PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9577467-B1
Application Number: US-201514946619-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B1

Title: Hinge assembly for a wireless charger

Abstract:
A wireless charger for an electronic device. The charger includes a base having a base opening and an interior cavity defined by an upper shell, a lower shell and an inner sidewall extending between the upper and lower shells to define the base opening. An aperture is formed through the inner sidewall between the interior cavity and the base opening and a hinge is connected to the base within the interior cavity and extends through the aperture. The charger further includes a wireless charging assembly that is pivotably attached to the base by the hinge and moveable between a down position in which the wireless charging assembly is disposed within the base opening and an up position in which the wireless charging assembly extends outside the base. The charging assembly has a charging surface and a power transmitting unit disposed adjacent to the charging surface where the power transmitting unit is configured to wirelessly transmit power across the charging surface to a power receiving unit of a portable electronic device.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A hinge assembly for a wireless charging device, the hinge assembly comprising:
 a pin block having a pin receiving groove formed at an upper surface and first and second footings spaced apart from each other on opposite sides of the pin block, each footing including a shelf and a seat elevated with respect to the shelf; 
 a first friction beam attached to the seat of the first footing and extending over the shelf of the first footing; 
 a second friction beam attached to the seat of the second footing and extending over the shelf of the second footing; 
 a rotatable pin disposed within the pin receiving groove, the rotatable pin having first and second opposing ends with the first end extending over the first friction beam and the second end extending over the the second friction beam; 
 a first tensioner operatively coupled between the first friction beam and the shelf of the first footing to press the first friction beam against the first end of the rotatable pin; 
 a second tensioner operatively coupled between the second friction beam and the shelf of the second footing to press the second friction beam against the second end of the rotatable pin; and 
 a stem coupled to the rotatable pin between the first and second footings such that the stem rotates with the rotatable pin. 
 
     
     
       2. The hinge assembly set forth in  claim 1  wherein the pin block further includes a cutout between the first and second footings that allows the stem to rotate within the cutout. 
     
     
       3. The hinge assembly set forth in  claim 1  wherein the pin block further includes first and second supports spaced apart from each other, the first support positioned adjacent to the first footing, the second support positioned adjacent to the second footing and wherein the pin receiving groove includes a first portion in the first support and a second portion in second support. 
     
     
       4. The hinge assembly set forth in  claim 3  wherein the first support includes a first front face having a first vertically aligned slot formed in the first front face and the second support includes a second front face having a second vertically aligned slot formed in the second front face. 
     
     
       5. The hinge assembly set forth in  claim 1  wherein the stem includes a first end attached to the rotatable pin, a second end and a U-shaped portion between the first and second ends. 
     
     
       6. The hinge assembly set forth in  claim 5  wherein the stem further includes a channel extending along a length of the stem through the U-shaped section and a U-shaped cap covering the channel. 
     
     
       7. The hinge assembly set forth in  claim 1  wherein each of the first and second tensioners is configured to adjust the level of friction applied by its respective friction beam to the rotatable pin. 
     
     
       8. The hinge assembly set forth in  claim 7  wherein the first and second tensioners each comprise screws threadably coupled to a through hole formed in the first and second shelves, respectively. 
     
     
       9. The hinge assembly set forth in  claim 1  further comprising:
 a first clip attached to the pin block, the first clip having a first aperture opening aligned with a first end of the pin receiving groove; 
 a second clip attached to the pin block, the second clip having a second aperture aligned with a second end of the pin receiving groove opposite the first end; and 
 wherein the first end of the rotatable pin extends through the first aperture of the first clip and the second end of the rotatable pin extends through the second aperture of the second clip. 
 
     
     
       10. A hinge assembly for a wireless charging device, the hinge assembly comprising:
 a pin block having a pin receiving groove formed at an upper surface and first and second footings, each footing including a shelf and a seat elevated with respect to the shelf, 
 a friction beam attached to the seat of the footing and extending over the shelf of the footing; 
 a rotatable pin disposed within the pin receiving groove, the rotatable pin including a section extending over the friction beam; 
 a tensioner operatively coupled between the friction beam and the shelf of the footing to press the friction beam against the section the rotatable pin; a stem coupled to the rotatable pin such that the stem rotates with the rotatable pin; 
 wherein the pin block further includes first and second supports spaced apart from each other, the first support positioned adjacent to the first footing, the second support positioned adjacent to the second footing; 
 and wherein the pin receiving groove includes a first portion in the first support and a second portion in the second support. 
 
     
     
       11. The hinge assembly set forth in  claim 10  wherein:
 the friction beam includes a first section that extends over the first footing and a second section that extends over the second footing; and 
 the tensioner is operatively coupled to force the first section of the friction beam against the first end of the rotatable pin and to force the second end of the friction beam against the second end of the rotatable pin. 
 
     
     
       12. A hinge assembly for a wireless charging device, the hinge assembly comprising:
 a pin block having: 
 first and second opposing footings, each footing including a shelf and a seat elevated with respect to the shelf; 
 first and second opposing supports between the first and second footings, the first support adjacent to the first footing and the second support adjacent to the second footing; 
 a first pin receiving groove at an upper surface of the first support; 
 a second pin receiving groove at an upper surface of the second support aligned with the first pin receiving groove; and 
 a bridge extending between the first and second supports; 
 a first clip attached to the first support and having a first aperture opening aligned with the first pin receiving groove; and 
 a second clip attached to the second support and having a second aperture aligned with the second pin receiving groove; 
 a rotatable pin extending across the first and second supports within the first and second pin receiving grooves, the rotatable pin having first and second opposing ends and a central section between the opposing ends, wherein the rotatable pin is positioned so that the first end extends through the first aperture of the first clip over the first shelf and the second end extends through the second aperture over the second shelf; 
 a first friction beam attached to the seat of the first footing and extending over the first shelf between the first shelf and the first end of the rotatable pin; 
 a second friction beam attached to the seat of the second footing and extending over the second shelf between the second shelf and the second end of the rotatable pin; 
 a first tensioner operatively coupled between the first friction beam and the first shelf to force the first friction beam against the first end of the rotatable pin; 
 a second tensioner operatively coupled between the second friction beam and the second shelf to force the second friction beam against the second end of the rotatable pin; 
 a stem coupled to the rotatable pin between the first and second supports such that the stem rotates with the rotatable pin. 
 
     
     
       13. The hinge assembly set forth in  claim 12  wherein the stem further includes extending along a length of the stem through the U-shaped section and a U-shaped cap covering the channel. 
     
     
       14. A wireless charging assembly for an electronic device, the wireless charging assembly comprising:
 a housing; 
 a charging surface; and 
 a power transmitting unit disposed within the housing adjacent to the charging surface, the power transmitting unit configured to wirelessly transmit power across the charging surface to a power receiving unit of a portable electronic device; 
 a hinge assembly coupled to the housing, the hinge assembly comprising: 
 a pin block having a pin receiving groove formed at an upper surface and first and second opposing footings, each footing including a shelf and a seat elevated with respect to the shelf; 
 a first friction beam attached to the seat of the first footing and extending over the shelf of the first footing; 
 a second friction beam attached to the seat of the second footing and extending over the shelf of the second footing; 
 a rotatable pin disposed within the pin receiving groove, the rotatable pin having first and second opposing ends with the first end extending over the shelf of the first footing and the first friction beam and the second end extending over the shelf of the second footing and the second friction beam; 
 a first tensioner operatively coupled between the first friction beam and the shelf of the first footing to press the first friction beam against the first end of the rotatable pin; 
 a second tensioner operatively coupled between the second friction beam and the shelf of the second footing to press the second friction beam against the second end of the rotatable pin; and 
 a stem coupled to the rotatable pin between the first and second supports such that the stem rotates with the rotatable pin. 
 
     
     
       15. The wireless charging assembly set forth in  claim 14  wherein the pin block further includes first and second supports spaced apart from each other, the first support positioned adjacent to the first footing, the second support positioned adjacent to the second footing and wherein the pin receiving groove includes a first portion in the first support and a second portion in second support. 
     
     
       16. The wireless charging assembly set forth in  claim 15  wherein the first support includes a first front face having a first vertically aligned slot formed in the first front face and the second support includes a second front face having a second vertically aligned slot formed in the second front face. 
     
     
       17. The wireless charging assembly set forth in  claim 14  wherein the stem includes a first end attached to the rotatable pin, a second end and a U-shaped portion between the first and second ends, a channel extending along a length of the stem through the U-shaped section, and a cap covering the channel. 
     
