Wireless power transmitter and method for controlling the wireless power transmitter

Abstract

The present invention provides a wireless power transmitter and a method of controlling the wireless power transmitter. The wireless power transmitter includes: a first resonant circuit having a first resonant characteristic; a second resonant circuit having a second resonant characteristic different from the first resonant characteristic; a first inverter configured to supply alternating current (AC) power to the first resonant circuit using input direct current (DC) power; a second inverter configured to supply AC power to the second resonant circuit using the input DC power; and a controller configured to control the first inverter and the second inverter so that the first resonant circuit wirelessly transmits power, and so that the second resonant circuit transmits an external object sensing signal when the first resonant circuit wirelessly transmits power.

Description

[0001] This application claims the priority and benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2017-0163252, filed on Nov. 30, 2017, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0002] The following description relates to a wireless power transmitter and a method of controlling the wireless power transmitter. Background Art

[0003] With the development of wireless technologies, the scope of wireless functions has expanded from data transmission to power transmission. In particular, wireless charging technologies that can charge electronic devices even in a non-contact state have recently been developed.

[0004] For example, wireless charging technologies can be applied to various types of devices such as smart phones, wearable watches, and other electronic devices. In addition, since users may also have various types of devices, it is desirable to charge different types of devices or multiple devices using a single wireless power transmitter.

[0005] In addition, there is a need for low cost and miniaturization of wireless power transmitters and the above-mentioned objectives. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This Summary of the Invention is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that will be further described in the Detailed Description below. This Summary of the Invention is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] In one general aspect, a wireless power transmitter includes: a first resonant circuit having a first resonant characteristic; a second resonant circuit having a second resonant characteristic different from the first resonant characteristic; a first inverter configured to supply alternating current (AC) power to the first resonant circuit using input direct current (DC) power; a second inverter configured to supply AC power to the second resonant circuit using the input DC power; and a controller configured to control the first inverter and the second inverter such that the first resonant circuit wirelessly transmits power and such that the second resonant circuit transmits an external object sensing signal while the first resonant circuit wirelessly transmits power.

[0008] The controller may also be configured to control the first inverter and the second inverter such that the second resonant circuit transmits a receiver confirmation signal in response to determining, using the second resonant circuit, that an external object is located near the wireless power transmitter while the first resonant circuit wirelessly transmits power.

[0009] The controller may also be configured to control the first inverter and the second inverter to operate in the following modes: a standby mode, in which each of the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit transmits a ping signal; a single charging mode, in which, based on a response signal received from a first wireless power receiver, power is provided to the first wireless power receiver using the first resonant circuit; and a multi-charging mode, in which, based on a response signal received from a second wireless power receiver during the single charging mode, power is provided to the second wireless power receiver using the second resonant circuit.

[0010] The controller may also be configured to control the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit to transmit the ping signal continuously every predetermined period of time in the standby mode.

[0011] The controller may also be configured to control the second resonant circuit to transmit the ping signal in the single charging mode.

[0012] The controller may include: a first control signal generator configured to generate a first control signal provided to the first inverter; a second control signal generator configured to generate a second control signal provided to the second inverter; and a phase controller configured to change the operation phases of the first control signal generator and the second control signal generator according to an operation mode including a standby mode, a single charging mode, and a multi-charging mode.

[0013] The wireless power transmitter may further include a demodulator connected to any one of the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit and configured to demodulate a communication signal received through any one of the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit.

[0014] The controller may also be configured to perform control to connect the demodulator to any one of the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit according to the operation mode.

[0015] The operation modes may include any one or any combination of any two or more of the following operation modes: a standby mode, in which each of the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit transmits a ping signal; a single charging mode, in which, based on a response signal received from a first wireless power receiver, power is provided to the first wireless power receiver using the first resonant circuit; and a multi-charging mode, in which, based on a response signal received from a second wireless power receiver during the single charging mode, power is provided to the second wireless power receiver using the second resonant circuit.

[0016] In the standby mode, the demodulator may be connected to the second resonant circuit when the second resonant circuit transmits the ping signal, and the demodulator may be connected to the first resonant circuit at other times.

[0017] In the single charging mode, the demodulator may be connected to the second resonant circuit when the second resonant circuit transmits the ping signal, and the demodulator may be connected to the first resonant circuit at other times.

[0018] In the multi-charging mode, the demodulator may be alternately connected to the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit in a time-division manner.

