English:
[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate generally to wireless power systems and more particularly to wireless charging device, a receiver device, and an associated method thereof.
[0003] Typically, in a conventional power transfer system, a charging device is used to convert an input electric power received from a power source to a transferrable electric power that is transmitted to charge one or more batteries in a receiver device. However, the charging device may continuously transmit the power even if the receiver device is not present. Such transmission of power results in power loss and affects efficiency of the charging device.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need for an enhanced wireless charging device, a receiver device, and a method for detecting receiver devices.
[0005] In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a wireless charging device is disclosed. The wireless charging device includes a transmitter detection coil configured to receive a first alternating current (AC) voltage signal having a characteristic associated with a receiver device. Also, the wireless charging device includes a control unit coupled to the transmitter detection coil and configured to detect the receiver device based on the characteristic of the first AC voltage signal. Further, the wireless charging device includes a driver unit coupled to the control unit and configured to convert a direct current (DC) voltage signal of an input power to a second AC voltage signal if the receiver device is detected. In addition, the wireless charging device includes a power transmission coil coupled to the driver unit and configured to wirelessly transmit the second AC voltage signal to the receiver device.
[0006] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a receiver device is disclosed. The receiver device includes a signal generating unit configured to generate a first alternating current (AC) voltage signal having a characteristic associated with the receiver device. Also, the receiver device includes a receiver detection coil coupled to the signal generating unit and configured to transmit the first AC voltage signal having the characteristic to a wireless charging device. Further, the receiver device includes a power reception coil configured to be magnetically coupled to the wireless charging device and receive input power having a second AC voltage signal in response to transmitting the first AC voltage signal to the wireless charging device.
[0007] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a method for detecting a receiver device is disclosed. The method includes generating, by a signal generating unit, a first alternating current (AC) voltage signal having a characteristic associated with a receiver device. Also, the method includes transmitting, by a receiver detection coil, the first AC voltage signal having the characteristic to a wireless charging device. Further, the method includes receiving, by a power reception coil, input power having a second AC voltage signal in response to transmitting the first AC voltage signal to the wireless charging device.
[0008] In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a wireless power transfer system is disclosed. The wireless power transfer system includes at least one receiver device including a signal generating unit configured to generate a first alternating current (AC) voltage signal having a characteristic associated with the at least one receiver device. Also, the at least one receiver device includes a receiver detection coil coupled to the signal generating unit and configured to transmit the first AC voltage signal having the characteristic to a wireless charging device. Further, the wireless power transfer system includes the wireless charging device wirelessly coupled to the at least one receiver device and including a transmitter detection coil configured to receive the first alternating current (AC) voltage signal having the characteristic associated with the receiver device. Also, the wireless charging device includes a control unit coupled to the transmitter detection coil and configured to detect the receiver device based on the characteristic of the first AC voltage signal.
[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
[0012] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a method for indicating a presence of a receiver device and receiving electric power from a wireless charging device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention; and
[0013] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for detecting a receiver device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.
[0014] As will be described in detail hereinafter, various embodiments of a system and a method for charging one or more receiver devices are disclosed. In particular, embodiments of the system and the method discloses detection of the receiver device prior to transmitting electric power to the receiver device. Additionally, the embodiments of the system and the method discloses detection of one or more foreign objects.
[0015] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this specification belongs. The terms "first", "second", and the like, as used herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. The use of terms "including," "comprising" or "having" and variations thereof herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms "connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, and can include electrical connections or couplings, whether direct or indirect. Furthermore, terms "circuit" and "circuitry" and "control unit" may include either a single component or a plurality of components, which are either active and/or passive and are connected or otherwise coupled together to provide the described function. In addition, the term operationally coupled as used herein includes wired coupling, wireless coupling, electrical coupling, magnetic coupling, radio communication, software based communication, or combinations thereof.
[0016] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatical representation of a wireless power transfer system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The wireless power transfer system 100 includes a wireless charging device 102 and a receiver device 104. The wireless charging device 102 may include a power transmitting device, such as a power bank, a charging pad, or the like. The receiver device 104 may include a mobile device, a biomedical device, a portable consumer device, or the like. For ease of understanding, only one receiver device 104 is depicted in FIG. 1. In other embodiments, the wireless power transfer system 100 may include a plurality of receiver devices that are compatible with one of the wireless frequency standards. In one embodiment, the wireless frequency standards include a Power Matters Alliance (PMA) standard, an Air Fuel Alliance standard, a Qi standard, a Wireless Planning and Coordination (WPC) standard, and the like.
[0017] The wireless charging device 102 is configured to magnetically or wirelessly couple to the receiver device 104 to transmit electrical power to the receiver device 104. In one embodiment, the electric power may be in a range from about 0.1 W to about 3000 W. Further, the receiver device 104 is configured to receive the electric power from the wireless charging device 102 and supply the received electric power to one or more loads, such as batteries in the receiver device 104.
[0018] In a conventional power transfer system, a charging device may continuously transmit power even if a receiver device is not present at a proximate location, resulting in power loss and thereby affecting the efficiency of the charging device.
[0019] The exemplary wireless power transfer system 100 includes detection coils 130, 132 in the wireless charging device 102 and the receiver device 104 respectively. The detections coils 130, 132 aid in detecting the receiver device 104 before transmitting the electric power. The receiver device 104 may be detected at a location within a predetermined distance from the wireless charging device 102. In one embodiment, the predetermined distance may be in a range from about 5 mm to 500 mm. In particular, the detection coil 132 in the receiver device 104 transmits a first AC voltage signal 134 to the wireless charging device 102. The first AC voltage signal 134 is a low voltage signal that is used for detecting the receiver device 104. In one embodiment, the magnitude of the first AC voltage signal 134 is in a range from about 20 V to about 30 V. It may be noted herein that the detection coil 132 in the receiver device 104 may also be alternatively referred as a "receiver detection coil."
