Antenna for near field communication wireless charging

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an NFC wireless charging system for an electronic device. The system includes a power transmitting device having a charging transmitter and a power receiving device having a charging receiver. Each of the charging transmitter and the charging receiver implements a coil antenna design in which a coil antenna that charges the power receiver is inserted into a coil antenna of the charging transmitter and vice versa.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to antennas for wireless charging applications. Background Art

[0002] Near Field Communication (NFC) technology is standardized by the NFC Forum; and is used for various applications such as device pairing, authentication, and parameter setting. With the increasing popularity and adoption of NFC technology, the application areas of NFC technology are expanding to more applications. Recently, the NFC Forum enabled wireless charging (WLC) of electronic devices using NFC technology. NFC WLC technology has the advantage and convenience of not having to use a physical plug and conductive contacts for charging devices.

[0003] Typically, NFC wireless charging utilizes a charging transmitter (sometimes called a poller) and a charging receiver (sometimes called a listener). The charging transmitter wirelessly sends power to the charging receiver; and the charging receiver charges a power storage device such as a battery. The charging receiver can receive up to 1000 milliwatts from the charging transmitter during charging, which is enough to charge small electronic devices (e.g., stylus, audio earbuds, hearing aids, electric toothbrushes, electronic glasses, wearable devices, etc.). Summary of the invention

[0004] The present disclosure relates to a wireless charging system in which a power transmitting device wirelessly charges a power receiving device using near field communication (NFC). The power transmitting device includes an NFC transmitter and a transmitting antenna. The power receiving device includes a receiving antenna, an NFC receiver, a charging circuit system, and a power storage device.

[0005] The NFC transmitter of the power transmitting device provides an electrical signal to the transmitting antenna of the power transmitting device, which in turn generates an electromagnetic field and induces an electrical signal on the receiving antenna of the power receiving device. The charging circuit system of the power receiving device collects the induced electrical signal and stores the collected power in the power storage device of the power receiving device.

[0006] The transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna each adopt a coil antenna design in which the coil of the receiving antenna is inserted into the coil of the transmitting antenna, and vice versa. Compared with the PCB antenna, the coil antenna design improves the power transmission efficiency between the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna. In addition, the coil antenna design is not limited in directionality like the PCB antenna, and can transmit and receive power with a 360-degree coverage range. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals represent similar features or elements. The sizes and relative positions of the features in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0008] Figure 1 is a system according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0009] Figure 2A is a side view of a transmitting antenna according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0010] Figure 2B is an oblique view of a transmitting antenna according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0011] Figure 3A is a side view of a receiving antenna according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0012] Figure 3B is an oblique view of a receiving antenna according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0013] Figure 4A is a side view of a receive antenna inserted into a transmit antenna according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0014] Figure 4B is an oblique view of a receiving antenna inserted into a transmitting antenna according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0015] Figure 5 A stylus and a mobile device according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0016] Figure 6 is a stylus inserted into a mobile device according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0017] Figure 7 A pair of audio earbuds and a housing according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0018] Figure 8 A pair of audio earbuds inserted into a housing according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0019] Fig. 9 is an electronic ring and a charging stand according to embodiments disclosed herein.

[0020] Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view of an electronic ring and a charging dock according to embodiments disclosed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of various aspects of the disclosed subject matter. However, the disclosed subject matter can be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and methods of making and using antennas, wireless charging circuit systems, and electronic components are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the description of other aspects of the present disclosure.

[0022] Unless the context requires otherwise, throughout the specification and the following claims, the word "comprise" and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising" are to be interpreted in an open, inclusive sense, i.e., "including, but not limited to."

[0023] Throughout the specification, references to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in conjunction with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same aspect. Furthermore, in one or more aspects of the present disclosure, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner.

[0024] As mentioned above, wireless charging (WLC) of electronic devices can now be performed through near field communication (NFC) technology. NFC wireless charging utilizes a charging transmitter (sometimes called a poller) and a charging receiver (sometimes called a listener). The charging transmitter wirelessly sends power to the charging receiver; and the charging receiver charges a power storage device such as a battery.

[0025] The transmission between the charging transmitter and the charging receiver is usually performed using a flexible, bendable printed circuit board (PCB) antenna or a three-dimensional (3D) antenna. The PCB antenna is low cost and small in size, but has relatively narrow directivity. Therefore, for the PCB antenna, the relative position of the charging transmitter and the charging receiver must be fixed to achieve effective transmission. In contrast, the 3D antenna has greater directivity than the PCB antenna, but is more expensive and larger in size. In addition, the power transmission efficiency of both PCB antennas from the charging transmitter to the charging receiver is low (e.g., 20% to 30% efficiency).

