AU2019471214A1

AU2019471214A1 - Power bank with detectable receptacles

Info

Publication number: AU2019471214A1
Application number: AU2019471214A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Kenneth Nathaniel Easter; Hei Man LEE; Li Feng Wang
Original assignee: Techtronic Cordless GP
Current assignee: Techtronic Cordless GP
Priority date: 2019-10-25
Filing date: 2019-10-25
Publication date: 2022-04-14
Also published as: TW202135399A; WO2021077391A1; EP4049348A4; CN219086387U; EP4049348A1

Abstract

In a particular implementation, an apparatus configured for power delivery includes a port configured to changeably receive interface modules of a plurality of interface modules. The interface modules of the plurality of interface modules include receptacles configured to interface with corresponding connector configurations. The port is configured to electrically couple a receptacle of an interface module received by the port to a power supply component of the power delivery apparatus coupled to the port. The apparatus also includes a detector configured to determine a receptacle type of the receptacle of the interface module received by the port. One or more characteristics of the power supply component are controlled based on the determined receptacle type to correspond to a power signal appropriate to the receptacle type of the interface module received by the port.

Description

POWER BANK WITH DETECTABLE RECEPTACLES

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a power bank, and more particularly, to a power bank with detectable receptacles.

BACKGROUND

Electronic devices are prevalent in our society. Devices such as phones, video players, music players, global positioning system (GPS) devices, etc., are often used in our day-to-day lives. One requirement of many electronic devices is that they are charged. For example, an electronic device may come with a plug adapter that can be coupled to a wall outlet to charge the electronic device. However, a person is not always near a wall outlet when they need to charge an electronic device. For this reason, portable battery powered devices, such as power banks, have been developed that allow a user to plug an electronic device into the power bank to charge the electronic device. A problem can exist in that there are different configurations of plug adapters for different regions of the world (e.g., different countries) . Thus, a power bank configured to work with plug adapters configured for use in the United States may not be usable with plug adapters configured for use in Europe, limiting the usefulness of the power bank.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure describes apparatuses, methods, and systems for providing power to electronic devices that have plug adapters having different configurations (e.g., configured for use in different regions of the world, configured according to different standards, configured for different voltages and/or currents, etc. ) . For example, the present disclosure describes a power bank that is configured to provide power to one or more electronic devices from one or more alternating current (AC) ports, one or more direct current (DC) ports, or both. The power bank described herein is configured to detect a type of receptacle included in an interface module that is coupled to a port (e.g., an AC port and/or a DC port) of the power bank, and based on the detected type of receptacle, to set one or more characteristics of a power supply component of the power bank. Setting one or more characteristics of the power supply component may set one or more characteristics of power supplied to the port or of power received from the port. In operation according to some aspects, the power bank may include a port configured to supply AC power, where depending upon the interface module mated with the port, characteristics such as peak voltage, maximum current, AC waveform, and/or frequency may be determined with respect to an AC signal provided to the receptacle by the AC port. For example, if the receptacle corresponds to a plug adapter configuration used in the United States, the characteristics of the AC signal may be set in accordance with a standard in the United States. As another example, if the receptacle corresponds to a plug adapter configuration used in the United Kingdom or Europe, the characteristics of the AC signal may be set in accordance with standards in the United Kingdom or Europe. Thus, a plug adapter that is plugged into the receptacle of this exemplary interface module will receive the appropriate AC signal without any input from a user. Additionally or alternatively, in operation according to some aspects, the power bank may include a port configured to supply (or receive) DC power, where depending upon the interface module mated with the port, characteristics such as maximum and minimum voltages, maximum current, and/or allowable ripple may be determined with respect to a DC voltage provided to the receptacle by the DC port. Thus, a plug adapter that is plugged into the receptacle of this exemplary interface module will receive the appropriate DC signal without any input from a user.

Aspects of the power bank include a detector configured to detect the type of receptacle that is included in the interface module received by a port of the power bank. The detector may, for example, include an electro-mechanical component, such as one or more buttons and/or switches (collectively referred to herein as actuators) , that is actuated by one or more features (e.g., members, protuberances, detents, etc. ) that are disposed upon a mating or interface surface of interface modules including certain types of receptacles. Additionally or alternatively, the detector may include one or more optical components, or another type of detector (e.g., a Hall effect sensor, radio frequency identification (RFID) tag, proximity detector, etc. ) , as further described herein. The detector is configured to distinguish one type of receptacle (e.g., a United States receptacle) from another type of receptacle (e.g., a United Kingdom receptacle) , or one type of receptacle (e.g., a cigarette adapter) from another type of receptacle (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) port) . The detector is further configured to provide a signal to a controller, and the controller configures a power component of the power bank, such as an inverter or a DC converter, to cause the output of an AC signal or a DC voltage having the identified characteristics. The AC signal and/or the DC voltage may be generated from a DC voltage provided by one or more batteries of the power bank, such that that power bank is portable and can be used to power one or more electronic devices when a user is not near a wall socket.

In some implementations, the receptacles may be removably coupled to the power bank port, such that a user may remove a receptacle and replace it with another receptacle if the user desires to switch between charging and/or powering a first device with a first plug adapter configuration to charging and/or powering a second device with a second plug adapter configuration. Because the different types of receptacles are detected by the power bank, the power bank will automatically adjust the characteristics of the power signal that is output based on the change in receptacle. This enables a user to charge electronic devices with different plug adapter configurations without having to know how to program the power bank. Accordingly, the power bank may be used in different regions of the world to charge and/or power electronic devices using an AC signal with the appropriate characteristics simply by attaching the corresponding receptacle to the power bank. Additionally, or alternatively, the power bank may be used to charge and/or power different electronic devices having different plug adapter configurations. Additionally, or alternatively, the power bank may be charged using different plug adapters (e.g., AC plug adapters or DC plug adapters) .

In a particular aspect, an apparatus configured for power delivery includes a port configured to changeably receive interface modules of a plurality of interface modules. The interface modules of the plurality of interface modules include receptacles configured to interface with corresponding connector configurations. The port is configured to electrically couple a receptacle of an interface module received by the port to a power supply component of the power delivery apparatus coupled to the port. The apparatus further includes a detector configured to determine a receptacle type of the receptacle of the interface module received by the port. One or more characteristics of the power supply component are controlled based on the determined receptacle type to correspond to a power signal appropriate to the receptacle type of the interface module received by the port.

In some such aspects, the port includes an alternating current (AC) port configured to output a first AC signal provided by the power supply component to the receptacle or to receive a second AC signal from the receptacle and provide the second AC signal to the power supply component. Additionally, or alternatively, the port comprises a direct current (DC) port configured to output a first DC voltage provided by the power supply component to the receptacle or to receive a second DC voltage from the receptacle and provide the second DC voltage to the power supply component.

In some such aspects, receptacles of different interface modules of the plurality of interface modules correspond to different power signals. Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more characteristics include a magnitude of an alternating current (AC) signal or a direct current (DC) voltage, a frequency of the AC signal, or both. Additionally, or alternatively, the detector includes a mechanical component configured to be actuated by a feature that extends from the back of the interface module.

In some such aspects, the apparatus includes one or more batteries, an inverter coupled to the one or more batteries and configured to generate an alternating current (AC) signal based on a direct current (DC) voltage received from the one or more batteries, and a controller coupled to the inverter. The power supply component includes the one or more batteries and the inverter. The controller is configured to receive an input from the detector indicating the determined receptacle type. The controller is also configured to select a settings signal corresponding to the AC signal based on the determined receptacle type. The settings signal indicates the one or more characteristics of the AC signal. The controller is further configured to configure the inverter based on the settings signal. In some such implementations, the controller is configured to configure the inverter to generate the AC signal having a magnitude of one of approximately 110 volts, 120 volts, 200 volts, 220 volts, 230 volts, and 240 volts. Additionally, or alternatively, the controller is configured to configure the inverter to generate the AC signal having a frequency of 50 Hertz or 60 Hertz.

