Charging case, earphone assembly, and earphone charging method

Abstract

The application discloses a charging box, an earphone assembly and an earphone charging method, and belongs to the technical field of charging. The charging box comprises a box body, a first battery, and a voltage output module. The box body comprises a containing groove for containing an earphone. The first battery is arranged in the box body. The voltage output module is arranged on the box body. An input end of the voltage output module is electrically connected with the first battery. In the case that the earphone is placed in the containing groove, an output end of the voltage output module is electrically connected with a second battery of the earphone. The voltage output module is used for adaptively adjusting an output voltage of the voltage output module according to an output current of the voltage output module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of charging technology, specifically relating to a charging case, an earphone assembly, and an earphone charging method. Background Technology

[0002] True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds, due to their true wireless design, have gradually become an important device for people's daily life, entertainment, and work meetings. Therefore, the battery life of TWS earbuds has become a key concern.

[0003] TWS earbuds are charged via a charging case. In existing charging solutions, both the TWS earbuds and the charging case require a separate charging chip (charging IC). The charging case's chip continuously resets the input voltage to the earbuds' charging IC based on the earbuds' battery voltage, ensuring the charging IC's efficiency remains near its peak. However, this solution has the following drawback: charging requires repeated interruptions to allow the charging case and earbuds to communicate and obtain the earbuds' battery voltage before configuring the charging case's charging IC's output voltage (i.e., the earbuds' charging IC's input voltage). This results in frequent charging interruptions and extended charging time. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to provide a charging case, earphone assembly, and earphone charging method that can solve the problem of prolonged charging time caused by repeated stopping and starting of charging in existing charging solutions.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a charging case, including:

[0006] The housing includes a receiving slot for accommodating earphones;

[0007] A first battery is disposed inside the housing;

[0008] A voltage output module is disposed on the housing. The input terminal of the voltage output module is electrically connected to the first battery. When the earphone is placed in the receiving slot, the output terminal of the voltage output module is electrically connected to the second battery of the earphone. The voltage output module is used to adaptively adjust the output voltage of the voltage output module according to the output current of the voltage output module.

[0009] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide an earphone assembly, including:

[0010] The charging case as described in the first aspect;

[0011] The earphones are placed in a receiving slot within the charging case, and the earphones include a second battery.

[0012] Thirdly, this application provides an earphone charging method applied to a charging case, the charging case comprising: a case body, the case body including a receiving slot for receiving earphones; a first battery disposed in the case body; and a voltage output module disposed on the case body, the input terminal of the voltage output module being electrically connected to the first battery.

[0013] The method includes:

[0014] With the earphone placed in the receiving slot, the earphone is electrically connected to the output terminal of the voltage output module;

[0015] The first battery charges the second battery of the earphone through the voltage output module;

[0016] During the charging process of the second battery, the voltage output module adaptively adjusts the output voltage of the voltage output module according to the output current of the voltage output module.

[0017] In this embodiment, the charging case is equipped with a voltage output module. The input terminal of the voltage output module is electrically connected to the first battery of the charging case, and when the earphones are placed in the receiving slot of the charging case, the output terminal of the voltage output module is electrically connected to the second battery of the earphones. During the charging process of the earphones using the charging case, the voltage output module can adaptively adjust its output voltage through its own output current to achieve constant current output. Therefore, the charging case does not need to repeatedly stop charging to communicate with the earphones to obtain the battery voltage of the earphones, thereby improving the charging rate.

[0018] In addition, the voltage output module is directly electrically connected to the battery in the charging case and the battery in the earphones. Therefore, the earphones do not need to have a charging IC, which can reduce charging costs and improve charging efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is one of the structural diagrams of charging solutions in related technologies;

[0020] Figure 2 This is the second structural diagram of a charging solution in related technologies;

[0021] Figure 3 This is the third structural diagram of a charging solution in related technologies;

[0022] Figure 4 This is one of the structural diagrams of the headphone assembly provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 5 This is one of the structural diagrams of the headphone assembly provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0024] Figure 6 This is the third structural diagram of the headphone assembly provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of the headphone charging method provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this application are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0027] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0028] For ease of understanding, the following describes some aspects of the embodiments of this application:

[0029] True Wireless Stereo (TWS) earbuds, due to their true wireless design, have gradually become essential devices for people's daily lives, entertainment, and work meetings. Therefore, improving the battery life of TWS earbuds has become a key focus.

[0030] The battery life of TWS earbuds can be improved in several ways: increasing capacitor capacity, optimizing power consumption, and changing the charging scheme.

[0031] However, with the technological advancements in TWS earbuds, their focus has shifted from simple functionality to performance enhancements, such as better sound quality, longer battery life, and wider applicability. This has led to higher power consumption in TWS earbuds, making it less feasible to improve battery life by optimizing power consumption. Furthermore, to enhance portability and user experience, TWS earbuds are trending towards miniaturization and thinner designs. Increasing capacitor capacity results in larger battery sizes, further reducing the feasibility of improving battery life through increased capacitor capacity.