[0026] The present disclosure relates to an NFC wireless charging system for electronic devices. The system includes a charging transmitter in a power transmitting device and a charging receiver in a power receiving device. The power transmitting device wirelessly charges the power receiving device. Each of the charging transmitter and the charging receiver implements a coil antenna design in which the coil antenna of the charging receiver is inserted into the coil antenna of the charging transmitter, and vice versa. Compared with the current system using PCB and three-dimensional antennas, the NFC wireless charging system disclosed herein improves power transmission efficiency. In addition, the coil antenna is not limited in directionality like the PCB antenna, and can send and receive power with a 360-degree coverage range. Therefore, the charging transmitter and charging receiver disclosed herein do not have to be in the same relative position every time wireless charging is performed.

[0027] Figure 11 is a system 10 according to an embodiment disclosed herein. The system 10 includes a charging transmitter 12 and a charging receiver 14. The charging transmitter 12 and the charging receiver 14 perform NFC communication with each other.

[0028] The charging transmitter 12 is included in the power transmitting device, and the charging receiver 14 is included in the power receiving device that is wirelessly charged by the power transmitting device. The power transmitting device and the power receiving device are physically independent devices that work in conjunction with each other. For example, the power receiving device can be a stylus, an audio earbud, a hearing aid, an electric toothbrush, electronic glasses, or another type of electronic device; and the power transmitting device can be a portable device (e.g., a mobile phone, a tablet computer, a computer, etc.) that charges and accepts input from the stylus, or a charging case or base that charges the audio earbuds, the hearing aid, the electric toothbrush, and the electronic glasses.

[0029] In one embodiment, the power receiving device is configured to be inserted into the power transmitting device so that the receiving antenna 26 is also inserted into the transmitting antenna 20. In another embodiment, the power transmitting device is configured to be inserted into the power receiving device so that the transmitting antenna 20 is also inserted into the receiving antenna 26. Detailed examples of power transmitting devices and power receiving devices will be discussed in more detail below.

[0030] The charging transmitter 12 (commonly referred to as a poller) communicates with the charging receiver 14 and wirelessly provides power to the charging receiver 14. The charging transmitter 12 includes a processor 16, an NFC transmitter 18, and a transmitting antenna 20.

[0031] The processor 16 is electrically coupled to the NFC transmitter 18. The processor 16 controls and processes data of the charging transmitter 12. More specifically, the processor 16 controls and processes data generated by the NFC transmitter 18. For example, in response to the NFC transmitter 18 detecting the presence of the charging receiver 14, the processor 16 instructs the NFC transmitter 18 to initiate wireless charging of the power storage device 30 of the charging receiver 14. In addition, the processor 16 instructs the NFC transmitter 18 to read data from / write data to the charging receiver 14 for various applications, such as device pairing, authentication, and parameter setting.

[0032] The processor 16 may also communicate with a device containing the charging transmitter 12. For example, the processor 16 notifies the containing device of the detection of the charging receiver 14 and receives instructions from the device to perform, for example, device pairing, authentication, and parameter setting. The processor may also perform WLC protocol processes such as power charging control and foreign object detection (FOD). The processor 16 may be any type of processor, controller, or signal processor configured to process data.

[0033] The NFC transmitter is electrically coupled between the processor 16 and the transmit antenna 20. The NFC transmitter 18 (commonly referred to as an NFC reader) detects and performs NFC communication with the NFC receiver 24 of the charging receiver 14 via the transmit antenna 20 and the receive antenna 26. For example, the NFC transmitter 18 uses NFC communication to read and write data from and to the NFC receiver 24 for various applications such as device pairing, authentication, and parameter setting.

[0034] The NFC transmitter 18 also uses NFC technology to wirelessly charge the power storage device 30 of the charging receiver 14 via the transmitting antenna 20 and the receiving antenna 26. For example, the NFC transmitter 18 provides an electrical signal (e.g., current) to the transmitting antenna 20 (e.g., generates an electrical signal and sends it to the transmitting antenna, or configures the transmitting antenna 20 to receive the electrical signal), which in turn generates an electromagnetic field and induces an electrical signal (e.g., current) on the receiving antenna 26. As will be discussed in further detail below, the receiving antenna 26 is inserted into the transmitting antenna 20 during charging, or the transmitting antenna 20 is inserted into the receiving antenna 26 during charging.

[0035] The transmit antenna 20 is electrically coupled to the NFC transmitter 18. The transmit antenna 20 is a conductive structure that communicates with the receive antenna 26. For example, the transmit antenna 20 transmits signals to the receive antenna 26 and receives signals from the receive antenna 26. As described above, during wireless charging, the transmit antenna 20 generates an electromagnetic field in response to receiving an electrical signal (e.g., current) from the NFC transmitter 18.

[0036] The transmit antenna 20 is a coil antenna having multiple turns. A first end 38 and a second end 40 of the coil of the transmit antenna 20 are electrically coupled to the NFC transmit antenna 20. The transmit antenna 20 will be discussed in more detail below.

[0037] The charging receiver 14 (often referred to as a listener) communicates with the charging transmitter 12 and wirelessly receives power from the charging transmitter 12. The charging transmitter 12 includes a processor 22, an NFC receiver 24, a receiving antenna 26, a charging circuit system 28, and a power storage device 30.

