Wireless charging coils in wearable devices

By designing the receiver coil in the wireless power receiving system, its profile follows the shape of the bottom cover of the wearable device, combined with the shield and adhesive layer, it solves the problem of inaccurate placement of the wearable device during wireless charging, and achieves more efficient wireless charging.

CN113765231BActive Publication Date: 2025-05-16GOOGLE LLC
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202111143040.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2020-10-08
Filing Date
2021-09-28
Publication Date
2025-05-16
Estimated Expiration
2041-09-28

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Due to the size limitations of the wearable device, it is necessary to be placed in a limited area during wireless charging, which is prone to inaccurate placement or misalignment, resulting in ineffective charging efficiency or waste of charging.

Method used

A wireless power receiving system is designed, including a receiver coil whose profile follows the shape of the bottom cover plate of the wearable device, combining a shield and an adhesive layer to optimize the shape and position of the receiver coil to reduce the distance from the transmitter coil of the wireless charging device.

Benefits of technology

By optimizing the shape and position of the receiver coil, the charging coupling coefficient and charging efficiency are improved, and charging waste is reduced.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present disclosure relates to wireless charging coils in wearable devices. A wearable device having a wireless power receiving system that can inductively receive or transmit power is provided. The wireless power receiving system includes a receiver coil having a contour that follows the contour of a bottom cover plate of the wearable device. A transmitter coil of the wireless charging device has a complementary contour that matches the contour defined by the receiver coil. In one example, the wireless power receiving system includes a shield and a receiver coil attached to the shield. The receiver coil further includes an inner wall and an outer wall connected by a top surface of the coil body. The inner wall defines a central opening in the receiver coil, wherein the receiver coil is conical in shape.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to wireless charging coils in wearable devices. Background Art

[0002] Wearable devices such as smart watches and smart glasses can provide many functions similar to other personal computing devices. Because they are close to the wearer, some wearable devices can provide additional functions that are not usually provided by traditional computing devices, such as heart rate and body temperature monitors. Some wearable devices utilize rechargeable batteries that can be recharged by electrically coupling the wearable device to a power source (such as a wireless charger). Receiver coil components are often used in wearable devices to receive power from wireless chargers without the need for charging cables from the wearable device. For example, some wearable devices can be recharged by placing the wearable device on the charging surface of a wireless charger. A transmitter coil disposed below the charging surface can generate a time-varying magnetic field that induces a current / voltage in a corresponding receiver coil in a receiver coil component in the wearable device. Thus, maintaining close proximity between the receiving coil from the wearable device and the transmitter coil from the wireless charger generally improves charging efficiency.

[0003] However, due to the size limitations of wearable devices, in some cases, the wearable device needs to be placed in a relatively limited area from the charging surface of the wireless charger to achieve efficient power reception. Inaccurate placement or misalignment of the wearable device on the wireless charger often leads to inefficient charging or wasteful charging. In addition, the receiver coil and a large number of electronic components need to be positioned in a compact housing. In examples where the receiver coil is implemented at a relatively far distance from the bottom surface of the housing, the relatively long distance and / or large gap from the receiver coil to the transmitter coil of the wireless charger also leads to low charging efficiency. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure provides a wearable device having a wireless power receiving system that can inductively receive or transmit power from a wireless charging device, such as receiving or transmitting electromagnetic energy via a magnetic field. In one example, the wireless power receiving system includes a shield and a receiver coil attached to the shield. The receiver coil further includes an inner wall and an outer wall connected by a top surface of the coil body. The inner wall defines a central opening in the receiver coil, wherein the receiver coil is conical in shape.

[0005] In some examples, an adhesive layer is provided between the shield and the receiver coil. The shield has a bottom exposed surface that does not contact the receiver coil. The receiver coil has a side straight portion connected to the annular portion. The receiver coil includes a plurality of electrical conductor windings.

[0006] In some examples, the wireless power receiving system includes a release film and an adhesive layer disposed between the release film and the shielding member. The shielding member has a side straight line portion connected to the annular portion. The shielding member includes a cutout portion. In one example, the cutout portion is formed in the side straight line portion. In another example, the cutout portion is formed at the inner wall of the shielding member.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a wireless power transmission system. The wireless power transmission system includes a wireless power receiving system and a wireless charging device. The wireless charging device includes a transmitter coil having a conical shape, and a charging base. The charging base has a channel formed therein, the channel being configured to receive the transmitter coil. The channel has a beveled surface configured to match the conical shape of the transmitter coil.

[0008] In some examples, the wireless power receiving system is disposed in a wearable device. A receiver coil is disposed in the wireless power receiving system. The contour of the receiver coil follows the contour of the inner surface of the bottom cover plate of the wearable device. In one example, the receiver coil has a conical shape.

[0009] In some examples, the charging base includes an inner flange, an outer flange, and a support base connected between the inner flange and the outer flange, wherein a channel is defined on the support base between the inner flange and the outer flange. The height of the outer flange is greater than the height of the inner flange. The transmitter coil has a plurality of electrical conductor windings.

[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a wireless charging device including a transmitter coil having a conical shape, and a charging base. The charging base has a channel formed therein, the channel being configured to receive the transmitter coil. The channel has a beveled surface configured to match the conical shape of the transmitter coil.

