Wireless charger with ventilation system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a wireless charger having a ventilation system, in particular a wireless charging module comprising a housing configured to support at least one coil module therein. The housing comprises an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion. The upper housing portion comprises at least one vent. The lower housing portion comprises at least one vent. One or more ducts are disposed within the housing. The one or more ducts are in communication with the at least one vent of the upper housing portion and the at least one vent of the lower housing portion. An airflow path is defined from the at least one vent of the upper housing portion through the one or more ducts to the at least one vent of the lower housing portion for allowing air to flow generally around and / or adjacent to at least a portion of the at least one coil module supported within the housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of wireless charging, and more specifically to wireless charging of mobile devices in vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] As is well known, wireless charging is an efficient and simple way to charge mobile devices, at least for consumers. A typical wireless charger consists of a housing and a transmit (Tx) coil inside the housing. The Tx coil is configured to couple to the receive (Rx) coil of the mobile device when placed in proximity to the Tx coil. When the Tx and Rx coils are coupled together, a time-varying magnetic field is created on the Rx coil, which generates an induced current that can then charge the battery in the mobile device. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This section provides a general overview of this disclosure, rather than an all-encompassing disclosure of its entire scope or all its features.

[0004] Exemplary embodiments of a wireless charging module configured to include cooling features are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the wireless charging module includes a housing configured to support at least one coil module therein. The housing includes an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion. The upper housing portion includes at least one vent. The lower housing portion includes at least one vent. One or more ducts are disposed within the housing. The one or more ducts communicate with at least one vent in the upper housing portion and at least one vent in the lower housing portion. An airflow path is defined from at least one vent in the upper housing portion through the one or more ducts to at least one vent in the lower housing portion to allow air to generally flow around and / or adjacent to at least a portion of the at least one coil module supported within the housing.

[0005] Further areas of application will become apparent from the description provided herein. The descriptions and specific examples in this summary are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0006] This application is illustrated by way of example, but not limited to, the accompanying drawings, in which similar reference numerals denote similar elements, and wherein:

[0007] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of a wireless charging module according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2 It shows the assembly to Figure 1 A perspective view of the lower housing portion of the wireless charging module and the transmission (Tx) coil module supported thereon.

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The image shows a cross-sectional view of the assembled wireless charging module. Arrows indicate that cooling airflow passes through the upper housing portion and is within a duct system (e.g., multiple air channels or ducts, etc.) disposed within the housing (e.g., integrally defined by the housing, etc.), which generally surrounds and / or is adjacent to at least a portion of at least one coil module supported within the housing.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a wireless charging module including a valve and a fan configured to obtain cold air, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0011] The detailed description of the exemplary embodiments and the disclosed features described below are not intended to be limited to the explicitly disclosed combinations. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the features disclosed herein may be combined to form additional combinations not shown separately for purposes of simplicity.

[0012] A 15-watt (15W) wireless car charger is used to charge mobile devices (e.g., mobile phones, etc.) in a vehicle. Advantageously, the 15W wireless car charger allows for faster charging and shorter charging times for mobile devices. However, faster charging and reduced charging times may be associated with overheating and temperature increases in both the 15W wireless charger and the mobile device. Recognizing the aforementioned heating issues, exemplary embodiments of a wireless charging module configured to include cooling features are developed and / or disclosed herein.

[0013] Now refer to the attached diagram, Figures 1 to 3 A wireless charging module 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The wireless charging module 100 includes an upper housing portion 104 and a lower housing portion 108, which are configured to be coupled together such that an internal compartment is cooperatively defined between the upper housing portion 104 and the lower housing portion 108. The internal compartment of the housing is configured to support a first coil module 112 and a second coil module 116 therein. See, for example... Figure 2 The first coil module 112 and the second coil module 116 are shown as being assembled to and supported by the lower housing portion 108 of the wireless charging module 100.

[0014] like Figure 3 As shown, the wireless charging module 100 is configured to provide a cooling airflow (as indicated by the arrow) that passes through the upper housing portion 104 (e.g., flows over at least one surface of a mobile device placed on the upper housing portion 104, etc.) and internally surrounds and / or is adjacent to at least a plurality of portions of the first coil module 112 and the second coil module 116 within the housing. Figure 3As shown, the upper housing portion 104 includes (e.g., integrally defined, etc.) air inlets or vents 120, 124. The lower housing portion 108 includes (e.g., integrally defined, etc.) air outlets or vents 128, 132. Air passages or ducts 136, 140 are disposed within the housing (e.g., integrally defined by the housing) and communicate with the air inlets 120, 124 and the air outlets 128, 132. At least one fan 144 communicates with the ducts 136, 140 via the air outlets 128, 132. The fan 144 is operable to generate an airflow (indicated by arrows) that enters the air inlets 120, 124, passes through the ducts 136, 140 generally surrounding the first coil module 112 and the second coil module 116, and reaches the air outlets 128, 132.