In some such aspects, the apparatus further includes an input/output (I/O) device configured to display information corresponding to the one or more characteristics, a battery level of the one or more batteries of the power delivery apparatus, or both. Additionally, or alternatively, the apparatus includes one or more batteries, a direct current (DC) converter coupled to the one or more batteries and configured to adjust one or more characteristics of a DC voltage received from the one or more batteries, and one or more DC ports configured to receive the DC voltage from the DC converter. The power supply component includes the one or more batteries and the DC converter. The one or more DC ports include one of a universal serial bus (USB) port, a firewire port, an e-SATA port, and a Thunderbolt 3 port.

In another particular aspect, a method of operating a power bank includes receiving, at a port configured to changeably receive an interface module of a plurality of interface modules, the interface module. Interface modules of the plurality of interface modules include receptacles configured to interface with corresponding connector configurations. The port electrically couples a receptacle of the interface module received by the port to a power supply component of the power bank. The method includes monitoring an interface module detector disposed in association with the port for information indicating a receptacle type of the receptacle of the interface module received by the port. The method also includes determining the receptacle type of the receptacle of the interface module received by the port based on the interface module detector information. The method further includes setting one or more characteristics of the power supply component based on the determined receptacle type.

In some such aspects, setting the one or more characteristics of the power supply component includes setting a magnitude, a frequency, or both, of an alternating current (AC) signal generated by the power supply component and provided to the port. The port includes an AC port. Additionally, or alternatively, setting the one or more characteristics of the power supply component includes setting a voltage level of a direct current (DC) voltage provided by the power supply component to the port. The port includes a DC port.

In some such implementations, the method includes removing the interface module at the port and receiving a second interface module including a second receptacle at the port. The second receptacle has a different type than the receptacle. In some such aspects, the method includes monitoring the interface module detector for information indicating a second receptacle type of the second receptacle of the second interface module received by the port, determining the second receptacle type of the second receptacle of the second interface module based on the interface module detector information, and changing the one or more characteristics of the power supply component based on the determined second receptacle type.

In another particular aspect, an apparatus for power delivery includes an alternating current (AC) port configured to removably receive an interface module including a receptacle. The receptacle is configured to receive a corresponding connector configuration. The AC port is further configured to electrically couple the receptacle to an inverter of the power delivery apparatus, to receive an AC signal from the inverter, and to provide the AC signal to the receptacle of the interface module received by the AC port. The apparatus includes a detector configured to determine a receptacle type of the receptacle of the interface module received by the AC port and to provide a signal indicating the receptacle type. The apparatus also includes a controller configured to receive the signal from the detector and to generate, based on the signal, a settings signal that indicates one or more characteristics of the AC signal. The apparatus further includes the inverter coupled to the AC port and configured to generate the AC signal based on the settings signal.

In some such aspects, the detector includes a mechanical component, an optical component, a color detecting component, a radio-frequency identifier (RFID) component, or a combination thereof. Additionally, or alternatively, the AC port is configured to removably receive multiple interface modules including different receptacles. The different receptacles correspond to different characteristics of the AC signal. Additionally, or alternatively, the apparatus further includes one or more universal serial bus (USB) ports configured to output a first direct current (DC) voltage or to receive a second DC voltage to charge one or more batteries of the power delivery apparatus.

The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present invention in order that the detailed description of the invention that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the invention will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the invention. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the invention, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of an example of a power bank in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example of a system for providing power to electronic devices in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a first example of an interface module and a housing in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a second example of an interface module and a housing in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of an example of the interior of a power bank in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of an example of a method of operating a power bank; and

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an example of a kit for a power bank with detectable receptacle (s) in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Particular implementations of the present disclosure are described below with reference to the drawings. In the description, common features are designated by common reference numbers throughout the drawings. As used herein, various terminology is for the purpose of describing particular implementations only and is not intended to be limiting of implementations. For example, the singular forms "a, " "an, " and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It may be further understood that the terms "comprises" and "comprising" may be used interchangeably with "includes" or "including. " Additionally, it will be understood that the term “wherein” may be used interchangeably with “where. ”

As used herein, an ordinal term (e.g., “first, ” “second, ” “third, ” etc. ) used to modify an element, such as a structure, a component, an operation, etc., does not by itself indicate any priority or order of the element with respect to another element, but rather merely distinguishes the element from another element having a same name (but for use of the ordinal term) . The term “coupled” is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically; two items that are “coupled” may be unitary with each other. The phrase “and/or” means and or. To illustrate, A, B, and/or C includes: A alone, B alone, C alone, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, or a combination of A, B, and C. In other words, “and/or” operates as an inclusive or. Further, the phrase “A, B, C, or a combination thereof” or “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” includes: A alone, B alone, C alone, a combination of A and B, a combination of A and C, a combination of B and C, or a combination of A, B, and C.

Further, a device or system that is configured in a certain way is configured in at least that way, but it can also be configured in other ways than those specifically described. The feature or features of one aspect may be applied to other aspect, even though not described or illustrated, unless expressly prohibited by this disclosure or the nature of a described implementation.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a power bank 100. Power bank 100 may be used to charge and/or power one or more electronic devices, as further described herein. Power bank 100 includes an interface module 102, an input/output (I/O) device 104, a first direct current (DC) port 106, a second DC port 108, and a third DC port 110. Although three DC ports are illustrated, in other implementations, power bank 100 may include fewer than three or more than three DC ports. Internally, power bank 100 includes one or more batteries for storing charge and providing a direct current (DC) voltage to be used as an output to one or more electronic devices or for conversion to an alternating current (AC) signal, such as an AC power signal, to be used as an output to an electronic device, as further described herein. Power bank 100 may also include a controller and an inverter for converting the DC voltage to the AC signal, as further described herein.

Interface module 102 may be coupled to power bank 100, such as to a port (e.g., a socket) , as further described herein. Interface module may include a structure that includes a receptacle 103 (e.g., one or more openings including one or more contacts) configured to be coupled to a plug adapter. For example, interface module may include an face plate that includes receptacle 103, or another shape or structure that includes receptacle 103. In some implementations, interface module 102 may snap into place in front of a housing that contains the port. In some implementations, interface module 102 may be permanently coupled to the port. In some other implementations, interface module 102 may be removably (e.g., changeably) coupled to the port. In some such implementations, interface module 102 may be removed by sliding interface module 102 out of the housing. For example, interface module 102 may have one or more features (e.g., notches, protrusions, etc. ) along the sides that snap into place and lock interface module 102 within the housing, but may be squeezed by a user to unlock interface module 102 and enable interface module 102 to be slid out from the housing. In other implementations, interface module 102 may be attached with other means, such as screws.

Receptacle 103 includes one or more openings for receiving a plug adapter. In a particular implementation illustrated in FIG. 1, receptacle 103 may include a first opening 112, a second opening 114, and a third opening 116 (e.g., a ground opening) . Receptacle 103 is configured for operation with plug adapters according to a standard in a particular region. For example, receptacle 103 may have openings that are configured according to a type of plug adapter used in the United States (e.g., in conformance with a standard used in the United Stated) . If a user desires to plug in an electronic device with a type of plug adapter used in the United States, the user may couple the plug to receptacle 103, and power bank 100 may provide power to the electronic device, as further described herein. Alternatively, power may be provided, via receptacle 103, to power bank 100 to charge the one or more batteries.

