64. The outer panel 46 covering the magnet 64 may be thin enough so that the strength of the magnetic attraction force through the outer panel 46 covering the magnet 64 is not reduced or is reduced by only a negligible amount. The magnet 64 may be disposed on the opposite first and second sides of the pin 48. The magnet 64 and the pin 48 may be disposed on an edge (e.g., a relatively narrow side) of the adapter plug 42, or on an edge of the housing 44 of the adapter plug. The magnet 64 is configured to engage the mobile power supply 10 or more superficially engage the housing 12 of the mobile power supply 10 to secure the adapter plug 42 to the housing 12 of the mobile power supply 10 and facilitate engagement and alignment between the pin 48 and an electrical outlet (e.g., port 31) defined by the mobile power supply 10.

[0033] refer to Figures 4 to 7 , respectively illustrate a front view, a rear view, a side view, and a bottom view of the mobile power source 10 when the adapter plug 42 is attached to the mobile power source 10. Figures 4 to 7 In each of the depicted views, the magnetic field from the magnet 64 engages the housing 12 or other metal component of the mobile power supply 10 to secure the adapter plug 42 attached to the mobile power supply 10. Figures 4 to 7 In each of the depicted views, the pins 48 engage an electrical outlet (eg, port) defined by the power bank 10 to establish an electrical connection between the adapter plug 42 and the circuitry of the power bank 10, such as Figure 3 shown.

[0034] like Figures 4 to 7As shown, the adapter plug 42 is attached to the bottom surface of the housing 12 of the mobile power supply 10. In other embodiments, the adapter plug 42 can be attached to other surfaces of the housing 12. For example, a side surface (e.g., a front surface) or an end surface of the adapter plug 42 can be attached to an area of ​​the front surface or rear surface of the housing 12, or an area of ​​the peripheral surface (e.g., a top surface or a side surface) of the housing 12. Attachment can be facilitated by embedding one or more magnets in an area of ​​the housing 12 configured to receive the adapter plug 42. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 An alternative configuration for attaching the adapter plug 42 to the power bank 10 is depicted. Figure 8 and Fig. 9 As shown, the front surface of the adapter plug 42 is attached to the lower portion of the front surface of the mobile power source 10 .

[0035] In one or more embodiments, a single adapter plug can include circuits configured to charge a power bank at different charging rates (e.g., 5KmAh, 10KmAh, 15KmAh, etc.). Thus, a single adapter plug can have the versatility to be used with power banks of any size. The adapter can have a USB port (e.g., a USB-C port) so that another device can be charged with the adapter plug via a USB cable.

[0036] The mobile power supply 10 may also include a bracket 66 rotatably fixed to the housing 12 of the mobile power supply 10. The bracket 66 may be rotatably fixed to the housing 12 of the mobile power supply 10 via pins 67. The bracket 66 may be configured to transition between a stowed or retracted position 69, in which the bracket 66 is received within a slot 68 defined by one of the exterior panels 14 of the housing 12, and an operational or advanced position 71, in which the bracket 66 extends from the housing 12 and is configured to support the mobile power supply 10 when the mobile power supply 10 is placed on a flat surface 70 (e.g., see FIG. 1 ). Figure 7 ). In the retracted position 69, the outer surface of the bracket 66 can be flush with the outer surface of the outer panel 14 that defines the slot 68. In the advanced position 71, the bracket 66 can be oriented at a certain angle relative to the housing 12. The angular movement of the bracket 66 can be limited to a position between the retracted position 69 and the advanced position 71. For example, a stop or stop surface on the bracket 66 or the housing 12 can prevent the bracket 66 from moving beyond the advanced position 71. The mobile power supply 10 can also include a snap or clip that can facilitate the retention of the bracket 66 when the bracket 66 is in the retracted position 69. A torsion spring can be arranged around a pin 67 that rotatably fixes the bracket 66 to the housing 12. Such a torsion spring can bias the bracket 66 toward the retracted position 69.

[0037] The adapter plug 42 may further define slots 72. The prongs 50 may be rotatably secured to the housing 44 of the adapter plug 42. Each prong 50 may be rotatably secured to the housing 44 of the adapter plug 42 via a pin 74 within one of the slots 72. Alternatively, each prong 50 may be disposed within a common slot. The prongs 50 are configured to rotate in and out of the slots 72 between a stowed or retracted position 176, in which a substantial portion or all of each prong 50 is concealed within the slot 72 (see, e.g., FIG. 1 ). Fig.12 and Fig.14 ), in the operative or advanced position 178, a major portion of each prong 50 extends out of the slot 72 (see, e.g., Fig.13 and Fig.15 The prong 50 is configured to engage the wall outlet 52 when in the advanced position 178 , but not to engage the wall outlet 52 when in the retracted position 176 .