[0032] Therefore, the battery life of TWS earbuds is generally improved by changing the charging scheme. The following explains the charging scheme in the relevant technology.

[0033] After years of development, from the perspective of charging solutions, the following shortcomings still exist:

[0034] Figure 1 The traditional BOOST fixed boost solution is simple, but because of the presence of the headphone charging chip (IC), the boost IC needs to boost the voltage to a point higher than the headphone battery voltage, resulting in very low efficiency when charging at low voltage (efficiency ≈ headphone battery voltage / fixed boost voltage).

[0035] Figure 2 This solution employs a dual-BUCK-BOOST (buck or boost) design, essentially a voltage follower scheme, where the voltage supplied to the headphone charging IC is variable. During debugging, after finding the minimum voltage difference required for the charging IC to operate normally, the input voltage to the headphone charging IC is continuously reset based on the headphone battery voltage, ensuring that the headphone charging IC's efficiency is always near its peak. However, the drawback of this solution is that charging requires repeated stops and starts during the charging process to allow the charging case and headphones to communicate and obtain the headphone battery voltage before configuring the output voltage of the buck / boost IC (i.e., the input voltage of the headphone charging IC). This results in frequent charging interruptions and extended charging time. Furthermore, because buck-boost chips are expensive, only high-end models can use them, increasing the financial burden on consumers.

[0036] Figure 3 This is a combined charging and discharging solution. The charging case charging and boost functions are integrated into a single charging IC. This combination reduces chip costs and improves efficiency compared to fixed boost solutions, but it doesn't reach the efficiency of the BUCK-BOOST solution. Furthermore, the BUCK-BOOST solution suffers from the drawback of frequent charging interruptions, leading to longer charging times.

[0037] Related technologies also provide a solution in which the output voltage of the charging IC regulator is fixed at 4.6V. This fixed voltage causes the following problems:

[0038] 1. When the headphone battery voltage is low, overcharging is likely to occur. An additional switch needs to be placed at the headphone end to prevent overcharging caused by excessively high voltage. Adding a switch will introduce additional impedance, resulting in reduced efficiency and making the charging scheme control more complex.

[0039] 2. The fixed output voltage itself has a large voltage difference with the headphone battery voltage, resulting in very low efficiency. For example, when the battery voltage is 3V, excluding the impedance loss of the back-end switch and the boost loss of the charging IC, the efficiency is only 65%. Even after adding the impedance loss of the switch and the boost loss of the charging IC, the efficiency does not exceed 60%.

[0040] 3. Because the charging voltage of 4.6V is higher than the full charge voltage of the earphone battery, there is a safety hazard of overcharging.

[0041] 4. Due to the risk of overcharging, the sampling point of the earphone battery must be the voltage point of the earphone battery. To achieve this sampling goal, if the sampling point is placed in the charging case, charging needs to be stopped to ensure that the measured voltage is consistent with the actual earphone voltage. However, repeated stopping and starting of charging will increase the charging time. Alternatively, a separate measurement path can be added to the charging case and the earphone, i.e., adding a contact point (PIN).

[0042] Based on this, the embodiments of this application provide a new charging solution that can achieve the following effects:

[0043] It can eliminate the need for hardware charging architecture such as charging IC and switching IC on the headphone end, thus reducing the weight of the headphones;

[0044] Voltage adaptive, or voltage follow, improves the charging efficiency of the charging case for the earphones and extends the charging case's battery life.

[0045] Without adding contact pins, the earphones and charging case do not communicate during the charging process, eliminating the need for repeated charging stops and starts, thus speeding up the charging process.

[0046] The charging box provided in this application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, through specific embodiments and application scenarios.

[0047] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 4 As shown, the charging case may include a housing 11, a first battery 12 disposed on the housing 11, and a voltage output module 13. The housing 11 may also include a receiving slot for receiving earphones.

[0048] The input terminal of the voltage output module 13 is electrically connected to the first battery 12. When the earphone is placed in the receiving slot, the output terminal of the voltage output module 13 is electrically connected to the second battery 21 of the earphone. That is, during the charging process using the charging case, the voltage output module 13 is directly electrically connected to the battery of the charging case (i.e., the first battery 12) and the battery of the earphone (i.e., the second earphone 21). Therefore, in this embodiment, the earphone does not require a charging IC, which reduces charging costs and improves charging efficiency.

[0049] In this embodiment, the voltage output module 13 is used to adaptively adjust its output voltage according to its own output current in order to achieve constant current output.

[0050] In practice, the voltage output module 13 can compare its own output current with the preset output current, obtain the comparison result, and adaptively adjust its own output voltage according to the comparison result.

[0051] Specifically, if the comparison result shows that its own output current is less than the preset output current, it indicates that the output voltage of the voltage output module 13 is lower than the required voltage, and the voltage output module 13 can automatically increase its own output voltage; if the comparison result shows that its own output current is equal to the preset output current, it indicates that the output voltage of the voltage output module 13 may be higher than the required voltage, and the voltage output module 13 can automatically decrease its own output voltage. This process is repeated to achieve constant current output.

