TWI889239B - Adjustable output port mechanism and portable power bank - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention describes a portable power bank equipped with an innovative adjustable output port mechanism designed to cater to the varied charging needs of mobile device users. The power bank features a threaded screw and control wheel that allow the output port to extend and retract, providing compatibility with devices encased in protective covers of different sizes. The flexibility and durability of the internal wiring are specifically adapted to support the adjustable mechanism's repetitive motion. An integrated, retractable plug offers additional connectivity options, enhancing the power bank's versatility. Safety measures, including overcharge and temperature control, along with fast charging capabilities, are incorporated to ensure efficient and secure operation. This invention presents a significant advancement in portable charging solutions, offering a versatile, safe, and user-friendly device to keep electronic devices powered in various settings.

Description

Adjustable output port mechanism and portable charger

The present invention relates to a portable charger, and more particularly, to a portable charger for charging smartphones, tablet computers and other mobile devices.

Portable chargers have become an essential accessory for mobile device users, providing an additional source of power when traditional charging methods are not available. Traditional portable chargers are designed with fixed output ports and may not accommodate different sizes of mobile device cases, especially those thicker cases. Users are often required to remove the case to establish a proper connection between the charging port and the portable charger, which can be cumbersome and may expose the device to potential damage.

Additionally, existing portable chargers typically offer limited charging connectors, requiring users to carry multiple adapters or cables for devices with different charging ports. This lack of versatility increases the number of accessories users must carry and makes the charging process more complicated.

There is a growing demand for a portable charger design that can provide a more flexible connection interface to address the above challenges. An improved portable charger that can adjust the length according to the protective case of different devices and provide multiple connector types will significantly enhance user convenience and device compatibility.

The present invention aims to solve the above problems by introducing an adjustable output port mechanism, which can be adjusted according to the thickness of different protective sleeves.

In accordance with the above objects and others, the present invention relates to a portable charger equipped with an adjustable output port mechanism to enhance its adaptability and user convenience. The core of the invention is a unique adjustable output port mechanism that allows the output port to be telescopic, thereby adapting to electronic devices with protective covers of different thicknesses. The adjustable output port mechanism includes an auger screw and a control wheel. The control wheel is accessible from the outside of the portable charger, allowing the user to manually adjust the vertical position of the auger screw. This adjustment in turn changes the height of the platform supporting the output port, thereby enabling it to be electrically connected to the charging port of a mobile device without removing its protective cover. In addition to the adjustable output port, the invention also integrates a plug inside the charger's housing, providing an alternative charging connector for increased versatility. The integrated plug is retractable, ensuring the charger remains elegant and discreet when not in use.

The present invention aims to provide a charger that not only serves as a reliable power source, but also provides a higher level of convenience and compatibility with a variety of mobile devices, thereby addressing the limitations commonly found in existing portable chargers. This design is intended to simplify the user experience and meet the growing demand for more functional mobile device accessories.

In order to make the above features and advantages of the present invention more clearly understood, the following is a detailed description of the preferred embodiment with the accompanying drawings.

100: Portable charger

110: rear shell

120:Battery

130: Circuit board

132: USB Type C charging port

140: Adjustable output port mechanism

141: Helical screw

142: Control wheel

143:Guide rails

144: Platform

144a: Internal thread

145: Top plate

146: Base

150:Front shell

152: Opening of the front shell

154: Opening of the remaining power display screen

155: Retractable horizontal screen stand

160: Output port

162: Power supply line

170: Integrated plug

180: Remaining power display

Various embodiments will be described below based on the accompanying drawings, which are used for illustration and not to limit the scope in any way, wherein like numbers represent like elements, and the drawings are briefly described as follows: FIG1 shows an exploded view of a portable charger.

Figure 2 depicts the portable charger with its output port retracted.

Figure 3 shows the portable charger with its output port extended.

Figure 4 provides a detailed view of the adjustable output port mechanism.

Figure 5 presents an exploded view of the adjustable output port mechanism, detailing its components and how they fit together to allow vertical adjustment of the output port.

FIG6 presents a flow chart illustrating the process of adjusting the output port position using the adjustable output port mechanism.

Figure 7 shows the power supply circuit that supplies power to the output port.

The present invention is best understood with reference to the detailed description and accompanying drawings set forth herein. Various embodiments will be discussed below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detailed description given herein with respect to the accompanying drawings is for illustrative purposes only, as the methods and systems may extend beyond the described embodiments. For example, the teachings given and the requirements of a particular application may yield a variety of optional and suitable methods to implement the functionality of any detail described herein. Therefore, any method may extend beyond the specific implementation options described and shown in the following embodiments.

