Wireless Charging Coil Assembly

Abstract

The disclosed technology provides an electronic device, which includes a metal housing surrounding the electronic device. The metal housing has a first aperture, which includes at least two sub-apertures connected by a channel. The metal housing also has a first surface on the charging target side of the metal housing and a second surface on the charging source side of the metal housing. The electronic device also includes a wireless charging coil located on the charging source side of the metal housing of the electronic device. The wireless charging coil is supplied with current by a power source. The current flowing through the wireless charging coil induces a surface current in the metal housing surrounding the electronic device. The current flowing through the wireless charging coil and the surface current cause a combined magnetic field.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a charging technology. Background Art

[0002] Inductive charging using a wireless charging coil is a desirable way to charge peripheral devices. However, computing devices (such as tablets) are becoming smaller and thinner. When there is a need to charge accessories from a host device, it may be difficult to incorporate conventional wireless charging coils into the design of smaller, thinner computing devices. Summary of the invention

[0003] In at least one implementation, the disclosed technology provides an electronic device that includes a metal housing surrounding the electronic device. The metal housing has a first aperture that includes at least two sub-apertures connected by a channel. The metal housing also has a first surface on a charging target side of the metal housing and a second surface on a charging source side of the metal housing. The electronic device also includes a wireless charging coil located on the charging source side of the metal housing of the electronic device. The wireless charging coil is supplied with current by a power source. The current flowing through the wireless charging coil induces a surface current in the metal housing surrounding the electronic device. The current flowing through the wireless charging coil and the surface current cause a combined magnetic field.

[0004] This Summary is provided to introduce some concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] Other implementations are also described and illustrated herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 An example computing device is illustrated having a wireless charging coil located on an edge of the computing device that can be used to charge a target electronic device.

[0007] Figure 2 An example computing device with a wireless charging coil is illustrated.

[0008] Figure 3 An example computing device with a wireless charging coil is illustrated.

[0009] Figure 4 An example computing device with a wireless charging coil and a magnetic field generated by the wireless charging coil is illustrated.

[0010] Figure 5 Another example wireless charging coil is illustrated.

[0011] Figure 6Example operations for charging a target electronic device using a wireless charging coil are illustrated.

[0012] Figure 7 An example computing device supporting a wireless charging coil is illustrated.

[0013] Figure 8 An example computing device with a wireless charging coil is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Figure 1 An example computing device 100 is illustrated having a wireless charging coil 102 located on an edge of the computing device 100 that can be used to charge a target electronic device 104. The wireless charging coil 102 can be used to charge batteries in a variety of target electronic devices. Figure 1 , the target electronic device 104 is an electronic stylus. In other implementations, the target electronic device 104 may be a different peripheral device. The target electronic device 104 may have attachment mechanisms 118 and 120 and a rechargeable battery, a coil, and an associated circuit system 122. In one implementation, the attachment mechanisms 118 and 120 are magnets. The attachment mechanism 118 on the target electronic device 104 corresponds to the attachment mechanism 124 on the computing device 100. The magnet 120 on the target electronic device 104 corresponds to the attachment mechanism 126 on the computing device 100. When the target electronic device 104 is attached to the computing device 100 via the attachment mechanisms 118 and 120, the rechargeable battery, the coil, and the associated circuit system 122 on the target electronic device 104 can be charged by being close to the wireless charging coil 102.

[0015] The wireless charging coil 102 is located on the charging source side of the metal housing of the computing device 100 and is aligned with the aperture 106 in the metal housing of the computing device 100. Figure 1 In the illustrated implementation, the aperture 106 is shown on an edge of the computing device 100 and is shown to provide access to a port, such as a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port, in the computing device 100. In other implementations, the aperture 106 may be located on another portion of the computing device 100, such as on the top, bottom, or back side of the computing device 100. Furthermore, the aperture 106 may be any aperture in a metal housing of the computing device 100, such as an aperture that provides access to a port or an aperture for ventilation of the computing device 100.

[0016] Aperture 106 is formed by sub-aperture 108 and sub-aperture 110 connected by channel 112. Sub-aperture 108 and sub-aperture 110 each provide access to a port of computing device 100. In some implementations, sub-aperture 108 and sub-aperture 110 may have the same size. In other implementations, sub-aperture 108 and sub-aperture 110 may have different sizes. Sub-aperture 108 and sub-aperture 110 are connected by channel 112 so that aperture 106 is one continuous aperture in the metal housing of computing device 100. Figure 4 The purpose of channel 112 is discussed in more detail.

[0017] In some implementations, the aperture 106 is aligned with the shield 114. The shield 114 can provide shielding for the port accessed through the aperture 106. In some implementations, the wireless charging coil 102 is wrapped around the shield 114. In other implementations, the wireless charging coil 102 can be located between the shield 114 and the metal housing of the computing device 100. The wireless charging coil 102 is placed relative to the shield 114 so that the wireless charging coil 102 does not block access to the port of the computing device accessed through the aperture 106. In addition, the wireless charging coil 102 is located close enough to the metal housing of the computing device 100 for wireless charging to be effective. For example, the wireless charging coil 102 can be located at a distance less than about 1 mm from the metal housing of the computing device 100. The wireless charging coil 102 can also contact the metal housing of the computing device 100 through an insulating layer (not shown).

