Wireless communication device for radio frequency charging enclosure

Abstract

A radio frequency wireless charging enclosure is configured to enable efficient wireless charging of a consumer electronic device in the enclosure while allowing the consumer electronic device to communicate wirelessly with devices outside the enclosure. In one example, time division multiplexing is used to enable the consumer electronic device to be charged or communicate with devices outside the enclosure. In another example, frequency division is used to enable the consumer electronic device to be charged at a first frequency while communicating through the enclosure at a different second frequency.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference of related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 62 / 900,953, filed September 16, 2019, entitled “Wireless Communication Device for Radio Frequency Charging Housing,” the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This topic relates to wireless charging, such as radio frequency power chargers. Background Technology

[0004] As a step away from inductively coupled wireless solutions and traditional wired solutions, microwave-coupled wireless power transmission is gaining popularity in the consumer electronics market. These systems rely on high frequencies (e.g., f / 260)... c Electromagnetic coupling (>300MHz) provides power transfer between two resonant antennas, one of which acts as a transmitter and the other as a receiver. Attached Figure Description

[0005] The accompanying drawings illustrate one or more embodiments by way of example only and not by way of limitation. In the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar elements.

[0006] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an RF charging housing with electronic doors;

[0007] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of an RF charging housing with an electronic switch;

[0008] Figure 3 This illustrates a consumer electronic device that is prevented from communicating with external devices when the switch is off;

[0009] Figure 4 This illustrates a consumer electronic device that allows communication with external devices when the switch is on;

[0010] Figure 5 The housing is shown, which has a cover and a sensor configured to determine when the cover closes;

[0011] Figure 6 A method for charging a consumer electronic device within a housing is shown;

[0012] Figure 7 Frequency duplexing is illustrated, in which a consumer electronic device can charge at a first frequency while communicating at a different second frequency.

[0013] Figure 8 The frequency duplex of the front end of a consumer electronic device is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0014] A radio frequency wireless charging housing is configured to efficiently wirelessly charge a consumer electronics (CE) device within the housing, while simultaneously allowing the CE device to wirelessly communicate with a device outside the housing. In one example, time division multiplexing is used to enable the CE device to be charged or to communicate with a device outside the conductive housing. In another example, frequency division is used to enable the CE device to be charged at a first frequency while communicating through the housing at a different second frequency.

[0015] Other objects, advantages, and novel features of the examples will be partially set forth in the following description. These other objects, advantages, and novel features will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following description and the accompanying drawings, or may be learned by making or operating the examples. The objects and advantages of this subject matter may be realized and obtained by the methods, means, and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.

[0016] The detailed descriptions below illustrate numerous specific details with examples to provide a thorough understanding of the teachings. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such details can be practiced without them. In other cases, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have been described to a considerable extent without detailed description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the teachings.

[0017] As used herein, the term "coupled" refers to any logical, optical, physical, or electrical connection, link, etc., through which a signal or light generated or provided by one system element is transmitted to another coupled element. Unless otherwise stated, coupled elements or devices are not necessarily directly connected to each other and can be separated by intermediate components, elements, or communication media that can modify, manipulate, or carry light or signals.

[0018] Please refer in detail to the examples shown in the accompanying drawings and discussed below.

[0019] Currently, a large portion of consumer electronic devices use rechargeable batteries, which are typically powered via cable-based charging solutions. However, there is a growing concern about eliminating the physical connections required for ubiquitous cable-based charging solutions, as these connections limit design flexibility and complicate the mechanical integrity of consumer electronics. The technological trend is to replace these cable-based charging solutions with wireless charging systems.

[0020] As a concrete step away from wired solutions, wireless power transfer based on inductive coupling is gaining popularity in the consumer electronics market. These systems rely on low-frequency electromagnetic coupling to provide power transfer between two planar coils, one acting as a transmitter and the other as a receiver. This charging approach is a limited solution because the user experience can be poor due to the strict alignment and spacing requirements between the transmitting and receiving coils. Furthermore, the high-permeability ferrite sheets used for inductive charging increase the thickness and weight of the end device.