[0052] It is worth noting that, in order to protect the second battery 21, the maximum output voltage of the voltage output module 13 can be less than or equal to the full charge voltage of the second battery 21.

[0053] In addition, when the voltage output module 13 adaptively adjusts its own output voltage, the voltage output module 13 can adaptively adjust its own output voltage to the minimum voltage value that meets the constant current requirement. In this way, the constant current output purpose can be achieved, the charging efficiency can be improved, and the battery life of the charging box can be extended.

[0054] The number of voltage output modules 13 can be equal to the number of earphones that the charging case supports charging. Different earphones have different voltage output modules 13 connected to their batteries. For example, if the charging case can support charging the left and right earphones of TWS earphones at the same time, the charging case can charge the left earphone through one voltage output module 13 and charge the right earphone through another voltage output module 13. In this way, the left and right earphones can be charged independently, improving charging flexibility.

[0055] The charging case of this embodiment includes a voltage output module. The input terminal of the voltage output module is electrically connected to the first battery of the charging case. When the earphones are placed in the receiving slot of the charging case, the output terminal of the voltage output module is electrically connected to the second battery of the earphones. During the charging process of the earphones using the charging case, the voltage output module can adaptively adjust its output voltage through its own output current to achieve constant current output. Therefore, the charging case does not need to repeatedly stop charging to communicate with the earphones to obtain the battery voltage of the earphones, thereby improving the charging rate.

[0056] In addition, the voltage output module is directly electrically connected to the battery in the charging case and the battery in the earphones. Therefore, the earphones do not need to have a charging IC, which can reduce charging costs and improve charging efficiency.

[0057] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 As shown, the voltage output module 13 may include a first switching power supply 131, a current source 132, and a voltage detection module 133. The input terminal of the first switching power supply 131 is electrically connected to the first battery 12, and the output terminal of the first switching power supply 131 is electrically connected to the second battery 21 via the current source 132. The voltage detection module 133 is electrically connected to both the first switching power supply 131 and the current source 132.

[0058] In some optional implementations, such as Figure 5 As shown, the current source 132 can be housed within the first switching power supply 131. In this implementation, the current source 132 is integrated into the first switching power supply 131, which can further reduce charging costs.

[0059] In some alternative implementations, the current source 132 may be located outside the first switching power supply 131. In this implementation, the first switching power supply 131 and the current source 132 are connected in series.

[0060] The first switching power supply 131, the current source 132, and the voltage detection module 133 are described below.

[0061] For the voltage detection module 133, on the one hand, it can be used to set the maximum output voltage of the first switching power supply 131 to the full charge voltage of the second battery 21, and provide the set maximum output voltage of the first switching power supply 131 to the first switching power supply 131. In this way, the output voltage of the first switching power supply 131 can not exceed the full charge voltage of the second battery 21, thereby improving charging safety.

[0062] On the other hand, the voltage detection module 133 can set the output current of the current source 132 and provide the set output current of the current source 132 to the first switching power supply 131 and the current source 132. In this way, after the first switching power supply 131 obtains the set output current of the current source 132, it can adaptively adjust its own output voltage, so that the current source 132 can achieve constant current output according to the output current provided by the voltage detection module 133.

[0063] In a specific implementation, the voltage detection module 133 can set the output current of one or more current sources 132. The output current of the current source 132 can be preset or set during the charging process, depending on actual needs. This application embodiment does not limit this.

[0064] As an example, the voltage detection module 133 can set the output current of the current source 132 during the trickle charging stage; the voltage detection module 133 can set the output current of the current source 132 during the constant current charging stage; and the voltage detection module 133 can set the output current of the current source 132 during the constant voltage charging stage. It is worth noting that during the constant voltage charging stage, the output current of the current source 132 gradually decreases; therefore, the constant voltage charging stage can be considered to include multiple constant current charging stages.

[0065] In some embodiments, the voltage detection module 133 can be a single-chip microcomputer, or a microcontroller unit (MCU).

[0066] The current source 132 is used to output current and feed the output current back to the first switching power supply 131.

[0067] The first switching power supply 131 is used to adaptively adjust its own output voltage according to the output current of the current source 132, so that the current source 132 can achieve constant current output according to the output current provided by the voltage detection module 133, and the output voltage of the first switching power supply 131 does not exceed the maximum output voltage of the first switching power supply 131.

[0068] A switching power supply is a converter that uses the characteristics of inductance to convert DC voltage to DC voltage. In the embodiments of this application, the switching power supply converts the voltage of the first battery 12 into a voltage that is suitable for the second battery 21.

[0069] When the output current fed back by the current source 132 is less than the output current provided by the voltage detection module 133, the first switching power supply 131 automatically raises the output voltage (not exceeding the maximum output voltage provided by the voltage detection module 133); when the output current fed back by the current source 132 is equal to the output current provided by the voltage detection module 133, the first switching power supply 131 automatically lowers the output voltage, and so on, so that the current source 132 achieves constant current output according to the output current provided by the voltage detection module 133.