[0020] The detection coil 130 in the wireless charging device 102 receives the first AC voltage signal 134. It may be noted that the detection coil 130 in the wireless charging device 102 is alternatively referred to as a "transmitter detection coil." Further, the wireless charging device 102 detects the presence of the receiver device 104 based on one or more characteristics of the received first AC voltage signal 134. In one embodiment, the characteristics of the first AC voltage signal 134 include a frequency and a voltage associated with the receiver device 104. In another embodiment, the characteristic of the first AC voltage signal 134 may be representative of at least one of a frequency and a voltage associated with the receiver device 104. The voltage of the first AC voltage signal may be a peak voltage or a root mean square (RMS) voltage. The aspect of detecting the receiver device 104 is explained in greater detail in the below description.
[0021] The wireless charging device 102 includes a power source 106, a driver unit 108, a transmitting unit 1 10, a control unit 1 12, a detection unit 114, and the transmitter detection coil 130. The power source 106 is coupled to the driver unit 108 and used to supply input power having a DC voltage signal 118 to the driver unit 108. In some embodiments, the input power may be in a range from about 0.1W to 3 KW. The magnitude of the DC voltage signal 118 may be in a range from about 20 V to about 500 V. It may be noted that the power source 106 may be positioned within the wireless charging device 102 or external to the wireless charging device 102.
[0022] The driver unit 108 is electrically coupled to the transmitting unit 1 10 and the control unit 112. Further, the driver unit 108 is configured to convert the DC voltage signal 118 to a second AC voltage signal 136 based on one or more control signals received from the control unit 1 12. The second AC voltage signal 136 is also referred to as a high power signal that is used for supplying electric power to a load 126, such as one or more batteries in the receiver device 104. In one embodiment, the magnitude of the second AC voltage signal 136 is in a range from about 250 V to about 450 V. The second AC voltage signal 136 is generated when the wireless charging device 102 is operating in a normal mode/a power transmission mode.
[0023] The transmitting unit 1 10 is configured to transmit the second AC voltage signal 136 received from the driver unit 108. In the exemplary embodiment, the transmitting unit 1 10 includes a resonant capacitor 115 and a power transmission coil 1 16 that resonates at a predefined frequency to transmit the second AC voltage signal 136 to the receiver device 104.
[0024] The receiver device 104 includes a power reception coil 124, a rectifier unit 128, the load 126, a receiver power source 138, a signal generating unit 140, the receiver detection coil 132, and a push switch 142. The power reception coil 124 is configured to receive the second AC voltage signal 136 from the power transmission coil 116 of the wireless charging device 102. The rectifier unit 128 is coupled to the power reception coil 124 and configured to convert the second AC voltage signal 136 to a DC load signal 144 which is further transmitted to the load 126. In one example, this DC load signal 144 may be used for charging the batteries in the receiver power source 138. In one embodiment, the load 126 and the receiver power source 138 may be a combined energy storage module.
[0025] In addition, the signal generating unit 140 is coupled to the receiver power source 138 and configured to receive electric power from the receiver power source 138. The signal generating unit 140 is further configured to generate the first AC voltage signal 134 based on a bias voltage 146 received from the receiver power source 138. In one embodiment, a user may manually switch ON the push switch 142 to send an activation signal 148 to activate the signal generating unit 140. Upon receiving the activation signal 148 from the push switch 142, the signal generating unit 140 generates the first AC voltage signal 134. It may be noted that the push switch 142 may be positioned internal or external to the receiver device 104. Further, the receiver detection coil 132 is coupled to the signal generating unit 140 and used to send the generated first AC voltage signal 134 from the signal generating unit 140 to the wireless charging device 102. It may be noted that although push switch 142 is used, in other embodiments, the signal generating unit 140 may be activated to generate the first AC voltage signal 134 by one or more other methods and/or devices. In one embodiment, the signal generating unit 140 may be activated by moving the receiver device 104 along a desired direction and placing the receiver device 104 on the wireless charging device 102. In another embodiment, the signal generating unit 140 may be activated based on a charge level in the load 126. If the charge level in the load 126 is less than a desired value, the signal generating unit 140 may be activated to generate the first AC voltage signal 134. In yet another embodiment, the signal generating unit 140 may include one or more wireless transceivers that may directly transmit the first AC voltage signal 134 to the detection unit 114 in the wireless charging device 102, using one or more short range communication techniques, such as Bluetooth and near field communication (NFC).
[0026] During operation, the wireless charging device 102 detects the receiver device 104 prior to transmitting the power to the receiver device 104. Particularly, when the receiver device 104 is located within the predetermined distance from the wireless charging device 102, the transmitter detection coil 130 receives the first AC voltage signal 134 from the receiver detection coil 132 of the receiver device
[0027] Further, the control unit 112 is coupled to the detection unit 114 and configured to detect the receiver device 104 based on the characteristics of the received first AC voltage signal 134. More specifically, if the receiver device 104 is within the predetermined distance from the charging device 102, the characteristics, such as the frequency and the voltage of the first AC voltage signal 134 are within corresponding predefined range. Specifically, the frequency of the first AC voltage signal 134 is within a predefined frequency range and the voltage of the received first AC voltage signal 134 is within a predefined voltage range, if the receiver device 104 is within the predetermined distance from the charging device 102.
