Wireless charging device, operating wireless charging device, and processor-readable storage medium

Abstract

This application relates to wireless charging devices, operating wireless charging devices, and processor-readable storage media. A wireless charging device has a first plurality of charging coils disposed at a charging surface of the wireless charging device and a controller. The controller can be configured to determine that a chargeable device is positioned proximate to a plurality of charging coils provided in the charging surface, to separate a first charging coil of the plurality of charging coils from a first driver circuit, to couple the first charging coil to a second driver circuit, wherein a second charging coil of the plurality of charging coils can be coupled to the second driver circuit, and to configure a charging current provided by the second driver circuit to cause the first charging coil and the second charging coil to deliver a desired power level to the chargeable device.

Description

[0001] CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of provisional patent application No. 62 / 957,432 filed in the U.S. Patent Office on January 6, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth below and for all applicable purposes. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates generally to wireless charging of batteries, including using a multi-coil wireless charging device to charge a battery in a mobile device regardless of the location of the mobile device on the surface of the multi-coil wireless charging device. BACKGROUND

[0004] Wireless charging systems have been deployed to enable certain types of devices to charge internal batteries without the use of physical charging connections. Devices that can utilize wireless charging include mobile processing and / or communication devices. Standards such as the Qi standard defined by the Wireless Power Consortium enable devices manufactured by a first vendor to use chargers manufactured by a second vendor for wireless charging. Standards for wireless charging are optimized for relatively simple configurations of devices and tend to provide basic charging capabilities.

[0005] Improvements in wireless charging capabilities are needed to support the increasing complexity and varied form factors of mobile devices. For example, improved charging techniques are needed for multi-coil, multi-device charging pads. SUMMARY

[0006] One aspect of the present application relates to a method for operating a wireless charging device, the method comprising the steps of: determining that a chargeable device is positioned proximate to a plurality of charging coils located at a charging surface of the wireless charging device; decoupling a first charging coil of the plurality of charging coils from a first driver circuit; coupling the first charging coil to a second driver circuit, wherein a second charging coil of the plurality of charging coils is coupled to the second driver circuit; and initiating power transfer to the chargeable device by causing the second driver circuit to provide charging current to the first charging coil and the second charging coil, wherein at least two zones are defined on the charging surface, wherein the first driver circuit is configured to provide current to charging devices through a first zone, and wherein the second driver circuit is configured to provide current to charging devices through a second zone.

[0007] Each zone includes at least one coil allocated from the plurality of charging coils.

[0008] The first charging coil is at least partially physically located within the first region, and wherein the second charging coil is at least partially physically located within the second region.

[0009] The first charging coil is assigned to the first region, and wherein the second charging coil is assigned to the second region.

[0010] The chargeable device is positioned such that the chargeable device spans the first region and the second region.

[0011] The method further comprises the steps of: decoupling the first charging coil from the second driver circuit when the power transfer to the chargeable device has terminated; and coupling the first charging coil to the first driver circuit after decoupling the first charging coil from the second driver circuit.

[0012] Another aspect of the present application relates to a wireless charging device comprising: a plurality of charging coils provided at a charging surface of the wireless charging device; a plurality of driver circuits, each driver circuit configured to provide a charging current to one or more of the plurality of charging coils; and a controller configured to: determine that a chargeable device is positioned in proximity to a first charging coil of the plurality of charging coils; decouple the first charging coil of the plurality of charging coils from a first driver circuit; couple the first charging coil to a second driver circuit, wherein a second charging coil of the plurality of charging coils is coupled to the second driver circuit; and configure a charging current provided by the second driver circuit to cause the first charging coil and the second charging coil to transfer a desired level of power to the chargeable device, wherein at least two regions are defined on the charging surface, wherein the first driver circuit is configured to provide a charging current to a charging device through a first region, and wherein the second driver circuit is configured to provide a charging current to a charging device through a second region.

[0013] Each region comprises at least one charging coil assigned from the plurality of charging coils.

[0014] The first charging coil is at least partially physically located within the first region, and wherein the second charging coil is at least partially physically located within the second region.

[0015] The first charging coil is assigned to the first region by default, and wherein the second charging coil is assigned to the second region by default.

[0016] The chargeable device is positioned such that the chargeable device spans the first region and the second region.

[0017] The wireless charging device further includes a first switch circuit responsive to the controller and for coupling the first charging coil to the first driver circuit, and a second switch circuit responsive to the controller and for coupling the first charging coil and the second charging coil to the second driver circuit.

[0018] Another aspect of the application relates to a processor-readable storage medium including code for determining that a chargeable device is positioned in proximity to a plurality of charging coils located at a charging surface of a charging device, decoupling a first charging coil of the plurality of charging coils from a first driver circuit, coupling the first charging coil to a second driver circuit, wherein a second charging coil of the plurality of charging coils is coupled to the second driver circuit, and initiating power transfer to the chargeable device by causing the second driver circuit to provide charging current to the first charging coil and the second charging coil, wherein at least two regions are defined on the charging surface, wherein the first driver circuit is configured to provide current to a charging device through a first region, and wherein the second driver circuit is configured to provide current to a charging device through a second region.

[0019] The first charging coil is at least partially physically located within the first region, and wherein the second charging coil is at least partially physically located within the second region.

[0020] Each region includes at least one coil allocated from the plurality of charging coils, wherein the first charging coil is allocated to the first region, and wherein the second charging coil is allocated to the second region.

[0021] The chargeable device is positioned such that the chargeable device spans the first region and the second region.

[0022] The processor-readable storage medium further includes code for decoupling the first charging coil from the second driver circuit when power transfer to the chargeable device has terminated, and coupling the first charging coil to the first driver circuit after decoupling the first charging coil from the second driver circuit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 An example of a charging unit usable to provide a charging surface in a wireless charging device is shown in accordance with certain aspects disclosed herein.

[0024] Figure 2 An example of an arrangement of multiple charging cells disposed on a single layer of a region segment of a charging surface in a wireless charging device that can be adapted in accordance with certain aspects disclosed herein is shown.

[0025] Figure 3 An example of an arrangement of multiple charging cells when multiple layers are overlaid within a region segment of a charging surface that can be adapted in accordance with certain aspects disclosed herein is shown.

[0026] Figure 4 An arrangement of power transfer regions provided by a charging surface employing multiple layers of charging cells configured in accordance with certain aspects disclosed herein is shown.

[0027] Figure 5 A wireless transmitter that can be provided in a charger base station in accordance with certain aspects disclosed herein is shown.

[0028] Figure 6 A first topology for supporting matrix multiplexing switching used in a wireless charging device adapted in accordance with certain aspects disclosed herein is shown.

[0029] Figure 7 A second topology for supporting direct current drive in a wireless charging device adapted in accordance with certain aspects disclosed herein is shown.

[0030] Figure 8 A first configuration of a charging surface and a chargeable device in a wireless charging device in accordance with certain aspects disclosed herein is shown.

[0031] Figure 9 A second charging configuration on a charging surface in a wireless charging device when a chargeable device is being charged in accordance with certain aspects disclosed herein is shown.

[0032] Figure 10 A charging surface of a multi-device wireless charger provided in accordance with certain aspects disclosed herein is shown.

