NFC antennas, charging and swapping cabinets, and electric vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to an NFC antenna, a charging and swapping cabinet, and an electric vehicle. The NFC antenna includes a substrate and a radiating sheet arranged on the surface of the substrate. The radiating sheet is formed with at least two induction areas on the substrate, and a penetration area is formed between two adjacent induction areas. After the NFC antenna is rotated by a preset angle, any induction area at least partially overlaps with one of the induction areas before the rotation. Each induction area is capable of receiving radio frequency signals emitted by a lithium battery. When the lithium battery is placed in a battery compartment or a charging compartment at different angles, the NFC antenna is rotated by a preset angle relative to the lithium battery, so the magnetic lines of force emitted by the lithium battery will pass through different induction areas, thereby achieving communication with the vehicle or the charging and swapping cabinet. Moreover, the metal object of the lithium battery can be set within the range of the penetration area, so the attenuation of the magnetic lines of force caused by the metal object is significantly reduced. Therefore, the lithium battery can be placed in an electric vehicle or a charging and swapping cabinet at multiple different angles without affecting communication, so it is more convenient to use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of near field communication technology, and in particular to an NFC antenna, a charging and swapping cabinet, and an electric vehicle. Background Art

[0002] With the widespread use of lithium batteries, a wide range of two-wheeled and three-wheeled vehicles on the market have already adopted lithium batteries. To address the interoperability issues of lithium batteries, NFC (Near Field Communication) solutions are widely used to connect lithium batteries with vehicles and charging cabinets.

[0003] Metal objects are prohibited within the magnetic flux range of the NFC antenna, as this significantly reduces NFC communication quality. Furthermore, the NFC antenna on the battery side is generally not designed to be centered. Consequently, when a lithium battery is placed in a charging and swapping cabinet or vehicle, there are orientation issues. If placed in the wrong direction, the communication signal will be exponentially weakened, resulting in signal instability and poor accuracy.

[0004] However, for ordinary users who do not understand lithium batteries, charging and swapping cabinets, and vehicles, it is difficult to accurately distinguish the direction of lithium battery insertion. Lithium batteries are often inserted in the wrong direction, which makes the use of lithium batteries inconvenient. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Based on this, it is necessary to address the above problems and provide an NFC antenna, charging and swapping cabinet and electric vehicle that are convenient for the use of lithium batteries.

[0006] An NFC antenna comprises a substrate and a radiating plate disposed on a surface of the substrate, wherein the radiating plate has at least two sensing areas formed on the substrate and a penetration area formed between two adjacent sensing areas, and an area of the radiating plate within any penetration area is smaller than an area of the radiating plate within any sensing area;

[0007] After the NFC antenna is rotated by a preset angle, any one of the sensing areas at least partially overlaps with one of the sensing areas before the rotation.

[0008] In one embodiment, two sensing areas are formed on the substrate and are arranged opposite to each other. After the NFC antenna is rotated 180 degrees, any one of the sensing areas can at least partially overlap with the other sensing area before the rotation.

[0009] In one embodiment, each of the sensing regions extends along a first direction, and two of the sensing regions are spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0010] In one embodiment, in the first direction, a length of one of the sensing regions is smaller than a length of another of the sensing regions.

[0011] In one embodiment, four sensing areas are formed on the substrate, and every time the NFC antenna rotates 90 degrees, any one of the sensing areas can at least partially overlap with the adjacent sensing area before the rotation.

[0012] In one embodiment, every time the NFC antenna rotates 90 degrees, the four sensing areas can completely overlap with the four sensing areas before the rotation.

[0013] In one embodiment, the substrate is rectangular, and the four sensing areas are respectively located at four corners of the substrate.

[0014] In one embodiment, the substrate is rectangular, and a rectangular through hole coaxially arranged with the substrate is opened in the middle of the substrate.

[0015] A charging and swapping cabinet comprises a charging compartment and an NFC antenna as described in any one of the above preferred embodiments, wherein the NFC antenna is arranged in the charging compartment.