     
       18. The wireless charging assembly set forth in  claim 14  wherein each of the first and second tensioners is configured to adjust the level of friction applied by its respective friction beam to the rotatable pin.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/215,659 filed Sep. 8, 2015, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. This application is related to concurrently filed U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/946,602, which is also incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to wirelessly charging electronic devices, and more particularly, to systems and methods that enable an electronic device to be wirelessly charged in more than one position. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Many portable electronic devices include one or more rechargeable batteries that require external power to recharge from time to time. These devices may include cell phones, smart telephones, wearable devices, navigation devices, sports devices, health devices, accessory devices, and so on. 
     Some portable electronic devices with rechargeable batteries, including some wrist-worn wearable electronic devices include an inductive charging system or other type of wireless charging system. In an inductive charging system, a user may place the electronic device on an inductive charging surface to replenish the internal battery without the need for plugging the device into a charging cable. The inductive charging surface, and the associated electrical components that enable inductive charging, may be incorporated into a docking station or similar charging device that can be placed in a location (e.g. on night stand, an office desk, or similar location) where a user will regularly charge the portable electronic device. Accordingly, aesthetically pleasing, well-designed docking stations and wireless charging devices are desirable. 
     SUMMARY 
     Some embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a system for wirelessly charging a portable electronic device. The system can be a docking station or similar device upon which the portable electronic device to be charged can be placed. The system can include a power transmitting component that can be wirelessly connected to charging circuitry of the portable electronic device to wirelessly transmit power to the charging circuitry and charge the portable electronic device&#39;s battery. In some embodiments the power transmitting component is housed in an assembly attached to a base of the system with a hinge. The hinge enables the wireless charging assembly to be positioned at more than one angle with respect to the base enabling the user to change the viewing angle of the portable electronic device being charged by the power transmitting component. For example, the wireless charging assembly can be placed in a first substantially flat position in which the portable electronic device can be placed directly over the wireless charging assembly as well as a second angled position that enables the portable electronic device to be positioned at an angle against the wireless charging assembly. The first substantially flat position may enable a user to easily view information presented, for example, on a display screen of the portable electronic device the display, when looking down towards the device, while the second, angled position may better enable the user to view information presented on the display screen from other perspectives. 
     According to some embodiments, a wireless charger for an electronic device is provided. The wireless charger can include a base having a base opening and an interior cavity defined by an upper shell, a lower shell and an inner sidewall extending between the upper and lower shells to define the base opening. An aperture can be formed through the inner sidewall between the interior cavity and the base opening. The wireless charger can further include a wireless charging assembly and a hinge that connects the base to the wireless charging assembly. The hinge can be pivotably attached to the base within the interior cavity so that it is generally hidden from view and can be moveable between a first position in which the wireless charging assembly is disposed within the base opening and a second position in which the wireless charging assembly extends outside the base opening. The charging assembly may include a charging surface and a power transmitting unit disposed adjacent to the charging surface that is configured to wirelessly transmit power across the charging surface to a power receiving unit of a portable electronic device. 
     In some embodiments the hinge can have a u-shaped stem that extends through the aperture where the stem includes a first end connected to a structure within the interior cavity of the base, a second end connected to the wireless charging assembly and a u-shaped portion between the first and second ends. The stem can also include a covered groove extending through the u-shaped portion and open at the second end of the stem to route one or more wires in a hidden manner through the stem. 
     According to some embodiments, a wireless charger for an electronic device is provided that includes a donut-shaped base having an upper surface, a planar bottom surface and an inner sidewall extending between the upper surface and the bottom surface that defines a central base opening through the base. The base can further include an interior cavity defined at least in part by the upper surface, the bottom surface and the inner sidewall, and an aperture can be formed through the inner sidewall between the interior cavity and the central base opening. The wireless charger can further include a wireless charging assembly and a hinge that connects the base to the wireless charging assembly. The hinge can be pivotably attached to the base within the interior cavity so that it is generally hidden from view and can be moveable between a first position in which the wireless charging assembly is disposed within the base opening and a second position in which the wireless charging assembly extends outside the base opening. The charging assembly can have a housing, a charging surface, and a power transmitting unit disposed within the housing and adjacent to the charging surface and configured to wirelessly transmit power across the charging surface to a power receiving unit of a portable electronic device. 
     In some embodiments the wireless charging assembly can further include one or more features that assist with alignment of the power transmitting unit to the power receiving unit of a portable electronic device including a charging surface having a concave shape and/or at least one magnet to assist with alignment of the power transmitting unit to the power receiving unit of a portable electronic device. Additionally, in some embodiments the power transmitting unit can be moveable within housing to further improve alignment of the power transmitting unit to the power receiving unit of a portable electronic device. 
     According to some embodiments, a wireless charger for an electronic device is provided where the charger includes a circular base having an interior cavity defined by an upper shell, a lower shell and a ring extending between the upper and lower shells. The upper shell can include a first central circular opening, a first rim formed around a perimeter of the upper shell and a continuously curved surface extending from the first rim to the first central circular opening. The lower shell can include a second central circular opening, a second rim spaced adjacent to and attached to the first rim and formed around a perimeter of the lower shell, a substantially planer surface surrounding the second central circular opening and a curved surface extending between the substantially planer surface and the second rim. The ring can include an interior sidewall surface that defines a base opening through the base concentric with the first and second central circular openings. An aperture can be formed through the interior sidewall of the ring between the interior cavity and the opening through the base, and a hinge that extends through the aperture can be connected to the base within the interior cavity. The wireless charging assembly can be pivotably attached to the base by the hinge and moveable between a first position in which the wireless charging assembly is disposed within the base opening parallel with the upper annular surface of the ring and a second position in which the wireless charging assembly is disposed outside the base opening. The charging assembly can include a housing, a concave charging surface, and a power transmitting unit disposed within the housing and adjacent to the concave charging surface, the power transmitting unit configured to wirelessly transmit power across the concave charging surface to a power receiving unit of a portable electronic device. 
     In some embodiments of the disclosure, in the first position the charging assembly is aligned with and parallel to a top of the opening and in the second position, the charging assembly is inclined at a 90 degree angle or less with respect to the base. As examples of the second position, the charging assembly can be angled at any desired angle and in some instances can be inclined at a near vertical angle of between 80 and 89 degrees with respect to the bottom surface. As other examples of the second position, the charging assembly can be angled between 85 and 89 degrees or between 87 and 88 degrees. In some embodiments, the charging assembly may also be placed at intermediate angles in between the first and second positions. 
     According to some embodiments, a hinge assembly is provided that can pivot between first and second positions. The hinge assembly can include a pin block having a pin receiving groove formed at an upper surface and a footing including a shelf and a seat elevated with respect to the shelf; a friction beam attached to the seat of the footing and extending over the shelf of the footing; a rotatable pin disposed within the pin receiving groove, the rotatable pin including a section extending between the shelf and the friction; a tensioner operatively coupled between the friction beam and the shelf of the footing to press the friction beam against the section the rotatable pin; and a stem coupled to the rotatable pin such that the stem rotates with the rotatable pin. 
     According to some embodiments, a hinge assembly includes a pin block having a pin receiving groove formed at an upper surface and first and second opposing footings, each footing including a shelf and a seat elevated with respect to the shelf; a first friction beam attached to the seat of the first footing and extending over the shelf of the first footing; a second friction beam attached to the seat of the second footing and extending over the shelf of the second footing; a rotatable pin disposed within the pin receiving groove, the rotatable pin having first and second opposing ends with the first end extending between the shelf of the first footing and the first friction beam and the second end extending between the shelf of the second footing and the second friction beam; a first tensioner operatively coupled between the first friction beam and the shelf of the first footing to press the first friction beam against the first end of the rotatable pin; a second tensioner operatively coupled between the second friction beam and the shelf of the second footing to press the second friction beam against the second end of the rotatable pin; and a stem coupled to the rotatable pin between the first and second supports such that the stem rotates with the rotatable pin. 
     In some embodiments the pin block can further include one or more of: a cutout between the first and second footings that allows stem to rotate within the cutout; and first and second supports spaced apart from each other, where the first support is positioned adjacent to the first footing, the second support is positioned adjacent to the second footing and the pin receiving groove includes a first portion in the first support and a second portion in second support. In some embodiments the stem includes a first end attached to the rotatable pin, a second end and a u-shaped portion between the first and second ends and a channel extending along a length of the stem through the u-shaped section and a u-shaped cap covering the channel. 
