Smart Chargers for Rechargeable Electronic Devices

Abstract

The present invention relates to a charging device for rechargeable electronic devices, comprising a housing having an electronic circuit including a control unit and a rechargeable battery, and at least two connecting cables, a first end of each connecting cable being electrically connected to the electronic circuit in the housing of the charging device and a second end of each cable being provided with a connector, the connectors at the second ends of the connecting cables being identical. The present invention also relates to a method for handling the charging device.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging device for a rechargeable electronic device. The charging device comprises a housing having an electronic circuit including a control unit and a rechargeable battery, and at least two connecting cables for connecting the charging device to the rechargeable electronic device. The present invention also relates to a system comprising the charging device and the rechargeable electronic device, and to a method for handling the charging device. [Background technology]

[0002] Smart charging devices comprising a control unit and a connection cable for connecting the charging device to the electronic device to be recharged are well known in the art. Prior art charging devices typically comprise a first connection cable configured for connection to the electronic device to be recharged. In many cases, the charging device comprises a second connection cable configured for connection to an external power source. When the charging device is connected to both a power source and a rechargeable device, the power provided by the power source is used to charge the rechargeable device. In conventional devices, the connection cable is unidirectional. To avoid incorrect connection of the devices, the connection cable is provided with different connectors, whereby each cable can be connected either to a power source or to a rechargeable device. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] It would be desirable to provide a smart charging device that is as safe or even safer to handle than conventional charging devices. It would be desirable to provide a smart charging device that offers greater flexibility over conventional charging devices. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a charging device for a rechargeable electronic device is provided, the charging device comprising a housing having an electronic circuit including a control unit and a rechargeable battery, and at least two connecting cables, a first end of each connecting cable being electrically connected to the electronic circuit within the housing of the charging device, a second end of each cable being provided with a connector, and the connectors at the second ends of the connecting cables being identical.

[0005] The control unit of the charging device may be configured to detect whether a power source or a rechargeable electronic device is connected to any of the charging cables of the charging device.

[0006] As used herein, the expression "secondary electronic device" is used to mean an electronic device that can be connected to the charging device of the present invention. The secondary electronic device may be a power source or may be a rechargeable electronic device.

[0007] The control unit of the charging device is further configured to control the charging process based on the detection of the type of the connected device. The control unit may be configured to enable, disable and monitor the charging operation. This functionality may increase the handling of the charging device. An incorrect connection of a secondary device to the charging device is efficiently prevented. The charging device is configured to detect which type of secondary electronic device is connected to the charging device. After this detection, the charging device starts the appropriate operation.

[0008] The control unit of the charging device may be configured to detect when a rechargeable electronic device is connected to one of the connecting cables. The control unit may be further configured to charge such connected rechargeable electronic device. The rechargeable electronic device may be recharged by using electrical energy stored in an internal rechargeable battery of the charging device.

[0009] The connecting cables and the electronic circuitry of the charging device are configured for bidirectional use. Thus, each of the connecting cables can be used to connect an external power source or a rechargeable electronic device. Each of the connecting cables may allow charge flow in either direction.

[0010] The control unit of the charging device may be configured to detect when an external power source is connected to one of the connecting cables, and the control unit may be further configured to enable charging of the internal rechargeable battery from such a connected external power source.

[0011] The charging device may be a portable charging device.

[0012] The rechargeable electronic device to be charged may be a portable rechargeable electronic device. In one embodiment, the rechargeable electronic device may be a portable electronic aerosol generating device.

[0013] The present invention is particularly useful for charging portable electronic devices. When a portable electronic device needs to be recharged, such a portable electronic device may be connected to a charging device of the present invention. If an external power source is available, electrical energy from such a power source may be used for charging. If an external power source is not available, electrical energy from an internal rechargeable battery of the charging device may be used for charging. A user may simply connect a rechargeable electronic device to any connector of the charging device. The control unit of the charging device then detects the type of device connected and then takes appropriate action.

[0014] The connectors of the charging device of the present invention are identical. This means that the connectors have the same structure and the same size. As a result, any of these connectors can be used to connect a rechargeable electronic device. Furthermore, any of these connectors can be used to recharge a rechargeable electronic device. Each connector cable may be configured for charging and discharging processes. The smart charging device of the present invention allows charging of a rechargeable device regardless of which connecting cable the rechargeable device is connected to. This significantly increases the usefulness of the charging device.