However, if a user desires to plug in an electronic device with a type of plug adapter that is not used in the United States, such as a type of plug that is used in the United Kingdom (and is different than the type of plugs used in the United States) , interface module 102 may be removed and replaced with a different interface module. Specifically, interface module 102 may be removed and replaced with an interface module including a receptacle that is configured according to a plug adapter type used in Europe. As further described herein, power bank 100 includes a detector, such as a switch, a button, or another type of electro-mechanical detector, that detects which type of receptacle is coupled to power bank 100 and provides signals to a controller within power bank 100 to control the characteristics (e.g., voltage and frequency) of the signal provided by the port to the receptacle. In this manner, 110 volts (V) of electricity at 60 Hertz (Hz) may be provided to a receptacle that is configured in accordance with United States standards, and 220 V at 50 Hz may be provided to a receptacle that is configured in accordance with United Kingdom standards.

In some implementations, the port includes an AC port. For example, the port may be an AC socket configured to provide an AC signal to receptacle 103 or to receive an AC signal from receptacle 103. As described above, interface module 102 may include receptacle 103 that corresponds to an AC plug adapter, such as one used in a particular region. In other implementations, the port includes a DC port. For example, the port may be a DC socket configured to provide a DC voltage to receptacle 103 or to receive a DC voltage from receptacle 103. In such implementations, receptacle 103 may include a DC receptacle, such as a cigarette adapter receptacle, a universal serial bus (USB) adapter receptacle, or another type of DC receptacle. In some implementations, power bank 100 may include both a configurable AC port and a configurable DC port (e.g., ports configured to changeably receive multiple interface modules) .

I/O device 104 may be configured to receive user input and/or to display information to a user of power bank 100. In some implementations, I/O device 104 includes a display device, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen or an organic light emitting diode (OLED) screen, configured to display characteristics of the power being provided or received by power bank 100, a battery level of power bank 100, and/or other information. Additionally, or alternatively, I/O device 104 may include or correspond to one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to output light to indicate an operating mode (e.g., an output or received voltage) of power bank 100, a battery level of power bank 100, or other information.

DC ports 106-110 may be configured to output DC current to connected electronic devices or to receive DC current to charge one or more batteries of power bank 100. DC ports 106-110 may be fixed DC ports (e.g., not configured to be changeably coupled to interface modules) . In some implementations, DC ports 106-110 are universal serial bus (USB) ports, firewire ports, e-SATA ports, Thunderbolt 3 ports, or a combination thereof. As a non-limiting example, first DC port 106 and second DC port 108 may be USB-A ports, and third DC port 110 may be a USB-C port. Electronic devices may be plugged into DC ports 106-110 to receive power for charging and/or powering the electronic devices. Additionally, or alternatively, a power source (such as a desktop computer that is plugged into a wall outlet) may be plugged into one of DC ports 106-110 to provide power to charge the one or more batteries of power bank 100.

In some implementations, power bank 100 may also include a power port configured to receive power from a power adapter. For example, a plug adapter may be plugged into a wall outlet and may provide power to power bank 100 for charging the one or more batteries included in power bank 100. In other implementations, the one or more batteries may be charged by plugging a power source into one of DC ports 106-110 or into receptacle 103.

During operation of power bank 100, power bank 100 may be charged to use as a portable power source. For example, a power source may be coupled to one of DC ports 106-110 to charge one or more batteries included in power bank 100. Coupling power bank 100 to a power source in this manner may be achieved using a USB adapter that couples power bank 100 to the power source. Additionally, or alternatively, a power source may be coupled to power bank 100 via interface module 102. For example, if the port includes an AC port, a dual ended plug adapter may be used to couple interface module 102 to a wall outlet to charge the one or more batteries included in power bank 100. If the port is a DC port, a power source may be coupled to receptacle 103 to charge the one or more batteries of power bank 100. Additionally, or alternatively, power bank 100 may include an additional port that is configured to be coupled to a wall outlet by a plug adapter, similar to a computer power cord. In such implementations, the plug adapter may be configured to provide power to power bank 100 to charge the one or more batteries.

After the one or more batteries are charged, power bank 100 may be used to provide power to one or more electronic devices. For example, power bank 100 may provide DC voltage, an AC signal, or both, to one or more electronic devices to power the one or more electronic devices. To illustrate, power bank 100 may include a DC converter or controller that converts a DC voltage output by the one or more batteries into a voltage level compatible with DC ports 106-110. For example, the DC converter may convert the DC voltage to a USB-A format or a USB-C format, as non-limiting examples. Electronic devices may be coupled to DC ports 106-110 to receive the DC voltage from power bank 100 to charge and/or power the electronic devices.

Additionally, power bank 100 may be configured to provide a power signal to the port (e.g., the socket) to charge and/or power an electronic device. In some implementations, the port includes an AC port, and power bank 100 is configured to provide an AC signal to charge and/or power an electronic device. To illustrate, a user may determine the type of plug adapter used by the electronic device they wish to charge (e.g., a plug adapter in accordance with a United States standard, a plug adapter in accordance with a United Kingdom standard, etc. ) . Based on the selected plug adapter type, the user may insert a corresponding interface module 102 into power bank 100. For example, the user may select an interface module 102 including receptacle 103 that includes openings that correspond to the plug adapter type. Once interface module 102 is secured into the housing of power bank 100, a detector within the housing may detect which particular receptacle is present, and may send a signal to a controller to control the inverter within power bank 100 to output an AC signal having the appropriate magnitude (e.g., voltage) at the appropriate frequency.

To illustrate, power bank 100 may be compatible with two removable interface modules: a first removable interface module including a first receptacle with openings in accordance with a standard used in the United States, and a second removable interface module including a second receptacle with openings in accordance with a standard used in Europe. The detector may include a slot in the housing with an actuator that, when actuated, causes a first signal to be output and when not actuated, causes a second signal to be output. The first removable interface module may have a feature (e.g., a member, protuberance, detent, etc. ) on the back of the removable interface module that fits in a slot and pushes against the actuator, causing the first signal to be output. As further described herein, output of the first signal may cause the inverter to output an AC signal with a magnitude of approximately 120 V at 60 Hz to be in conformance with a standard in the United States. The second removable interface module does not have a feature on the back, such that the actuator is not pressed against when the second removable interface module is installed, causing the second signal to be output. As further described herein, output of the second signal may cause the inverter to output an AC signal with a magnitude of approximately 220 V at 50 Hz to be in conformance with a standard in the United Kingdom. Although two types of removable interface modules have been described, in other implementations, power bank 100 may be configured to work with more than two interface modules. For example, the housing may include more than one slot with more than one actuators, and different removable interface modules may have different numbers of features on the back (each one with a distinct number/configuration) such that the detector is able to determine which removable interface module is currently installed. A corresponding voltage at a corresponding frequency may be output appropriately in accordance with standards in other countries, such as other European countries, Australia, Asia, South America, or Africa. Alternatively, the detector may include one or more optical components that are configured to determine the receptacle type of interface module 102, one or more color sensors that are configured to determine the receptacle type of interface module 102, or another type of detector, such as an RFID detector. For example, different interface modules may have different RFID tags that are detected by the detector and used to distinguish the different interface modules. Additionally, or alternatively, the interface modules may include actuators and RFID tags such that important interface modules are identified by RFID tag and other interface modules are identified by the one or more actuators.

In some other implementations, the port includes a DC port, and power bank 100 is configured to provide a DC voltage to receptacle 103 via the port to charge and/or power an electronic device. The detector may detect the type of receptacle installed and may send a signal to a controller that is used to control one or more characteristics, such as a minimum voltage, a maximum voltage, a maximum current, and/or an allowable ripple. For example, based on a signal from the detector, the controller may send one or more control signals to a DC converter in power bank 100 to control one or more characteristics of the DC voltage output by the port.