     In some embodiments each of the first and second tensioners are configured to adjust the level of friction applied by its respective friction beam to the rotatable pin, and in some instances each of the first and second tensioners can be a screw threadably coupled to a through hole formed in the first and second shelves, respectively. 
     According to some embodiments, a hinge assembly is provided that includes a pin block having: first and second opposing footings, each footing including a shelf and a seat elevated with respect to the shelf; first and second opposing supports between the first and second footings, the first support adjacent to the first footing and the second support adjacent to the second footing; a first pin receiving groove at an upper surface of the first support; a second pin receiving groove at an upper surface of the second support aligned with the first pin receiving groove; and a bridge extending between the first and second supports. The hinge assembly can further include a first clip attached to the first support and having a first aperture opening aligned with the first pin receiving groove; a second clip attached to the second support and having a second aperture aligned with the second pin receiving groove; a rotatable pin extending across the first and second supports within the first and second pin receiving grooves, the rotatable pin having first and second opposing ends and a central section between the opposing ends, wherein the rotatable pin is positioned so that the first end extends through the first aperture of the first clip over the first shelf and the second end extends through the second aperture over the second shelf; a first friction beam attached to the seat of the first footing and extending over the first shelf between the first shelf and the first end of the rotatable pin; a second friction beam attached to the seat of the second footing and extending over the second shelf between the second shelf and the second end of the rotatable pin; a first tensioner operatively coupled between the first friction beam and the first shelf to force the first friction beam against the first end of the rotatable pin; a second tensioner operatively coupled between the second friction beam and the second shelf to force the second friction beam against the second end of the rotatable pin; and a stem coupled to the rotatable pin between the first and second supports such that the stem rotates with the rotatable pin. 
     The following detailed description together with the accompanying drawings in which the same reference numerals are sometimes used in multiple figures to designate similar or identical structural elements, provide a better understanding of the nature and advantages of the present disclosure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1A  is a simplified front isometric view illustrating a system for wirelessly charging a portable electronic device having its charging surface in a first position according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 1B  is a simplified front isometric views illustrating the system for wirelessly charging a portable electronic device shown in  FIG. 1A  having its charging surface in a second position; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of inductive charging circuitry and related circuitry within the devices shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B  according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of a wireless charger according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 3B  is a perspective view of the wireless charger shown in  FIG. 3A  with a wireless charging assembly in an up position; 
         FIG. 3C  is a top plan view of the wireless charger shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 3D  is a side plan view of the wireless charger shown in  FIG. 3A ; 
         FIG. 4A  is a simplified rear perspective view of a hinge according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 4B  is a front perspective exploded view of a portion of the hinge shown in  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 4C  is front perspective view of the of the hinge shown in  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 5  is a simplified cross-sectional view of the hinge shown in  FIG. 4A ; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a ring to which a hinge according to embodiments of the disclosure can be attached; 
         FIGS. 7A and 7B  are a simplified exploded views of select components of a wireless charger according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a flowchart depicting steps associated with the manufacture of a wireless charger according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 9A-9F  illustrate the manufacture of a wireless charger in accordance with the method depicted in  FIG. 8  according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 10A  is a simplified front perspective view of one type of portable electronic device with which embodiments of the disclosure may be used; 
         FIG. 10B  is a simplified rear perspective view of the portable electronic device shown in  FIG. 10A ; 
         FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of the wireless charger shown in  FIGS. 3A-3D  with the portable electronic device shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B  place on the charger in a first charging position; 
         FIG. 11B  is a perspective view of the wireless charger shown in  FIGS. 3A-3D  with the portable electronic device shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B  place on the charger in a second charging position different than the first charging position; 
         FIG. 12A  illustrates a center position of an alignment and retention magnet for a wireless charger according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 12B  illustrates an off-center position of an alignment and retention magnet for a wireless charger according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 13A  is a simplified side view of a portable electronic device in a near vertical charging position on a wireless charger according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIG. 13B  is a simplified side view of a portable electronic device in a near vertical charging position on a wireless charger according to some embodiments of the disclosure; 
         FIGS. 14A and 14B  are simplified side cross-sectional views illustrating a moveable wireless power transmitting component within a wireless charging assembly according to some embodiments of the disclosure; and 
         FIGS. 15A-15G  are simplified perspective views of hinges according to some embodiments of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     Reference will now be made in detail to representative embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the embodiments to any particular preferred embodiment. To the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of the described embodiments as defined by the accompanying claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Some embodiments of the disclosure pertain to a system for wirelessly charging a portable electronic device. The system can be a docking station or similar device upon which the portable electronic device to be charged can be placed. The system can include a power transmitting component that can be wirelessly connected to charging circuitry of the portable electronic device to wirelessly transmit power to the charging circuitry and charge the portable electronic device&#39;s battery. 
     User&#39;s often receive messages and other information via portable electronic devices that the user may want to readily view even while the portable electronic device is charging. A charging system according to some embodiments of the disclosure includes a wireless charging assembly attached to a base with a hinge. The wireless charging assembly includes a power transmitting component and the hinge enables the wireless charging assembly to be positioned at more than one angle with respect to the base enabling the user to change the viewing angle of the portable electronic device being charged by the power transmitting component. For example, the wireless charging assembly can be placed in a first substantially flat position in which the portable electronic device can be placed directly over the wireless charging assembly and a second angled position that enables the portable electronic device to be positioned at an angle against the wireless charging assembly that may provide a better viewing angle for the user of received messages and other information. 
       FIG. 1A  is a front isometric view illustrating a system  100  that enables a portable electronic device to be wirelessly charged. The system may include a portable electronic device  110 , such as a wearable electronic device, and a wireless charger  120 , such as a docking station. Although  FIG. 1  illustrates the portable electronic device  110  and the wireless charger  120  as specific devices having particular shapes and sizes relative to each other, the illustrated devices merely serve as an example. In various implementations, either the portable electronic device  110  or the wireless charger  120  may be a variety of different types of electronic devices having a variety of different shapes and/or sizes provided that wireless charger  120  is configured to wirelessly charge a battery or other power source within portable electronic device  110 . For example, portable electronic device  110  may be a tablet computer, a mobile computing device, a smart phone, a cellular telephone, a digital media player, or a variety of different types of wearable electronic devices. One example of a wearable device that portable electronic device  120  may represent can be worn on a user&#39;s wrist like a watch and include a display to indicate the date and time, but can also do much more than act as a simple time piece. For example, the device may include may also include accelerometers and one or more sensors that enable a user to track fitness activities and health-related characteristics, such as heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature, among other information. Similarly, wireless charger  120  may be a stand-alone dock or may be incorporated into another electronic device, such as a stereo receiver, a clock radio, or other device. 
     As illustrated, portable electronic device  110  includes a first connection surface  112  that is operable to contact a charging surface  122  of wireless charger  120 . In some cases, the first connection surface  112  and charging surface  122  form a sliding interface between the portable electronic device  110  and the wireless charger  120 . As such, the two devices may be positionable with respect to each other in one or more directions. 
     Wireless charger  120  includes a power transmitting component (not shown) within its housing that is positioned adjacent to charging surface  122 . The power transmitting component can wirelessly transmit power across charging surface  122  to portable electronic device  110  to charge one or more batteries or other power sources within the portable electronic device. In order to provide power to the power transmitting component, wireless charger  120  can receive power from an external source through a cable  124  or other connection or can include its own power source, such as a battery (not shown). 
     Portable electronic device  110  can include a display  114  or other medium through which information, such as the date and time, phone calls, text messages, emails and other alerts may be displayed. As illustrated in  FIG. 1A , when charging surface  122  lies in a plane parallel to a bottom  126  of wireless charger  120 , portable electronic device  110  may lie in an essentially flat position over wireless charger  120  making display  114  difficult for a user to see unless the user is looking at portable electronic device  110  and wireless charger  120  from above. Thus, while in some instances a user will prefer to charge portable electronic device  110  while it is lying flat on charging surface  122 , in other instances it may be desirable for portable electronic device  110  to be inclined at an angle to facilitate viewing of display  114  from angles other than above device  110 . 