[0070] By using the voltage detection module 133 to set the maximum output voltage of the first switching power supply 131 and the output current of the current source 132, the first switching power supply can adaptively adjust its output voltage based on the comparison between the output current fed back by the current source 132 and the output current provided by the voltage detection module 133, without exceeding the maximum output voltage provided by the voltage detection module 133, thereby achieving constant current output. This can improve charging speed and charging efficiency while ensuring charging safety.

[0071] As can be seen from the above, in Figure 5 In the charging box shown, the first switching power supply 131 adaptively adjusts its output voltage through the current source 132 and the voltage detection module 131 to achieve constant current output. Therefore, the first switching power supply 131 can be regarded as an open-loop switching power supply.

[0072] Furthermore, such as Figure 5 As shown, the voltage detection module 133 is also electrically connected to the output terminal of the current source 132; the voltage detection module 133 is also used for:

[0073] Detect the output voltage of current source 132;

[0074] The first operation is performed based on the output voltage of the current source;

[0075] The first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0076] 1) When the output voltage of the current source 132 is less than the first voltage, the output current of the current source 132 is set to the first current, and the first voltage is less than or equal to the full charge voltage of the second battery 21.

[0077] 2) When the output voltage of the current source 132 is greater than or equal to the second voltage and less than the full charge voltage of the second battery 21, the output current of the current source 132 is set as the second current, and the second current is greater than the first current.

[0078] 3) When the output voltage of the current source 132 is the full charge voltage of the second battery 21, reduce the output current of the current source 132 until the output current of the current source 132 is the cutoff current of the second battery 21.

[0079] It is worth noting that, in Figure 5 Since the current source 132 is directly electrically connected to the second battery 21, the output voltage of the current source 132 detected by the voltage detection module 133 can be regarded as the voltage of the second battery 21.

[0080] As can be seen, in this embodiment of the application, the voltage of the earphone battery can be directly detected by the voltage detection module 133 set in the charging case. Therefore, there is no need to stop charging due to the detection of the earphone battery voltage, thereby improving the charging speed.

[0081] The voltage detection module 133 detects the output voltage of the current source 132 and can be used for at least one of the following: after the detected output voltage reaches the full charge voltage of the second battery, the output current of the current source 132 is reset; the charging stage of the second battery is determined.

[0082] When the first voltage is less than the full charge voltage of the second battery and the first voltage is equal to the second voltage, 1) can be understood as a trickle charging stage, 2) as a constant current charging stage, and 3) as a constant voltage charging stage. In this case, the voltage detection module 133 can set the output current of the current source 132 for each charging stage, so that the current source 132 outputs different constant currents in different charging stages, thereby improving charging safety.

[0083] When the first voltage is equal to the full charge voltage of the second battery 21, the voltage detection module 132 can not distinguish between the trickle charging stage and the constant current charging stage. If the output voltage of the current source 132 is less than the full charge voltage of the second battery 21, the current source can achieve constant current output according to the first current. In this way, the operating logic of the voltage detection module can be simplified.

[0084] In steps 1) and 2), the current source 132 achieves constant current output according to the current set by the voltage detection module 133. In step 3), the constant voltage charging stage begins. After the voltage detection module 133 detects that the output voltage of the current source 132 has reached the full charge voltage of the second battery 21, the output current of the current source 132 can be reset. Specifically, this is achieved by reducing the output current of the current source 132. As the output current of the current source 132 decreases, its output voltage also decreases. The voltage detection module 133 then continues to detect the output voltage of the current source 132. Once the output voltage of the current source 132 reaches the full charge voltage of the second battery 21 again, the output current of the current source 132 is further reduced, and so on, until the output current of the current source 132 drops to the cutoff current, at which point charging stops.

[0085] In the above manner, the output voltage of the current source 132 can be detected by the voltage detection module 133, and the output current of the current source 132 can be set, thereby improving the charging speed.

[0086] In other embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the voltage output module 13 can be a second switching power supply 134.

[0087] In this embodiment, the second switching power supply 134 can be used for:

[0088] Set the output current of the second switching power supply 134;

[0089] Set the maximum output voltage of the second switching power supply 134 to the full charge voltage of the second battery 21;

[0090] Based on the set output current, the output voltage of the second switching power supply 134 is adaptively adjusted so that the output voltage does not exceed the full charge voltage of the second battery 21.

[0091] In this embodiment, the second switching power supply 134 can set its own output current and maximum output voltage, and can detect its own output current and output voltage.

[0092] During the charging process, the actual output current can be compared with the set output current based on the set output current, and the output voltage can be adaptively adjusted based on the comparison result to achieve constant current output.

[0093] As can be seen from the above, the second switching power supply 134 can adaptively adjust its own output voltage to achieve constant current output. Therefore, the second switching power supply 134 can be regarded as a closed-loop switching power supply.

