Charging system and related method
By adopting a single inductor, fewer switching devices and a single DC-DC converter in the charging system, combined with the selection of the operating mode of the intelligent controller, the problems of size, cost and efficiency of the traditional charging system are solved, and an efficient and flexible charging system is achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411139763.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-08-04
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-07
AI Technical Summary
Traditional charging systems have high system size and cost and low power conversion circuit efficiency due to the use of multiple inductors and a large number of switching devices.
A new charging system was designed with a single inductor and fewer switching devices, and efficient energy transfer and storage through a single DC-DC converter. The controller implements multiple operating modes to meet different charging needs by controlling the operation of the switching device and the DC-DC converter.
A miniaturized, low-cost charging system is realized, and the efficiency of the charging system is improved, and the equipment can be flexibly powered under different operating modes.
Smart Images
Figure CN119582381A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to charging systems and related methods. Background Art
[0002] For example, charging systems are used to charge portable electronic devices such as hearing aids, wireless headphones, smart watches, mobile phones, etc. The charging system typically includes a battery that enables the charging system to charge the device even when the charging system is not connected to an external power source, such as when the user of the charging system is "on the go" (OTG). Summary of the invention
[0003] In one embodiment, a charging system includes: (a) a first input switching device configured to selectively electrically couple a system node to a first input power source; (b) a diode device configured to electrically couple the system node to one or more loads; (c) an energy storage device; (d) a direct current to direct current (DC-DC) converter electrically coupled between the system node and the energy storage device; and (e) a controller. The controller is configured to control operation of at least the first input switching device and the DC-DC converter so that the charging system can operate in at least any of the following operating modes: (1) a first operating mode at least partially characterized by the DC-DC converter charging the energy storage device with energy from the first input power source; and (2) a second operating mode at least partially characterized by the DC-DC converter using energy stored in the energy storage device to power the one or more loads via the diode device.
[0004] In one embodiment, a charging system includes: (a) a first input switching device configured to selectively electrically couple a system node to a first input power source; (b) a first load switching device configured to selectively electrically couple the system node to one or more first loads; (c) an energy storage device; (d) a direct current to direct current (DC-DC) converter electrically coupled between the system node and the energy storage device; and (e) a controller. The controller is configured to control the operation of at least the first input switching device, the first load switching device, and the DC-DC converter so that the charging system can operate in at least any of the following operating modes: (1) a first operating mode at least partially characterized by the DC-DC converter charging the energy storage device with energy from the first input power source; and (2) a second operating mode at least partially characterized by the DC-DC converter using energy stored in the energy storage device to power the one or more first loads via the first load switching device.
[0005] In one embodiment, a method for operating a charging system includes: (a) transferring energy from a first input power source to an energy storage device through a first input switching device and a direct current-to-direct current (DC-DC) converter; and (b) after transferring energy between the first input power source and the energy storage device, transferring energy from the energy storage device to a load via the DC-DC converter and one of a diode device and a first load switching device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrical environment including a charging system according to an embodiment.
[0007] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an embodiment of an electrical environment in which the energy storage device is implemented by two batteries electrically coupled in series.
[0008] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 An example of energy flow of the charging system in a first operating mode of the charging system.
[0009] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 An example of a control signal of the charging system in the first operation mode of the charging system.
[0010] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 An example of energy flow of the charging system in the second operating mode of the charging system.
[0011] Figure 6 Shows Figure 1 An example of a control signal of the charging system in the second operating mode of the charging system.
[0012] Figure 7 Shows Figure 1 An example of energy flow of the charging system in the third operating mode of the charging system.
[0013] Figure 8 Shows Figure 1 An example of control signals of the charging system in the third operating mode of the charging system.
[0014] Fig. 9 is a DC to DC converter with extended functionality. Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of an electrical environment.
[0015] Fig.10 Shows Fig. 9 An example of a control signal for a DC-DC converter in an electrical environment.
[0016] Fig.11 Shows Fig. 9 Another example of a control signal for a DC-DC converter in an electrical environment.
[0017] Fig.12 yes Fig. 9 Schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of an electrical environment that is configured to independently control the power supply to two different loads.
[0018] Fig.13 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of an electrical environment in which the second input power supply is omitted.
[0019] Fig.14 is a schematic diagram of an electrical environment including a charging stand, wherein the charging stand includes Fig.12 Embodiment of a charging system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0020] Conventional charging systems include two or more inductors, as well as a large number of switching devices, as part of their power conversion circuitry. Inductors are relatively large and costly, which contributes to the size and cost of the charging system. In addition, while switching devices may be smaller than inductors, switching devices also affect the size and cost of the charging system. In addition, the power conversion circuitry of conventional charging systems forms two or more direct current to direct current (DC-DC) converters, which may operate simultaneously, thereby compromising the efficiency of the charging system, as each operating DC-DC converter results in power loss in the charging system.
[0021] New charging systems and related methods are disclosed herein that can at least partially overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings of conventional charging systems. For example, certain embodiments of the new charging system require only a single inductor, which helps to achieve a small charging system size and a low charging system cost. In addition, certain embodiments of the new charging system require fewer switching devices than conventional charging systems with similar functions, which further helps to achieve a small charging system size and cost. In addition, some embodiments require only a single DC-DC converter, which promotes efficient operation of the charging system. Therefore, the new charging system and related methods significantly improve the technical level of charging systems.