[0015] The usefulness of the charging device is further increased by using a symmetric connector, which offers the advantage that such a connector can be connected in multiple orientations. The use of such a symmetric connector may increase the handling, especially of portable devices, which may be used in situations where the user's field of vision is focused on other tasks and the connection of the device must be performed without looking. In such situations, the use of a symmetric connector makes it easier to connect the devices to each other.

[0016] The connector of the charging device may be an identical USB type connector. The connector of the charging device may be a USB type C connector. The USB type C connector has a symmetrical structure.

[0017] The housing of the charging device may have any suitable shape. The housing of the charging device may have an elliptical or oval cross-section. In particular, when the charging device is used as a portable charging device, an elliptical or oval cross-section may allow the device to fit more easily in a pocket and may generally be easier to handle compared to previously known bulkier devices.

[0018] The housing of the charging device may be made from any suitable material. The housing of the charging device may be made from a synthetic material or from a polymeric material.

[0019] The charging device may further be configured to at least partially hold the connection cable inside the housing. This may be particularly useful when the charging device is not in use. The connection cable may be safely stored in the housing when the charging device is placed in a user's pocket. In this way, the connection cable is protected during transport. At the same time, the cables are prevented from entangling with each other.

[0020] The charging device may be configured such that the connection cable is wound inside the housing of the charging device. The connection cable may be wound inside the housing of the charging device along one axis of rotation. The connection cable may be manually wound along one axis of rotation. The housing may also comprise a winding mechanism for winding the connection cable. Such a winding mechanism may allow the connection cable to be easily pulled out of the housing. The winding mechanism may further be configured to wind the connection cable after use. This also makes the charging device easier to handle.

[0021] The charging device may be further configured such that when the connecting cable is fully wound inside the housing of the charging device, the connectors are partially disposed within the housing. The housing may include recesses in an outer surface of the housing. The recesses may be configured such that when the connecting cable is fully wound inside the housing, each connector is at least partially retained within one of the recesses.

[0022] The charging cable may have a length of 50 to 300 mm.The charging cable may have a length of 100 to 200 mm.

[0023] The charging device may be configured to transfer data bidirectionally between the connected devices. The data may be transferred via a connecting cable. The charging device may be configured to transfer data bidirectionally wirelessly between the connected devices. The transferred data may be related to the charging process. The transferred data may advantageously be used to adapt the charging parameters to the state of the electronic device used at the moment.

[0024] The charging device may be equipped with additional features that allow for better control of the charging process. Some or all of these features may be used to increase the safety of the charging process.

[0025] The charging device may include an Inter-Chip USB (USB IC) to deliver the maximum output current available from the power source to the portable device. The charging device may further include short circuit and overcurrent / overvoltage protection (OCP / OVP). Use of such protection circuitry may make it possible to detect a faulty USB cable or a faulty device. As a result, the charging device may be configured to withhold power delivery to such a faulty device.

[0026] The charging device may also use additional protection circuits, such as overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection, overtemperature protection, etc. to prevent other abnormal charging functions of the charging device.

[0027] The charging device may further comprise a user interface. The user interface may comprise a light emitting diode or a screen. The user interface may allow control of physically or wirelessly connected devices. The user interface may display information regarding the status of the charging operation. The user interface may display other useful information regarding the status of any of the connected devices.

[0028] The present invention is also directed to a system comprising a charging device as described above and a rechargeable electronic device connectable to the charging device. In one embodiment, the rechargeable electronic device may be a rechargeable electronic aerosol generating device. The rechargeable electronic device may be a portable device.

[0029] The invention is also directed to a method of operating a charging device, the charging device comprising a housing with an electronic circuit including a control unit and a rechargeable battery, and at least two connecting cables, a first end of each connecting cable being electrically connected to the electronic circuit in the housing of the charging device, and a second end of each cable being provided with an identical connector, the method comprising the steps of connecting at least one of the cables to a rechargeable electronic device or a power source, detecting by the control unit whether the cable is connected to a rechargeable electronic device or a power source, and starting the charging process after connecting one of the cables to the rechargeable electronic device or to a power source cable.