[0028] When the receiver device 104 is detected, the control unit 112 drives the driver unit 108 to transmit the second AC voltage signal 136 via the transmitting unit 110 to the detected receiver device 104. If the characteristics, such as the frequency and the voltage of the first AC voltage signal 134 are not within the corresponding range, the control unit 112 determines that the receiver device 104 is not proximate or within the predetermined distance from the charging device 102. As a result, the control unit 112 controls the driver unit to stop the transmission of the second AC voltage signal 136. The aspect of detecting the receiver device 104 is explained in greater detail with reference to FIG. 2.
[0029] In one embodiment, the control unit 112 may also be used to detect one or more foreign objects that are proximate to the wireless charging device 102 based on the frequency and the voltage of the first AC voltage signal 134. More specifically, if a foreign object is proximate to the wireless charging device 102, the frequency and voltage of the first AC voltage signal 134 may be within a different range. The values of the frequency and voltage enables to determine that the object that is proximate to the wireless charging device 102 is a foreign object and not the receiver device 104. Thus, by employing the exemplary wireless charging device 102, the input power may be wirelessly transmitted after detecting the receiver device 104, which in turn reduces power loss in the wireless power transfer system 100 and thereby improve the efficiency of the wireless charging device 102. Further, the exemplary system and method facilitate to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and thereby meet regulatory standards.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic representation of a wireless power transfer system 100 in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1. The wireless power transfer system 100 includes the wireless charging device 102 that is configured to be magnetically coupled to the receiver device 104.
[0031] The receiver detection coil 132 in the receiver device 104 is magnetically coupled to the transmitter detection coil 130 of the wireless charging device 102 if the receiver device 104 is located within a predetermined distance from the wireless charging device 102. Further, the signal generating unit 140 is configured to generate the first AC voltage signal 134 based on the DC voltage 146 received from the receiver power source 138 in the receiver device 104. In one embodiment, the DC voltage 146 is used as a bias voltage for the signal generating unit 140 to generate the first AC voltage signal 134. In the illustrated embodiment, the signal generating unit 140 includes a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 202, a signal controller 204, and a buffer unit 206. The VCO 202 is electrically coupled to the signal controller 204 and the buffer unit 206. The VCO 202 is pre-tuned or designed to oscillate at a first frequency that is associated with the receiver device 104. Further, the signal controller 204 activates the VCO 202 when the activating signal 148 is received. Upon activating the VCO 202, the VCO 202 receives the bias or DC voltage 146 from the receiver power source 138 and oscillates at the first frequency to convert the received bias or DC voltage 146 to the first AC voltage signal 134 having the first frequency. The buffer unit 206 is used to step-up the power level of the first AC voltage signal 134 before transmitting the first AC voltage signal 134 to the receiver detection coil 132.
[0032] In one embodiment, the user presses the push switch/button 142 that is coupled to the signal generating unit 140, to transmit the activating signal 148 to activate the signal generating unit 140 to generate the first AC voltage signal 134. In one embodiment, the activating signal 148 is transmitted to the signal controller 204 in the signal generating unit 140. It may be noted that although push switch/button 142 is used, in other embodiments, the signal generating unit 140 may be activated by one or more other type of devices.
[0033] Further, the signal generating unit 140 transmits the first AC voltage signal 134 to the wireless charging device 102 via the receiver detection coil 132. In particular, the receiver detection coil 132 is magnetically coupled to the transmitter detection coil 130 to transmit the first AC voltage signal 134 to the transmitter detection coil 130. Further, the detection unit 114 that is coupled to the transmitter detection coil 130, receives the first AC voltage signal 134 from the transmitter detection coil 130. The detection unit 114 determines one or more characteristics of the first AC voltage signal 134. In one embodiment, the characteristics of the first AC voltage signal 134 includes a frequency and a voltage, such as peak voltage and root mean square (RMS) voltage of the first AC voltage signal 134. In one embodiment, the detection unit 114 measures a voltage drop across the transmitter detection coil 130. The voltage drop may be referred to as the voltage of the first AC voltage signal
[0034] Further, the control unit 1 12 compares the determined characteristics with pre-stored characteristics. More specifically, the control unit 112 may include a look-up table 212 having the pre-stored characteristics of one or more receiver devices. In one embodiment, the characteristics may include frequency and voltage values of the receiver device 104. If the determined characteristics is same or proximate to the pre-stored characteristics, the control unit 112 detects the presence of the receiver device 104. In one embodiment, the control unit 112 may include one or more comparators to compare the characteristics of the first AC voltage signal 134 with the pre-stored characteristics. In one embodiment, the control unit 1 12 may verify whether at least one of the characteristics is within a predefined range. More specifically, the control unit 1 12 may determine whether the frequency of the first AC voltage signal 134 is within a predefined frequency range. In another embodiment, the control unit 1 12 may determine whether the voltage of the first AC voltage signal 134 is within a predefined voltage range.
[0035] Further, the control unit 112 drives the driver unit 108 to transmit electric power to the detected receiver device 104. In particular, the control unit 112 sends one or more control signals to the driver unit 108 to convert the DC voltage signal 1 18 from the power source 106 to the second AC voltage signal 136. In one embodiment, the control unit 1 12 may include a pulse width modulator (PWM) to send control signals to the driver unit 108. In one embodiment, the driver unit 108 includes a plurality of electronic switches 214 that are arranged to form a bridge circuit between first terminals 150 and second terminals 152 of the driver unit 108. The switches 214 are activated and deactivated based on the control signals received from the control unit 112 to convert the DC voltage signal 118 to the second AC voltage signal 136. The frequency of the second AC voltage signal 136 is based on a frequency of the control signals transmitted to the driver unit 108. The frequency of the second AC voltage signal 136 is selected based on a frequency standard of the detected receiver device 104. In one embodiment, the first AC voltage signal 134 received from the receiver device 104 may include frequency information related to the frequency standard of the receiver device 104. This frequency information may be used by the control unit 112 to operate the driver unit 108 at a corresponding frequency for transmitting the second AC voltage signal 136 to the receiver device 104.