[0038] The processor 22 is electrically coupled to the NFC receiver 24. The processor 22 controls and processes data of the charging receiver 14. More specifically, the processor 16 controls and processes data generated by the NFC receiver 24. For example, in response to the NFC transmitter 18 detecting the NFC receiver 24, the processor 22 instructs the NFC receiver 24 to initiate wireless charging of the power storage device 30. In addition, the processor 22 instructs the NFC receiver 24 to read data from the charging transmitter 12 / write data to the charging transmitter 12 for various applications, such as device pairing, authentication, and parameter setting.

[0039] The processor 22 may also communicate with a device containing the charging receiver 14. For example, the processor 22 notifies the containing device that the NFC transmitter 18 has detected the NFC receiver 24, and receives instructions from the device to perform, for example, device pairing, authentication, and parameter setting. The processor 22 may be any type of processor, controller, or signal processor configured to process data.

[0040] The NFC receiver 24 is electrically coupled between the processor 22 and the receiving antenna 26. The NFC receiver 24 (commonly referred to as an NFC tag) performs NFC communication with the NFC transmitter 18 of the charging receiver 14 via the receiving antenna 26 and the transmitter antenna 20. For example, the NFC receiver 24 uses NFC communication to read / write data from / to the NFC transmitter 18 for various applications such as device pairing, authentication, and parameter setting.

[0041] The receiving antenna 26 is electrically coupled to the NFC receiver 24 and the charging circuitry 28. The receiving antenna 26 is a conductive structure that communicates with the transmitting antenna 20. For example, the receiving antenna 26 transmits signals to the transmitting antenna 20 and receives signals from the transmitting antenna 20.

[0042] As described above, during wireless charging, the transmitting antenna 20 generates an electromagnetic field in response to an electrical signal (e.g., current) provided by the NFC transmitter 18. The electromagnetic field induces an electrical signal (e.g., current) on the receiving antenna 26. The inductance on the receiving antenna 26 can be, for example, between 100 nanohenries and 4000 nanohenries. As will be discussed in further detail below, the receiving antenna 26 is inserted into the transmitting antenna 20 during charging, or the transmitting antenna 20 is inserted into the receiving antenna 26 during charging.

[0043] The receiving antenna 26 is a coil antenna having multiple turns. The first end 46 and the second end 48 of the coil of the receiving antenna 26 are electrically coupled to the NFC receiver 24 and the charging circuitry 28. The receiving antenna 26 will be discussed in more detail below.

[0044] Charging circuit system 28 is electrically coupled to receiving antenna 26. During wireless charging, charging circuit system 28 collects or harvests electrical signals (e.g., current) induced on receiving antenna 26 by the electromagnetic field generated by transmitting antenna 20. In addition, charging circuit system 28 converts the electrical signals to a usable level to charge power storage device 30.

[0045] The charging circuit system 28 includes various electrical components (e.g., resistors, capacitors, amplifiers, transistors, etc.) to collect and convert the electrical signals on the receiving antenna 26. In one embodiment, the charging circuit system 28 includes a rectifier circuit and a DC-DC converter, the rectifier circuit is used to convert the alternating current (AC) signal generated on the receiving antenna 26 into a direct current (DC) signal, and the DC-DC converter is used to adjust the DC signal to a level that can be used to charge the power storage device 30.

[0046] The power storage device 30 stores power collected by the charging circuit system 28. The power storage device 30 provides power to the charging receiver 14 and to the device including the charging receiver 14. The power storage device 30 can be any type of power storage device, such as a battery. Although the power storage device 30 is shown as being included in the charging receiver 14, the power storage device 30 can also be a power storage device of the device including the charging receiver 14.

[0047] Figure 2A is a side view of a transmit antenna 20 according to an embodiment disclosed herein. Figure 2B 2 is a perspective view of a transmitting antenna 20 according to an embodiment disclosed herein. Figure 2A and Figure 2B The transmitting antenna 20 is a coil antenna including a conductor 32 and a body 34 .

[0048] The conductor 32 is a wire made of a conductive material such as copper. The conductor 32 is formed into a coil having a plurality of turns 36. The coil of the conductor 32 allows the directivity of the transmitting antenna 20 to be 360 ​​degrees. Therefore, the transmitting antenna 20 can transmit power with a 360-degree coverage range, and the charging transmitter 12 and the charging receiver 14 do not have to be in the same relative position each time wireless charging is performed. The diameter, material, number of turns, and length of the conductor 32 can vary depending on the application.

[0049] As described above, first end 38 and second end 40 of conductor 32 are electrically coupled to transmit antenna 20. An electrical signal (eg, electric current) propagates through conductor 32, which in turn generates an electromagnetic field.

[0050] A plurality of turns 36 are wound around a body 34 made of a non-conductive insulating material. The body 34 is tubular or cylindrical with a through hole 35 running through the entire length of the body 34. Note that the body 34 is optional and can be removed from the transmit antenna 20.

