Power bank module, power bank, and how to operate the power bank module

Abstract

The present invention provides a power bank module (12) comprising: a PCB (32) having a controller (34) disposed thereon; a plurality of rechargeable battery ports (14, 14', 14'') disposed on the PCB (32) and connectable to a plurality of rechargeable battery packs (100', 100'', 100''') and configured to establish a functional connection between the power bank module (12); at least one supply connection (16) disposed on the PCB and connectable to a load and configured to establish a functional connection between the connected load and the power bank module (12); and a charging connection (18) disposed on the PCB and connectable to an energy source and configured to establish a functional connection between the energy source and the power bank module (12). Furthermore, the controller (34) is configured to control the electrical connection between the plurality of rechargeable battery ports (14, 14', 14"), the at least one supply connection (16), and the charging connection (18), such that a closed circuit including the at least one supply connection (16) always includes only one port of the plurality of rechargeable battery ports (14, 14', 14"), and all other rechargeable battery ports of the plurality of rechargeable battery ports (14, 14', 14") are electrically isolated from the supply connection (16). The present invention also relates to a power bank (10) including the above-mentioned power bank module (12), and a method of operating the power bank (10).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a power bank module, a power bank, and a method of operating a power bank module. [Background technology]

[0002] Many jobs, especially in the forestry sector, require the wearing of a protective helmet. For example, utility model DE 8714490 U1 discloses a corresponding protective helmet, which includes a helmet shell with a lining and a subassembly that contacts the head. This subassembly is made up of at least a support frame, a headband, and a neckband, and also includes means for fastening this subassembly to the helmet shell.

[0003] Such a conventional protective helmet is a basic helmet that can be adapted for various tasks under various conditions by changing the accessories. This protective helmet consists of a helmet shell and a minimal lining. The lining includes a harness that attaches the helmet to the user's head and ensures an impact distance between the user's head and the helmet shell. The protective helmet has a protrusion on its outer periphery that forms the sides and rear of the helmet. This protrusion includes four recesses at its lower edge for fastening the harness and further recesses for fastening additional accessories. This basic form of protective helmet can be used as a simple, general-purpose helmet without any accessories. Accessories can be attached or removed as desired.

[0004] Helmet accessories that can be suitably attached to a protective helmet also include helmet lights, which additionally illuminate the work area of ​​the user of the protective helmet, in particular in a manner similar to a headlamp. Such additional illumination of the work area or other areas is useful not only at dawn, dusk, and after sunset, but also in areas where natural light is blocked, for example, in dim light under a closed tree canopy. To operate the helmet lights, it is necessary to carry a suitable energy storage unit, for example in the form of at least one rechargeable battery or rechargeable battery pack. Other helmet accessories, such as headsets with wireless receivers or Bluetooth headphones, may also rely on a supply of electrical energy.

[0005] However, the disadvantage of this approach is that as the number of electrical loads mounted on a protective helmet increases, the amount of energy required also increases, and energy consumption also increases in proportion to the duration of use, i.e., operation, of the electrical loads. Therefore, due to the limited energy density of batteries or rechargeable battery packs, the weight of the required large-capacity energy storage unit increases, making it impossible, or at least impractical, to carry the energy storage unit directly attached to the protective helmet. At the same time, replacing a small energy storage unit mounted on a protective helmet requires temporarily shutting down the electrical loads during the replacement process, which is also a disadvantage. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The object of the present invention is to at least alleviate the above problems.

[0007] This object is achieved by the subject matter having the features of the independent claims. Useful configurations and refinements result from the dependent claims.

[0008] The power bank module of the present invention comprises: a PCB on which a controller is arranged; a plurality of rechargeable battery ports arranged on the PCB and configured to be connectable to the rechargeable battery packs to establish a functional connection between the power bank module and the plurality of rechargeable battery packs; at least one supply connection arranged on the PCB and configured to be connectable to an electrical load to establish a functional connection between the power bank module and the electrical load; and a charging connection arranged on the PCB and configured to be connectable to an energy source to establish a functional connection between the power bank module and the energy source, wherein electrical connections between the rechargeable battery ports, the supply connection, and the charging connection are controlled by the controller, and a closed circuit including the at least one supply connection is controlled so that only one battery port of the plurality of rechargeable battery ports is electrically connected to the supply connection, and the other battery ports of the plurality of rechargeable battery ports are electrically isolated from the supply connection. This allows a plurality of energy storage units connected to the rechargeable battery ports to be mechanically connected to the power bank module, and allows an electrical load to be connected to the power bank module. Thus, mechanical replacement of the single integrated energy storage unit, which would interrupt the energy supply to the connected electrical load, can be avoided. Electrical isolation here should be understood to mean that the flow of current, particularly the supply current or the charging current, is interrupted. The connections to the power bank module, i.e., the supply connection, the charging connection, and the connection to the rechargeable battery port, in addition to supporting and enabling the electrically isolable current flow, can also support and enable electrical communication between the connected / available components, i.e., the electrical load, the rechargeable battery pack connected to the rechargeable battery port, potentially connected energy sources, and the power bank module. In this way, the electrical connections between the available / connected components provided via the power bank module can also mutually exchange information, such as model information, current status, or information related to the operation of the system including the power bank module.Thus, the power bank module may act as a data bus or hub between connected components and may actively participate in or even control the communication.