[0038] refer to Fig.10 and Fig.11 , showing an alternative embodiment of a mobile power source 10 and an adapter plug 42. Unless otherwise specified herein, Fig.10 and Fig.11 The power bank 10 and adapter plug 42 shown may include elements of the power bank 10. In addition, Fig.10 and Fig.11 The mobile power supply 10 shown may include Figures 12 to 18 The adapter plug 42 is configured to be attached to the lower portion of the front surface of the mobile power supply 10 (see, for example, Figure 8 and Fig. 9 ). One or more magnets 43 may be disposed under the lower portion of the front surface of the mobile power supply 10, and the one or more magnets 43 may interact with one or more attachment elements 45 capable of being magnetized on the adapter plug 42 (e.g., an iron plate or an additional magnet disposed under the outer surface of the adapter plug 42) to attach the adapter plug 42 to the lower portion of the front surface of the mobile power supply 10. Alternatively, the magnet 43 may be disposed on the adapter plug 42, and the one or more elements 45 may be disposed on the mobile power supply 10. In one or more embodiments, the one or more magnets are carried by the adapter plug, and the one or more attachment elements are carried by the mobile power supply.

[0039] The electrical connection between the adapter plug 42 and the battery (e.g., battery 20) of the mobile power supply 10 is established via a connector 47 provided on the adapter plug 42, which engages an outlet or connector 49 on the mobile power supply 10. Fig.10 and Fig.11As shown, connector 47 includes pin 51 and secondary electrical contact 53. Secondary electrical contact 53 is arranged around pin 51 in a concentric configuration. Pin 51 and secondary electrical contact 53 can be separated by material 55 that electrically insulates pin 51 from secondary contact 53. Connector 49 includes socket or primary electrical contact 57 and secondary electrical contact 59. Secondary electrical contact 59 is arranged around primary electrical contact 57 in a concentric configuration. Primary electrical contact 57 and secondary electrical contact 59 can be separated by material 61 that electrically insulates primary electrical contact 57 from secondary contact 59. In one or more embodiments, connector 47 can be carried on mobile power 10, and connector 49 can be carried on adapter plug 42.

[0040] Pin 51 is configured to engage primary electrical contact 57 and secondary electrical contact 53 is configured to engage secondary electrical contact 59 to establish an electrical connection (e.g., with a power bank 10) between adapter plug 42 and a battery (e.g., battery 20). Figure 3 48). The concentric configuration of the two connectors 47, 49 allows the adapter plug 42 to be attached to the mobile power source 10 in any orientation, as long as the pin 51 remains connected to the primary electrical contact 57 and as long as the secondary electrical contact 53 remains connected to the secondary electrical contact 59. As long as the pin 51 remains connected to the primary electrical contact 57 and as long as the secondary electrical contact 53 remains connected to the secondary electrical contact 59, the adapter plug 42 can be rotated along the axis 63 to any desired orientation.

[0041] refer to Figures 12 to 18 , a mobile power supply 110 is shown. Referring to these figures, a mobile power supply 110 configured to charge a portable device (e.g., a mobile phone) external to the mobile power supply 110 is shown. The mobile power supply 110 includes a housing 112 composed of a plurality of external panels. The first of the external panels 14 has a lower surface 116 and an elevated surface 118 (although Fig.14 and Fig.15 The illustrated embodiment does not include an elevated surface or sensor. A battery 120 (or a group of batteries or battery cells) is disposed within the housing 112 (e.g., within an interior cavity defined by the housing 112). The battery 120 is configured to store power. A primary coil 122 is disposed within the housing 112 and below a first portion 124 of the elevated surface 118 (e.g., Fig.12 and Fig.13 The sensor 126 is disposed within the housing 112 and below the second portion 128 of the elevated surface 118 (as shown). Fig.12 and 13). The sensor 126 may be any type of sensor configured to detect a magnetic field, such as a Hall Effect sensor. The first portion 124 of the elevated surface 118 may be a circular area, and the second portion 128 of the elevated surface may be a linear shape area protruding from the circular area.

[0042] The mobile power supply 110 also includes a controller 130. The controller 130 may also be disposed in the housing 112. The controller 130 is configured to Fig.16 The input channels and output channels shown as dashed lines in FIG. 1 communicate with the battery 120, the primary coil 122, and the sensor 126. Each dashed line may represent an input channel and an output channel to and from each component of the mobile power supply 110. The input channels and the output channels may consist of wires that transmit electrical signals between the various components of the mobile power supply 110.