[0019] In another general aspect, a method of operating a wireless power transmitter includes: controlling each of a first resonant circuit of the wireless power transmitter and a second resonant circuit of the wireless power transmitter to transmit a ping signal; in response to a response signal received from a first wireless power receiver through the first resonant circuit, controlling the first resonant circuit to provide power to the first wireless power receiver; and while the first resonant circuit provides power, controlling the second resonant circuit to transmit a ping signal, wherein the resonant characteristics of the second resonant circuit are different from the resonant characteristics of the first resonant circuit.

[0020] The method may further include controlling the second resonant circuit to provide power to a second wireless power receiver in response to another response signal received from the second wireless power receiver through the second resonant circuit.

[0021] The wireless power transmitter may include a demodulator connected to any one of the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit, and the step of controlling the second resonant circuit to transmit the ping signal may include connecting the demodulator to the second resonant circuit when the second resonant circuit transmits the ping signal, and connecting the demodulator to the first resonant circuit at other times.

[0022] The wireless power transmitter may include a demodulator connected to any one of the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit, and the step of controlling the second resonant circuit to supply power to the second wireless power receiver may include alternately connecting the demodulator to the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit in a time-division manner.

[0023] In another general aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a method of operating the wireless power transmitter.

[0024] Other features and aspects will be apparent from the following detailed description, the drawings, and the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example application of a wireless power transmitter according to an embodiment.

[0026] Figure 2 is showing according to an embodiment Figure 1 block diagram of the wireless power transmitter of.

[0027] Figure 3 is providing according to an embodiment by Figure 2 a description of each stage of wireless power transmission performed by the controller shown in.

[0028] Figure 4 is showing according to an embodiment Figure 2 block diagram of the controller shown in.

[0029] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a wireless power transmitter according to another embodiment.

[0030] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling a wireless power transmitter according to an embodiment.

[0031] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling a wireless power transmitter according to another embodiment.

[0032] Throughout the drawings and the detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. The drawings may not be drawn to scale, and for clarity, illustration, and convenience, the relative dimensions, proportions, and descriptions of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following detailed description is provided to assist the reader in obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein. However, after understanding the disclosure of this application, various transformations, modifications, and equivalents of the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein will be apparent. For example, the order of operations described herein is merely illustrative and is not limited to the order set forth herein, but rather, except for operations that must occur in a specific order, changes that will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application may be made. Additionally, descriptions of features known in the art may be omitted for increased clarity and conciseness.

[0034] The features described herein may be implemented in different forms and will not be construed as limited to the examples described herein. Rather, the examples described herein have been provided only to illustrate some of the many possible ways of implementing the methods, apparatuses, and / or systems described herein that will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application.

[0035] Throughout the specification, when an element such as a layer, region, or substrate is described as "on" another element, "connected to" another element, or "coupled to" another element, it may be directly "on" another element, "connected to" another element, or "coupled to" another element, or there may be one or more other elements intervening therebetween. In contrast, when an element is described as "directly on" another element, "directly connected to" another element, or "directly coupled to" another element, there may be no other elements intervening therebetween.

[0036] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one and any combination of any two or more of the associated listed items.

[0037] Although terms such as "first", "second", and "third" may be used herein to describe various components, assemblies, regions, layers, or sections, these components, assemblies, regions, layers, or sections should not be limited by these terms. Rather, these terms are only used to distinguish one component, assembly, region, layer, or section from another. Thus, a first component, assembly, region, layer, or section referred to in the examples described herein may also be referred to as a second component, assembly, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the examples.

[0038] The terms used herein are only for describing various examples and are not intended to limit the disclosure. Unless otherwise clearly specified in the context, the singular forms are also intended to include the plural forms. The terms "comprises", "comprising", and "having" list the presence of the stated features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof, without precluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, operations, components, elements, and / or combinations thereof.

[0039] Here, it should be noted that the use of the term "may" with respect to an example or embodiment (e.g., what may be included or implemented with respect to an example or embodiment) means that there is an example or embodiment in which such a feature is included or implemented, and all examples and embodiments are not limited thereto.

[0040] The features of the examples described herein can be combined in various ways that will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application. In addition, although the examples described herein have various configurations, it will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of the present application that other configurations are feasible.

[0041] Figure 1 is a diagram showing an example application of the wireless power transmitter 100 according to an embodiment.

[0042] Referring to Figure 1 , the wireless power transmitter 100 can charge different types of different devices 300 and 301. For example, the device 300 is a smart phone, and the device 301 is a wearable device, such as a smart watch.