[0015] In this exemplary embodiment, the upper housing portion 104 includes (e.g., integrally defined, injection molded, etc.) upwardly projecting portions 148 spaced apart along the upper housing portion 104, such as Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown. The upward protrusion 148 is configured to allow air to pass under the mobile device (which is wirelessly charged by the wireless charging module 100) that has been placed on top of the upward protrusion 148, and then be drawn into the air inlet or vent 120, 124 of the upper housing portion 104.

[0016] For example, the upwardly projecting portion 148 may include multiple ribs extending laterally across or along the width of the upper surface portion 104, such as... Figure 1 As shown. Ribs have an overall trapezoidal cross-sectional shape or profile (e.g., an isosceles trapezoid including congruent base angles and congruent non-parallel sides), such as... Figure 3 As shown. The rib may have a height of approximately 1 mm. However, this 1 mm height dimension and trapezoidal shape of the rib are exemplary in nature and do not limit the scope of this disclosure. In alternative embodiments, the wireless charging module may include an upper housing portion having an upwardly projecting portion that is configured differently (e.g., different shapes, different sizes, etc.) or has no upwardly projecting portion at all.

[0017] As background, a 15-watt (15W) car wireless charger operates at a high z-gap distance, which can cause poor coupling factor (k). The coupling factor represents how much magnetic flux from the transmitting (Tx) coil reaches the receiving (Rx) coil. Magnetic flux interaction occurs in the air gap between the Tx and Rx coils. The value of the coupling factor ranges from 0 to 1. A coupling factor of 0 indicates a decoupled coil. A coupling factor of 1 indicates perfect coupling, where all magnetic flux from the transmitter coil penetrates to the receiver coil.

[0018] As described above, the wireless charging module 100 includes an upwardly projecting portion 148 along the upper housing portion 104 of the wireless charging module. The upwardly projecting portion 148 is configured to establish an airflow channel between adjacent pairs of upwardly projecting portions 148 below a mobile device (for wireless charging) positioned on top of the upwardly projecting portion 148. By raising the mobile device above the upper housing portion 104 to establish an airflow channel below the mobile device, the upwardly projecting portion 148 increases the z-gap distance between the receiving (Rx) coil of the mobile device and the transmitting (Tx) coil of the wireless charging module 100. Therefore, the upwardly projecting portion 148 provides a counterintuitive way to provide additional cooling for the mobile device. This additional cooling can advantageously allow for wireless charging of the mobile device at higher power levels without overheating it. This exemplary configuration of the wireless charging module also provides generally symmetrical airflow across at least one surface of the mobile device along opposite sides of the receiving coil, while avoiding interference with the transmitting (Tx) coil of the wireless charging module 100.

[0019] like Figure 3 As shown, the upper housing portion 104 and the lower housing portion 108 cooperatively define air passages or ducts 136 and 140 communicating with air inlets or vents 120, 124 of the upper housing portion 104 and air outlets or vents 128, 132 of the lower housing portion 108. In this exemplary embodiment, the upper housing portion 104 includes or integrally defines an upper duct that engages with a lower duct included within or integrally defined by the lower housing portion 108.

[0020] Continue to refer to Figure 1 The upper housing portion 104 also includes a plurality of vents or outlets 152 communicating with side air channels or side ducts. Air can be routable through the side ducts to the outlets 152, and air can be discharged from the outlets so that it can subsequently flow along at least one surface of the mobile device that has been positioned along the upper housing portion 104 for wireless charging. In this exemplary embodiment, the side duct is formed by a combination of an upper channel or top channel 156 of the upper housing portion 104 and a lower channel or bottom channel 160 of the lower housing portion 108.

[0021] In this exemplary embodiment, the side conduits are positioned substantially centrally along the upper surface portion 104 above the first coil module 112 and the second coil module 116. The side conduits are designed to provide cool air along two mobile devices positioned along opposite sides of the side conduits. Therefore, outlets are located along each of the opposite sides of the side conduits 104 to discharge air next to each of the two mobile devices. This is in addition to including a single wireless charger (rather than...) Figure 1In an alternative embodiment of the dual wireless charger design shown, the side conduit may be positioned along or adjacent to the side edge of the upper housing portion. Depending on the construction of the upper housing portion or top panel 104, the side conduit may have a simpler or more complex shape to position cool air along one or more sides of the mobile device.