[0094] Furthermore, the second switching power supply 134 can also be used for:

[0095] Detect the output voltage of the second switching power supply 134;

[0096] The second operation is performed based on the output voltage of the second switching power supply;

[0097] The second operation includes at least one of the following:

[0098] When the output voltage of the second switching power supply 134 is less than the first voltage, the output current of the second switching power supply 134 is set to the first current, and the first voltage is less than or equal to the full charge voltage of the second battery 21.

[0099] When the output voltage of the second switching power supply 134 is greater than or equal to the second voltage and less than the full charge voltage of the second battery 21, the output current of the second switching power supply 134 is set to the second current, which is greater than the first current.

[0100] When the output voltage of the second switching power supply 134 is the full charge voltage of the second battery 21, the output current of the second switching power supply 134 is reduced until the output current of the second switching power supply 134 is the cutoff current of the second battery 21.

[0101] Since the second switching power supply 134 can detect its own output current and output voltage, after detecting that its own output voltage has reached the full charging voltage of the second battery 21, it can maintain the output voltage and gradually reduce the output current until its own output current drops to the cutoff current and stops charging.

[0102] It should be noted that the specific implementation logic of the second switching power supply 134 is similar to... Figure 5 The specific implementation logic of the medium voltage output module 13 is similar, and can be found in the relevant descriptions above, which will not be repeated here.

[0103] This application embodiment also provides an earphone assembly, including a charging case and earphones provided in this application embodiment. The earphones are placed in the receiving slot of the charging case body 11, and the earphones include a second battery 21.

[0104] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of this application, the charging circuit of the headphones does not need to be configured with hardware charging structures, such as charging ICs, which can reduce the cost of headphones, make headphones lighter and thinner, and improve charging efficiency.

[0105] The various optional embodiments described in this application can be combined with each other or implemented individually without conflict, and this application does not limit the implementation of such embodiments.

[0106] The following example illustrates the charging solution provided in this application.

[0107] This application provides a novel headphone charging solution, which achieves at least one of the following through an open-loop (relying on a feedback loop composed of an additional voltage detection module and a current source) or closed-loop (the switching power supply itself can complete the feedback loop) switching power supply architecture:

[0108] With voltage regulation and constant current output, a hardware charging architecture that eliminates the need for charging ICs and switching ICs at the headphone end is achieved, thus reducing the weight of the headphones;

[0109] Voltage adaptive, or voltage following, improves the charging efficiency of the charging case for the earphones, thus extending battery life.

[0110] Without adding contact pins, there is no communication between the earphones and the charging case during the charging process, eliminating the need for repeated charging stops and starts, thus speeding up the charging process.

[0111] The following effects can be achieved:

[0112] 1. Improve charging efficiency, reduce charging time, reduce costs, reduce PCB area, and reduce headphone weight.

[0113] 2. Simplify the charging architecture by removing the charging IC and switch on the headphone end, eliminating the need for additional contact pins;

[0114] 3. Achieve voltage self-adaptation to ensure maximum charging efficiency;

[0115] 4. Achieve a voltage following solution without adding contact pins or requiring communication between the earphone and charging case (due to repeated charging interruptions).

[0116] The embodiments of this application include the following improvements:

[0117] 1. Lightweight design: Eliminate the charging IC, switching IC, and corresponding peripheral circuits at the headphone end to reduce the weight, PCB area, and cost of the headphones.

[0118] 2. Improved efficiency: Implements a battery-to-battery charging solution, eliminating the charging IC and switch IC on the headphone end, while also achieving voltage following and improving charging efficiency.

[0119] 3. Improved charging speed: The adaptive voltage output module continuously adjusts its output voltage according to the output current, without exceeding the full charge voltage of the earphone's battery, to achieve constant current output. This eliminates the need to stop charging and communicate to obtain the battery voltage at the earphone end before configuring the charging case's output voltage, saving charging time and increasing charging speed.

[0120] 4. Reduced cost of voltage follower solution: The new solution architecture is easy to implement, has low implementation cost, and is more practical.

[0121] The working principle of this application embodiment:

[0122] The adaptive voltage output module (i.e. the aforementioned voltage output module) has multiple implementation methods, each with different underlying principles.

[0123] Implementation method one, such as Figure 5 As shown.

[0124] The first switching power supply is a DC-to-DC converter that utilizes the characteristics of an inductor. In this embodiment, it converts the TWS battery voltage to a voltage suitable for charging the earphone battery. When the output voltage is lower than the required voltage, it automatically raises the output voltage to the minimum voltage value required for constant current charging; when the output voltage is higher than the minimum voltage value, it automatically lowers the output voltage to the minimum voltage value required for constant current charging to improve charging efficiency.

[0125] The current source is a circuit module that achieves constant current output. In this embodiment, it achieves the function of providing a constant current to the headphone battery.

[0126] The voltage detection module is a detection and control module, usually composed of an MCU (microcontroller). In this embodiment, it realizes the functions of detecting the output voltage of the current source, setting the output voltage of the first switching power supply, and setting the output current of the constant current source.

