Rechargeable battery unit of tattoo machine with voltage controller

Abstract

A compact battery and supply voltage controller apparatus for a tattoo machine is disclosed. The battery and the controller are arranged to connect the battery to the tattooing machine through a replaceable internally contained magnetic connection adapter. The display screen operated by the change-over switch provides easy-to-view state and battery health condition information and incremental voltage regulation information regulated by using the booster circuit and the regulation knob. The internal battery can be replaced, and / or taken out and charged.

Description

[0001] Divisional application

[0002] This application is a divisional application of application number 202080002370.2, application date March 19, 2020, and titled “Rechargeable battery unit for tattoo machine with voltage controller”.

[0003] This application claims priority to previously filed provisional application No. 62 / 825,020, filed on March 27, 2019. Technical Field

[0004] The present invention relates to a rechargeable battery system for powering a tattoo machine. More particularly, the present invention relates to a compact rechargeable battery system with a voltage controller and a variable mounting configuration for a tattoo machine. Background Art

[0005] Tattoo machines are usually powered by mains electricity and often have long cords. Tattoo machines can also be found that use batteries as a power source, where the battery is fixed (tied) to the tattoo artist's arm via a power cord that extends to the tattoo machine. In many cases, the connection between the battery and the tattoo machine in the prior art is not secure and is prone to rotation during use, or even disconnection. In addition, the battery tied to the arm can be cumbersome, as the weight of the battery on the tattoo artist's arm can easily cause trouble and affect the tattoo artist's dexterity and skill. The battery can get hot, especially during long tattooing sessions. While rechargeable batteries with "speed" control do exist for tattoo machines, the execution of the machine often results in inaccurate power control, is not suitable for brushless DC motors, and the awkward battery "pendulum" presses on one end of the machine, making the opposite tattoo end more difficult to control accurately.

[0006] What is needed in the art is a compact, lightweight rechargeable battery for a tattoo machine having multiple adjustable tattoo machine-to-battery interface possibilities to accommodate the weight and balance preferences of the tattoo artist and providing one or more easily viewable status indicators regarding battery health, voltage settings, and regulation modes. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention is a compact battery and power controller for a tattoo machine. The present invention includes a battery system that allows the battery to be directly connected to the tattoo machine through a variety of internally contained magnetic connection adapters and provides easy viewing of status and battery health, as well as voltage adjustment in 0.01V increments, which is accomplished by using a boost circuit or a voltage regulator / potentiometer circuit actuated by rotating an adjustment knob. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Figure 1shows a perspective view of a rechargeable battery and a voltage control unit according to the present invention;

[0009] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A side view of a partial internal mechanism of the device;

[0010] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A front view of the device in FIG.

[0011] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 A rear end view of the device in FIG.

[0012] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 A top plan view of the device in;

[0013] Figure 6 Shows Figure 1 A bottom plan view of the device in FIG.

[0014] Figure 7 Shows Figure 1 3 / 4 front view of the device in;

[0015] Figure 8 An RCA-type adapter is shown for use with a tattoo machine having an RCA-type power port;

[0016] Fig. 9 A 3.5 mm phono type adapter is shown for use with a tattoo machine having a phono type power port;

[0017] Fig.10 An adapter for a tattoo machine having a typical DC connection port is shown;

[0018] Fig.11 An adapter is shown for use with a "clip-on-wire" type tattoo machine power supply;

[0019] Fig.12 A power end of a tattoo machine is shown having an RCA type power port on the end shown;

[0020] Fig.13 Shown above Figure 8 A variation of the adapter shown in , namely an RCA adapter having an RCA male end portion and opposing magnetic connectors;

[0021] Fig.14 The power supply end of the tattoo machine having a sound tube type power connector is shown;

[0022] Fig.15 A 3.5mm female voice tube style power socket is shown;

[0023] Fig.16 A voice tube power supply plugged into a tattoo machine having a voice tube power socket is shown;

[0024] Fig.17 A magnetic connector for a "clip-on" tattoo machine is shown;

