Wireless charging coil and electronic device including the same

A wireless charging coil and an electronic device is provided. The coil includes a plurality of inner patterns arranged adjacent to a center of the coil, having a first line width, and wound spirally, and a plurality of outer patterns arranged on an outer side of the plurality of inner patterns, having a second line width, and wound spirally, wherein the plurality of inner patterns are arranged at a first interval, wherein the plurality of outer patterns are arranged at a second interval, wherein a maximum gap that is larger than the first interval and the second interval is disposed between the plurality of inner patterns and the plurality of outer patterns, and wherein the maximum gap is arranged in a first direction from the center of the coil.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) of a Korean patent application number 10-2020-0014771, filed on Feb. 7, 2020, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure relates to a wireless charging coil and an electronic device including the same.

2. Description of Related Art

Wireless charging or non-contact charging technology has recently been developed and applied to various electronic devices.

Wireless charging technology refers to a technology that makes it possible to charge the battery of an electronic device without having to connect the electronic device to a wired charger such that the battery of a smartphone or a wearable device, for example, can be charged simply by placing the same on a charging pad or a charging cradle.

SUMMARY

Wireless charging devices (for example, charging pads or charging cradles) are classified into a stand-type device on which an electronic device is cradled in an upright position and a pad-type device on which an electronic device is simply placed.

Electronic devices tend to include large-screen displays, and the size and length of electronic device have accordingly been increasing. If an electronic device having a size or length larger than that of the electronic device considered when designing a wireless charging device is cradled on a stand-type wireless charging device, misalignment may easily occur between the coil of the electronic device and the wireless charging device. If the misalignment occurs, the wireless charging function may fail, or the wireless charging efficiency may degrade.

Aspects of the disclosure are to address at least the above-mentioned problems and/or disadvantages and to provide at least the advantages described below. Accordingly, an aspect of the disclosure is to provide a coil and an electronic device including the same, wherein the wireless charging range is increased such that compatibility with wireless charging devices can be improved.

Another aspect of the disclosure is to provide a coil and an electronic device including the same, which can perform a function of receiving wireless charging and a function of transmitting the same.

In accordance with an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a battery, a charging circuit, and a coil electrically connected to the charging circuit. The coil may include: a plurality of inner patterns arranged adjacent to a center of the coil, having a first line width, and wound spirally, and a plurality of outer patterns arranged on an outer side of the plurality of inner patterns, having a second line width, and wound spirally. The plurality of inner patterns may be arranged at a first interval. The plurality of outer patterns may be arranged at a second interval. A maximum gap that is larger than the first interval and the second interval may be disposed between the plurality of inner patterns and the plurality of outer patterns. The maximum gap may be arranged in a first direction from the center of the coil.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a battery, a charging circuit, and a coil electrically connected to the charging circuit. The coil may include a plurality of inner patterns arranged close to a center of the coil, having a first line width, and wound spirally, and a plurality of outer patterns arranged on an outer side of the plurality of inner patterns, having a second line width or a third line width, and wound spirally. The plurality of inner patterns may be arranged at a first interval. The plurality of outer patterns may be arranged at a second interval. The second line width may be larger than the first line width. The third line width may be larger than the second line width.

In accordance with another aspect of the disclosure, a circuit board including a coil for performing wireless charging is provided. The circuit board includes a plurality of inner patterns arranged close to a center of the coil, having a first line width, and wound spirally, and a plurality of outer patterns arranged on an outer side of the plurality of inner patterns, having a second line width, and wound spirally. The plurality of inner patterns may be arranged at a first interval. The plurality of outer patterns may be arranged at a second interval. A maximum gap that is larger than the first interval and the second interval may be disposed between the plurality of inner patterns and the plurality of outer patterns. The maximum gap may be arranged in a first direction from the center of the coil.

A coil and an electronic device including the same according to various embodiments may have an increased wireless charging range such that compatibility with wireless charging devices can be improved.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device101in a network environment100according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.2is a perspective view illustrating a rear surface of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.2illustrates a state, in which a cover located on a rear surface of an electronic device is detached.

Referring toFIG.2, an electronic device200(e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) may include a housing205that accommodates and fixes components. According to an embodiment, the housing205may include a first surface facing a front surface of the electronic device200, on which a display (e.g., the display160ofFIG.1) (or a cover glass) of the electronic device200is located, a second surface facing a rear surface of the electronic device200, which is opposite to the first surface, and a side member surrounding at least a portion of a space between the first and second surfaces. For example, the first surface may be a surface, on which the display160is located, and the second surface may be a surface, on which the cover209is located on the rear surface of the electronic device200.