[0033] Figure 11 A configuration of charging cells in a wireless charging device corresponding to the wireless charging device of Figure 10 is shown.

[0034] Figure 12 is a first flowchart showing an example of a method for operating a wireless charging device including or implementing a charging surface in accordance with certain aspects disclosed herein.

[0035] Figure 13 An example of a charging system supporting a swing battery in accordance with certain aspects of the disclosure is shown.

[0036] Figure 14is a second flowchart illustrating an example of a method for operating a wireless charging device including or implementing a charging surface, in accordance with certain aspects disclosed herein.

[0037] Figure 15 One example of an apparatus employing processing circuitry applicable in accordance with certain aspects disclosed herein is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The detailed description set forth below, in connection with the appended drawings and embodiments described herinin, is intended as a description of various configurations and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the concepts described herein can be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details for the purpose of providing a thorough understanding of the various concepts. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that these concepts can be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts.

[0039] Several aspects of wireless charging systems will now be presented with reference to various apparatus and methods. These apparatus and methods will be described in the following detailed description and illustrated in the accompanying drawings by various blocks, modules, components, circuits, steps, processes, algorithms, etc. (collectively referred to as "elements"). These elements can be implemented using electronic hardware, computer software, or any combination thereof. Whether such elements are implemented as hardware or software depends on the particular application and design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0040] As an example, an element, or any portion of an element, or any combination of elements can be implemented with a "processing system" that includes one or more processors. Examples of processors include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functionality described throughout this disclosure. One or more processors in the processing system can execute software. Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, functions, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise. The software can reside on a processor-readable storage medium. A processor-readable storage medium can include, for example, magnetic storage mediums (e.g., magnetic disks, magnetic tapes); optical storage mediums (e.g., optical disks); intelligent cartridges; flash memory devices (e.g., card, stick, key drive); near-field communication (NFC) tokens; random access memory (RAM); read-only memory (ROM); programmable ROM (PROM); erasable PROM (EPROM); electrically erasable PROM (EEPROM); registers; removable disks; carrier waves; transmission lines; and any other suitable medium for storing or transmitting software. The computer-readable medium can reside in the processing system, external to the processing system, or distributed across multiple entities including the processing system. The computer-readable medium can be embodied in a computer program product. By way of example, a computer program product can include a computer-readable medium in packaging material. Those skilled in the art will recognize how best to implement the described functionality presented throughout this disclosure depending on the particular application and general design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0041] SUMMARY

[0042] Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems, devices, and methods suitable for use in wireless charging devices that provide a free-positioning charging surface with multiple transmit coils or that can simultaneously charge multiple receive devices. In one aspect, a controller in a wireless charging device can locate devices to be charged and can configure one or more transmit coils in an optimal position to transmit power to a receive device. A charging unit can be equipped or configured with one or more inductive transmit coils, and multiple charging units can be arranged or configured to provide the charging surface. The location of a device to be charged can be detected by a sensing technology that correlates the location of a device to a change in a physical property centered at a known location on the charging surface. In some examples, the sensing of location can be implemented using capacitive, resistive, inductive, touch, pressure, load, strain, and / or another suitable type of sensing.

[0043] Certain aspects disclosed herein relate to improved wireless charging technology. Systems, devices, and methods are disclosed for the placement of chargeable devices in a free placement on the surface of a multi-coil wireless charging device. Certain aspects can improve the efficiency and capacity of wireless power transmission to a receive device. In one example, a wireless charging device has a battery charging power source, a plurality of charging units configured as a matrix, a first plurality of switches, where each switch is configured to couple a row of coils in the matrix to a first terminal of the battery charging power source, and a second plurality of switches, where each switch is configured to couple a column of coils in the matrix to a second terminal of the battery charging power source. Each charging unit of the plurality of charging units can include one or more coils surrounding a power transfer region. The plurality of charging units can be arranged adjacent to a charging surface without overlapping power transfer regions of the charging units of the plurality of charging units.

[0044] In one aspect of the present disclosure, a device has a battery charging power source and a plurality of charging units, where a controller can select each charging unit as needed or desired and couple it to the power source. Each charging unit of the plurality of charging units can include one or more coils surrounding a power transfer region. The plurality of charging units can be arranged adjacent to a charging surface without overlapping power transfer regions of the charging units.

[0045] Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems, devices, and methods for wireless charging using multiple stacks of coils that can charge a target device presented to a charging device without needing to match a particular geometry or location within a charging surface of the charging device. Each coil can have a substantially polygonal shape. In one example, each coil can have a hexagonal shape. Each coil can be implemented using wire provided in a spiral form, printed circuit board traces, and / or other connectors. Each coil can span two or more layers separated by an insulator or substrate, such that the coils in different layers are centered on a common axis.

[0046] According to certain aspects disclosed herein, power can be wirelessly transmitted to receiving devices located anywhere on a charging surface, which can have any defined size or shape, regardless of any separate placement locations that can be used for charging. Multiple devices can be simultaneously charged on a single charging surface. Charging surfaces can be manufactured using printed circuit board technology at low cost and / or compact design.

[0047] Charging unit

[0048] Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to systems, devices, and methods suitable for wireless charging devices that provide a free positioning charging surface with multiple transmitting coils or that can simultaneously charge multiple receiving devices. In one aspect, processing circuitry coupled to a free positioning charging surface can be configured to locate devices to be charged and can select and configure optimal positioning to deliver power to one or more transmitting coils of a receiving device. A charging unit can be configured with one or more inductive transmitting coils, and multiple charging units can be arranged or configured to provide a charging surface. The location of a device to be charged can be detected by sensing technology that correlates the location of a device to a change in a physical property centered at a known location on the charging surface. In some examples, the sensing of location can be implemented using capacitive, resistive, inductive, touch, pressure, load, strain, and / or another suitable type of sensing.

[0049] According to certain aspects disclosed herein, a charging surface can be provided using charging units deployed adjacent to a charging surface in a wireless charging device. In one example, the charging units are deployed according to a cellular packaging configuration. The charging units can be implemented using one or more coils, each of which can induce a magnetic field along an axis substantially normal to the charging surface of an adjacent coil. In the present disclosure, a charging unit can refer to an element having one or more coils, where each coil is configured to produce an electromagnetic field that is additive with respect to the fields produced by other coils in the charging unit and is directed along or near a common axis. In the present specification, the coils in a charging unit can be referred to as charging coils or transmitting coils.

[0050] In some examples, a charging cell includes coils stacked along a common axis. One or more coils can overlap such that they contribute to an induced magnetic field that flows substantially perpendicular to the charging surface. In some examples, a charging cell includes a plurality of coils arranged within and contributing to an induced magnetic field within a defined portion of the charging surface, the magnetic field contributing to magnetic flux flowing substantially perpendicular to the charging surface. In some implementations, a charging cell can be configured by providing activation current to coils included in the dynamically defined charging cell. For example, a wireless charging device can include multiple stacks of coils deployed on a charging surface, and the wireless charging device can detect the location of a device to be charged and can select a combination of the multiple stacks of coils to provide a charging cell proximate to the device to be charged. In some cases, a charging cell can include a single coil, or be characterized as a single coil. However, it should be understood that a charging cell can include multiple stacked coils and / or multiple adjacent coils or stacks of coils.