[0036] The resonant capacitor 115 and the power transmission coil 116 in the transmitting unit 110 may resonate at a predefined frequency or a resonant frequency to transmit the second AC voltage signal 136 to the power reception coil 124 in the receiver device 104. Further, the power reception coil 124 and a resonant capacitor 125 in the receiver device 104 transmits the received second AC voltage signal 136 to the rectifier unit 128. The rectifier unit 128 converts the second AC voltage signal 136 to the DC load signal 144, which is further transmitted to the load 126. In one embodiment, the rectifier unit 128 includes a plurality of diodes 216 that are arranged to form a bridge circuit. The rectifier unit is configured to convert the second AC voltage signal 136 to the DC load signal 144, which is further transmitted to the load 126. The DC load signal 144 may be used for charging the batteries in the receiver power source 138.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 3, a flow chart illustrating a method 300 for indicating a presence of a receiver device and receiving electric power from a wireless charging device in accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention is depicted. At step 302, a signal generating unit generates a first AC voltage signal having a characteristic associated with a receiver device. In one example, the characteristic includes a frequency and a voltage associated with the receiver device. In one embodiment, the signal generating unit generates the first AC voltage signal when a push switch is manually pressed or switched ON by a user.
[0038] Subsequently, at step 304, the first AC voltage signal is transmitted to a wireless charging device. To that end, a receiver detection coil in the receiver device transmits the first AC voltage signal having the characteristic to a transmitter detection coil in the wireless charging device. In particular, the first AC voltage signal is transmitted to the wireless charging device to indicate the presence of the receiver device to the wireless charging device. In one embodiment, the receiver and transmitter detection coils are used as dedicated coils for communicating signals that aid in detecting the receiver device.
[0039] At step 306, the input power having a second AC voltage signal is received in response to transmitting the first AC voltage signal from the receiver device to the wireless charging device. A power reception coil receives the second AC voltage signal from a power transmission coil of the wireless charging device. In particular, the detection unit determines one or more characteristics from the first AC voltage signal received from the receiver device. The characteristics may include frequency and voltage values of the first AC voltage signal. Further, the control unit that is coupled to the detection unit, verifies whether the determined characteristics are within their corresponding pre-defined range. For example, the control unit may verify whether the frequency of the first AC voltage signal is within a pre-defined frequency range. Similarly, the control unit may determine whether the voltage of the first AC voltage signal is within a pre-defined voltage range.
[0040] Further, the control unit detects the receiver device, if the characteristics of the first AC voltage signal are within their corresponding pre-defined range. The control unit activates the driver unit to transmit electric power to the receiver device. In one embodiment, the control unit sends one or more control signals to the driver unit to convert the DC voltage signal to the second AC voltage signal. Further, the converted second AC voltage signal is transmitted to the receiver device via the power transmission coil.
[0041] The second AC voltage signal is received by the power reception coil in the receiver device. Further, the rectifier unit coverts this second AC voltage signal to a DC load signal for charging the load, such as one or more batteries in the receiver device.
[0042] FIG. 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method 400 for detecting a receiver device in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. At step 402, a first AC voltage signal having a characteristic associated with the receiver device is received by a transmitter detection coil of a wireless charging device. In one example, the characteristic includes a frequency and a voltage associated with the receiver device. In another example, the characteristic may be representative of a frequency and/or a voltage associated with the receiver device. In particular, the transmitter detection coil is magnetically coupled to a receiver detection coil in the receiver device. Further, the transmitter detection coil receives the first AC voltage signal from the receiver detection coil.
[0043] Subsequently, at step 404, the receiver device is detected by a control unit based on the characteristic of the first AC voltage signal. More specifically, if the receiver device is within the predetermined distance from the wireless charging device, the characteristics, such as the frequency and the voltage of the first AC voltage signal are within corresponding predefined range. Specifically, the frequency of the first AC voltage signal is within a predefined frequency range and the voltage of the received first AC voltage signal is within a predefined voltage range, if the receiver device is within the predetermined distance from the charging device. If the characteristics, such as the frequency and the voltage of the first AC voltage signal are within the corresponding range, the control unit determines that the receiver device is proximate or within the predetermined distance from the charging device.
[0044] Furthermore, at step 406, a DC voltage signal of an input power is converted to a second AC voltage signal by a driver unit if the receiver device is detected. In particular, if the receiver device is detected, the control unit transmits one or more control signals to the driver unit to convert the DC voltage signal from the power source to the second AC voltage signal.
[0045] In addition, at step 408, the second AC voltage signal is wirelessly transmitted to the receiver device by a power transmission coil. More specifically, a resonant capacitor and the power transmission coil in the transmitting unit may resonate at a predefined frequency or a resonant frequency to transmit the second AC voltage signal to a power reception coil in the receiver device. Further, the power reception coil and a resonant capacitor in the receiver device transmits the received second AC voltage signal to the rectifier unit. The rectifier unit converts the second AC voltage signal to the DC load signal, which is further transmitted to the load.
[0046] In accordance with the exemplary embodiments discussed herein, the exemplary system and method facilitate to detect the receiver device. In particular, the system and method disclosed herein allow charging devices, such as power banks to transmit power only after detecting the receiver device. As a result, power loss is reduced and efficiency of the charging devices is enhanced. Further, the exemplary system and method disclosed herein enable detection of any foreign objects. Further, the exemplary system and method facilitate to reduce electromagnetic interference (EMI) and thereby meet regulatory standards.

