Portable multiple power supply comprising solar cell

• US 6,476,311 B1
• Filed: 05/17/2001
• Issued: 11/05/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 09/09/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Kyung-Sook Jung, Soo-Keun Lee
• Original Assignee: Kyung-Sook Jung, Soo-Keun Lee
• Inventors: Lee, Soo-Keun, Jung, Kyung-Sook
• Primary Examiner(s): DIAMOND, ALAN D
• Application Number:
  US09/786,339
• Time in Patent Office: 537 Days
• Field of Search: 136/244, 136/151, 136/291, 136/293, 323/906, 323/221, 320/101, 320/163
• US Class Current: 136/244
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/35 with light sensitive cells
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 10/40 Mobile PV generator systems
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 30/20 Collapsible or foldable PV modules
• CPC Class Codes: H02S 40/38 Energy storage means, e.g. batteries, structurally associated with PV modules
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 10/56 Power conversion systems, e.g. maximum power point trackers
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 70/30 Systems combining energy storage with energy generation of non-fossil origin
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 136/291 Applications
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 136/293 Circuits
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 323/906 Solar cell systems

Abstract

The present invention relates to a type of portable emergency power supply for use when storage batteries of mobile appliances such as cellular telephones, radios, camcorders, laptops and mini cassette players are discharged or become unusable. In particular, by utilizing solar cells, the present invention can supply power to mobile phones, laptops and mini cassette players and other devices during the daytime when the sun shines. The present invention provides a portable multi-voltage power source device that is capable of generating various levels of power voltages for diverse appliances requiring different electric voltages. The present invention includes at least one solar cell plate formed of a plurality of solar cells connected to each other and a power source selection unit to select one of a plurality of voltages by coupling the positive and negative poles of the connected solar cells in selected fashions. A portable case holds the solar cell plates, the power source selection unit and a power connection portion therein.

Claims

1. A portable multi-voltage power source device for selectively generating various levels of power, comprising:

at least one solar cell plate that holds a plurality of unit modules, each of the unit modules including a first electrode, a second electrode and a plurality of solar cells which are connected to each other in series;

a power selection unit that outputs the various levels of power by connecting a first and a second electrode of one unit module to a first and a second electrode of another unit module in parallel, in series and in at least one combination of series and parallel; and

a portable case that incorporates the at least one solar cell plate and the power selection unit.

2. The portable multi-voltage power source device of claim 1, wherein the number of unit modules in each solar cell plate is four.

3. The portable multi-voltage power source device of claim 2, wherein the power selection unit includes a cylindrical revolving contact switch and first and second power source terminals which are coupled with the cylindrical revolving contact switch.

4. The portable multi-voltage power source device of claim 3, wherein the various levels of power include:

a first level obtained by connecting the four unit modules in parallel;

a second level obtained by connecting two sets of unit modules in parallel and connecting the unit modules in series in each set;

a third level obtained by connecting the four unit modules in series; and

a fourth level obtained by connecting three of the four unit modules in series.

5. The portable multi-voltage power source device of claim 1, wherein each solar cell plate comprises a transparent and heat-resistant polymer.

6. The portable multi-voltage power source device of claim 1, wherein the power selection unit further includes an element that prevents a solar cell output from flowing back to the solar cell.

7. The portable multi-voltage power source device of claim 6, wherein the element is a diode.

8. The portable multi-voltage power source device of claim 1, wherein the power selection unit further includes a protection circuit to prevent the at least one solar cell plate from being overcharged.

9. The portable multi-voltage power source device of claim 1, wherein the portable case is configured so as to be foldable by at least one hinge.

10. The portable multi-voltage power source device of claim 1, wherein the portable case is in the form of a card.