[0051] Figure 1 An example of a charging cell 100 that can be deployed and / or configured to provide a charging surface in a wireless charging device is shown. In this example, the charging cell 100 has a substantially hexagonal shape that encloses one or more coils 102 constructed using conductors, wires, or printed circuit board traces that can receive current sufficient to generate an electromagnetic field in a power transfer region 104. In various implementations, some coils 102 can have a substantially polygonal shape, including Figure 1 The hexagonal charging cell 100 shown in FIG. 1. Other implementations can include or use coils 102 having other shapes. The shape of the coils 102 can be determined at least in part by the capabilities or limitations of the manufacturing technology, or to optimize the layout of the charging cell on a substrate 106 such as a printed circuit board substrate. Each coil 102 can be implemented using wire, printed circuit board traces, and / or other spiral structures. Each charging cell 100 can span two or more layers separated by an insulator or substrate 106, such that the coils 102 in different layers are centered around a common axis 108.

[0052] Figure 2 An example of an arrangement 200 of multiple charging cells 202 provided on a single layer of a region segment or portion of a charging surface is shown, which can be applicable in accordance with certain aspects disclosed herein. The charging cells 202 are arranged according to a honeycomb packing configuration. In this example, the charging cells 202 are arranged end-to-end without overlap. Such an arrangement can be provided without through-hole or wire interconnections. Other arrangements are also possible, including arrangements in which some portions of the charging cells 202 overlap. For example, the wires of two or more coils can be interleaved to some extent.

[0053] Figure 3 An example of an arrangement of charging cells from two viewing angles 300, 310 when multiple layers are overlaid within a region segment or portion of a charging surface is shown that can be applicable in accordance with certain aspects disclosed herein. Charging cell layers 302, 304, 306, 308 are disposed within a charging surface. The charging cells within each charging cell layer 302, 304, 306, 308 are arranged according to a honeycomb packaging configuration. In one example, the charging cell layers 302, 304, 306, 308 can be formed on a printed circuit board having four or more layers. The arrangement of charging cells 100 can be selected to provide full coverage of a designated charging area adjacent to the illustrated segment.

[0054] Figure 4 An arrangement of power transfer regions disposed in a charging surface 400 employing multiple layers of charging cells configured in accordance with certain aspects disclosed herein is shown. The illustrated charging surface is composed of four layers of charging cells 402, 404, 406, 408. In the illustrated example, the charging surface 400 is configured to provide a charging area 410 having a first region 412 and a second region 414. The first region 412 is adjacent to the second region 414. The first region 412 is configured to provide a first power transfer region 416 and a second power transfer region 418. The second region 414 is configured to provide a third power transfer region 420 and a fourth power transfer region 422. Figure 4 In the illustrated example, each power transfer region provided by a charging cell in the first layer of charging cells 402 is labeled“LI”, each power transfer region provided by a charging cell in the second layer of charging cells 404 is labeled“L2”, each power transfer region provided by a charging cell in the third layer of charging cells 406 is labeled“L3”, and each power transfer region provided by a charging cell in the fourth layer of charging cells 408 is labeled“L4”.

[0055] Wireless transmitter

[0056] Figure 5An example of a wireless transmitter 500 that can be provided in a base station of a wireless charging device is shown. A base station in a wireless charging device can include one or more processing circuits for controlling operation of the wireless charging device. A controller 502 can receive feedback signals that are filtered or otherwise processed by filter circuitry 508. The controller can control operation of driver circuitry 504 that provides alternating current to resonant circuitry 506. In some examples, the controller 502 can generate a digital frequency reference signal for controlling the frequency of the alternating current output by the driver circuitry 504. In some cases, the digital frequency reference signal can be generated using a programmable counter or the like. In some examples, the driver circuitry 504 includes a power inverter circuit and one or more power amplifiers that cooperate to produce alternating current from a direct current source or input. In some examples, the digital frequency reference signal can be generated by the driver circuitry 504 or by another circuit. The resonant circuitry 506 includes a capacitor 512 and an inductor 514. The inductor 514 can represent or include one or more transmit coils in a charging unit that produce magnetic flux in response to the alternating current. The resonant circuitry 506 can also be referred to herein as a tank circuit, an LC tank circuit, or an LC tank circuit, and the voltage 516 measured at the LC node 510 of the resonant circuitry 506 can be referred to as a tank voltage.

[0057] Passive ping techniques can use the voltage and / or current measured or observed at the LC node 510 to identify the presence of a receive coil in the vicinity of a charging pad of a device that is applicable in accordance with certain aspects disclosed herein. Some conventional wireless charging devices include circuitry that measures the voltage at the LC node 510 of the resonant circuitry 506 or the current in the resonant circuitry 506. These voltages and currents can be monitored for the purposes of power regulation and / or to support communication between devices. In accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure, the voltage at the LC node 510 in the wireless transmitter 500 shown in FIG. 6 can be monitored to support passive ping techniques that can detect the presence of a chargeable device or other object based on the response of the resonant circuitry 506 to a short burst of energy (a ping) transmitted through the resonant circuitry 506. Figure 5 The voltage at the LC node 510 in the wireless transmitter 500 shown in FIG. 6 can be monitored to support passive ping techniques that can detect the presence of a chargeable device or other object based on the response of the resonant circuitry 506 to a short burst of energy (a ping) transmitted through the resonant circuitry 506.

[0058] Passive ping discovery techniques can be used to provide fast, low power discovery. A passive acoustic ping can be generated by driving a network including the resonant circuitry 506 with a fast pulse that includes a small amount of energy. The fast pulse excites the resonant circuitry 506 and causes the network to oscillate at its natural resonant frequency until the injected energy decays and dissipates. The response of the resonant circuitry 506 to the fast pulse can be determined in part by the resonant frequency of the resonant LC circuit. The response of the resonant circuitry 506 to a passive ping with an initial voltage = Vo can be determined by the voltage Vobserved at the LC node 510. The voltage Vobserved at the LC node 510 can be determined by the voltage at the LC node 510 at the end of the fast pulse, or by the voltage at the LC node 510 at the end of the decay of the fast pulse. LC is represented such that:

[0059]

[0060] When the controller 502 or another processor uses a digital ping to detect the presence of an object, the resonant circuit 506 can be monitored. A digital ping is generated by driving the resonant circuit 506 for a period of time. The resonant circuit 506 is a tuned network that includes the transmit coil of the wireless charging device. A receiving device can modulate the voltage or current observed in the resonant circuit 506 by modifying the impedance presented by its power reception circuit according to the signaling state of a modulating signal. The controller 502 or other processor then waits for a data modulation response that indicates that a receiving device is in the vicinity.