According to an embodiment, a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB)201, in which one or more coils that form a loop antenna are arranged, a camera203, or a battery207(e.g., the battery189ofFIG.1) may be located in the interior of the housing205.FIG.2illustrates that the cover209is detached from the electronic device200, but various embodiments are not limited by whether the cover209may be separated from the electronic device200by a general user.

According to an embodiment, the FPCB201may include a plurality of loop antennas211. In an embodiment, the plurality of loop antennas211may include a first coil configured to form a loop antenna for performing a wireless charging function, a second coil configured to form a loop antenna (e.g., a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna) for performing a payment function, and a third coil configured to form a loop antenna for performing, for example, near field communication (NFC) communication as a dummy coil. For example, the first coil may be electrically connected to a charging circuit (e.g., the charging circuit430ofFIG.4) of the electronic device200. The second coil may be electrically connected to an MST module (not illustrated) of the electronic device200. The third coil may be electrically connected to an NFC module (not illustrated) of the electronic device200.

According to an embodiment, the FPCB201may be located at a central portion of the electronic device200, when viewed from the rear surface of the electronic device200. According to another embodiment, the FPCB201may extend from the central portion of the electronic device200to an upper portion (e.g., a peripheral portion of the camera203) when viewed from the rear surface of the electronic device200, and the plurality of loop antennas211may be disposed at the extension portion. According to another embodiment, the FPCB201may extend from the central portion of the electronic device200to a lower side (e.g., a peripheral portion of the battery207), and the plurality of loop antennas211may be disposed at the extension portion.

FIG.3is a schematic cross-sectional view of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.3, the electronic device300(e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) may include a housing305(e.g., the housing205ofFIG.2) that accommodates and fixes one or more components, or a cover309coupled to the housing305(e.g., the cover209ofFIG.2) on a rear surface of the electronic device300. The components, for example, may include a display panel311, a printed circuit board (PCB)301, a battery307(e.g., the battery189ofFIG.1), a camera303(e.g., the camera203ofFIG.2), or an FPCB315(e.g., the FPCB201ofFIG.2), which are located in the interior of the housing305.

The display panel311, for example, may be attached to glass (e.g., the window cover)323located on the front surface of the electronic device300. According to an embodiment, the display panel311may be integrally formed with a touch sensor or a pressure sensor. According to another embodiment, the touch sensor or the pressure sensor may be separated from the display panel311. For example, the touch sensor may be located between the glass323and the display panel311.

A communication module (e.g., the communication module190ofFIG.1) or a processor (e.g., the processor120ofFIG.1), for example, may be mounted on the circuit board301. According to an embodiment, the circuit board301may be realized by using at least one of a printed circuit board (PCB) or a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). According to an embodiment, the circuit board301may be electrically connected to the loop antenna317(e.g., the loop antenna211ofFIG.2) of the FPCB315. According to an embodiment, the circuit board301is at least a portion of the communication circuit (e.g., the communication module190ofFIG.1), and the charging circuit (e.g., the charging circuit430ofFIG.4), the MST module, or the NFC module may be mounted on the circuit board301.

The cover309, for example, may be divided into a conductive area including a conductive material and a nonconductive area including a nonconductive material. For example, the cover309may be divided into a conductive area, and a nonconductive area located on one side or opposite sides of the conductive area. According to an embodiment, one or more openings321for exposing some parts of the electronic device300to the outside may be disposed in the cover309. For example, the cover309may include one or more openings321for exposing a camera303, a flash, or a sensor (e.g., the sensor module176ofFIG.1) (e.g., a fingerprint sensor).

According to an embodiment, the FPCB315may be attached to a lower surface (e.g., a surface facing the inside of the housing305) of the cover309. According to an embodiment, one or more loop antennas317may be mounted on the FPCB315, and the FPCB315may be located to be electrically insulated from the conductive area of the cover309.

According to various embodiments, some of the one or more loop antennas317may be configured to generate a magnetic field in a direction (the Z axis direction) that is perpendicular to the rear surface (the XY plane) of the electronic device300.

FIG.4is a conceptual view illustrating a concept of a charging circuit in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.4, the electronic device401(e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) according to various embodiments may include a battery410(e.g., the battery189ofFIG.1), a wired interface421, a wireless interface425, and/or a charging circuit430.

According to an embodiment, the battery410may be mounted in the housing (e.g., the housing305ofFIG.3) of the electronic device401, and may be charged. The battery410, for example, may include a lithium-ion battery, a rechargeable battery, and/or a solar battery.