[0011] In some examples, the charging base includes an inner flange, an outer flange, and a support base connected between the inner flange and the outer flange. A channel is defined on the support base between the inner flange and the outer flange. The transmitter coil can be removed from the charging base. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 An example smart watch with a wireless power receiving system and a wireless charging device according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0013] Figure 2 An example functional block diagram of an example smartwatch according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0014] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a wireless power receiving system and a wireless charging device according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0015] Figure 4 A side view of an example smart watch is shown in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of an example smart watch is shown in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B Top views of different examples of receiver coils according to aspects of the present disclosure are shown.

[0018] 7A to 7D Cross-sectional views showing different examples of wireless power receiving systems according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C Top views of different examples of shields in a wireless power receiving system according to aspects of the present disclosure are shown.

[0020] 9A to 9E Top views of different examples of shields in a wireless power receiving system according to aspects of the present disclosure are shown.

[0021] Fig.10 An exploded view of an example of a wireless power receiving system according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0022] Fig.11 An exploded view of another example of a wireless power receiving system according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0023] Fig.12 An exploded view of yet another example of a wireless power receiving system with a bottom cover plate of a wearable device according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown.

[0024] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13C Perspective and side views of a wireless charging device according to aspects of the present disclosure are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present disclosure provides a wearable device with a wireless power receiving system, which can inductively receive or transmit power from a wireless charging device, such as receiving or transmitting electromagnetic energy via a magnetic field. The wireless power receiving system and the wireless charging device are collectively referred to as a wireless power transmission system. In one example, the wireless power receiving system includes a receiver coil, the contour of which follows the shape of the bottom cover of the wearable device. For example, the receiver coil can have a solidified, angled, beveled or conical profile that can match the shape of the inner surface of the bottom cover of the wearable device. Thus, the gap between the receiver coil and the bottom cover of the wearable device is minimized, so that the distance from the receiver coil to the transmitter coil of the wireless charging device can also be reduced to improve the charging coupling coefficient and charging efficiency.

[0026] Figure 1 An example wearable device is shown. In this example, the wearable device is a smart watch 100. However, it should be understood that the wearable device can be any of a variety of wearable devices, such as a pendant, a head-mounted display such as smart glasses, a smart helmet, earbuds, or any of a variety of other devices.

[0027] The smartwatch 100 includes a watch body 145. Although in the example shown, the watch body 145 is circular in shape, the watch body 145 can be any shape, such as rectangular, square, oval, polygonal, arbitrary, etc. The watch body 145 has a housing 141, which can be made of various materials, such as metal, plastic, glass, ceramic, or any combination of these or other materials. The watch body 145 can include a wireless power receiving system 125, which includes a receiver coil 170 configured to receive power wirelessly. 7A to 7C Describes the details of the structure and elements of the wireless receiving system 125. A plurality of electronic and / or mechanical components may also be included in the watch body 145. The electronic and / or mechanical components may include user inputs such as microphones, cameras, touch screens; output devices such as displays, speakers, tactile feedback; one or more processors, memories, one or more sensors, clocks, etc.

[0028] The receiver coil 170 from the wireless power receiving system 125 can wirelessly receive and / or transmit power. For example, the receiver coil 170 can be configured to inductively receive power from the transmitter coil 115 in the wireless charging device 120. The wireless charging device 120 may include a power cord 181 that can be connected to a power source, such as an electrical outlet, to provide a power signal, such as an AC or DC power signal, to the wireless charging device 120. The receiver coil 170 can be further configured to power components inside the watch body 145, including one or more accumulators, such as a rechargeable battery. For example, an electrical connection can be provided between the receiver coil 170 and components inside the watch body 145. The receiver coil 170 can also be configured to inductively power other components of the smart watch 100, such as components in or on an accessory of the smart watch 100.

[0029] Smart watch 100 may include one or more accessories, such as a strap 130. In other examples where wearable device 100 is a different device, the body of the device may have different types of accessories. For example, a pendant may include an accessory such as a necklace. Strap 130 may be made of a variety of materials, such as metal, rubber, nylon, cotton, plastic, glass, ceramic, or any combination of these or other materials. Strap 130 may be suitable for wearing on a person's wrist. For example, strap 130 includes strap 140. Strap 140 may be adjusted to provide a secure and comfortable fit around the wearer's wrist. In other examples, the strap may be a bracelet, such as for a looser fit, or other types of attachment mechanisms.

[0030] The strap 130 may further include a receptacle 150 adapted to secure the watch body 145 of the smart watch 100 to the strap 130. For example, to accommodate the watch body 145, the receptacle 150 may have a shape similar to the watch body 145. In addition, the receptacle 150 may include features such as grooves, hooks, locks, screws, pins, magnets, etc., which may interlock with features of the watch body 145 to ensure a secure attachment. Although the receptacle 150 is shown in this example, in other examples, the strap 130 may include other mechanical features that directly secure the strap 130 to the watch body 145, such as pins, screws, hooks, locks, etc.