The present invention relates to a portable charger designed to provide a convenient and versatile charging solution for smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices on the move. The present invention discloses an adjustable output port mechanism, which is a new feature that significantly enhances the applicability and user-friendliness of the portable charger. In the field of mobile technology, the demand for reliable and efficient portable charging solutions has become quite important. Although traditional portable chargers are powerful, they often perform poorly in meeting the diverse needs of users, especially for users who use protective cases of different thicknesses. This mismatch causes users to have to remove these protective cases to establish an electrical connection between the mobile device and the portable charger, which is not only troublesome but may also cause damage to the device. Compatibility issues also arise with the various types of charging connectors required for different mobile devices. Users often need to carry multiple cables or adapters to meet this diversity, which in turn weakens the convenience that a portable charger should provide. The present invention addresses these challenges by having an adjustable output port mechanism that can easily adjust the height of the output port to achieve an integrated connection with the mobile device, regardless of the protective case used. In addition, the present invention also incorporates an integrated plug that provides alternative connection types, further expanding its compatibility with a variety of devices. This dual approach - adjustability and multiple connection options - is intended to provide a comprehensive solution to the limitations of existing portable power banks, thereby improving the user's charging experience in different scenarios. By addressing these specific user issues, the present invention sets a new standard for portable charger design, providing the convenience and usability currently lacking in the market.

Please refer to Figures 1, 2, and 3. Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the portable charger, Figure 2 describes the portable charger in an assembled state with the output port retracted, and Figure 3 shows the portable charger with the output port extended. As described in the above paragraph, this portable charger 100 is not only a container for a battery 120 (e.g., a high-capacity lithium-ion battery), but the outstanding feature of this charger, namely, the adjustable output port mechanism 140, reflects the applicability of the portable charger 100. Through the exploded view and three-dimensional view shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, people can understand how this adjustable output port mechanism 140 is cleverly integrated into the compact form of the portable charger 100.

In addition, the portable charger 100 also includes a circuit board 130, which serves as a central hub for managing the flow of power within the portable charger 100. It houses various necessary electronic components to regulate charging to ensure safety and efficiency. The circuit board 130 is responsible for supervising the distribution of power from the battery 120 to the output port 160, and managing the power received from the external power source through the USB Type C charging port 132. In addition to allowing the power received from the external power source to charge the battery 120, the USB Type C charging port 132 can also reversely provide power to other mobile devices, thereby realizing the function of bidirectional charging and discharging.

In addition, the portable charger 100 includes an integrated plug 170 that provides additional connection options. When not in use, the integrated plug 170 retracts into the body of the portable charger 100, maintaining the streamlined profile and portability of the portable charger 100. The integrated plug 170 demonstrates the versatility of the charger, providing an alternative charging solution for mobile devices that may require a different connector (such as a USB, micro-USB or USB-C charging connector; in this embodiment, a USB charging connector).

Therefore, the portable charger 100 exhibits a multifunctional feature because it can adapt to the needs of various electronic devices. Whether the user needs to charge a smartphone, tablet computer multiple times, or needs to provide power for USB-powered devices such as digital cameras or wireless headphones, the portable charger 100 is designed to meet these needs in an efficient and user-friendly manner.

In this embodiment, the portable charger 100 also includes a remaining power display 180, which is mounted in the opening 154 (as shown in FIG. 1) of the front housing 150. The remaining power display 180 provides a visual indication of the remaining power, providing the user with a clear and convenient method to monitor the power status of the charger. In addition, in this embodiment, the outer shell composed of the front housing 150 and the rear housing 110 provides protection and support for the internal components of the portable charger 100. The outer shell composed of the front housing 150 and the rear housing 110 is designed to accommodate the battery 120 and the adjustable output port mechanism 140, ensuring the durability and aesthetics of the portable charger 100.

In addition, in this embodiment, the front housing 150 further includes a foldable horizontal screen support 155. That is, when the user uses the portable charger 100 to charge a mobile device (e.g., a smart phone or a tablet), the horizontal screen support 155 is folded outward to horizontally support the mobile device when the mobile device is charged. This function is particularly useful for users who want to watch videos or make video calls without holding the mobile device while the portable charger 100 is powered. The horizontal screen support 155 will be integrated into the front housing 150 of the portable charger 100 when not in use, that is, when not in use, the horizontal screen support 155 will be folded back into the opening 152 of the front housing 150 to maintain a streamlined and compact design.

In this embodiment, the core of the portable charger 100 is an ingenious adjustable output port mechanism 140. The components that make up the adjustable output port mechanism 140 will be discussed in depth below. Please refer to Figures 4 and 5 at the same time. Figure 4 provides a detailed view of the adjustable output port mechanism, while Figure 5 presents an exploded view of the adjustable output port mechanism. The adjustable output port mechanism 140 includes a spiral screw 141, which is a component that converts rotational motion into vertical motion. The spiral screw 141 directly interacts with the internal thread 144a of the platform 144. By interacting with the control wheel 142 exposed outside the front housing 150 of the portable charger 100, the user can easily adjust the height of the output port 160. In addition, the platform 144 carries the output port 160, which is vertically movable along the guide rail 143. The function of the guide rail 143 is to ensure that the movement of the platform 144 is restricted. On the vertical axis, possible lateral or angular changes are eliminated. The output port 160 serves as a contact point for the portable charger 100 to transmit power to the mobile device, and its vertical adjustability is a direct result of the movement of the platform 144, allowing it to effectively connect mobile devices with protective cases of different thicknesses. This feature solves a common problem faced by portable charger 100 users and provides an innovative and practical solution.