[0030] Upon detecting that a power source is connected to the charging device, the electrical energy provided by such power source may be used for the charging process.

[0031] Upon detecting that only a power source is connected to the charging device, the electrical energy provided by such power source may be used to charge an internal rechargeable battery of the charging device.

[0032] Upon detecting that only a rechargeable electronic device is connected to the charging device, the rechargeable electronic device may be charged using electrical energy from a rechargeable battery in the charging device.

[0033] The method of the present invention with the above functionality makes the handling of the charging device easier compared to existing charging methods. An incorrect connection of a secondary device to the charging device is effectively prevented. The charging device is configured to detect which type of secondary device is connected to the charging device. After this detection, the charging device starts the appropriate operation.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the method may further include connecting two connection cables to two secondary electronic devices, and detecting by the control unit whether the two connected secondary electronic devices are two power sources, two rechargeable electronic devices to be charged, or whether the two connected secondary electronic devices are one power source and one rechargeable electronic device to be charged.

[0035] Upon detection of the two connected secondary devices being two power sources, the internal rechargeable battery may be charged from a first power source connected to the charging device. In this case, the second power source may not be used for charging. Alternatively, the internal rechargeable battery of the charging device may be charged using electrical energy from both power sources. The charging process may be stopped when the internal rechargeable battery of the charging device is fully charged. By cutting off the second power source, the risk of short-circuiting the two power sources is avoided.

[0036] Alternatively, electrical energy from both power sources may be used to charge the charging device's internal rechargeable battery, in which case care must be taken to avoid inadvertently shorting out the two power sources.

[0037] Upon detection that the two connected secondary devices are two rechargeable portable devices, the rechargeable portable device first connected to the charging device may be charged. When charging of this rechargeable portable device is completed, the other rechargeable portable device may be charged. The charging process may be stopped when both rechargeable portable devices are fully charged.

[0038] Upon detection of the two connected secondary devices being a power source and a portable device, the method enables automatically determining which of the secondary devices is to be charged and initiating a charging process of the rechargeable portable device using electrical energy provided by the connected power source. When charging of the rechargeable portable device is completed, an internal rechargeable battery of the charging device may be charged using electrical energy provided by the connected power source. The charging process may be stopped when the rechargeable portable device and the internal rechargeable battery of the charging device are fully charged.

[0039] The charging method of the present invention makes handling of the charging device significantly easier. The user does not need to pay attention to which secondary electronic device is connected to which connector of the charging device. The control unit of the charging device is configured to independently detect the type of secondary electronic device connected to one or both of the connectors of the charging device. Thus, the control unit of the charging device automatically performs the correct charging task, regardless of which secondary device is connected to which connector.

[0040] The following provides a non-exhaustive list of non-limiting examples, any one or more of the features of which may be combined with any one or more features of the other examples, embodiments, or aspects described herein.