[0031] In some examples, the watchband 130 can be configured to include electronic and / or mechanical components. For example, the electronic component 160 is shown to be located inside the band 140. Alternatively or additionally, these electronic components can be located inside the receptacle 150. The electronic component 160 can include a wireless communication system for transmitting and / or receiving data from components in the watch body 145, and / or transmitting and / or receiving data from other devices. The electronic component 160 can further include an identification and / or authentication device, such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) device, which can be linked to a user profile or account. For example, a user profile or account can include information such as user preferences and other user data. In some examples, the electronic component 160 can also receive power from the receiver coil 170 via the electrical connection 180. In some examples, in order to avoid making the watchband 130 bulky or cumbersome for the wearer, the electronic component 160 can be placed in the watch body 145 instead of the watchband 130.

[0032] The wireless charging capability may improve the waterproof or water-resistant features of the smart watch 100. For example, since the watch body 145 may include wireless charging and / or communication capabilities, electrical connections such as wires or contact pins may not be required in the watch body 145 and / or in the strap 130. Therefore, the electronic components of the watch body 145 and the receiver coil 170 may not be exposed to contaminants such as dirt or water through exposed wires or contact pins, thereby extending the service life of the smart watch 100 and improving wireless charging efficiency.

[0033] Figure 2 A block diagram of an example of a watch body 145 in a smart watch 100 including a wireless power receiving system 125 according to aspects of the present disclosure is shown. It should not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure or the usefulness of the features described herein. In the example shown, the watch body 145 can include one or more processors 112, memory 114, and other components typically found in general-purpose computing devices.

[0034] The memory 114 may store information accessible by the one or more processors 112, including instructions 116 executable by the one or more processors 112. The memory 114 may also include data 118 that may be retrieved, manipulated, or stored by the processor 112.

[0035] Further Figure 2As shown in FIG. 1 , the watch body 145 may include one or more user inputs, such as user input 111. For example, the user input may include a mechanical actuator, a soft actuator, a peripheral device, a sensor, and / or other components. The user may be able to use the user input 111 to interact with the smart watch 100, such as opening a web page or email, composing a message, controlling a display or audio function, controlling a sensor to monitor heart rate or body temperature, positioning via GPS, etc.

[0036] The watch body 145 may include one or more output devices, such as output device 113. For example, the output device may include one or more speakers, transducers or other audio outputs, user displays, tactile interfaces, or other tactile feedback that provides non-visual and non-auditory information to the user. For example, the display in the output device 113 can display visual information to the user, such as text, graphics, video, etc. As another example, the speaker in the output device 113 can be used to play music, emit audio for navigation or other guidance, for multimedia files, for voice calls, for translating speech, etc. In addition, the tactile or haptic feedback in the output device 113 can be used to generate non-visual and non-auditory alerts, such as by vibration.

[0037] The watch body 145 may include one or more sensors, such as sensor 115. For example, the sensor may include a visual sensor, an audio sensor, a touch sensor, and the like. The sensor may also include a motion sensor, such as an inertial measurement unit ("IMU"). According to some examples, the IMU may include an accelerometer, such as a 3-axis accelerometer, and a gyroscope, such as a 3-axis gyroscope. The sensor may further include a barometer, a vibration sensor, a thermal sensor, a radio frequency (RF) sensor, a magnetometer, an air pressure sensor, a heart rate sensor, a body temperature sensor. Additional or different sensors may also be used. In some examples, the sensor 135 may include a sensor for detecting battery status, the presence of a wireless charging device, or any of a variety of other conditions.

[0038] The watch body 145 may include a charging and communication system 117. The charging and communication system 117 may enable the exchange of power and information with other devices. The charging and communication system 117 may include a wireless power receiving system, such as Figure 1 1. The wireless power receiving system 125 depicted in FIG. The power management circuit 199 is configured to modulate the power signal to transmit data or power. The receiver coil 170 is included in the wireless power receiving system 125 configured to receive power. The charging and communication system 117 can be controlled by the processor 112. In other examples, the charging and communication system 117 can alternatively include a power management circuit 199 configured to transmit and / or receive data according to the Bluetooth standard or other suitable standards.

[0039] The charging and communication system 117 may enable wireless network connections, wireless ad hoc connections, and / or wired connections. The communication system may be configured to support communications via cellular, LTE, 4G, 5G, WiFi, GPS, and other networking architectures. The charging and communication system 117 may be configured to support Bluetooth LE, Near Field Communication (NFC) standard, Qi standard, and non-networked wireless arrangements. The charging and communication system 117 can support a wired connection such as a USB, micro USB, USB Type-C, or other connector, for example to receive data and / or power from a laptop, tablet, smartphone, or other device.

[0040] The charging and communication systems 117 may each include one or more accumulators, such as an accumulator 119 configured to receive and store power generated from the wireless power receiving system 125. In one example, the accumulator 119 may be Figure 5 Battery 520.

[0041] Although not shown, the watch body 145 may also include other additional components. For example, the watch body 145 may include a location determination module, which may include a GPS chipset or other positioning system components. Information from sensors and / or information from data received or determined from a remote device (such as a wireless base station or wireless access point) can be used by the location determination module to calculate or otherwise estimate the physical location of the watch body 145 and / or the strap 130. As another example, the watch body 145 may include one or more internal clocks. These internal clocks can provide timing information that can be used for time measurement of applications and other programs run by the computing device, as well as basic operations of the computing device, sensors, input / output, GPS, communication systems, etc.