[0061] Selectively activating coils

[0062] According to certain aspects disclosed herein, coils in one or more charging cells can be selectively activated to provide an optimal electromagnetic field for charging a compatible device. In some cases, coils can be assigned to charging cells, and some charging cells can overlap with other charging cells. An optimal charging configuration can be selected at the charging cell level. In some examples, a charging configuration can include charging cells in a charging surface that are determined to be aligned with or positioned proximate to a device to be charged. A controller can activate individual coils or combinations of coils based on the charging configuration, which in turn is based on detection of the location of a device to be charged. In some implementations, a wireless charging device can have a driver circuit that can selectively activate one or more transmit coils or one or more predetermined charging cells during a charging event.

[0063] Figure 6 A first topology 600 used in a wireless charging device supporting matrix multiplexing switching is shown, according to certain aspects disclosed herein. A wireless charging device can select one or more charging cells 100 to charge a receiving device. Unused charging cells 100 can be disconnected from current flow. In Figure 2 and Figure 3A relatively large number of charging cells 100 can be used in the illustrated honeycomb packaging structure, requiring a corresponding number of switches. According to certain aspects disclosed herein, the charging cells 100 can be logically arranged in a matrix 608 having a plurality of cells connected to two or more switches that enable a particular cell to be powered. In the illustrated topology 600, a two-dimensional matrix 608 is provided, where the dimensions can be represented by X and Y coordinates. Each of the first set of switches 606 is configured to selectively couple a first terminal of each cell in a column of cells to a first terminal of a voltage or current source 602 that provides current to activate a coil in one or more charging cells during wireless charging. Each of the second set of switches 604 is configured to selectively couple a second terminal of each cell in a row of cells to a second terminal of the voltage or current source 602. A charging cell is activated when both terminals of the cell are coupled to the voltage or current source 602.

[0064] The use of a matrix 608 can significantly reduce the number of switching components required to operate a network of tuned LC circuits. For example, N individually connected cells require at least N switches, while a two-dimensional matrix 608 having N cells can be operated with The use of a matrix 608 can result in significant cost savings and reduced circuit and / or layout complexity. In one example, a 9-cell implementation can be realized in a 3x3 matrix 608 using 6 switches, saving 3 switches. In another example, a 16-cell implementation can be realized in a 4x4 matrix 608 using 8 switches, saving 8 switches.

[0065] During operation, at least two switches are closed to actively couple one coil or charging cell to the voltage or current source 602. Multiple switches can be closed simultaneously to facilitate connecting multiple coils or charging cells to the voltage or current source 602. For example, multiple switches can be closed to enable an operational mode that drives multiple transmit coils when transmitting power to a receiving device.

[0066] Figure 7A second topology 700 is shown in accordance with certain aspects disclosed herein, in which each individual coil or charging cell is driven directly by a driver circuit 702. The driver circuit 702 can be configured to select one or more coils or charging cells 100 from a set of coils 704 to charge a receiving device. It should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein with respect to charging cells 100 can be applied to selectively activate individual coils or multiple sets of coils. Unused charging cells 100 do not receive current flow. A relatively large number of charging cells 100 can be used, and a switching matrix can be employed to drive individual coils or sets of coils. In one example, a first switching matrix can configure connections of charging cells or sets of coils to be used during a charging event, and a second switching matrix can be used to activate the charging cells and / or sets of selected coils.

[0067] Flux steering in multi-coil wireless chargers

[0068] Figure 8 Certain examples 800, 820, 830, 840 are shown of positioning a chargeable device 802 on a set of charging cells in a charging surface of a wireless charging device. Each charging cell includes at least one charging coil. The chargeable device 802 can be freely positioned on the charging surface. The chargeable device 802 has an area comparable to the area occupied by the power transfer region of each charging cell of the charging surface, or an area comparable to the area occupied by the power transfer region of the constituent inductive charging coils in the charging cells. In the shown examples 800, 820, 830, 840, the chargeable device 802 is slightly larger than a single charging coil 804. Based on the geometry and arrangement of the charging coils 804, 806, 808, 810, the chargeable device 802 can physically cover adjacent charging coils. In the third example 830 and the fourth example 840, the chargeable device 802 is placed such that it substantially overlaps with a single charging coil 808 and partially covers multiple other charging coils 804, 806, 810. The chargeable device 802 can receive power from one or more charging coils 804, 806, 808, 810 after it has determined its presence.

[0069] Certain aspects of the present disclosure can accommodate charging configurations that use multiple adjacent charging cells or charging coils 804, 806, 808, 810. Any number of charging coils can be used to charge a chargeable device in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. Figure 9Certain aspects of the charging configurations 900, 920 are shown, which can be defined for a charging surface when there is a chargeable device 902, 922 present for charging or being charged. The number and location of available charging units or charging coils can vary based on the type of best positioned charging coil 910, 926, the charging contract negotiated between the charging surface and the chargeable device 902, 922, and the topology or configuration of the charging surface. For example, the number and location of available charging units or charging coils can be based on the maximum or prescribed charging power transmitted through the activated coil 910 or potentially through another charging coil 904, or based on other factors.

[0070] In the first configuration 900, the chargeable device 902 can identify a charging unit as a candidate for inclusion in the charging configuration. Each charging unit includes at least one charging coil. In the illustrated example, the chargeable device 902 is placed such that its center is substantially coaxial with the first charging coil 910. For the purposes of this description, it will be assumed that the center of the first receive coil 910 within the chargeable device 902 is located at the center of the chargeable device 902. In this example, the wireless charging device can determine that the first charging coil 910 has the strongest coupling to the receive coil in the chargeable device 902 relative to the coils in the next band 906, 908 of charging coils. In one example, the wireless charging device can define the charging configuration to include at least the first charging coil 910. In some examples, the charging configuration can identify one or more charging coils in the first band 906 to be activated during a charging process.

[0071] In the second charging configuration 920, the charging surface can employ a sensing technique that can detect the edges of the chargeable device 922. For example, the profile of the chargeable device 922 can be detected using capacitive sensing, inductive sensing, pressure, Q-factor measurement, or any other suitable device positioning technique. In some cases, one or more sensors disposed in or on the charging surface can be used to determine the profile of the chargeable device 922. In the illustrated example, the chargeable device 922 has an elongated shape. For the purposes of this description, it will be assumed that the center of the first receive coil 924 within the chargeable device 922 is located at the center of the chargeable device 922. The wireless charging device can determine that the first charging coil 924 has the strongest coupling to the receive coil in the chargeable device 922. In one example, the wireless charging device can define the charging configuration to include at least the first charging coil 924. Charging coils 926, 928 adjacent to the first receive coil 924 and located under and within the profile of the chargeable device 922 can be included in some charging configurations. Other coils 930, 932 adjacent to the first receive coil 924 and partially located under and within the profile of the chargeable device 922 can be defined by certain charging configurations that are activated during certain charging processes.

[0072] In some examples, a chargeable device can receive power from two or more active charging cells and / or charging coils. In one example, a chargeable device can have a relatively large footprint relative to a charging surface and can have multiple receiving coils that can engage multiple charging coils to receive power. In another example, a receiving coil of a chargeable device can be placed substantially equidistant from two or more charging coils and a charging configuration can be defined whereby two or more adjacent charging coils in a charging surface provide power to the chargeable device.