According to an embodiment, the wired interface421and the wireless interface425may be mounted on portions of the housing of the electronic device401, and may be connected to the external devices by wire, respectively. The wired interface421, for example, may include a universal serial bus (USB) connector421-1, may be connected to the first external device402, and may be an interface for USB charging and/or on-the-go (OTG) power supply, or an external power source (a TA, a battery pack, or the like) may be connected to the wired interface421. The wireless interface425may include a coil425-1(also referred to as ‘a conductive pattern’) (e.g., one or more loop antennas417ofFIG.4) and a transmission/reception integrated chip (TRX IC)425-2, and may wirelessly transmit and receive electric power to and from the second external device403through the conductive pattern425-1and the TRX IC425-2. In the wireless power transmission, electric power may be transmitted and received by using a wireless power transmission scheme, such as a magnetic field induction coupling scheme, a resonance coupling scheme, or a combination thereof. According to an embodiment, the conductive pattern425-1may include a first conductive pattern for wirelessly transmitting electric power, and a second conductive pattern for wirelessly receiving electric power.

According to an embodiment, the first external device402may be an external device that may be connected in a wired scheme, and may be a wired power supplying device or a wired power receiving device. The wired power receiving device may be an on-the-go (OTG) device. The OTG device may be a device, such as a mouse, a keyboard, a USB memory, and an accessory, which is connected to the electronic device401to receive electric power. The electronic device401may be operated in an OTG mode for supplying external electric power to the USB terminal. The wired charging device may be a device, such as a travel adapter (TA), which is connected to the electronic device401by wire to supply electric power to the electronic device401. The wired power receiving device may be connected to the electronic device by wire to receive electric power from the electronic device401to be used as an internal power source, and may charge another battery provided in the wired power receiving device. According to an embodiment, the first external device connected to the electronic device401through the wired interface421may include a wired high-voltage (HV) device (e.g., a device that assists adaptive fast charge (AFC) or quick charge (QC). When the wired HV device is connected to the connector, electric power of a voltage (e.g., 9 V) that is higher than the voltage (e.g., 5 V) supplied from the battery410may be supplied to or received from the wired HV device.

According to an embodiment, the second external device403may include a wireless power supplying device or a wireless power receiving device. According to various embodiments, the wireless power supplying device may be a device, such as a wireless charging pad, which wirelessly supplies electric power to the electronic device401by using the first conductive pattern. The wireless power receiving device may be a device that may wirelessly receive electric power supplied from the electronic device401, by using the second conductive pattern, and charges the received electric power in another battery included in the wireless power receiving device. According to an embodiment, the second external device403connected to the electronic device401through the wireless interface425may include a wired high-voltage (HV) device (e.g., a device that assists adaptive fast charge (AFC) or quick charge (QC)). According to an embodiment, the wireless HV device may include a wireless charging pad that assists quick charging. The wireless charging pad may determine whether quick charging will be performed, by communicating with the TRX IC425-2through in-band communication, or may determine whether quick charging will be performed, by using a separate communication module (Bluetooth or ZigBee). For example, the electronic device401may request, for example, charging of a high voltage of 9 V, from the wireless charging pad through the TRX IC425-2, and may identify whether quick charging is possible, through communication with the electronic device401according to the request for HV charging by the electronic device401. If it is identified that quick charging is possible, the wireless charging pad may supply electric power of 9 V to the electronic device401.

According to an embodiment, the charging circuit430may be electrically connected to the battery410, and may be configured to electrically connect the wired interface421and the wireless interface425, the battery410and the wired interface421, and the battery410and the wireless interface425. The charging circuit430may be configured to electrically connect the battery410and the conductive pattern (e.g., the first conductive pattern) to wirelessly transmit electric power to the second external device403(e.g., the wireless power receiving device), and to electrically connect the battery410and the connector to transmit the electric power to the first external device402(e.g., the wired power receiving device) by a wire while wirelessly transmitting electric power to the outside. For example, the charging circuit430may change first power generated by the battery410to second power that is higher than the first power, and may transmit third power that is at least a portion of the second power to the wireless power receiving device through the first conductive pattern and may transmit fourth power that is at least a portion of the second power to the OTG device or the wired power receiving device through the connector.

According to an embodiment, the charging circuit430may include an interface controller429, a first switch432, a second switch434, control logic436, a switch group438, and/or a charging switch439.

According to an embodiment, the interface controller429may determine the kind of the first external device402connected to the wired interface421, and may determine whether quick charging is assisted through adaptive fast charge (AFC) communication with the first external device402. According to an embodiment, the interface controller429may include a micro USB interface IC (MUIC) or quick charging (e.g., adaptive fast charge (AFC) or quick charge (QC)) interface. For example, the MUIC may determine whether the first external device402connected to the wired interface421is a wired charging device or a wired power receiving device. For example, the quick charging interface may determine whether quick charging is assisted through communication with the first external device402. When quick charging is assisted, the first external device402may increase transmitted/received electric power. For example, if quick charging is assisted when the first external device402is a wired charging that generally transmits electric power of 10 W (4 V/2 A), electric power of 15 W (9 V/1.6 A) (or about 18 W (e.g., 9 V/2 A) may be transmitted.