[0051] Figure 3A is a side view of a receive antenna 26 according to embodiments disclosed herein. Figure 3B is an oblique view of a receiving antenna 26 according to an embodiment disclosed herein. Figure 3A and Figure 3B Similar to the transmitting antenna 20 , the receiving antenna 26 is a coil antenna including a conductor 42 and a body 44 .

[0052] The conductor 42 is a wire made of a conductive material such as copper. The conductor 42 is formed into a coil having a plurality of turns 45. The coil of the conductor 42 allows the directivity of the receiving antenna 26 to be 360 ​​degrees. Therefore, the receiving antenna 26 can receive power with a 360-degree coverage range, and the charging transmitter 12 and the charging receiver 14 do not have to be in the same relative position each time wireless charging is performed. The diameter, material, number of turns, and length of the conductor 42 can vary depending on the application.

[0053] As described above, the first end 46 and the second end 48 of the conductor 42 are electrically coupled to the NFC receiver 24 to process signals received on the receive antenna 26 , and to the charging circuitry 28 to harvest energy induced on the receive antenna 26 .

[0054] A plurality of turns 45 are wound around a body 44 made of a non-conductive insulating material. A plurality of turns 45 may also be wound around a magnetic core 50 without the body 44, as discussed below. The body 44 is tubular or cylindrical with a through hole 47 running through the entire length of the body 44. Note that the body 44 is optional and may be removed from the receive antenna 26.

[0055] In one embodiment, Figure 3A and Figure 3B As shown, the magnetic core 50 is inserted into the through hole 47 of the body 44. Therefore, the diameter of the magnetic core 50 is smaller than the diameter of the body 44. The magnetic core enhances the electrical signal received on the receiving antenna 26, and thereby improves the overall power transmission efficiency between the receiving antenna 26 and the transmitting antenna 20 during wireless charging. In one embodiment, the magnetic core 50 is cylindrical in shape. In one embodiment, the magnetic core 50 and the body 44 have the same length. In other words, the magnetic core 50 extends the entire length of the body 44. Note that the magnetic core 50 is optional and can be removed from the receiving antenna 26.

[0056] In one embodiment, the body 44 is removed from the receiving antenna 26 and the plurality of turns 45 are wound around the magnetic core 50 .

[0057] As described above, during wireless charging, the transmitting antenna 20 generates an electromagnetic field in response to receiving an electrical signal from the NFC transmitter 18. The electromagnetic field induces an electrical signal on the receiving antenna 26, which is then collected by the charging circuit system 28. In order to improve the power transfer efficiency between the transmitting antenna 20 and the receiving antenna 26, the receiving antenna 26 is inserted into the transmitting antenna 20. Conversely, the transmitting antenna 20 is inserted into the receiving antenna 26. As a result, the power transfer efficiency between the transmitting antenna 20 and the receiving antenna 26 is greater than 30%.

[0058] Figure 4A is a side view of a receive antenna 26 inserted into a transmit antenna 20 according to embodiments disclosed herein. Figure 4B 2 is an oblique view of a receiving antenna 26 inserted into a transmitting antenna 20 according to an embodiment disclosed herein. Figure 4A and Figure 4B It is beneficial.

[0059] The receiving antenna 26 is inserted into the through hole 35 of the body 34 in the transmitting antenna 20. In order to enable the receiving antenna 26 to be installed in the transmitting antenna 20, refer to Figure 2B and Figure 3B , the diameter d2 of the receiving antenna 26 is smaller than the diameter d1 of the transmitting antenna 20. In other words, the diameter of the body 44 of the receiving antenna 26 is smaller than the diameter of the body 34 of the transmitting antenna 20, and the diameter of the turns 45 of the receiving antenna 26 is smaller than the diameter of the turns 36 of the transmitting antenna 20.

[0060] exist Figure 4A and Figure 4B , the receiving antenna 26 is partially inserted into the transmitting antenna 20. The receiving antenna 26 can be fully inserted into the transmitting antenna 20 during wireless charging, so that the entire body 44 of the receiving antenna 26 is within the body 34 of the transmitting antenna 20, wherein the first end 46 and the second end 48 extend outside the body 34 of the transmitting antenna.

[0061] As mentioned above, the transmitting antenna 20 can also be inserted into the receiving antenna 26. In this embodiment, the receiving antenna 26 can still be used. FIG. 2A to FIG. 4B However, the antennas used for transmitting antenna 20 and receiving antenna 26 are swapped. That is, Figure 2A and Figure 2B The antenna shown is a receiving antenna 26, Figure 3A and Figure 3B The antenna shown is a transmitting antenna 20, which is inserted into a receiving antenna 26, as shown in FIG. Figure 4A and Figure 4B Therefore, reference Figure 2B and Figure 3BIn this embodiment, the diameter d2 of the transmitting antenna 20 is smaller than the diameter d1 of the receiving antenna 26, so that the transmitting antenna 20 can be installed in the receiving antenna 26. In other words, the diameter of the body 44 of the transmitting antenna 20 is smaller than the diameter of the body 34 of the receiving antenna 26, and the diameter of the turns 45 of the transmitting antenna 20 is smaller than the diameter of the turns 36 of the receiving antenna 26.