[0042] It should be noted that although Figure 2 The components shown in are included in the watch body 145, but it should be noted that Figure 2 One or more components may also be implemented or configured at other locations of the smart watch 100 , such as the strap 130 .

[0043] Figure 3A cross-sectional view of a wireless power transmission system 300 including a wireless power receiving system 125 and a wireless charging device 120 is depicted. The wireless power receiving system 125 can be positioned and / or placed on the wireless charging device 120 in a manner with minimal clearance and good alignment with each other to improve charging efficiency. For ease of illustration and explanation, the bottom cover plate of the smart watch 100 is omitted in this example. The profile of the receiver coil 170 of the wireless power receiving system 125 is configured to substantially match the profile of the transmitter coil 115 disposed in the charging base. The transmitter coil 115 and the receiver coil 170 can each have a complementary conical shape. The conical shape of the receiver coil 170 (e.g., the conical shape includes an inner wall 612 and an outer wall 679 each having a beveled surface 614, 610) provides a good matching surface with the transmitter coil 115.

[0044] Figure 4 A side view of the exterior of a smart watch 100 having a wireless power receiving system is depicted. For ease of illustration, a strap 130 or other connection mechanisms are omitted for clarity. Figure 4 As shown in , the smart watch 100 includes a watch body 145 having a top cover plate 410, a housing 420, and a bottom cover plate 430. The top cover plate 410 can enable viewing and interaction with the display. For example, the display can be a screen or a touch screen, and the cover plate can be glass or other suitable materials. The top cover plate 410 has a first surface 435 and a second surface 437 opposite to the first surface 435. The housing 420 has a first side 421 attached to the top cover plate 410 along the second surface 437 of the top cover plate 410, thereby providing protection for various electronic and / or mechanical components of the smart watch 100. For example, as Figure 5 As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 4 , various electronic and / or mechanical components inside the housing 420 may include the wireless power receiving system 125. The housing 420 may be made of any of a variety of dielectric materials. For example, the dielectric material may be glass (such as Corning, NEG) or a ceramic material (such as zirconium oxide or aluminum oxide). According to one example, for mechanical strength and durability, the housing 420 may have a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 1 mm.

[0045] The bottom cover plate 430 is attached to the second surface 422 of the housing 420. In one example, the bottom cover plate 430 is removably attached to the housing 420. The bottom cover plate 430 can be made of a non-metallic material, such as ceramic, glass, plastic, or a combination thereof, to provide further insulation between the various electronic components of the smart watch 100 and the wearer's skin. Therefore, the bottom cover plate 430 can reduce body influences such as detuning, attenuation, and shadowing effects of the wireless power receiving system 125 caused by the wearer's skin. Alternatively, the bottom cover plate 430 can be made of a metal material.

[0046] like Figure 5 As shown in the cross-sectional view of , the housing 420 and the bottom cover plate 430 define an internal volume 502 that allows multiple electronic components to be disposed therein. In one example, a printed circuit board (PCB) 550 is disposed in the internal volume 502. The haptic motor 521, the battery 520, or other electronic components such as a speaker, a microphone, or a sensor may also be disposed on the first surface 547 or adjacent to the printed circuit board 550. One or more magnets 530 may be disposed on the second surface 531 of the printed circuit board (PCB) 550, or other suitable locations in the internal volume 502. The magnet 530 is configured to apply an alignment magnetic force between the smart watch 100 and the wireless charging device 120. The sensor board 504 on which the heart rate sensor 507 is disposed is disposed on the magnet 530. The wireless power receiving system 125 is disposed on the sensor board 504. Both the wireless power receiving system 125 and the sensor board 504 may be annular structures to enhance the stacking of the wireless power receiving system 125 to the sensor board 504.

[0047] In one example, the wireless power receiving system 125 includes a receiver coil 170 disposed on a shield 505. An adhesive material 540 may be used between the receiver coil 170 and the shield 505 to enhance adhesion therebetween. 7A to 7C The details of the wireless power receiving system 125 are described. In one example, the shield 505 can be made of a material that can modify or redirect the transmission of electromagnetic energy applied to the receiver coil 170. Thus, the receiver coil 170 can receive more or most of the electromagnetic energy to improve charging efficiency. The shield 505 can be additionally or alternatively configured to shield electronic components (such as a battery 520, a haptic motor 521, etc.) disposed in the smart watch 100 from electromagnetic energy to prevent the electronic components from being damaged during charging. The shield 505 can prevent electromagnetic energy directed to the smart watch 100 from heating or otherwise affecting the electronic components and redirect the electromagnetic energy in a direction away from the electronic components.

[0048] In one example, the shield 505 can help redirect the magnetic field to the receiver coil 170 to improve the efficiency of wireless power transmission and reduce the interference of stray field propagation to other electrical components in the electronic device. In one example, the shield 505 can be made of a doped dielectric material, a metal and / or magnetic material with a relatively high magnetic permeability, or other suitable composite materials that can efficiently shield, change or affect the transmission path of electromagnetic energy. Suitable materials that can be used to make the shield 505 include nanocrystalline, polycrystalline or amorphous materials of magnetic materials, such as iron, iron silicate, iron-cobalt, manganese-zinc, nickel or nickel-zinc, or doped materials, including plastics, glass or other composite materials. In one example, the dopant can be a metallic material.