[0022] The wireless charging module 100 also includes a substrate 164 between the first coil module 112 and the second coil module 116 and the upper housing portion 104. Figure 1 The substrate 164 includes at least one groove 168 aligned with the upper channel 156 and the lower channel 160 to prevent the substrate 164 from obstructing the side channels. The substrate 164 also includes four apertures or openings 168, 172 aligned with four air inlets or vents 120, 124 of the upper housing portion 104. The apertures or openings 168, 172 of the substrate allow the air inlets or vents 120, 124 of the upper housing portion 104 to communicate with channels 136, 140 disposed (e.g., integrally defined, injection molded, etc.) in the lower housing portion 108 without being obstructed by the substrate 160.

[0023] Figure 1 The diagram also shows a valve 176 configured to draw in cool air, which can flow along the upper housing portion 104 through a side duct to an outlet or vent 152. If the system is activated, cool air can be supplied by the vehicle's air conditioning (AC) system and can be controlled by valve 176. Typically, valve 176 is sufficient if the AC system has sufficient pressure to force cool air along the upper housing portion 104 of the wireless charging module 100 through the outlet or vent 152. Conversely, if the pressure differential is insufficient, valve 176 can be replaced by a fan that establishes a sufficient pressure differential to force cool air out from one or more outlets or vents 152.

[0024] like Figure 1 , 2As shown in Figure 3, each coil module 112, 116 includes three transmission (Tx) coils arranged in an overlapping manner, wherein at least a portion of the first coil overlaps with at least a portion of the second coil, and at least a portion of the second coil overlaps with at least a portion of the third coil. In this example, the three transmission coils are arranged in an overlapping manner similar to a scale-like structure (e.g., the transmission coils resemble scales stacked on top of each other) or similar to the structure of three falling dominoes. However, the transmission coils and coil topology of coil modules 112, 116 are merely examples. Alternative embodiments may include wireless charging modules that are arranged differently, such as having more or fewer than two coil modules (e.g., a single coil module), one or more coil modules with different coil topologies (e.g., non-overlapping transmission coils), one or more coil modules with more or fewer than three transmission coils, transmission coils with different arrangements (e.g., more or fewer coil windings), etc.

[0025] For example, another exemplary embodiment of a wireless charging module may include at least one transmission coil having a material-free central opening such that the central opening remains open to allow air to flow through the center of one or more transmission coils for additional cooling.

[0026] As a further example, another exemplary embodiment of the wireless charging module includes a single-coil module for wirelessly charging a single mobile device. In this exemplary embodiment, the cooling features disclosed herein are configured to cool the single mobile device being charged by the wireless charging module. For example, the upper housing portion includes two air inlets or vents spaced apart for placement adjacent to opposing first and second ends of the single mobile device. The lower housing portion includes a single air outlet or vent that communicates with the two air inlets or vents of the upper housing portion via a duct system (e.g., one or more air channels or ducts) disposed (e.g., integrally defined, etc.) within the housing. The wireless charging module also includes a fan that communicates with the duct system via the single air outlet or vent of the lower housing portion. The fan is operable to generate airflow entering the two air inlets or vents of the upper housing portion, which flows through the duct system surrounding at least a portion of the single coil module to the single air outlet or vent of the lower housing portion.

[0027] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the wireless charging module 200, which provides an additional cooling source. If the system is turned on, cool air can be supplied by the vehicle's air conditioning (AC) system and can be controlled by a valve or fan. Typically, valve 276 is sufficient if the AC system has sufficient pressure to force cool air along the upper surface portion 204 of the wireless charging module 200 through one or more outlets or vents 252. Conversely, if the pressure difference is insufficient, the valve can be replaced by a fan that establishes a sufficient pressure difference to force cool air out from one or more outlets or vents 252.

[0028] like Figure 4 As shown, the wireless charging module 200 includes a valve 276 and a fan 244 to obtain cool air. In this exemplary embodiment, cool air is delivered through a side air passage or duct 280 within the wireless charging module to an outlet or vent 252 of the upper housing portion 204. The cool air exiting from the outlet or vent 252 is directed, deflected, or otherwise delivered to flow along the surface of a mobile device 284 placed on the upper housing portion 204. After the cool air flows along the surface of the mobile device 284, the air is delivered, flowed, or otherwise traveled (e.g., drawn or attracted via the fan 244, etc.) to an inlet or vent 220 of the upper housing portion 204, entering another air passage or duct 240 within the wireless charging module 200. The fan 244 may operate to draw or attract air into the inlet or vent 220 and through the duct 240.