[0018] The wireless charging coil 102 may be supplied with current by a power source located in the computing device 100. When current is supplied to the wireless charging coil 102, surface currents are induced on the metal housing of the computing device 100 around the aperture 106. The current flowing through the charging coil 102 causes a magnetic field to flow outward from the computing device 100. The surface currents on the metal housing of the computing device 100 around the aperture 106 also cause a magnetic field to flow outward from the computing device. The magnetic field caused by the current flowing through the charging coil 102 and the magnetic field caused by the surface currents on the metal housing of the computing device 100 around the aperture 106 are additively combined to produce a combined magnetic field. Figure 4 The combined magnetic fields are discussed in more detail.

[0019] The combined magnetic field extends beyond the metal housing of the computing device 100 and thus provides wireless charging to the target electronic device 104. When the target electronic device 104 is secured to the computing device 100 so that the coil on the device 100 and the similarly sized coil in the target electronic device 104 are aligned, the combined magnetic field couples with the similarly sized coil located in the target electronic device 104. The power coupled from the source coil to the receiving coil can charge the rechargeable battery of the target electronic device 104. In some implementations, the wireless charging coil 102 provides wireless charging only when the port accessed through the aperture 106 is not in use. In some implementations, the device can support wireless charging of the target electronic device 104 using both the wireless charging coil 102 and near field communication (NFC) capabilities. For example, when the wireless charging frequency is the same as the NFC frequency, the same antenna assembly and circuit system can be used for both wireless charging and NFC in reader, card, or peer mode.

[0020] Figure 2 An example computing device 200 is illustrated having a wireless charging coil 202. The computing device 200 is surrounded by a metal housing having an aperture 206 therein. Figure 2 As shown, aperture 206 provides access to two ports of computing device 200. Shield 214 can provide shielding for the port accessed through aperture 206. Shield 214 is formed of two open shields connected by a channel. In one implementation, an open shield is a shield having an open end that passes through all sides of the shield. For example, shield 214 is open on the front side indicated by arrow 216 and open on the back side indicated by arrow 218. The inside of shield 214 is also partially open. In some implementations, both the inside and outside of shield 214 are partially open. In some implementations, shield 214 is formed of two open shields, such as with respect to Figure 8 Further discussion.

[0021] Aperture 206 includes two sub-apertures connected by a channel, where each sub-aperture provides access to a port in computing device 200. The channel passes completely through the metal housing of computing device 200, such that aperture 206 is a complete aperture through the metal housing of computing device 200.

[0022] exist Figure 2In the illustrated implementation, the wireless charging coil 202 is wrapped around the shield 214 of the computing device 200. Accordingly, the wireless charging coil 202 is closely aligned with the perimeter of the aperture 206. This allows the wireless charging coil 202 to couple with the aperture 206 when current flows through the wireless charging coil 202. Additionally, the wireless charging coil 202 is positioned so that it is just coupled with the aperture 206 when current flows through the wireless charging coil 202. The exact distance of the wireless charging coil 202 from the metal housing of the computing device 200 depends on the specific design. In one implementation, for example, the wireless charging coil 202 is located at a distance of less than 1 mm from the metal housing of the computing device 200. The wireless charging coil 202 can be powered by a power supply (not shown) in the computing device that only powers the wireless charging coil 202. In another implementation, the power supply can be shared with other components of the computing device 200.

[0023] When current flows through the wireless charging coil 202, the wireless charging coil 202 couples with the aperture 206 in the metal housing of the computing device 200. The current flowing through the wireless charging coil 202 induces a surface current in the metal housing of the computing device 200. The current flowing through the wireless charging coil 202 causes a first magnetic field that is additively combined with a second magnetic field caused by the surface current in the metal housing of the computing device 200.

[0024] When the power source supplies current to the wireless charging coil 202, the wireless charging coil 202 couples with the aperture 206 in the metal housing of the computing device 200. This coupling induces a surface current around the aperture 206 on the metal housing of the computing device 200. The induced surface current flowing around the aperture 206 takes the form of a current loop centered around each sub-aperture in the aperture 206. It is noteworthy that the current flowing through the wireless charging coil 202 and the induced surface current flowing around the aperture 206 flow in the same direction.

[0025] The current flowing through the wireless charging coil 202 and the induced surface current flowing around the aperture 206 each cause a magnetic field perpendicular to the current flow. The magnetic field caused by the current flowing through the wireless charging coil 202 and the magnetic field caused by the induced surface current flowing around the aperture 206 are each disk-shaped and travel in the same direction. As a result, the magnetic field caused by the current flowing through the wireless charging coil 202 and the magnetic field caused by the induced surface current flowing around the aperture 206 are additively combined to form a combined magnetic field. The combined magnetic field is also disk-shaped and extends away from the computing device 200. The combined magnetic field can be used to charge a target electronic device located on the charging target side of the metal housing of the computing device 200. Reference Figure 4 The combined magnetic field is discussed in more detail.