[0049] In one example, the size / width of the shield 505 is slightly larger than the size / width of the receiver coil 170, thereby defining a bottom exposed surface 599 that is not in direct contact with the receiver coil 170 and / or the adhesive layer 540. The slightly larger size of the shield 505 substantially covers the entire structure of the receiver coil 170 to redirect the magnetic field generated during charging to the receiver coil 170 and also prevent the magnetic field from damaging nearby electronic components. In one example, the shield 505 covers the entire top surface of the receiver coil 170 and / or the adhesive layer 540. The structure of the receiver coil 170 is configured to be shielded below the shield 505.

[0050] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B A top view of a receiver coil 170, 650 having different profiles is shown. Fig. 6A In the example shown in , the receiver coil 170 can be an annular shape 652. In one example, the receiver coil 170 can be configured as a ring having a central opening 658 defined in a coil body 660. The body width 669 of the coil body 660 is between about 3.5 mm and about 4.0 mm, such as between about 3.7 mm and about 3.9 mm. The coil body 660 has a top surface 666 and a bottom surface 668 (such as Fig. 7A The inner wall 662 and the outer wall 664 are connected to the coil body 660. The inner wall 662 of the coil body 660 defines an inner diameter 670 of the central opening 658. The inner diameter 670 of the opening 658 is configured to be within a predetermined size range to accommodate the heart rate sensor 505 or other sensor placed therein (such as Figure 5 In one example, the inner diameter 670 can be in a range between about 15 mm and about 16 mm, such as between about 15.4 mm and about 15.6 mm.

[0051] exist Figure 6B In the example shown in , the receiver coil 650 can also be a ring-like structure of a coil body 676, which has a basic ring portion 656 and a straight side portion 654. The straight side portion 654 defines a rectangular portion of the coil body 676, which is connected to the ring portion 656 of the coil body 676. The length 655 of the straight side portion 654 can be in any suitable range, which can help to implement the receiver coil 650 with the shield 505 in the wireless power receiving system 125. The straight side portion 654 and the ring portion 656 combine to form an integral and / or integral piece of the receiver coil 650. The straight side portion 654 has a width 681 that is substantially similar or the same as the width 680 of the ring portion 656.

[0052] Similarly, the receiver coil 650 has a central opening 674 defined by the inner wall 683 of the side portion 654 and the annular portion 656. The central opening 674 defines an inner diameter 672 in the annular portion 656, which can accommodate the heart rate sensor 505 or other sensor placed therein (e.g., Figure 5 ).

[0053] 7A to 7C A cross-sectional view of a wireless power receiving system 125 with different profile configurations of a receiver coil 170 is shown. In one example, the receiver coil 170 is a plurality of windings of an electrical conductor, such as copper. In another example, a single winding may be composed of a plurality of individual strands. In some examples, the winding may be arranged in a substantially annular shape with one or more winding layers. As described above, the winding may be arranged in an annular configuration, such as Fig. 6A Alternatively, similar to Figure 6B In the example of FIG. 1 , a winding having a first portion having a substantially annular shape and a second portion having a substantially rectangular shape, viewed from a top view, may be provided.

[0054] In some examples, top surface 666 can be attached to shield 505 via adhesive layer 540, while bottom surface 668 and / or side surfaces follow the contour and / or shape of bottom cover plate 430. Thus, receiver coil 170 can have different cross-sectional profiles, such as different contours of the bottom surface or side surfaces, such as 7A to 7C Different profiles can be adapted to different profiles of the inner surface of the bottom cover plate 430 from the watch body 145. For example, Fig. 7A In the example depicted in FIG, the receiver coil 170 can have a curved bottom sidewall 602 that substantially follows the contour of the bottom cover plate 430. Closely following the contour can minimize the gap (if any) between the coil body 660 of the smart watch 100 and the bottom cover plate 430. By minimizing the gap between the coil body 660 and the bottom cover plate 430, the distance from the receiver coil 170 to the transmitter coil 115 of the wireless charging device 120 can also be reduced, thereby improving charging efficiency.

[0055] exist Fig. 7A In the example depicted in , when the inner surface of the bottom cover plate 430 is also curved, the inner wall 662 of the coil body 660 may be substantially vertically straight, while the outer wall 664 may have a substantially curved bottom sidewall 602 .

[0056] exist Figure 7B In the example depicted in Fig. 7ASimilar to the example depicted in , the inner wall 662 of the coil body 660 can be vertically straight, while the outer wall 606 of the coil body 660 can have a beveled or angled surface 677. The degree of the bevel can be determined by the contour of the inner surface of the bottom cover plate 430. Thus, the beveled or angled surface 677 of the coil body 660, such as the winding layers defining the coil body 660, is contoured with the corresponding inner surface of the bottom cover plate 430.