[0043] The smart phone 300 and the wearable device 301 can each include a wireless power receiver, and the wireless power transmitter 100 can wirelessly supply power to the wireless power receiver. However, since Figure 1 the wireless power receiver is not explicitly shown, the target of wireless charging will generally refer to the smart phone 300 and the wearable device 301.

[0044] Although Figure 1 shows an example in which the wireless power transmitter 100 charges the smart phone 300 and the wearable device 301 simultaneously, in some cases, the wireless power transmitter 100 can also charge only the smart phone 300 or the wearable device 301.

[0045] The wireless power transmitter 100 can supply power to the smart phone 300 and the wearable device 301 respectively using different resonant circuits 101 and 102 based on one input power.

[0046] Since the resonant characteristics of the smart phone 300 and the resonant characteristics of the wearable device 301 are different from each other, the wireless power transmitter 100 can include resonant circuits 101 and 102 having different resonant characteristics and can control the resonant circuits separately.

[0047] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the wireless power transmitter 100 according to an embodiment.

[0048] Referring to Figure 2, the wireless power transmitter 100 includes an input terminal 110 for receiving direct current (DC) power, a first inverter 120, a first resonant circuit 130, a second inverter 140, a second resonant circuit 150, and a controller 160.

[0049] Input power can be supplied through the input terminal 110. The input power can be DC power. Thus, the input DC power can be formed across the input terminal 110.

[0050] The input DC power can be provided by a power adapter (not shown) that supplies DC power to the wireless power transmitter 100. Optionally, according to an embodiment, the wireless power transmitter 100 may further include a power supply unit or a power supply source (not shown) that receives alternating current (AC) power and supplies the input power, and the input DC power can be provided through such a power supply unit.

[0051] The first resonant circuit 130 and the second resonant circuit 150 may have different resonant characteristics. That is, the first resonant circuit 130 may be set to have a first resonant characteristic, and the second resonant circuit 150 may be set to have a second resonant characteristic different from the first resonant characteristic. For example, the first resonant characteristic may be suitable for wireless charging of portable devices such as smart phones, and the second resonant characteristic may be suitable for wireless charging of wearable devices such as smart watches.

[0052] In addition, the first resonant circuit 130 and the second resonant circuit 150 may receive alternating current (AC) from different inverters. For example, the first inverter 120 may supply alternating current to the first resonant circuit 130 by using the input DC power, and the second inverter 140 may supply alternating current to the second resonant circuit 150 by using the input DC power.

[0053] According to an exemplary embodiment, the first inverter 120 or the second inverter 140 may be a boost inverter that simultaneously performs boosting and conversion to AC by using, for example, a switching circuit configuration of a bridge circuit structure.

[0054] The controller 160 may control the first inverter 120 and the second inverter 140. The controller 160 may provide a first control signal to the first inverter 120 to control the operation of the first inverter 120, and may provide a second control signal to the second inverter 140 to control the operation of the second inverter 140. Thus, the controller 160 may independently control the first inverter 120 and the second inverter 140 so that the first resonant circuit 130 and the second resonant circuit 150 operate independently of each other.

[0055] As an example, the controller 160 may operate according to the following modes: a standby mode, in which control is executed to cause each of the first resonant circuit 130 and the second resonant circuit 150 to transmit a ping signal; a single charging mode, in which, based on a response signal received from the first wireless power receiver, power is supplied to the first wireless power receiver using any one of the first resonant circuit 130 and the second resonant circuit 150; and a multi-charging mode, in which, based on a response signal received from the second wireless power receiver during the single charging mode, power is supplied to the second wireless power receiver using the other of the first resonant circuit 130 and the second resonant circuit 150.

[0056] The controller 160 may execute control to cause the first resonant circuit 130 and the second resonant circuit 150 to transmit an analog ping signal continuously every predetermined period of time in the standby mode.

[0057] The controller 160 may execute control in the single charging mode to cause the other of the first resonant circuit 130 and the second resonant circuit 150 (for example, the one that does not supply power among the first resonant circuit 130 and the second resonant circuit 150) to transmit a ping signal.

[0058] Optionally, the controller 160 may separately control the first inverter 120 and the second inverter 140 so that the second resonant circuit 150 transmits a ping signal when the first resonant circuit 130 wirelessly transmits power.

[0059] Hereinafter, each stage of wireless power transmission shown in Figure 3 will be described, and the above modes will be described based on this stage.

[0060] Figure 3 is a diagram showing a description of each stage of wireless power transmission executed by the controller 160 shown in Figure 2 will be described.

[0061] Referring to Figure 3 , in order to wirelessly transmit power, an initial selection stage may be executed.