[0016] An electric vehicle comprises a battery compartment and an NFC antenna as described in any one of the above preferred embodiments, wherein the NFC antenna is arranged in the battery compartment.

[0017] Each sensing zone is capable of receiving the radio frequency signal emitted by the lithium battery. When the lithium battery is placed into the battery compartment or charging compartment at different angles, the NFC antenna is rotated by a preset angle relative to the lithium battery. Therefore, the magnetic lines of force emitted by the lithium battery will pass through different sensing zones, thereby achieving communication with the vehicle or charging cabinet. In addition, the position of the metal object at the end of the lithium battery is designed so that when the lithium battery is placed, the metal object is within the range of the penetration zone. Therefore, the attenuation of the magnetic lines of force caused by the metal object is significantly reduced, and the signal will not be drastically weakened. Therefore, the lithium battery can be placed in the electric vehicle or charging cabinet at multiple different angles without affecting communication, making it more convenient to use. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present application. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of an NFC antenna in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of an NFC antenna in another embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 for Figure 1 The structural diagram of the NFC antenna shown;

[0022] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the structure of the NFC antenna shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more readily apparent, specific embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description sets forth numerous specific details to facilitate a full understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in many other ways than those described herein, and those skilled in the art may make similar modifications without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0024] In the description of the present invention, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like to indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0025] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. In the description of the present invention, "plurality" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0026] In the present invention, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection, electrical connection; direct connection, or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two components, or interaction between two components, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention based on specific circumstances.

[0027] In the present invention, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediary. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0028] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only implementation methods.

[0029] See also Figure 1 and Figure 2 The present invention provides an NFC antenna 100, a charging and swapping cabinet, and an electric vehicle. The charging and swapping cabinet includes a charging compartment (not shown) and an NFC antenna 100 disposed therein; the electric vehicle includes a battery compartment (not shown) and an NFC antenna 100 disposed therein.

[0030] The lithium battery 200 (only the terminals of the lithium battery are shown in the figure) can be inserted into the charging compartment, and the charging and swapping cabinet will charge the lithium battery 200. The lithium battery 200 is also provided with an NFC transmitter module that can emit magnetic lines of force. By cooperating with the NFC antenna 100 in the charging compartment, communication between the lithium battery 200 and the charging and swapping cabinet can be achieved, so that the controller of the charging and swapping cabinet can collect information such as the temperature and power of the lithium battery 200 in real time. It should be pointed out that in order to achieve NFC communication, the charging and swapping cabinet is generally also provided with an NFC driver motherboard (not shown) connected to the NFC antenna 100.

[0031] The electric vehicle can be a common two-wheeled or three-wheeled electric vehicle, powered by a lithium battery 200. Moreover, the electric vehicle has a battery compartment for accommodating the lithium battery 200, and the lithium battery 200 can be taken out of the battery compartment. The NFC transmitting module on the lithium battery 200 cooperates with the NFC antenna 100 in the charging compartment to enable communication between the lithium battery 200 and the electric vehicle, so that the controller of the electric vehicle can collect information such as the temperature and power of the lithium battery 200 in real time. Similarly, in order to realize NFC communication, the electric vehicle is generally also provided with an NFC driver motherboard (not shown) connected to the NFC antenna 100.

[0032] Please also refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the NFC antenna 100 includes a substrate 110 and a radiation plate 120 disposed on a surface of the substrate 110 .

[0033] The substrate 110 is formed of an insulating material and provides support for the radiating element 120. The NFC antenna 100 is typically located at the bottom of the charging or battery compartment. Furthermore, the charging or battery compartment is typically rectangular or square, so its bottom is typically rectangular or square. Therefore, the outer contour of the NFC antenna 100 is also typically rectangular or square.

[0034] like Figure 3 As shown, in one embodiment, the substrate 110 is rectangular, and a rectangular through-hole 111 is provided in the middle of the substrate 110, coaxially with the substrate 110. The rectangular through-hole 111 can form a clearance for the terminals of the lithium battery 200 inserted into the charging compartment or battery compartment, allowing the lithium battery 200 to be closer to the NFC antenna 100.