[0025] Fig.18 Shows Fig.17 A connector that connects to the tattoo machine via a "clip-wire" type connection;

[0026] Fig.19 yes Figure 1 A battery pack for the device;

[0027] Fig. 20 Shows Fig.19 orientation of the battery pack and insertion into Figure 1 Devices in

[0028] Fig.21 It is a DC-DC power converter boost circuit used to increase the output voltage of the power supply;

[0029] Fig. 22 is a screen shot of display 5 showing battery status, voltage and temperature;

[0030] Fig.23 is a screen shot of display 5 showing the information provided flipped for a left-handed user;

[0031] Fig.24 is a screen shot of display 5 showing the display in metric units with Fig. 22 The same information in . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] about Figure 1-7 : shows an exemplary compact battery power supply device according to the present invention. The device includes a housing 15, a display 5, a power switch 4, an adjustment knob 2, a screen display switch 3, a battery box cover 1 and a mounting surface 6 with an insertion cavity for inserting a magnetic tattoo machine connector.

[0033] The display 5 can show the tattoo artist any one or more of the following information: 1. Battery life (in time, volts, amps, percentage, etc.); 2. Temperature of the battery cell during operation; 3. Current consumption; 4. Operation status (on / off / standby / charging / fully charged / etc.). Figure 22-24Of course, other potentially useful information may also be displayed, depending on design preferences. In some embodiments, the display 5 may be a touch-sensitive display, thereby allowing a degree of display and / or operating mode configurability. In the embodiment shown, the control button 3 switches the display screen between preset information storage panels and flips the screen for left-handed operation display and right-handed operation display. See Fig.23 .

[0034] In the embodiment shown, the screen toggle buttons 3 operate in the following order: Touch 1 turns on the main screen 5. Touch 2 allows the screen 5 to be turned off while the unit 15 is still powering the machine. This allows the user to choose to keep the screen off or on when in use. Touch 3 allows the user to switch the units of the power supply temperature reading between Celsius and Fahrenheit. Touch 4 allows the user to store up to 2 preset voltages (whatever the optimal operating speed for the task they are trying to perform). Touch 5 allows the user to clear the preset voltages they have stored. Touch 6 allows the user to flip the screen viewing angle 180 degrees. This allows the machine to be conveniently used by right-handed or left-handed users, and the screen is always facing the correct reading direction for a given user.

[0035] As the name implies, the power switch 4 switches the battery from an enabled state to a disabled state. Figure 2 The rotary potentiometer 8 shown or Fig.21 The step-up circuit shown in action, adjustment knob 2 can be used to select different voltage / current settings in the battery between 0 and 12 volts in fine adjustment increments of 0.01 volt.

[0036] The mounting surface 6 provides structure for mounting a magnetic connection interface adapter to engage the battery power unit 15 with the power terminal of the tattoo machine, or to engage with any necessary adapter to configure the tattoo machine to interface with the internal magnetic connector 6 of the device 15 shown. The tattoo machine selected for use is first equipped with the appropriate adapter (RCA type, voice tube type, DC type, clip line type, etc.), and then the device 15 is engaged with the tattoo machine so equipped.

[0037] like Figure 8 As shown, the male RCA power connector 70 has a male RCA end 72 opposite a magnetic type connector 74 that fits into the mounting surface 6 of the battery power housing 15 and contacts the electromagnetic conductor within the mounting surface 6. The male RCA power connector 70 can be a removable "plug" and can be transferred back and forth between other tattoo machines equipped with an RCA type power and control interface. For example, Fig.12The tattoo machine 50 shown. The mounting surface insertion cavity 6 provides a structural connection point for the power connector 70 to the battery system. That is, the mounting surface 6 insertion cavity operates to physically "receive" the power connector 70, which in turn is physically attached to the tattoo machine (not shown). In this example, the power connector 70 provides an electrical connection and a physical connection to the tattoo machine. In some embodiments, the electrical connection and physical connection capabilities can be achieved through different structures.