[0022] Figure 11 is an illustrative environment of an electrical environment 100 including a charging system 102, a first input power source 104, a second input power source 106, and one or more loads 108, wherein the charging system 102 is an embodiment of the new charging system disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the first input power source 104 includes a universal serial bus (USB) power source, and the second input power source 106 includes a wireless charging power source, such as a wireless charging power source configured to receive energy through an externally generated magnetic field. However, the configuration of the first input power source 104 and the second input power source 106 can vary according to design choices. In addition, it should be noted that the first input power source 104 and / or the second input power source 106 are not necessarily always present in the electrical environment 100, so the first input power source 104 and the second input power source 106 may not be available for use by the charging system 102 from time to time. For example, some embodiments of the charging system 102 are portable, and the user of the charging system 102 can move the charging system 102 away from the first input power source 104 and the second input power source 106, such as when the user of the charging system 102 is "on the go" (OTG).
[0023] The load 108 includes, for example, one or more portable electronic devices such as hearing aids, wireless headphones, smart watches, mobile phones, etc. The first input power source 104, the second input power source 106, and the load 108 are depicted as being electrically referenced to a reference node 110, which is represented by a downward-pointing triangle. In some embodiments, the reference node 110 is a ground node, such as a ground node or a chassis ground node. In other embodiments, the reference node 110 floats relative to the ground node, or in other words, the reference node 110 can be at a different potential than ground or another ground node.
[0024] As discussed further below, the charging system 102 is configured to power the load 108 with energy received from the first input power source 104 or the second input power source 106, for example, for charging one or more batteries (not shown) of the load 108. In addition, the charging system 102 is configured to power the load 108 from energy stored in the charging system 102 when the first input power source 104 and the second input power source 106 are not available, for example, when the user of the charging system 102 is OTG and the charging system 102 is therefore far away from the first input power source 104 and the second input power source 106.
[0025] The charging system 102 includes a first input switching device 112, a second input switching device 114, a diode device 116, a DC-DC converter 118, an energy storage device 120, a battery switching device 122, and a controller 124. In this document, a "switching device" is a device that can operate in at least an open state and a closed state in response to a control signal. Therefore, the switching device can selectively electrically couple two or more nodes and / or two or more devices in response to a control signal. Specifically, the switching device electrically couples two or more nodes and / or two or more devices by closing in response to a control signal that commands the switching device to close, and the switching device electrically decouples two or more nodes or two or more devices by opening according to a control signal that commands the switching device to open. In some embodiments, each switching device disclosed herein includes one or more transistors, such as one or more field effect transistors (FETs), one or more bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), one or more insulated gate bipolar junction transistors (IGBTs), etc. For example, a switching device that does not need to be able to prevent reverse current flow may include a single FET, while a switching device that must be able to prevent reverse flow may include an N-channel FET electrically coupled in series with a P-channel FET to prevent undesirable FET body diode current conduction.
[0026] The first input power source 104 is electrically coupled to the first input power node 128, and the first input power source 104 drives the first input power node 128 to an input voltage v i1 The first input switching device 112 is electrically coupled between the first input power supply node 128 and the system node 126, and thus the first input switching device 112 is configured to selectively electrically couple the system node 126 to the first input power supply 104 in response to the control signal φ1 generated by the controller 124. Similarly, the second input power supply 106 is electrically coupled to the second input power node 130, and the second input voltage source 106 is configured to drive the second input power node 130 to the input voltage v i2 The second input switching device 114 is electrically coupled between the second input power supply node 130 and the system node 126 , and the second input switching device 114 is thus configured to selectively electrically couple the system node 126 to the second input power supply 106 in response to a control signal φ2 generated by the controller 124 .
[0027] The load 108 is electrically coupled to the output power node 132, and the diode device 116 is electrically coupled between the system node 126 and the output power node 132. The diode device 116 is configured to cause the output current i o Flow only in one direction, from system node 126 to output power node 132 ( Figure 1108), for example, for powering the load 108. In some embodiments, the diode device 116 includes one or more diodes, and in other embodiments, the diode device 116 includes one or more transistors configured to operate as a diode. In addition, in particular embodiments, the diode device 116 includes one or more transistors controlled by the controller 124 through one or more control signals (not shown) to simulate a diode.
[0028] The DC-DC converter 118 is electrically coupled between the system node 126 and the battery node 134. The battery switching device 122 is electrically coupled between the battery node 134 and the energy storage device 120, so the DC-DC converter 118 is electrically coupled between the system node 126 and the energy storage device 120 via the battery switching device 112. The battery switching device 122 is configured to selectively electrically couple the energy storage device 120 to the battery node 134 in response to a control signal φb generated by the controller 124. In some embodiments, the controller 124 is configured to disconnect the energy storage device 120 from the battery node 134 in response to an abnormal condition, such as in response to an overload, overcurrent and / or overheating condition of the energy storage device 120. The energy storage device 120 includes, for example, one or more elements capable of storing energy, such as one or more batteries, one or more capacitors, etc. For example, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an electrical environment 200, which is one embodiment of the electrical environment 100, including the charging system 102 embodied as a charging system 202. The energy storage device 120 is implemented in the charging system 202 by two batteries 220 electrically coupled in series. However, it should be understood that the charging system 202 can be modified to include only a single battery 220, or three or more batteries 220 electrically coupled in series, without departing from the scope of this document. In addition, in embodiments of the charging system 202 that include multiple batteries 220, the batteries can be electrically coupled in parallel, or in a parallel-series combination, rather than in series.