[0062] In the selection stage, the wireless power transmitter 100 may transmit an external object sensing signal and determine whether an external object is located around the wireless power transmitter 100 based on whether a change in the external object sensing signal (for example, a change in impedance) occurs.

[0063] The term "external object sensing signal" generally refers to a signal for detecting an external object. Therefore, the external object sensing signal may be a signal according to various criteria or embodiments, such as an analog ping signal, a short message beacon signal, or another type of signal.

[0064] In the selection stage, if it is determined that an external object exists near the wireless power transmitter by using an external object sensing signal, the wireless power transmitter 100 may execute a ping stage to confirm whether the external object is a wireless power receiver. That is, the wireless power transmitter 100 may send a receiver confirmation signal and may confirm whether the external object is a wireless power receiver based on a response signal to the receiver confirmation signal provided from the wireless power receiver.

[0065] The term "receiver confirmation signal" generally refers to a signal for wireless communication with a wireless power receiver and may be, for example, a digital ping signal, a long beacon signal, or another type of signal that performs wireless communication.

[0066] In addition, such a receiver confirmation signal may be sent according to various communication methods. As an example, the receiver confirmation signal and its response signal may be sent or received through local communication such as Bluetooth. As another example, the receiver confirmation signal and its response signal may be sent or received through an in-band communication method that modulates a constant signal pattern into a magnetic field formed between the wireless power transmitter 100 and the wireless power receiver.

[0067] However, in the above description, an external object sensing signal such as an analog ping signal or a short beacon signal and a receiver confirmation signal such as a digital ping signal or a long beacon signal are classified and described, but hereinafter they are collectively referred to as ping signals.

[0068] That is, the selection stage and the ping stage may be repeatedly executed periodically. In addition, the receiver confirmation signal or the external object sensing signal sent in the repeatedly executed selection stage and ping stage are collectively referred to as "ping signals".

[0069] If a response signal to the receiver confirmation signal is received, the wireless power transmitter 100 may determine demand information for wireless charging (such as the target of wireless charging or power demand) from the received response signal from the wireless power receiver. The reception of the response signal to the receiver confirmation signal and the confirmation of the demand information for wireless charging are collectively referred to as the identification and configuration stage.

[0070] Thereafter, the wireless power transmitter 100 may wirelessly transmit power to the wireless power receiver according to the confirmed demand information. The power transmission to the wireless power receiver refers to the power transmission stage.

[0071] The above selection phase, ping phase, identification and configuration phase, and power transmission phase can be performed differently for each of the first resonant circuit 130 and the second resonant circuit 150. Therefore, the situation where the first resonant circuit 130 and the second resonant circuit 150 are in the selection phase or the ping phase can correspond to the standby mode. The situation where any one of the first resonant circuit 130 and the second resonant circuit 150 operates in the power transmission phase can correspond to the single charging mode. The situation where the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit operate in the power transmission phase respectively can correspond to the multi-charging mode.

[0072] Figure 4 is shown Figure 2 A block diagram of an example of the controller shown in

[0073] Referring to Figure 4 , the controller 160 includes a first control signal generator 161, a second control signal generator 162, and a phase controller 163.

[0074] The first control signal generator 161 can generate a first control signal provided to the first inverter 120, and the second control signal generator 162 can generate a second control signal provided to the second inverter 140.

[0075] The phase controller 163 can specify the operation phases of the first control signal generator 161 and the second control signal generator 162. That is, the phase controller 163 can change the operation phases of the first control signal generator 161 and the second control signal generator 162 according to the operation modes including the standby mode, the single charging mode, and the multi-charging mode.

[0076] Figure 5 A block diagram of a wireless power transmitter 101 according to another embodiment is shown. Figure 5 In the embodiment shown, the connection between the demodulator 180 and the first resonant circuit 130 and the second resonant circuit 150 changes according to the operation mode.

[0077] Referring to Figure 5 , the wireless power transmitter 101 includes an input terminal 110 for receiving a direct current (DC) voltage, a first inverter 120, a first resonant circuit 130, a second inverter 140, a second resonant circuit 150, a controller 160, a switch 170, and a demodulator 180.

[0078] Can be through the above Figures 2 to 4Understand the input terminal 110, the first inverter 120, the first resonant circuit 130, the second inverter 140, the second resonant circuit 150, and the controller 160 according to the description. Therefore, the description of the input terminal 110, the first inverter 120, the first resonant circuit 130, the second inverter 140, the second resonant circuit 150, and the controller 160 will not be repeated.