[0073] Figure 10 An example of a wireless charging device 1000 having a zone-based topology is shown that is provided in accordance with certain aspects of the present disclosure. The zone-based topology defines a charging surface 1002 that allows or enables multiple freely positioned devices to be charged simultaneously. The charging surface 1002 is defined by the locations of a plurality of charging cells, labeled herein as LP1-LP18, and the physical shape and size of charging zones 1004, 1006, 1008 within the charging surface 1002 can determine the allocation of charging cells between the charging zones 1004, 1006, 1008. Each charging cell includes one or more transmitting coils and each transmitting coil is configured to generate a magnetic field under the influence of a charging current. The magnetic field of the one or more transmitting coils contributes to the magnetic flux within the power transfer region 104 (see Figure 1 ) of the associated charging cell.

[0074] Each charging zone 1004, 1006, 1008 disposed on the charging surface 1002 can have a dedicated driver circuit that provides a charging current to one or more charging cells when a chargeable device is detected within the charging zone 1004, 1006, 1008. The charging cell that receives the charging current can be selected based on a detected or measured quality of coupling with a receiving coil of the chargeable device or based on a detected proximity between the selected charging cell and the receiving coil. Each charging zone 1004, 1006, 1008 can operate independently of the other charging zones 1004, 1006, 1008 when charging a device. A chargeable device can be detected and verified by a controller of the wireless charging device 1000 and the controller can define a charging configuration that identifies one or more charging cells to transfer power to the chargeable device. The charging configuration can also configure and enable the driver circuits associated with the charging zones 1004, 1006, 1008 in which the identified charging cells are located.

[0075] In the example shown, the charging cells are arranged according to a honeycomb packaging configuration, and the charging regions 1004, 1006, 1008 divide the charging surface 1002 into three substantially equal regions. Each charging region 1004, 1006, 1008 covers a subset of the charging coils, and it can be seen that some charging cells straddle two of the charging regions 1004, 1006, 1008. The four-region division of the charging surface 1002 can provide a more uniform division of the charging cells, with the first region to be served by LP1-LP5, the second region to be served by LP6-LP10, the third region to be served by LP11-LP15, and the fourth region to be served by LP16-LP17 and two additional charging cells. The four-region charging surface 1002 would require additional drivers and control circuitry, and would increase the area of the charging surface 1002, reduce the area of the charging cells, or provide the fourth region with only three charging cells (LP16-LP18). These different configurations of the charging surface 1002 can be used in certain applications, but can cause additional problems associated with alignment of chargeable devices within the charging regions, such that a chargeable device can occupy two regions to the extent that one of the regions becomes unusable for charging a different chargeable device. The additional drivers and control circuitry also increase manufacturing costs.

[0076] Figure 11 A configuration of charging cells in a wireless charging device 1100 corresponding to the wireless charging device 1000 of Figure 10 The 18 charging cells at the charging surface 1002 of the wireless charging device 1000 are evenly divided to be distributed among three charging regions 1004, 1006, 1008. In this configuration, each charging region 1004, 1006, 1008 includes at least six charging cells that are physically located at least partially within the boundaries of the corresponding charging region 1004, 1006, 1008. In some cases, a charging cell can be partially located within the boundaries of two charging regions 1004, 1006, 1008.

[0077] The charging unit in each charging zone 1004, 1006, or 1008 is connected to a driver 1104, 1106, or 1108 provided for the charging zone 1004, 1006, or 1008 via a corresponding switching circuit 1114, 1116, or 1118. The switching circuits 1114, 1116, or 1118 can be controlled by a processing circuit 1102 that manages the operation of the wireless charging device. The processing circuit 1102 may include one or more processors, controllers, or sequencers that can be configured to detect the presence of a rechargeable device, define a charging configuration for charging the device, and configure the drivers 1104, 1106, or 1108 and the switching circuits 1114, 1116, or 1118 selected for charging the rechargeable device.

[0078] Figure 12 Showing the use Figure 10 Example 1200 shows a charging surface 1002 charging two receiving devices 1202, 1204. In the illustrated example, each receiving device 1202, 1204 overlaps with multiple charging units. Each charging unit may include one or more transmitting coils. The first receiving device 1202 is positioned such that its receiving coil 1206 overlaps with or is adjacent to three charging units 1208, 1210, 1212 of the charging surface 1002. The second receiving device 1204 is positioned such that its receiving coil 1216 overlaps with or is adjacent to three charging units 1218, 1220, 1222, all located within a third charging region 1008. The charging units 1208, 1210, 1212 adjacent to the receiving coil 1206 of the first receiving device 1202 are located within two different charging regions 1004, 1006. Two charging units 1208, 1210 are included in the first charging region 1004 (see Example 1200). Figure 11 Another charging unit 1212 is included in the second charging region 1006. In this example, it is preferable or desirable to include more than one adjacent charging unit 1208, 1210, 1212 in the charging configuration of the first receiving device 1202. In some examples, the driver circuitry associated with both the first charging region 1004 and the second charging region 1006 needs to be engaged to support a charging configuration of the first receiving device 1202 using charging units 1208, 1210, 1212 from two different charging regions 1004, 1006.

[0079] Certain aspects of this disclosure provide oscillating coils that can be assigned to more than one charging region 1004, 1006, or 1008 in a charging configuration. For the purposes of this description, each rechargeable battery at the charging surface may include a power transmitting coil configured to generate a magnetic field within a power transmission region associated with the rechargeable battery. The power transmitting coil may include a single transmitting coil or multiple transmitting coils operating as a single transmitting coil.

[0080] Based on Figure 11 In one example of the allocation of the charging units shown, adaptation can be achieved by redistributing the charging units 1212 included in the second charging region 1006 to the first charging region 1004. Figure 12 The placement of the first receiving device 1202 is shown. The redistribution of the charging unit 1212 can be achieved by connecting the charging coil 1212 to the driver circuit 1104 that provides, assigns, configures, or allocates to the first charging region 1004. In another example, this can be achieved by including the charging coil 1212 in the first charging region 1004 (see...). Figure 11 The rechargeable batteries 1208 and 1210 in the second charging area 1006 are redistributed to accommodate the rechargeable batteries 1208 and 1210. Figure 12 The arrangement is shown. The reassignment of charging units 1208, 1210 can be achieved by connecting charging units 1208, 1210 to a driver circuit 1106 that provides, assigns, configures, or allocates to a second charging region 1006. In one aspect of this disclosure, each charging unit 1208, 1210, 1212 is assigned a default charging region 1004, 1006, 1008. In one aspect of this disclosure, the reassignment to different charging regions 1004, 1006, 1008 is temporary, and the reassigned charging units 1208, 1210, 1212 return to their default charging regions 1004, 1006, 1008 after the charging process is completed.

[0081] Figure 13 An example of a charging system 1300 supporting a swing coil according to certain aspects of this disclosure is shown. In some examples, the swing coil may refer to one of a plurality of transmitting coils in a charging unit, which can be reassigned to different charging units or different charging areas 1004, 1006, or 1008. For the purposes of this disclosure, Figure 13 Each charging unit in the system can be considered as operating as a single transmitting coil, and the terms "coil" and "unit" are used in relation to... Figure 13 They can be used interchangeably. In one example, when multiple transmitting coils associated with a charging unit are connected such that they behave as a single transmitting coil, the charging unit can be considered to include a single transmitting coil.