[0009] In a useful configuration, the electrical connections between the rechargeable battery port, the supply connection, and the charging connection may be controlled by a controller, and the battery port electrically connected to the supply connection among the multiple rechargeable battery ports included in the closed circuit may be controlled to be cyclically switched. This configuration makes it possible to apply a substantially equal load to the rechargeable battery packs connected to the different rechargeable battery ports, and maintain the charge state, temperature, etc. of each battery pack at approximately the same level while the power bank is in use.

[0010] Additionally, the cyclic switching between the multiple rechargeable battery ports may be controlled based on a time interval or other measurable parameter, thereby allowing for better regulation of the state of each rechargeable battery pack connected to the rechargeable battery port during operation. For example, the age, maximum charge capacity, current charge capacity, or similar factors of each rechargeable battery pack may be taken into account.

[0011] Advantageously, the power bank module includes at least two supply connections, and two closed circuits, each including one of the at least two supply connections, are always electrically isolated from each other. Each closed circuit may be controlled so that only one battery port of the multiple rechargeable battery ports is electrically connected to the supply connection, and the other battery ports of the multiple rechargeable battery ports are electrically isolated from the supply connection. In particular, the rechargeable battery ports in the two mutually isolated closed circuits may be configured differently. By dividing the power bank module into mutually isolated circuits, power can always be supplied from a single rechargeable battery pack to each electrical load connected to the supply connection. This eliminates the need to consider whether rechargeable battery packs, which may have different performance data, are connected in parallel or in series, simplifying the voltage adjustment required for the operation of the power bank module.

[0012] Each closed circuit may be controlled to cyclically switch which of the multiple rechargeable battery ports is electrically connected to the supply connection, so that while the power bank module is operating to supply power to one or more electrical loads, the rechargeable battery packs can be charged while maintaining the operating states of the rechargeable battery packs at the same level, and the charge states of the rechargeable battery packs can also be maintained at the same level.

[0013] Advantageously, the charging connection and the at least one supply connection are always electrically isolated from each other, and a closed circuit including the charging connection may be controlled so that only one battery port of the plurality of rechargeable battery ports is electrically connected to the charging connection, and the other battery ports of the plurality of rechargeable battery ports are electrically isolated from the charging connection. This prevents the charging current from being "looped through" to the connected electrical load. Furthermore, since there is no need to charge the connected rechargeable battery packs in parallel or series, charging control for each individual rechargeable battery pack is simplified. A cyclical switching between the rechargeable battery packs may again be performed to maintain the operating conditions of the connected rechargeable battery packs at substantially the same level. This switching control may similarly utilize other parameters previously described in connection with the power supply to the electrical load.

[0014] Advantageously, each of the plurality of rechargeable battery ports arranged on the PCB may include a first magnet and a second magnet that can hold the position of the rechargeable battery pack in a position that maintains connection between the rechargeable battery port and the rechargeable battery pack. Electrical contact between the rechargeable battery port and the rechargeable battery pack may be achieved by means of individual spring-loaded pins that are loaded telescopically and press against a flat or smooth corresponding electrical contact surface (pogo pin method).

[0015] Also described is a power bank comprising such a power bank module and at least two rechargeable battery packs operatively connected to the power bank module, the rechargeable battery packs also comprising two magnets that interact with magnets in the rechargeable battery port to prevent rotation when the rechargeable battery pack is held in a connected position.

[0016] The power bank module described above may be part of a power bank that includes, in addition to the power bank module, at least two rechargeable battery packs connected to a rechargeable battery port. The power bank may also be part of a battery system connected to an electrical load in the form of another rechargeable battery pack. The battery system may also be part of a helmet light system, where a helmet light of the helmet light system is supplied with electrical energy from the rechargeable battery packs connected as electrical loads to the power bank.