[0079] The demodulator 180 can be connected to either the first resonant circuit 130 or the second resonant circuit 150 through the switch 170. That is, the demodulator 180 can be connected to the first resonant circuit 130 or the second resonant circuit 150, and can demodulate the communication signal received through the first resonant circuit 130 or the second resonant circuit 150.

[0080] The demodulator 180 can demodulate a signal modulated by an in-band method (i.e., a signal modulated based on the magnetic field formed between the wireless power transmitter 101 and the wireless power receiver).

[0081] The switch 170 can connect the demodulator 180 to either the first resonant circuit 130 or the second resonant circuit 150 according to the control of the controller 160. The controller 160 can control the operation of the switch 170 according to the operation mode.

[0082] For example, as described above, the operation mode can include: a standby mode in which each of the first resonant circuit 130 and the second resonant circuit 150 is controlled to send a ping signal; a single charging mode in which power is provided to the first wireless power receiver using either the first resonant circuit 130 or the second resonant circuit 150 based on a response signal received from the first wireless power receiver; and a multi-charging mode in which power is provided to the second wireless power receiver using the other of the first resonant circuit 130 and the second resonant circuit 150 based on a response signal received from the second wireless power receiver during the single charging mode.

[0083] As an example, in the standby mode, as a basic or default setting, the demodulator 180 can be connected to the first resonant circuit 130. In this state, the response signal sent from the wireless power receiver can be input to the demodulator 180 through the first resonant circuit 130, and the demodulator 180 can demodulate the input response signal.

[0084] When the second resonant circuit 150 transmits a ping signal in the standby mode, the demodulator 180 may be connected to the second resonant circuit 150. More specifically, the demodulator 180 may be connected to the second resonant circuit 150 during a predetermined time period after the second resonant circuit 150 transmits a receiver confirmation signal. If the demodulator 180 is connected to the second resonant circuit 150, a response signal transmitted from the wireless power receiver may be input to the demodulator 180 through the second resonant circuit 150, and the demodulator 180 may demodulate the input response signal.

[0085] For example, in the single charging mode, as a basic or default setting, the demodulator 180 may be connected to the resonant circuit that supplies power to the first wireless power receiver, that is, the one that transmits power among the first resonant circuit 130 and the second resonant circuit 150. When the wireless power receiver receives power, the wireless power receiver may transmit a signal including information about the necessary (e.g., required) power. This information may include any one or any combination of any two or more of the magnitude of the necessary power, the difference between the necessary power and the received power, and the charging state of the battery. If power is transmitted through the first resonant circuit 130, the signal transmitted from the wireless power receiver may be transmitted to the demodulator 180 through the first resonant circuit 130, and the demodulator 180 may demodulate the signal to extract the information.

[0086] In the single charging mode, when either the first resonant circuit 130 or the second resonant circuit 150 transmits a ping signal, the demodulator 180 may be connected to the other of the first resonant circuit 130 and the second resonant circuit 150. For example, when power is transmitted through the first resonant circuit 130 in the single charging mode, the demodulator 180 may be connected to the first resonant circuit 130 in the basic or default connection configuration, and the demodulator 180 and the second resonant circuit 150 may be connected to each other while the second resonant circuit 150 transmits a ping signal (e.g., during a predetermined time period after the second resonant circuit 150 transmits a receiver confirmation signal). If the demodulator 180 is connected to the second resonant circuit 150, a response signal transmitted from the wireless power receiver may be input to the demodulator 180 through the second resonant circuit 150, and the demodulator 180 may demodulate the input response signal.

[0087] As an example, in the multi-charging mode, the demodulator 180 can be alternately connected to the first resonant circuit 130 and the second resonant circuit 150 in a time-division manner. That is, in the multi-charging mode, the wireless power transmitter 101 can transmit power to multiple wireless power receivers, and thus, signals including information about the necessary power can be received from each of the multiple wireless power receivers. In other words, in the multi-charging mode, the wireless power transmitter 101 can receive multiple signals. In the multi-charging mode, the demodulator 180 can alternately receive and demodulate multiple signals.

[0088] The connection configuration of the demodulator 180 can be changed by changing the connection target of the switch 170 according to the control of the controller 160.

[0089] Although Figure 5 the embodiment of describes a case where the wireless power transmitter 101 uses one of the first resonant circuit 130 and the second resonant circuit 150 that is transmitting power to receive a signal transmitted by the wireless power receiver, the wireless power transmitter may also include a separate antenna, coil, etc. to receive a signal transmitted by the wireless power receiver.