[0062] As described above, the charging transmitter 12 is included in the power transmitting device, and the charging receiver 14 is included in the power receiving device that is wirelessly charged by the power transmitting device. Figure 5 and Figure 6 A case is shown in which the power receiving device is a stylus pen and the power transmitting device is a mobile device such as a mobile phone or a tablet. Figure 7 and Figure 8 A case is shown where the power receiving device is a pair of audio earbuds and the power transmitting device is the housing of the earbuds. Fig. 9 and Fig.10 A situation is shown where the power receiving device is an electronic ring and the power sending device is a charging stand for the electronic ring. Other types of devices are possible.

[0063] Figure 5 Detailed Description of the Invention A stylus 52 and a mobile device 54 are provided in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. Figure 6 is a stylus 52 inserted into a mobile device 54 according to embodiments disclosed herein. Figure 5 and Figure 6 It is beneficial.

[0064] The stylus 52 is an electronic pen configured to input commands to the mobile device 54. For example, the stylus 52 can be used to write, draw, and select text and objects displayed on the screen of the mobile device 54. Figure 5 As shown, stylus 52 is shaped like a pen.

[0065] The stylus 52 is a power receiving device and is wirelessly charged by the mobile device 54. The stylus 52 includes the Figure 1 The charging receiver 14 is described above. Therefore, the stylus 52 includes a processor 22, an NFC receiver 24, a receiving antenna 26, a charging circuit system 28, and a power storage device 30. Note that for simplicity, the processor 22, the charging circuit system 28, and the power storage device 30 are described in detail. Figure 5 and Figure 6 2, but is coupled to the NFC receiver 24 and the receiving antenna 26, as described above with respect to Figure 1 described.

[0066] The mobile device 54 is an electronic device having a screen, such as a touch screen, that accepts input from the stylus 52. The mobile device 54 may be, for example, a phone or a tablet computer.

[0067] The mobile device 54 is a power transmission device and wirelessly charges the stylus 52. The mobile device 54 includes the above-mentioned Figure 1 The charging transmitter 12 is described above. Therefore, the mobile device 54 includes a processor 16, an NFC transmitter 18 and a transmitting antenna 20. Note that for simplicity, the processor 16 is Figure 5 and Figure 6 1, but coupled to the NFC transmitter 18 and the transmitting antenna 20, as described above with respect to Figure 1 described.

[0068] like Figure 6 As shown, the stylus 52 is configured to be inserted into the mobile device 54 so that the receiving antenna 26 is also inserted into the transmitting antenna 20. Figure 4A and Figure 4B As described above, the receiving antenna 26 is inserted into the transmitting antenna 20. During wireless charging, when the receiving antenna 26 is inserted into the transmitting antenna 20, the transmitting antenna 20 generates an electromagnetic field in response to receiving an electrical signal (e.g., current) from the NFC transmitter 18. The electromagnetic field induces an electrical signal (e.g., current) on the receiving antenna 26, and the charging circuit system 28 collects or collects the electrical signal. The collected power is then stored in the power storage device 30 for use by the stylus 52. As described above, the transmitting antenna 20 can also be inserted into the receiving antenna 26.

[0069] Figure 7 Detailed Description of the Invention A pair of audio earbuds 56 and housing 58 are provided in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein. Figure 8 is a pair of audio earbuds 56 inserted into a housing 58 according to embodiments disclosed herein. View together Figure 7 and Figure 8 It is beneficial.

[0070] The pair of audio earbuds 56 are audio earbuds inserted into the respective ears of the user. The earbuds 56 play audio, such as music and voice calls. The earbuds 56 are configured to be held and stored in a housing 58.

[0071] Each of the earbuds 56 is a power receiving device and is wirelessly charged by the housing 58. Figure 1 As described above, each of the earbuds 56 includes the charging receiver 14. Therefore, each of the earbuds 56 includes a processor 22, an NFC receiver 24, a receiving antenna 26, a charging circuit system 28, and a power storage device 30. Note that for simplicity, the processor 22, the NFC receiver 24, the charging circuit system 28, and the power storage device 30 are described in detail. Figure 7 and Figure 8 2, but coupled to the receiving antenna 26, as described above with respect to Figure 1 described.

[0072] The housing 58 is a shell configured to hold and store the earplug 56. The housing 58 includes a lower portion 60 into which the earplug 56 is inserted and an upper portion 62 that moves between an open position and a closed position. Figure 8 As shown, the earplug 56 can be inserted into the housing 58. In the closed position, the upper portion 62 contacts the lower portion 60, and the earplug 56 is surrounded by the housing 58.