中文:
[0001]本发明的实施方式通常涉及无线电力系统,并且更具体地涉及无线充电装置、接收器装置及其相关方法。
[0003]通常,在常规功率传输系统中,充电装置用于将从电源接收到的输入电功率转换为可传输的电功率,该可传输的电功率被传输以对接收器装置中的一个或多个电池充电。然而,即使接收器装置不存在,充电装置也可以连续地传输功率。这种功率的传输导致功率损耗并影响充电装置的效率。
[0004]因此,需要一种增强的无线充电装置、接收器装置以及用于检测接收器装置的方法。
[0005]根据本发明的一个实施方式,公开了一种无线充电装置。该无线充电装置包括发送器检测线圈,该发送器检测线圈被配置为接收具有与接收器装置相关联的特性的第一交流(AC)电压信号。另外,无线充电装置包括控制单元,该控制单元耦接到发送器检测线圈并且被配置为基于第一AC电压信号的特性来检测接收器装置。此外,无线充电装置包括驱动器单元,该驱动器单元耦接到控制单元并且被配置为如果检测到接收器装置,则将输入功率的直流(DC)电压信号转换为第二AC电压信号。另外,无线充电装置包括功率传输线圈,该功率传输线圈耦接到驱动器单元并且被配置为将第二AC电压信号无线地传输到接收器装置。
[0006]根据本发明的另一实施方式,公开了一种接收器装置。该接收器装置包括信号生成单元,该信号生成单元被配置为生成具有与接收器装置相关联的特性的第一交流(AC)电压信号。另外,接收器装置包括接收器检测线圈,该接收器检测线圈耦接到信号生成单元,并且被配置为将具有该特性的第一AC电压信号传输到无线充电装置。此外,接收器装置包括功率接收线圈,该功率接收线圈被配置为磁性地耦接到无线充电装置,并且响应于将第一AC电压信号传输到无线充电装置接收具有第二AC电压信号的输入功率。
[0007]根据本发明的另一实施方式,公开了一种用于检测接收器装置的方法。该方法包括由信号生成单元生成具有与接收器装置相关联的特性的第一交流(AC)电压信号。另外,该方法包括由接收器检测线圈将具有该特性的第一AC电压信号传输到无线充电装置。此外,该方法包括响应于将第一AC电压信号传输到无线充电装置,由功率接收线圈接收具有第二AC电压信号的输入功率。
[0008]根据本发明的另一实施方式,公开了一种无线功率传输系统。该无线功率传输系统包括至少一个接收器装置,该接收器装置包括(including)信号生成单元,该信号生成单元被配置为生成具有与至少一个接收器装置相关联的特性的第一交流(AC)电压信号。另外,至少一个接收器装置包括接收器检测线圈,该接收器检测线圈耦接到信号生成单元,并且被配置为将具有该特性的第一AC电压信号传输到无线充电装置。此外,无线功率传输系统包括无线充电装置,该无线充电装置无线地耦接到至少一个接收器装置并且包括发送器检测线圈,该发送器检测线圈被配置为接收具有与接收器装置相关联的特性的第一交流(AC)电压信号。另外,无线充电装置包括控制单元,该控制单元耦接到发送器检测线圈,并且被配置为基于第一AC电压信号的特性来检测接收器装置。
[0009]当参考附图阅读以下详细描述时,本公开的这些和其他特征、方面以及优点将变得更好地理解,其中,贯穿所有附图,相同的字符表示相同的部件,在附图中:
[0012]图3是示出根据本发明的实施方式的用于指示接收器装置的存在并从无线充电装置接收电功率的方法的流程图;以及
[0013]图4是示出根据本发明的实施方式的用于检测接收器装置的方法的流程图。
[0014]如在下文中将详细描述的,公开了用于对一个或多个接收器装置充电的系统和方法的各种实施方式。特别地,系统和方法的实施方式公开了在将电功率传输到接收器装置之前对接收器装置的检测。另外,系统和方法的实施方式公开了对一个或多个异物的检测。
[0015]除非另有定义,否则本文所使用的技术和科学术语具有与本说明书所属领域的普通技术人员通常理解的相同含义。如本文所使用的术语“第一”、“第二”等不表示任何顺序、数量或重要性,而是用于将一个元件与另一个元件区分开。本文中术语“包括(including)”、“包括(comprising)”或“具有”及其变型的使用意在涵盖其后列出的项目及其等同物以及附加项目。无论直接或间接的,术语“连接”和“耦接”不限于物理或机械连接或耦接,并且可以包括电连接或电耦接。此外,术语“电路(circuit)”和“电路(circuitry)”以及“控制单元”可以包括单个组件或多个组件,这些组件是有源的和/或无源的,并且连接在一起或者以其他方式耦接在一起以提供所描述的功能。另外,如本文中所使用的术语可操作地耦接包括有线耦接、无线耦接、电耦接、磁性耦接、无线电通信、基于软件的通信或其组合。
[0016]图1是根据本发明的实施方式的无线功率传输系统100的示意图。无线功率传输系统100包括无线充电装置102和接收器装置104。无线充电装置102可以包括诸如移动电源、充电板等的功率传输装置。接收器装置104可以包括移动装置、生物医学装置、便携式消费者装置等。为了便于理解,在图1中仅示出了一个接收器装置104。在其他实施方式中,无线功率传输系统100可以包括与无线频率标准之一兼容的多个接收器装置。在一个实施方式中,无线频率标准包括功率事项联盟(PMA)标准、空气燃料(Air Fuel)联盟标准、QI标准、无线规划和协调(WPC)标准等。
[0017]无线充电装置102被配置为磁性地或无线地耦接到接收器装置104以将电功率传输到接收器装置104。在一个实施方式中,电功率可以在约0.1W至约3000W的范围内。此外,接收器装置104被配置为从无线充电装置102接收电功率并将所接收的电功率供应到接收器装置104中的一个或多个负载,诸如电池。