       FIG. 1B  is a front isometric view of system  100  with charging surface  122  positioned at an incline or angle with respect to the bottom  126  of electronic device  120  thus enabling portable electronic device  110  to be wirelessly charged in a position that may facilitate viewing information on display  114 . According to embodiments of the disclosure, charging surface  122  can be part of a charging assembly that is connected to a base portion of wireless charger  120  with a hinge as described more fully below. The hinge can be hidden beneath an exterior surface of the base portion of electronic device  120  for an aesthetically pleasing look while enabling charging surface  122  to be moved between the substantially flat position shown in  FIG. 1A  and the inclined position shown in  FIG. 1B . Details of some suitable hinges are described below with respect to  FIGS. 4A-4C and 15A-15G . 
       FIG. 2  is a simplified block diagram of various power-related components in a system  200  that includes a portable electronic device  210  and a wireless charger  230 . System  200  can be representative of system  100 . Portable electronic device  210  can be, for example, device  110  or device  1000  discussed below. Wireless charger  230  can be, for example, wireless charger  120  discussed above or device  300  discussed below. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , portable electronic device  210  includes an inductive power-receiving component  212  while wireless charger  230  includes a power-transmitting component  232 . In system  200 , power receiving component  212  can be operatively coupled to power transmitting component  232  to charge a battery  213  within the portable electronic device. Within the power receiving component, battery  213  is operably connected to a receive coil  214  via power conditioning circuitry  216 . Receive coil  214  can be inductively coupled to a transmit coil  236  of wireless charger  230  to receive power wirelessly from the charger and pass the received power to battery  213  within the portable electronic device via power conditioning circuitry  216 . 
     Power conditioning circuitry  216  can be configured to convert alternating current received by the receive coil  214  into direct current power for use by other components of portable electronic device  210 . Also within device  210 , a processing unit  220  may direct the power, via one or more routing circuits and under the execution of an appropriate program residing in a memory  222 , to perform or coordinate one or more functions of the portable electronic device typically powered by battery  213 . 
     Within wireless charger  230 , power transmitting component  232  includes a power source  234  operatively coupled to transmit coil  236  to transmit power to portable electronic device  210  via electromagnetic induction or magnetic resonance. Transmit coil  236  can be an electromagnetic coil that produces a time-varying electromagnetic flux to induce a current within an electromagnetic coil within the portable electronic device (e.g., coil  214 ). The transmit coil may transmit power at a selected frequency or band of frequencies. In one example the transmit frequency is substantially fixed, although this is not required. For example, the transmit frequency may be adjusted to improve power transfer efficiency for particular operational conditions. More particularly, a high transmit frequency may be selected if more power is required by the accessory and a low transmit frequency may be selected if less power is required by the accessory. In other examples, transmit coil  236  may produce a static electromagnetic field and may physically move, shift, or otherwise change its position to produce a spatially-varying electromagnetic flux to induce a current within the receive coil. 
     When portable electronic device  210  is operatively attached to wireless charger  230  (e.g., by aligning connection surface  215  of device  210  with charging surface  235  of wireless charger  120 ), the portable electronic device may use the received current to replenish the charge of its rechargeable battery or to provide power to operating components associated with the electronic device. Thus, when portable electronic device  210  is operatively attached to wireless charger  230 , the charger may wirelessly transmit power at a particular frequency via transmit coil  236  to receive coil  214  of the portable electronic device. 
     Transmit coil  236  can be positioned within the housing of wireless charger such that it aligns with receive coil  214  in the portable electronic device along a mutual axis when the charger is operatively attached to portable electronic device. If misaligned, the power transfer efficiency between the transmit coil and the receive coil may decrease as misalignment increases. The housing of the portable electronic device and the wireless charger can be designed to facilitate proper alignment between connection surface  215  and charging surface  235  to ensure high charging efficiency. In some embodiments of the disclosure, transmit coil  236  is moveable within the housing such that it can be accurately positioned to align with receive coil  214  of different sized portable electronic devices  210  as described in more detail below in conjunction with  FIGS. 14A and 14B . 
     As also discussed below, in some embodiments, one or more alignment assistance features can be incorporated into the devices to facilitate alignment of the transmit and receive coils along the mutual axis can be employed. As one example, an alignment magnet  238  can be included in wireless charger  230  that magnetically mates with an alignment magnet  218  of portable electronic device  210  to facilitate proper alignment of the portable electronic device and wireless charger. Additionally, the connection and charging surfaces  215 ,  235  of portable electronic device  210  and wireless charger  230 , respectively, may cooperate to further facilitate alignment. For example, in one embodiment connection surface  215  of portable electronic device  210  has a convex shape while charging surface  235  of wireless charger  230  has a concave shape (e.g., see charging surface  344  shown in  FIG. 5 ) following the same curvature as connection surface  215  of device  210 . In this manner, the complementary geometries may facilitate alignment of the device charger and wearable device in addition to the alignment magnets. 
     Wireless chargers, such as chargers  120  and  230 , may be regularly used to charge one or more portable electronic devices, such as devices  110  and  210 . The wireless charger may be placed in prominent location within a user&#39;s home or office and used on a daily basis. Thus, the user experience associated with the charger along with the aesthetic appearance of the charger can be important.  FIGS. 3A-3D  are illustrations of a wireless charger  300  according to some embodiments of the disclosure. As shown in the figures, wireless charger  300  includes a generally circular base  302  having a curved upper surface  304  spaced apart from a planar bottom surface  306  that allows wireless charger  300  to be placed on a level surface such as the top of a desk, an end table or a nightstand. Base  302  further includes an opening  320  that extends fully through the base from upper surface  304  to bottom surface  306 . 
     An interior sidewall surface  308  of the base (see  FIG. 3B ) defines the shape and size of opening  320  and is surrounded by an annular surface  305  that is slightly recessed from upper surface  304 . In some embodiments and as described below, interior sidewall surface  308  is part of a single piece annular ring (e.g., ring  460  shown in  FIG. 4A ) that extends from upper surface  304  to bottom surface  306  and where an upper surface of the ring forms annular surface  305 . Upper surface  304  can have a continuous curvature from an outer edge of annular surface  305  to an upper inner edge of a rim  310  that extends along the perimeter of base  302 . An annular curved lower surface  307  (see  FIG. 3D ) extends between planar bottom surface  306  and a lower inner edge of rim  310 . 
     A wireless charging assembly  340 , which is connected to base  302  by a hinge, is positioned within opening  320 . Except for a stem that connects the wireless charging assembly to the base, the hinge is positioned entirely within the interior of base  302  and is thus hidden from view. Charging assembly  340  includes a housing  342  and an charging surface  344 . In the embodiment shown, charging surface  344  can have a concave shape that matches a convex shape of a connection surface of a portable electronic device that the wireless charger is designed to charge, such as wearable electronic device  1000  that is worn on a user&#39;s wrist and described with respect to  FIGS. 10A and 10B  below. Charging surface  344  can be surrounded by a generally flat annular surface  346 . 
       FIG. 3A  is a perspective view of wireless charger  300  with charging assembly  340  in a down position, while  FIGS. 3C and 3D  are top and side plan views, respectively, of charger  300  with charging assembly  340  in the down position. As illustrated in these figures, in the down position, charging surface  344  of charging assembly  340  is generally aligned with the uppermost portion of curved upper surface  304 . The vertical alignment of charging surface  344  with surface  304  that defines an exterior surface of base  302  allows a portable electronic device that is positioned on charging surface  344  in a proper charging alignment to extend over a portion surface  304  without interrupting contact between the connection surface of the portable electronic device (e.g., surface  112  or  215 ) and the charging surface. Also if, for example, the portable electronic device being charged is a wrist-worn wearable device with a flexible band, the continuous curvature of surface  304  allows the band to drape along surface  304  in an attractive, natural position. 
     In the up position, illustrated in  FIG. 3B , charging assembly  340  can be inclined at an angle that enables a user to more easily see a display of a portable electronic device that is being charged by wireless charger  300  from certain angles. For example, if wireless charger  300  is positioned on a bed side table, it may be easier for a user laying on the bed to view the display of a portable electronic device being charged by the charger when the charging assembly is in the up position than the down position. 
     In some embodiments, the hinge (not shown in  FIGS. 3A-3D ) that allows charging assembly  300  to pivot in and out of opening  320  has a stop that prevents charging assembly  340  from being inclined at an angle of more than 90 degrees. And, in some embodiments the stop angle can between 80 and 89 degrees, between 85 and 89 degrees or between 87 and 88 degrees, all of which provide a near vertical alignment that, in turn, provides an excellent viewing angle for a user from many different locations in which the down position may not provide an ideal viewing angle. The near vertical but less than 90 degree angle also secures the portable electronic device in a position in which it is less likely to tip over, away from the charging assembly than would be the case with a 90 degree or greater angle. Additionally, if the portable electronic device being charged is a wrist-worn wearable device with a flexible band, the continuous curvature of surface  304  and the near vertical alignment of the charging assembly allows the side surfaces of the band to contact surface  304  on the sides of and behind opening  320  providing additional support for the wrist-worn portable electronic device. 