[0021] Highly efficient radio frequency (RF) wireless charging solutions address both of these issues. Since many modern consumer electronics devices inherently possess RF radios, some wireless infrastructure (such as antennas) can be reused, eliminating some weight and space concerns. The inherent characteristics of RF near-field coupling allow for significant improvements in versatility in how the receiver is positioned relative to the wireless power transmitter in inductive charging. One drawback of this versatility is that if the receiver and transmitter are not in a shielded environment, power transfer efficiency can be lost because some of the RF energy emitted by the transmitter radiates outside the intended target. Several companies have introduced carefully designed cavities and Faraday cages to contain all the transmitted energy within the enclosure, enabling the receiver to capture RF energy with maximum efficiency.

[0022] In one example, the wireless charging system includes a metal casing with a metal cover and an embedded transmitter. The system begins operating when the metal cover is closed. The enclosed casing ensures that the energy emitted by the transmitter has nowhere to go but to reach a receiver in a consumer electronics device placed inside the casing, which in turn uses that power to charge a battery. This efficiency-enhancing approach is costly because current receiving consumer electronics devices are located inside the metal casing and cannot wirelessly access the outside world while charging.

[0023] This disclosure includes a radio frequency wireless charging housing configured to efficiently wirelessly charge consumer electronic devices while allowing the consumer electronic devices to wirelessly communicate with devices outside the housing.

[0024] To enable a receiving consumer electronic device to communicate with the outside world while enclosed in a confined metal casing (such as copper in one example), physical openings are formed in the casing walls. If these openings are too large, energy leakage will occur during radio frequency wireless charging. If the openings are too small, wireless communication between the consumer electronic device and the outside world will be severely affected. Therefore, sufficiently large physical openings are needed for communication within the consumer electronic device, while the smallest possible physical openings are needed for wireless charging. Simply put, an electronically openable door on the metal casing enables... Figure 1 The behavior shown.

[0025] exist Figure 1 In the example described, the RF charging system 10 is time-duplex because the electronically operable door 12 of the housing 14 closes when the RF charging transmitter 16 wirelessly charges the consumer electronic device 18, and then opens when the consumer electronic device 18 needs to communicate with the outside world (e.g., with the wireless LAN / WWAN access point 20). In one example, the electronic door 12 opens and closes within milliseconds to enable modern time-duplex systems to function.

[0026] Figure 2 An electronic switch, functioning as a door 12, is shown, providing time-duplex charging and wireless communication. When wirelessly charging a consumer electronic device 18 using transmitter antenna 21 and consumer electronic device antenna 23, the electronic switch 12 disconnects antenna 22 inside housing 14 from antenna 24 outside housing 12. Switch 12 ensures that minimal radio frequency energy leakage from housing 14 during charging, as charging energy cannot escape from transmitter 16 and can only reach consumer electronic device 18. When consumer electronic device 18 is ready to communicate with the outside world, and transmitter 16 is not enabled, electronic switch 12 connects both antennas 22 and 24 to provide a reliable radio frequency link between antenna 26 of consumer electronic device 18 and WLAN / WWAN access point 20. In one example, radio frequency charging transmitter 16 sends a control signal on control line 28 that controls the connection of antennas 22 and 24, causing the antennas to disconnect when radio frequency charging transmitter 16 is transmitting radio frequency power and connect when radio frequency charging transmitter 16 is off. Antennas 22 and 24 of the electronic switch 12 are designed with the electromagnetic characteristics of the housing cavity 30 in mind and are properly matched in terms of their impedance. Antennas 22 and 24 are passive and operably connected to each other when the transmitter 16 is not operating and not charging the consumer electronics device 18. Antennas 22 and 24 may be high-bandwidth patch antennas tuned to operate inside the cavity and in free space, respectively. The design resistance of antennas 22 and 24 is not necessarily 50 ohms, but is designed to allow maximum energy extraction from the housing cavity when connected.