[0026] Figure 3An example computing device 300 is illustrated having a wireless charging coil 302. The computing device 300 is surrounded by a metal housing having an aperture 306 therein. Figure 3 As shown, aperture 306 provides access to two ports of computing device 300. Shield 314 provides shielding for the ports accessed through aperture 306. Aperture 306 includes two sub-apertures connected by a channel, where each sub-aperture provides access to one port in computing device 300. The channel passes completely through the metal housing of computing device 300, such that aperture 306 is a complete aperture through the metal housing of computing device 300.

[0027] exist Figure 3 In the implementation shown, the wireless charging coil 302 is located between the shield 314 and the aperture 306 in the metal housing of the computing device 300. The wireless charging coil 302 is also closely aligned with the perimeter of the aperture 306 so that the wireless charging coil 302 does not interfere with the use of the port accessed through the aperture 306. This alignment allows the wireless charging coil 302 to couple with the aperture 306 when current flows through the wireless charging coil 302. Additionally, the wireless charging coil 302 is positioned so that it is just coupled with the aperture 306 when current flows through the wireless charging coil 302. The exact distance of the wireless charging coil 302 from the metal housing of the computing device 300 depends on the specific design. In one implementation, for example, the wireless charging coil 302 is located at a distance of less than 1 mm from the metal housing of the computing device 300. The wireless charging coil 302 can be powered by a power supply (not shown) in the computing device that only powers the wireless charging coil 302. In another implementation, the power supply can be shared with other components of the computing device 200.

[0028] When current flows through the wireless charging coil 302, the wireless charging coil 302 couples with the aperture 306 in the metal housing of the computing device 300. The current flowing through the wireless charging coil 302 induces surface currents in the metal housing of the computing device 300. The current flowing through the wireless charging coil 302 causes a first magnetic field that additively combines with a second magnetic field caused by the surface currents in the metal housing of the computing device 300.

[0029] When the power source supplies current to the wireless charging coil 302, the wireless charging coil 302 couples with the aperture 306 in the metal housing of the computing device. This coupling induces a surface current around the aperture 306 on the metal housing of the computing device 300. The induced surface current flowing around the aperture 306 takes the form of a current loop centered on each sub-aperture in the aperture 306. It is noteworthy that the current flowing through the wireless charging coil 302 and the induced surface current flowing around the aperture 306 flow in the same direction.

[0030] The current flowing through the wireless charging coil 302 and the induced surface current flowing around the aperture 306 each cause a magnetic field perpendicular to the current flow. The magnetic field caused by the current flowing through the wireless charging coil 302 and the magnetic field caused by the induced surface current flowing around the aperture 306 are each disk-shaped and travel in the same direction. As a result, the magnetic field caused by the current flowing through the wireless charging coil 302 and the magnetic field caused by the induced surface current flowing around the aperture 306 are additively combined to form a combined magnetic field. The combined magnetic field is also disk-shaped and extends away from the computing device 300. The combined magnetic field can be used to charge a target electronic device located on the charging target side of the metal housing of the computing device 300. Reference Figure 4 The combined magnetic field is discussed in more detail.

[0031] Figure 4 An example computing device 400 is illustrated having a wireless charging coil 402 and a magnetic field 428 generated by the wireless charging coil 402. The computing device 400 includes a metal housing. The metal housing of the computing device 400 includes an aperture 406. The aperture 406 is formed by at least two sub-apertures and a channel connecting the two sub-apertures. The channel and the two sub-apertures all pass completely through the metal housing of the computing device 400 to create the aperture 406. The aperture 406 can be any aperture in the metal housing of the computing device 400. In one implementation, the aperture 406 provides access to a port (such as a USB port) of the computing device 400.

[0032] As shown, the wireless charging coil 402 is aligned with the aperture 406. In some implementations, the aperture 406 provides access to a port of the computing device 400. Therefore, the computing device 400 may also include a shield 414 for the port. The wireless charging coil 402 is positioned so that the wireless charging coil does not block access to the port accessed through the aperture 406. In some implementations, the wireless charging coil 402 is located between the aperture 406 and the shield 414, wherein the wireless charging coil 402 surrounds at least a portion of the perimeter of the aperture 406 and the shield 414. In other implementations, the wireless charging coil 402 can be wrapped around the shield 414, wherein the perimeter of the shield 414 is aligned with the aperture 406.

[0033] The wireless charging coil 402 is connected to a current source (not shown) that provides current to the wireless charging coil 402. In some implementations, the wireless charging coil 402 may have its own current source that is not otherwise used by the computing device 400. In other implementations, the current source may be shared with other components in the computing device 400. Figure 4When current flows through charging coil 402 in the direction indicated by the arrow on charging coil 402 in the computing device 400, charging coil 402 couples with aperture 406 in the metal housing of computing device 400. This coupling induces surface current around aperture 406 in the metal housing of computing device 400, as indicated by Figure 4 406. Although pore 406 is a single pore, the induced surface current flows in two current loops, each of which is centered around the center of a sub-pore of pore 406.