[0029] Reference again Figure 1, the DC-DC converter 118 includes a control switch device 136, a freewheeling switch device 138, an inductor 140, and a capacitor 142. The control switch device 136 is electrically coupled between the system node 126 and the switch node 144, and the freewheeling switch device 138 is electrically coupled between the switch node 144 and the reference node 110. The control switch device 136 is configured to selectively electrically couple the system node 126 to the switch node 144 in response to a control signal φc generated by the controller 124, and the freewheeling switch device 138 is configured to selectively electrically couple the switch node 144 to the reference node 110 according to a control signal φf generated by the controller 124. The inductor 140 is electrically coupled between the switch node 144 and the battery node 134, and the capacitor 142 is electrically coupled between the battery node 134 and the reference node 110.
[0030] The controller 124 is configured to generate control signals φc and φf to control the operation of the DC-DC converter 118. Specifically, the controller 124 is configured to generate the control signal φc, for example using a pulse width modulation (PWM) technique or a pulse frequency modulation (PFM) technique, to (a) regulate the voltage v at the battery node 134 when the energy received from the first input power source 104 and / or the second input power source 106 charges the energy storage device 120; b The magnitude of, or the current i flowing to the energy storage device 120 b or (b) when the energy stored in the energy storage device 120 is used to power the load 108, regulating the voltage v at the system node 126 s The size of the current i o The controller 124 is configured to generate a control signal φf such that when the control switch device 136 is in its off state, the freewheeling switch device 138 is a current i flowing through the inductor 140 L In some alternative embodiments, the freewheeling switch device 138 is replaced or supplemented by a diode.
[0031] The controller 124 is formed, for example, by analog and / or digital electronic circuits, and the controller 124 is configured to generate each control signal φ1, φ2, φc, φf, and φb. For clarity of illustration, the communication link between the controller 124 and the switching devices of the charging system 102 is not shown. The controller 124 is optionally communicatively coupled 146 with the load 108 so that the controller 124 can control the operation of the charging system 102 in response to the requirements of the load 108. In some embodiments, the controller 124 is communicatively coupled 146 with the load 108 using a power line communication (PLC) communication link (e.g., via the output power node 132). Therefore, the optional communication coupling 146 may represent a logical communication link rather than a physical communication link. In addition, some embodiments of the controller 124 are capable of determining the status, such as availability, of one or more of the first input power source 104 and the second input power source 106. Although the controller 124 is depicted as a single element, the controller 124 may be implemented by multiple elements. In addition, in some alternative embodiments, the controller 124 is at least partially located outside the charging system 102. For example, the charging system 102 may be modified such that the controller 124 is at least partially integrated into one or more of the first input power source 104 , the second input power source 106 , and the load 108 .
[0032] The controller 124 is configured to control the operation of the charging system 102 such that the charging system 102 can operate in any of at least a first operating mode, a second operating mode, and a third operating mode, as described below, for example based on the availability of the first input power source 104 and / or the second input power source 106 , and optionally based on the requirements of the load 108 .
[0033] First operating mode
[0034] The first operating mode of the charging system 102 is characterized in that the controller 124 controls each of the first input switching device 112, the second input switching device 114, the DC-DC converter 118, and the battery switching device 122 so that (a) the DC-DC converter 118 charges the energy storage device 120 with energy from the first input power source 104 through the first input switching device 112, (b) the load 108 is powered by energy from the first input power source 104 through the first input switching device 112 and the diode device 116, and (c) the second input power source 106 is isolated from the system node 126. Therefore, the controller 124 causes (a) the first input switching device 112 to operate in its closed state, (b) the second input switching device 114 to operate in its open state, (c) the battery switching device 122 to operate in its closed state, and (d) the DC-DC converter 118 to regulate the voltage v b The magnitude of and / or the current i flowing to the energy storage device 120 to charge the energy storage device 120b In the first operation mode, ignoring the influence of parasitic impedance in the charging system 102, the voltage v at the system node 126 is s and the voltage v at the output power node 132 o will be equal to the voltage v at the input power node 128 i1 The DC-DC converter 118 operates as a buck converter in the first operation mode, so the voltage v b The magnitude will be less than or equal to the voltage v s size.
[0035] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of electrical environment 100 illustrating one example of operation of charging system 102 in its first operating mode. Figure 3 Bold line 348 is included, which symbolically illustrates that charging system 102 is configured to transfer energy from first input power source 104 to load 108 in a first operating mode of charging system 102 , and that charging system 102 is configured to charge energy storage device 120 with energy from first input power source 104 .