In addition, the adjustable output port mechanism 140 further includes a top plate 145 and a base 146, and the base 146 is used to support the guide rail 143 and the platform 144. In this embodiment, the top plate 145 and the base 146 are fixed to the rear shell 110 of the outer shell, so that the adjustable output port mechanism 140 can be stably fixed inside the portable charger 100.

The operation of the adjustable output port mechanism 140 in the portable charger 100 is simple and efficient, ensuring that the user can easily adjust according to their charging needs. Below, please refer to Figure 6, which presents a flow chart to illustrate the process of adjusting the position of the output port 160 using the adjustable output port mechanism 140. First, please refer to step S110, the user estimates the height that the output port 160 needs to be adjusted based on the thickness of the protective cover of the mobile device. Then, please refer to step S120, the user interacts with the control wheel 142 that is partially exposed on the outside of the housing 150 of the portable charger 100, and in this embodiment, the control wheel 142 is rotated. Next, referring to step S130, by rotating the control wheel 142, the user starts the rotation of the spiral screw 141 of the adjustable output port mechanism 140. Thereafter, as shown in step S140, when the spiral screw 141 rotates, it interacts with the internal thread 144a of the platform 144, causing the platform 144 and the output port 160 mounted on the platform 144 to rise or fall.

It is worth noting that once the output port 160 is adjusted to the desired height, it needs to be fixed to prevent accidental contraction or extension during use. In the present embodiment, this is achieved through a friction fit mechanism (i.e., tight fit), which is a design choice that utilizes the friction between the spiral screw 141 and the internal thread 144a of the platform 144. The friction generated is sufficient to maintain the platform 144, and therefore the output port 160, in place under normal use conditions.

In addition, in this embodiment, the output port 160 is a USB type C charging connector, but it can also be a Lightning or other type of charging connector to meet the needs of major smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices in the current market.

Next, please refer to FIG. 7 , which shows a power supply line 162 for supplying power to the output port 160 . As can be seen from FIG. 7 , the power supply line 162 extends laterally from both sides of the platform 144 , bypassing the spiral screw 141 and the control wheel 142 , to ensure that the power supply line 162 does not interfere with the movement of the spiral screw 141 and the platform 144 , and does not interfere with the components inside the portable charger 100 . The power supply line 162 has a certain degree of flexibility and can withstand the stress caused by repeated movement. In addition, the power supply line 162 is sufficiently insulated and fixed to the platform 144 to prevent wear or damage over time.

In summary, the above embodiments demonstrate a uniquely designed portable charger equipped with an adjustable output port mechanism, which provides a convenient and versatile charging solution for smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices. The present invention solves common compatibility issues of traditional portable chargers, such as compatibility with various protective cases and the need for multiple connectors. By integrating an adjustable output port and an integrated plug that provides alternative connection options, the charger improves compatibility with various devices, thereby providing a comprehensive solution to the limitations of existing portable chargers. The addition of a retractable horizontal screen stand further enhances its functionality, allowing users to comfortably watch videos or make video calls while charging. This portable charger represents a significant advancement in mobile technology, providing a high degree of convenience and adaptability for users’ charging needs.

Although the present invention has been disclosed as above with preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone with common knowledge in the relevant technical field can make some changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be subject to the scope of the patent application attached hereto.

141: Helical screw

142: Control wheel

143:Guide rails

144: Platform

144a; internal thread

145: Top plate

146: Base

160: Output port

Claims (9)

An adjustable output port mechanism for a portable charger, used for adjusting the output port of the portable charger, the adjustable output port mechanism comprising: a screw; a control wheel mechanically connected to the screw, used for adjusting the vertical position of the screw by rotating the control wheel; a platform having an internal thread engaged with the screw, the rotation of the screw causing the vertical movement of the platform; and a plurality of guide rails for guiding the vertical movement of the platform; wherein the output port is arranged on the platform, the vertical movement of the platform causing the corresponding vertical adjustment of the output port. An adjustable output port mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment position of the output port is maintained at a selected position by friction fit between the spiral screw and the platform. The adjustable output port mechanism according to claim 1 further includes a base for supporting the guide rail and the platform. A portable charger, comprising: a battery, built into the charger to store electrical energy; an adjustable output port mechanism as described in any one of claim 1 to claim 3; an output port, electrically connected to the battery, disposed on the platform, wherein vertical movement of the platform results in corresponding vertical adjustment of the output port; a circuit board, electrically connected to the battery and the output port; and a housing, comprising a front housing, the housing providing structural support and accommodating the battery, the circuit board and the adjustable output port mechanism. The portable charger according to claim 4 further includes a remaining power display located on the front housing to indicate the power level of the charger. The portable charger according to claim 4 further comprises a retractable integrated plug disposed in the front housing, wherein the integrated plug provides a charging connector different from the output port. A portable charger according to claim 6, wherein the integrated plug is a USB charging connector and the output port is a USB type C charging connector. The portable charger according to claim 4 further comprises a retractable horizontal screen stand integrated into the outer shell. The portable charger according to claim 4 further comprises: a power supply line connected to the output port, the power supply line extending laterally from both sides of the platform.

Images