[0043] The controller 130 includes an algorithm configured to control the various components of the mobile power supply 110. For example, the controller 130 can be programmed to deliver power from the battery 120 to the primary coil 122 in response to the sensor 126 detecting a magnetic field outside the mobile power supply 110. The magnetic field outside the mobile power supply 110 can be a magnetic field generated by a portable device (e.g., a mobile phone), and can be detected in response to the portable device being set on or near the elevated surface 118. In one or more embodiments, "on..." can refer to the portable device contacting the receiving outer surface of the mobile power supply packaging. In one or more embodiments, "near..." can refer to the portable device approaching (e.g., 5mm, 4mm, 3mm, 2mm, 1mm, 0.5mm or less) but not contacting the receiving outer surface. The magnetic field can be a magnetic field generated by a secondary coil or magnet as a subcomponent of the portable device. The sensor 126 detecting the magnetic field can indicate that the portable device has been set on or near the elevated surface 118, so that the mobile power supply 110 can charge the battery of the portable device. The sensor 126 that detects the magnetic field can indicate that the distance between the primary coil 122 of the mobile power supply 110 and the secondary coil within the portable device is small enough (e.g., 5 mm, 4 mm, 3 mm, 2 mm, 1 mm, 0.5 mm, or less) so that the primary coil 122 can transfer power from the battery 120 to the secondary coil via induction to charge the battery of the portable device.

[0044] The controller 130 can also be programmed to forgo delivering power from the battery 120 to the primary coil 122 in response to the sensor 126 not detecting a magnetic field. The lack of a magnetic field detected can indicate that there is no portable device to be charged (e.g., no portable device is placed on or near the elevated surface 118, so the power bank 110 can charge the battery of the portable device via induction).

[0045] Although illustrated as one controller, the controller 130 may be part of a larger control system and may be controlled by various other controllers throughout the mobile power 110. The controller 130 and one or more other controllers may be collectively referred to as a "controller" that controls various subcomponents of the mobile power 110 in response to signals from various sensors to control the functions of the mobile power 110 or a mobile power subsystem. The controller 130 may include a microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU) that communicates with various types of computer-readable storage devices or media. The computer-readable storage device or media may include, for example, volatile and non-volatile storage devices in a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and a keep-alive memory (KAM). KAM is a persistent or non-volatile memory configured to store various operating variables when the CPU is powered off. The computer readable storage device or medium may be implemented using a PROM (programmable read-only memory), EPROM (electrically programmable read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), flash memory, or any other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combination memory device capable of storing data, some of which represents executable instructions used by the controller 130 in controlling the mobile power 110 or a mobile power subsystem.

[0046] The control logic or functions performed by the controller 130 can be represented by a flow chart or similar diagram in one or more figures. These figures provide representative control strategies and / or logic that can be implemented using one or more processing strategies (e.g., event-driven, interrupt-driven, multi-tasking, and multi-threading). In this way, the various steps or functions shown can be performed in parallel in the order shown, or omitted in some cases. Depending on the specific processing strategy used, one or more of the steps or functions shown can be repeated. Similarly, the processing order is not necessary to achieve the features and advantages described herein, but is provided for ease of illustration and description.

[0047] The control logic may be implemented primarily in software executed by a microprocessor-based controller (e.g., controller 130). Depending on the specific application, the control logic may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware in one or more controllers. When implemented in software, the control logic may be provided in one or more computer-readable storage devices or media that store data representing codes or instructions executed by a computer to control the mobile power supply 110 or its subsystems. The computer-readable storage device or medium may include one or more of a plurality of known physical devices that utilize electrical, magnetic, and / or optical storage devices to store executable instructions and associated calibration information and operating variables.

[0048] The mobile power supply 110 may also include an electrical outlet or port configured to receive an adapter or power cord. The adapter or power cord may be configured to be plugged into the electrical outlet to deliver power to the battery 120 via the port to charge the battery 120. The port may be configured to receive a spring pin or spring-loaded pin attached to the adapter or power cord. The port may be defined along the exterior of the housing 112. The mobile power supply 110 may also include an ON / OFF switch configured to turn the mobile power supply 110 on and off when charging of the portable device is required or not required, respectively.