[0017] In the method for operating the power bank module according to the present invention, the electrical connections between the rechargeable battery ports, the supply connection, and the charging connection are controlled by a controller, and a closed circuit including at least one supply connection may be controlled so that only one battery port of the plurality of rechargeable battery ports is electrically connected to the supply connection, and the other battery ports of the plurality of rechargeable battery ports are electrically isolated from the supply connection. In this way, the advantages and features of the helmet light of the present invention can also be realized in the context of the method.

[0018] In a useful configuration, the power bank module comprises at least two supply connections, and two closed circuits, each including one of the at least two supply connections, are always electrically isolated from each other, and in each closed circuit, only one battery port of the plurality of rechargeable battery ports is electrically connected to the supply connection, and the other battery ports of the plurality of rechargeable battery ports are electrically isolated from the supply connection.

[0019] Advantageously, the charging connection and the at least one supply connection are always electrically isolated from each other, and a closed circuit including the charging connection may be such that only one battery port of the plurality of rechargeable battery ports is electrically connected to the charging connection, and the other battery ports of the plurality of rechargeable battery ports are electrically isolated from the charging connection. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary power bank. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a schematic example PCB. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view of an exemplary rechargeable battery pack. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view of an exemplary helmet light. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] In the following description, the same reference numerals refer to the same or similar components.

[0022] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary power bank 10. The power bank 10 includes a power bank module 12. The power bank module 12 includes a first rechargeable battery port 14, a second rechargeable battery port 14′, and a third rechargeable battery port 14″. Optionally, the power bank module 12 may include additional rechargeable battery ports. The power bank module 12 further includes a supply connection 16 and a charging connection 18. As shown in FIG. 1 , a charging cable 20 is connected to the charging connection 18, and electrical energy can be supplied to the power bank 10 from an external power source via the charging cable 20. The electrical energy supplied from the external power source is stored in the power bank 10. For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 1 , a first rechargeable battery pack 100′ is connected to the first rechargeable battery port 14, a second rechargeable battery pack 100″ is connected to the second rechargeable battery port 14′, and a third rechargeable battery pack 100′″ is connected to the third rechargeable battery port 14″. The control logic of the power bank module 12 is configured to supply electrical energy supplied to the power bank 10 from an external power source via the charging cable 20 to the rechargeable battery packs 100′, 100″, 100′″ in an appropriate manner to charge each of the rechargeable battery packs 100′, 100″, 100′″. Charging of each of the rechargeable battery packs 100 is performed in a manner such that each battery pack 100 is charged alternately, thereby maintaining the state of charge of each of the rechargeable battery packs 100 at substantially the same level.

[0023] That is, the control logic of the power bank module 12 is configured to cyclically switch the supply of electrical energy to each of the rechargeable battery packs 100 so that only one of the rechargeable battery packs 100', 100", and 100'" is charged. This allows the state of charge of each of the rechargeable battery packs 100 to be maintained at substantially the same level.

[0024] The rechargeable battery packs 100', 100'', 100''' may have the same configuration as each other, in which case the first rechargeable battery port 14, the second rechargeable battery port 14' and the third rechargeable battery port 14'' also have the same configuration as each other.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 1, a supply cable 22 is connected to the supply connection 16 of the power bank module 12, and the supply cable 22 is connected to a charging plug 24. The charging plug 24 has contact pins 42. The power bank 10 can be connected to an electrical load (not shown in Fig. 1) via the supply connection 16, the supply cable 22, the charging plug 24, and the contact pins 42. Optionally, the power bank module 12 may be provided with multiple supply connections 16.

[0026] The control logic of the power bank module 12 is configured to ensure that an electrical load connected to the power bank 10 via the supply connection 16, the supply cable 22, the charging plug 24, and the contact pins 42 is electrically connected to only one of the rechargeable battery packs 100′, 100″, 100′″. That is, electrical energy is extracted from only one of the rechargeable battery packs 100′, 100″, 100′″ to supply power to the electrical load connected to the power bank 10. As with the charging of each rechargeable battery pack 100, the control logic of the power bank module 12 is configured to cyclically switch the extraction of electrical energy from each rechargeable battery pack 100 to maintain the charge state of each rechargeable battery pack 100 at a substantially identical level. Thus, during the discharging process of each rechargeable battery pack 100, substantially the same amount of electrical energy is extracted alternately from each rechargeable battery pack 100 and supplied to the electrical load.