[0035] Obviously, the substrate 110 may also extend in the same direction as the radiation sheet 120. Figure 4 As shown, in another embodiment, the substrate 110 is substantially C-shaped.

[0036] In addition, the NFC antenna 100 in the preferred embodiment of the present invention also includes a mounting base 130, which is used to mount the NFC antenna 100 to the bottom of the battery compartment or charging compartment. The mounting base 130 can be a plate-shaped or cylindrical structure, with a cross-sectional profile that matches the cross-sectional profile of the battery compartment or charging compartment, generally being rectangular. Furthermore, the mounting base 130 is provided with a clearance hole (not shown) for the terminals of the lithium battery 200.

[0037] The radiating plate 120 can be a copper foil coated on the surface of the substrate 110. Typically, mounting holes are provided at positions opposite the radiating plate 120 and the substrate 110 for securing the NGC antenna. The radiating plate 120 forms at least two sensing regions 101 on the substrate 110, with a penetration region 102 formed between two adjacent sensing regions 101. Furthermore, the area of the radiating plate 120 within any penetration region 102 is smaller than the area of the radiating plate 120 within any sensing region 101. Specifically, each sensing region 101 and penetration region 102 can be formed by etching the copper foil along a predetermined path.

[0038] Because the sensing area 101 is covered with a large number of radiating plates 120, the NFC antenna 100 can receive signals when magnetic lines of force pass through any of the sensing areas 101. Since the penetrating area 102 is covered with fewer or even no radiating plates 120, even if metal objects are present within the penetrating area 102, the magnetic lines of force will not be significantly attenuated. Therefore, the position of metal objects on the lithium battery 200 can be designed so that when the lithium battery 200 is placed in the battery compartment or charging compartment, the metal objects are opposite the penetrating area 102.

[0039] The multiple sensing regions 101 are electrically connected to each other, forming a single entity. Specifically, adjacent sensing regions 101 can be electrically connected by thin conductive strips etched from the radiation sheet 120. These thin conductive strips pass through the corresponding penetration regions 102. Because the conductive strips are small, the presence of metal objects within the penetration regions 102 does not significantly attenuate the magnetic field lines.

[0040] Furthermore, after the NFC antenna 100 rotates by a preset angle, any one of the sensing areas 101 at least partially overlaps with one of the sensing areas 101 before the rotation. Assuming that the lithium battery 200 is inserted into the battery compartment or charging compartment at a specific angle, the magnetic field lines emitted by the lithium battery 200 can pass through one of the sensing areas 101, thereby enabling communication between the lithium battery 200 and the electric vehicle or charging cabinet.

[0041] When the lithium battery 200 is rotated to the above-mentioned preset angle and inserted into the battery compartment or charging compartment, it can be regarded as that the angle of insertion of the lithium battery 200 remains unchanged, while the NFC antenna 100 rotates to the above-mentioned preset angle. Since any one of the sensing areas 101 at least partially overlaps with one of the sensing areas 101 before the rotation. Therefore, the magnetic lines of force emitted by the lithium battery can still pass through one of the sensing areas 101. In other words, even if the lithium battery 200 is rotated to the above-mentioned preset angle and then placed in an electric vehicle or a charging and swapping cabinet, it will not affect the communication quality between the electric vehicle or the charging and swapping cabinet. Therefore, the lithium battery 200 can be placed at multiple different angles, which can effectively prevent mistakes and is therefore more convenient to use.

[0042] Correspondingly, after the NFC antenna 100 is rotated by a predetermined angle, any one of the penetration areas 102 should at least partially overlap with one of the penetration areas 102 before the rotation. This way, when the lithium battery 200 is inserted after being rotated by the predetermined angle, its metal components will also be within the range of one of the penetration areas 102, thus preventing communication quality from deteriorating.