[0029] Cool air may or may not be provided by fan 244. And fan 244 may draw air into inlet or vent 220 through duct 240, with or without valve 276 that allows cool air to leave wireless charging module 200 via one or more outlets or vents.

[0030] In one exemplary embodiment, a temperature sensor may be provided, configured to operate for determining the temperature of a mobile device 284 placed along the upper housing portion 204 for wireless charging. In this example, the wireless charging module 200 may be configured to determine whether the temperature of the mobile device 284 is increasing and requires additional cooling. In response to determining that the temperature of the mobile device is increasing and requires additional cooling, the wireless charging module may engage valve 276 to deliver air from a cold air supply through conduit 280 to an outlet or vent 252, from which the air is discharged to flow along at least one surface of the mobile device 284. Additionally or alternatively, the wireless charging module 200 may be configured to engage either or both of valve 276 and fan 244 based on one or more predetermined conditions to thereby deliver air from the cold air supply through conduit 280 to an outlet or vent 252, from which the air is discharged to flow along at least one surface of the mobile device 284. The one or more predetermined conditions may include an over-temperature alarm received from the mobile device; and / or a determination that additional cooling is desired based on the amount of power supplied to the receiving coil of the mobile device.

[0031] Therefore, exemplary embodiments of a wireless charging module configured to include cooling features are disclosed herein. Exemplary methods of operating the wireless charging module are also disclosed, including cooling one or more coil modules of the wireless charging module and / or cooling one or more mobile devices placed on the wireless charging module for wireless charging.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment, the wireless charging module includes a housing configured to support at least one coil module therein. The housing includes an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion. The upper housing portion includes (e.g., integrally defined, etc.) at least one vent. The lower housing portion includes at least one vent. One or more air channels or conduits are disposed within the housing (e.g., integrally defined by the housing, being an injection-molded conduit system within the housing, etc.). The one or more conduits communicate with the at least one vent in the upper housing portion and the at least one vent in the lower housing portion. The airflow path is defined from the at least one vent in the upper housing portion through the one or more conduits to the at least one vent in the lower housing portion to allow air to generally flow around and / or adjacent to at least a portion of the at least one coil module supported within the housing.

[0033] In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of air channels or ducts are provided within the housing. First and second vents on the upper housing portion communicate with the plurality of ducts. The first and second vents are spaced apart from each other along the upper housing portion so as to be adjacent to opposite first and second end portions of the mobile device, respectively, when the mobile device is placed along the upper housing portion for wireless charging.

[0034] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one fan is in communication with the one or more ducts via the at least one vent in the lower housing portion. The at least one fan is configured to operate to generate an airflow that enters the at least one vent in the upper housing portion and flows through the one or more ducts to the at least one vent in the lower housing portion.

[0035] In an exemplary embodiment, the upper housing portion includes (e.g., integrally defined, etc.) a plurality of upwardly projecting portions spaced apart along the upper housing portion. The upwardly projecting portions are configured to allow air to pass beneath a mobile device for wireless charging that has been placed on top of the upwardly projecting portions.

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment, the upper housing portion includes (e.g., integrally defined, etc.) a plurality of ribs spaced apart along the upper housing portion and projecting upward from the upper housing portion. The lower housing portion includes at least one air outlet. The upper housing portion includes first and second air inlets communicating with one or more ducts. The first and second air inlets are spaced apart from each other along the upper housing portion so as to be adjacent, respectively, to opposite first and second end portions of a mobile device for wireless charging, which are already placed on top of the ribs. The ribs are configured to allow air to pass under the mobile device and then be drawn into the first and second air inlets, flowing through the one or more ducts to the at least one air outlet of the lower housing portion. At least one fan may be in communication with the one or more ducts via the at least one air outlet of the lower housing portion. The at least one fan may be configured to operate to draw air from under the mobile device between a pair of adjacent ribs into the first and second air inlets, flowing through the one or more ducts to the at least one air outlet of the lower housing portion. The wireless charging module may be configured such that, while avoiding interference with one or more transmission coils of at least one coil module, it provides an generally symmetrical airflow across at least one surface of the mobile device along opposite sides of the receiving coil of the mobile device.

[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one outlet of the upper housing portion is configured to selectively communicate with a cold air supplier via one or more ducts. Air from the cold air supplier can be delivered through one or more ducts to at least one outlet of the upper housing portion, from which air can be discharged to subsequently flow along at least one surface of a mobile device that has been positioned along the upper housing portion for wireless charging. The upper housing portion may also include at least one inlet downstream of at least one outlet. At least one inlet may be configured to receive air discharged from at least one outlet and after flowing along at least one surface of the mobile device. At least one fan may be communicated with at least one inlet via one or more ducts. At least one fan may be configured to operate to draw or suck air into at least one inlet. The wireless charging module may be configured to allow at least one outlet to selectively communicate with the air conditioning system of a vehicle using the wireless charging module. The cold air supplier may include at least one fan that is communicated with at least one outlet via one or more ducts. Additionally or alternatively, at least one outlet may be communicated with at least one valve via one or more ducts. At least one valve may be configured to provide a selective passage to the cold air supplier to at least one outlet.