[0049] refer to Figure 3 , an electrical diagram including electrical circuits of a mobile power source 110 and electrical circuits of a portable device 132 (e.g., a mobile phone) that can be charged by the mobile power source 110 is shown. The electrical circuits of the mobile power source 110 are disposed within a housing 112. The portable device 132 is external to the mobile power source 110. The primary coil 122 of the mobile power source 110 is configured to interact with the secondary coil 134 of the portable device 132 to deliver power from the battery 120 of the mobile power source 110 to the battery 136 of the portable device 132 in response to the portable device 132 being disposed near an elevated surface 118 to charge the battery 136 of the portable device 132 (e.g., the portable device 132 is disposed on or near the elevated surface 118, so that the mobile power source 110 can charge the battery 136 of the mobile device 132 via induction through the interaction between the primary coil 122 and the secondary coil 134).

[0050] The mobile power supply 110 may include a switch 138. The switch 138 may be configured to close in response to the sensor 126 detecting a magnetic field generated by the portable device 132 to deliver power to the primary coil 122. The switch may also be configured to open in the absence of a magnetic field generated by the portable device 132 to stop delivering power to the primary coil 122. The switch 138 may be controlled by the controller 130, may be internal to the controller 130 (e.g., the switch 138 may include a transistor that is turned on or off based on the state of the sensor 126), or the switch 138 may be integrated into the sensor 126 (e.g., the sensor 126 includes the switch 138 and closes or opens the switch 138 in response to detecting or not detecting an external magnetic field, respectively). The socket may also be connected to the battery 120, so that an adapter or power cord can deliver power to the battery 120 to recharge the battery 120.

[0051] refer to Fig.16, an electrical diagram of an electrical circuit including a sensor 126 and a power source 140 for the sensor 126 is shown. The power source 140 for the sensor 126 may be a battery 120. However, in order to prevent the sensor 126 from depleting the battery 120 of the mobile power source 110, the power source 140 for the sensor 126 may be outside the battery 120. For example, the power source 140 may be a secondary battery integrated into the mobile power source 110 (e.g., a secondary battery disposed within the housing 112 of the mobile power source 110), or may be a secondary battery disposed outside the mobile power source 110 but within a common package or container. When the mobile power source 110 is disposed within a packaging container, displayed for sale, and configured to allow a consumer to test the operability of the mobile power source 110 while the mobile power source 110 is still within the packaging container, it may be advantageous for the power source 140 to be a battery separate from the battery 120. This may minimize the amount of power from the battery 120 consumed via the sensor 126. If the battery 120 runs out of power in this situation, the consumer cannot test the operability of the power bank 110 without removing the power bank 110 from the packaging or container and plugging the power bank 110 into an electrical outlet via a power cord or adapter that engages a port, which may result in purchasing the power bank 110 without having a chance to test the functionality of the power bank 110.

[0052] Fig.17 and Fig.18 The electrical diagrams in are for illustration purposes. The mobile power supply 110 may include additional electrical components not shown, and some of the components may be rearranged (eg, components shown in parallel may be rearranged in series, or components shown in series may be rearranged in series).

[0053] The mobile power supply 110 may also include a bracket 166 that is rotatably fixed to the housing 112 of the mobile power supply 110. More specifically, the bracket 166 may be connected to the mobile power supply 110 via a pin (e.g., see Figure 5The bracket 166 is rotatably fixed to the housing 112 of the mobile power supply 110 by means of a pin 67 in the housing 112. The bracket 166 can be configured to switch between a stowed or retracted position 169, in which the bracket 166 is received in a slot 168 defined by one of the outer panels 114 of the housing 112, and an operating or advanced position 171, in which the bracket 166 extends from the housing 112 and is configured to support the mobile power supply 110 when the mobile power supply 110 is placed on a flat surface. In the retracted position 169, the outer surface of the bracket 166 can be flush with the outer surface of the outer panel defining the slot 168. In the advanced position 171, the bracket 166 can be oriented at a certain angle relative to the housing 112. The angular movement of the bracket 166 can be limited to a position between the retracted position 169 and the advanced position 171. For example, a stopper or stop surface on the bracket 166 or the housing 112 can prevent the bracket 166 from moving beyond the advanced position 171. The power bank 110 may also include a snap or clip that can facilitate retention of the bracket 166 when the bracket 166 is in the retracted position 169. A torsion spring may be disposed around the pin that rotatably secures the bracket 166 to the housing 112. Such a torsion spring may bias the bracket 166 toward the retracted position 169.

[0054] The mobile power supply 110 also includes a prong 150 protruding from the housing 112. The prong 150 is configured to engage the wall outlet 52. The wall outlet 52 is connected to a power source (e.g., a power grid 54) and is configured to receive power from the power source. The prong 150 can also be detached from the wall outlet 52. The prong 150 engages the wall outlet 52 to deliver power from the wall outlet 52 to the battery 120 to charge the battery 120. The prong 150 is connected to or forms a part of a line including the battery 120.