[0018]在常规的功率传输系统中,即使接收器装置不存在于邻近位置处,充电装置也可能连续地传输功率,导致功率损耗并且由此影响充电装置的效率。
[0019]示例性无线功率传输系统100包括分别在无线充电装置102和接收器装置104中的检测线圈130、132。检测线圈130、132有助于在传输电功率之前检测接收器装置104。接收器装置104可以在距无线充电装置102预定距离内的位置处被检测。在一个实施方式中,预定距离可以在约5mm至500mm的范围内。特别地,接收器装置104中的检测线圈132将第一AC电压信号134传输到无线充电装置102。第一AC电压信号134是用于检测接收器装置104的低电压信号。在一个实施方式中,第一AC电压信号134的幅度在约20V至约30V的范围内。本文可以注意,接收器装置104中的检测线圈132也可以可选地称为“接收器检测线圈”。
[0020]无线充电装置102中的检测线圈130接收第一AC电压信号134。可以注意,无线充电装置102中的检测线圈130可选地称为“发送器检测线圈”。此外,无线充电装置102基于所接收的第一AC电压信号134的一个或多个特性来检测接收装置104的存在。在一个实施方式中,第一AC电压信号134的特性包括与接收器装置104相关联的频率和电压。在另一实施方式中,第一AC电压信号134的特性可以表示与接收器装置104相关联的频率和电压中的至少一个。第一AC电压信号的电压可以是峰值电压或均方根(RMS)电压。在以下描述中更详细地说明了检测接收器装置104的方面。
[0021]无线充电装置102包括电源106、驱动器单元108、传输单元110、控制单元112、检测单元114以及发送器检测线圈130。电源106耦接到驱动器单元108,并且用于将具有DC电压信号118的输入功率供应到驱动器单元108。在一些实施方式中,输入功率可以在约0.1W至3KW的范围内。DC电压信号118的幅度可以在约20V至约500V的范围内。可以注意到,电源106可以定位在无线充电装置102内或无线充电装置102的外部。
[0022]驱动器单元108电耦接到传输单元110和控制单元112。此外,驱动器单元108被配置为基于从控制单元112接收的一个或多个控制信号将DC电压信号118转换为第二AC电压信号136。第二AC电压信号136还被称为高功率信号,该高功率信号用于将电功率供应到接收器装置104中的负载126,诸如一个或多个电池。在一个实施方式中,第二AC电压信号136的幅度在约250V至约450V的范围内。当无线充电装置102以正常模式/功率传输模式操作时,生成第二AC电压信号136。
[0023]传输单元110被配置为传输从驱动器单元108接收的第二AC电压信号136。在示例性实施方式中,传输单元110包括谐振电容器115和功率传输线圈116,该功率传输线圈116以预定义的频率谐振以将第二AC电压信号136传输到接收器装置104。
[0024]接收器装置104包括功率接收线圈124、整流器单元128、负载126、接收器电源138、信号生成单元140、接收器检测线圈132以及按压开关142。功率接收线圈124被配置为从无线充电装置102的功率传输线圈116接收第二AC电压信号136。整流器单元128耦接到功率接收线圈124,并且被配置为将第二AC电压信号136转换为DC负载信号144,该DC负载信号144被进一步传输到负载126。在一个示例中,该DC负载信号144可以用于给接收器电源138中的电池充电。在一个实施方式中,负载126和接收器电源138可以是组合的能量存储模块。
[0025]另外,信号生成单元140耦接到接收器电源138并且被配置为接收来自接收器电源138的电功率。信号生成单元140还被配置为基于从接收器电源138接收到的偏置电压146生成第一AC电压信号134。在一个实施方式中,用户可以手动地接通按压开关142以发送激活信号148以激活信号生成单元140。在接收到来自按压开关142的激活信号148时,信号生成单元140生成第一AC电压信号134。可以注意,按压开关142可以定位在接收器装置104的内部或外部。此外,接收器检测线圈132耦接到信号生成单元140并且用于将所生成的第一AC电压信号134从信号生成单元140发送到无线充电装置102。可以注意,尽管使用了按压开关142,但是在其他实施方式中信号生成单元140也可以通过一个或多个其他方法和/或装置被激活以生成第一AC电压信号134。在一个实施方式中,可以通过沿着期望方向移动接收器装置104并将接收器装置104放置在无线充电装置102上而将信号生成单元140激活。在另一实施方式中,信号生成单元140可以基于负载126中的电荷电平而被激活。如果负载126中的电荷电平小于期望值,则信号生成单元140可以被激活以生成第一AC电压信号134。在又一实施方式中,信号生成单元140可以包括一个或多个无线收发器,该一个或多个无线收发器可以使用诸如蓝牙和近场通信(NFC)的一个或多个短距离通信技术,来将第一AC电压信号134直接传输到无线充电装置102中的检测单元114。
[0026]在操作期间,无线充电装置102在将功率传输到接收器装置104之前检测接收器装置104。具体地,当接收器装置104位于距无线充电装置102预定距离内时,发送器检测线圈130从接收器装置104的接收器检测线圈132接收第一AC电压信号134。此外,检测单元114耦接到发送器检测线圈130并且被配置为确定所接收的第一AC电压信号134的一个或多个特性。