[0027] During the discharging process of the rechargeable battery packs 100', 100", 100'", another rechargeable battery pack may be charged. The power bank module 12 may also be connected to another power bank via the charging connection 18 and the attached charging cable 20. In this case, the power bank 10 acts as an electrical load for the other power bank (not shown). The charging cable 20 may also be connected to a commercially available charging device. In this case, the commercially available charging device receives power from the public power grid and supplies the power to the power bank 10 in an appropriate manner.

[0028] The cyclic switching between the rechargeable battery packs 100′, 100″, 100′″ during the charging / discharging process may be controlled by time, for example. For example, the control logic of the power bank module 12 may be configured to switch between the rechargeable battery packs 100 during the charging / discharging process every 15 minutes, preferably every 10 minutes, and more preferably every 5 minutes. The time interval for switching between the rechargeable battery packs 100 may be stored in each rechargeable battery pack 100 as a parameter readable by the power bank module, for example. In addition to simply controlling the cyclic switching between the rechargeable battery packs 100 by time intervals, other control methods based on measurable parameters may also be used. For example, the cyclic switching between the rechargeable battery packs 100 may be controlled based on the temperatures of the rechargeable battery packs 100 so as to minimize the temperature difference between the rechargeable battery packs 100. Alternatively, the cyclic switching between the rechargeable battery packs 100 may be controlled based on the amount of electrical energy extracted from each rechargeable battery pack 100.

[0029] If the power bank 10 has multiple supply connections 16, the control logic of the power bank module 12 is configured so that each rechargeable battery pack 100 is electrically connected to a corresponding one of the supply connections. In this case, an electrical load connected to the power bank 10 via one of the multiple supply connections 16 is electrically connected to the “dedicated” rechargeable battery pack 100 corresponding to that supply connection 16 and receives power from that rechargeable battery pack 100. Note that even when the power bank 10 has multiple supply connections 16, cyclic switching between the rechargeable battery packs 100′, 100″, 100′″ may be performed. In either case, voltage regulation is simplified because only one of the additional rechargeable battery packs 100′, 100″, 100′″ is electrically connected to the charging connection 18 or the supply connection 16. This is because it is not necessary to consider whether the rechargeable battery packs 100′, 100″, 100′″ are connected in parallel or in series.

[0030] The control logic of the power bank module 12 may be configured to communicate with the power bank 10 and all components connected to the power bank module 12, for example, via UART protocol. In this case, an electrical load connected to the supply connection 16 can communicate with both the control logic of the power bank module 12 and the rechargeable battery pack 100′, 100″, 100′″ connected to the electrical load. The control logic of the power bank module 12 may also communicate with a charging device or another power bank connected to the power bank 10 via the charging cable 20. For example, communication between the control logic of the power bank module 12 and a mobile phone connected to the power bank 10 via the charging connection 18 allows various functions of the mobile phone to be used for the power bank 10. For example, the mobile phone can be used to GPS locate the power bank 10, send an emergency call, or control an electrical load connected to the power bank.

[0031] The supply connection 16 and the charging connection 18 may be configured to be pin-compatible. In this case, electrical loads and charging devices may be connected to either the supply connection 16 or the charging connection 18. Whether each connection functions as a supply connection 16 or a charging connection 18 can be determined, for example, by using communication established between the device connected to each connection and the control logic of the power bank module 12.

[0032] FIG. 2 shows a schematic plan view of an exemplary PCB 32. The PCB 32 of the power bank module 12 has the rechargeable battery ports 14, 14′, 14″, the supply connection 16, and the charging connection 18 shown in FIG. 1 arranged thereon. In addition to the supply connection 16 shown in FIG. 1, other supply connections 16′, 16″ are also arranged on the PCB 32. As explained with reference to FIG. 1, the connections 16, 16′, 16″ and the charging connection 18 may be configured to be pin-compatible. For example, the supply connections 16, 16′, 16″ and the charging connection 18 may be USB-C connections. Of course, other connection types, such as a jack plug, may also be used. Furthermore, the supply connections 16, 16′, 16″ and the charging connection 18 may be different connection types. In FIG. 2, the rechargeable battery ports 14, 14′, 14″ are shown in plan view. Each rechargeable battery port 14 is configured to accept a corresponding rechargeable battery pack 100. Each rechargeable battery pack 100 is inserted into the frame 40 of the corresponding rechargeable battery port 14 until it abuts against the bottom surface of the rechargeable battery port 14. As a result, the electrical contacts of the rechargeable battery pack 100 are electrically connected to the connection contacts 38 of the rechargeable battery port 14. Also, as shown in FIG. 2, each rechargeable battery port 14 has a first magnet 36 and a second magnet 36' arranged on either side of the connection contact 38. The first magnet 36 and the second magnet 36' can hold the position of the rechargeable battery pack 100 inserted into the frame 40 of the rechargeable battery port 14 in a position where the connection between the connection contacts 38 of the rechargeable battery port 14 and the electrical contacts of the rechargeable battery pack 100 is maintained. Also, a magnet may be provided on each rechargeable battery pack 100 to prevent rotational displacement of the rechargeable battery pack 100 inserted into the frame 40 of the rechargeable battery port 14. When the magnets of the rechargeable battery pack 100 are aligned with the first and second magnets 36, 36' of the rechargeable battery port 14, they interact with the first and second magnets 36, 36' to exert an attractive force on the rechargeable battery pack 100 if the rechargeable battery pack 100 is oriented correctly, or a repulsive force on the rechargeable battery pack 100 if the rechargeable battery pack 100 is oriented incorrectly.