Thus, FIG. 1 illustrates power bank 100 that is configured to provide DC voltage and/or an AC signal to charge and/or power one or more electronic devices. Different receptacles may be used for different plug adapters (in accordance with standards in different countries, different plug adapters of different devices, etc. ) , and a detector within power bank 100 may cause the appropriate power signal to be output at the appropriate magnitude (e.g., voltage) and/or frequency. In this manner, a user may insert the desired receptacle and plug in an electronic device, and power bank 100 will provide the appropriate power signal for charging and/or powering the electronic device without user input.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a system 200 for providing power to electronic devices. In some implementations, system 200 may include or correspond to power bank 100 of FIG. 1. System 200 includes controller 202, inverter 204, battery 206, I/O device 208, DC converter 210, first DC port 212, second DC port 214, AC port 216 (e.g., a socket) , detector 218, and in some implementations, receptacle 220 and a rectifier 205. In some implementations, inverter 204, rectifier 205, battery 206, and DC converter 210 may be included in (or referred to as) a power supply component 203 of system 200. Power supply component 203 may be configured to control a power signal provided to or received from a port, such as AC port 216, as further described herein.

Controller 202 is configured to execute instructions stored in a memory to perform the operations described herein. For example, controller 202 may be configured to receive a signal from detector 218 indicating a type of receptacle coupled to AC port 216, and based on this signal, controller 202 may identify one or more characteristics of an AC signal to be output by inverter 204. The one or more characteristics may be selected and/or determined based on the signal from detector 218. Controller 202 may be further configured to generate a settings signal that indicates the one or more characteristics and send the settings signal to inverter 204 to configure inverter 204 such that the AC signal output by inverter 204 has the one or more characteristics. In some implementations, controller 202 may be a controller for an entirety of system 200 (e.g., a power bank) . In other implementations, controller 202 may be a controller for inverter 204, and may be coupled to or included in inverter 204.

Inverter 204 is configured to receive a DC voltage from battery 206 and to generate an AC signal, such as an AC power signal, based on the DC voltage and the settings signal from controller 202. For example, inverter 204 may be configured to convert a DC voltage into an AC signal. Inverter 204 may include a transformer or other circuitry configured to convert a DC voltage into an AC signal. In some implementations, inverter 204 may have one or more configurable components that enable inverter 204 to output an AC signal having specific characteristics, such as a magnitude and/or a frequency. For example, inverter 204 may include a capacitor bank, an adjustable resistor, or another configurable component. The magnitude may correspond to a voltage of the signal. The voltage may be a peak voltage, an average voltage, a root-mean squares (RMS) voltage, or any other type of voltage. In some other implementations, inverter 204 may be configured to generate two AC outputs, a first AC output having a magnitude in the range of approximately 110-120 v at 60 Hz and a second AC output having a magnitude in the range of approximately 200-240 v at 50 Hz. For example, a first AC signal may be available via a first tap of a coil, and a second AC signal may be available via a second tap of the coil. In such implementations, inverter 204 may include a switch that couples one of the AC outputs to an output port of inverter 204. The switch may be operable based on the settings signal received from controller 202.

Rectifier 205 may be configured to receive an AC signal from AC port 216 if a power source is plugged into receptacle 220. Rectifier 205 is configured to convert the AC signal to a DC voltage and to provide the DC voltage to battery 206 to charge battery 206. In some implementations, system 200 may further include a current detector coupled to AC port 216 to disable inverter 204 when an AC signal is received via AC port 216 (and prevent a power signal from being provided to AC port 216 while rectifier 205 converts a received AC signal to a DC voltage) .

Battery 206 is configured to store charge and to provide a DC voltage to inverter 204, I/O device 208, and DC converter 210. Although referred to as a battery, battery 206 may include one or more batteries. For example, battery 206 may include a battery bank.

I/O device 208 is configured to receive user input and/or to output information to a user. For example, I/O device 208 may include a display configured to output information corresponding to characteristics of the AC signal output by inverter 204, charge level of battery 206, other information, or a combination thereof. As another example, I/O device 208 may include one or more LEDs configured to indicate characteristics of the AC signal output by inverter 204, charge level of battery 206, other information, or a combination thereof. I/O device 208 may be configured to receive DC voltage from battery 206 to enable functionality of I/O device 208.

DC converter 210 is configured to receive a DC voltage from battery 206 and to convert (e.g., adjust one or more characteristics of) the DC voltage to one or more voltages to be output via first DC port 212 and second DC port 214. For example, DC converter 210 may include a regulator, a voltage divider, a controller, one or more resistors, other circuitry, or a combination thereof, configured to change a magnitude of the DC voltage received from battery 206 and provided to first DC port 212 and second DC port 214.

First DC port 212 and second DC port 214 are configured to output DC voltages to electronic devices coupled to first DC port 212 and/or second DC port 214. First DC port 212 and second DC port 214 may be fixed DC ports (e.g., ports that are not configured to changeably receive interface modules) . In some implementations, first DC port 212 and second DC port 214 may be the same type of port. In other implementations, first DC port 212 and second DC port 214 may be different types of DC ports. In some implementations, first DC port 212 is configured to output a first DC voltage output and second DC port 214 is configured to output a second DC voltage output that is different from the first DC voltage output. In such implementations, the first DC voltage output and the second DC voltage output are different from the DC voltage provided by battery 206. First DC port 212, second DC port 214, or both may include one of a USB port, a firewire port, an e-SATA port, and a Thunderbolt 3 port. In some implementations, first DC port 212 includes a USB-A port, and second DC port 214 includes a USB-C port. In some such implementations, DC converter 210 may be configured to convert the DC voltage received from battery 206 to a maximum voltage of approximately 5 v, a power of approximately 10 watts, and a current of approximately 2.4 amperes (amps) for first DC port 212 and a maximum voltage of approximately 20 v, a power of approximately 65 watts, and a current of approximately 3.25 amps for second DC port 214.

AC port 216 (e.g., a socket) is configured to output the AC signal received from inverter 204. Receptacle 220 may be coupled to AC port 216, and AC port 216 may output the AC signal to receptacle 220. Receptacle 220 may be configured to receive a particular type of plug adapter from an electronic device and provide the AC signal to the electronic device to charge and/or power the electronic device. Receptacle 220 may have a particular type corresponding to the particular type of plug adapter that receptacle 220 is configured to receive. For example, receptacle 220 may correspond to a standard in a particular region (e.g., country) of the world. In some implementations, AC port 216 is removably coupled to receptacle 220 such that receptacle 220 is removable. For example, receptacle 220 may be removed and replaced with a different receptacle that is configured to receive a different type of plug adapter.

Detector 218 is configured to determine a receptacle type of receptacle 220. In some implementations, detector 218 may include an electro-mechanical component within a slot of a housing of system 200, and the mechanical component may be configured to be actuated by insertion of a feature on the back of an interface module that includes receptacle 220 into the slot. The electro-mechanical component may include a button, a switch, or another component. Actuation of the electro-mechanical component may cause detector 218 to output a signal to controller 202 indicating detection of a first type of receptacle. If the interface module does not have the feature, the electro-mechanical component is not actuated, which may send a second signal to controller 202 indicating detection of a second type of receptacle. In other implementations, the electro-mechanical component may not be located within a slot. For example, multiple buttons may be disposed on the back of a housing configured to receive the interface module, and the interface module may have one or more openings to prevent actuation of some of the buttons. Actuation of the buttons in a particular configuration may indicate which receptacle type corresponds to receptacle 220, which may be communicated to controller 202 by a signal. In other implementations, detector 218 may include an optical component. For example, some types of receptacles may have reflectors extending from a back face of the receptacles, and detection of a reflection caused by the reflector may indicate a type of receptacle. In some other implementations, detector 218 may include a color detector. For example, the back of each different type of receptacle may include a portion with a corresponding color, and detection of the corresponding color may indicate detection of the corresponding receptacle type. In other implementations, the various interface modules may have different RFID tags, and detector 218 may determine which type of receptacle is present based on a detected RFID tag. In other implementations, detector 218 may include other types of detectors.