[0057] exist Figure 7C In the example depicted in Fig. 7A and Figure 7B , the inner wall 612 of the coil body 660 may have an angled surface or beveled surface 614 that may or may not be parallel to the beveled or angled surface 610 of the outer wall 679 of the coil body 660. In examples where the beveled or angled surface 610 of the outer wall 679 is parallel to the beveled or angled surface 614 of the inner wall 612, the coil body 660 may be configured substantially in a conical shape.

[0058] exist Fig.7D In the example depicted in , the receiver coil 170 has an inner wall 702 and an outer wall 704 connected by a bottom surface 706. The shape of the receiver coil 170 is substantially conical. The bottom surface 706 can be inclined or beveled relative to a horizontal plane 708. The inclined or beveled configuration of the bottom surface 706 can help fit the bottom surface 706 to the contour of the inner surface of the bottom cover plate 430 of the wearable device 100, wherein there is a minimum gap between the bottom surface 706 and the outer shape of the inner surface of the bottom cover plate 430 of the wearable device 100.

[0059] In some examples, the top surface 666 and the bottom surface 668 can be similarly configured as inner and outer walls, such that the top surface 666 and the bottom surface 668 can also be curved, inclined, or angled, such as a three-dimensional geometric configuration.

[0060] It should be noted that the inner walls 662, 612 of the receiver coil 170 do not extend laterally beyond the inner wall 672 of the shield 505. For example, the inner wall 662 extends vertically inward from the inner wall 672 of the shield 505, thereby defining a bottom exposed surface 599 that is not in contact with the receiver coil 170. The relatively large size / width of the shield 505 substantially covers the entire structure of the receiver coil 170 to improve charging efficiency.

[0061] FIG. 8A to FIG. 8CDepicted are different examples of shields 802, 804, 806 that may be used in the wireless power receiving system 125. Similar to the shield 504 described above, the shields 802, 804, 806 may be substantially annular in shape. In one example, the shields 802, 804, 806 are substantially annular in shape with a central opening defined in the shield body.

[0062] exist FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C , cutout portions, such as slots, are formed in the shields 802, 804, 806 to facilitate implementation and attachment of the shields 802, 804, 806 to the receiver coil 170. The cutout portions 850, 860, 872a, 872b of the shields 802, 804, 806 may better fit to the top surface 666 of the receiver coil 170 through the adhesive layer 540. For example, the cutout portions 850, 860, 872a, 872b of the shields 802, 804, 806 may provide a good mating surface to the top surface 666 of the receiver coil 170 and / or to the adhesive layer 540 when the top surface 666 of the receiver coil 170 has a three-dimensional geometry, such as an angled, inclined, or beveled surface. Thus, unevenness or wrinkles at the interface between the shields 802, 804, 806 and the receiver coil 170 may be reduced or eliminated. The close-fitting interface can also minimize gaps between the shields 802, 804, 806 and the underside of the receiver coil 170. Additionally, the cutout portions 850, 860, 872a, 872b of the shields 802, 804, 806 can also help relieve elastic stresses that develop therebetween.

[0063] exist Fig. 8A In the example depicted in FIG, a cutout portion 850 having substantially straight sidewalls 852 may be formed in a shield body 854 of the shield 802. Figure 8B In the example depicted in FIG, a cutout portion 860 having a substantially inclined or beveled sidewall 862 can be formed in a shield body 864 of the shield 804. Figure 8C In the example depicted in FIG, one or more cutout portions 872a, 872b may be formed in the inner wall 874 defining a central opening 876 in the shield 806. Although four cutout portions 872a, 872b are formed in the central opening 876 of the shield 806, it should be noted that any number of cutout portions may be formed therein as desired.

[0064] 9A to 9EDifferent examples of shields 902, 904, 906 that may be used in the wireless power receiving system 125 are depicted. Similar to the shields 802, 804, 806 described above, the shields 902, 904, 906, 908, 910 may have substantially annular shaped annular portions 954, 964, 974, 984, 994 connected to substantially rectangular shaped straight side portions 958, 968, 978, 988, 998, similar to the shields 802, 804, 806 described above. Figure 6B The configuration and / or profile of the receiving coil 650 are similar.

[0065] exist Fig.9A In the example depicted in FIG, a cutout portion 950 (such as a slot) having vertical sidewalls 952 is formed in a straight side portion 958 of the shield 902. Although the cutout portion 950 is formed in the straight side portion 958, it should be noted that the cutout portion can be formed in any suitable location in the shield 902, including the annular portion 954.

[0066] exist Fig. 9B , a cutout portion 960 (such as a slot) having an inclined, angled, or beveled sidewall 962 is formed in a straight side portion 968 of the shield 904. Although the cutout portion 960 is formed in the straight side portion 968, it should be noted that the cutout portion may be formed in any suitable location in the shield 904, including the annular portion 964.

[0067] exist Fig. 9C In the example depicted in FIG. 1 , one or more cutout portions 972a, 972b may be formed in the inner wall 975 defining the central opening 976 in the shield 906, either in the annular portion 974 or the side linear portion 978, or both. Although four cutout portions 972a, 972b are formed in the central opening 976 of the shield 906, it should be noted that the cutout portions formed therein may have any number as desired.

[0068] exist Fig.9D In the example depicted in , the cutout portion 980 is formed in the annular portion 984 at a position close to the straight side portion 988 .