[0090] Hereinafter, a method for controlling a wireless power transmitter according to an embodiment will be described. However, since the method for controlling the wireless power transmitter to be described below is based on the wireless power transmitter 100 / 101 described above with reference to Figures 1 to 5 the description, this method can be easily understood through the description above with reference to Figures 1 to 5 and thus, the description of repetitive content will be omitted.

[0091] Figure 6 is a flowchart showing a method for controlling a wireless power transmitter according to an embodiment.

[0092] Referring to Figure 6 , in operation S601, the wireless power transmitter can control the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit having different resonant characteristics using one controller to transmit a ping signal.

[0093] In operation S602, if a response signal is received from the first wireless power receiver, the wireless power transmitter can perform control to supply power to the first wireless power receiver using one of the first resonant circuit 130 and the second resonant circuit that receives the response signal.

[0094] In operation S603, the wireless power transmitter can perform control to cause the other of the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit to transmit a ping signal.

[0095] According to an embodiment, if the other one of the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit receives a response signal from the second wireless power receiver, the wireless power transmitter may perform control to supply power to the second wireless power receiver using the other one of the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit.

[0096] The wireless power transmitter may include a demodulator connected to any one of the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit. The wireless power transmitter may perform control to alternately connect the demodulator to the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit in a time-division manner.

[0097] According to an embodiment, the wireless power transmitter may include a demodulator connected to any one of the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit. The operation S603 of performing control to cause the other one of the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit to send a ping signal may include performing control to connect the demodulator to the one of the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit that supplies power to the first wireless power receiver as a basic or default setting, and performing control to connect the demodulator to the other one of the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit when the other one of the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit sends a ping signal.

[0098] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing a method of controlling a wireless power transmitter according to another embodiment.

[0099] Figure 7 The embodiment shown in is an embodiment of determining whether to perform multi-charging (charging of multiple devices) or whether to stop multi-charging when a predetermined time has elapsed after power transmission is performed.

[0100] Referring to Figure 7 In operation S611, the wireless power transmitter may determine whether it has received a response signal. The response signal is provided from the wireless power receiver.

[0101] If it is determined in operation S611 that the wireless power transmitter has not received a response signal (No in operation S611), then in operation S612, the wireless power transmitter may determine whether the multi-ping operation (or the predetermined time for sending multiple pings) has ended.

[0102] If the multi-ping operation ends (Yes in operation S612), then in operation S613, the wireless power transmitter may end the multi-ping phase and switch to the power transmission phase in operation S614.

[0103] If the wireless power transmitter determines that it has received a response signal (Yes in operation S611), then in operation S621, the wireless power transmitter may determine whether the current state is a multi-charging state.

[0104] If it is determined in operation S621 that the current state is not the multi - charging state and it is determined in operation S622 that the signal strength has changed (Yes in operation S622), then in operation S623, the wireless power transmitter may check for the presence of a multi - device condition (e.g., multiple devices are present in the vicinity or charging range of the wireless power transmitter) because the changing signal strength indicates the presence of a new device. Thus, in operation S624, the wireless power transmitter may switch to the identification phase to check for the presence of the multi - device condition and perform communication.

[0105] If it is determined in operation S611 that the wireless power transmitter has received a response signal and it is determined in operation S621 that the current state is the multi - charging state (Yes in S621), then this may correspond to a situation where multi - charging has been erroneously performed. Thus, in operation S631, the wireless power transmitter may determine whether a device has been removed, and if it is determined that a device has been removed, it may end multi - charging in operation S641.

[0106] If it is determined in operation S631 that a device has not been removed, then in operation S632, the wireless power transmitter may re - confirm whether the multi - device condition is correct.

[0107] Thereafter, in operation S651, the wireless power transmitter may perform a switch to perform the power transmission phase for the remaining devices.

[0108] As described above, according to the embodiments disclosed herein, the wireless power transmitter can meet the requirements of low cost and miniaturization while charging multiple devices. In addition, the wireless power transmitter according to the disclosed embodiments can meet the requirements of low cost and miniaturization while supporting various charging standards.