[0038] For example, in Fig. 9 , a 3.5 mm voice tube power connector 80 is shown having an extended female voice tube end 82 opposite a magnetic type connector 84 which fits into the mounting surface 6 of the battery housing 15 and contacts the electromagnetic conductor in the mounting surface 6. The voice tube power connector 80 can be a removable "plug" and can be transferred back and forth between other tattoo machines equipped with voice tube power and control interfaces. For example, Fig.14 The tattoo machine 52 shown and Fig.16 The tattoo machine 54 shown. The mounting surface insertion cavity 6 provides a structural connection point for connecting the power connector 80 to the battery system. That is, the mounting surface 6 insertion cavity operates to physically "receive" the power connector 80, which in turn is physically attached to the tattoo machine (not shown). In this example, the power connector 80 provides both an electrical connection and a physical connection to the tattoo machine.

[0039] In another example, Fig.10 A DC type adapter 90 is shown. The adapter 90 has a male DC end 92 opposite a magnetic type connector 94 that fits in the mounting surface 6 of the battery housing 15 and contacts the electromagnetic conductor in the mounting surface 6. The male DC power connector 90 can be a removable "plug" and can be transferred back and forth between other tattoo machines equipped with a DC type power supply and control interface. The mounting surface insertion cavity 6 provides a structural connection point for the power connector 90 to the battery system. That is, the mounting surface 6 insertion cavity operates to physically "accommodate" the power connector 90, which in turn is physically attached to the tattoo machine (not shown). In this example, the power connector 90 provides both an electrical connection and a physical connection to the tattoo machine.

[0040] As a further non-limiting example, a "clip" or "post" type adapter 100 may secure the battery to the tattoo machine, while providing electrical connection via a separate clip cord connection, such as Fig.11 , 17 Attach the clamping adapter 100 to the Fig.18The tattoo machine shown, with the coil and magnet exposed, is then attached to the power supply 15 by inserting it into the cavity 6 of the unit 15. Other modifications and changes based on design preferences should be understood to be within the scope of the present disclosure, such as two-wire type, single-wire type (with polarity), balun type, etc. This flexibility allows the exemplary battery system to connect to almost all different types of tattoo machines in the industry. And, if configured with a variable power output capability (using the adjustment knob 2), the exemplary battery system can provide an enhanced range of compatibility for various tattoo machines with different voltage requirements. The tattoo artist only needs to install the correct mounting interface adapter for the required power connector. Alternatively, insert the appropriate power connector into the mounting interface cavity 6. This allows the exemplary battery system to be easily used with different types of machines.

[0041] The system is also capable of providing different voltages that can be selected by the tattoo artist. For example, the tattoo artist can select from 0 to 12 volts in 0.01 volt increments. The compactness of the exemplary system allows the unit to weigh less than 1.3 ounces while still providing up to 8 hours of use. In addition, if the light of the display 5 is bothersome, the display 5 is set to turn off (or reduce the brightness). In addition, the display 5 is configured to flip (or rotate) for easy reading by a left-handed user. See Figure 22-24 .

[0042] Fig.19 and 20 The detachable battery cover 1 is shown separated from the device housing 15 and the attached battery 20 and battery pack 21. Specifically, Fig. 20 A battery pack 21 is shown inserted into the housing battery cavity 22. The battery 20 may include, for example, a rechargeable lithium-ion type battery totaling 12-14V, which has a conventional known charging interface, i.e., a USB interface, a micro USB interface, etc. Alternatively, the battery may be a universal battery type, which can be removed, charged and replaced in the battery cavity 22, with the cover 1 of the battery cavity 22 acting only as a cover, in the case where the battery cavity is equipped to accommodate such a battery. The removability of the battery (whether combined into a unit with the cover, or as a separate battery unit) can eliminate the limitations imposed by the battery life on the use of the unit 15. Additional batteries or battery packs can be obtained separately, thereby extending the service life of the unit 15.

[0043] Fig.21 A typical DC-DC power boost circuit 110 is shown, where the current is reduced in exchange for a voltage boost. This type of circuit is used to step up and down the supply voltage from the battery to the connected tattoo machine, and can be used as Figure 2 An alternative to the rotary potentiometer shown.

