Modular solar battery charger

• US 20030094921A1
• Filed: 11/16/2001
• Published: 05/22/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 11/16/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: ICP Global Technologies, Inc. (ICP Solar Technologies, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: ICP Global Technologies, Inc. (ICP Solar Technologies, Inc.)
• Inventors: Lau, Po K., Peress, Sass M.
• Granted Patent: US 6,650,085 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 320/101
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/44 Methods for charging or discharging circuits for charging H02J7/00
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/465 with solar battery as charging system
• 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 60/10 Energy storage using batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 70/30 Systems combining energy storage with energy generation of non-fossil origin

Abstract

A portable modular solar battery charger of the lap top style is disclosed. The module includes two body members hingedly interconnected with each body member having a solar panel attached thereto. A circuit is provided for transferring the energy from the solar panels to a battery charger which, in turn, official charges a battery. The modular unit is interconnectable with additional similar modules by both a physical link and an electrical link.

Claims

1. A modular solar battery charger, comprising:

a first body member and a second body member hingedly connected and moveable from a storage position where each body member is positioned in overlying faced relation to a use position where each body member is in juxtaposed relation;

a solar panel on each body member for generating electricity when exposed to light;

a circuit means for transferring electrical energy from each said panel to a battery; and

module interconnection means for interconnecting similar modules in electrical contact.

2. The battery charger as set forth in claim 1, wherein said modular interconnection means comprises first cooperative engagement means and second cooperative engagement means, said second cooperative engagement means adapted for releaseable cooperative engagement with said first cooperative engagement means of a similar module.

3. The battery charger as set forth in claim 2, wherein said first cooperative engagement means comprises a male electrical connection member.

4. The battery charger as set forth in claim 2, wherein said second cooperative engagement means comprises a female electrical connection member.

5. The battery charger as set forth in claim 2, wherein said module interconnection means includes third cooperative engagement means and forth cooperative engagement means, said forth cooperative engagement means adapted for releaseable connection with said third cooperative engagement means of similar panel.

6. The battery charger as set forth in claim 5, wherein said third cooperative engagement means and said forth cooperative engagement means physically link connected modules in a non-electrical manner.

7. The battery charger as set forth in claim 1, wherein said battery charger further includes support means for supporting at least one of said first body member and said second body member in an inclined attitude relative to horizontal.