[0033] Control of the power bank 10 and power bank module 12 in the form of control logic illustrated with reference to FIG. 1 is performed by a controller 34 located on the PCB 32 in the example of FIG. 2. The controller 34 is communicatively connected to other components of the power bank module 12 located on the PCB 32 via connection paths not shown. Of course, it should be understood that the controller 34 is merely an example, and that all or at least some of the functionality described herein may be realized by other electronic components. Full integration on a single microchip is contemplated, but is not required. The controller 34 may also be located on the PCB 32 opposite the rechargeable battery ports 14, 14', 14" to conserve space.

[0034] FIG. 3 shows a three-dimensional view of an exemplary rechargeable battery pack 100. The rechargeable battery pack 100 may be identical to the rechargeable battery packs 100′, 100″, and 100′″ described above in terms of technical specifications, particularly capacity, internal structure, and communication functions. However, FIG. 3 shows the rechargeable battery pack 100 connected to an exemplary helmet light 30 shown in FIG. 4, rather than inserted into the power bank module 12. The helmet light 30 is connected to the rechargeable battery pack 100 via a connection plug 28 and a connection cable 26, and serves as an electrical load for the rechargeable battery pack 100. The rechargeable battery pack 100 is also connected to the power bank module 12 via the charging plug 24 and the supply cable 22 shown in FIG. 1, and receives power from the power bank module 12. Therefore, the rechargeable battery pack 100 serves as an electrical load for the power bank 12.

[0035] According to the above configuration in which the helmet light 30 shown in FIG. 4 is first electrically connected to the rechargeable battery pack 100, and then the rechargeable battery pack 100 is connected to the power bank 10, the rechargeable battery pack 100 remains substantially charged until the rechargeable battery packs 100′, 100″, 100′″ arranged in the power bank 10 are completely discharged. Therefore, even after the rechargeable battery pack 100 is removed from the power bank 10, that is, even when the charging plug 24 is removed from the rechargeable battery pack 100, the connection between the rechargeable battery pack 100 and the helmet light 30 is maintained, and therefore the power supply from the rechargeable battery pack 100 to the helmet light 30 is not interrupted.

[0036] The power bank 10 may include a fastening element (not shown), e.g., a loop-shaped fastening element, by which the power bank 10 can be fastened to a user's belt or the like. The power bank 10 may also include a hook-and-loop hook-and-loop fastener, by which the power bank 10 can be removably fastened to a storage pocket or the like, e.g., an inner pocket of a jacket, e.g., an inner pocket of a protective vest.

[0037] The features of the invention disclosed in the above description, in the drawings and in the claims may, either alone or in any combination, be essential to the implementation of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0038] 10. Power Bank 12 Power Bank Module 14 First Rechargeable Battery Port 14´ Second Rechargeable Battery Port 14´´ Third Rechargeable Battery Port 16 Supply Connection 16´ Supply Connection 16´´ Supply Connection 18 Charging connection 20 Charging cable 22 Connecting charging cable 24 Charging plug 26 Connection cable 28 Connection plug 30 Helmet Light 32 PCB 34 Controller 36 First Magnet 36´ Second Magnet 38 connection contacts 40 frames 40´ Frame 40´´ Frame 42 contact pins 100 Rechargeable Battery Pack 100´ First Rechargeable Battery Pack 100´´ Secondary Rechargeable Battery Pack 100´´´ Third Rechargeable Battery Pack