[0027]此外,控制单元112耦接到检测单元114,并且被配置为基于所接收的第一AC电压信号134的特性来检测接收器装置104。更具体地,如果接收器装置104在距充电装置102的预定距离内,则第一AC电压信号134的特性(诸如频率和电压)在对应的预定义的范围内。具体地,如果接收器装置104在距充电装置102的预定距离内,则第一AC电压信号134的频率在预定义的频率范围内,并且所接收的第一AC电压信号134的电压在预定义的电压范围内。
[0028]当检测到接收器装置104时,控制单元112驱动驱动器单元108以经由传输单元110将第二AC电压信号136传输到检测到的接收器装置104。如果第一AC电压信号134的特性(诸如频率和电压)不在对应的范围内,则控制单元112确定接收器装置104不邻近充电装置102或不在距充电装置102的预定距离内。因此,控制单元112控制驱动器单元以停止第二AC电压信号136的传输。参考图2更详细地说明检测接收器装置104的方面。
[0029]在一个实施方式中,控制单元112还可以用于基于第一AC电压信号134的频率和电压来检测邻近无线充电装置102的一个或多个异物。更具体地,如果异物邻近于无线充电装置102,则第一AC电压信号134的频率和电压可以在不同的范围内。频率和电压的值使能确定邻近无线充电装置102的物体是异物而不是接收器装置104。因此,通过采用示例性无线充电装置102,输入功率可以在检测到接收器装置104之后被无线传输,这进而减少了无线功率传输系统100中的功率损耗,并且由此提高了无线充电装置102的效率。此外,示例性系统和方法促进减少电磁干扰(EMI)并且由此满足监管标准。
[0030]参考图2,根据图1的实施方式的无线功率传输系统100的示意图。无线功率传输系统100包括无线充电装置102,该无线充电装置102被配置为磁性地耦接到接收器装置104。
[0031]如果接收器装置104位于距无线充电装置102的预定距离内,则接收器装置104中的接收器检测线圈132磁性耦接到无线充电装置102的发送器检测线圈130。此外,信号生成单元140被配置为基于从接收器装置104中的接收器电源138接收的DC电压146而生成第一AC电压信号134。在一个实施方式中,DC电压146用作用于信号生成单元140生成第一AC电压信号134的偏置电压。在所示实施方式中,信号生成单元140包括压控振荡器(VCO)202、信号控制器204以及缓冲器单元206。VCO 202电耦接到信号控制器204和缓冲器单元206。VCO202被预调谐或设计为以与接收器装置104相关联的第一频率振荡。此外,当接收到激活信号148时,信号控制器204激活VCO 202。在激活VCO 202时,VCO 202从接收器电源138接收偏置或DC电压146,并以第一频率振荡以将所接收的偏置或DC电压146转换为具有第一频率的第一AC电压信号134。缓冲器单元206用于在将第一AC电压信号134传输到接收器检测线圈132之前提升第一AC电压信号134的功率电平。
[0032]在一个实施方式中,用户按压耦接到信号生成单元140的按压开关/按钮142,以传输激活信号148来激活信号生成单元140,以生成第一AC电压信号134。在一个实施方式中,激活信号148被传输到信号生成单元140中的信号控制器204。可以注意,尽管使用了按压开关/按钮142,但是在其他实施方式中,信号生成单元140也可以由一个或多个其他类型的装置激活。
[0033]此外,信号生成单元140经由接收器检测线圈132将第一AC电压信号134传输到无线充电装置102。特别地,接收器检测线圈132磁性地耦接到发送器检测线圈130以将第一AC电压信号134传输到发送器检测线圈130。此外,耦接到发送器检测线圈130的检测单元114从发送器检测线圈130接收第一AC电压信号134。检测单元114确定第一AC电压信号134的一个或多个特性。在一个实施方式中,第一AC电压信号134的特性包括第一AC电压信号134的频率和电压,诸如峰值电压和均方根(RMS)电压。在一个实施方式中,检测单元114测量穿过发送器检测线圈130的电压降。电压降可以被称为第一AC电压信号134的电压。检测单元114包括频率计数器208和峰值检测器210,该频率计数器208和峰值检测器210电耦接到发送器检测线圈130。当发送器检测线圈130接收到第一AC电压信号134时,频率计数器208确定第一AC电压信号134的频率,而峰值检测器210确定第一AC电压信号134的电压。在一个实施方式中,峰值检测器210测量第一AC电压信号134的峰值电压。
[0034]此外,控制单元112将所确定的特性与预存储的特性进行比较。更具体地,控制单元112可以包括具有一个或多个接收器装置的预存储的特性的查找表212。在一个实施方式中,特性可以包括接收器装置104的频率和电压值。如果所确定的特性与预存储的特性相同或接近,则控制单元112检测到接收器装置104的存在。在一个实施方式中,控制单元112可以包括一个或多个比较器,以将第一AC电压信号134的特性与预存储的特性进行比较。在一个实施方式中,控制单元112可以验证特性中的至少一个是否在预定义的范围内。更具体地,控制单元112可以确定第一AC电压信号134的频率是否在预定义的频率范围内。在另一实施方式中,控制单元112可以确定第一AC电压信号134的电压是否在预定义的电压范围内。