[0109] The first inverter 120 and the second inverter 140 that perform the operations described in this application Figure 2 and Figure 5 the controller 160 of Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 the first control signal generator 161, the second control signal generator 162 and the phase controller 163 of Figure 4 and Figure 5The demodulator 180 is implemented by hardware components configured to perform the operations performed by hardware components described in this application. Examples of hardware components that can be used to perform the operations described in this application include, where appropriate, controllers, sensors, generators, drivers, memories, comparators, arithmetic logic units, adders, subtractors, multipliers, dividers, integrators, and any other electronic components configured to perform the operations described in this application. In other examples, one or more hardware components that perform the operations described in this application are implemented by computing hardware (e.g., by one or more processors or computers). A processor or computer can be implemented by one or more processing elements (e.g., logic gate arrays, controllers, and arithmetic logic units, digital signal processors, microcomputers, programmable logic controllers, field programmable gate arrays, programmable logic arrays, microprocessors, or any other device or combination of devices configured to respond in a defined manner and execute instructions to obtain a desired result). In one example, the processor or computer includes (or is connected to) one or more memories storing instructions or software executed by the processor or computer. The hardware components implemented by the processor or computer can execute instructions or software such as an operating system (OS) and one or more software applications running on the OS to perform the operations described in this application. The hardware components can also access, manipulate, process, create, and store data in response to the execution of the instructions or software. For simplicity, the singular terms "processor" or "computer" can be used to describe the examples described in this application, but in other examples, multiple processors or computers can be used, or the processor or computer can include multiple processing elements or multiple types of processing elements, or both. For example, a single hardware component or two or more hardware components can be implemented by a single processor or two or more processors or a processor and a controller. One or more hardware components can be implemented by one or more processors or a processor and a controller, and one or more other hardware components can be implemented by one or more other processors or another processor and another controller. One or more processors or a processor and a controller can implement a single hardware component or two or more hardware components. The hardware components can have any one or more different processing configurations, examples of which include single processor, independent processor, parallel processor, single instruction single data (SISD) multiprocessing, single instruction multiple data (SIMD) multiprocessing, multiple instruction single data (MISD) multiprocessing, and multiple instruction multiple data (MIMD) multiprocessing.

[0110] performing the operations described in this application Figure 3 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7The method shown is performed by computing hardware, such as by one or more processors or computers that implement the instructions or software as described above, to perform the operations performed by the method described in this application. For example, a single operation or two or more operations can be performed by a single processor or two or more processors or a processor and a controller. One or more operations can be performed by one or more processors or a processor and a controller, and one or more other operations can be performed by one or more other processors or another processor and another controller. One or more processors or a processor and a controller can perform a single operation or two or more operations.

[0111] Instructions or software for controlling computing hardware (e.g., one or more processors or computers) to implement the hardware components and perform the method as described above can be written as a computer program, code segment, instruction, or any combination thereof to individually or jointly direct or configure one or more processors or computers to operate as a general-purpose computer or a special-purpose computer to perform the operations performed by the hardware components and methods as described above. In one example, the instructions or software include machine code that is directly executed by one or more processors or computers, such as machine code generated by a compiler. In another example, the instructions or software include high-level code that is executed by the one or more processors or computers using an interpreter. The instructions or software can be written in any programming language based on the block diagrams and flowcharts shown in the figures and the corresponding descriptions in the specification (which disclose algorithms for performing the operations performed by the hardware components and methods as described above).

[0112] Instructions or software for controlling computing hardware (e.g., one or more processors or computers) to implement the hardware components and perform the methods described above, along with any associated data, data files, and data structures, may be recorded, stored, or fixed in or on one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable storage media include read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD+R, CD-RW, CD+RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD+R, DVD-RW, DVD+RW, DVD-RAM, BD-ROM, BD-R, BD-R LTH, BD-RE, magnetic tape, floppy disk, magneto-optical data storage device, optical data storage device, hard disk, solid state disk, and any other device configured to store instructions or software and any associated data, data files, and data structures in a non-transitory manner and provide the instructions or software and any associated data, data files, and data structures to one or more processors or computers to enable the one or more processors or computers to execute the instructions. In one example, the instructions or software and any associated data, data files, and data structures are distributed across a networked computer system so that the instructions and software and any associated data, data files, and data structures are stored, accessed, and executed in a distributed manner by one or more processors or computers.