In some implementations, detector 218 is configured to output a first signal when a first type of receptacle is detected, a second signal when a second type of receptacle is detected, and a third signal when no receptacle is detected. For example, detector 218 may include a mechanical component that is actuated by a feature of some receptacles, as further described with reference to FIG. 3, to cause transmission of the first signal. The second signal may be transmitted when a receptacle is detected by the mechanical component is not actuated. For example, detector 218 may include a second mechanical component configured to be actuated by coupling of a receptacle to AC port 216, and the second signal may be transmitted when the first mechanical component is not actuated by the second mechanical component is actuated. Additionally, in such implementations, the third signal may be transmitted when the second mechanical component is not actuated, to indicate that no receptacle is coupled to AC port 216 and that no AC signal needs to be output by AC port 216.

Although described as an AC port 216, in other implementations, system 200 may additionally, or in the alternative, include a DC port that is configured to changeably receive interface modules. In such implementations, detector 218 may similarly generate a signal to controller 202 to indicate the receptacle type of receptacle 220. Additionally, in such implementations, controller 202 may generate and send a settings signal to DC converter 210 (or another DC converter coupled to the DC port) to adjust one or more characteristics of a DC voltage provided by the DC port. Thus, an appropriate DC voltage may be output by the DC port without input from a user.

Although a single configurable port is illustrated in FIG. 2, such illustration is not limiting. In other implementations, system 200 may include multiple configurable ports. For example, system 200 may include more than one AC port, each with a corresponding detector. Additionally, or alternatively, system 200 may include one or more configurable DC ports, each with a corresponding detector. As used herein, the term “configurable port” refers to a port that is configured to be changeably coupled to one or more interface modules.

During operation of system 200, AC port 216 may be coupled to an interface module that includes receptacle 220. Detector 218 may detect the receptacle type of receptacle 220. For example, a feature on the back of the interface module may actuate an electro-mechanical component of detector 218 to indicate that receptacle 220 has a first receptacle type, as further described with reference to FIG. 3. Detector 218 may send a signal to controller 202 indicating the receptacle type of receptacle 220.

Controller 202 may receive the signal from detector 218, select (e.g., identify or determine) characteristics of an AC signal, and configure inverter 204 to output the AC signal having the characteristics that correspond to the receptacle type. For example, controller 202 may send one or more control signals to inverter 204 to configure inverter 204 to output an AC signal having a particular magnitude (e.g., voltage) and/or a particular frequency. The control signals may cause one or more configurable portions of inverter 204 to be configured in a manner such that the AC signal has the particular magnitude and/or frequency. Alternatively, the control signals may cause a switch to select a particular AC signal to be output by inverter 204, the particular AC signal having the particular magnitude and/or frequency. The AC signal may be provided from inverter 204 to receptacle 220 via AC port 216 to charge an electronic device plugged into receptacle 220.

Additionally, a DC voltage may be provided from battery 206 to first DC port 212 and/or second DC port 214 via DC converter 210. DC converter 210 may convert the DC voltage from battery 206 to an appropriate level for output by first DC port 212 and/or second DC port 214. First DC port 212 and/or second DC port 214 (e.g., USB ports, as non-limiting examples) may provide DC voltage for charging electronic device (s) plugged into first DC port 212 and/or second DC port 214.

I/O device 208 may output information related to the AC signal output by AC port 216, information related to battery 206, other information, or a combination thereof. For example, I/O device 208 may include a display that displays the magnitude (e.g., voltage) and/or the frequency of the AC signal output by AC port 216, a receptacle type of receptacle 220, a charge level of battery 206, other information, or a combination thereof. This information may enable a user to know what type of receptacle is plugged into AC port 216, what characteristics of the AC signal provided by the receptacle are, how much battery charge remains in system 200, or other information useful to the user.

Thus, FIG. 2 describes system 200 that acts as a power bank for charging and/or powering electronic devices. The electronic devices may be charged by first DC port 212 and/or second DC port 214, by AC port 216, by another port (e.g., a power port) , or by a combination thereof. Additionally, system 200 is configured to detect a type of receptacle coupled to AC port 216, such that inverter 204 can be configured to output an AC signal having the appropriate characteristics for the receptacle. For example, if a receptacle corresponding to a plug adapter configuration used in the United States is coupled to AC port 216, detector 218 detects the receptacle type and, based on this information, controller 202 configures inverter 204 to output an AC signal having a magnitude and frequency that correspond to a standard used in the United States. Additionally, or alternatively, a DC port may be coupled to one or more interface modules, and a corresponding detector may provide a signal to controller 202 to cause controller 202 to configure DC converter 210 to cause output of an appropriate DC voltage. In this manner, system 200 may output an appropriate signal for the receptacle that is coupled to AC port 216 without input from the user.

FIG. 3 illustrates a first example of an interface module 300 and a housing 310. Interface module 300 is configured to be coupled to housing 310 such that a plug adapter that is coupled to a receptacle of interface module 300 receives an AC signal (or provides an AC signal to a power bank) . Housing 310 may be a small housing that is attached to the rest of the housing of a power bank, such as power bank 100.

As shown in FIG. 3, interface module 300 may be inserted into housing 310. Inserting interface module 300 may cause interface module 300 to “snap” into place and lock into housing 310. In some implementations, the sides of interface module 300 may be squeezed by a user to cause interface module 300 to unlock and be removed from housing 310. In some other implementations, a button or other feature may be included in interface module 300 that causes interface module 300 to detach from housing 310.

As described with reference to FIG. 1, a receptacle of interface module 300 includes one or more openings configured to receive prongs of a plug adapter. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the receptacle is configured to receive a plug adapter that is configured in accordance with a standard in the United States. For example, interface module 300 may include one or more openings that are configured to receive one or more blade-shaped prongs. As described with reference to FIG. 4, other receptacles may be configured to receive other types of prongs corresponding to configurations in accordance with other standards.

As shown in the back view, interface module 300 includes one or more electrical connectors configured to electrically couple a plug adapter that is coupled to the receptacle of interface module 300 to an AC port (e.g., socket) of a power bank, such as power bank 100. For example, interface module 300 may include a first electrical connector 302 and a second electrical connector 304. Electrical connectors 302-304 may be configured to be coupled to openings to complete an electrical circuit to the power bank.

As shown in FIG. 3, interface module 300 also includes a feature 306 that is coupled or affixed to (e.g., protrudes from) the back side of interface module 300. For example, feature 306 may be a notch, a tab, a protrusion, or another feature that extends from the back of interface module 300. Feature 306 may be plastic or another material, such as metal, as a non-limiting example. Feature 306 indicates that interface module 300 is a particular type, such as a type in accordance with a standard used in the United States. Feature 306 may be configured to be inserted in a slot in housing 310, which acts as a detector to detect the type of receptacle.

As shown in the front view, housing 310 includes one or more openings configured to receive electrical connectors and to couple the electrical connectors to the power bank. For example, housing 310 may include a first opening 312 and a second opening 314. The openings 312-314 may be metal plated and configured to complete a circuit between interface module 300 and the power bank. In the example of FIG. 3, first opening 312 may be configured to receive first electrical connector 302, and second opening 314 may be configured to receive second electrical connector 304. When electrical connectors 302-304 are received within openings 312-314, a circuit may be formed between interface module 300 and the power bank (e.g., the one or more batteries of the power bank) .