     When inner sidewall  308  is part of an annular ring, the ring can be made out of a hard metal such as stainless steel and annular surface  305 , which can be an upper surface of the metal ring, can be slightly recessed to provide protection against scratches or similar abrasions. In some embodiments surface  305  can be a highly polished surface for aesthetic and other purposes. To reduce a visual presence of a seam where surface  305  joins inner sidewall  308 , the inner sidewall can be lightly blasted using a bead blasting or other appropriate technique. Roughening inner surface  308  has the added benefit for some embodiments of reducing reflections along the surface the sidewall thus making it more difficult to see through the gap between inner sidewall  308  and the outer edge of housing  342  when the charging assembly is in the down position to a table or other surface that the charger is positioned on. In some embodiments, the ring can have an annular step (not shown) formed along inner sidewall  308  that reduces the diameter of opening  320  in the stepped region. The step can extend under wireless charging assembly  340  providing a stop for the wireless charging assembly in the down position and eliminating the ability to see through opening  320  when the charging assembly is down. In some other embodiments inner sidewall  308  of the ring can have a slight inward angle such that opening  320  has a larger diameter at upper surface  304  than at lower surface  306 . Depending on the angle this design feature can reduce the ability to see through the gap formed between the edge of the ring and the wireless charging assembly in opening  320  when the charging assembly is in the down position (i.e., reduce the difference between the diameter of housing  342  and the portion of inner sidewall  308  near bottom  306 ) or eliminate it altogether. 
     Wireless charger  300  can further include a receptacle connector  330 . In some embodiments connector  300  can be compatible with a reversible lightning connector manufactured by Apple, Inc., the assignee of the present disclosure. The lightning connector includes both power and data contacts along with circuitry that can participate in a handshaking algorithm with circuitry associated with connector  330  to authenticate the cable that is mated with connector  330  to ensure it was designed to operate with charger  300 . In other embodiments, connector  330  can be any connector that delivers power to charger  300 . 
     A variety of different hinges can be incorporated into wireless charger  300  to enable charging assembly  340  to rotate between down and up positions and/or be set at various intermediate positions therebetween. One such hinge mechanism that can connect charging assembly  340  to base  302  in a manner in which the hinge is generally hidden from a user&#39;s view is described below with respect to  FIGS. 4A-4C .  FIG. 4A  is a simplified perspective view of a hinge  400  according to some embodiments of the disclosure along with a ring  460  that includes interior sidewall surface  308  of base  302  previously described. In  FIG. 4A , hinge  400  is connected to housing  342  of charging assembly  340  with the charging assembly in the up position. Hinge  400  includes a pin block  402  having first and second opposing footings  404   a ,  404   b  and first and second opposing supports  406   a ,  406   b  between the first and second footings. Each of the footings  404   a ,  404   b  can include a shelf  408  and a seat  410  that is adjacent to and elevated above shelf  408 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 4B , which is a perspective exploded view of a portion of hinge  400 , through holes  412 ,  414  are formed through each seat  410  and through holes  416 ,  418  are formed through each shelf  408 . First and second friction beams  420   a ,  420   b  are attached at a proximal end to their respective seat  410 . Each friction beam extends from seat  410  of its respective footing over its respective shelf  408 . Since each seat  410  is elevated above its respective shelf  408 , in the absence of an applied force as described below, a distal end of each friction beam  420   a ,  420   b  is spaced apart from its underlying shelf by a distance equal to the height that seat  410  is elevated above shelf  408 . Friction beams  420   a ,  420   b  can be attached to their respective footing by fasteners  422 ,  424  that extend through through holes  412 ,  414 , respectively, formed in the seats  410 . In some embodiments, each of the through holes  412 ,  414  are threaded and fasteners  422 ,  424  can be attached screws. 
     In some embodiments, hinge  400  fits within cutouts formed within the base of a wireless charger, such as charger  300 , align and secure the hinge to the base. Additionally, in some embodiments, hinge  400  can be attached to the base by one or more through holes in the footings  404   a ,  404   b . For example, an alignment post (not shown) can extend from the base into through holes  416  in each of the footings  404   a ,  404   b  to secure and align the pin block to the base. In some embodiments, the pin block can be attached to the base by fasteners, such as screws, that extend through through holes  416 . 
     Support  406   a  is adjacent to footing  404   a  and support  406   b  is adjacent to footing  404   b . While supports  406   a ,  406   b  are positioned inside of footings  404   a ,  404   b  in the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 4A-4C , in other embodiments, the supports can be positioned outside the footings or at other locations relative to the footings. A bridge  426  extends between and connects support  406   a  to support  460   b , and each of the supports includes a groove  430   a ,  430   b  at its upper surface. A pin  432  is positioned adjacent to bridge  426  and extends across the two supports within grooves  430   a ,  430   b , which are aligned allowing the pin to rotate within the grooves. 
     Pin  432  has first and second end portions  434   a ,  434   b  and a central section  434   c  that can be wider than ends  434   a ,  434   b . Grooves  430   a ,  430   b  are sized to accommodate central section  434   c  of the pin. Opposing upper edges of the grooves (see edges  510 ,  512  in  FIG. 5 ) wrap partially around the circumference of section  434   c  such that pin  432  cannot be placed within the grooves from the top and instead must be slid within the grooves from a lateral direction as indicated by arrow  425 . Clips  436   a ,  436   b  can be attached to supports  406   a ,  406   b , respectively, after pin  432  is positioned within the grooves. Each clip includes an aperture  438  passing through it that is sized to receive one of the narrower end portions  434   a ,  434   b  of pin  432 . The apertures are smaller than central portion  434   c  and thus secure pin  432  within grooves  430   a ,  430   b  in lateral direction  425  while grooves  430   a ,  430   b  secure the pin in the up/down and the forward/back directions. 
     A stem  460  is attached at a first end  462  to central portion  434   c  of pin  432  enabling the stem to rotate with pin  432  at a location within the internal cavity of the wireless charger base (e.g., base  302 ) around an axis  325 . In some embodiments, the stem includes one or more locking teeth that can extend into or through corresponding bores formed in pin  432 . To further strengthen the connection between the stem and the pin, the stem can also be welded to pin  432  at multiple weld locations on opposing sides of the pin. As one example, stem  460  can be welded to central section  434   c  in four locations as shown in  FIG. 4C  by arrows  442 . Bridge  426  spans a channel  428  (see  FIG. 4B ) in which stem  460  passes through while pivoting on pin  432 . A second end of stem  460  is attached to a bottom surface  444  of housing  342  at weld locations  446  which may include welds of a variety of shapes and sizes designed to increase the weld strength. In this manner, hinge  440  enables charging assembly  340  to be moved between the up and down positions described with respect to  FIGS. 3A and 3B . 
     In some embodiments, hinge  400  is designed to provide a smooth and constant force movement of charging assembly  340  between the up and down positions. That is, hinge  400  can provide a substantially constant force profile against torque applied to charging assembly  340  as the charging assembly is moved from the down position to the up position or from the up position to the down position. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4A-4C , in some embodiments of hinge  400 , end section  434   a  of pin  432  extends beyond clip  436   a  over friction beam  420   a . Similarly, end section  434   b  can extend beyond clip  436   b  over friction beam  420   b . A tensioner  425  can be disposed between the shelf  408  of each footing  404   a ,  404   b  and its respective friction beam  420   a ,  420   b . Each tensioner  425  can exert a force between its respective footing and friction beam that in turn results in the friction beam  420   a ,  420   b  contacting the end  434   a ,  434   b  of pin  432 . Each tensioner can be adjusted to control the amount of force exerted on the pin, which in turn, counteracts torque imparted on hinge  400  as the charging assembly is moved between the up and down positions. Increasing the force that each tensioner  425  exerts on its respective friction beam  420   a ,  420   b  results in increased friction between friction beams  420   a ,  420   b  and pin ends  434   a ,  434   b , respectively. The increased force translates to an increase in resistance to torque applied to the charging assembly. 
     In some embodiments, each of the footings  404   a ,  404   b  includes a threaded through hole  418  and each tensioners  425  can be a set screw that is threadably coupled to its respective through hole  418 . In this manner, each tensioner can be screwed towards its overlying friction beam to increase the friction between the beam and pin  432  or screwed away from the friction beam to decrease friction the beam and pin. If tensioners  425  are adjusted to provide sufficient friction, charging assembly  320  can be placed at almost any intermediate angle between the up and down positions for a charging operation. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4A-4C , stem  460  is a u-shaped piece that extends from pin  432  underneath and around a portion of ring  460 . Referring to  FIG. 5 , which is a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of  FIG. 4A , and  FIG. 6 , which is a simplified perspective view of the ring  460 , the ring includes an aperture  502  that allows stem  460  to pass through the aperture into opening  320 . 
     Power can be provided through stem  460  to the wireless power transmitter components within housing  342  via a wire (e.g., wire  712  shown in  FIG. 7 ). In order to hide the wire so it is not visible when viewing wireless charger  300 , stem  460  includes a passageway  452  (see  FIG. 4C ) for the wire (see  FIG. 4B ) in the u-shaped stem and covered by a stem cap  456 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , passageway  452  extends within the stem from a first end  462  near the connection point with pin  432 , through the u-shaped section and to a second end  464  that attaches to housing  342  (see  FIG. 4B ). An opening  448  in the bottom  444  of housing  342  allows the wire to pass from stem  460  into housing  342  while remaining hidden from sight (see  FIG. 4A ). 
     Stem  460  can rotate between first and second positions that correspond to the down and up positions, respectively, of charging assembly  340  previously mentioned. In the first position, stem  460  has a first stop in which a first outer surface  466  of stem  460  rests on an inner ledge  604  at the bottom of aperture  502 . In the second position, a second outer surface  468 , opposite surface  466 , comes into contact with an interior surface of a portion  606  of ring  460  that extends above aperture  502 . As previously discussed, in various embodiments the stem and inner surface of portion  606  cooperate to ensure that the second stop results in charging assembly  340  positioned in a near vertical alignment in which the charging assembly is positioned at an angle with respect to the base of between 80 and 89 degrees, between 85 and 89 degrees or between 87 and 88 degrees. 