[0127] The first battery is the charging case battery, which powers the charging case and also provides power to charge the earphone batteries.

[0128] The second battery is for the headphones.

[0129] The charging solution for method one is as follows (no communication with the earphones is required throughout the process, as there are no other components between the earphone battery and the charging case).

[0130] 1. The voltage detection module first sets the constant current charging target value and the full charge voltage according to the project requirements, that is, sets the maximum output current of the current source and the maximum output voltage of the first switching power supply (battery full charge voltage).

[0131] 2. Trickle and Constant Current Stages. The current source module feeds back the output current to the first switching power supply in real time. The first switching power supply outputs voltage from low to high. When the feedback current is less than the set value, the output voltage is increased (not exceeding the set maximum value); when the feedback current is equal to the set value, the output voltage is decreased. This cycle repeats continuously.

[0132] Furthermore, the battery voltage can be acquired by the voltage detection module (since the battery and the current source output are connected, the current source output voltage can be detected), and the constant current source current for the trickle and constant current stages can be set.

[0133] 3. Constant voltage stage. Assuming the headphones are fully charged at 4.2V, when the voltage detection module detects 4.2V, it reduces the constant current source current to 0.95 times (or 0.9 times, which can be customized). Because the current decreases, the output voltage decreases. Once the voltage triggers the 4.2V full charge voltage line again, the current continues to decrease in stages until the current is cut off, and charging stops.

[0134] It is worth noting that:

[0135] 1. Since there are no other components between the earphone battery and the earphone case, the voltage detection module only needs to detect the output voltage of the current source and does not need to communicate with the earphone.

[0136] 2. The first switching power supply will automatically raise the output voltage until the constant current source setting value is met, or until the full charge voltage is reached. Therefore, only the full charge voltage value and the constant current value of the current source need to be set to ensure that the entire charging process works normally.

[0137] 3. The current source and the first switching power supply are two different circuit modules. They can be implemented as two independent modules or combined into the switching power supply as one of the module circuits of the switching power supply.

[0138] Implementation method two, such as Figure 6 As shown.

[0139] The second switching power supply is a DC-to-DC converter that utilizes the characteristics of inductance. In this implementation, the second switching power supply module can change the output voltage according to the current output, so as to realize the function of converting the TWS battery voltage into a voltage suitable for earphone battery charging while achieving constant current output through closed-loop control. The second switching power supply automatically detects the output current. When the output current is less than the target value, the second switching power supply automatically raises the output voltage to the minimum charging value. When the output current is equal to the target value, the second switching power supply automatically lowers the output voltage to the minimum charging value.

[0140] Compared to implementation method one, implementation method two eliminates the voltage detection module. It only requires setting the maximum output voltage (i.e., full-charge voltage) and the maximum output current. During operation, the second switching power supply forms a closed-loop control (the second switching power supply outputs voltage from low to high; when the feedback current is less than the set value, the output voltage is increased (not exceeding the set maximum value); when the feedback current equals the set value, the output voltage is decreased, and this cycle repeats). When the output voltage reaches the full-charge voltage, it maintains the full-charge voltage output until the charging current decreases to the cutoff current.

[0141] Through the above implementation methods, the novel charging solution of this application embodiment has the following effects:

[0142] Energy efficiency has been improved, as shown in Table 1. Charging time has been optimized, as shown in Table 2.

[0143] Table 1: Comparison of charging efficiency for various charging schemes

[0144]

[0145] Table 2: Comparison of charging times for different charging schemes

[0146]

[0147] The cost optimization of the charging solution is shown in Table 3.

[0148] Table 3: Comparison of Functions and Costs of Various Charging Solutions

[0149]

[0150] Table 3 indicates that independent charging of the left and right ears is supported: the left and right ears can be charged separately. As shown in Table 3, the charging solution of this application embodiment can support independent charging of the left and right ears, support voltage following, and the charging case does not need to communicate with the earphones, and the earphones do not need to have a charging IC, thereby reducing charging costs.

[0151] This application also provides a method for charging headphones, which can be applied to the charging case provided in this application. Figure 7 As shown, the following steps may be included:

[0152] Step 701: With the earphone placed in the receiving slot, the earphone is electrically connected to the output terminal of the voltage output module.

[0153] Step 702: The first battery charges the second battery of the earphone through the voltage output module.

[0154] Step 703: During the charging process of the second battery, the voltage output module adaptively adjusts the output voltage of the voltage output module according to the output current of the voltage output module.

[0155] In the headphone charging method of this application embodiment, during the charging process of the headphone using the charging case, the voltage output module can adaptively adjust its own output voltage through its own output current to achieve constant current output. Therefore, the charging case does not need to repeatedly stop charging to communicate with the headphone to obtain the headphone's battery voltage, thereby improving the charging rate.

[0156] In some embodiments, the voltage output module includes a first switching power supply, a current source, and a voltage detection module; the input terminal of the first switching power supply is electrically connected to the first battery, and the output terminal of the first switching power supply is electrically connected to the second battery through the current source; the voltage detection module is electrically connected to both the first switching power supply and the current source.