[0073] The housing 58 is a power transmitting device and wirelessly charges the earphone 56. The housing 58 includes the Figure 1 The charging transmitter 12 is described. Therefore, the housing 58 includes the processor 16, the NFC transmitter 18 and the transmitting antenna 20. However, Figure 1 In contrast to the illustrated embodiment, the charging transmitter 12 includes two transmitting antennas 20 configured to receive earbuds 56. In addition, the second ends 40 of the transmitting antennas 20, more specifically the second ends of the conductors 32, are electrically coupled to each other. In other words, the second end 40 of the transmitting antenna 20 of one of the earbuds 56 is electrically coupled to the second end 40 of the transmitting antenna 20 of the other earbud 56. This allows a single charging transmitter 12 to be used for both earbuds 56. Note that for simplicity, the processor 16 is not used in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. Figure 7 and Figure 8 1, but coupled to the NFC transmitter 18 and the transmitting antenna 20, as described above with respect to Figure 1 described.

[0074] like Figure 8 As shown, the earplug 56 is configured to be inserted into the housing 58 so that the receiving antenna 26 is also respectively inserted into the transmitting antenna 20. Figure 4A and Figure 4B As described, the receiving antennas 26 are inserted into the transmitting antennas 20, respectively. During wireless charging, while the receiving antennas 26 are inserted into the transmitting antennas 20, each of the transmitting antennas 20 generates an electromagnetic field in response to receiving an electrical signal (e.g., current) from the NFC transmitter 18. The electromagnetic field induces an electrical signal (e.g., current) on each of the receiving antennas 26, and the corresponding charging circuit system 28 collects or collects the electrical signal. The collected power is then stored in the power storage device 30 of each of the earplugs 56 for use by the earplugs 56. As described above, the transmitting antennas 20 may also be inserted into the receiving antennas 26, respectively.

[0075] Fig. 9 64 and a charging station 66 according to embodiments disclosed herein. Fig.10The electronic ring 64 and the charging base 66 according to the embodiments disclosed herein are arranged along Fig. 9 A cross-section of the axis shown. View together Fig. 9 and Fig.10 It is beneficial.

[0076] The electronic ring 64 is an electronic ring configured to be worn on a user's finger, generally referred to as a smart ring. The electronic ring 64 is configured to provide feedback to the user using, for example, light or vibration; and to measure various characteristics of the user (e.g., sleep patterns, activities, etc.) as a health tracker.

[0077] The electronic ring 64 is a power receiving device and is wirelessly charged by the charging base 66. The electronic ring 64 includes the above-mentioned Figure 1 The charging receiver 14 described above. Therefore, the electronic ring 64 includes the processor 22, the NFC receiver 24, the receiving antenna 26, the charging circuit system 28 and the power storage device 30. Note that for simplicity, the processor 22, the NFC receiver 24, the charging circuit system 28 and the power storage device 30 are Fig. 9 and Fig.10 2, but coupled to the receiving antenna 26, as described above with respect to Figure 1 In addition, Fig. 9 and Fig.10 In the illustrated embodiment, the receiving antenna 26 does not include the body 44 and the magnetic core 50 .

[0078] The charging stand 66 is a stand configured to hold the electronic ring 64 and wirelessly charge it. The charging stand 66 includes a base 68 and a ring 70. The ring 70 extends from the upper surface of the base 68 and is tubular or cylindrical in shape. The diameter of the ring 70 is smaller than the diameter of the electronic ring 64. Therefore, the electronic ring 64 can be placed around the ring 70 and on the base 68.

[0079] The charging station 66 is a power transmission device and wirelessly charges the electronic ring 64. The charging station 66 includes the above-mentioned Figure 1 The charging transmitter 12 is described above. Therefore, the charging base 66 includes a processor 16, an NFC transmitter 18 and a transmitting antenna 20. Note that for simplicity, the processor 16 and the NFC transmitter 18 are Fig. 9 and Fig.10 2, but coupled to the transmit antenna 20, as described above with respect to Figure 1 In addition, Fig. 9 and Fig.10 In the illustrated embodiment, the transmitting antenna 20 does not include a body 34 , but includes a magnetic core 50 .

[0080] like Fig.10As shown, the electronic ring 64 is configured to be located on the base 68 and surround the ring portion 70, so that the ring portion 70 and the transmitting antenna 20 are inserted into the receiving antenna 26. During wireless charging, while the transmitting antenna 20 is inserted into the receiving antenna 26, the transmitting antenna 20 generates an electromagnetic field in response to receiving an electrical signal (e.g., current) from the NFC transmitter 18. The electromagnetic field induces an electrical signal (e.g., current) on the receiving antenna 26, and the charging circuit system 28 collects or collects the electrical signal. The collected power is then stored in the power storage device 30 for use by the electronic ring 64. As described above, the receiving antenna 26 can also be inserted into the transmitting antenna 20.