[0034] The surface current around aperture 406 and the current flowing through charging coil 402 each cause a magnetic field perpendicular to the plane of current flow. Due to the direction of the current flowing through wireless charging coil 402 and the surface current around aperture 406, each magnetic field flows out of one current loop perpendicularly and flows into the other current loop perpendicularly, thereby forming a disk shape. Additionally, because the current flowing through wireless charging coil 402 and the surface current around aperture 406 flow in the same direction, the magnetic field caused by the current flowing through wireless charging coil 402 is additively combined with the magnetic field caused by the surface current around aperture 406 to form a combined magnetic field 428.

[0035] The direction of the combined magnetic field 428 is the same as the magnetic field caused by the current flowing through the wireless charging coil 402 and the magnetic field caused by the surface current surrounding the aperture 406. Figure 4 , the combined magnetic field 428 has a direction indicated by an arrow on the magnetic field 428. The combined magnetic field 428 has a sufficient magnitude for the computing device 400 to wirelessly charge the target device.

[0036] It is worth noting that Figure 4 As shown, the surface current surrounding the pore 406 and the current flowing through the wireless charging coil 402 flow in the same direction. This direction of current flow is caused by the channel connecting the two sub-pores of the pore 406. In the absence of a channel connecting the two sub-pores of the pore 406, each sub-pore would be its own pore, and the surface current surrounding the sub-pore would flow in the opposite direction to the current flowing through the wireless charging coil 402. Therefore, the surface current surrounding the sub-pore will cause a magnetic field in the opposite direction to the magnetic field caused by the current flowing through the wireless charging coil 402. Therefore, the combined magnetic field will be weaker than the magnetic field caused by the current flowing through the wireless charging coil 402. In contrast, as described above, when the channel connects the two sub-pores of the pore 406, the magnetic field caused by the surface current surrounding the pore is additively combined with the magnetic field caused by the current flowing through the wireless charging coil 402.

[0037] exist Figure 4406. In some implementations, the two sub-apertures that form aperture 406 have substantially the same size. Therefore, both shield 414 and wireless charging coil 402 are substantially symmetrical. The current loops created by the current flowing through wireless charging coil 402 and the surface currents around aperture 406 are substantially equal in size, which means that the combined magnetic field 428 has uniform strength and is also substantially symmetrical. In some implementations, the sub-apertures do not have substantially the same size. Therefore, the combined magnetic field 428 is non-uniform.

[0038] Figure 5 Another example wireless charging coil 502 is illustrated. Wireless charging coil 502 works with aperture 506. Wireless charging coil 502 is located within an electronic device having a metal housing. Aperture 506 is an aperture in the metal housing of the electronic device. Aperture 506 includes four sub-apertures 508, 510, 512, and 514 connected by channels 516 and 518. In one implementation, sub-apertures 508, 510, 512, and 514 each provide access to a port in the electronic device, such as a USB port. In another implementation, sub-apertures 508, 510, 512, and 514 may be apertures in the metal housing of the electronic device that exist for another reason, such as for ventilation of the electronic device. Wireless charging coil 502 may not be a continuous coil. Instead, a first sub-coil is aligned with sub-apertures 508 and 510, while a second sub-coil is aligned with sub-apertures 512 and sub-apertures 514.

[0039] In some implementations, wireless charging coil 502 may be wrapped around a shield (not shown) that acts as a shield for ports accessed through sub-apertures 508, 510, 512, and 514. In other implementations, wireless charging coil 502 may be located between the shield and a metal housing of the electronic device. In yet another implementation, there is no shield and wireless charging coil 502 is substantially aligned with the perimeter of aperture 506.

[0040] A current source is used to supply current to the wireless charging coil 502. Figure 5 In the illustrated implementation, the current source can supply current to the two sub-coils of the wireless charging coil 502. When current is supplied to the wireless charging coil 502, the charging coil 502 is coupled with the aperture 506. This coupling causes the induced surface current in the metal housing of the electronic device to flow around the aperture 506 in the metal housing of the electronic device. The induced surface current takes the form of a current loop centered around the sub-apertures 508, 510, 512, and 514. It is worth noting that the induced surface current flowing around the aperture 506 flows in the same direction as the current flowing through the wireless charging coil 502.

[0041] The current flowing through the wireless charging coil 502 causes a magnetic field perpendicular to the current. Figure 5 In the configuration shown, two separate magnetic fields are formed corresponding to the two sub-coils. For example, the first magnetic field can be shaped like a disk that leaves sub-aperture 510 and enters sub-aperture 508. The second magnetic field can be shaped like a disk that leaves sub-aperture 514 and enters sub-aperture 512. The direction of the magnetic field caused by the current flowing through wireless charging coil 502 depends on the direction of the current flowing through wireless charging coil 502.

[0042] Surface currents flowing around aperture 506 also cause two magnetic fields. The third magnetic field may be shaped like a disk exiting subaperture 510 and entering subaperture 508. The fourth magnetic field may be shaped like a disk exiting subaperture 514 and entering subaperture 512. The third magnetic field travels in the same direction as the first magnetic field caused by the current flowing through wireless charging coil 502. The fourth magnetic field travels in the same direction as the second magnetic field caused by the current flowing through wireless charging coil 502.