Claims

1. A power bank module (12), a PCB (32) on which a controller (34) is disposed; a plurality of rechargeable battery ports (14, 14', 14") disposed on the PCB (32), the rechargeable battery ports (14, 14', 14") being configured to be connectable to the rechargeable battery packs (100', 100", 100'") to establish a functional connection between the power bank module (12) and the rechargeable battery packs (100', 100", 100'"); at least one supply connection (16) disposed on the PCB (32) and configured to be connectable to an electrical load to establish a functional connection between the power bank module (12) and the electrical load; a charging connection (18) disposed on the PCB and configured to be connectable to an energy source to establish a functional connection between the power bank module (12) and the energy source; the electrical connections between the rechargeable battery ports (14, 14', 14''), the supply connection (16) and the charging connection (18) are configured to be controlled by the controller (34); A power bank module (12) in which a closed circuit including at least one of the supply connection portions (16) is controlled so that only one battery port of the plurality of rechargeable battery ports (14, 14', 14") is electrically connected to the supply connection portion (16), and other battery ports of the plurality of rechargeable battery ports (14, 14', 14") are electrically isolated from the supply connection portion (16).

2. 2. The power bank module (12) of claim 1, The power bank module (12) is configured such that the battery port electrically connected to the supply connection portion (16) among the plurality of rechargeable battery ports (14, 14', 14'') is controlled to be switched cyclically.

3. 3. The power bank module (12) of claim 2, The power bank module (12) controls the cyclical switching between the plurality of rechargeable battery ports (14, 14', 14'') based on a time interval or other measurable parameter.

4. A power bank module (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The power bank module (12) comprises at least two supply connections (16, 16', 16''); the two closed circuits, each including one of the at least two supply connections (16, 16', 16''), are always electrically insulated from one another, Each of the closed circuits is controlled so that only one battery port among the plurality of rechargeable battery ports (14, 14', 14") is electrically connected to the supply connection (16), and the other battery ports among the plurality of rechargeable battery ports (14, 14', 14") are electrically isolated from the supply connection (16).

5. 5. The power bank module (12) of claim 4, Each closed circuit is controlled so that a battery port among the plurality of rechargeable battery ports (14, 14', 14'') electrically connected to the supply connection portion (16) is switched cyclically.

6. A power bank module (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the charging connection (18) and the at least one supply connection (16, 16', 16'') are always electrically insulated from one another, A power bank module (12) in which a closed circuit including the charging connection (18) is controlled so that only one battery port among the plurality of rechargeable battery ports (14, 14', 14") is electrically connected to the charging connection (18), and other battery ports among the plurality of rechargeable battery ports (14, 14', 14") are electrically isolated from the charging connection (18).

7. A power bank module (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The power bank module (12) includes a plurality of rechargeable battery ports (14, 14', 14'') disposed on the PCB (32), each of the rechargeable battery ports having a first magnet (36) and a second magnet (36').

8. The power bank module (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 7; A power bank (10) comprising: a plurality of the rechargeable battery packs (100', 100'', 100''') operatively connected to the power bank module (12).

9. A method of operating a power bank (10) according to claim 8, comprising the steps of: the electrical connections between the rechargeable battery ports (14, 14', 14"), the supply connections (16, 16', 16"), and the charging connections (18) are configured to be controlled by the controller (34); a closed circuit including at least one of the supply connections (16, 16', 16") is controlled such that only one battery port of the plurality of rechargeable battery ports (14, 14', 14") is electrically connected to the supply connection (16), and other battery ports of the plurality of rechargeable battery ports (14, 14', 14") are electrically isolated from the supply connection (16).

10. 10. The method of claim 9, The power bank module (12) comprises at least two of the supply connections (16, 16', 16''); the two closed circuits, each including one of the at least two supply connections (16, 16', 16''), are always electrically insulated from one another, each closed circuit is controlled such that only one battery port of the plurality of rechargeable battery ports (14, 14', 14") is electrically connected to the supply connection (16), and other battery ports of the plurality of rechargeable battery ports (14, 14', 14") are electrically isolated from the supply connection (16).

11. 11. The method of claim 9 or 10, the charging connection (18) and the at least one supply connection (16, 16', 16'') are always electrically insulated from one another, a closed circuit including the charging connection (18) is controlled such that only one battery port of the plurality of rechargeable battery ports (14, 14', 14") is electrically connected to the charging connection (18), and other battery ports of the plurality of rechargeable battery ports (14, 14', 14") are electrically isolated from the charging connection (18).

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