According to an embodiment, the first switch432may include one or more switches, and may control output of electric power to a device (e.g., the OTG device) connected through the wired interface421or the wired power receiving device, and input of electric power from the wired charging device. For example, the first switch432may be operated in an on state such that electric power is output to the OTG device or the wired power receiving device and electric power is input from the wired charging device, and may be operated in an off state such that electric power is not output to the OTG device or the wired power receiving device and electric power is not input from the wired charging device.

According to an embodiment, the second switch434may include one or more switches, and may control input and output of electric power to and from the wireless power supplying device and the wireless power receiving device through the wireless interface425, for example, the conductive pattern425-1and the TRX IC425-2. For example, the second switch434may be operated in an on state such that electric power may be input and output to and from the wireless power supplying device or the wireless power receiving device, or may be operated in an on state such that electric power may be neither input nor output to and from the wireless power supplying device or the wireless power receiving device.

According to an embodiment, the control logic436may perform a control such that the electric power input from at least one of the first switch432and the second switch434is converted to a charging voltage and a charging current that are suitable for charging of the battery410, may perform a control such that the electric power from the battery410is converted to a charging voltage and a charging current that are suitable for charging of other batteries of the external devices connected to the first switch432and the second switch434, respectively.

According to various embodiments, the control logic436may perform a control such that the charging circuit430transmits the power by the battery410to the outside selectively wirelessly or by wire. The control logic436may perform a control such that the electric power is transmitted to the first external device402and/or the second external device403through the charging circuit430, or the electric power is received from the first external device402and/or the second external device403.

According to various embodiments, the control logic436may perform a control such that the battery410is charged by using the electric power received from the wireless power supplying device when the wired charging device is connected. The control logic436may perform a control such that an OTG function is performed when the OTG device is connected. The control logic436may perform a control such that the battery410is charged by receiving the electric power from the wireless power supplying device when the wired power supplying device is connected. The control logic436may perform a control such that the battery410is charged by receiving the electric power from the wireless power supplying device and the OTG function is performed as well when the wired power supplying device is connected to the OTG device. The control logic436may perform a control such that electric power is supplied to the wireless power receiving device by using the electric power of the battery410when the wireless power receiving device is connected. The control logic436may perform a control such that the battery410is charged and the wireless power receiving device is supplied with electric power as well by receiving electric power from the wired charging device when the wired charging device and the wireless power receiving device are connected to each other. The control logic436may perform a control such that the OTG function is performed and electric power is supplied to the wireless power receiving device by using the electric power of the battery410as well when the OTG device and the wireless power receiving device are connected to each other.

According to an embodiment, the switch group438may provide a constant current to the system420, for example, the system420that supplies electric power to the modules of the electronic device. According to an embodiment, the switch group438may boost (↑) or buck (↓) the voltage of the battery410to provide a constant current to the connected external device402and403, or may boost (↑) or buck (↓) the charging voltage provided to provide a constant current to the battery410. According to an embodiment, the switch group438may include a buck/boost converter.

According to an embodiment, the charging switch439may detect the amount of charging currents, and may stop charging of the battery410during overcharging or overheating.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device401may include a display (e.g., the display device160ofFIG.1). The display160may display a user interface configured to control at least a portion of the charging circuit430. The display160may receive a user input that causes the electric power from the battery410to be transmitted to the external device402and403by wire or wirelessly, respectively. The display160may display one or more external devices402and403connected to the electronic device401, may display the residual power level of the battery of the connected external device402and403, or may display whether electric power is being supplied to the connected external device402and403or electric power is being received from the connected external device402and403. When a plurality of external devices402and403are connected to the electronic device and electric power is provided to the plurality of external devices402and403, a screen, through which distribution of electric power provided to the plurality of external devices402and403may be adjusted, may be displayed, and a screen, through which a power provision priority of the plurality of external devices402and403may be selected, may be displayed. The display160may display a screen that displays information on the display160of the connected external device402and403. At least some of the contents displayed on the display160may be changed according to a signal received from the connected external device402and403.