[0081] Various embodiments disclosed herein provide a power transmitting device with a charging transmitter and a power receiving device with a charging receiver. The power transmitting device wirelessly charges the power receiving device using NFC. In order to improve the efficiency of power transmission between the power transmitting device and the power receiving device, each of the power transmitting device and the power receiving device implements a coil antenna design in which the coil antenna of the power receiving device is inserted into the coil antenna of the receiving device, and vice versa. The coil antenna is also capable of transmitting and receiving power with a 360-degree coverage range.

[0082] A system can be summarized as including a first device and a second device, the first device including a charging transmitter, the charging transmitter including a near field communication (NFC) transmitter; and a first antenna electrically coupled to the NFC transmitter, the NFC transmitter being configured to provide a first electrical signal to the first antenna; the second device including a charging receiver, the charging receiver including an NFC receiver; a second antenna electrically coupled to the NFC receiver, one of the first and second antennas being configured to be inserted into the other of the first and second antennas, the first antenna being configured to induce a second electrical signal on the second antenna in response to receiving the first electrical signal; a charging circuit system configured to collect power from the second electrical signal; and a power storage device configured to store the power.

[0083] Each of the first antenna and the second antenna may be a coil antenna.

[0084] Each of the first antenna and the second antenna may include a body made of an insulating material; and a conductor having a plurality of turns wound around the body.

[0085] The body may be cylindrical, and a diameter of the body of the first antenna may be different from a diameter of the body of the second antenna.

[0086] The conductor of the first antenna may include a first end and a second end electrically coupled to the NFC transmitter, and the conductor of the second antenna may include a first end and a second end electrically coupled to the NFC receiver.

[0087] The NFC transmitter may be configured to perform NFC communication with the NFC receiver using the first antenna and the second antenna.

[0088] The charging transmitter may include a magnetic core in the first antenna.

[0089] The charging receiver may include a magnetic core in the first antenna.

[0090] The first device may be a mobile device and the second device may be a stylus configured to be inserted into the mobile device, or the first device may be a charging cradle and the second device may be a ring configured to sit on the charging cradle.

[0091] The first antenna may be configured to be inserted into the second antenna.

[0092] The second antenna may be configured to be inserted into the first antenna.

[0093] A system can be summarized as including a charging transmitter, a first charging receiver, and a second charging receiver, the charging transmitter including a near field communication (NFC) transmitter; a first antenna electrically coupled to the NFC transmitter; and a second antenna electrically coupled to the NFC transmitter, the NFC transmitter being configured to provide a first electrical signal to the first antenna and the second antenna; the first charging receiver including: a first NFC receiver; a third antenna electrically coupled to the first NFC receiver, the third antenna being configured to be inserted into the first antenna, the first antenna being configured to induce a second electrical signal on the third antenna in response to receiving the first electrical signal; a first charging circuit system configured to collect power from the second electrical signal; and a first power storage device configured to store the power collected by the first charging circuit system; the second charging receiver including: a second NFC receiver; a fourth antenna electrically coupled to the second NFC receiver, the fourth antenna being configured to be inserted into the second antenna, the second antenna being configured to induce a third electrical signal on the fourth antenna in response to receiving the first electrical signal; a second charging circuit system configured to collect power from the third electrical signal; and a second power storage device configured to store the power collected by the second charging circuit system.

[0094] Each of the first antenna, the second antenna, the third antenna, and the fourth antenna may be a coil antenna.

[0095] Each of the first antenna, the second antenna, the third antenna, and the fourth antenna may include a body made of an insulating material; and a conductor having a plurality of turns wound around the body.

[0096] A first end of the conductor of the third antenna may be electrically coupled to the first NFC receiver, a first end of the conductor of the fourth antenna may be electrically coupled to the second NFC receiver, and a second end of the conductor of the third antenna may be electrically coupled to a second end of the conductor of the fourth antenna.

[0097] The first charging receiver may include a first magnetic core in the third antenna, and the second charging receiver may include a second magnetic core in the fourth antenna.

[0098] The system may further include: a housing including the charging transmitter; and a first audio headset and a second audio headset including the first charging receiver and the second charging receiver, respectively, the first audio headset and the second audio headset being configured to be inserted into the housing, and the third antenna and the fourth antenna being configured to be inserted into the first antenna and the second antenna, respectively, while the first audio headset and the second audio headset are inserted into the housing.

[0099] A system can be summarized as including a near field communication (NFC) poller and an NFC listener, the near field communication (NFC) poller including an NFC transmitter; and a first antenna electrically coupled to the NFC transmitter; and the NFC listener including an NFC receiver; a second antenna electrically coupled to the NFC receiver, one of the first antenna and the second antenna being configured to be inserted into the other of the first antenna and the second antenna; and a power storage device configured to store power, the NFC poller being configured to wirelessly charge the power storage device through the first antenna and the second antenna while the one antenna is inserted into the other antenna.