[0036] Figure 4 Five graphs 402, 404, 406, 408, and 410 are included, each showing an example of how the controller 124 generates control signals φ1, φ2, φc, φf, and φb in a first operating mode of the charging system 102. Each of the graphs 402, 404, 406, 408, and 410 is a graph of the relationship between signal magnitude and time, and the graphs 402, 404, 406, 408, and 410 share a common time base. The graphs 402, 404, 406, 408, and 410 assume that each switching device of the charging system 102 is (a) closed when its corresponding control signal is in a logic high state, and (b) opened when its corresponding control signal is in a logic low state. For example, in Figure 4 In the example of FIG. 1 , when the control signal φ1 is in its logic high state, the first input switching device 112 is closed when controlled, and when the control signal φ1 is in its logic low state, the first output switching device 112 is open. However, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the control signals φ1, φ2, φc, φf, and φb may have different polarities, and the switching devices of the charging system 102 may respond to the control signals in different ways.
[0037] exist Figure 4 In the example of , the control signals φ1 and φb are continuously at logic high, so the first input switch device 112 and the battery switch device 122 are continuously operated in their respective closed states. In addition, the control signal φ2 is continuously at logic low, so the second input switch device 114 is continuously operated in its open state. In addition, the control signal φc is continuously at t on / T duty cycle and 1 / T constant frequency switch between logic high and logic low state. In addition, the control signal φc is complementary to the control signal φf, so that the DC-DC converter 118 operates in continuous current conduction mode. However, it should be understood that Figure 4 It is not meant to constrain the DC-DC converter 118 to any particular duty cycle or any particular mode of operation. For example, the DC-DC converter 118 may instead operate in a variable frequency mode and / or a discontinuous current conduction mode. For example, the actual operation of the DC-DC converter 118 depends on the implementation and / or operating environment.
[0038] Second operating mode
[0039] The second operating mode of the charging system 102 is characterized in that the controller 124 controls each of the first input switching device 112, the second input switching device 114, the DC-DC converter 118, and the battery switching device 122 so that (a) the DC-DC converter 118 powers the load 108 from the energy stored in the energy storage device 120 through the diode device 116, (b) the first input power source 106 is isolated from the system node 126, and (c) the second input power source 106 is isolated from the system node 126. Therefore, the controller 124 causes (a) the first input switching device 112 to operate in its open state, (b) the second input switching device 106 to operate in its open state. (c) the battery switching device 122 to operate in its closed state; and (d) the DC-DC converter 118 to regulate the voltage v flowing to the load 108. s and / or current i o For example, when the user of the charging system 102 is OTG, the second operation mode may be used. The DC-DC converter 118 operates as a boost converter in the second operation mode, so the voltage v s The magnitude will be greater than or equal to the voltage v b Ignoring the influence of the parasitic impedance of the charging system 102, the voltage v o The magnitude is equal to the voltage v s size.
[0040] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of electrical environment 100 illustrating one example of operation of charging system 102 in its second operating mode. Figure 5 Bold line 548 is included, which symbolically illustrates that charging system 102 is configured to transfer energy from energy storage device 120 to load 108 in the second operating mode of charging system 102 .
[0041] Figure 6Five graphs 602, 604, 606, 608, and 610 are included, showing an example of how the controller 124 generates control signals φ1, φ2, φc, φf, and φb in the second operating mode of the charging system 102. Each of the graphs 602, 604, 606, 608, and 610 has a relationship between signal magnitude and time, and each of the graphs 602, 604, 606, 608, and 610 shares a common time base. The graphs 602, 604, 606, 608, and 610 assume that each switching device of the charging system 102 is (a) closed when its corresponding control signal is in a logic high state, and (b) opened when its corresponding control signal is in a logic low state, in a manner similar to the above description of the switching device. Figure 4 However, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the control signals φ1, φ2, φc, φf, and φb may have different polarities, and the switching devices of the charging system 102 may respond to the control signals in different ways.
[0042] exist Figure 6 In the example of FIG. 1 , the control signals φ1 and φ2 are continuously at logic low, so the first input switch device 112 and the second input switch device 114 are continuously operated in their respective open states. In addition, the control signal φb is continuously at a logic high level, so the battery switch device 122 is continuously operated in its closed state. In addition, the control signal φc is continuously at t on / T duty cycle and 1 / T constant frequency switch between logic high and logic low state. In addition, the control signal φc is complementary to the control signal φf, so that the DC-DC converter 118 operates in continuous current conduction mode. However, it should be understood that Figure 6 It is not meant to constrain the DC-DC converter 118 to any particular duty cycle or any particular mode of operation. For example, the DC-DC converter 118 may instead operate in a variable frequency mode and / or a discontinuous current conduction mode. For example, the actual operation of the DC-DC converter 118 depends on the implementation and / or operating environment.
[0043] Third operating mode
[0044] The third operation mode of the charging system 102 is characterized in that the controller 124 controls each of the first input switch device 112, the second input switch device 114, the DC-DC converter 118, and the battery switch device 122 so that (a) the DC-DC converter 118 charges the energy storage device 120 from the energy from the second input power source 106 through the second input switch device 114, (b) the load 108 is powered by energy from the second input power source 106 through the second output switch device 114 and the diode device 116, and (c) the first input power source 104 is isolated from the system node 126. Therefore, the controller 124 causes (a) the first input switch device 112 to be in an open state, (b) the second input switch device 114 to be in a closed state, (c) the battery switch device 122 to be in a closed state, and (d) the DC-DC converter 118 to regulate the voltage v flowing to the energy storage device 120. b and / or current i b In the third operation mode, ignoring the influence of the parasitic impedance of the charging system 102, the voltage v at the system node 126 is s and the voltage v at the output power node 132 o will be equal to the voltage v at the input power node 130 i2 Similar to the first operation mode, the DC-DC converter 118 operates as a buck converter in the third operation mode, so the voltage v b The magnitude will be less than or equal to the voltage v s size.