[0043] The first magnetic field caused by the current flowing through the wireless charging coil 502 is additively combined with the third magnetic field caused by the surface current flowing around the aperture 506 to form a first combined magnetic field. Similarly, the second magnetic field caused by the current flowing through the wireless charging coil 502 is additively combined with the fourth magnetic field caused by the surface current flowing around the aperture 506 to form a second combined magnetic field. The first combined magnetic field and the second combined magnetic field can be used to charge the target electronic device using wireless charging.

[0044] Other configurations of apertures and charging coils are possible. For example, in one implementation, two apertures are aligned vertically, and a charging coil is aligned with each aperture. When the two apertures are similarly shaped and sized, this configuration effectively increases the area over which the combined magnetic field can charge the target device.

[0045] Figure 6 An example operation 600 for charging a target electronic device located on a charging target side of a metal housing of an electronic device using a wireless charging coil assembly is illustrated. A first providing operation 602 provides a first aperture in the metal housing of the electronic device. The first aperture includes at least two sub-apertures connected by at least one channel. In some implementations, each of the two sub-apertures provides access to a port of the electronic device, such as a USB port. In other implementations, the sub-apertures may be other apertures in the metal housing of the electronic device that perform other functions, such as ventilation for the electronic device. The channel connects the sub-apertures so that the aperture is a single aperture in the metal housing of the electronic device.

[0046] The second providing operation 604 provides a wireless charging coil located on the charging source side of the metal housing of the electronic device. The wireless charging coil is substantially aligned with the perimeter of the aperture in the metal housing of the electronic device. For example, when the aperture provides access to a port of the electronic device, the wireless charging coil is aligned so that the wireless charging coil does not obstruct use of the port accessed through the aperture. In some implementations (such as with respect to Figure 5 In the implementation discussed), more than one wireless charging coil may be provided.

[0047] In some implementations (such as Figure 2 In the implementation discussed above, the wireless charging coil may be wrapped around a shield for a port accessible through the aperture. Figure 3 In one implementation, the wireless charging coil may be located between a shield for a port accessible through an aperture and the aperture. In yet another implementation, there may be no shielding, and the wireless charging coil may be located on the charging source side of the metal housing of the electronic device. In any implementation, the wireless charging coil is located close enough to the metal housing of the electronic device to couple with the aperture in the metal housing of the electronic device. The exact distance of the wireless charging coil from the metal housing of the electronic device may vary depending on the design. In one implementation, the wireless charging coil is located at a distance of less than 1 mm from the metal housing of the electronic device.

[0048] Supply operation 606 supplies current to the wireless charging coil using a power source. The current flowing through the wireless charging coil induces surface currents in the metal housing of the electronic device. The current flowing through the wireless charging coil causes a first magnetic field that is additively combined with a second magnetic field caused by the surface currents in the metal housing of the electronic device.

[0049] The wireless charging coil can be powered by a power source in the electronic device that only powers the wireless charging coil. In another implementation, the power source can be shared with other components of the electronic device. When the power source supplies current to the wireless charging coil, the wireless charging coil couples with the pores in the metal housing of the electronic device. This coupling induces surface currents around the pores on the metal housing of the electronic device. The induced surface currents flowing around the pores take the form of a current loop centered around each sub-pore in the pore. It is worth noting that the current flowing through the wireless charging coil and the induced surface currents flowing around the pores flow in the same direction.

[0050] The current flowing through the wireless charging coil and the induced surface current flowing around the pores each cause a magnetic field perpendicular to the current flow. The magnetic field caused by the current flowing through the wireless charging coil and the magnetic field caused by the induced surface current flowing around the pores are each disk-shaped and travel in the same direction. As a result, the magnetic field caused by the current flowing through the wireless charging coil and the magnetic field caused by the induced surface current flowing around the pores are additively combined to form a combined magnetic field. The combined magnetic field is also disk-shaped and extends away from the electronic device. The combined magnetic field can be used to charge a target electronic device located on the charging target side of the metal housing of the electronic device.

[0051] Figure 7 An example computing device supporting a wireless charging coil is illustrated. Computing device 700 may be a client device such as a laptop, mobile device, desktop, tablet, or server / cloud device. Computing device 700 includes one or more processors 702 and memory 704. Memory 704 generally includes both volatile memory (e.g., RAM) and non-volatile memory (e.g., flash memory). An operating system 710 resides in memory 704 and is executed by processor(s) 702.

[0052] One or more applications 740 are loaded into the operating system 710 on the memory 704 storage 720 and executed by the processor(s) 702. The storage 720 may be local to the computing device 700, or may be remote to the computing device 700 and communicatively connected to the computing device 700, and may include another server. The storage 720 may store resources that may be requested by a client device (not shown).

[0053] The computing device 700 includes a power supply 716, which is powered by one or more batteries or other power sources and provides power to other components of the computing device 700. The power supply 716 may also be connected to an external power source that overrides or recharges the internal batteries or other power sources.