[0069] exist Fig.9E In the example depicted in FIG. 1 , in addition to the cutout portion 990 formed in the annular portion 994 near the straight side portion 988, an additional cutout portion 992, such as an arc-shaped structure, may be formed in the annular portion 984 of the shield 910. The additional cutout portion 992 may expose a portion of the receiver coil 170 disposed thereunder.

[0070] It should be noted that the cutout portions 950, 960, 972a, 972b, 980, 990 can accommodate wires passing therethrough.

[0071] Fig.10 An exploded view of the wireless power receiving system 125 including the shield 505, the adhesive layer 540, and the receiver coil 170 is depicted. Fig.10 The example depicted in FIG. 1 includes a shield 505, an adhesive layer 540, and a receiver coil 170 each having an annular portion connected to a side straight portion, but it should be noted that the shield 505, the adhesive layer 540, and the receiver coil 170 can be annular in shape, as described above with reference to FIG. Fig. 6A and FIG. 8A to FIG. 8C During manufacturing, the shield 505 is aligned and attached to the receiver coil 170 by the adhesive layer 540. As described above, the adhesive layer 540 can be a heat-activated material. Thus, when thermal energy is applied, the adhesive layer 540 can soften and become tacky to enhance the attachment and bonding between the receiver coil 170 and the shield 505.

[0072] Fig.11 An exploded view of another example of a wireless power receiving system 1100 that can be used in a smart watch 100 is depicted. In addition to the shield 505, the adhesive layer 540, and the receiver coil 170, a release film 1104 and an additional adhesive layer 1102 can be formed on the shield 505. Similar to the adhesive layer 540, the additional adhesive layer 1102 can be heat activated to facilitate the attachment of the shield 505 to the release film 1104. The release film 1104 can also be a film layer that can be peeled off during assembly to allow the additional adhesive layer 1102 to adhere the shield 505, the adhesive layer 540, and the receiver coil 170 to a designated structure, such as Figure 5 Sensor board 504 is depicted in FIG.

[0073] Fig.12 An exploded view of yet another example of a wireless power receiving system 1200 that can be used in smart watch 100 is depicted. In addition to shield 505, adhesive layer 540, and receiver layer 170, a bottom adhesive layer 1202 similar to adhesive layer 540 is formed on the bottom surface of receiver coil 170. Similar to adhesive layer 540, bottom adhesive layer 1202 can be heat activated to facilitate attachment of receiver coil 170 to bottom cover plate 430 of smart watch 100.

[0074] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13B A perspective view of a wireless charging device 120 is depicted with or without a transmitter coil 115 positioned therein. Fig.13A In the example depicted in FIG. 1 , the transmitter coil 115 is sized to be positioned within a channel 1306 (eg, Fig. 13B ). The transmitter coil 115 can be removed from the charging base 1350. Similar to the above-mentioned receiver coil 170, the transmitter coil 115 can include windings of several electrical conductors (such as copper). In some examples, a single winding can be composed of several independent wire strands. The winding can be arranged in a basic annular shape with one or more winding layers. The winding layers define the coil body of the transmitter coil 115.

[0075] The charging base 1350 can have an annular body 1355 having a central opening 1308 defined therein. The annular body 1355 includes an outer flange 1302 and an inner flange 1304 connected by a support base 1357. The outer flange 1302, the inner flange 1304, and the support base 1357 combine to define a channel 1306 therein that allows the transmitter coil 115 to be disposed therein. A slot 1320 can be formed on the outer flange 1302 to facilitate removal or placement of the transmitter coil 115 into the channel 1306.

[0076] Fig. 13C Describes the Fig.13A . In one example, the channel 1306 defined between the inner flange 1304 and the outer flange 1302 can have a beveled surface 1312, such as an inclined surface or an angled surface, or other surface configurations, to receive a transmitter coil 115 configured to match the shape of the receiver coil 170 or the contour of the bottom cover plate 430 of the smart watch 100. In other words, the transmitter coil 115 can be configured to have a shape that is complementary to the shape of the receiver coil 170 or the contour of the bottom cover plate 430 to improve charging efficiency therebetween. Fig. 13C In the example depicted in FIG. 1 , the beveled surface 1312 may have an angle β relative to the horizontal plane 1311 that is in a range between about 5 degrees and about 15 degrees, such as in a range between about 9 degrees and about 11 degrees. In one example, the transmitter coil 115 may be conical in shape, similar to Figure 7C The conical shape of the receiver coil 170 of the transmitter coil 115 is adapted to match the contour defined by the receiver coil 170. In one example, the beveled surface 1312 of the channel 1306 is configured to match the conical shape of the transmitter coil 115.

[0077] In addition, a height difference 1322 between the height of the outer flange 1302 and the inner flange 1304 is also defined to facilitate the formation of the beveled surface 1312. In one example, the height difference 1322 is in a range between about 0.5 mm and about 0.9 mm, such as between about 0.60 mm and about 0.62 mm, wherein the height of the outer flange 1302 is greater than the height of the inner flange 1304. It should be noted that the structure of the charging base 1350 can be any configuration that provides a surface contour that provides a good contour fit with the transmitter coil 115, so that the transmitter coil 115 can also follow and / or fit the contour of the bottom cover plate 430 and / or the receiver coil 170 to minimize the gap between the transmitter coil 115 and the receiver coil 170.