The electronic device (e.g., the electronic device200ofFIG.2) according to various embodiments may include a battery; a charging circuit; and a coil (e.g.,510ofFIG.5A) electrically connected to the charging circuit, the coil510may include a plurality of inner patterns (e.g.,511ofFIG.5A) arranged close to the center of the coil510, having a first line width (e.g., w1ofFIG.6), and wound spirally, and a plurality of outer patterns (e.g.,513ofFIG.5A) arranged on the outer side of the plurality of inner patterns511, having a second line width (e.g., w2ofFIG.6), and wound spirally, the plurality of inner patterns511may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other by a first interval (e.g., d1ofFIG.6), the plurality of outer patterns513may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other by a second interval (e.g., d2ofFIG.6), a maximum gap (e.g., G_max ofFIG.6) that is larger than the first interval d1and the second interval d2may be disposed between the plurality of inner patterns511and the plurality of outer patterns513, and the maximum gap G_max may be arranged in a first direction from the center of the coil510. The plurality of inner patterns511may be wound to have a circular shape when the center of the coil510is viewed from the top, and the plurality of outer patterns513may be wound to have an elliptical shape when the center of the coil510is viewed from the top. The plurality of outer patterns513may be wound to have an elliptical shape, which is long in a direction that is parallel to the first direction. The second line width w2may be larger than the first line width w1. The second interval d2may be larger than the first interval d1. A distance between, among the plurality of outer patterns513, the innermost outer pattern513, which is closest to the center of the coil510, and the center of the coil may have a maximum value at a portion, at which the maximum gap G_max is disposed. The electronic device may further include a housing disposed to be long in a direction that is parallel to the first direction and including a first side surface and a second side surface that is opposite to the first side surface, and a first distance between the center of the coil510and the first side surface is smaller than a second distance between the center of the coil510and the second side surface. The second side surface may be arranged in a first direction from the center of the coil510.

FIG.5Ais a plan view schematically illustrating a part of an FPCB illustrated inFIG.3, in which a plurality of loop antennas are disposed according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.5Amay be a view illustrating portions, at which the plurality of loop antennas are disposed, in a layout form.

FIG.5Bis an equivalent circuit diagram of the plurality of loop antennas illustrated inFIG.5Aaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.5A, according to an embodiment, the FPCB315(e.g., the FPCB201ofFIG.2) may include a plurality of loop antennas317(e.g., the loop antenna211ofFIG.2). In an embodiment, the plurality of loop antennas317may include a first coil510configured to form a loop antenna for performing a wireless charging function, a second coil520configured to form a loop antenna (e.g., a magnetic secure transmission (MST) antenna) for performing a payment function, and a third coil530configured to form a loop antenna for performing, for example, near field communication (NFC) communication as a dummy coil. For example, the first coil510may be electrically connected to a charging circuit (e.g., the charging circuit430ofFIG.4) of the electronic device200. The second coil520may be electrically connected to an MST module (not illustrated) of the electronic device200. The third coil530may be electrically connected to an NFC module (not illustrated) of the electronic device200.

According to an embodiment, the FPCB315may include a plurality of loop pads550electrically connected to the plurality of antennas317. The plurality of pads550may be components that electrically connect the plurality of loop antennas317and the communication circuit (e.g., the charging circuit430ofFIG.4), the MST module, and the NFC module.

Referring toFIGS.5A and5B, the plurality of pads550may include first to fourth pads551,552,553, and554. According to an embodiment, the first coil510may be electrically connected to the first pad551and the second pad552. The first coil510may be electrically connected to the charging circuit430through the first pad551and the second pad552. The second coil520may be electrically connected to the second pad552and the third pad553. The second coil520may be electrically connected to the MST module through the second pad552and the third pad553. According to an embodiment, a first end510aof the first coil510and a second end520bof the second coil520may be electrically connected to each other via connection555, and a second end510bof the first coil510may be electrically connected to the first pad551, and a first end520aof the second coil520may be electrically connected to a third pad553.

According to an embodiment, when the electronic device200performs a payment function through the MST module, both the first coil510and the second coil520may be used. For example, while the payment function is performed, an electrical path of “the first pad551, the first coil510, the second coil520, and the third pad553” may be formed, and the second pad552may be short-circuited.

According to an embodiment, the third coil530may be electrically connected to the fourth pad554. The third coil530may be electrically connected to the NFC module through the fourth pad554.

According to an embodiment, the electronic device (e.g., the electronic device200ofFIG.2) may wirelessly transmit and receive electric power by using the first coil510, and may employ a magnetic field induction coupling method, a resonance coupling method, or a combination method thereof. According to an embodiment, the first coil510may include a first conductive pattern for wirelessly transmitting electric power, and a second conductive pattern for wirelessly receiving electric power. According to an embodiment, the plurality of inner patterns531that are close to the center540of the first coil510may be first conductive patterns for transmitting wireless power, and the plurality of outer patterns533arranged on the outer side of the plurality of inner patterns533may be second conductive patterns for receiving wireless power.