[0054] The computing device 700 may include one or more communication transceivers 730, which may be connected to one or more antennas 732 to provide network connectivity (e.g., mobile phone networks, ). The one or more antennas 732 may include structured slot antennas. The computing device 700 may further include a network adapter, which is a type of communication device. The computing device 700 may use the adapter and any other type of communication device to establish a connection on a wide area network (WAN) or a local area network (LAN). It should be understood that the network connections shown are exemplary and other communication devices and means for establishing a communication link between the computing device 700 and other devices may be used.

[0055] The computing device 700 may include one or more input devices 734 (e.g., a keyboard or mouse) so that a user can enter commands and information. These and other input devices may be coupled to a server via one or more interfaces 738 such as a serial port interface, a parallel port, a universal serial bus (USB), etc. The computing device 700 may further include a display 722, such as a touch screen display.

[0056] The computing device 700 may include a variety of tangible processor-readable storage media and intangible processor-readable communication signals. Tangible processor-readable storage may be embodied by any available media that can be accessed by the computing device 700, and includes both volatile and non-volatile storage media, removable and non-removable storage media. Tangible processor-readable storage media do not include intangible communication signals, but rather include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable storage media implemented in any method or technology for storing information such as processor-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Tangible processor-readable media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disk (DVD) or other optical storage, cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other tangible media that can be used to store the desired information and can be accessed by the computing device 700. In contrast to tangible processor-readable storage media, intangible processor-readable communication signals may embody processor-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data using modulated data signals such as carrier waves or other signal transmission mechanisms. The term "modulated data signal" means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, intangible communication signals include signals propagated through wired media (such as a wired network or direct-wired connection) and wireless media (such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media).

[0057] Figure 8 An example computing device 800 is illustrated having a wireless charging coil 802. The computing device 800 is surrounded by a metal housing having an aperture 806 therein. Figure 8As shown, aperture 806 provides access to two ports of computing device 800. Shield 814 provides shielding for the port accessed through aperture 806. Shield 814 is formed by two open shields. Each open shield forming shield 814 has an open front surface, an open rear surface, and a partially open inner side. For example, arrow 818 indicates the open front surface, and arrow 816 indicates the open rear surface. Arrows 820 and 822 indicate the partially open inner side of each open shield forming shield 814. In some implementations, the outer side of each open shield may also be partially open.

[0058] An example electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes one or more electronic components. The electronic device also includes a metal housing surrounding the one or more electronic components of the electronic device. The metal housing has a first aperture formed in the metal housing. The first aperture includes at least two sub-apertures connected by a channel, an outer surface on a charging target side of the metal housing, and an inner surface on a charging source side of the metal housing. The electronic device also includes a wireless charging coil including at least two sub-loops located on the charging source side of the metal housing of the electronic device. Current is supplied to the wireless charging coil. The current flowing through the wireless charging coil induces a surface current around the first aperture in the metal housing. The current flowing through the wireless charging coil and the surface current flow in the same direction and cause a combined magnetic field that exceeds the magnitude of the magnetic field caused by the current flowing through the wireless charging coil and exceeds the magnitude of the magnetic field caused by the surface current.

[0059] An electronic device of any previous electronic device is provided, wherein at least two sub-loops of the wireless charging coil are aligned with at least two sub-apertures of the first aperture along an axis perpendicular to the metal housing.

[0060] An electronic device as in any previous electronic device is provided, wherein the first aperture provides ventilation for the electronic device.

[0061] An electronic device as in any previous electronic device is provided, wherein the first aperture is shaped to provide access to at least two ports in the electronic device.

[0062] An electronic device is provided as in any previous electronic device, wherein each sub-loop of the wireless charging coil surrounds one of at least two ports in the electronic device.

[0063] An electronic device is provided as in any previous electronic device, wherein the wireless charging coil is wrapped around shields of at least two ports in the electronic device.

[0064] An electronic device is provided as in any previous electronic device, wherein the wireless charging coil is located between a metal housing of the electronic device and shielding of at least two ports in the electronic device.

[0065] A wireless charging coil assembly is provided. The wireless charging coil assembly includes a planar metal element. The planar metal element includes a first aperture, the first aperture including at least two sub-apertures connected by a channel formed in the planar metal element. The planar metal element further includes an outer surface on the charging target side of the planar metal element and an inner surface on the charging source side of the planar metal element. The wireless charging coil assembly also includes a wireless charging coil, the wireless charging coil including at least two sub-loops located on the charging source side of the planar metal element. Current is supplied to the wireless charging coil. The current flowing through the wireless charging coil induces a surface current around the first aperture in the planar metal element. The current flowing through the wireless charging coil and the surface current flow in the same direction and cause a combined magnetic field that exceeds the magnitude of the magnetic field caused by the current flowing through the wireless charging coil and exceeds the magnitude of the magnetic field caused by the surface current.

[0066] A wireless charging coil assembly of any previous wireless charging coil assembly is provided, wherein at least two sub-loops of the wireless charging coil are aligned with at least two sub-apertures of the first aperture along an axis perpendicular to the planar metal element.