[0157] The voltage output module adaptively adjusts the output voltage of the voltage output module according to the output current of the voltage output module, including:

[0158] The voltage detection module sets the maximum output voltage of the first switching power supply to the full charge voltage of the second battery, and provides the set maximum output voltage of the first switching power supply to the first switching power supply.

[0159] The voltage detection module sets the output current of the current source and provides the set output current of the current source to the first switching power supply;

[0160] The current source outputs current and feeds the output current back to the first switching power supply;

[0161] The first switching power supply adaptively adjusts its output voltage according to the output current of the current source, so that the current source achieves constant current output according to the output current provided by the voltage detection module, and the output voltage of the first switching power supply does not exceed the maximum output voltage of the first switching power supply.

[0162] In some embodiments, the voltage detection module is also electrically connected to the output terminal of the current source;

[0163] The voltage detection module sets the output current of the current source, including:

[0164] The voltage detection module detects the output voltage of the current source.

[0165] The voltage detection module performs a first operation based on the output voltage of the current source;

[0166] The first operation includes at least one of the following:

[0167] When the output voltage of the current source is less than the first voltage, the output current of the current source is set to the first current, and the first voltage is less than or equal to the full charge voltage of the second battery;

[0168] When the output voltage of the current source is greater than or equal to the second voltage and less than the full charge voltage of the second battery, the output current of the current source is set as the second current, and the second current is greater than the first current.

[0169] When the output voltage of the current source is the full charge voltage of the second battery, the output current of the current source is reduced until the output current of the current source is the cutoff current of the second battery.

[0170] In some embodiments, the voltage output module is a second switching power supply;

[0171] The voltage output module adaptively adjusts the output voltage of the voltage output module according to the output current of the voltage output module, including:

[0172] The second switching power supply sets the output current of the second switching power supply;

[0173] The second switching power supply is set to have a maximum output voltage equal to the full charge voltage of the second battery.

[0174] The second switching power supply adaptively adjusts its output voltage based on a set output current, and the output voltage does not exceed the full charge voltage of the second battery.

[0175] In some embodiments, the second switching power supply sets the output current of the second switching power supply, including:

[0176] The second switching power supply detects the output voltage of the second switching power supply;

[0177] The second switching power supply performs the second operation based on its output voltage.

[0178] The second operation includes at least one of the following:

[0179] When the output voltage of the second switching power supply is less than the first voltage, the output current of the second switching power supply is set to the first current, and the first voltage is less than or equal to the full charge voltage of the second battery.

[0180] When the output voltage of the second switching power supply is greater than or equal to the second voltage and less than the full charge voltage of the second battery, the output current of the second switching power supply is set to the second current, which is greater than the first current.

[0181] When the output voltage of the second switching power supply is the full charge voltage of the second battery, the output current of the second switching power supply is reduced until the output current of the second switching power supply is the cutoff current of the second battery.

[0182] For a detailed implementation of the headphone charging method in this application, please refer to the relevant description in the aforementioned charging case; it will not be repeated here.

[0183] It should be noted that, in this document, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Unless otherwise specified, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0184] The embodiments of this application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative and not restrictive. Those skilled in the art can make many other forms under the guidance of this application without departing from the spirit and scope of the claims, and all of these forms are within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A charging case, characterized in that, include: The housing includes a receiving slot for accommodating earphones; A first battery is disposed inside the housing; A voltage output module is disposed on the housing. The input terminal of the voltage output module is electrically connected to the first battery. When the earphone is placed in the receiving slot, the output terminal of the voltage output module is electrically connected to the second battery of the earphone. The voltage output module is used to adaptively adjust the output voltage of the voltage output module according to the output current of the voltage output module. The voltage output module includes a first switching power supply, a current source, and a voltage detection module; The input terminal of the first switching power supply is electrically connected to the first battery, and the output terminal of the first switching power supply is electrically connected to the second battery through the current source; the voltage detection module is electrically connected to both the first switching power supply and the current source. The voltage detection module is used to: set the maximum output voltage of the first switching power supply to the full charge voltage of the second battery, and provide the set maximum output voltage of the first switching power supply to the first switching power supply; Set the output current of the current source and provide the set output current of the current source to the first switching power supply; The current source is used to output current and feed the output current back to the first switching power supply; The first switching power supply is used to adaptively adjust the output voltage of the first switching power supply according to the output current of the current source, so that the current source achieves constant current output according to the output current provided by the voltage detection module, and the output voltage of the first switching power supply does not exceed the maximum output voltage of the first switching power supply.

2. The charging case according to claim 1, characterized in that, The voltage detection module is also electrically connected to the output terminal of the current source; The voltage detection module is also used for: Detect the output voltage of the current source; The first operation is performed based on the output voltage of the current source; The first operation includes at least one of the following: When the output voltage of the current source is less than the first voltage, the output current of the current source is set to the first current, and the first voltage is less than or equal to the full charge voltage of the second battery; When the output voltage of the current source is greater than or equal to the second voltage and less than the full charge voltage of the second battery, the output current of the current source is set as the second current, and the second current is greater than the first current. When the output voltage of the current source is the full charge voltage of the second battery, the output current of the current source is reduced until the output current of the current source is the cutoff current of the second battery.