According to another embodiment, the first coil may be used to transmit wireless power or receive wireless power regardless of the plurality of inner patterns531and the plurality of outer patterns533. For example, the plurality of inner patterns531may be used to transmit wireless power or receive wireless power. The plurality of inner patterns531may be used mainly to transmit wireless power to an external device of a relatively small size, for example, a wearable device. The plurality of outer patterns533may be used to transmit wireless power or receive wireless power. The plurality of outer patterns533may be used mainly to receive wireless power.

According to an embodiment, when a portion of the FPCB315, in which the plurality of loop antennas317are disposed, is viewed from the top, the second coil520may be disposed in a first direction ({circle around (1)}) (e.g., a lower side of the third coil) of the first coil510.

According to an embodiment, when a portion of the FPCB315, in which the plurality of loop antennas317are disposed, is viewed from the top, the third coil530may be disposed on the outer side of the first coil510. For example, the third coil530may be disposed to surround the outer side of the first coil510. According to another embodiment, the third coil530may be disposed to surround the outer side of the first coil510and the outer side of the second coil520.

The first coil510according to various embodiments may include a structure, by which a recognition range for wireless charging, and can increase the compatibility with a wireless charging device (e.g., a charging pad or a charging cradle).

Hereinafter, a structure of the first coil510for widening the recognition range for wireless charging will be described in detail with reference toFIGS.6to9.

FIG.6is a view illustrating a third coil illustrated inFIG.5Ain detail.FIG.6may be a view illustrating a border portion between the plurality of inner patterns and the plurality of outer patterns illustrated inFIG.5Aaccording to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.6, according to an embodiment, the first coil510may include a plurality of inner patterns511arranged close to the center540of the first coil510, and a plurality of outer patterns513extending from the plurality of inner patterns511and arranged on the outer side of the plurality of inner patterns511. For example, among the plurality of outer patterns513, the outer patterns513-1located on the innermost side, for example, the first outer pattern513-1may extend from, among the plurality of inner patterns511, the outermost inner pattern511-klocated on the outermost side.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of inner patterns511may have a first line width w1, and may be wound spirally from a portion that is adjacent to the center540of the first coil510. According to an embodiment, the plurality of inner patterns511may be wound to have a circular shape when viewed from the center540of the first coil510. For example, according to an embodiment, the plurality of inner patterns511may be wound to have a first curvature.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of inner patterns511may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other by a first interval d1.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of outer patterns513may have a second line width w2that is larger than the first line width w1, and may be wound spirally from the outermost inner pattern511-k. According to an embodiment, the plurality of outer patterns513may be wound to have an elliptical shape when viewed from the center540of the first coil510.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of outer patterns513may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other by a second interval d2, and the second interval d2may be larger than the first interval d1. According to another embodiment, the second interval d2may be the same as or different from the first interval d1. According to an embodiment, the plurality of outer patterns513may be wound to have a second curvature that is different from the first curvature, and the second curvature may vary according to the locations, at which the plurality of outer patterns513are wound.

According to an embodiment, a gap is disposed between the plurality of inner patterns511and the plurality of outer patterns513, and a maximum gap G_max may be disposed in the first direction () from the center540of the first coil510. According to an embodiment, the maximum gap G_max may be larger than the first interval d1that is an interval between the plurality of inner patterns511and the second interval d2that is an interval between the plurality of outer patterns513. For example, the maximum gap G_max may be disposed between, among the plurality of inner patterns511, the outermost inner pattern511-k, and, among the plurality of outer patterns513, the innermost pattern513-1, and the maximum gap G_max may be disposed to be larger than the first interval d1and the second interval d2.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of outer patterns513may be wound to have an elliptical shape, which is long in a direction that is parallel to the first direction (). For example, a distance between, among the plurality of outer patterns513, the innermost outer pattern513, which is closest to the center540of the first coil510, and the center540of the first coil510may have a maximum value at a portion, at which the maximum gap G_max is disposed.

In the first coil510according to an embodiment, the maximum gap G_max may be disposed in the first direction () from the center540of the first coil510to expand the recognition range for wireless charging from the center540of the first coil510in the first direction ().

Because the first coil510according to an embodiment may include a structure in which the curvature of the plurality of inner patterns511, for example, the first curvature is maintained and only the curvature of the plurality of outer patterns513having a relatively large line width, for example, the second curvature varies, a change in inductance can be minimized, and a resonance value set in advance for wireless charging can be maintained.

In the first coil510according to an embodiment, because the plurality of inner patterns511is disposed to have the first curvature and the plurality of outer patterns513having a relatively larger line width is disposed to have a second curvature, an inductance that is necessary for activation of a Tx function of transmitting wireless power and an Rx function of receiving wireless power by the electronic device200can be secured, and a resonance value set for wireless charging or discharging can be maintained.