[0027] like Figure 3 As shown, when the electronic switch 12 is off during charging, there is no communication between the antenna 22 inside the housing 14 and the antenna 24 outside the housing. Therefore, the consumer electronic device 18 cannot communicate with the WLAN / WWAN access point 20. The radio frequency charging energy is contained within the wireless charging housing 14.

[0028] However, as Figure 4 As shown, when the electronic switch 12 is turned on, for example when the RF charging transmitter 16 is turned off, the antenna 24 around the housing 14 is connected to the antenna 22 inside the housing. At this time, the consumer electronic device 18 can wirelessly communicate with the WLAN / WWAN access point 20 through the antennas 22 and 24.

[0029] There are multiple methods to implement the time-duplex charging scheme described above. Figure 5 and Figure 6 An example is shown in which, when the metal housing cover 44 is closed, the housing switch 40, which extends upward on the upper edge 42 of the housing 14, is compressed and closed. Once the transmitter 16 detects that the switch 40 is closed, the transmitter 16 controls the electronic switch 12 to its default position, i.e., the off state, in which radio frequency communication between the inside and outside of the housing 14 is not permitted.

[0030] Reference Figure 6 In the method 60 shown, at box 62, the user closes the cover 44 to enclose the consumer electronic device 18 in a housing.

[0031] At box 64, the RF transmitter 16 detects the presence of a consumer electronic device 18 within the housing 14. In one example, the RF transmitter 16 transmits a low-amplitude RF charging signal via antenna 21 for a period of time (e.g., 2 seconds) before entering its answer mode. If the RF transmitter 16 does not receive a response from the consumer electronic device 18 in answer mode, it means that the consumer electronic device 18 is not present and the RF transmitter 16 will shut down until the next cover-close event. Meanwhile, the consumer electronic device 18 frequently checks for an incoming charging signal because it has logic that allows it to switch its antenna 23 between its RF radio and RF charger. The switching frequency should be less than the waiting time of the RF transmitter 16, which is 2 seconds in this example.

[0032] In step 66, once the consumer electronic device 18 detects that it is in a charging environment, upon receiving a low-amplitude charging signal from the transmitter 16 via the antenna 23, it replies to and informs the RF transmitter 16 of its battery charging status and the temperature of its critical components via the RF link 46. The RF link 46 can be a simple modulation scheme without security (as simple as amplitude modulation) because the communication is completely isolated from the outside world.

[0033] At box 68, the RF transmitter 16 and the consumer electronics device 18 are in charging mode, synchronizing their clocks using RF link 46 and agreeing to perform RF charging for a certain period of time at a certain amplitude (e.g., 3 seconds and maximum amplitude in this example), depending on the battery charging state and the temperature of critical components of the consumer electronics device 18. Switch 12 is open, preventing the RF charging signal from being emitted from the housing 12 via switch 12.

[0034] At box 70, after a set time has elapsed (3 seconds in this example), the RF transmitter 16 switches to answer mode to connect to the consumer electronic device 18. The purpose is to query the consumer electronic device 18's battery charging status, temperature, and whether it wishes to communicate with the outside world. If the consumer electronic device 18 needs to charge further and does not wish to communicate with the outside world, this process is repeated with each additional RF charge.

[0035] At box 72, if the consumer electronic device 18 no longer needs charging, the RF transmitter 16 will turn off until the next cover event and notify the electronic switch 12 to enter the "on" state via control line 30. If the consumer electronic device 18 needs to communicate with the outside world, the RF transmitter 16 will notify the electronic switch 12 that the consumer electronic device 18 wants to communicate with the outside world and enter answering mode. Then, the electronic switch 12 will turn to the "on" position, connecting the two antennas 22 and 24 to provide a link between the outside world and the consumer electronic device 18.