[0100] The NFC transmitter may be configured to provide a first electrical signal to the first antenna, and the first antenna may be configured to induce a second electrical signal on the second antenna in response to receiving the first electrical signal.

[0101] Each of the first antenna and the second antenna may be a coil antenna.

[0102] The various embodiments described above can be combined to provide further embodiments.

[0103] These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above detailed description. Generally, in the following claims, the terms used should not be interpreted as limiting the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be understood to include all possible embodiments and the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Therefore, the claims are not limited by this disclosure.

Claims

1. A system comprising: A first device includes a charging transmitter, wherein the charging transmitter includes: a near field communication (NFC) transmitter; and a first antenna electrically coupled to the NFC transmitter, the NFC transmitter configured to provide a first electrical signal to the first antenna; and A second device includes a charging receiver, wherein the charging receiver includes: NFC receiver; a second antenna electrically coupled to the NFC receiver, one of the first antenna and the second antenna being configured to be inserted into the other of the first antenna and the second antenna, the first antenna being configured to induce a second electrical signal on the second antenna in response to receiving the first electrical signal; charging circuitry configured to harvest power from the second electrical signal; and The power storage device is configured to store the power. 2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein each of the first antenna and the second antenna is a coil antenna.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein each of the first antenna and the second antenna comprises: A body made of insulating material; as well as A conductor has a plurality of turns wound around the body. 4 . The system of claim 3 , wherein the body is cylindrical, and a diameter of the body of the first antenna is different from a diameter of the body of the second antenna.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the conductor of the first antenna includes a first end and a second end electrically coupled to the NFC transmitter, and the conductor of the second antenna includes a first end and a second end electrically coupled to the NFC receiver. 6 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the NFC transmitter is configured to perform NFC communication with the NFC receiver using the first antenna and the second antenna.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the charging transmitter comprises a magnetic core in the first antenna.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the charging receiver comprises a magnetic core in the first antenna.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein The first device is a mobile device and the second device is a stylus configured to be inserted into the mobile device, or the first device is a charging cradle and the second device is a ring configured to be located on the charging cradle.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the first antenna is configured to be inserted into the second antenna.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the second antenna is configured to be inserted into the first antenna.

12. A system comprising: Charging transmitter, including: Near Field Communication (NFC) transmitter; a first antenna electrically coupled to the NFC transmitter; and a second antenna electrically coupled to the NFC transmitter, the NFC transmitter configured to provide a first electrical signal to the first antenna and the second antenna; A first charging receiver, comprising: a first NFC receiver; a third antenna electrically coupled to the first NFC receiver, the third antenna being configured to be inserted into the first antenna, the first antenna being configured to induce a second electrical signal on the third antenna in response to receiving the first electrical signal; a first charging circuit system configured to collect power from the second electrical signal; and a first power storage device configured to store the power collected by the first charging circuit system; and A second charging receiver, comprising: A second NFC receiver; a fourth antenna electrically coupled to the second NFC receiver, the fourth antenna being configured to be inserted into the second antenna, the second antenna being configured to induce a third electrical signal on the fourth antenna in response to receiving the first electrical signal; a second charging circuit system configured to collect power from the third electrical signal; and A second power storage device is configured to store the power collected by the second charging circuit system.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein each of the first antenna, the second antenna, the third antenna, and the fourth antenna is a coil antenna.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein each of the first antenna, the second antenna, the third antenna, and the fourth antenna comprises: A body made of insulating material; as well as A conductor has a plurality of turns wound around the body.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein A first end of a conductor of the third antenna is electrically coupled to the first NFC receiver, A first end of a conductor of the fourth antenna is electrically coupled to the second NFC receiver, and The second end of the conductor of the third antenna is electrically coupled to the second end of the conductor of the fourth antenna.

16. The system of claim 12, wherein The first charging receiver includes a first magnetic core in the third antenna, and The second charging receiver includes a second magnetic core in the fourth antenna.

17. The system of claim 12, further comprising: A housing including the charging transmitter; as well as A first audio headset and a second audio headset, respectively including the first charging receiver and the second charging receiver, the first audio headset and the second audio headset are configured to be inserted into the housing, and the third antenna and the fourth antenna are configured to be inserted into the first antenna and the second antenna respectively when the first audio headset and the second audio headset are inserted into the housing.

18. A system comprising: Near Field Communication (NFC) poller, including: NFC transmitter; and a first antenna electrically coupled to the NFC transmitter; and NFC listener, including: NFC receiver; a second antenna electrically coupled to the NFC receiver, one of the first antenna and the second antenna being configured to be inserted into the other of the first antenna and the second antenna; and A power storage device is configured to store power, and the NFC interrogator is configured to wirelessly charge the power storage device through the first antenna and the second antenna while the one antenna is inserted into the other antenna.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the NFC transmitter is configured to provide a first electrical signal to the first antenna, and the first antenna is configured to induce a second electrical signal on the second antenna in response to receiving the first electrical signal.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein each of the first antenna and the second antenna is a coil antenna.

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