Referring toFIGS.2and6, a direction, in which the maximum gap G_max is disposed with respect to the center540of the first coil510, for example, the first direction () may be a direction that is parallel to the lengthwise direction that defines the length of the electronic device.

According to an embodiment, the housing (e.g., the housing205ofFIG.2) may be disposed lengthwise in a direction that is parallel to the first direction () and the second direction ().

According to an embodiment, the housing205may include a first side surface215that is adjacent to the upper portion (e.g., a peripheral portion of the camera203) and a second side surface217that is opposite to the first side surface215, and the first coil510may be arranged to be closer to the first side surface215. For example, a first distance (“a” ofFIG.2) between the center540of the first coil510and the first side surface215may be smaller than a second distance (“b” ofFIG.2) between the center540of the first coil510and the second side surface217.

According to another embodiment, the first coil510may be arranged to be closer to the second side surface217, and in this case, the maximum gap G_max may be disposed in the second direction () from the center540of the first coil510. If the maximum gap G_max is disposed in the second direction () from the center540of the first coil510, the recognition range for wireless charging may be widened in the second direction () from the center540of the first coil510.

According to another embodiment, the center540of the first coil510may be located in a central area of the electronic device200, but this case may correspond to a case in which a distance between the center540of the first coil510and the second side surface217is large. The maximum gap G_max may be disposed in the first direction () from the center540of the first coil510. If the maximum gap G_max is disposed in the first direction () from the center540of the first coil510, the recognition range for wireless charging may be widened in the first direction () from the center540of the first coil510.

The electronic device (e.g., the electronic device200ofFIG.2) according to various embodiments may include a battery; a charging circuit; and a coil (e.g.,510ofFIG.7) electrically connected to the charging circuit, the coil510may include a plurality of inner patterns (e.g.,511ofFIG.7) arranged close to the center of the coil510, having a first line width (e.g., w1ofFIG.8), and wound spirally, and a plurality of outer patterns (e.g.,513ofFIG.7) arranged on the outer side of the plurality of inner patterns511, having a second line width (e.g., w2ofFIG.8) or a third line width (e.g., w3ofFIG.8), and wound spirally, the plurality of inner patterns511may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other by a first interval (e.g., d1ofFIG.8), the plurality of outer patterns513may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other by a second interval (e.g., d2ofFIG.8), the second line width w2may be larger than the first line width w1, and the third line width w3may be larger than the second line width w2. The plurality of outer patterns513may include first parts disposed in a first direction of a transverse axis that crosses the center of the coil510and having the third line width w3, and second parts disposed in a second direction of the transverse axis and having the second line width w2. The second direction may be opposite to the first direction. The plurality of inner patterns511may be wound to have a circular shape when the center of the coil510is viewed from the top, and the plurality of outer patterns513may be wound to have an elliptical shape when the center of the coil510is viewed from the top. The plurality of outer patterns513may be wound to have an elliptical shape, which is long in a direction that is parallel to the first direction. The electronic device may further include a housing disposed to be long in a direction that is parallel to the first direction and including a first side surface and a second side surface that is opposite to the first side surface, and a first distance between the center of the coil510and the first side surface is smaller than a second distance between the center of the coil510and the second side surface. The second side surface may be arranged in a first direction from the center of the coil510.

FIG.7is a plan view schematically illustrating a plurality of loop antennas according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG.8is a view illustrating a first coil illustrated inFIG.7in detail.FIG.8may be a view illustrating a border portion of area “D” between the plurality of inner patterns and the plurality of outer patterns illustrated inFIG.7in detail according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

The first coil510illustrated inFIGS.7and8may be the same as or similar to the first coil510illustrated inFIGS.5A and6, except for the parts which will be described below.

According to another embodiment, unlike the first coil510illustrated inFIGS.5A and6, in the first coil510illustrated inFIGS.7and8, the line width of the plurality of outer patterns513may vary.

The plurality of inner patterns511may have a first line width w1, and may be wound spirally from a portion that is adjacent to the center540of the first coil510. According to another embodiment, the plurality of inner patterns511may be wound to have a circular shape when viewed from the center540of the first coil510. For example, according to another embodiment, the plurality of inner patterns511may be wound to have a first curvature.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of inner patterns511may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other by a first interval d1.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of outer patterns513may have a second line width w2or a third line width w3that is larger than the first line width w1, and may be wound spirally from the outermost inner pattern511. The plurality of outer patterns513may be wound to have an elliptical shape when viewed from the center540of the first coil510.

According to an embodiment, the second line width w2may be larger than the first line width w1, and the third line width w3may be larger than the second line width w2.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of outer patterns513may be disposed to be spaced apart from each other by a second interval d2, and the second interval d2may be larger than the first interval d1. For example, the plurality of outer patterns513may be wound to have a second curvature that is different from the first curvature, and the second curvature may vary according to the locations, at which the plurality of outer patterns513are wound.