[0045] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of electrical environment 100 illustrating one example of operation of charging system 102 in its third mode of operation. Figure 7 A bold line 748 is included, which symbolically shows that in the third operation mode of charging system 102 , charging system 102 is configured to transfer energy from second input power source 106 to load 108 , and charging system 102 is configured to transfer energy from second output power source 106 to charge energy storage device 120 .
[0046] Figure 8 Five graphs 802, 804, 806, 808, and 810 are included, showing an example of how the controller 124 generates control signals φ1, φ2, φc, φf, and φb in the third operating mode of the charging system 102. Each of the graphs 802, 804, 806, 808, and 810 has a relationship between signal magnitude and time, and each of the graphs 802, 808, 806, and 810 shares a common time base. Figure 4In the manner discussed, graphs 802, 804, 806, 808, and 810 assume that each switching device of charging system 102 is (a) closed when its corresponding control signal is in a logic high state, and (b) open when its corresponding control signal is in a logic low state. However, without departing from the scope of the present invention, control signals φ1, φ2, φc, φf, and φb may have different polarities, and switching devices of charging system 102 may respond to control signals in different ways.
[0047] exist Figure 8 In the example of , the control signals φ2 and φb continue to be logic high, so the second input switch device 114 and the battery switch device 122 continue to operate in their respective closed states. In addition, the control signal φ1 continues to be logic low, so the second input switch device 112 continues to operate in its open state. In addition, the control signal φc is t on / T duty cycle and 1 / T constant frequency switch between logic high and logic low state. In addition, the control signal φc is complementary to the control signal φf, so that the DC-DC converter 118 operates in continuous current conduction mode. However, it should be understood that Figure 8 It is not meant to constrain the DC-DC converter 118 to any particular duty cycle or any particular mode of operation. For example, the DC-DC converter 118 may instead operate in a variable frequency mode and / or a discontinuous current conduction mode. For example, the actual operation of the DC-DC converter 118 depends on the implementation and / or operating environment.
[0048] Additional Features and Embodiments
[0049] Reference again Figure 1, it should be appreciated that while the charging system 102 is capable of operating in each of the first, second, and third operating modes as described above, the charging system 102 includes only a single inductor and five switching devices. Thus, the configuration of the charging system 102 promotes small size, low cost, and efficient operation. However, it should be appreciated that the charging system 102 may be modified to include additional components, such as to add additional functionality, or to omit components, such as if functionality associated with a particular component is not required. For example, the charging system 102 may be modified to omit the control switching device 136 and control either of the first input switching device 112 and the second input switching device 114 to function as a control switch of the DC-DC converter 118, such that the DC-DC converter 118 includes the first input switching device 112 and the second input switching device 114. In these alternative embodiments, the first input switching device 112 and the second input switching device 114 perform dual functions, i.e., they act as control switching devices, and selectively electrically couple their respective input power sources 104 or 106 to the system node 126. In addition, the electrical environment 100 may be modified to include additional elements or fewer elements without departing from the scope of this document. For example, some alternative embodiments of the electrical environment 100 include a third input power source, and some alternative embodiments of the electrical environment 100 also include a switching circuit configured to selectively electrically connect each of the plurality of loads 108 to the charging system 102.
[0050] Refer to the following Figure 9-13 Discussed are several exemplary alternative embodiments of the electrical environment 100. However, it should be recognized that additional alternative embodiments are possible and are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0051] Fig. 99 is a schematic diagram of an electrical environment 900, which is an electrical environment 900 in which the charging system 102 is replaced by a charging system 902, which is another embodiment of the new charging system disclosed herein. The charging system 902 differs from the charging system 102 in that (a) the DC-DC converter 118 is replaced by a DC-DC converter 918, and (b) the controller 124 is replaced by a controller 924. The DC-DC converter 918 differs from the DC-DC converter 118 in that the DC-DC converter 918 also includes a second control switch device 948 and a second freewheeling switch device 950. The inductor 140 is electrically coupled between the switch node 144 and the second switch node 952, and the second control switch device 948 is electrically coupled between the second switch node 952 and the reference node 110. The second freewheeling switch device 950 is electrically coupled between the second switch node 952 and the battery node 134. The second control switch device 948 is configured to selectively electrically couple the second switch node 952 to the reference node 110 in response to a control signal φx generated by the controller 924, and the second freewheeling switch device 950 is configured to selectively electrically connect the second switch node 952 to the battery node 134 according to a control signal φy generated by the controller 924.