     The above-described components of hinge  400  can be made out of a variety of different suitable materials. In some embodiments pin block  402 , pin  432 , stem  460  and stem cap  456  are made from stainless steel or a similarly hard metal. Friction beams  420   a ,  420   b  and clips  436   a ,  436   b  can also be made from a hard metal, such as stainless steel. 
     In some embodiments it is beneficial to align charging assembly  340  so that it is parallel with body  302  and positioned at a desired height with respect to upper surface  304 . For example, in some embodiments it desirable for the charging assembly to not be raised above surface  304  and instead be recessed from surface  304  by a nominal amount (e.g. less than a couple of millimeters). The charging assembly is attached to the body by hinge  400 . Any slight misalignment of charging assembly  340  and body  302  or unintended height discrepancy may detract from the charging capabilities of wireless charger  300  and/or the aesthetic appearance of the wireless charger. 
     Ring  460  includes a ledge  610  (see  FIG. 6 ) that extends from an outer surface of the ring and aligns with a feature interior to the wireless charger to help secure ring  460  to the base of the wireless charger. To facilitate proper alignment and height adjustment of wireless charging assembly  340  within ring  460 , in some embodiments pin block  402  includes first and second female slots  450   a ,  450   b  (see  FIGS. 4B, 4C ) that align with first and second male protrusions  602   a ,  602   b  of ring  460  (see  FIG. 6 ). When pin block  402  is attached to ring  460 , each protrusion  602   a ,  602   b  fits within its respective slot  450   a ,  450   b . The pin block, which is attached to charging assembly  340 , can be moved up and down in the vertical direction with respect to ring  460  and thus with respect to the base  302  of the wireless charger. Thus, once ring  460  is attached to base  302 , the charging assembly can be spaced at the desired height and properly aligned within opening  320  by moving pin block  402  up and down with respect to ring  460  before attaching the pin block to the ring by, for example, a laser welding operation. 
       FIGS. 7A and 7B  are exploded views of some of the various components that can be assembled together to create wireless charger  300 . As shown in  FIG. 7A , the base  302  of charger  300  can be assembled from top and bottom shells  702  and  704 . In some embodiments, top and bottom shells  702 ,  704  can be made from a thermoplastic material, such as a polycarbonate resin, or another nonconductive material. A stain resistant cover  732 , such as a polyurethane wrap or a thermoplastic silicon rubber can be applied over the top shell, while a non-marking material  730 , such as a soft rubber or microfiber wrap, can be applied over bottom shell  704  to prevent wireless charger from scratching or otherwise damaging furniture or other surfaces the device may be placed upon and to reduce movement of the charger on the surface it is placed upon. 
     A ballast shield  706  can be positioned between top and bottom shells  702  and  704  to provide a desired weight and heft to charger  300 . Shield  706  can also be grounded and act as an electromagnetic shield reducing noise that may be generated by the wire that delivers power to the charging assembly coupling to the inductive field of the power transmitting coil. For example, as discussed below a wire  712  can be routed adjacent to the surface of ballast shield  706  to reduce undesirable noise from the wire. Wire  712  can further be wrapped in an absorber material to further reduce noise. 
     Ballast shield  706  includes a cutout  740  that is sized and shaped to allow the ballast shield to extend around hinge  400  and ring  460 . Ballast shield  706  can be made from a metal, such as stainless steel, or another appropriately heavy and electrically conductive metal. Ring  460  can be attached to the ballast shield by aligning a ledge  610  of the ring (see  FIG. 6 ) with a surface  707  of ballast shield  706  surrounding an opening  740 . Ring  460  can be made from a metal, such as stainless steel, or any other suitable material. A receptacle connector  722  can be attached to the base bottom shell  704  and positioned between the top and bottom shells so that the opening of the receptacle connector that receives a corresponding plug connector is aligned with opening  742  in the base. 
     Wireless charging assembly  340  can be positioned within ring  460  and properly aligned with the base of the wireless charger as discussed above. Wire  712  electrically connects the circuitry within wireless charging assembly  340 , including the power transmitting circuitry, to connector  722 . Wire  712  can actually include multiple, separate insulated wires surrounded by a protective casing or absorber material. For example, in some embodiments, wire  712  includes ground and power wires and in some other embodiments, wire  712  includes separate ground and power wires along with at least two other wires that can be used for data or other signals, such as signals that enable the charger to control power generation. While not shown in the figures, a routing channel can be formed in the interior surface of top shell  702  to secure a portion of wire  712  that extends between connector  722  and the wireless charging assembly. 
     A connector trim piece  720  can be attached to an outer portion of bottom shell  704 , and positioned so that an opening of trim piece  720  is aligned with the opening of the receptacle connector. Trim piece  720  can be made from a conductive metal and can be electrically connected to ground to help, during a mating event, dissipate static electricity that may have built up at the plug connector. A conductive wing  724 , which can be made from stainless steel or another conductive material, provides a ground path from trim piece  720  and receptacle connector  722  to ballast shield  706 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7B , wireless charging assembly  340  can include a shallow cup-shaped housing  342  in which a printed circuit board  708  and multiple electronic components  709  are housed. A cap  710  can be press fit to housing  342  covering printed circuit board  708  and electronic components  709 . Charging surface  344  is centrally positioned at an exterior surface of cap  710  and, in some embodiments, charging surface  344  can have concave shape that facilitates self-alignment of the portable electronic device to be charged. 
     The power transmitting components, some of which are included in electronic components  709  and some of which are not shown in  FIG. 7B  (e.g., the coil), are positioned within housing  342  adjacent to charging surface  344 . Additionally, one or more alignment magnets (not shown) can also be positioned within housing  342  near charging surface  344  to further facilitate self-alignment of the portable electronic device to be charged. 
     Wireless charging assembly  340  is attached to hinge  340  by stem  430 . The stem can be welded to housing  340  at welding locations  446 , and as shown in  FIGS. 4B and 4C , the stem can also include one or more teeth  454  that can be inserted into corresponding bores in housing  340  to strengthen the connection between the stem and housing. When connected to the housing  342 , passageway  452  in stem  430  opens directly to a bottom interior surface of the housing which enables wire  712  to be routed through step  430  into housing  342  while remaining completely within the stem and housing. 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 8 and 9A-9   f  where  FIG. 8  is a flowchart depicting a method  800  of manufacturing a wireless charger according to some embodiments of the disclosure and  FIGS. 9A-9F  depict a wireless charger in various states of manufacture in accordance with the steps of  FIG. 8 . The method discussed with respect to  FIG. 8  is illustrative only and persons of skill in the art will recognize that the order of the steps discussed with respect to  FIG. 8  can vary in some embodiments and that other methods can be used to manufacture a wireless charger according to embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     As shown in  FIG. 8 , method  800  includes three blocks: assembling a top shell assembly  902  (block  802 ), assembling a bottom shell assembly  904  shell (block  804 ) and assembling the wireless charging assembly  340  (block  806 ) that can be done independent of each other in parallel. In block  802 , top shell assembly  902  can be formed by adhering top shell  702  to an outer polyurethane wrap  730  by an adhesive, such as a pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA). In some embodiments, a layer of foam  914  is placed between top shell  702  and polyurethane wrap  730 . Foam layer  904  can be adhered to top shell  702  by PSA or other adhesive  912  and polyurethane wrap  730  can be adhered to foam layer  914  by an adhesive  916 , such as a PSA. 
     In block  804 , bottom shell assembly  904  can be formed by adhering bottom shell  704  to an outer microfiber layer  732  by an adhesive  908 . As shown in  FIG. 9B , in some embodiments either or both of shells  702  and  704  may include internal ridges  920  to strengthen and provide more rigidity to the shells. Additionally, outer layers  730  and  732  can include skirts  912 ,  914 , each of which extends beyond what will be the outer perimeter of charger  300  by a desired length, such as 1 inch or so. The two skirts are later adhered together and trimmed (block  816 ) to the edge of rim  310 . 
     Wireless charging assembly can be assembled (block  806 ) by first assembling hinge  400  (block  808 ). To assemble hinge  400 , wire  712  can be routed through channel  452  of stem  430  and cap  456  can be secured to the stem to cover the wire so that one end of the wire extends through the u-section portion of stem  430  and out of channel  450  near first end  462  and at second end  464 . Stem  430  can then be attached to pin  432 , by for example, inserting interlocking teeth  454  into corresponding bores in center section  434   c  of pin  432  and laser welded the stem to the pin. 
     With stem  430  attached to it, pin  432  can be threaded into grooves  430   a ,  430   b  on pin block  402  and clips  436   a ,  436   b  can be laser welded or otherwise attached to the pin block to secure pin  432  within the groove. Friction beams  420   a ,  420   b  can then be attached to footings  404   a ,  404   b  by fasteners  422 ,  424  and tensioners  425  can be set and adjusted to exert a desired force on the friction beams to, in turn, impart a desired level of friction to pin  432  as the pin rotates within groove  430   a ,  430   b.    
     Once the hinge is assembled (block  808 ), it can be connected to housing  342  via stem  430 . The stem can be inserted through aperture  502  of ring  460  and housing  340  can be positioned within the opening defined by the ring. Next, stem  430  can be attached to housing  342  while it is positioned within the ring as described above (block  810 ) and as illustrated in  FIG. 9C . Protrusions  62   a ,  602   b  on ring  460  can be inserted within slots  450   a ,  450   b , respectively, and the ring can moved up and down with respect to the hinge to align charging assembly  340  within ring  460  as discussed above so that it will be parallel to base  302  once the ring is attached to the base. Once aligned, hinge  400  can be attached to ring  460  with using laser welding or other suitable techniques. 
     In block  812 , the hinge/wireless charging module  930  can be completed by attaching printed circuit board  708  having electronic components  709  coupled thereto, to housing  432 , assembling the remaining portions of the power transmitting unit, including the coil, within the housing, and attaching cap  710  to housing  342  ( FIG. 9D ). 
     Referring to  FIG. 9E  and block  814 , top shell assembly  902 , which can have a milled or similar cut-out portion sized and shaped to accept hinge/wireless charging module  930 , can placed upside down and module  930  can be positioned within the cutout section. Top shell assembly  902  can also have a channel for wire  712  formed in its interior upper surface and the wire can be routed through the channel. 