[0082] existFigure 13 of the charging system 1300, Figure 10 Each of the 18 charging cells at the charging surface 1002 of the charging system 1300 is assigned to a fixed or default charging zone 1004, 1006, or 1008. Each charging zone 1004, 1006, 1008 includes a set of fixed coils 1310, 1312, 1314. By default, two sets of swing coils 1316, 1318 are assigned to the second charging zone 1006. Transmit coils in the first set of swing coils 1316 can be reassigned from the second charging zone 1006 to the first charging zone 1004, and transmit coils in the second set of swing coils 1318 can be reassigned from the second charging zone 1006 to the third charging zone 1008. In some examples, the reassignment involves reassigning all transmit coils in a set of swing coils 1316, 1318 as a unit to another charging zone 1004, 1006, or 1008. In other examples, transmit coils in a set of swing coils 1316, 1318 can be individually reassigned to another charging zone 1004, 1006, or 1008. In the example of FIG. 13, the first set of swing coils 1316 is reassigned from the second charging zone 1006 to the first charging zone 1004, and the second set of swing coils 1318 is reassigned from the second charging zone 1006 to the third charging zone 1008. Figure 12 In one example related to the arrangement of the first receiving devices 1202 in FIG. 12, the swing coils associated with charging cells LP7 and LP8 can be reassigned to the first charging zone 1004, while the swing coil associated with charging cell LP6 remains assigned to the second charging zone 1004.

[0083] The switch circuits 1304, 1306, 1308 can be configured to couple transmit coils in each set of fixed coils 1310, 1312, 1314 to a predefined or preconfigured driver circuit 1322, 1324, or 1326 associated with the corresponding charging zone 1004, 1006, 1008.

[0084] Transmit coils in each set of swing coils 1316, 1318 can be coupled to a first driver circuit 1322, 1324, or 1326 through the switch circuit 1304, 1306, 1308 associated with the default charging zone 1004, 1006, 1008, and can be coupled to a second driver circuit 1322, 1324, or 1326 through the switch circuit 1304, 1306, 1308 associated with one other charging zone 1004, 1006, or 1008. The controller 1302 can configure the switch circuits 1304, 1306, 1308 to implement the charging configuration.

[0085] In one example, the charging configuration is defined for charging a first vehicle 1202 in the first charging zone 1004 and a second vehicle 1204 in the second charging zone 1006. Figure 12The charging configuration in which the first receiving device 1202 is charging causes charging cells LP7 and LP8 to be reassigned to the first charging area 1004, while charging cell LP6 remains assigned to the second charging area 1004. The controller 1302 configures the switching circuit 1304 for the first charging area 1004 to provide charging current to charging cells LP5, LP7, and LP8. The charging current can be provided by a driver circuit 1322 provided to the first charging area 1004. In some cases, the driver circuit 1322 can be configured to provide different amplitudes or phases of current to different charging cells or to different transmit coils in a charging cell. In some cases, the driver circuit 1322 associated with the first charging area 1004 can be configured to drive other charging cells when a second chargeable device is detected within the first charging area 1004.

[0086] The switching circuits 1304, 1306, 1308 can be controlled by processing circuitry that manages charging operations of the wireless charging device. The processing circuitry can include one or more processors, the controller 1302, or a sequencer, which can be configured to detect the presence of a chargeable device, define a charging configuration for charging the device, and configure the driver circuit 1322, 1324, or 1326 and the switching circuit 1304, 1306, 1308 corresponding to the charging area 1004, 1006, or 1008 selected for charging the chargeable device. Each of the switching circuits 1304, 1306, 1308 can be configured to cause a charging current to flow through a coil in a charging cell identified in the charging configuration. In one example, the switching circuits 1304, 1306, 1308 can couple the terminals of the coil in the identified charging cell to a source of the current and a sink of the current. In another example, the switching circuits 1304, 1306, 1308 can couple the terminals of the coil in the identified charging cell to a source of the current, and the other terminal of the coil to ground or a common rail. In another example, the switching circuits 1304, 1306, 1308 can couple one terminal of the coil in the identified charging cell to a sink of the current, and the other terminal of the coil to a source rail.

[0087] In Figure 13 In some cases, the switching circuits 1304, 1306, 1308 can be configured to provide different amplitudes or phases of current to different charging cells or to different transmit coils in a charging cell. In some cases, the driver circuit 1322 associated with the first charging area 1004 can be configured to drive other charging cells when a second chargeable device is detected within the first charging area 1004.

[0088] In some examples, the switching circuits 1304, 1306, 1308 can include or be based on the architecture of the driver circuit 702 shown in FIG. 7 or the switching matrix 608 shown in FIG. 6. Figure 7 In some examples, the switching circuits 1304, 1306, 1308 can include or be based on the architecture of the driver circuit 702 shown in FIG. 7 or the switching matrix 608 shown in FIG. 6. Figure 6 In some examples, the switching circuits 1304, 1306, 1308 can include or be based on the architecture of the driver circuit 702 shown in FIG. 7 or the switching matrix 608 shown in FIG. 6. Figure 7 In some examples, the switching circuits 1304, 1306, 1308 can include or be based on the architecture of the driver circuit 702 shown in FIG. 7 or the switching matrix 608 shown in FIG. 6. Figure 6 In some examples, the switching circuits 1304, 1306, 1308 can include or be based on the architecture of the driver circuit 702 shown in FIG. 7 or the switching matrix 608 shown in FIG. 6.

[0089] Figure 14 is a flowchart 1400 illustrating one example of a method for operating a wireless charging device that includes or implements a charging surface. The method can be performed by a controller disposed in the wireless charging device. At block 1402, the controller can position a chargeable device proximate to a plurality of charging coils located at a charging surface of the wireless charging device. At block 1404, the controller can decouple a first charging coil of the plurality of charging coils from a first driver circuit. At block 1406, the controller can couple the first charging coil to a second driver circuit. A second charging coil of the plurality of charging coils can be coupled to the second driver circuit. At block 1408, the controller can initiate power transfer to the chargeable device by causing the second driver circuit to provide charging current to the first charging coil and the second charging coil.

[0090] In various implementations, at least two regions are defined on the charging surface. A first driver circuit can be configured to provide current to a charging device through a first region. A second driver circuit can be configured to provide current to the charging device through a second region. A first charging coil can be at least partially physically located within the first region. A second charging coil can be at least partially physically located within the second region. Each region includes at least one coil assigned from the plurality of charging coils. The coils assigned to a region can be coupled to that region by default. For example, a charging coil can automatically re-couple to its designated region’s driver upon completion of charging a chargeable device while coupled to a driver in a different region. A first charging coil can be assigned to the first region. A second charging coil can be assigned to the second region. In one example, a chargeable device is positioned to span the first region and the second region.

[0091] In some implementations, the controller can decouple the first charging coil from the second driver circuit when power transfer to the chargeable device has terminated, and couple the first charging coil to the first driver circuit after decoupling the first charging coil from the second driver circuit.