[0038] In an exemplary embodiment, the wireless charging module further includes at least one temperature sensor configured to operate for determining the temperature of a mobile device that has been positioned along the upper housing portion for wireless charging. The wireless charging module is configured to: determine whether the temperature of the mobile device is increasing and requires additional cooling; and in response to determining that the temperature of the mobile device is increasing and requires additional cooling, deliver air from a cold air supplier through one or more ducts to at least one outlet, from which the air is discharged to flow along at least one surface of the mobile device.

[0039] In an exemplary embodiment, the wireless charging module is configured to, based on one or more predetermined conditions, deliver air from a cold air supply through one or more ducts to at least one outlet, from which the air is discharged to flow along at least one surface of a mobile device that has been positioned along an upper housing portion for wireless charging. One or more predetermined conditions may include an over-temperature alarm received from the mobile device and / or a determination that additional cooling is desired based on the amount of power supplied to the receiving coil of the mobile device.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, the upper housing portion and the lower housing portion are configured to be joined together such that an internal compartment for at least one coil module is cooperatively defined between the upper housing portion and the lower housing portion, and such that one or more conduits are generally arranged around at least a portion of at least one charging coil.

[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, a substrate is positioned between at least one coil module and an upper housing portion. The substrate includes at least one aperture aligned with at least one vent in the upper housing portion, thereby allowing at least one vent in the upper housing portion to communicate with one or more conduits via the at least one aperture without being blocked by the substrate.

[0042] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one side conduit communicates with at least one outlet of the upper housing portion. Air can be delivered through the at least one side conduit to the at least one outlet, and air can be discharged from the at least one outlet to subsequently flow along at least one surface of the mobile device, which has been positioned along the upper housing portion for wireless charging. The at least one side conduit may be cooperatively defined by an upper channel of the upper housing portion and a lower channel of the lower housing portion. A substrate may be disposed between at least one coil module and the upper housing portion. The substrate may include at least one slot aligned with the upper and lower channels to prevent the substrate from obstructing the at least one side conduit.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, a housing is configured to support first and second coil modules therein, the first and second coil modules being operable to charge first and second mobile devices, respectively, when the first and second mobile devices are positioned above the first and second coil modules along an upper housing portion. At least one side conduit is disposed substantially centrally above the first and second coil modules along the upper housing portion. The upper housing portion includes first and second outlets communicating with the at least one side conduit. Air can be delivered to and discharged from the first and second outlets via the at least one side conduit, and subsequently flow along the surfaces of the respective first and second mobile devices positioned between the upper housing portion above the first and second coil modules and opposing first and second sides along the at least one side conduit.

[0044] In an exemplary embodiment, a housing is configured to support first and second coil modules therein, the first and second coil modules being operable to charge first and second mobile devices, respectively, when the first and second mobile devices are positioned above the first and second coil modules, respectively, along an upper housing portion. First and second air ducts are defined to generally surround and / or be adjacent to at least a portion of the first coil module supported within the housing. Third and fourth air ducts are defined to generally surround and / or be adjacent to at least a portion of the second coil module supported within the housing. First and second air inlets are spaced apart along the upper housing portion such that, when the first mobile device is positioned above the first coil module along the upper housing portion, the first and second air inlets are adjacent to opposite end portions of the first mobile device. A lower housing portion includes first and second air outlets. A first air outlet communicates with the first and second air inlets via corresponding first and second air ducts. A second air outlet communicates with the third and fourth air inlets via corresponding third and fourth air ducts. A first fan communicates with the first and second air ducts via the first air outlet of the lower housing portion. A first fan is configured to generate an airflow that enters into the first and second air inlets of the upper housing portion, passes through first and second air ducts generally surrounding and / or adjacent to at least a portion of the first coil module supported within the housing, and reaches the first air outlet of the lower housing portion. A second fan communicates with third and fourth air ducts via the second air outlet of the lower housing portion. The second fan is configured to generate an airflow that enters into the third and fourth air inlets of the upper housing portion, passes through third and fourth air ducts generally surrounding and / or adjacent to at least a portion of the second coil module supported within the housing, and reaches the second air outlet of the lower housing portion.