[0055] The housing 112 may also define a slot (see, e.g., Figure 4 The prongs 150 may be rotatably fixed to the housing 112. Each prong 150 may be rotatably fixed to the housing 112. Figure 4 The prongs 150 are rotatably fixed to the housing 112 in one of the slots. Alternatively, each prong 150 can be disposed in a common slot. The prongs 150 are configured to rotate in and out of the slots between a stowed or retracted position 176, in which a major portion or all of each prong 150 is hidden in the slot, and an operational or advanced position 178, in which a major portion of each prong 150 protrudes out of the slot. The prongs 150 are configured to engage the wall outlet 52 when in the advanced position 178, but not engage the wall outlet 52 when in the retracted position 176.

[0056] The mobile power supply 110 may also include a cable 180 fixed to the housing 112. The cable 180 may be integrated into the circuit of the mobile power supply 110 including the battery 120. The cable 180 includes a connector 182. The connector 182 may be configured to engage an electrical port connected to an external power source so that power is delivered to the battery 120 from the external power source via the cable 180 to charge the battery 120. The connector 182 may also be configured to engage an electrical port on a portable device (e.g., portable device 132) so that power is delivered to the battery of the portable device (e.g., battery 136) via the cable 180 from the battery 120 to charge the battery of the portable device. The mobile power supply 110 may also include a second cable 181, which includes a second connector 183.

[0057] The housing 112 may define a slot 184 along a periphery or outer edge 186 of the housing 112. The cable 180 may be configured to be disposed within the slot 184 when in the stowed or retracted position 188. The cable may be configured to be at least partially outside of the slot 184 when in the operational or advanced position 190. The second cable 181 may be disposed within the slot 184 when in the stowed or retracted position 188. Fig.14 1 is shown in the advanced position 191. The slot 184 can be defined along the side edge 192 and the lower edge 194 of the housing 112, similar to Fig.21 . A portion 196 of the slot 184 configured to receive the connector 182 of the power cable 180 can have a width W1 that is greater than a width W2 of the remainder 197 of the slot 184. The cable 180 can be a USB cable and the connector 182 can be a USB connector. The cable 180 can be a USB-C cable and the connector 182 can be a USB-C connector. The housing 112 can have a second slot on an opposite side edge, including a second slot configured as a mirror image of the cable 180.

[0058] The power bank 110 may also include an ON / OFF switch configured to turn the power bank 110 on and off when charging of the portable device is desired or not desired, respectively. Figure 16 to Figure 18The circuits shown may represent the circuits of the mobile power supply 110. However, the electrical circuits of the mobile power supply 110 may include circuits that are a combination or integration of the electrical circuits 56 of the adapter plug 42 and the electrical circuits of the mobile power supply 10 (e.g., the connection between the electrical outlet 31 and the prong 48 is eliminated and replaced by a hardwired, non-detachable connection that integrates the circuits 56 of the adapter plug 42 and the circuits of the mobile power supply 10 into a single circuit merged into the mobile power supply 110). The electrical circuits of the mobile power supply 110 may also include an electrical connection between the cable 180 and the battery 120. The size of the mobile power supply 110 may be designed for any desired charging operation. For example, the mobile power supply 110 includes any desired charging rate, including but not limited to 5KmAh, 10KmAh, and 15KmAh.

[0059] refer to Figure 19 to Figure 22 , a mobile power supply 210 is shown. The mobile power supply 210 is configured to charge a portable device (e.g., a mobile phone) outside the mobile power supply 210. The mobile power supply 210 includes a housing 212 composed of a plurality of external panels. A battery 220 (or a group of batteries or battery cells) is disposed within the housing 212 (e.g., within an inner cavity defined by the housing 212). The battery 220 is configured to store electricity.

[0060] The mobile power supply 210 also includes a controller 230. The controller 230 may also be disposed in the housing 212. The controller 230 is configured to Fig. 22 The input channels and output channels shown as dashed lines in the figure communicate with the battery 220 and various electrical connections (described below). Each dashed line can represent an input channel and an output channel to and from each component of the mobile power 210. The input channels and output channels can consist of wires that transmit electrical signals between the various components of the mobile power 210.

[0061] The controller 230 includes an algorithm configured to control various components of the mobile power supply 210. For example, the controller 230 can be programmed to deliver power to an external source (e.g., a power grid or a battery of a connected portable device) or receive power from the external source via the electrical connection in response to an electrical connection to the battery 220. In another example, the controller 230 can be programmed to stop delivering power to an external source or receiving power from an external source in response to an electrical disconnection from the battery 220.