[0035]此外,控制单元112驱动驱动器单元108以将电功率传输到检测到的接收器装置104。特别地,控制单元112将一个或多个控制信号发送到驱动器单元108,以将来自电源106的DC电压信号118转换为第二AC电压信号136。在一个实施方式中,控制单元112可以包括脉冲宽度调制器(PWM)以将控制信号发送到驱动器单元108。在一个实施方式中,驱动器单元108包括多个电子开关214,该多个电子开关214被设置为在驱动器单元108的第一端子150和第二端子152之间形成桥接电路。开关214基于从控制单元112接收的控制信号被激活和去激活,以将DC电压信号118转换为第二AC电压信号136。第二AC电压信号136的频率基于传输到驱动器单元108的控制信号的频率。第二AC电压信号136的频率基于检测到的接收器装置104的频率标准来选择。在一个实施方式中,从接收器装置104接收的第一AC电压信号134可以包括与接收器装置104的频率标准相关的频率信息。控制单元112可以使用该频率信息以对应的频率操作驱动器单元108,以用于将第二AC电压信号136传输到接收器装置104。
[0036]传输单元110中的谐振电容器115和功率传输线圈116可以以预定义的频率或谐振频率谐振,以将第二AC电压信号136传输到接收器装置104中的功率接收线圈124。此外,接收器装置104中的功率接收线圈124和谐振电容器125将所接收的第二AC电压信号136传输到整流器单元128。整流器单元128将第二AC电压信号136转换为DC负载信号144,该DC负载信号144被进一步传输到负载126。在一个实施方式中,整流器单元128包括多个二极管216,该多个二极管216被设置为形成桥接电路。整流器单元被配置为将第二AC电压信号136转换为DC负载信号144,该DC负载信号144被进一步传输到负载126。DC负载信号144可以用于对接收器电源138中的电池充电。
[0037]参考图3,示出了根据本发明的某些实施方式的用于指示接收器装置的存在并从无线充电装置接收电功率的方法300的流程图。在步骤302处,信号生成单元生成具有与接收器装置相关联的特性的第一AC电压信号。在一个示例中,该特性包括与接收器装置相关联的频率和电压。在一个实施方式中,当按压开关被用户手动地按压或接通时,信号生成单元生成第一AC电压信号。
[0038]随后,在步骤304处,第一AC电压信号被传输到无线充电装置。为此,接收器装置中的接收器检测线圈将具有该特性的第一AC电压信号传输到无线充电装置中的发送器检测线圈。特别地,第一AC电压信号被传输到无线充电装置以向无线充电装置指示接收器装置的存在。在一个实施方式中,接收器检测线圈和发送器检测线圈用作专用线圈,用于传送有助于检测接收器装置的信号。
[0039]在步骤306处,响应于将第一AC电压信号从接收器装置传输到无线充电装置,接收具有第二AC电压信号的输入功率。功率接收线圈从无线充电装置的功率传输线圈接收第二AC电压信号。特别地,检测单元根据从接收器装置接收的第一AC电压信号来确定一个或多个特性。该特性可以包括第一AC电压信号的频率和电压值。此外,耦接到检测单元的控制单元验证所确定的特性是否在其对应的预定义的范围内。例如,控制单元可以验证第一AC电压信号的频率是否在预定义的频率范围内。类似地,控制单元可以确定第一AC电压信号的电压是否在预定义的电压范围内。
[0040]此外,如果第一AC电压信号的特性在其对应的预定义的范围内,则控制单元检测到接收器装置。控制单元激活驱动器单元以将电功率传输到接收器装置。在一个实施方式中,控制单元将一个或多个控制信号发送到驱动器单元,以将DC电压信号转换为第二AC电压信号。此外,所转换的第二AC电压信号经由功率传输线圈被传输到接收器装置。
[0041]第二AC电压信号被接收器装置中的功率接收线圈接收。此外,整流器单元将该第二AC电压信号转换为用于对接收器装置中的诸如一个或多个电池的负载进行充电的DC负载信号。
[0042]图4是示出根据本发明的实施方式的用于检测接收器装置的方法400的流程图。在步骤402处,由无线充电装置的发送器检测线圈接收具有与接收器装置相关联的特性的第一AC电压信号。在一个示例中,该特性包括与接收器装置相关联的频率和电压。在另一示例中,该特性可以表示与接收器装置相关联的频率和/或电压。特别地,发送器检测线圈磁性地耦接到接收器装置中的接收器检测线圈。此外,发送器检测线圈从接收器检测线圈接收第一AC电压信号。
[0043]随后,在步骤404处,由控制单元基于第一AC电压信号的特性检测接收器装置。更具体地,如果接收器装置在距无线充电装置的预定距离内,则第一AC电压信号的诸如频率和电压的特性在对应的预定义的范围内。具体地,如果接收器装置在距充电装置的预定距离内,则第一AC电压信号的频率在预定义的频率范围内,并且所接收的第一AC电压信号的电压在预定义的电压范围内。如果第一AC电压信号的诸如频率和电压的特性在对应的范围内,则控制单元确定接收器装置邻近充电装置或在距充电装置的预定距离内。
[0044]此外,在步骤406处,如果检测到接收器装置,则由驱动器单元将输入功率的DC电压信号转换为第二AC电压信号。特别地,如果检测到接收器装置,则控制单元将一个或多个控制信号传输到驱动器单元,以将来自电源的DC电压信号转换为第二AC电压信号。
[0045]另外,在步骤408处,由功率传输线圈将第二AC电压信号无线地传输到接收器装置。更具体地,传输单元中的谐振电容器和功率传输线圈可以以预定义的频率或谐振频率谐振,以将第二AC电压信号传输到接收器装置中的功率接收线圈。此外,接收器装置中的功率接收线圈和谐振电容器将所接收的第二AC电压信号传输到整流器单元。整流器单元将第二AC电压信号转换为DC负载信号,该DC负载信号被进一步传输到负载。
[0046]根据本文所讨论的示例性实施方式,示例性系统和方法促进了检测接收器装置。特别地,本文所公开的系统和方法允许诸如移动电源的充电装置仅在检测到接收器装置之后传输功率。因此,降低了功率损耗,并且提高了充电装置的效率。此外,本文所公开的示例性系统和方法能检测任何异物。此外,示例性系统和方法促进减少电磁干扰(EMI)并且由此满足监管标准。