[0078] In one example, the transmitter coil 115 can be coupled to a processor 1351 in the charging base 1350 to control the transmitter coil 115. For example, the processor 1352 can control and provide an AC power signal or a DC power signal to the transmitter coil 115 to induce a specific voltage / current in the receiver coil 170 through the transmitter coil 115. In some examples, the processor 1351 can change the operating frequency of the power signal.

[0079] The present disclosure provides a wireless power transmission system having a wireless power receiving system and a wireless charging device. The receiver coil from the wireless power receiving system has a profile that follows the outer shape of the bottom cover of the wearable device, and the transmitter coil 115 from the wireless charging device has a complementary profile that matches the profile defined by the receiver coil. Thus, the gap between the receiver coil and the bottom cover of the wearable device is minimized, so that the distance from the receiver coil to the transmitter coil of the wireless charging device can also be reduced to improve the charging coupling coefficient and charging efficiency.

[0080] Unless otherwise stated, the above alternative examples are not mutually exclusive, but can be implemented in various combinations to achieve unique advantages. Since these and other variations and combinations of the features discussed above can be utilized without departing from the subject matter defined by the claims, the foregoing description of the embodiments should be understood by way of illustration rather than by limitation of the subject matter defined by the claims. In addition, the embodiments described herein and the clauses expressed as "for example", "including", etc. should not be interpreted as limiting the subject matter of the claims to specific embodiments; on the contrary, these examples are intended to illustrate only one of many possible embodiments. In addition, the same reference numerals in different figures may identify the same or similar elements.

Claims

1. A wireless power receiving system, comprising: a shield having a leading end and a trailing end, wherein a cutout portion separates the leading end and the trailing end; and a receiver coil attached to the shield, wherein The receiver coil further comprises: an inner wall and an outer wall connected by a lateral top surface of the receiver coil, wherein the inner wall defines a central opening in the receiver coil, wherein the inner wall of the receiver coil is beveled to cause the receiver coil to be conical in shape, Wherein the shield extends at least partially across the lateral top surface of the receiver coil, and wherein the cut-out portion of the shield exposes a portion of the lateral top surface of the receiver coil.

2. The wireless power receiving system according to claim 1, further comprising: An adhesive layer is disposed between the shield and the receiver coil.

3. The wireless power receiving system according to claim 1, wherein: The receiver coil has a side straight portion connected to a loop portion.

4. The wireless power receiving system according to claim 1, wherein: The receiver coil includes several windings of electrical conductors.

5. The wireless power receiving system according to claim 1, further comprising: Release film; and An adhesive layer is disposed between the release film and the shielding member.

6. The wireless power receiving system according to claim 1, wherein: The shield has a side straight portion connected to the annular portion.

7. The wireless power receiving system according to claim 6, wherein: The cutout portion is formed in the side straight line portion. 8 . The wireless power receiving system according to claim 1 , further comprising a second cutout portion formed at an inner wall of the shield.

9. The wireless power receiving system according to claim 1, wherein: The shield has a width that is wider than a width of the receiver coil.

10. A wireless power transmission system, comprising: Wireless power receiving system; and A wireless charging device, wherein the wireless charging device comprises: a transmitter coil having a conical shape; and a charging base, wherein the charging base has a channel formed therein, the channel being configured to receive the transmitter coil, wherein the channel has a beveled surface configured to match the conical shape of the transmitter coil, Wherein, the charging base further comprises: inner flange; an outer flange; and a supporting bottom connected between the inner flange and the outer flange, wherein the channel is defined on the supporting bottom between the inner flange and the outer flange, Wherein, the support bottom has a horizontal bottom surface such that the beveled surface of the channel has an angle relative to the horizontal bottom surface.

11. The wireless power transmission system according to claim 10, wherein: The wireless power receiving system is provided in a wearable device.

12. The wireless power transmission system according to claim 11, further comprising: A receiver coil is provided in the wireless power receiving system, wherein a contour of the receiver coil follows a contour of an inner surface of a bottom cover plate of the wearable device.

13. The wireless power transmission system according to claim 12, wherein: The receiver coil has a conical shape.

14. The wireless power transmission system according to claim 10, wherein: The height of the outer flange is greater than the height of the inner flange.

15. The wireless power transmission system according to claim 10, wherein: The transmitter coil has several windings of electrical conductors.

16. A wireless charging device, comprising: a transmitter coil, the transmitter coil having a conical shape; and a charging base, wherein the charging base has a channel formed therein, the channel being configured to receive the transmitter coil, wherein the channel has a beveled surface configured to match the conical shape of the transmitter coil, Wherein, the charging base further comprises: inner flange; an outer flange; and a supporting bottom connected between the inner flange and the outer flange, wherein the channel is defined on the supporting bottom between the inner flange and the outer flange, Wherein, the support bottom has a horizontal bottom surface such that the beveled surface of the channel has an angle relative to the horizontal bottom surface.

17. The wireless charging device according to claim 16, wherein: The transmitter coil is removable from the charging base.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Methods for forming shield materials onto inductive coils

    US20150371768A1