According to an embodiment, a gap G may be disposed between the plurality of inner patterns511and the plurality of outer patterns513, and the gap G may be constant. Further, the gap G may be disposed to have a size that is the same as or similar to the second interval d2.

According to an embodiment, the plurality of outer patterns513may be classified into first parts710and second parts720with respect to a transverse axis701that crosses the center540of the first coil510. For example, the plurality of outer patterns513may include first parts710disposed in the first direction () of the transverse axis701that crosses the center540of the first coil510and having the third line width w3, and second parts720disposed in the second direction () of the transverse axis701and having the second line width w2. The second direction () may be opposite to the first direction ().

The first coil510according to an embodiment may be disposed to have a third line width w3that is a maximum line width in the first direction () with respect to the transverse axis701that crosses the center540of the first coil510to expand the recognition range for wireless charging to the first direction () from the center540of the first coil510.

FIG.9is a view illustrating a first coil according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.9, the line width of the first parts710disposed in the first direction () of the transverse axis701may vary. For example, the third line width w3that is the line width of the first parts710, as illustrated inFIG.9, may gradually increase as it goes toward the first direction (). According to some embodiments, the third line width w3may gradually increase as it goes toward the first direction (), and then may be maintained at a fixed specific value. For example, the third line width w3may be disposed to have a value of T1 mm (T1 is a rational number) at a border portion of the transverse axis701, and may increase in a range of T1 mm to “T1+T2” mm (T2 is a rational number) as it goes from the border portion of the transverse axis701toward the first direction (). The third line width w3may be maintained at a fixed value while not increasing further after it reaches the line width of “T1+T2” mm.

Referring toFIGS.2and8, the first direction () may be a direction that is parallel to the lengthwise direction that defines the length of the electronic device200.

According to an embodiment, the housing (e.g., the housing205ofFIG.2) may be disposed lengthwise in a direction that is parallel to the first direction (). In the FPCB (e.g., the FPCB201ofFIG.2), the first coil510may be disposed at an upper portion (e.g., a peripheral portion of the camera203) from the central portion of the electronic device200. For example, the upper portion may be a portion that is located in the second direction () that is opposite to the first direction () from the central portion of the electronic device200.

According to an embodiment, the housing205may include a first side surface215that is adjacent to the upper portion (e.g., a peripheral portion of the camera203) and a second side surface217that is opposite to the first side surface215, and the first coil510may be arranged to be closer to the first side surface215. For example, a first distance (“a” ofFIG.2) between the center540of the first coil510and the first side surface215may be smaller than a second distance (“b” ofFIG.2) between the center540of the first coil510and the second side surface217.

According to another embodiment, the first coil510may be arranged to be closer to the second side surface217, and in this case, the first parts710having the third line width w3may be disposed in the second direction () from the center of the first coil510. If the first parts710having the third line width w3are disposed in the second direction () from the center540of the first coil510, the recognition range for wireless charging may be widened in the second direction () from the center540of the first coil510.

FIG.10is a view illustrating a state, in which an electronic device is held on a stand type wireless charging device (e.g., a charging pad or a charging cradle) according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.10, the electronic device200(e.g., the electronic device200ofFIG.2) according to various embodiments can widen a recognition range for wireless charging by changing a structure of a first coil (e.g., the first coil510ofFIG.5A) for wireless charging. The electronic device200according to various embodiments can widen a recognition range for wireless charging due to the structural change of the first coil510to increase the compatibility with a wireless charging device1010(e.g., a charging pad or a charging cradle), thereby increasing charging efficiency, even though the length of the electronic device200increases as indicated by a reference numeral “1001”.

FIG.11is a view illustrating a state, in which a Tx function of transmitting wireless power by an electronic device is performed according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

Referring toFIG.11, a wireless charging system according to an embodiment may include an electronic device200(e.g., the electronic device101ofFIG.1) as a wireless power transmitting device and an external device1101(e.g., the electronic device102ofFIG.1) as a wireless power receiving device.

The electronic device200(e.g., the wireless power transmitting device) according to an embodiment is an electronic device200including a wireless power sharing function (or a wireless power transmitting function), and for example, may be a smartphone.

The external device1101(e.g., the wireless power receiving device) according to an embodiment is an electronic device1101including a wireless battery charging function (or a wireless power receiving function), and for example, may be a wearable device. According to another embodiment, the external device1101may be an electronic device that is the same as or similar to the electronic device200.

The electronic device200according to an embodiment may transmit electric power to the external device1101by using the above-described first coil (e.g., the first coil510ofFIG.5A).