[0036] At box 74, once the consumer electronics device 18 has completed communication with the outside world, it sends its battery charging status and the temperature of its critical components to the RF transmitter 16 via the same simple RF link 46. The RF transmitter 16 is in answer mode, waiting to receive notification of whether a charging event is needed. Therefore, when a charging request comes in, the RF transmitter 16 transmits information that the charging process is about to begin to the electronic switch 12. The electronic switch 12 returns to its off position, and the RF transmitter 16 again sends an RF charging signal within that fixed time (3 seconds in this example). This process itself is repeated as the RF transmitter 16 and the consumer electronics device 18 negotiate it.

[0037] In another example, such as Figure 7 As shown, frequency duplexing is utilized, where the consumer electronic device 18 uses a first frequency f1 for radio frequency charging, and a different second frequency f2 for communication. For example, the radio frequency transmitter 16 performs radio frequency charging at 915MHz, while the consumer electronic device 18 operates in the 2.4GHz or 5.2GHz ISM band for communication.

[0038] like Figure 7As shown, communication for consumer electronic device 18 is accomplished using consumer electronic device antennas 23 and 22 / 24, while radio frequency charging is accomplished using transmitter antenna 21 and a second consumer electronic device antenna 25. The electronic switch antennas 22 and 24 are designed to ensure that radio frequency energy at frequency f1 from the radio frequency charging transmitter 16 cannot escape from housing 14, while communication by consumer electronic device 18 at frequency f2 can occur simultaneously. Switch 12 has a high rejection rate bandpass filter to allow wireless communication frequency f2 from consumer electronic device 18 to reach WLAN / WWAN access point 20 through switch 12, and this bandpass filter shields the radio frequency charging frequency signal.

[0039] Alternatively, the antennas of the consumer electronic device 18 can be combined into a single antenna 23 with multi-band radiation characteristics. In this case, such as Figure 8 As shown, the consumer electronic device 18 utilizes a frequency duplexer 82 in its radio frequency front-end to separate radio frequency charging energy from radio frequency communication energy in the spectral domain. The duplexer is configured to separate frequency bands. A bandpass filter 84 allows only higher frequency f2 communication between the consumer electronic device's radio frequency front-end 86 and antenna 23, while a bandpass filter 88 allows only lower frequency f1 radio frequency charging signal communication from the consumer electronic device 18's antenna 23 and radio frequency charging circuit 90.

[0040] It should be understood that, unless otherwise specified herein, the terms and expressions used herein have the general meanings assigned to them in relation to their respective fields of research. Relational terms such as “first” and “second” may be used only to distinguish one entity or action from another, without necessarily requiring or implying any actual relationship or order between the entities or actions. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “included in,” or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes or comprises a list of elements or steps includes not only those elements or steps but also other elements or steps not expressly listed or inherent to the process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element preceded by “a” does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0041] Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, numerical values, ratings, positions, grades, dimensions, etc., described in this specification (including the following claims) are approximate values, not precise values. Such quantities are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the function they pertain to and with the conventions of the field to which they pertain. For example, unless expressly stated otherwise, parameter values ​​may differ from the specified quantities by ±10%.

[0042] Furthermore, as can be seen in the foregoing specific embodiments, various examples combine various features in order to simplify this disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed examples require more features than are expressly stated in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the subject matter to be protected does not consist of all the features of any single disclosed example. Therefore, the following claims are hereby incorporated into the specific embodiments, each claim existing independently as a separate claim.

[0043] While the foregoing describes what is considered the best approach and other examples, it is understood that various modifications can be made to these approaches and examples, the subject matter disclosed herein can be implemented in various forms and examples, and these approaches and examples can be applied to a wide range of applications, only some of which are described herein. The following claims are intended to claim protection for any and all modifications and variations that fall within the true scope of this concept.