[0052] Controller 924 is similar to Figure 1 1, but the controller 924 is also configured to generate the control signals φx and φy. The controller 924 is configured to control the operation of the charging system 902 so that the charging system 902 can operate in any of the first operating mode, the second operating mode, and the third operating mode in a manner similar to the charging system 102 of the electrical environment 100. However, in addition to the functions of the DC-DC converter 118, the DC-DC converter 918 also has other functions. To understand this additional functionality, consider again Figure 1 DC-DC converter 118. As described above, DC-DC converter 118 is configured to operate as a buck converter when charging energy storage device 120, and DC-DC converter 118 is configured to operate as a boost converter when powering load 108 from energy storage device 120. DC-DC converter 918 is not only capable of operating in this regard, but DC-DC converter 918 is also capable of operating as a boost converter when charging energy storage device 120, and as a buck converter when powering load 108 from energy storage device 120. Thus, using DC-DC converter 918 instead of DC-DC converter 118 provides additional flexibility in setting the voltage in charging system 902, which may be particularly beneficial when energy storage device 120 is implemented by multiple batteries electrically coupled in series, such as Figure 2 shown.
[0053] Fig.10 Four graphs 1002, 1004, 1006, and 1008 are included, showing an example of how the controller 924 generates control signals φc, φf, φx, and φy when the DC-DC converter operates (a) as a buck converter when the energy received from one of the first input power source 104 and the second input power source 106 charges the energy storage device 120, and (b) as a boost converter when the energy stored in the energy storage device 120 powers the load 108. Each of the graphs 1002, 1004, 1006, and 1008 is a graph of the relationship between signal magnitude and time, and each of the graphs 1002, 1004, 1006, and 1008 shares a common time base. In a manner similar to the above description of Figure 4 In the manner of discussion, graphs 1002, 1004, 1006, and 1008 assume that each switching device of DC-DC converter 918 is (a) closed when its corresponding control signal is in a logic high state, and (b) open when its corresponding control signal is in a logic low state. However, without departing from the scope of the present invention, control signals φc, φf, φx, and φy may have different polarities, and the switching devices of DC-DC converter 918 may respond to the control signals in different ways.
[0054] exist Fig.10 In the example of , the control signal φx is continuously at a logic low, so the second control switch device 948 is continuously operated in its open state. In addition, the control signal φy is continuously at a logic high, so the second freewheeling switch device 950 is continuously operated in its closed state. Therefore, the DC-DC converter 918 controls the charging of the energy storage device 120 or the power supply of the load 108 by controlling the duty cycle of the control switch device 136, for example, by using PWM or PFM techniques. For example, Fig.10 In the example, the control signal φc is t on / T duty cycle and 1 / T constant frequency switch between logic high and logic low state. In addition, the control signal φc is complementary to the control signal φf, so that the DC-DC converter 918 operates in continuous current conduction mode. However, it should be understood that Fig.10 It is not meant to constrain the DC-DC converter 918 to operate at any particular duty cycle or in any particular mode. For example, the DC-DC converter 918 may instead operate in a variable frequency mode and / or a discontinuous current conduction mode.
[0055] on the other hand, Fig.11Four diagrams 1102, 1104, 1106, and 1108 are included, showing an example of how the controller 924 generates control signals φc, φf, φx, and φy when the DC-DC converter (a) operates as a boost converter when charging the energy storage device 120 from energy of one of the first input power source 104 and the second input power source 106, and (b) operates as a buck converter when supplying power to the load 108 from energy stored in the energy storage device 120. Each of the diagrams 1102, 1104, 1106, and 1108 has a relationship between signal magnitude and time, and each of the diagrams 1102, 1104, 1106, and 1108 shares a common time base. In a manner similar to the above description of Figure 4 In the manner of discussion, curves 1102, 1104, 1106, and 1108 assume that each switching device of DC-DC converter 918 is (a) closed when its corresponding control signal is in a logic high state, and (b) open when its corresponding control signal is in a logic low state. However, without departing from the scope of the present invention, control signals φc, φf, φx, and φy may have different polarities, and the switching devices of DC-DC converter 918 may respond to the control signals in different ways.
[0056] exist Fig.11 In the example of , the control signal φc continues to be logic high, so the control switch device 136 continues to operate in its open state. In addition, the control signal φf continues to be logic low, so the freewheeling switch device 138 continues to operate in its closed state. Therefore, the DC-DC converter 918 controls the charging of the energy storage device 120 or the power supply of the load 108 by controlling the duty cycle of the second control switch device 948 via the control signal φx, for example, by using PWM or PFM techniques. In addition, the controller 924 generates a control signal φy so that when the second control switch device 948 is in its open state, the second freewheeling switch device 950 is the current i flowing through the inductor 140 L Provide a path. For example, in Fig.11 In the example control signal φx, t on / T duty cycle and 1 / T constant frequency switch between logic high and logic low state. In addition, the control signal φy is complementary to the control signal φx, so that the DC-DC converter 918 operates in continuous current conduction mode. However, it should be understood that Fig.11 It is not meant to constrain the DC-DC converter 918 to operate at any particular duty cycle or in any particular mode. For example, the DC-DC converter 918 may instead operate in a variable frequency mode and / or a discontinuous current conduction mode.