[0041] Example A: A charging device for a rechargeable electronic device, comprising: a housing having an electronic circuit including a control unit and a rechargeable battery; at least two connecting cables, A charging device, wherein a first end of each connecting cable is electrically connected to electronic circuitry within a housing of the charging device and a connector is provided at a second end of each cable, and the connectors at the second ends of the connecting cables are identical. Example B: The charging device of example A, wherein the charging device is a portable charging device. Example C: A charging device according to any one of Examples A to B, wherein the rechargeable electronic device to be charged is a portable rechargeable electronic device, preferably a portable electronic aerosol generating device. Example D: A charging device according to any one of Examples A to C, wherein the rechargeable electronic device being charged is a portable electronic aerosol generating device. Example E: A charging device according to any one of Examples A to D, wherein the connector is a USB type connector, preferably a USB type C connector. Example F: A charging device according to any one of Examples A to E, wherein the connector is a USB Type C connector. Example G: A charging device described in any one of Examples A to F, wherein the control unit is configured to detect that a rechargeable electronic device is connected to one of the connection cables, and the control unit is further configured to charge such connected rechargeable electronic device. Example H: A charging device described in any one of Examples A to G, wherein the control unit is configured to detect when a power source is connected to one of the connecting cables, and the control unit is further configured to enable charging of the internal rechargeable battery from such connected power source. Example I: A charging device according to any one of Examples A-H, wherein the control unit is configured to enable, disable, and monitor charging operations. Example J: The charging device according to any one of Examples A to I, wherein the charging device is configured to transfer data bidirectionally between connected devices. Example K: A charging device according to any one of Examples A to J, wherein the charging device is configured to wirelessly transfer data in both directions between connected devices. Example L: A charging device according to any one of Examples A to K, wherein the housing of the charging device has an elliptical or oval cross section. Example M: ​​A charging device according to any one of Examples A to L, wherein the connection cable is wound inside the housing of the charging device when the device is not in use. Example N: A charging device described in any one of Examples A to M, wherein the connection cable is wound inside the housing of the charging device along one rotation axis. Example O: A charging device according to any one of Examples A to N, wherein the connector is partially disposed within the housing when the connection cable is completely wound inside the housing of the charging device. Embodiment P: A charging device according to any one of embodiments A to O, wherein the charging device further comprises a display means for notifying a user about the charging state of the internal battery. Example Q: The charging device of example P, wherein the display means includes a rich user interface or screen. Example R: A system comprising the charging device according to any one of Examples A to Q and a rechargeable electronic device connectable to a connector of a connection cable of the charging device. Example S: The system of example R, wherein the rechargeable electronic device is a rechargeable electronic aerosol generating device. Example T: A method for handling a charging device, comprising: a housing having an electronic circuit including a control unit and a rechargeable battery; at least two connecting cables, a first end of each connecting cable being electrically connected to electronic circuitry within the housing of the charging device, a second end of each cable being provided with a connector, and the connectors at the second ends of the connecting cables being identical; The method is - connecting at least one of the cables to a rechargeable electronic device or to a power source; - detecting by the control unit whether the cable is connected to a rechargeable electronic device or to a power source; - initiating a charging process after connecting one of the rechargeable electronic device or the cable to a power source. Example U: The method of example T, wherein upon detection that a power source is connected to the charging device, power provided by such power source is used for the charging process. Example V: A method as described in any one of Example T or Example U, upon detection that only a power source is connected to the charging device, using power provided by such power source to charge an internal rechargeable battery of the charging device. Example W: The method of example T, wherein upon detecting that the rechargeable electronic device is connected to the charging device, the rechargeable electronic device is charged from a rechargeable battery of the charging device. Example X: - connecting two connecting cables to two devices; - detecting by the control unit whether the device is two power sources, two portable devices being charged, or whether the device is one power source and one portable device being charged. The method of any one of embodiments T to W, comprising: Example Y: The method of example X, wherein upon detection of the two devices being two power sources, charging the internal rechargeable battery from a first power source connected to the charging device. Example Z: The method of example X, charging the rechargeable portable device that is first connected to the charging device upon detecting that the two devices are two rechargeable portable devices. Example AA: The method described in Example X, which upon detecting that the two devices are a power source and a portable device, automatically determines which device is to be charged and initiates the charging process of the portable device using the power provided by the connected power source. Example AB: The method of example AA, wherein upon detecting that the portable device is fully charged, the method begins charging an internal rechargeable battery using power provided by a connected power source. Example AC: The method of any one of Examples T-AB comprising stopping the charging process when the rechargeable portable device and the internal rechargeable battery are each fully charged.

[0042] Features described with respect to one embodiment may be equally applied to other embodiments of the invention.

[0043] The invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0044] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a charging device of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows the wiring scheme for the charging device of the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 shows a first use case for a charging device. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a second use case for a charging device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 illustrates a third use case for a charging device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] 1 and 2, a charging device 10 and corresponding wiring scheme according to one embodiment of the present invention are depicted. The charging device 10 comprises a housing 12 having an electronic circuit 14. The electronic circuit 14 includes a control unit 16 and a rechargeable battery 18.

[0046] The charging device also comprises two connecting cables 20, 22. At the free end of each connecting cable 20, 22 a connector 24, 26 is provided. The two connectors 24, 26 are identical to each other.