[0062] Although illustrated as one controller, the controller 230 may be part of a larger control system and may be controlled by various other controllers throughout the mobile power 210. The controller 230 and one or more other controllers may be collectively referred to as a "controller" that controls the various subcomponents of the mobile power 210 in response to signals from various sensors to control the functions of the mobile power 210 or the mobile power subsystem. The controller 230 may include a microprocessor or central processing unit (CPU) that communicates with various types of computer-readable storage devices or media. The computer-readable storage device or media may include, for example, volatile and non-volatile storage devices in a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and a keep-alive memory (KAM). KAM is a persistent or non-volatile memory configured to store various operating variables when the CPU is powered off. The computer readable storage device or medium may be implemented using a PROM (programmable read-only memory), EPROM (electrically programmable read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), flash memory, or any other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combination storage device capable of storing data, some of which represents executable instructions used by the controller 230 in controlling the mobile power 210 or a mobile power subsystem.

[0063] The control logic or functions performed by the controller 230 can be represented by a flow chart or similar diagram in one or more figures. These figures provide representative control strategies and / or logic that can be implemented using one or more processing strategies (e.g., event-driven, interrupt-driven, multi-tasking, and multi-threading). In this way, the various steps or functions shown can be performed in parallel in the order shown, or omitted in some cases. Depending on the specific processing strategy used, one or more of the steps or functions shown can be repeated. Similarly, the processing order is not necessary to achieve the features and advantages described herein, but is provided for ease of illustration and description.

[0064] The control logic may be implemented primarily in software executed by a microprocessor-based controller (e.g., controller 230). Of course, depending on the specific application, the control logic may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination of software and hardware in one or more controllers. When implemented in software, the control logic may be provided in one or more computer-readable storage devices or media, which store data representing codes or instructions executed by a computer to control the mobile power supply 210 or its subsystems. The computer-readable storage device or medium may include one or more of a plurality of known physical devices that utilize electrical, magnetic, and / or optical storage devices to store executable instructions and associated calibration information and operating variables.

[0065] The mobile power supply 210 also includes a prong 250 protruding from the housing 212. The prong 250 is configured to engage a wall outlet 52. The wall outlet 52 is connected to a power source (e.g., a power grid 54) and is configured to receive power from the power source. The prong 250 can also be detached from the wall outlet 52. The prong 250 engages the wall outlet 52 to deliver power from the wall outlet 52 to the battery 220 to charge the battery 220. The prong 250 is connected to or forms a part of a line including the battery 220.

[0066] The housing 212 may also define a slot (see, e.g., Figure 4 The prongs 250 may be rotatably fixed to the housing 212. More specifically, each prong 250 may be rotatably fixed to the housing 212 via a pin (e.g., see Figure 4 The prongs 250 are rotatably fixed to the housing 212 in one of the slots (the pins 74 in the housing 212). Alternatively, each prong 250 can be disposed in a common slot. The prongs 250 are configured to rotate in and out of the slots between a stowed or retracted position 276, in which a major portion or all of each prong 250 is hidden in the slot, and an operational or advanced position 278, in which a major portion of each prong 250 extends out of the slot. The prongs 250 are configured to engage the wall outlet 52 when in the advanced position 278, but not engage the wall outlet 52 when in the retracted position 276.

[0067] The mobile power supply 210 may also include a cable 280 fixed to the housing 212. The cable 280 may be integrated into the circuit of the mobile power supply 210 including the battery 220. The cable 280 includes a connector 282. The connector 282 may be configured to engage an electrical port connected to an external power source so that power is delivered from the external power source to the battery 220 via the cable 280 to charge the battery 220. The connector 282 may also be configured to engage an electrical port on a portable device (e.g., portable device 132) so that power is delivered from the battery 220 to the battery of the portable device (e.g., battery 136) via the cable 280 to charge the battery of the portable device.

[0068] The housing 212 can define a slot 284 along a periphery or outer edge 286 of the housing 212. The cable 280 can be configured to be disposed within the slot 284 when in a stowed or retracted position 288. The cable can be configured to be at least partially outside of the slot 284 when in an operational or advanced position 290. The slot 284 can be defined along a side edge 292, an upper edge 294, and a lower edge 296 of the housing 212. The cable 280 can be a USB cable and the connector 282 can be a USB connector. The cable 280 can be a USB-C cable and the connector 282 can be a USB-C connector.