[0092] Examples of processing circuitry

[0093] Figure 15An example of a hardware implementation for an apparatus 1500, which can be incorporated in a wireless charging device or a receiving device that enables a battery to be wirelessly charged, is shown. In some examples, the apparatus 1500 can perform one or more of the functions disclosed herein. In accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure, the elements disclosed herein, or any portion thereof, or any combination of elements can be implemented with processing circuitry 1502. The processing circuitry 1502 can include one or more processors 1504 controlled by some combination of hardware and software modules. Examples of processors 1504 include microprocessors, microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), SOCs, ASICs, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), state machines, sequencers, gated logic, discrete hardware circuits, and other suitable hardware configured to perform the various functionality described throughout this disclosure. The one or more processors 1504 can include a special-purpose processor that performs specific functions and can be configured, augmented or controlled by one of the software modules 1516. The one or more processors 1504 can be configured by a combination of software modules 1516 loaded during initialization, and further configured by loading or unloading one or more software modules 1516 during operation.

[0094] In the illustrated example, the processing circuitry 1502 can implement a bus-based architecture, generally represented by bus 1510. Bus 1510 can include any number of interconnecting buses and bridges, depending on the specific application of processing circuitry 1502 and the overall design constraints. Bus 1510 connects various circuits including one or more processors 1504 and memory 1506. Memory 1506 can include a memory device and a mass storage device, and in this document can be referred to as a computer-readable medium and / or a processor-readable medium. Memory 1506 can include transitory memory media and / or non-transitory memory media.

[0095] Bus 1510 can also link various other circuits such as timing sources, timers, peripherals, voltage regulators, and power management circuits. Bus interface 1508 can provide an interface between bus 1510 and one or more transceivers 1512. In one example, transceivers 1512 can be provided to enable the apparatus 1500 to communicate with a charging or receiving device in accordance with a protocol defined by a standard. Depending on the nature of the apparatus 1500, a user interface 1518 (e.g., keypad, display, speaker, microphone, joystick) can also be provided, and can be communicatively coupled to bus 1510, either directly or through bus interface 1508.

[0096] The processor 1504 can be responsible for managing the bus 1510 and general processing, including the execution of software stored in a computer-readable medium that can include the memory 1506. In this respect, the processing circuitry 1502, including the processor 1504, can be used to implement any of the methods, functions and techniques disclosed herein. The memory 1506 can be used for storing data that is manipulated by the processor 1504 when executing software, and the software can be configured to implement any of the methods disclosed herein.

[0097] One or more processors 1504 in the processing circuitry 1502 can execute software. Software shall be construed broadly to mean instructions, instruction sets, code, code segments, program code, programs, subprograms, software modules, applications, software applications, software packages, routines, subroutines, objects, executables, threads of execution, procedures, functions, algorithms, etc., whether referred to as software, firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description language, or otherwise. The software can reside on storage in the memory 1506 or an external computer readable medium. The external computer-readable medium and / or the memory 1506 can include a non-transitory computer-readable medium. A non-transitory computer-readable medium includes, for example, a magnetic storage device (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk, magnetic strips), an optical disk (e.g., compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD)), a smart card, a flash memory device (e.g., card, stick, or key drive), a RAM, a ROM, a programmable read-only memory (PROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM) including EEPROM, a register, a removable disk, and any other suitable medium for storing software and / or instructions that can be accessed and read by a computer. By way of example, computer-readable media and / or memory 1506 can also include a carrier wave, a transmission line, and any other suitable medium for transmitting software and / or instructions that can be accessed and read by a computer. Computer-readable media and / or memory 1506 can reside in the processing circuitry 1502, the processor 1504, external to the processing circuitry 1502, or distributed across multiple entities including the processing circuitry 1502. The computer-readable media and / or memory 1506 can be embodied in a computer program product. By way of example, a computer program product can include a computer-readable medium in packaging material. Those skilled in the art will recognize how best to implement the described functionality presented throughout this disclosure depending on the particular application and general design constraints imposed on the overall system.

[0098] The memory 1506 can maintain and / or organize software in loadable code segments, modules, applications, programs, etc., some or all of which can be referred to herein as software modules 1516. Each software module 1516 can include instructions and data that, when installed or loaded onto the processing circuit 1502 and executed by the one or more processors 1504, contribute to the runtime image 1514 that controls the operation of the one or more processors 1504. Certain instructions can cause the processing circuit 1502, when executed, to perform functions in accordance with certain methods, algorithms and processes described herein.

[0099] Some software modules 1516 can be loaded during initialization of the processing circuit 1502, and these software modules 1516 can configure the processing circuit 1502 to implement performance of various functions disclosed herein. For example, certain software modules 1516 can configure internal devices and / or logic circuitry 1522 of the processor 1504, and can manage access to external devices (e.g., transceiver 1512, bus interface 1508, user interface 1518, timers, math co-processor, etc.). The software modules 1516 can include a control program and / or an operating system that interacts with interrupt handling routines and device drivers, and controls access to various resources provided by the processing circuit 1502. Resources can include memory, processing time, access to the transceiver 1512, the user interface 1518, etc.

[0100] The one or more processors 1504 of the processing circuit 1502 can be multi-purpose, whereby some software modules 1516 are loaded and configured to perform different functions or different instances of the same function. The one or more processors 1504 can additionally be adapted to manage background tasks initiated in response to inputs from, for example, the user interface 1518, the transceiver 1512, and device drivers. To support performance of multiple functions, the one or more processors 1504 can be configured to provide a multi-tasking environment whereby each of the multiple functions is implemented as a set of tasks serviced by the one or more processors 1504 as needed or desired. In one example, the multi-tasking environment can be implemented using a time-sharing program 1520 that passes control of the processor 1504 between different tasks, whereby each task returns control of the one or more processors 1504 to the time-sharing program 1520 upon completion of any outstanding operations and / or in response to inputs such as interrupts. When a task has control of the one or more processors 1504, the processing circuit is effectively dedicated to the purpose addressed by the function with which the controlling task is associated. The time-sharing program 1520 can include an operating system, a main loop that passes control based on a round-robin, a function that allocates control of the one or more processors 1504 according to a priority of the functions, and / or an interrupt-driven main loop that responds to external events by providing control of the one or more processors 1504 to a processing function.

[0101] In one implementation, the apparatus 1500 includes or operates as a wireless charging device that provides a charging surface having a plurality of charging cells and a charging area. The wireless charging device has a battery charging power source coupled to a charging circuit, a plurality of charging coils, a plurality of driver circuits, and a controller, which can be included in the one or more processors 1504. The plurality of charging coils can be configured to provide the charging surface. Each driver circuit can be configured to independently provide charging current to one or more charging coils. At least one charging coil can be configured to generate an electromagnetic field that traverses a power transfer area of a charging cell.

[0102] The controller can be configured to determine that a chargeable device is positioned in proximity to a plurality of charging coils provided in a charging surface, decouple a first charging coil of the plurality of charging coils from a first driver circuit, couple the first charging coil to a second driver circuit while coupling a second charging coil of the plurality of charging coils to the second driver circuit, and configure a charging current provided by the second driver circuit to cause the first charging coil and the second charging coil to transfer a desired power level to the chargeable device.