     The receptacle connector assembly  940  (connector  720 , trim ring  722  and ground wing  724 ) can also be placed in an appropriate position within top shell assembly  902  and ballast  706  can then be adhered to the top shell assembly  902  with a PSA or other adhesive layer (not shown) while electrically connecting ground wing  724  to ballast shield  706 . Bottom shell assembly  904  can then be attached by adhering assembly  904  to the ballast shield with a PSA or other adhesive layer (not shown) and adhering the rim of assembly  902  to the rim of assembly  904  and the skirt of layer  732  to the skirt of layer  730 . The excess skirts can be trimmed to the edge of the rim to complete the formation of a wireless charger according to some embodiments of the disclosure (block  816 ). 
     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , which depict front and rear perspective views of one type of portable electronic device with which embodiments of the disclosure may be used. As shown, wearable electronic device  1000  includes a casing  1002  that houses a display  1004  and various input devices including a dial  1006  and a button  1008 . 
     Device  1000  may be worn on a user&#39;s wrist and secured thereto by a band  1010 . Band  1010  includes lugs  1012  at opposing ends of the band that fit within respective recesses or apertures  1014  of the casing and allow band  1010  to be removeably attached to casing  1002 . Lugs  1012  may be part of band  1010  or may be separable (and/or separate) from the band. Generally, the lugs may lock into recesses  1014  and thereby maintain connection between the band and casing  1002 . The user may release a locking mechanism (not shown) to permit the lugs to slide or otherwise move out of the recesses. In some wearable devices, the recesses may be formed in the band and the lugs may be affixed or incorporated into the casing. 
     Casing  1002  also houses electronic circuitry (not shown in  FIG. 10A or 10B ), including a processor and communication circuitry, along with sensors  1022 ,  1024  that are exposed on a bottom surface  1020  of casing  1002 . The circuitry, sensors, display and input devices enable wearable electronic device  1000  to perform a variety of functions including, but not limited to: keeping time; monitoring a user&#39;s physiological signals and providing health-related information based on those signals; communicating (in a wired or wireless fashion) with other electronic devices; providing alerts to a user, which may include audio, haptic, visual and/or other sensory output, any or all of which may be synchronized with one another; visually depicting data on a display; gathering data form one or more sensors that may be used to initiate, control, or modify operations of the device; determining a location of a touch on a surface of the device and/or an amount of force exerted on the device, and use either or both as input; accepting voice input to control one or more functions; accepting tactile input to control one or more functions; and so on. 
     A battery (not shown in  FIG. 10A or 10B ) internal to casing  1002  powers wearable electronic device  1000 . The battery can be inductively charged by an external power source, such as wireless charger  300 , and wearable electronic device  1000  can include circuitry configured to operate as a receiver in a wireless power transfer system as described with respect to  FIG. 2 . Bottom surface  1020  can have a convex shape that enables the surface to facilitate proper alignment to a wireless power transmitter in the wireless charger. Also, while not shown in  FIG. 10A or 10B , portable electronic device  1000  may include one or more magnets or magnetic plates, such as alignment magnet  218 , that can further assist in aligning device  1000  to the charging surface of a wireless charger. 
       FIG. 11A  is a perspective view of wireless charger  300  shown in  FIGS. 3A-3D  with wrist-worn portable electronic device  1000  shown in  FIGS. 10A and 10B  place on the charger in a first charging position. As shown in  FIG. 11A , wrist-worn portable electronic device  1000  lies essentially flat across upper surface  304  of charger  300  in the first position. Bottom surface  1020  of device  1000  can align with concave charging surface  345  (not visible in  FIG. 11A ) of wireless charging assembly  340  to facilitate proper alignment of the wireless power receiving components within device  1000  with the wireless power transmitting components within charging assembly  340 . Additionally, one or more alignment magnets (not shown) can also facilitate proper alignment between the wireless power receiving and transmitting components. 
       FIG. 11B  is a perspective view of wireless charger  300  with portable electronic device  1000  placed on the charger in a second charging position different than the first charging position. As shown in  FIG. 11B , wrist-worn portable electronic device  1000  is placed on its side adjacent to upper surface  304  of charger  300  in the second position in which device  1000  leans against wireless charging assembly at a near vertical angle. Bottom surface  1020  of device  1000  can be aligned with concave charging surface  345  (not visible in  FIG. 11B ) of wireless charging assembly  340  to facilitate proper alignment of the wireless power receiving components within device  1000  with the wireless power transmitting components within charging assembly  340 . A combination of magnets and gravity can help secure wrist-worn portable electronic device  1000  to the wireless charging assembly. The magnets (not shown) can also facilitate proper alignment between the wireless power receiving and transmitting components in this second position. 
     Wireless chargers according to some embodiments of the disclosure can be used to charge several different portable electronic devices that may vary in size. For example, wrist-work electronic device  1000  may be available in two or more sizes where the casings of the different size devices differ in width and length. Some embodiments of wireless chargers according to the disclosure have an alignment magnet that generates a magnetic field that attracts a portable electronic device to a center of the charging surface.  FIG. 12A  is a simplified top representation of a wireless charging assembly  1200  according to some such embodiments of the disclosure. In  FIG. 12A , wireless charging assembly  1200  is centered within an opening  1205  (e.g., the opening defined by an interior surface of ring  460 ) of a wireless charger and attached to a hinge  1220  within a base of the wireless charger by a stem  1222 . Merely as examples, wireless charging assembly can be charging assembly  340 , opening  1205  can be opening  320 , hinge  1220  can be hinge  400  and stem  1222  can be stem  430 . 
     Wireless charging assembly  1200  includes a concave charging surface  1210  surrounded by an annular surface  1212 . A power transmitting coil  1214  is positioned under charging surface  1210  and an alignment magnet  1216  is centered within the charging surface and concentric with coil  1214  as indicated by center point  1218 . When a portable electronic device is positioned against charging surface  1210 , alignment magnet  1216 , which can be in a fixed position within assembly  1200 , can help center the device to power transmitting coil  1214  thus increasing the efficiency of any charging operation. 
     When the charging assembly is in the up position, however, it may be desirable for a side surface of the portable electronic device to rest upon an upper surface of the charging station (e.g., upon upper surface  304  in wireless charger  300 ). Towards this end, and if wireless charging station  1200  is part of an ecosystem that includes multiple sized portable electronic devices, a larger sized portable electronic device may rest against an upper surface of the charging station in the up position. A smaller portable electronic device magnetically attached to wireless charging assembly  1200 , however, may have its edge raised slightly above the surface of the charging station as shown in  FIG. 13A , which is a side view of a portable electronic device  1300  positioned against wireless charging assembly  1200  in a charging position. As shown in  FIG. 13A , a side surface  1302  of device  1300  is not in physical contact with an upper surface  1226  of a base  1228  of the wireless charger. Such an arrangement may result in portable electronic device  1300  being less stable in the charging position than desired. 
     Some embodiments of the disclosure invention include an alignment magnet that is slightly off-center to prevent such a situation. For example, as shown in  FIG. 12B , which illustrates a wireless charging assembly  1250  that can be identical to assembly wireless charging assembly  1200  except that it includes an alignment magnet  1230  that is in a fixed position slightly off-center from center point  1218  towards hinge  1220  instead of centered magnet  1216 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 13B , which is a side view of a portable electronic device  1300  positioned against wireless charging assembly  1250  in a charging position. As indicated by arrow  1310  in  FIG. 13B , the position of magnet  1230  (not shown in the figure) centered at point  1232  below center point  1218  generates a magnetic field that biases device  1300  down towards surface  1226 . Biasing device  1300  downward in this manner and off center from coil  1214  may slightly reduce charging efficiency but provides a stable arrangement in which side surface  1302  of device  1300  contacts surface  1226 . In some embodiments, alignment magnet  1230  is off-center (i.e., the distance between points  1218  and  1232 ) by less than 3 mm, while in some embodiments magnet  1230  is off-center by less than 2 mm or by between 0.5 and 1.0 mm. 
     To maximize charging efficiency of a portable electronic device, the wireless power receiver of the device should be aligned with the wireless power transmitter of the charger as discussed above with respect to  FIG. 2 . Charging differently-sized portable electronics devices on a single wireless charger can present challenges to maximizing the charging efficiency for the differently-sized devices. Some embodiments of the disclosure include a wireless charging assembly in which the power transmitting coil can be moved up and down to more properly align with different sized devices. In some embodiments the power transmitting coil can move within a housing of the wireless assembly and in other embodiments, the entire assembly can move up and down, for example, at the hinge. 
       FIGS. 14A and 14B  are simplified side cross-sectional views illustrating movement of a wireless power transmitter  1410  within a wireless charging assembly  1400  according to some embodiments of the disclosure. Charging assembly  1400  can be, for example, wireless charging assembly  340 . As shown in  FIG. 14A , a portable electronic device  1450  is positioned against a charging surface  1405  of wireless charging assembly  1400  in a charging position in which an edge of device  1450  is supported by an upper surface of the charging station that assembly  1400  is part of Wireless power transmitter  1410  is disposed within a housing  1402  and includes a power transmitting coil  1412 , an alignment magnet  1414  and a support  1416 . Support  1416  is moveable within housing  1402  and coil  1410  and magnet  1412  are both attached to the support so that they move within the housing along with the support. Support  1420  can be any structure that can be moved back and forth within housing  1402  and in some embodiments support  1420  can be a diaphragm or other compliant membrane. 
     In  FIG. 14A , portable electronic device  1450  is smaller than some other portable electronic devices that can be charged by charging assembly  1450 . Thus, a distance, D 1 , between an edge and a center of device  1450  is less than distance, D 2 , between the same points in, for example, a portable electronic device  1460  shown in  FIG. 14B  that has the same general look as device  1450  but a larger casing. 