[0069] The housing 212 may define at least one electrical port 298 configured to receive an electrical connector 299 connected to an external power source such that power is delivered from the external power source to the battery 220 via a connection between the at least one electrical port 298 and the electrical connector 299 connected to the external power source. The at least one electrical port 298 may also be configured to receive an electrical connector 299 connected to a portable device (e.g., portable device 32) such that power is delivered from the battery 220 to the battery of the portable device (e.g., battery 136) via a connection between the at least one electrical port 298 and the electrical connector 299 connected to the portable device. The at least one electrical port 298 may be a USB port (e.g., a USB-C port).

[0070] The mobile power supply 210 may also include an ON / OFF switch configured to turn the mobile power supply 210 on and off when charging of the portable device is required or not required, respectively. The size of the mobile power supply 210 may be designed for any desired charging operation. For example, the mobile power supply 210 may include any desired charging rate, including but not limited to a charging rate of 67W or 120W.

[0071] In one embodiment, a mobile power system configured to charge a portable device is disclosed, the mobile power system comprising a housing, a first battery, an electrical circuit, a primary coil, and an adapter plug. The housing has an external panel and defines a housing electrical outlet. The first battery is disposed within the housing and is configured to store power. The electrical circuit disposed within the housing is configured to electrically connect the housing electrical outlet to the first battery. The primary coil is electrically connected to the first battery and disposed within the housing below the external panel. The primary coil is configured to interact with a secondary coil of a portable device to deliver power from the first battery to a second battery fixed to the portable device in response to the portable device being disposed on or near the external panel to charge the second battery. The adapter plug is disposed outside the housing, has an electrical connector configured to contact the housing electrical outlet, and has a prong electrically connected to the electrical connector. The prong is configured to engage a wall outlet. The prong, the electrical connector, and the electrical circuit are configured to deliver power from the wall outlet to the first battery to charge the first battery when the electrical connector contacts the housing electrical outlet and when the prong engages the wall outlet.

[0072] The mobile power system may further include a second electrical circuit electrically connecting the prong to the electrical connector. The second electrical circuit may include a buck converter configured to reduce the voltage delivered from the wall outlet to the electrical connector. The adapter plug may have a second housing defining at least one slot, and the prong may be rotatably fixed to the second housing, and the prong may be configured to rotate in and out of the at least one slot between a stowed position and an operating position, respectively. The mobile power system may further include a bracket rotatably fixed to the housing. The adapter plug may include a magnet disposed near an outer surface of the adapter plug. The magnet may be configured to engage the housing to fix the adapter plug to the housing. The magnet may be disposed on opposite first and second sides of the electrical connector. The magnet and the electrical connector may be disposed on an edge of the adapter plug.

[0073] A mobile power source configured to charge a portable device includes a housing, a first battery, a prong, and a cable. The first battery is disposed within the housing. The prong is secured to the housing. The prong is configured to engage a wall outlet and deliver power from the wall outlet to the first battery to charge the first battery. The cable is secured to the housing and has a connector. The connector is configured to engage an electrical port so that power is delivered from the electrical port to the first battery to charge the first battery, or so that power is delivered from the first battery to a second battery.

[0074] The housing may define at least one slot, and the prong may be rotatably fixed to the housing, and the prong may be configured to rotate into and out of the at least one slot between a stowed position and an operating position, respectively. The prong is configured to engage a wall outlet when in the operating position, but not to engage a wall outlet when in the stowed position. The housing may define a slot along an outer edge, and the cable may be configured to be disposed within the slot when in the stowed position, and the cable may be configured to be at least partially outside the slot when in the operating position. The slot may be defined along a side edge and an upper edge of the housing. The cable may be a USB cable. The housing may define at least one electrical port configured to receive an electrical connector. The mobile power supply may also include a second cable fixed to the housing. The second cable may have a second connector, the second connector being configured to engage a second electrical port, so that power is delivered from the second electrical port to the first battery to charge the first battery, or power is delivered from the first battery to a third battery.

[0075] The first, second, third, fourth, etc. designations of any component, state, or condition described herein may be rearranged in the claims so that the designations are in chronological order relative to the claims. If one or more of the specific components, states, or conditions are claimed, any component, state, or condition described herein without a numerical designation may be given a first, second, third, fourth, etc. designation in the claims.

[0076] The words used in this specification are descriptive words, not limiting words, and it should be understood that various changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. As previously mentioned, the features of the various embodiments can be combined to form other embodiments that may not be explicitly described or illustrated. Although various embodiments may have been described as providing advantages or being superior to other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more desired characteristics, it is recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that one or more features or characteristics can be compromised to achieve the desired overall system properties, depending on the specific application and implementation. Therefore, embodiments described as being less ideal than other embodiments or prior art implementations with respect to one or more characteristics do not exceed the scope of the present disclosure and may be ideal for specific applications.