As shown in FIG. 3, housing 310 also includes a slot 316. Slot 316 may include a mechanical component, such as a notch, a button, a switch, or another electro-mechanical element that is engaged when feature 306 is received within slot 316. For example, inserting feature 306 within slot 316 may cause a button to be pressed, which operates as a detector (e.g., detector 218 of FIG. 2) and sends a first signal to a controller to control the magnitude (e.g., voltage) and/or the frequency of the AC signal provided to the AC port of the power bank. Additionally, if a receptacle without feature 306 is inserted into housing 310, the button (or other mechanical element) is not pressed, causing a second signal to be sent to the controller to control the magnitude and/or the frequency of the AC signal provided to the AC port of the power bank. In this manner, slot 316 (and the mechanical element within) may act as a detector to detect (e.g., determine) which type of receptacle is currently inserted within housing 310.

Housing 310 also includes an opening 318. For example, opening 318 may be a substantially square-shaped opening in a top right side of housing 310. Opening 318 may be included to enable one or more wires to be plugged to components within housing 310, such as the mechanical element and/or the openings 312-314 (or components coupled to the openings 312-314) . As shown in the back view, housing 310 also includes a screw 320. Screw 320 may be configured to attach a back face (e.g., portion) to housing 310. In some implementations, the back face may be semi-transparent to enable viewing of the components within housing 310.

FIG. 4 illustrates a second example of an interface module 400 and a housing 410. Interface module 400 is configured to be coupled to housing 410 such that a plug adapter that is coupled to a receptacle of interface module 400 receives an AC signal.

Interface module 400 is similar to interface module 300 of FIG. 3. However, in the example illustrated in FIG. 4, the receptacle of interface module 400 is configured to receive a plug adapter that is configured in accordance with a standard in the United Kingdom. For example, the receptacle of interface module 400 may include one or more openings that are configured to receive one or more cylindrical-shaped prongs.

As shown in the back view, interface module 400 includes one or more electrical connectors configured to electrically couple a plug adapter that is coupled to interface module 400 to an AC port of a power bank, such as power bank 100. For example, interface module 400 may include a first electrical connector 402 and a second electrical connector 404. Electrical connectors 402-404 may be configured to be coupled to openings to complete an electrical circuit to the power bank. However, unlike interface module 300 of FIG. 3, interface module 400 does not include a feature extending from the back of interface module 400. The lack of feature may identify interface module 400 as a second type of receptacle (e.g., a receptacle that is configured in accordance with a standard in the United Kingdom) .

Housing 410 is similar to housing 310 of FIG. 3. For example, housing 410 includes first opening 412, second opening 414, slot 416 (with a mechanical component within) , opening 418, and screw 420, which may similar to first opening 312, second opening 314, slot 316, opening 318, and screw 320 of housing 310. However, in the example of FIG. 4, because interface module 400 does not include a feature, there is no feature to be inserted into slot 416. Thus, the mechanical component is not enabled (e.g., actuated) , and a second signal is sent to the inverter controller to cause the AC current output by the AC port to be at an appropriate voltage and frequency, such as 220 V and 50 Hz.

Although two types of interface modules (e.g., one with feature and one without a corresponding feature) are illustrated in FIGS. 3-4, more than two types of interface modules are possible in other implementations. For example, housings 310 and 410 may include multiple slots, and some receptacles may include multiple features. The number and configuration of the features may identify which type of receptacle is present, and thus, what magnitude (e.g., voltage) and frequency of AC signal are used. In other implementations, other types of detectors may be used. For example, instead of having a slot that receives a feature, housing may have one or more buttons attached to a back wall, and receptacles may have various positions of tabs that press against the buttons (or openings that enable the buttons to remain un-pressed) . The configuration of buttons that are pressed (or not pressed) may indicate which type of receptacle is currently inserted. In other examples, the detector may include one or more optical components, one or more color detection components, one or more RFID components, or another type of detector, as non-limiting examples Thus, a detector of a power bank may have other configurations than the described slot and mechanical component. Additionally, although AC receptacles are described, in other implementations, interface modules with DC receptacle may be coupled to DC ports of the power bank to enable output of appropriate DC voltages without input by a user.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the interior of a power bank 500. In some implementations, power bank 500 may include or correspond to power bank 100 of FIG. 1. Power bank 500 includes an interface module 502, an I/O device 504, one or more first DC ports 506, a second DC port 508, one or more heat sinks 510, a fan 512, one or more batteries 514, and an AC inverter board 516. In some implementations, power bank 500 has particular dimensions. For example, a width of power bank 500 may be approximately 125 millimeters (mm) , a length of power bank 500 may be approximately 155 mm, and a height of power bank 500 may be approximately 35 mm. In other implementations, power bank 500 has other dimensions.

Interface module 502 may be configured to be coupled to a housing of power bank 500 and enable coupling to a particular type of plug adapter. For example, interface module 502 may include or correspond to interface module 102 of FIG. 1, interface module 300 of FIG. 3, or interface module 400 of FIG. 4. In some implementations, interface module 502 may be removed and replaced with a different type of interface module when a different plug adapter type is to be used.

I/O device 504 may be configured to receive user input and/or to display information. For example, I/O device 504 may include a display, such as an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display. I/O device 504 may be configured to output information, such as a voltage and/or a frequency of an AC current output by power bank 500, a type of interface module 502, a battery level of power bank 500, other information, or a combination thereof.

One or more first DC ports 506 and second DC port 508 may be configured to output DC current to charge and/or power one or more electronic devices or to receive DC current to charge one or more batteries 514. In some implementations, one or more first DC ports 506 and second DC port 508 may include USB ports. For example, one or more first DC ports 506 may include two USB-A ports, and second DC port 508 may include a USB-C port.

One or more heat sinks 510 may be configured to sink heat (e.g., to reduce heat) to the components of power bank 500. For example, one or more heat sinks 510 may be metal and may be configured to conduct heat away from components of power bank 500, such as circuitry, processors, etc. Additionally, fan 512 may be configured to cool at least a portion of power bank 500. For example, fan 512 may be configured to reduce the temperature of circuitry, processors, etc., of power bank 500.

One or more batteries 514 may be configured to store charge. For example, when power bank 500 is coupled to a power source, one or more batteries 514 may receive and store charge (e.g., power) . One or more batteries may also be configured to provide output current to electronic device (s) plugged in to (e.g., coupled to) power bank 500, as described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. In some implementations, one or more batteries 514 are glued to a housing of power bank 500 to hold one or more batteries 514 in place.

AC inverter board 516 may include a circuit board that includes an inverter (or other circuitry configured to perform the operations of an inverter) . The inverter may be configured to generate an AC signal based on a DC voltage received from one or more batteries 514. In some implementations, AC inverter board 516 is configured for a maximum of 450 watts and is configured for dual voltage output: approximately 110-120 v and approximately 220-240 v. In some implementations, AC inverter board 516 is positioned near one or more heat sinks 510 and fan 512 in order to reduce the temperature of AC inverter board 516 during operation.

Thus, FIG. 5 describes the internal structure of power bank 500. Similar to power bank 100, power bank 500 may include additional components, such as a detector configured to determine a type of receptacle that is present. After detecting the type of receptacle, a controller may configure an inverter (e.g., coupled to AC inverter board 516) to output an AC signal having appropriate characteristics for the type of receptacle or may configure a DC converter to output a DC voltage having appropriate characteristics to the type of receptacle. In this manner, power bank 500 may provide the appropriate power signal via interface module 502 to an electronic device coupled to interface module 502.

FIG. 6 illustrates a method 600 of power bank operation. Method 600 may be performed by power bank 100, system 200, or power bank 500, as non-limiting examples.

Method 600 includes receiving, at a port configured to changeably receive an interface module of a plurality of interface modules, the interface module, at 602. Interface modules of the plurality of interface modules include receptacles configured to interface with corresponding connector configurations. The port electrically couples a receptacle of the interface module received by the port to a power supply component of the power bank. For example, interface module 102 that includes receptacle 103 may be received at a port of power bank 100.