     When portable electronic device  1450  is placed against charging surface  1405 , alignment magnet  1414  is attracted to and aligns with an alignment magnet  1456  in device  1450 . Since magnet  1414  is attached to moveable support  1410 , the moveable support moves within housing  1402  with the magnet down towards the base of the charger in direction  1430 . Since coil  1412  is also attached to support  1410 , the coil also moves down to better align to the power receiving coil in portable electronic device  1450  that is centered around magnet  1456 . 
     In  FIG. 14B , a larger electronic device  1460  is in a charging position with its side surface supported by an upper surface of the charging station. In the charging position, the back surface of portable electronic device  1460  is adjacent to and in contact with charging surface  1405  and alignment magnet  1414  is attracted to and aligns with an alignment magnet  1466  in device  1450 . Because of the larger size of device  1460 , magnet  1414  and moveable support  1410  moves within housing  1402  up away from the base of the charger in direction  1430 , which results in coil  1412  also moving up to better align to the power receiving coil in portable electronic device  1460  that is centered around magnet  1466 . 
     While the embodiments of a moveable wireless power transmitter discussed with respect to  FIGS. 14A and 14B  each rely on magnetic forces to passively move the power transmitter to a more efficient charging position, other embodiments of the disclosure may move the power transmitter using other techniques. For example, in some embodiments circuitry within a wireless charger can determine the type of portable electronic device positioned against the charging surface and actively move the power transmitter to an ideal charging position based on known characteristics of the device. As an example, circuitry within wireless charging assembly  1400  or the wireless charger can receive a device ID or other information from the portable electronic device during an authentication or an identification handshaking process that proceeds charging in which information is sent from the portable electronic device in response to a request from the charger. The charger can determine the type and size of the portable electronic device, select an ideal position for the wireless power transmitter and then actively move the power transmitter in the ideal position using an electromagnet or a variety of other different techniques. 
     Each of  FIGS. 14A and 14B  show wireless charging assembly  1400  being attached to a base of a wireless charger by a hinge  1440  that can be similar to hinge  400  discussed with respect to  FIGS. 4A-4C . Embodiments of the disclosure can be used with many different types of hinges, however, some of which are discussed with respect to  FIGS. 15A-15G  below. Each of the hinges discussed below with respect to  FIGS. 15A-15G  can be positioned within the interior of a base of a charging station thus hiding the hinge from view. Each hinge also includes a stem (generally not visible in the figures) that connects the hinge to a wireless charging assembly (also not shown in the figures), such as wireless charging assembly  340 . Some of the hinges are bi-stable hinges in which the hinge is strongly biased towards either of two positions that can coincide with the down and up positions described above. 
       FIGS. 15A-15G  are simplified perspective views of hinges according to some embodiments of the disclosure. Each of the hinges shown in  FIGS. 15A-15G  include a pin block  1500  having a pin  1502  that rotates within a groove  1504 . As shown in the figures, groove  1504  includes first and second portions that are aligned with each other to accept pin  1502  with a cutout  1506  formed between the two grooves that allows the stem to at least partially rotate through the cutout. For ease of illustration, reference numbers  1500 ,  1502  and  1504  are only shown in  FIG. 15A . A stem is connected to a central portion of the pin so that when the pin rotates, the stem rotates as well around a pivot point that can be located within the base of a wireless charger and thus hidden from view. Generally, each of the hinge designs enables the stem to be moved between first and second positions, which in turn, enable a wireless charging assembly connected to the stem to be moved between down and up positions as described above with respect to  FIGS. 3A and 3B . Individual ones of the hinges shown in  FIGS. 15A-15G  differ primarily, but not exclusively, in the manner in which movement of the hinge is controlled when moving between the first and second positions. 
       FIG. 15A  is a simplified perspective view of a bi-stable hinge  1510  with a cam and leaf design. In  FIG. 15A , pin  1502  has a cross-section with a circular portion  1512  and a flat portion  1514  enabling the pin to act as a cam. As the pin rotates within groove  1504 , a leaf  1516  attached to the pin block over an edge of the cam is pressed against the pin. As circular portion  1512  rotates under leaf  1516 , the leaf exerts a force against the pin and hinge  1512  acts as a friction hinge. When flat portion  1514  reaches leaf  1516 , friction is greatly reduced creating toggle point at which the hinge snaps to a second position in which the charging assembly is positioned at a nearly vertical angle as described above. In this position, leaf  1516  is pressed against flat portion  1514  resulting in a stable position in which the hinge will remain until a sufficient amount of force is applied to the wireless charging assembly to move the cam back such that circular portion  1512  is in contact with leaf  1516 . 
       FIG. 15B  is a simplified perspective view of another embodiment of a bi-stable hinge  1520 . Hinge  1520  includes a detent arm  1522  attached to the pin block that is biased towards and end of pin  1502  that includes a channel  1524  within which detent arm  1522  fits. As the pin rotates within groove  1504 , arm  1522  is pressed against the end of pin  1502  acting as a friction hinge. When the pin rotates sufficiently that channel  1522  align with detent arm  1522 , the detent arm readily moves into the channel holding charging assembly in a near vertical up position. Similar to hinge  1510 , hinge  1520  will remain in the up position until a sufficient amount of force is applied to the wireless charging assembly to rotate the pin back so that detent arm  1522  exits channel  1524 . In some embodiments, channel  1522  has sloped edges along its length making it easier for detent arm  1522  to move in and out of the channel. 
       FIG. 15C  is a simplified perspective view of still another embodiment of a bi-stable hinge  1530 . Hinge  1530  includes a spring  1532  attached between arms  1534   a ,  1534   b  and a retaining block  1536 . Each of the arms  1534   a ,  1534   b  are attached to opposing ends of pin  1502  and rotate with the pin. Spring  1532  pivots within arms  1534   a ,  1534   b  and retaining block  1536  relocating force from the hinge out and down and creating a toggle point at which the hinge changes its bias to move the wireless charging assembly from the down position to the up position. 
       FIG. 15D  is a simplified perspective view of an embodiment of a bi-stable hinge  1540  that includes a ball detent  1542 . Rotatable pin  1502  includes a channel  1540  that is sized to receive the ball portion of ball detent  1542 . The ball detent  1542  is positioned directly under an end of pin  1502  so that the ball slides within channel  1540  as the pin rotates between the down and up positions and imparts friction against the hinge&#39;s movement. In some embodiments a depression (not shown) can be formed within channel  1540  at one end or both ends of the channel to creates a bi-stable hinge in which the wireless charging assembly is inclined to stay in either the up or down positions without remaining at an intermediary position. 
       FIG. 15E  is a simplified perspective view of a hinge  1550  having a cam arm  1552 . Cam arm  1552  is attached to an end of pin  1502  that travels along a channel  1554  formed in pin block  1500 . Channel  1554  has first and second stops  1556  and  1558  that define the down and up positions, respectively, of a wireless charging assembly attached to hinge  1550 . 
       FIG. 15F  is a simplified perspective view of a bi-stable hinge  1560  having a buckling beam  1562  connected between an extension  1564  of pin block  1500  and an end of rotatable pin  1502 . Buckling beam  1562  is attached to pin block extension  1564  by a rod  1566  and is attached to rotatable pin  1502  by fastener  1568 . As connected in hinge  1560 , the bucking beam has a strong tendency to move into one of two natural positions: a first position shown in  FIG. 15F  in which beam  1562  is bent upwards and a second position in which the beam is bent downwards (not shown). In the first position, the wireless charging assembly is in the down position (e.g.,  FIG. 3A ). The buckling beam moves into the second position as pin  1502  rotates counterclockwise moving the wireless charging assembly into the up position ( FIG. 3B ). 
       FIG. 15G  is a simplified perspective view of another embodiment of a bi-stable hinge  1570  according to the disclosure. Hinge  1570  includes an arm  1572  attached to rotating pin  1502  and a pair of attracting magnets  1574 ,  1576  and a pair of fighting magnets (only one of which, magnet  1578 , is shown). The magnets cooperate to bias the hinge into first and second positions, which in turn, move the wireless charging assembly to down and up positions, respectively. 
     The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the described embodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specific details are not required in order to practice the described embodiments. For example, while several specific embodiments of the invention described above use inductive coupling to wireless transmit power to a wearable electronic device, the invention is not limited to any particular wireless power transfer technique and other near-field or non-radiative wireless power transfer techniques as well as radiative wireless power transfer techniques can be used in some embodiments. Also, while wireless charger  300  was described as having a circular base  302  with a central circular opening  320 , the shape of the base and the opening can vary in embodiments. For example, in some embodiments base  302  may have an oval, rectangular, square or other shape. Similarly, opening  320  may have a shape that matches that of base  302  or a different shape altogether. Also, while opening  320  is centered in the embodiments of  FIGS. 3A-3D , in other embodiments, the opening can be at different locations and/or instead of being an opening that extends entirely through the base, may be a cavity or recess within the base with an opening at an exterior surface of the base for the charging assembly to pivot out of Thus, the foregoing descriptions of the specific embodiments described herein are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not target to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20151119
Publication Date: 20170221
Grant Date: 20170221
Priority Date: 20150908
Inventors: KARANIKOS Demetrios B.
THOMPSON PAUL J.
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "H02J7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/025", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04B1/3827", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/005", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J2310/22", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0013", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/10", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/005", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/005", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/90", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0013", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/10", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J2310/22", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/10", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0013", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J50/10", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H02J7/0042", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 58017464