[0047] The housing 12 of the charging device 10 is made of a synthetic material and has an oval cross section. The housing 12 has a thickness 30 of about 25 mm, a width 32 of about 30 mm, and a length 34 of about 68 mm. The maximum length 35 of the charging device 10 with the connecting cables 20, 22 fully unwound is about 350 mm.

[0048] The connecting cables 20, 22 are electrically connected to the electronic circuit 14 in the housing 12. As shown in the top view of FIG. 1, the two connecting cables 20, 22 are arranged offset from each other with respect to the thickness dimension of the housing. The cables may be wound around the housing 12 as depicted in the upper and middle views of FIG. 1. In this configuration, the entire length of the connecting cables 20, 22 is safely wound within and protected by the housing 12. The connectors 24, 26 are received in recesses arranged oppositely on the circumferential side of the housing 12 of the charging device 10. In this configuration, the charging device 10 can be conveniently placed in a user's pocket.

[0049] To use the charging device 10, a user may unwind the connecting cables 20, 22 from the charging device 10 by grasping and pulling the two partially protruding connectors 24, 26 from the housing 12, as depicted in the bottom diagram of FIG.

[0050] The housing 12 further includes a power switch 28 and a graphical display 29. The power switch 28 may be used to activate the charging device 10. The graphical display 29 includes three light emitting diodes that may be used to indicate the operating status of the charging device 10.

[0051] The two connectors 24, 26 provided at the free ends of the two connecting cables 20, 22 are identical. A user may connect the charging device 10 to a rechargeable electronic device. The user can establish such a connection using either of the connectors 24, 26. The control unit 16 is configured to detect that a rechargeable electronic device is connected to either of the connecting cables 20, 22 and initiates the charging process accordingly.

[0052] A user may also connect charging device 10 to an external power source, in which case the user may establish such a connection using either of connectors 24, 26. Control unit 16 may be configured to detect when an external power source is connected to either of connecting cables 20, 22, and may begin charging internal rechargeable battery 18 using electrical energy provided by the external power source.

[0053] As shown in Figures 3-5, it is also possible to connect a secondary device to each of the two connectors 24, 26 of the charging device 10. The control unit 16 is further configured to detect which type of secondary device is connected to the connecting cable 20 or the connecting cable 22, and to manage the charging process accordingly.

[0054] In the case depicted in Fig. 3, the portable rechargeable electronic device 36 is connected to the connecting cable 20 and the external power source 38 is connected to the connecting cable 22. The control unit 16 is configured to detect that the portable rechargeable electronic device 36 and the external power source 38 are connected to the two connecting cables 20, 22. In this case, the control unit 16 uses the electrical energy provided by the external power source 38 to charge the rechargeable electronic device 36 by bypassing the internal rechargeable battery 18 of the charging device 10. The flow of electrical energy is illustrated by the arrows in Fig. 3.

[0055] When charging of the rechargeable electronic device 36 is complete, the control unit 16 may terminate charging of the rechargeable electronic device 36 and begin charging the internal rechargeable battery 18 of the charging device 10. When the internal rechargeable battery 18 is fully charged, the flow of charge to the internal rechargeable battery 18 is discontinued.

[0056] With the charging device 10 of the present invention, the user no longer needs to pay attention to which of the secondary electronic devices is connected to the connecting cable 20 or the connecting cable 22 of the charging device 10. The charging device 10 automatically detects which kind of secondary electronic device is connected to the connecting cable 20 or the connecting cable 22, and manages the flow of electric energy accordingly. Therefore, the handling and operation of the charging device 10 of the present invention is much easier and more effective compared to the existing charging devices.

[0057] FIG. 4 shows a situation in which two external power sources 38a, 38b are connected to the charging device 10. Again, the control unit 16 is configured to detect the type of the connected secondary device. Since no rechargeable electronic device is plugged in, the charging device 10 is configured to charge the internal rechargeable battery 18 of the charging device 10 using the electrical energy provided by one of the power sources 38a, 38b. For example, the energy from the external power source 38a, 38b that is plugged in first may be used for this charging process. In the case depicted in FIG. 4, the power source 38a connected to the connecting cable 22 is plugged in first. Thus, as indicated by the arrow 40 in FIG. 4, the electrical energy from the external power source 38a is used to charge the internal rechargeable battery 18 of the charging device 10.