Claims

1. An adapter plug for a mobile power source, the adapter plug comprising: shell; an electrical connector associated with the housing and configured to contact an electrical connector of the mobile power source defined by the mobile power source; a prong configured to engage a wall outlet; as well as an electrical circuit that (i) is disposed within the housing and (ii) electrically connects the prong to the electrical connector associated with the housing, wherein the prong, the electrical circuit, and the electrical connector associated with the housing are configured to deliver power from the wall outlet to the power bank to recharge a battery of the power bank when (i) the electrical connector associated with the housing contacts the electrical connector of the power bank and (ii) the prong engages the wall outlet.

2. The adapter plug of claim 1, wherein the adapter plug is configured to charge a first mobile power source at a first charging rate and to charge a second mobile power source at a second charging rate different from the first charging rate.

3. An adapter plug as described in claim 1, wherein (i) the housing defines at least one slot, (ii) the prong is rotatably fixed to the housing, and (iii) the prong is configured to rotate into and out of the at least one slot between a stowed position and an operative position, respectively.

4. The adapter plug of claim 1, further comprising a magnet configured to engage the power bank to secure the adapter plug to the power bank.

5. The adapter plug of claim 4, wherein the magnets are disposed on opposing first and second sides of the electrical connector of the housing.

6. The adapter plug of claim 5, wherein the magnet and the electrical connector of the housing are disposed on an edge of the adapter plug.

7. The adapter plug of claim 4, wherein the magnet is disposed adjacent an outer surface of the adapter plug.

8. The adapter plug of claim 1, further comprising a port secured to the housing and configured to receive a cable configured to deliver power from the wall outlet to an electrical device connected to the cable.

9. The adapter plug of claim 8, wherein the cable is configured to deliver power from the wall outlet to the electrical device connected to the cable at the same time that the wall outlet delivers power to the power bank through the prongs, the electrical circuit, and the electrical connector of the housing.

10. A mobile power source configured to charge a portable device, the mobile power source comprising: shell; a first battery disposed in the housing; a primary coil (i) electrically connected to the first battery and (ii) disposed within the housing and beneath the exterior panel, wherein the primary coil is configured to interact with a secondary coil of a portable device to transfer power from the first battery to a second battery secured to the portable device to charge the second battery in response to the portable device being disposed on or near the exterior panel; as well as A cable (i) is secured to the housing and (ii) has a connector, wherein the connector is configured to engage the electrical port so that (a) power is delivered from the electrical port to the first battery to charge the first battery, or (b) power is delivered from the first battery to the second battery.

11. The power bank of claim 10, wherein (i) the housing defines a slot along an outer edge, (ii) the cable is configured to be disposed within the slot when in the stowed position, and (iii) the cable is configured to be at least partially outside of the slot when in the operating position.

12. The mobile power source of claim 11, wherein the groove is defined along a side edge and a lower edge of the housing. 13 . The mobile power source of claim 11 , wherein a portion of the slot configured to receive the connector of the power cable has a width greater than a width of a remaining portion of the slot. 14 . The mobile power source of claim 10 , further comprising a bracket rotatably fixed to the housing.

15. The power bank of claim 10, further comprising a prong secured to the housing and configured to (i) engage a wall outlet and (ii) deliver power from the wall outlet to the first battery to charge the first battery.

16. The power bank of claim 15, wherein (i) the housing defines at least one slot, (ii) the prong is rotatably secured to the housing, and (iii) the prong is configured to rotate in and out of the at least one slot between a stowed position and an operating position, respectively.

17. The power bank of claim 16, wherein the prongs are configured to engage the wall outlet when in the operating position, but not to engage the wall outlet when in the stowed position.

18. The mobile power supply of claim 10, wherein the cable is a USB cable.

19. The mobile power supply of claim 10, further comprising a second cable, the second cable (i) being secured to the housing and (ii) having a second connector, wherein the second connector is configured to engage a second electrical port such that (a) power is delivered from the second electrical port to the first battery to charge the first battery, or (b) power is delivered from the first battery to a third battery.

20. A mobile power source configured to charge a portable device, the mobile power source comprising: shell; a first battery disposed in the housing; a primary coil (i) electrically connected to the first battery and (ii) disposed within the housing and beneath the exterior panel, wherein the primary coil is configured to interact with a secondary coil of a portable device to transfer power from the first battery to a second battery secured to the portable device to charge the second battery in response to the portable device being disposed on or near the exterior panel; as well as A port is secured to the housing and is configured to receive a cable configured to deliver power from a wall outlet to the first battery to charge the first battery.

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