Method 600 includes monitoring an interface module detector disposed in association with the port for information indicating a receptacle type of the receptacle of the interface module received by the port, at 604. For example, a detector of power bank 100 may be monitored for information indicating a receptacle type of receptacle 103.

Method 600 also includes determining the receptacle type of the receptacle of the interface module received by the port based on the interface module detector information, at 606. For example, a detector of power bank 100 may determine the receptacle type of receptacle 103 and provide information, such as a signal, indicating the receptacle type.

Method 600 further includes setting one or more characteristics of the power supply component based on the determined receptacle type, at 608. For example, a controller within power bank 100 may set one or more characteristics of a power supply component (e.g., an inverter, a DC converter, one or more batteries, etc. ) based on the determined receptacle type.

In some implementations, setting the one or more characteristics of the power supply component includes setting a magnitude, a frequency, or both, of an alternating current (AC) signal generated by the power supply component and provided to the port. The port includes an AC port. For example, a controller of power bank 100 may set a magnitude (e.g., a voltage) and/or a frequency of an AC signal generated by an inverter and provided to an AC port of power bank 100. Additionally, or alternatively, setting the one or more characteristics of the power supply component includes setting a voltage level of a direct current (DC) voltage provided by the power supply component to the port. The port includes a DC port. For example, a controller of power bank 100 may configure a DC converter of power bank 100 to output a particular DC voltage to a DC port.

In some implementations, method 600 includes removing the interface module at the port and receiving a second interface module including a second receptacle at the port. The second receptacle has a different type than the receptacle. For example, interface module 102 may be removed and replaced with a different type of receptacle. In some such implementations, method 600 further includes monitoring the interface module detector for information indicating a second receptacle type of the second receptacle of the second interface module received by the port, determining the second receptacle type of the second receptacle of the second interface module based on the interface module detector information, and changing the one or more characteristics of the power supply component based on the determined second receptacle type. For example, based on the different receptacle, a magnitude and a frequency of the AC signal may be changed (to conform to a standard in a region corresponding to the second receptacle type) .

In a particular implementation, method 600 further includes receiving a signal from a detector configured to determine the receptacle type, identifying the one or more characteristics of the AC signal, generating a setting signal indicating the one or more characteristics, and sending the settings signal to an inverter to configure the inverter to output an AC signal having the one or more characteristics. For example, controller 202 may receive a signal from detector 218 that indicates which receptacle type corresponds to receptacle 220. Controller 202 may identify one or more target characteristics (e.g., a target voltage, a target frequency) and provide a settings signal to inverter 204 to configure inverter 204 to output an AC signal having the one or more target characteristics. In some such implementations, method 600 may further include receiving a DC voltage at the inverter, generating the AC signal of the inverter based on the DC voltage and the settings signal, and providing the AC signal to the receptacle via the AC port. For example, inverter 204 may receive a DC voltage from one or more batteries 206 and generate an AC signal (having the one or more characteristics) based on the DC voltage and the settings signal. The AC signal may be provided to receptacle 220 via AC port 216.

Thus, method 600 enables operation of a power bank that detects a type of receptacle that is included in an interface module received by a port and sets one or more characteristics of a power supply component based on the type of the receptacle. This detection of receptacle type and setting of characteristics of the power supply component enables the power bank to provide the appropriate power signal to the receptacle, or receive the appropriate power signal, without a user having to provide input (or program) the power bank.

One or more methods described herein may be implemented as a computer-readable storage device storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform the operations corresponding to the method. For example, a computer-readable storage device may store instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations that include monitoring an interface module detector disposed in association with a port of a power bank for information indicating a receptacle type of a receptacle of an interface module received by the port. The port is configured to changeably receive the interface module of a plurality of interface modules, and the port electrically couples the receptacle of the interface module received by the port to a power supply component of the power bank. The operations may also include determining the receptacle type of the receptacle of the interface module received by the port based on the interface module detector information. The operations may further include setting one or more characteristics of the power supply component based on the determined receptacle type.

Referring to FIG. 7, a kit 700 for a power bank with removable receptacles is illustrated. Kit 700 includes a power bank 710 and a first removable interface module 712. Power bank 710 may be configured to charge and/or power one or more electronic devices via an AC output port and/or one or more DC output ports, such as one or more USB ports. Power bank 710 may include or correspond to power bank 100 of FIG. 1, system 200 of FIG. 2, and/or power bank 500 of FIG. 5.

First removable interface module 712 is configured to be removably (e.g., changeably) coupled to power bank 710. For example, first removable interface module 712 may be received by a port of power bank 710. In some implementations, first removable interface module 712 may include or correspond to interface module 300 of FIG. 3.

In some implementations, kit 700 may further include a second removable interface module 714, additional components 716, or a combination thereof. Second removable interface module 714 is configured to be removably coupled to power bank 710. For example, second removable interface module 714 may be received by the port of power bank 710. Second removable interface module 714 may include a receptacle that is configured in accordance with a different region than a receptacle of first removable interface module 712. In some implementations, second removable interface module 714 may include or correspond to interface module 400 of FIG. 4. Additional components 716 may include batteries, a power cord, or other components, as non-limiting examples.

In some implementations, kit 700 may include a package 702. For example, package 702 may include a box, a bag, a container, or the like. Package 702 may include power bank 710 and first removable interface module 712. In some implementations, package 702 may further include second removable interface module 714, additional components 716, or any combination thereof. Additionally, or alternatively, package 702 may include a packaging medium (e.g., a packaging material) , such as foam, paper, or the like. Thus, FIG. 7 describes kit 700 for a power bank.

In conjunction with the described aspects, an apparatus includes means for receiving an AC signal and for providing the AC signal to means for receiving a corresponding connector configuration. The means for receiving the AC signal is dimensioned to receive the means for receiving the corresponding connector configuration. The means for receiving the AC signal may include or correspond to an AC port of power bank 100 of FIG. 1, AC port 216 of FIG. 2, an AC port of power bank 500 of FIG. 5, an AC port of power bank 710 of FIG. 7, one or more other structures or circuits configured to provide an AC signal, or any combination thereof. The means for receiving a corresponding connector configuration may include or correspond to interface module 102 of FIG. 1, receptacle 220 of FIG. 2, interface module 300 of FIG. 3, interface module 400 of FIG. 4, interface module 502 of FIG. 5, first removable interface module 712 of FIG. 7, one or more other structures or circuits configured to receive a connector configuration, or any combination thereof.

The apparatus may further include means for determining a type of the means for receiving the corresponding connector configuration. One or more characteristics of the AC signal provided to the means for receiving the AC signal are based on the detected type. The means for determining may include or correspond to a detector of power bank 100 of FIG. 1, detector 218 of FIG. 2, a detector of power bank 500 of FIG. 5, a detector of power bank 710 of FIG. 7, one or more other structures or circuits configured to determine a type of the means for receiving the corresponding connector configuration, or any combination thereof.

In some implementations, the apparatus also includes means for generating the AC signal and means for configuring the means for generating the AC signal. The means for generating the AC signal may include or correspond to an inverter of power bank 100 of FIG. 1, inverter 204 of FIG. 2, an inverter of power bank 500 of FIG. 5, an inverter of power bank 710 of FIG. 7, one or more other structures or circuits configured to generate an AC signal based on a DC voltage, or any combination thereof. The means for configuring the means for generating the AC signal may include or correspond to a controller of power bank 100 of FIG. 1, controller 202 of FIG. 2, a controller of power bank 500 of FIG. 5, a controller of power bank 710 of FIG. 7, one or more other structures or circuits configured to configure the means for generating the AC signal, or any combination thereof.

It should be understood that the present systems, kits, apparatuses, methods, and computer-readable storage devices are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, they are to cover all combination, modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the claims.