[0045] Exemplary methods for operating a wireless charging module are also disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, a method includes providing a cooling airflow inside the housing of the wireless charging module to cool one or more coil modules of the wireless charging module and / or providing a cooling airflow outside the housing to cool one or more mobile devices placed on the wireless charging module for wireless charging.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes providing an airflow within the housing that generally surrounds and / or is adjacent to at least a portion of at least one coil module supported within the housing. The airflow flows along an airflow path defined from at least one vent in the upper housing portion through one or more air channels or conduits disposed within the housing (e.g., integrally defined by the housing, injection-molded within the housing, etc.) to at least one vent in the lower housing portion.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes generating an airflow that enters at least one vent in the upper housing portion via at least one fan and flows through one or more ducts to at least one vent in the lower housing portion.

[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes providing airflow to first and second vents in the upper housing portion, the first and second vents communicating with a plurality of ducts within the housing. The first and second vents are spaced apart from each other along the upper housing portion so as to be adjacent to opposing first and second end portions of the mobile device, respectively, when the mobile device is placed along the upper housing portion for wireless charging.

[0049] In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes placing a mobile device on top of an upwardly projecting portion (e.g., spaced ribs, etc.) of an upper housing portion for wireless charging of the mobile device via a wireless charging module. The method also includes drawing or attracting air from below the mobile device into one or more air inlets of the upper housing portion via at least one fan, and allowing air to flow through one or more ducts within the housing to one or more air outlets of the lower housing portion.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes generating an generally symmetrical airflow along opposite sides of the receiving coil of the mobile device across at least one surface of the mobile device, while avoiding interference with one or more transmission coils of at least one coil module of the wireless charging module.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes delivering air from a cold air supply (e.g., a vehicle air conditioning system, a fan, etc.) through one or more ducts within the housing to at least one outlet of an upper housing portion, from which the air is discharged so that it can subsequently flow along at least one surface of a mobile device that has been positioned along the upper housing portion for wireless charging by a wireless charging module. The method may also include drawing or attracting air via a fan into at least one inlet (downstream of at least one outlet) and through one or more ducts within the housing. The at least one inlet may be configured to receive air discharged from the at least one outlet after flowing along at least one surface of the mobile device.

[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes sensing the temperature of a mobile device that has been positioned along an upper housing portion for wireless charging by a wireless charging module via a temperature sensor. The method also includes determining whether the temperature of the mobile device is increasing and requires additional cooling. In response to determining that the temperature of the mobile device is increasing and requires additional cooling, the method includes delivering air from a cold air supply unit through one or more ducts within the housing to at least one outlet, from which the air is discharged to flow along at least one surface of the mobile device.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes determining whether one or more predetermined conditions have been met. In response to determining that one or more predetermined conditions have been met, the method includes delivering air from a cold air supply unit through one or more ducts within the housing to at least one outlet, the air being discharged from the at least one outlet to flow along at least one surface of a mobile device that has been positioned along an upper housing portion for wireless charging. The one or more predetermined conditions may include an over-temperature alarm received from the mobile device and / or determining that additional cooling is desired based on the amount of power supplied to the receiving coil of the mobile device.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes delivering air through at least one side conduit to at least one outlet from which the air can be discharged so as to subsequently flow along at least one surface of a mobile device that has been positioned along an upper housing portion for wireless charging by a wireless charging module. The at least one side conduit may be cooperatively defined by an upper channel of the upper housing portion and a lower channel of the lower housing portion. The method may further include positioning a substrate between at least one coil module and the upper housing portion such that at least one slot on the substrate is aligned with the upper and lower channels, such that the substrate does not obstruct the at least one side conduit.

[0055] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one side conduit is positioned substantially centrally above the first and second coil modules of the wireless charging module along the upper housing portion. The method includes delivering air through the at least one side conduit to first and second outlets from which the air can be discharged so that it subsequently flows along the surfaces of corresponding first and second mobile devices already positioned along the upper housing portion above the first and second coil modules and along opposite first and second sides of the at least one side conduit.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes generating airflow into first and second air inlets of the upper housing portion via a first fan, the airflow passing through first and second air channels or ducts within the housing, generally surrounding and / or adjacent to at least a portion of a first coil module supported within the housing, to a first air outlet of the lower housing portion. The method also includes generating airflow into third and fourth air inlets of the upper housing portion via a second fan, the airflow passing through third and fourth air channels or ducts within the housing, generally surrounding and / or adjacent to at least a portion of a second coil module supported within the housing, to a second air outlet of the lower housing portion.