[0067] A wireless charging coil assembly of any previous wireless charging coil assembly is provided, wherein the first aperture provides ventilation for the electronic device.

[0068] A wireless charging coil assembly as in any previous wireless charging coil assembly is provided wherein the first aperture is shaped to provide access to at least two ports in an electronic device.

[0069] A wireless charging coil assembly of any previous wireless charging coil assembly is provided, wherein each sub-loop of the wireless charging coil surrounds one of at least two ports in the electronic device.

[0070] A wireless charging coil assembly of any previous wireless charging coil assembly is provided, wherein the wireless charging coil is wrapped around shields of at least two ports in the electronic device.

[0071] A wireless charging coil assembly of any previous wireless charging coil assembly is provided, wherein shielding of at least two ports in the electronic device is formed by two open shieldings connected by a channel.

[0072] A wireless charging coil assembly of any previous wireless charging coil assembly is provided, wherein shields of at least two ports of the electronic device are formed by two open shields.

[0073] A wireless charging coil assembly of any previous wireless charging coil assembly is provided, wherein the wireless charging coil is located between the planar metal element and shielding of at least two ports in the electronic device.

[0074] A method for charging a target electronic device located on a charging target side of a metal housing of an electronic device including one or more electronic components using a wireless charging coil assembly is provided. The method includes providing a first aperture in the metal housing of the electronic device. The first aperture includes at least two sub-apertures connected by a channel formed in the metal housing of the electronic device. The method also includes providing a wireless charging coil, the wireless charging coil including at least two sub-loops located on an external charging source side of the metal housing of the electronic device. The method further includes supplying current to the wireless charging coil. The current flowing through the wireless charging coil induces a surface current in the metal housing of the electronic device around the first aperture in the metal housing. The current flowing through the wireless charging coil causes a first magnetic field, which is additively combined with a second magnetic field caused by the surface current in the metal housing of the electronic device to form a combined magnetic field, which exceeds the magnitude of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field.

[0075] A method as in any of the previous methods is provided, wherein at least two sub-loops of the wireless charging coil are aligned with at least two sub-apertures of the first aperture along an axis perpendicular to the metal housing of the electronic device.

[0076] A method as in any of the previous methods is provided, wherein the wireless charging coil is wrapped around shielding of at least two ports of the electronic device accessible via a first aperture.

[0077] A method as in any of the previous methods is provided, wherein the wireless charging coil is located between a metal housing of the electronic device and shielding of at least two ports of the electronic device accessible via a first aperture.

[0078] A system for charging a target electronic device located on a charging target side of a metal housing of an electronic device including one or more electronic components using a wireless charging coil assembly is provided. The system includes a device for providing a first aperture in the metal housing of the electronic device. The first aperture includes at least two sub-apertures connected by a channel formed in the metal housing of the electronic device. The system also includes a device for providing a wireless charging coil, the wireless charging coil including at least two sub-loops located on an external charging source side of the metal housing of the electronic device. The system further includes a device for supplying current to the wireless charging coil. The current flowing through the wireless charging coil induces a surface current in the metal housing of the electronic device around the first aperture in the metal housing. The current flowing through the wireless charging coil causes a first magnetic field, which is additively combined with a second magnetic field caused by the surface current in the metal housing of the electronic device to form a combined magnetic field, which exceeds the magnitude of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field.

[0079] A system of any of the previous systems is provided, wherein at least two sub-loops of the wireless charging coil are aligned with at least two sub-apertures of the first aperture along an axis perpendicular to the metal housing of the electronic device.

[0080] A system as in any of the previous systems is provided, wherein the wireless charging coil is wrapped around a shield of at least two ports of the electronic device accessible via a first aperture.

[0081] A system of any of the previous systems is provided, wherein the wireless charging coil is located between a metal housing of the electronic device and shielding of at least two ports of the electronic device accessible via a first aperture.

[0082] Some implementations may include articles of manufacture. Articles of manufacture may include tangible storage media storing logic. Examples of storage media may include one or more types of computer-readable storage media capable of storing electronic data, including volatile or non-volatile memory, removable or non-removable memory, erasable or non-erasable memory, writable or rewritable memory, etc. Examples of logic may include various software elements, such as software components, programs, applications, computer programs, applications, system programs, machine programs, operating system software, middleware, firmware, software modules, routines, subroutines, operation segments, methods, processes, software interfaces, application program interfaces (APIs), instruction sets, computing codes, computer codes, code segments, computer code segments, text, values, symbols, or any combination thereof. For example, in one implementation, articles of manufacture may store executable computer program instructions that, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform methods and / or operations according to the various embodiments described. Executable computer program instructions may include any suitable type of code, such as source code, compiled code, interpreted code, executable code, static code, dynamic code, etc. Executable computer program instructions can be implemented according to a predefined computer language, manner or syntax for instructing a computer to perform a specific operation segment. These instructions can be implemented using any suitable high-level, low-level, object-oriented, visual, compiled, and / or interpreted programming language.