[0103] In various implementations, at least two regions are defined on the charging surface. A first driver circuit can be configured to provide current to the charging device through a first region. A second driver circuit can be configured to provide current to the charging device through a second region. A first charging coil can be at least partially physically located within the first region. A second charging coil can be at least partially physically located within the second region. The first charging coil can be assigned to the first region. The second charging coil can be assigned to the second region. In one example, the chargeable device is positioned to span the first region and the second region.

[0104] The wireless charging device can have a first switch circuit responsive to the controller and operable to couple the first charging coil to the first driver circuit, and a second switch circuit responsive to the controller and operable to couple the first charging coil and the second charging coil to the second driver circuit. In some implementations, the controller can decouple the first charging coil from the second driver circuit when power transfer to the chargeable device has terminated, and couple the first charging coil to the first driver circuit after decoupling the first charging coil from the second driver circuit.

[0105] In some implementations, the memory 1506 holds instructions configured to cause the one or more processors 1504 to determine that the chargeable device is positioned adjacent to a charging coil provided by a charging surface, provide charging current to the charging coil, and exclude a plurality of adjacent coils from operation while providing current to the charging coil. Each adjacent coil can be located within the charging surface adjacent to the charging coil.

[0106] In some implementations, the instructions are configured to cause the one or more processors 1504 to determine that the chargeable device is positioned proximate to a plurality of charging coils provided in a charging surface, decouple a first charging coil of the plurality of charging coils from a first driver circuit, couple the first charging coil to a second driver circuit while coupling a second charging coil of the plurality of charging coils to the second driver circuit, and initiate power transfer to the chargeable device by causing the second driver circuit to provide charging current to the first charging coil and the second charging coil.

[0107] In various implementations, at least two regions are defined on the charging surface. A first driver circuit can be configured to provide current to the charging device through the first region. A second driver circuit can be configured to provide current to the charging device through the second region. A first charging coil can be at least partially physically located within the first region. A second charging coil can be at least partially physically located within the second region. The first charging coil can be assigned to the first region. The second charging coil can be assigned to the second region. In one example, the chargeable device is positioned to span the first region and the second region.

[0108] In some implementations, the instructions are configured to cause the one or more processors 1504 to decouple the first charging coil from the second driver circuit when power transfer to the chargeable device has terminated and couple the first charging coil to the first driver circuit after decoupling the first charging coil from the second driver circuit.

[0109] The foregoing description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. Various modifications to these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects. Thus, the claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects shown herein, but is to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language claims, wherein reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only one" unless specifically so stated, but rather "one or more." Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term "some" refers to one or more. All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout this disclosure that are known or later come to be known to those of ordinary skill in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and intended to be encompassed by the claims. Moreover, nothing disclosed herein is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether these disclosures are explicitly recited in the claims. The claims are not to be interpreted under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112, sixth paragraph, unless the language in a claim expressly recites an "means for" step. Any portion of the claims directing the recitation of actions to be performed, or reciting a means-plus-function format are intended to convey a dedication to the public of the equivalent of all structures for performing the actions and of equivalent structures for materialally practicing the means-plus-function format along with the structures specifically recited.

Claims

1. A method for operating a wireless charging device, the method comprising the following steps: It is determined that the rechargeable device is positioned close to a plurality of charging coils located on the charging surface of the wireless charging device; The first charging coil among the plurality of charging coils is separated from the first driver circuit; The first charging coil is connected to the second driver circuit, wherein the second charging coil of the plurality of charging coils is connected to the second driver circuit; and Power transfer to the rechargeable device is initiated by causing the second driver circuit to provide charging current to the first charging coil and the second charging coil. The charging surface defines at least two regions, wherein the first driver circuit is configured to provide current to the charging device through the first region, and wherein the second driver circuit is configured to provide current to the charging device through the second region.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Each region includes at least one coil distributed from the plurality of charging coils.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first charging coil is at least partially physically located within the first region, and the second charging coil is at least partially physically located within the second region.

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first charging coil is assigned to the first region, and the second charging coil is assigned to the second region.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The rechargeable device is positioned such that it spans both the first region and the second region.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising the following step: When the power transmission to the rechargeable device has been terminated, the first charging coil is disconnected from the second driver circuit; as well as After disconnecting the first charging coil from the second driver circuit, the first charging coil is connected to the first driver circuit.

7. A wireless charging device, the wireless charging device comprising: Multiple charging coils are disposed on the charging surface of the wireless charging device; Multiple driver circuits, each driver circuit being configured to provide charging current to one or more of the multiple charging coils; as well as The controller is configured to: It is determined that the rechargeable device is positioned close to the first charging coil among the plurality of charging coils; The first charging coil among the plurality of charging coils is separated from the first driver circuit; The first charging coil is connected to the second driver circuit, wherein the second charging coil of the plurality of charging coils is connected to the second driver circuit; and The charging current provided by the second driver circuit is configured to cause the first charging coil and the second charging coil to transmit a desired power level to the rechargeable device. The charging surface defines at least two regions, wherein the first driver circuit is configured to provide current to the charging device through the first region, and wherein the second driver circuit is configured to provide current to the charging device through the second region.

8. The wireless charging device according to claim 7, wherein, Each region includes at least one charging coil distributed from the plurality of charging coils.

9. The wireless charging device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The first charging coil is at least partially physically located within the first region, and the second charging coil is at least partially physically located within the second region.

10. The wireless charging device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The first charging coil is assigned to the first region by default, and the second charging coil is assigned to the second region by default.

11. The wireless charging device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein, The rechargeable device is positioned such that it spans both the first region and the second region.

12. The wireless charging device according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising: A first switching circuit, which is responsive to the controller and is used to connect the first charging coil to the first driver circuit. and A second switching circuit, which is responsive to the controller and is used to connect the first charging coil and the second charging coil to the second driver circuit.

13. A processor-readable storage medium comprising code for the following operations: The rechargeable device is positioned close to multiple charging coils located on the charging surface of the charging device; The first charging coil among the plurality of charging coils is separated from the first driver circuit; The first charging coil is connected to the second driver circuit, wherein the second charging coil of the plurality of charging coils is connected to the second driver circuit; and Power transmission to the rechargeable device is initiated by causing the second driver circuit to provide charging current to the first charging coil and the second charging coil. The charging surface defines at least two regions, wherein the first driver circuit is configured to provide current to the charging device through the first region, and wherein the second driver circuit is configured to provide current to the charging device through the second region.

14. The processor-readable storage medium according to claim 13, wherein, The first charging coil is at least partially physically located within the first region, and the second charging coil is at least partially physically located within the second region.

15. The processor-readable storage medium according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, Each region includes at least one coil allocated from the plurality of charging coils, wherein the first charging coil is allocated to the first region, and wherein the second charging coil is allocated to the second region.

16. The processor-readable storage medium according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, The rechargeable device is positioned to span the first region and the second region.

17. The processor-readable storage medium of claim 13 or 14, further comprising code for the following operations: When power transmission to the rechargeable device has terminated, the first charging coil is disconnected from the second driver circuit; and After disconnecting the first charging coil from the second driver circuit, the first charging coil is connected to the first driver circuit.

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