[0057] The present disclosure described herein uses preferred and exemplary embodiments to illustrate various features. Many other embodiments, modifications, and variations will be made by those skilled in the art upon reading this disclosure, within the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A wireless charging module, comprising: A housing configured to support at least one coil module therein, the housing comprising an upper housing portion and a lower housing portion, the upper housing portion including at least one vent, the lower housing portion including at least one vent; as well as One or more ducts are disposed within the housing and communicate with at least one vent in the upper housing portion and at least one vent in the lower housing portion, thereby defining an airflow path from at least one vent in the upper housing portion through the one or more ducts to at least one vent in the lower housing portion, to allow air to generally flow around and / or adjacent to at least a portion of at least one coil module supported within the housing. The wireless charging module further includes a substrate located between the at least one coil module and the upper housing portion, wherein the substrate includes at least one aperture aligned with at least one vent on the upper housing portion, thereby allowing at least one vent on the upper housing portion to communicate with the one or more pipes via the at least one aperture without being blocked by the substrate. The upper housing portion includes at least one vent, which comprises at least one outlet; and the one or more ducts include at least one side duct communicating with the at least one outlet, thereby allowing air to be delivered through the at least one side duct to the at least one outlet, from which the air is discharged, and subsequently flows along at least one surface of the mobile device for wireless charging that has been placed along the upper housing portion. Wherein, the at least one side conduit is cooperatively defined by an upper channel of the upper housing portion and a lower channel of the lower housing portion; and The substrate includes at least one groove aligned with the upper channel and the lower channel to prevent the substrate from obstructing the at least one side channel.

2. The wireless charging module of claim 1, wherein the upper housing portion includes a plurality of upwardly projecting portions spaced apart along the upper housing portion, wherein the upwardly projecting portions are configured to allow air to pass under a mobile device for wireless charging that has been placed on top of the upwardly projecting portions.

3. The wireless charging module of claim 1 further includes at least one fan communicating with the one or more pipes via at least one vent in the lower housing portion, the at least one fan being configured to operate to generate an airflow entering the at least one vent in the upper housing portion and passing through the one or more pipes to the at least one vent in the lower housing portion.

4. The wireless charging module according to claim 1, wherein: The one or more pipes include a plurality of pipes disposed within the housing; At least one vent in the upper housing portion includes a first vent and a second vent that communicate with the plurality of pipes; as well as The first vent and the second vent are spaced apart from each other along the upper housing portion so that when the mobile device is placed along the upper housing portion for wireless charging, they are respectively adjacent to the opposite first end portion and second end portion of the mobile device.

5. The wireless charging module according to claim 1, wherein: The upper housing portion includes a plurality of ribs spaced apart along the upper housing portion and projecting upward from the upper housing portion; At least one vent in the lower housing portion includes at least one air outlet; At least one vent in the upper housing portion includes a first air inlet and a second air inlet communicating with the one or more ducts, the first air inlet and the second air inlet being spaced apart from each other along the upper housing portion so as to be adjacent to opposing first end portions and second end portions of a mobile device for wireless charging that have been placed on top of the plurality of ribs, respectively; as well as The ribs are configured to allow air to pass beneath the mobile device and then be drawn into the first and second air inlets, through the one or more pipes to at least one air outlet of the lower housing portion.

6. The wireless charging module according to claim 5, wherein: The wireless charging module further includes at least one fan, the at least one fan being in communication with the one or more pipes via at least one air outlet of the lower housing portion; and The at least one fan is configured to operate to draw air from below the mobile device between a pair of adjacent ribs into the first air inlet and the second air inlet, and through the one or more ducts to at least one air outlet of the lower housing portion.

7. The wireless charging module according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The wireless charging module is configured to provide an generally symmetrical airflow across at least one surface of the mobile device along opposite sides of the receiving coil of the mobile device, while avoiding interference with one or more transmission coils of the at least one coil module.

8. The wireless charging module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one vent of the upper housing portion includes at least one outlet configured to selectively communicate with a cold air supplier via the one or more ducts, whereby air from the cold air supplier can be delivered through the one or more ducts to at least one outlet of the upper housing portion, and air can be discharged from the at least one outlet so as to subsequently flow along at least one surface of a mobile device for wireless charging that has been placed along the upper housing portion.

9. The wireless charging module of claim 8, wherein at least one vent of the upper housing portion further includes at least one inlet downstream of the at least one outlet, whereby the at least one inlet is configured to receive air discharged from the at least one outlet and flowing along at least one surface of the mobile device.

10. The wireless charging module of claim 9, further comprising at least one fan communicating with the at least one inlet via the one or more conduits, wherein the at least one fan is configured to operate for drawing or attracting air into the at least one inlet.