[0113] Although the present disclosure includes specific examples, it will be apparent after understanding the disclosure of this application that various changes in form and detail may be made in these examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims and their equivalents. The examples described herein are to be understood only in a descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. The description of a feature or aspect in each example is to be considered applicable to similar features or aspects in other examples. Appropriate results may be obtained if the described techniques are performed in a different order and / or if the components in the described systems, architectures, devices, or circuits are combined in a different manner and / or replaced or supplemented with other components or their equivalents. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited by the specific embodiments, but is defined by the claims and their equivalents, and all variations within the scope of the claims and their equivalents are to be construed as being included in the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A wireless power transmitter, the wireless power transmitter comprising: a first resonant circuit having a first resonant characteristic; a second resonant circuit having a second resonant characteristic different from the first resonant characteristic; a first inverter configured to supply AC power to the first resonant circuit using input DC power; a second inverter configured to supply AC power to the second resonant circuit using the input DC power; a controller configured to control the first inverter and the second inverter to wirelessly transmit power with the first resonant circuit, and to cause the second resonant circuit to transmit an external object sensing signal when the first resonant circuit wirelessly transmits power; a demodulator configured to demodulate a communication signal received through either the first resonant circuit or the second resonant circuit; and a switch configured to connect the demodulator to either the first resonant circuit or the second resonant circuit according to the control of the controller, wherein the controller is further configured to control the first inverter and the second inverter to operate in the following modes: a standby mode in which each of the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit transmits a ping signal; a single charging mode in which, based on a response signal received from a first wireless power receiver, power is supplied to the first wireless power receiver using the first resonant circuit, and a multi-charging mode in which, based on a response signal received from a second wireless power receiver during the single charging mode, power is supplied to the second wireless power receiver using the second resonant circuit.

2. The wireless power transmitter according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to: in response to determining, using the second resonant circuit, that an external object is located near the wireless power transmitter when the first resonant circuit wirelessly transmits power, control the first inverter and the second inverter to cause the second resonant circuit to transmit a receiver confirmation signal.

3. The wireless power transmitter according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to control the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit to transmit the ping signal continuously every predetermined time period in the standby mode.

4. The wireless power transmitter according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to control the second resonant circuit to transmit the ping signal in the single charging mode.

5. The wireless power transmitter according to claim 1, wherein the controller comprises: a first control signal generator configured to generate a first control signal supplied to the first inverter; a second control signal generator configured to generate a second control signal supplied to the second inverter; and a phase controller configured to change the operation phases of the first control signal generator and the second control signal generator according to an operation mode including a standby mode, a single charging mode, and a multi-charging mode.

6. The wireless power transmitter according to claim 5, Wherein, the controller is further configured to perform control according to an operation mode to connect the demodulator to any one of the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit.

7. The wireless power transmitter according to claim 6, wherein, the operation mode includes any one or any combination of any two or more of the following modes: a standby mode, in which each of the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit transmits a ping signal; a single charging mode, in which, based on a response signal received from a first wireless power receiver, power is provided to the first wireless power receiver using the first resonant circuit; and a multi-charging mode, in which, based on a response signal received from a second wireless power receiver during the single charging mode, power is provided to the second wireless power receiver using the second resonant circuit.

8. The wireless power transmitter according to claim 7, wherein, in the standby mode, the demodulator is connected to the second resonant circuit when the second resonant circuit transmits the ping signal, and the demodulator is connected to the first resonant circuit at other times.

9. The wireless power transmitter according to claim 7, wherein, in the single charging mode, the demodulator is connected to the second resonant circuit when the second resonant circuit transmits the ping signal, and the demodulator is connected to the first resonant circuit at other times.

10. The wireless power transmitter according to claim 7, wherein, in the multi-charging mode, the demodulator is alternately connected to the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit in a time-division manner.

11. A method of operating a wireless power transmitter, the method comprising: controlling each of a first resonant circuit of the wireless power transmitter and a second resonant circuit of the wireless power transmitter to transmit a ping signal; in a single charging mode, in response to a response signal received from a first wireless power receiver through the first resonant circuit, controlling the first resonant circuit to provide power to the first wireless power receiver; and in a multi-charging mode, when the first resonant circuit provides power to the first wireless power receiver, controlling the second resonant circuit to transmit the ping signal, wherein the resonant characteristics of the second resonant circuit are different from those of the first resonant circuit, wherein the wireless power transmitter includes a demodulator and a switch, wherein the demodulator is connected to any one of the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit, and the step of controlling the second resonant circuit to transmit the ping signal includes connecting the demodulator to the second resonant circuit when the second resonant circuit transmits the ping signal, and connecting the demodulator to the first resonant circuit at other times, wherein the switch is configured to connect the demodulator to any one of the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit according to the control of the controller.

12. The method according to claim 11, the method further comprising controlling the second resonant circuit in response to another response signal received from a second wireless power receiver through the second resonant circuit to supply power to the second wireless power receiver.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, the wireless power transmitter includes a demodulator connected to any one of the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit, and the step of controlling the second resonant circuit to supply power to the second wireless power receiver includes alternately connecting the demodulator to the first resonant circuit and the second resonant circuit in a time-division manner.

14. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions, which when executed by a processor, cause the processor to execute the method according to any one of claims 11-13.

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