Claims

1. Tattoo device, comprising: A tattoo machine having a power supply terminal; a battery housing having a battery and a tattoo machine connector end, the tattoo machine connector end including a mounting interface having a portion extending outwardly from the battery; Wherein, the mounting interface of the tattoo machine connector end has an internal mounting surface and an insertion cavity, wherein the insertion cavity is formed by a portion extending outward from the battery and receives at least a portion of the tattoo machine power connector; wherein the internal mounting surface is electrically coupled to the tattoo machine power connector to receive power from the battery; and Wherein, the mounting interface at the power connector end of the tattoo machine is provided with a magnetic connector for magnetically connecting the battery housing to the tattoo machine.

2. The tattoo device according to claim 1, further comprising a display screen.

3. The tattoo device according to claim 2, wherein: The display screen is selectively arranged between the left-hand information presentation and the right-hand information presentation.

4. The tattoo device according to claim 1, wherein: The battery is compatible with different tattoo machines.

5. The tattoo device according to claim 1, wherein: The battery provides a variety of power outputs.

6. The tattoo device according to claim 1, wherein: The mounting interface provides a structural connection with the tattoo machine.

7. The tattoo device according to claim 1, wherein: The mounting interface fixes the battery housing on the tattoo machine.

8. The tattoo device according to claim 2, wherein: The display screen is located on the battery housing, and wherein a portion of the battery housing is cylindrical, and a portion of the battery housing forms a raised flat portion located at the display screen.

9. The tattoo device according to claim 1, wherein: The battery housing is cylindrical.

10. The tattoo device according to claim 2, wherein: The display screen is touch sensitive.

11. The tattoo device according to claim 1, wherein: The display screen switches to present multiple items of information.

12. The tattoo device according to claim 2, wherein: When the tattoo machine is in use, the display screen is turned off.

13. The tattoo device of claim 1, further comprising a voltage controller.

14. Tattoo device, comprising: A tattoo machine having a power supply terminal; a battery housing having a battery and a tattoo machine connector end, the tattoo machine connector end including a mounting interface having a portion extending outwardly from the battery; Wherein, the mounting interface of the tattoo machine connector end has an internal mounting surface and an insertion cavity, wherein the insertion cavity is formed by a portion extending outward from the battery and receives at least a portion of the tattoo machine power connector; wherein the internal mounting surface is electrically coupled to the tattoo machine power connector to receive power from the battery; wherein the mounting interface of the tattoo machine power connector end and the power end of the tattoo machine are magnetically coupled to each other; and Among them, the mounting interface of the tattoo machine power connector end provides a structural connection with the tattoo machine, so that the tattoo machine connector end of the battery housing fixes the battery housing on the tattoo machine.

15. The tattoo device according to claim 14, further comprising a display screen, wherein: The display screen is located on the battery housing, a portion of the battery housing is cylindrical, and a portion of the battery housing forms a raised flat portion located at the display screen.

16. The tattoo device according to claim 15, wherein: The display screen is rotatable.

17. The tattoo device according to claim 15, further comprising a voltage controller, wherein: The voltage controller provides a voltage based on a user selectable input via an input selector.

18. The tattoo device of claim 15, further comprising a mounting interface adapter.

19. Tattoo device, comprising: A tattoo machine having a power supply terminal; a battery housing having a battery and a tattoo machine connector end, the tattoo machine connector end including a mounting interface having a portion extending outwardly from the battery; a voltage controller providing an input from the battery; Wherein, the mounting interface of the tattoo machine connector end has an internal mounting surface and an insertion cavity, wherein the insertion cavity is formed by a portion extending outward from the battery and receives at least a portion of the tattoo machine power connector of the tattoo machine; wherein the mounting interface of the tattoo machine connector end and the power supply end of the tattoo machine are magnetically coupled to each other; and Among them, the mounting interface of the tattoo machine power connector end provides a structural connection with the tattoo machine, so that the tattoo machine connector end of the battery housing fixes the battery housing on the tattoo machine.

20. The tattoo device of claim 19, further comprising a mounting interface adapter.

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