11. The wireless charging module of claim 8, wherein the wireless charging module is configured to allow the at least one outlet to selectively communicate with the air conditioning system of a vehicle using the wireless charging module.

12. The wireless charging module according to claim 8, wherein: The cold air supply unit includes at least one fan connected to the at least one outlet via the one or more ducts; and / or The at least one outlet is connected to at least one valve via the one or more pipes, the at least one valve being configured to provide a selective passage to the cold air supply to the at least one outlet.

13. The wireless charging module according to claim 8, wherein: The wireless charging module also includes at least one temperature sensor, which is configured to operate to determine the temperature of the mobile device for wireless charging that has been placed along the upper housing portion. as well as The wireless charging module is configured as follows: Determine if the temperature of the mobile device is increasing and requires additional cooling; as well as In response to determining that the temperature of the mobile device is increasing and additional cooling is required, air is delivered from the cold air supply through the one or more ducts to the at least one outlet, and the air is discharged from the at least one outlet to flow along at least one surface of the mobile device.

14. The wireless charging module of claim 8, wherein the wireless charging module is configured to, based on one or more predetermined conditions, deliver air from the cold air supply through the one or more ducts to the at least one outlet, the air being discharged from the at least one outlet to flow along at least one surface of the mobile device for wireless charging that has been placed along the upper housing portion.

15. The wireless charging module according to claim 14, wherein the one or more predetermined situations include: Over-temperature alarm received from the mobile device; and / or The additional cooling is determined based on the amount of power supplied to the receiving coil of the mobile device.

16. The wireless charging module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the upper housing portion and the lower housing portion are configured to be joined together such that an internal compartment for the at least one coil module is cooperatively defined between the upper housing portion and the lower housing portion, and such that the one or more conduits are generally arranged around at least a portion of the at least one charging coil.

17. The wireless charging module according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The housing is configured to support a first coil module and a second coil module therein, the first coil module and the second coil module being operable to charge the first mobile device and the second mobile device respectively when the first mobile device and the second mobile device are respectively placed above the first coil module and the second coil module along the upper housing portion; The one or more pipes include at least one side pipe, which is disposed substantially centrally above the first coil module and the second coil module along the upper housing portion; as well as At least one vent in the upper housing portion includes a first outlet and a second outlet communicating with the at least one side pipe; Air can thus be transported through the at least one side pipe to the first outlet and the second outlet, and the air can be discharged from the first outlet and the second outlet, and then flow along the surfaces of the corresponding first and second moving devices, which are positioned along the upper housing portion above the first coil module and the second coil module, and along the opposite first and second sides of the at least one side pipe.

18. The wireless charging module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The housing is configured to support a first coil module and a second coil module therein, the first coil module and the second coil module being operable to charge the first mobile device and the second mobile device respectively when the first mobile device and the second mobile device are respectively placed above the first coil module and the second coil module along the upper housing portion; The one or more pipes include: A first air duct and a second air duct, the first air duct and the second air duct being defined to generally surround and / or be adjacent to at least a portion of a first coil module supported within the housing; and A third air duct and a fourth air duct, the third air duct and the fourth air duct being defined to generally surround and / or be adjacent to at least a portion of a second coil module supported within the housing; At least one vent in the upper housing portion includes: A first air inlet and a second air inlet, spaced apart along the upper housing portion, such that when the first moving device is positioned above the first coil module along the upper housing portion, the first air inlet and the second air inlet are adjacent to opposite end portions of the first moving device; and A third air inlet and a fourth air inlet are spaced apart along the upper housing portion such that when the second moving device is placed above the second coil module along the upper housing portion, the third air inlet and the fourth air inlet are adjacent to opposite end portions of the second moving device; At least one vent in the lower housing portion includes: The first air outlet is connected to the first air inlet and the second air inlet via corresponding first and second air pipes; The second air outlet is connected to the third air inlet and the fourth air inlet via the corresponding third air duct and the fourth air duct; The wireless charging module also includes: A first fan, communicating with the first and second air ducts via a first air outlet of the lower housing portion, is configured to operate to generate an airflow. The airflow generated by the first fan enters the first and second air inlets of the upper housing portion, passes through the first and second air ducts, which generally surround and / or are adjacent to at least a portion of the first coil module supported within the housing, and reaches the first air outlet of the lower housing portion. A second fan, connected to the third and fourth air ducts via a second air outlet of the lower housing portion, is configured to operate to generate an airflow that enters the third and fourth air inlets of the upper housing portion, passes through the third and fourth air ducts which generally surround and / or are adjacent to at least a portion of the second coil module supported within the housing, and reaches the second air outlet of the lower housing portion.

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