[0043] The preset angle can be any angle, but since most battery compartments and charging compartments are rectangular, the most common preset angles are 90 degrees and 180 degrees.

[0044] As shown in FIG4 , in one embodiment, two sensing areas 101 are formed on the substrate 110 and are opposite to each other. After the NFC antenna is rotated 180 degrees, any one of the sensing areas 101 can at least partially overlap with the other sensing area 101 before the rotation.

[0045] In this case, the radiation sheet 120 is roughly C-shaped. For example, when the lithium battery 200 is inserted into the battery compartment and charging compartment at a specific angle, the magnetic field lines emitted by it can pass through the upper induction zone 101. When the lithium battery 200 is rotated 180 degrees and then inserted again, the magnetic field lines emitted by it pass through the lower induction zone 101. In other words, the lithium battery 200 can be placed into the charging cabinet or electric vehicle at two angles that differ by 180 degrees.

[0046] This type of NFC antenna 100 is suitable for charging or battery compartments with rectangular cross-sections, that is, when the length and width of the charging or battery compartment are different. Due to the difference in length and width, the lithium battery 200 cannot be inserted after being rotated 90 degrees. Therefore, the operator can only make the mistake of inserting the battery at two different angles with a difference of 180 degrees.

[0047] Furthermore, in this embodiment, each sensing region 101 extends along a first direction, and two sensing regions 101 are spaced apart in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

[0048] The horizontal direction shown in the figure is the first direction, while the vertical direction is the second direction. As can be seen, each sensing area 101 is elongated, and the larger space between two sensing areas 101 is the penetration area 102. This arrangement makes the penetration area 102 larger and more regular in shape, making it easier to locate metal objects on the lithium battery 200.

[0049] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the first direction, the length of one sensing region 101 is shorter than the length of the other sensing region 101. Thus, the two sensing regions 101 have different lengths. The ends of the shorter sensing region 101, corresponding to the locations of the longer sensing region 101, are not covered with the radiating sheet 120. This further increases the area of the penetrating region 102, thereby further preventing metal objects on the lithium battery 200 from interfering with the communication signal strength.

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, in another embodiment, four sensing areas 101 are formed on the substrate 110 , and each time the NFC antenna rotates 90 degrees, any sensing area 101 can at least partially overlap with the adjacent sensing area 101 before the rotation.

[0051] Specifically, four sensing regions 101 are arranged in a circular pattern on substrate 110. As shown in the figure, the four sensing regions 101 are respectively sensing regions A, B, C, and D in a clockwise direction. After a 90-degree clockwise rotation, sensing region A will at least partially overlap with sensing region B, while sensing region B will at least partially overlap with sensing region C, and so on. After a 90-degree counterclockwise rotation, sensing region D will at least partially overlap with sensing region C, while sensing region C will at least partially overlap with sensing region B, and so on.

[0052] When the lithium battery 200 is inserted into the battery compartment and the charging compartment at a specific angle, the magnetic lines of force emitted by the lithium battery 200 can pass through one induction zone 101. When the lithium battery 200 is rotated 90 degrees and then inserted, the magnetic lines of force emitted by the lithium battery 200 pass through an adjacent induction zone 101. For example, when the magnetic lines of force emitted by the lithium battery 200 can pass through induction zone A, if the lithium battery 200 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise and then inserted, the magnetic lines of force emitted by the lithium battery 200 can pass through induction zone B; if the lithium battery 200 is rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise and then inserted, the magnetic lines of force emitted by the lithium battery 200 can pass through induction zone D. Similarly, every time the lithium battery 200 rotates 90 degrees, its magnetic lines of force can pass through one of the induction zones 101. Therefore, the lithium battery 200 can be rotated 90 degrees at will and placed in a charging and swapping cabinet or electric vehicle, so the anti-mistake effect is better.