[0058] In this case, the other external power source 38b is not used. The control unit 16 of the charging device 10 is configured to prevent the passage of electrical energy from the second external power source 38b. When the internal rechargeable battery 18 is fully charged, the flow of charge to the internal rechargeable battery 18 is interrupted. In this way, the risk of short-circuiting the two external power sources 38a, 38b is avoided.

[0059] FIG. 5 shows a situation in which two rechargeable electronic devices 36a, 36b are connected to the charging device 10. Again, the control unit 16 is configured to detect the type of the connected secondary device. Since no external power source is connected, the charging device 10 is configured to charge the two connected rechargeable electronic devices 36a, 36b using the electrical energy of its internal rechargeable battery 18. The control unit 16 of the charging device 10 is configured to charge only one of the rechargeable electronic devices 36a, 36b at a time. In this case, the rechargeable electronic device 36a, which is first connected to the charging device 10, is charged. At the end of this first charging process, if there is any power remaining in the internal rechargeable battery 18 of the charging device 10, the control unit 16 is configured to start charging the second rechargeable electronic device 36b. When both the two connected rechargeable electronic devices 36a and 36b are fully charged, the flow of charge to these devices is interrupted.

Claims

1. 1. A charging device for a rechargeable electronic device, comprising: a housing having an electronic circuit including a control unit and a rechargeable battery; at least two connecting cables, a first end of each connecting cable is electrically connected to the electronic circuit in the housing of the charging device, and a second end of each connecting cable is provided with a connector; A charging device for a rechargeable electronic device, wherein the connectors at the second end of the connecting cables are identical, each connector cable is configured for charging and discharging, and the control unit is configured to detect whether a power source or a rechargeable electronic device is connected to any of the connecting cables of the charging device, the rechargeable electronic device being charged is a portable electronic aerosol generating device, and the charging device is configured to transfer data in both directions between the connected devices.

2. The charging device of claim 1 , wherein the charging device is a portable charging device.

3. 3. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein the connector is a USB type connector.

4. 4. The charging device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to detect when a rechargeable electronic device is connected to one of the connection cables, and the control unit is further configured to charge such connected rechargeable electronic device.

5. 5. The charging device of claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to detect when a power source is connected to one of the connection cables, and the control unit is further configured to enable charging of the rechargeable battery from such a connected power source.

6. 6. The charging device of claim 1, wherein the charging device is configured to transfer data bidirectionally between connected devices.

7. A charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein when the charging device is not in use, the connection cable is wound inside the housing of the charging device, and the housing is provided with a winding mechanism for winding up the connection cable.

8. A system comprising a charging device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 and a rechargeable electronic device connectable to the connector of the connection cable of the charging device.

9. A method for handling a charging device, comprising: a housing having an electronic circuit including a control unit and a rechargeable battery; at least two connecting cables, a first end of each connection cable is electrically connected to the electronic circuitry within the housing of the charging device and a second end of each connection cable is provided with a connector, the connectors at the second ends of the connection cables being identical, and each connector cable is configured for charging and discharging; The method further comprising: - connecting at least one of said cables to a rechargeable electronic device or to a power source; - detecting by the control unit whether the cable is connected to a rechargeable electronic device or to a power source; - initiating a charging process after connecting one of the cables to the rechargeable electronic device or to the power source, The charging device is configured to transfer data bidirectionally between connected devices, the transferred data being used to adapt charging parameters to the state of the electronic device at the moment of use, and the rechargeable electronic device being charged is a portable electronic aerosol generating device.

10. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein upon detection that a power source is connected to the charging device, power provided by such power source is used for the charging process.

11. 11. The method of claim 9 or claim 10, upon detection that only a power source is connected to the charging device, using power provided by such power source to charge the rechargeable battery of the charging device.

12. 10. The method of claim 9, wherein upon detecting that a rechargeable electronic device is connected to the charging device, the rechargeable electronic device is charged from the rechargeable battery of the charging device.

13. - connecting said two connecting cables to two devices; - detecting by the control unit whether the device is two power sources, two portable devices being charged, or one power source and one portable device being charged.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, upon detecting that the two devices are a power source and a portable device, automatically determining which device is to be charged and initiating a charging process for the portable device using power provided by the connected power source.

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