[0083] The implementations described herein may be implemented as logical steps in one or more computer systems. Logical operations may be implemented as: (1) a sequence of processor-implemented steps executed in one or more computer systems; and (2) interconnected machine or circuit modules within one or more computer systems. The implementation is a matter of choice depending on the performance requirements of the computer systems being utilized. Accordingly, the logical operations that make up the implementations described herein may also be referred to as operations, steps, objects, or modules. Furthermore, it should be understood that the logical operations may be performed in any order unless explicitly stated or the claim language inherently requires a particular order.

Claims

1. An electronic device comprising one or more electronic components, the electronic device comprising: a metal housing surrounding the one or more electronic components of the electronic device, the metal housing having a first aperture formed in the metal housing, the first aperture comprising at least two sub-apertures connected by a channel formed in the metal housing, the metal housing further comprising an outer surface on a charging target side of the metal housing and an inner surface on a charging source side of the metal housing; as well as A wireless charging coil comprising at least two sub-loops located on the charging source side of the metal casing of the electronic device, the wireless charging coil being supplied with current, the current flowing through the wireless charging coil inducing a surface current around the first aperture in the metal casing, the current flowing through the wireless charging coil and the surface current flowing in the same direction, thereby causing a combined magnetic field, the combined magnetic field exceeding the magnitude of the magnetic field caused by the current flowing through the wireless charging coil and exceeding the magnitude of the magnetic field caused by the surface current.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The at least two sub-loops of the wireless charging coil are aligned with the at least two sub-apertures of the first aperture along an axis perpendicular to the metal housing.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The first aperture provides ventilation for the electronic device.

4. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein: The first aperture is shaped to provide access to at least two ports in the electronic device.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, characterized in that: Each of the sub-loops of the wireless charging coil surrounds one of the at least two ports in the electronic device.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The wireless charging coil is wrapped around shields of the at least two ports in the electronic device.

7. The electronic device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The wireless charging coil is located between the metal housing of the electronic device and shielding members of the at least two ports in the electronic device.

8. A wireless charging coil assembly, comprising: a planar metal element including a first pore formed in the planar metal element, the first pore including at least two sub-pores connected by a channel formed in the planar metal element, the planar metal element further including an outer surface on a charging target side of the planar metal element and an inner surface on a charging source side of the planar metal element; as well as A wireless charging coil comprising at least two sub-loops on the charging source side of the planar metal element, the wireless charging coil being supplied with current, the current flowing through the wireless charging coil inducing a surface current around the first aperture in the planar metal element, the current flowing through the wireless charging coil and the surface current flowing in the same direction, thereby causing a combined magnetic field, the combined magnetic field exceeding the magnitude of the magnetic field caused by the current flowing through the wireless charging coil and exceeding the magnitude of the magnetic field caused by the surface current.

9. The wireless charging coil assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The at least two sub-loops of the wireless charging coil are aligned with the at least two sub-apertures of the first aperture along an axis perpendicular to the planar metal element.

10. The wireless charging coil assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The first aperture provides ventilation for the electronic device.

11. The wireless charging coil assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The first aperture is shaped to provide access to at least two ports in an electronic device.

12. The wireless charging coil assembly according to claim 11, wherein: Each of the sub-loops of the wireless charging coil surrounds one of the at least two ports in the electronic device.

13. The wireless charging coil assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The wireless charging coil is wrapped around shields of the at least two ports in the electronic device.

14. The wireless charging coil assembly according to claim 13, wherein: The shielding of the at least two ports in the electronic device is formed by two open shieldings connected by a channel.

15. The wireless charging coil assembly according to claim 13, wherein: The shielding of the at least two ports in the electronic device is formed by two open shieldings.

16. The wireless charging coil assembly according to claim 12, wherein: The wireless charging coil is located between the planar metal element and shielding members of the at least two ports in the electronic device.

17. A method for charging a target electronic device located on a charging target side of a metal housing of an electronic device including one or more electronic components using a wireless charging coil assembly, the method comprising: providing a first aperture formed in the metal housing of the electronic device, the first aperture comprising at least two sub-apertures connected by a channel formed in the metal housing of the electronic device; providing a wireless charging coil, the wireless charging coil comprising at least two sub-loops located on the external charging source side of the metal housing of the electronic device; Current is supplied to the wireless charging coil, the current flowing through the wireless charging coil induces a surface current in the metal casing of the electronic device around the first aperture in the metal casing, the current flowing through the wireless charging coil causes a first magnetic field, the first magnetic field is additively combined with a second magnetic field caused by the surface current in the metal casing of the electronic device to form a combined magnetic field, the combined magnetic field exceeds the magnitude of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The at least two sub-loops of the wireless charging coil are aligned with the at least two sub-apertures of the first aperture along an axis perpendicular to the metal housing of the electronic device.

19. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that The wireless charging coil is wrapped around shielding of at least two ports of the electronic device accessible via the first aperture.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein: The wireless charging coil is located between the metal housing of the electronic device and shielding of at least two ports of the electronic device accessible via the first aperture.

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