Claims

1. A radio frequency device charger, comprising: A housing having at least one wall surrounding a cavity, wherein the at least one wall surrounding the cavity is configured to prevent radio frequency signals from communicating through the at least one wall; A radio frequency transmitter is configured to generate a radio frequency charging signal within the cavity at a first frequency, the radio frequency charging signal being configured to wirelessly charge a device within the cavity. A switch, coupled to the at least one wall, is configured to transmit an RF communication signal through the at least one wall at a second frequency different from the first frequency of the RF charging signal, and to prevent the RF charging signal from communicating through the at least one wall, thereby preventing the RF charging signal from being emitted from the housing.

2. The RF device charger of claim 1, wherein the switch is configured to selectively transmit the RF communication signal through the at least one wall according to the RF transmitter's transmission state.

3. The RF device charger of claim 1, wherein the housing has a first state, wherein the RF transmitter is configured to generate the RF charging signal and the switch prevents the RF communication signal from communicating through the switch, and a second state, wherein the RF transmitter is not configured to generate the RF charging signal and the switch allows the RF communication signal to communicate through the switch.

4. The RF device charger of claim 1, wherein the housing has a third state, wherein the RF transmitter is configured to generate the RF charging signal and the switch allows the RF communication signal to communicate through the switch, wherein the switch prevents the RF charging signal from communicating through the switch.

5. The RF device charger according to claim 4, wherein the switch is a switchable antenna.

6. The RF device charger of claim 5, wherein the switch includes a first antenna and a second antenna configured to selectively couple with each other.

7. The RF device charger of claim 6, wherein the first antenna is exposed inside the cavity and the second antenna is exposed outside the housing.

8. The RF device charger of claim 6, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are impedance matched.

9. The RF device charger according to claim 6, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are passive.

10. The RF device charger according to claim 1, wherein the housing is made of a metallic material.

11. A method for radio frequency charging a device in a radio frequency device charger, comprising: A housing having at least one wall surrounding a cavity, wherein the at least one wall surrounding the cavity is configured to prevent radio frequency signals from communicating through the at least one wall; A radio frequency transmitter is configured to generate a radio frequency charging signal within the cavity at a first frequency, the radio frequency charging signal being configured to wirelessly charge a device within the cavity. A switch, coupled to the at least one wall, is configured to transmit an RF communication signal through the at least one wall at a second frequency different from the first frequency of the RF charging signal, and to reject the RF charging signal from communicating through the at least one wall, so as to prevent the RF charging signal from being emitted from the housing; Includes the following steps: Place the device into the housing; as well as The device within the housing is radio frequency charged, wherein the switch transmits radio frequency communication signals through the at least one wall at a second frequency different from the first frequency of the radio frequency charging signal, and refuses to allow the radio frequency charging signal to communicate through the at least one wall, thereby preventing the radio frequency charging signal from being emitted from the housing.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the switch selectively transmits the radio frequency communication signal through the at least one wall according to the state of the radio frequency transmitter.

13. The method of claim 11, wherein the housing has a first state, wherein the radio frequency transmitter is configured to generate the radio frequency charging signal and the switch prevents the radio frequency communication signal from communicating through the switch, and a second state, wherein the radio frequency transmitter is not configured to generate the radio frequency charging signal and the switch allows the radio frequency communication signal to communicate through the switch.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the housing has a third state, wherein the radio frequency transmitter is configured to generate the radio frequency charging signal and the switch allows the radio frequency communication signal to communicate through the switch, wherein the switch prevents the radio frequency charging signal from communicating through the switch.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the switch is a switchable antenna.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the switch comprises a first antenna and a second antenna configured to selectively couple to each other.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first antenna is exposed inside the cavity and the second antenna is exposed outside the housing.

18. The method of claim 16, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are impedance matched.

19. The method of claim 16, wherein the first antenna and the second antenna are passive.

20. The method of claim 16, wherein the outer casing is made of a metallic material.

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