The functional blocks and modules described herein may comprise processors, electronics devices, hardware devices, electronics components, logical circuits, memories, software codes, firmware codes, etc., or any combination thereof.

Those of skill would further appreciate that the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the disclosure herein may be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or combinations of both. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability of hardware and software, various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps have been described above generally in terms of their functionality. Whether such functionality is implemented as hardware or software depends upon the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. Skilled artisans may implement the described functionality in varying ways for each particular application, but such implementation decisions should not be interpreted as causing a departure from the scope of the present disclosure. Skilled artisans will also readily recognize that the order or combination of components, methods, or interactions that are described herein are merely examples and that the components, methods, or interactions of the various aspects of the present disclosure may be combined or performed in ways other than those illustrated and described herein.

The various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the disclosure herein may be implemented or performed with a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP) , an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) , a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, but in the alternative, the processor may be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration.

The steps of a method or algorithm described in connection with the disclosure herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in a software module executed by a processor, or in a combination of the two. A software module may reside in RAM memory, flash memory, ROM memory, EPROM memory, EEPROM memory, registers, hard disk, a removable disk, a CD-ROM, or any other form of storage medium known in the art. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to the processor such that the processor can read information from, and write information to, the storage medium. In the alternative, the storage medium may be integral to the processor. The processor and the storage medium may reside in an ASIC. The ASIC may reside in a user terminal. In the alternative, the processor and the storage medium may reside as discrete components in a user terminal.

In one or more exemplary designs, the functions described may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. If implemented in software, the functions may be stored on or transmitted over as one or more instructions or code on a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes both computer storage media and communication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Computer-readable storage media may be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. By way of example, and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer, or a general-purpose or special-purpose processor. Also, a connection may be properly termed a computer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, or digital subscriber line (DSL) , then the coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, or DSL, are included in the definition of medium. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD) , laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD) , hard disk, solid state disk, and Blu-ray disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

As used herein, including in the claims, the term “and/or, ” when used in a list of two or more items, means that any one of the listed items can be employed by itself, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be employed. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and/or C, the composition can contain A alone; B alone; C alone; A and B in combination; A and C in combination; B and C in combination; or A, B, and C in combination. Also, as used herein, including in the claims, “or” as used in a list of items prefaced by “at least one of” indicates a disjunctive list such that, for example, a list of “at least one of A, B, or C” means A or B or C or AB or AC or BC or ABC (i.e., A and B and C) or any of these in any combination thereof.

The previous description of the disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the disclosure. Various modifications to the disclosure will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other variations without departing from the spirit or scope of the disclosure. Thus, the disclosure is not intended to be limited to the examples and designs described herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Although embodiments of the present application and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification.

Claims

An apparatus configured for power delivery, the apparatus comprising:

a port configured to changeably receive interface modules of a plurality of interface modules, wherein the interface modules of the plurality of interface modules include receptacles configured to interface with corresponding connector configurations, and wherein the port is configured to electrically couple a receptacle of an interface module received by the port to a power supply component of the power delivery apparatus coupled to the port; and

a detector configured to determine a receptacle type of the receptacle of the interface module received by the port, wherein one or more characteristics of the power supply component are controlled based on the determined receptacle type to correspond to a power signal appropriate to the receptacle type of the interface module received by the port.
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the port comprises an alternating current (AC) port configured to output a first AC signal provided by the power supply component to the receptacle or to receive a second AC signal from the receptacle and provide the second AC signal to the power supply component.
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the port comprises a direct current (DC) port configured to output a first DC voltage provided by the power supply component to the receptacle or to receive a second DC voltage from the receptacle and provide the second DC voltage to the power supply component.
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein receptacles of different interface modules of the plurality of interface modules correspond to different power signals.
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more characteristics comprise a magnitude of an alternating current (AC) signal or a direct current (DC) voltage, a frequency of the AC signal, or both.
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the detector comprises a mechanical component configured to be actuated by a feature that extends from the back of the interface module.
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

one or more batteries;

an inverter coupled to the one or more batteries and configured to generate an alternating current (AC) signal based on a direct current (DC) voltage received from the one or more batteries, the power supply component including the one or more batteries and the inverter; and

a controller coupled to the inverter, the controller configured to:

receive an input from the detector indicating the determined receptacle type;

select a settings signal corresponding to the AC signal based on the determined receptacle type, the settings signal indicating the one or more characteristics; and

configure the inverter based on the settings signal.
The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to configure the inverter to generate the AC signal having a magnitude of one of approximately 110 volts, 120 volts, 200 volts, 220 volts, 230 volts, and 240 volts.
The apparatus of claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to configure the inverter to generate the AC signal having a frequency of 50 Hertz or 60 Hertz.
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an input/output (I/O) device configured to display information corresponding to the one or more characteristics, a battery level of one or more batteries of the power delivery apparatus, or both.
The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

one or more batteries;

a direct current (DC) converter coupled to the one or more batteries and configured to adjust one or more characteristics of a DC voltage received from the one or more batteries, wherein the power supply component includes the one or more batteries and the DC converter; and

one or more DC ports configured to receive the DC voltage from the DC converter, wherein the one or more DC ports comprise one of a universal serial bus (USB) port, a firewire port, an e-SATA port, and a Thunderbolt 3 port.
A method of operating a power bank, the method comprising:

receiving, at a port configured to changeably receive an interface module of a plurality of interface modules, the interface module, wherein interface modules of the plurality of interface modules include receptacles configured to interface with corresponding connector configurations, and wherein the port electrically couples a receptacle of the interface module received by the port to a power supply component of the power bank;

monitoring an interface module detector disposed in association with the port for information indicating a receptacle type of the receptacle of the interface module received by the port;

determining the receptacle type of the receptacle of the interface module received by the port based on the interface module detector information; and

setting one or more characteristics of the power supply component based on the determined receptacle type.
The method of claim 12, wherein setting the one or more characteristics of the power supply component comprises setting a magnitude, a frequency, or both, of an alternating current (AC) signal generated by the power supply component and provided to the port, and wherein the port comprises an AC port.
The method of claim 12, wherein setting the one or more characteristics of the power supply component comprises setting a voltage level of a direct current (DC) voltage provided by the power supply component to the port, and wherein the port comprises a DC port.
The method of claim 12, further comprising:

removing the interface module at the port; and

receiving a second interface module including a second receptacle at the port, the second receptacle having a different type than the receptacle.
The method of claim 15, further comprising:

monitoring the interface module detector for information indicating a second receptacle type of the second receptacle of the second interface module received by the port;

determining the second receptacle type of the second receptacle of the second interface module based on the interface module detector information; and

changing the one or more characteristics of the power supply component based on the determined second receptacle type.
An apparatus for power delivery, the apparatus comprising:

an alternating current (AC) port configured to removably receive an interface module including a receptacle, the receptacle configured to receive a corresponding connector configuration, the AC port further configured to electrically couple the receptacle to an inverter of the power delivery apparatus, to receive an AC signal from the inverter, and to provide the AC signal to the receptacle of the interface module received by the AC port;

a detector configured to determine a receptacle type of the receptacle of the interface module received by the AC port and to provide a signal indicating the receptacle type;

a controller configured to receive the signal from the detector and to generate, based on the signal, a settings signal that indicates one or more characteristics of the AC signal; and

the inverter coupled to the AC port and configured to generate the AC signal based on the settings signal.
The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the detector comprises a mechanical component, an optical component, a color detecting component, a radio-frequency identifier (RFID) component, or a combination thereof.
The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the AC port is configured to removably receive multiple interface modules including different receptacles, the different receptacles corresponding to different characteristics of the AC signal.
The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising one or more universal serial bus (USB) ports configured to output a first direct current (DC) voltage or to receive a second DC voltage to charge one or more batteries of the power delivery apparatus.