[0057] Reference again Figure 1Any of the new charging systems disclosed herein can be configured to selectively power one or more different loads. For example, Fig.12 is a schematic diagram of electrical environment 1200, which is a schematic diagram of electrical environment 900 ( Fig. 9 ), including (a) a charging system 1202 replacing the charging system 902 and (b) one or more second loads 1208. The charging system 1202 includes a controller 1224 to replace the controller 924, and the charging system 1202 also includes a first load switch device to replace the diode device 116, that is, the first load switch device 1216 is electrically coupled between the system node 126 and the output power node 132 to replace the diode device 116. In addition, the charging system 1202 includes a second load switch device 1254 electrically coupled between the system node 126 and the second output power node 1232, and the second load 1208 is electrically coupled to the second output power node 1232. The first load switch device 1216 is configured to selectively electrically couple the system node 126 to the output power node 132 and the load 108 in response to a control signal φj generated by the controller 1224, and the second load switch device 1254 is configured to selectively electrically couple the system node 126 to the second output power node 1232 and the second load 1208 in response to a control signal φk generated by the controller 1224.
[0058] Controller 1224 is similar to controller 924, except that controller 1224 is further configured to generate control signals φj and φk to control load switch devices 1216 and 1254, respectively. For example, controller 1224 may generate control signal φj to selectively power load 108 independently of powering second load 1208, and controller 1224 may generate control signal φk to selectively power load 1208 independently of powering second load 108. In addition, controller 1224 is configured to generate control signals φj and φk such that first load switch device 1216 and second load switch device 1254 each emulate a diode. In other words, controller 1224 is configured to generate control signal φj such that first load switch device 1216 allows current i to flow from system node 126 to load 108. o1 The current i flows only from left to right, that is, from the system node 126 to the output power node 132. In addition, the controller 1224 is configured to generate a control signal φk so that the second load switch device 1254 allows the current i to flow from the system node 126 to the second load 1208. o2 It only flows from left to right, that is, from the system node 126 to the second output power node 1232.
[0059] Reference again Figure 1Any of the new charging systems disclosed herein can be modified to be powered by different numbers and / or different types of input power sources. For example, Fig.13 is a schematic diagram of an electrical environment 1300, which is an electrical environment 100 ( Figure 1 ), wherein (a) the second input power source 106 is omitted, and (b) the charging system 102 is replaced by the charging system 1302. The charging system 1302 differs from the charging system 102 in that (a) the second input switching device 114 is omitted, and (b) the controller 124 is replaced with a controller 1324. The controller 1324 is similar to the controller 124, except that the controller 1324 cannot generate the control signal φ2. Therefore, the charging system 1302 operates in the same manner as the charging system 102, except that the charging system 1302 cannot operate in the third operating mode.
[0060] One possible application of the new charging system disclosed herein is for use in a charging stand, such as a charging stand for charging a portable electronic device. For example, Figure 1400 is a block diagram of an electrical environment 1400 including a charging stand 1402, a USB adapter 1404, a USB cable 1406, and radio frequency (RF) energy 1408. The charging stand 1402 includes a charging system 1202 ( Fig.12 ), USB port 1410, wireless charging port 1412, output port 1414, and output port 1416. For clarity of description, Fig.14 The details of the charging system 1202 are not shown. The USB port 1410 is configured to electrically connect the USB adapter 1404 to the charging cradle 1402 via the USB cable 1406, and the USB port 1410 thereby enables the charging cradle 1402 to receive power from the USB adapter 1404. The USB port 1410 is an embodiment of the first input power source 104, and thus the USB port 1410 is electrically coupled to the charging system 1202 via the first input power node 128.
[0061] The wireless charging port 1412 is configured to generate power from the dynamic magnetic field 1418 generated by the RF energy source 1408. In some embodiments, the wireless charging port 1412 includes a coil (in Fig.14 1402 ), for inducing current through the dynamic magnetic field 1418, and power conditioning circuitry (not shown) to provide regulated power for the charging stand 1402. A specific embodiment of the RF energy source 1408 includes a resonant coil, Fig.1414, which is symbolically shown by dashed lines, for generating a dynamic magnetic field 1418 from an external power source (not shown). The wireless charging port 1412 is one embodiment of the second input power source 106, and the wireless charging port 1412 is therefore electrically coupled to the charging system 1202 via the second input power node 130.
[0062] Output port 1414 is electrically coupled to output power node 132, and output port 1414 29 enables a first portable electronic device (not shown), which is an embodiment of one or more loads 108, to be powered from charging cradle 1402 via output power node 132. Similarly, output port 1416 is electrically coupled to output power node 1232, and output port 1414 enables a second portable electronic device (not shown), which is an embodiment of one or more second loads 1208, to be powered from charging cradle 1402 via second output power node 1232.
[0063] Feature combination
[0064] The above features can be combined in various ways without departing from the scope of this document. The following examples illustrate some possible combinations.
[0065] (A1) A charging system comprising: (1) a first input switching device configured to selectively electrically couple a system node to a first input power source; (2) a diode device configured to electrically couple the system node to one or more loads; (3) an energy storage device; (4) a direct current to direct current (DC-DC) converter electrically coupled between the system node and the energy storage device; and (5) a controller. The controller is configured to control operation of at least the first input switching device and the DC-DC converter so that the charging system can operate in at least any of the following operating modes: (i) a first operating mode at least partially characterized by the DC-DC converter charging the energy storage device with energy from the first input power source; and (ii) a second operating mode at least partially characterized by the DC-DC converter using energy stored in the energy storage device to power the one or more loads via the diode device.
[0066] (A2) In the charging system denoted as (A1), the first operating mode is further characterized in that the one or more loads are powered from the first input power source through the first input switching device and the diode device.