[0053] This type of NFC antenna 100 is suitable for a charging compartment or battery compartment with a square cross-section, that is, the length and width of the charging compartment or battery compartment are the same. Since the length and width are the same, the operator may make a mistake in the insertion angle in all four directions.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, every time the NFC antenna 100 rotates 90 degrees, the four sensing areas 101 can completely overlap with the four sensing areas 101 before the rotation.

[0055] In other words, the shape of the sensing areas 101 is the same; only the angle at which they are arranged on the substrate 110 varies. As shown, each sensing area 101 is rectangular, and adjacent sensing areas 101 are rotated 90 degrees relative to each other. Thus, with each 90-degree rotation, a sensing area 101 completely overlaps with the adjacent sensing area 101 before the rotation. Therefore, regardless of the angle at which the lithium battery 200 is inserted into the battery compartment or charging compartment, the area of the sensing area 101 receiving magnetic field lines remains the same, thus ensuring stable communication.

[0056] Specifically, in this embodiment, the substrate 110 is rectangular, with four sensing regions 101 located at the four corners of the substrate 110. As can be seen, the multiple penetration regions 102 are connected to form a cross-shaped area, which improves symmetry. This ensures that no matter how the lithium battery 200 is rotated, metal objects on it will fall within the range of the penetration regions 102, facilitating the layout of metal objects on the lithium battery 200.

[0057] The above-mentioned NFC antenna 100, charging and swapping cabinet and electric vehicle, each sensing area 101 can receive the radio frequency signal emitted by the lithium battery 200. When the lithium battery 200 is placed in the battery compartment or charging compartment at different angles, the NFC antenna 100 is rotated by a preset angle relative to the lithium battery 200, so the magnetic lines of force emitted by the lithium battery 200 will pass through different sensing areas 101, thereby achieving communication with the vehicle or charging and swapping cabinet. Moreover, the position of the metal object at the end of the lithium battery 200 is designed so that when the lithium battery 200 is placed, the metal object is located within the range of the penetration area 102, so the attenuation of the magnetic lines of force caused by the metal object is significantly reduced, and will not cause a sharp weakening of the signal. Therefore, the lithium battery 200 can be placed in an electric vehicle or charging and swapping cabinet at multiple different angles, and communication is not affected, so it is more convenient to use.

[0058] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0059] The above-described embodiments merely illustrate several implementations of the present invention, and while their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art would be able to make numerous variations and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present invention, all of which fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the patent for this invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An NFC antenna, characterized in that: The device comprises a substrate and a radiation sheet disposed on a surface of the substrate, wherein the radiation sheet has four sensing areas formed on the substrate and a penetration area formed between two adjacent sensing areas, and the area of the radiation sheet in any penetration area is smaller than the area of the radiation sheet in any sensing area; wherein, after the NFC antenna is rotated by a preset angle, any one of the sensing areas at least partially overlaps with one of the sensing areas before the rotation, and each 90-degree rotation of the NFC antenna allows any one of the sensing areas to at least partially overlap with the adjacent sensing area before the rotation; the substrate is rectangular, and the four sensing areas are respectively located at the four vertex corners of the substrate; the substrate is formed of an insulating material; each sensing area is rectangular, and the multiple penetration areas are connected to form a cross-shaped area; The four sensing areas are sensing areas A, B, C, and D in a clockwise direction, wherein sensing areas A and B, sensing areas B and C, and sensing areas C and D are all electrically connected by thinner conductive strips etched from the radiation sheet, and the thinner conductive strips pass through the corresponding penetration areas.

2. The NFC antenna according to claim 1, wherein Every time the NFC antenna rotates 90 degrees, the four sensing areas can be completely overlapped with the four sensing areas before the rotation.

3. The NFC antenna according to claim 1, wherein: A rectangular through hole coaxially arranged with the substrate is opened in the middle of the substrate.

4. A charging and swapping cabinet, characterized in that: It comprises a charging compartment and the NFC antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3 above, wherein the NFC antenna is arranged in the charging compartment.

5. An electric vehicle, characterized in that: The device comprises a battery compartment and an NFC antenna according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the NFC antenna is arranged in the battery compartment.

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