3. The charging case according to claim 1, characterized in that, The current source is located inside the first switching power supply.

4. The charging case according to claim 1, characterized in that, The voltage detection module is a microcontroller.

5. The charging case according to claim 1, characterized in that, The voltage output module is a second switching power supply; The second switching power supply is used for: Set the output current of the second switching power supply; Set the maximum output voltage of the second switching power supply to the full charge voltage of the second battery; Based on the set output current, the output voltage of the second switching power supply is adaptively adjusted, and the output voltage does not exceed the full charge voltage of the second battery.

6. The charging case according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second switching power supply is also used for: Detect the output voltage of the second switching power supply; The second operation is performed based on the output voltage of the second switching power supply; The second operation includes at least one of the following: When the output voltage of the second switching power supply is less than the first voltage, the output current of the second switching power supply is set to the first current, and the first voltage is less than or equal to the full charge voltage of the second battery. When the output voltage of the second switching power supply is greater than or equal to the second voltage and less than the full charge voltage of the second battery, the output current of the second switching power supply is set to the second current, which is greater than the first current. When the output voltage of the second switching power supply is the full charge voltage of the second battery, the output current of the second switching power supply is reduced until the output current of the second switching power supply is the cutoff current of the second battery.

7. An earphone assembly, characterized in that, include: The charging case as described in any one of claims 1 to 6; The earphones are placed in a receiving slot within the charging case, and the earphones include a second battery.

8. A method for charging headphones, characterized in that, An application for a charging case, the charging case comprising: a case body, the case body including a receiving slot for receiving earphones; a first battery disposed within the case body; and a voltage output module disposed on the case body, the input terminal of the voltage output module being electrically connected to the first battery. The method includes: With the earphone placed in the receiving slot, the earphone is electrically connected to the output terminal of the voltage output module; The first battery charges the second battery of the earphone through the voltage output module; During the charging process of the second battery, the voltage output module adaptively adjusts the output voltage of the voltage output module according to the output current of the voltage output module; The voltage output module includes a first switching power supply, a current source, and a voltage detection module; the input terminal of the first switching power supply is electrically connected to the first battery, and the output terminal of the first switching power supply is electrically connected to the second battery through the current source; the voltage detection module is electrically connected to both the first switching power supply and the current source. The voltage output module adaptively adjusts its output voltage based on its output current, including: The voltage detection module sets the maximum output voltage of the first switching power supply to the full charge voltage of the second battery, and provides the set maximum output voltage of the first switching power supply to the first switching power supply. The voltage detection module sets the output current of the current source and provides the set output current of the current source to the first switching power supply; The current source outputs current and feeds the output current back to the first switching power supply; The first switching power supply adaptively adjusts its output voltage according to the output current of the current source, so that the current source achieves constant current output according to the output current provided by the voltage detection module, and the output voltage of the first switching power supply does not exceed the maximum output voltage of the first switching power supply.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The voltage detection module is also electrically connected to the output terminal of the current source; The voltage detection module sets the output current of the current source, including: The voltage detection module detects the output voltage of the current source; The voltage detection module performs a first operation based on the output voltage of the current source; The first operation includes at least one of the following: When the output voltage of the current source is less than the first voltage, the output current of the current source is set to the first current, and the first voltage is less than or equal to the full charge voltage of the second battery; When the output voltage of the current source is greater than or equal to the second voltage and less than the full charge voltage of the second battery, the output current of the current source is set as the second current, and the second current is greater than the first current. When the output voltage of the current source is the full charge voltage of the second battery, the output current of the current source is reduced until the output current of the current source is the cutoff current of the second battery.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The voltage output module is a second switching power supply; The voltage output module adaptively adjusts its output voltage based on its output current, including: The second switching power supply sets the output current of the second switching power supply; The second switching power supply is set to have a maximum output voltage equal to the full charge voltage of the second battery. The second switching power supply adaptively adjusts its output voltage based on a set output current, and the output voltage does not exceed the full charge voltage of the second battery.

11. The method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The second switching power supply sets the output current of the second switching power supply, including: The second switching power supply detects the output voltage of the second switching power supply; The second switching power supply performs the second operation based on its output voltage. The second operation includes at least one of the following: When the output voltage of the second switching power supply is less than the first voltage, the output current of the second switching power supply is set to the first current, and the first voltage is less than or equal to the full charge voltage of the second battery. When the output voltage of the second switching power supply is greater than or equal to the second voltage and less than the full charge voltage of the second battery, the output current of the second switching power supply is set to the second current, which is greater than the first current. When the output voltage of the second switching power supply is the full charge voltage of the second battery, reduce the output current of the second switching power supply until the output current of the second switching power supply is the cutoff current of the second battery.

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