[0067] (A3) In either of the charging systems denoted as (A1) and (A2), the second operating mode is further characterized by the first input power source being isolated from the system node.
[0068] (A4) In any of the charging systems denoted as (A1) to (A3), (i) the DC-DC converter may have a buck topology in the first operating mode, and (ii) the DC-DC converter may have a boost topology in the second operating mode.
[0069] (A5) In any one of the charging systems represented as (A1) to (A3), (i) the DC-DC converter can have a buck topology or a boost topology in a first operating mode, and (ii) the DC-DC converter can have a buck topology or a boost topology in a second operating mode.
[0070] (A6) Any of the charging systems denoted as (A1) to (A5) may further include a battery switching device electrically coupled between the DC-DC converter and the energy storage device.
[0071] (A7) Any of the charging systems denoted as (A1) to (A6) may further include a second input switching device configured to selectively electrically couple the system node to a second input power source.
[0072] (A8) In the charging system represented as (A7), the controller can also control the operation of at least the first input switching device, the second input switching device and the DC-DC converter so that the charging system can operate in at least any one of the first operating mode, the second operating mode and a third operating mode, and the third operating mode is at least partially characterized in that the DC-DC converter charges the energy storage device with energy from the second input power supply.
[0073] (A9) In the charging system denoted as (A8), the third operating mode is further characterized in that one or more loads are powered from the second input power source via the second input switching device and the diode device.
[0074] (A10) In either of the charging systems denoted as (A8) and (A9), the second operating mode is further characterized by the second input power source being isolated from the system node.
[0075] (A11) In any of the charging systems denoted as (A1) to (A10), the energy storage device may include one or more batteries.
[0076] (B1) A charging system includes: (1) a first input switch device configured to selectively electrically couple a system node to a first input power source; (2) a first load switch device configured to selectively electrically couple the system node to one or more first loads; (3) an energy storage device; (4) a direct current to direct current (DC-DC) converter electrically coupled between the system node and the energy storage device; and (5) a controller. The controller is configured to control the operation of at least the first input switch device, the first load switch device, and the DC-DC converter so that the charging system can operate in at least any of the following operating modes: (i) a first operating mode at least partially characterized by the DC-DC converter charging the energy storage device with energy from the first input power source; and (2) a second operating mode at least partially characterized by the DC-DC converter using energy stored in the energy storage device to power the one or more first loads via the first load switch device.
[0077] (B2) In the charging system denoted as (B1), the controller may be further configured to control the first load switch device so that the first load switch device simulates a diode.
[0078] (B3) Any of the charging systems denoted as (B1) and (B2) may further include a second load switch device configured to selectively electrically couple the system node to one or more second loads.
[0079] (B4) In the charging system denoted as (B3), the second operating mode is further characterized in that the DC-DC converter uses energy stored in the energy storage device to power one or more second loads via the second load switching device.
[0080] (B5) In any of the charging systems denoted as (B3) and (B4), the controller may be further configured to control the second load switch device so that the second load switch device simulates a diode.
[0081] (C1) A method for operating a charging system, comprising: (1) transferring energy from a first input power source to an energy storage device through a first input switching device and a direct current-to-direct current (DC-DC) converter; and (2) after transferring energy between the first input power source and the energy storage device, transferring energy from the energy storage device to a load via the DC-DC converter and one of a diode device and a first load switching device.
[0082] (C2) The method represented as (C1) may also include, while transferring energy from the first input power source to the energy storage device, transferring energy from the first input power source to the load through the first input switching device and one of the diode device and the first load switching device.
[0083] (C3) In any of the methods represented by (C1) and (C2), it may also include transferring energy from the second input power supply to the energy storage device through a second input switching device and a DC-DC converter after transferring the energy from the first input power supply to the energy storage device.
[0084] (C4) In any of the methods denoted as (C1) to (C3), the energy storage device may include one or more batteries.
[0085] Changes may be made to the above methods, devices, and systems without departing from the scope of this document. It should be noted, therefore, that the matters described above and shown in the accompanying drawings are to be interpreted as illustrative and not restrictive. The following claims are intended to cover the generic and specific features described herein, as well as all statements of the scope of the present methods and systems that, by definition, can be said to fall between the claims.
Claims
1. A charging system, comprising: a first input switching device configured to selectively electrically couple the system node to a first input power supply; a diode device configured to electrically couple the system node to one or more loads; Energy storage devices; a direct current to direct current (DC-DC) converter electrically coupled between the system node and the energy storage device; and A controller configured to control the operation of at least the first input switching device and the DC-DC converter to enable the charging system to operate in at least any one of the following operating modes: The first mode of operation is characterized at least in part by the DC-DC converter charging the energy storage device with energy from the first input power source, and The second mode of operation is characterized, at least in part, by the DC-DC converter using energy stored in the energy storage device to power the one or more loads via the diode device.
2. The charging system of claim 1, wherein the first operating mode is further characterized in that the one or more loads are powered from the first input power source via the first input switching device and the diode device.
3. The charging system of claim 1, wherein the second operating mode is further characterized by the first input power source being isolated from the system node.
4. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein The DC-DC converter has a buck topology in the first operating mode; and The DC-DC converter has a boost topology in the second operation mode.
5. The charging system according to claim 1, wherein The DC-DC converter can have a buck topology or a boost topology in the first operating mode; and The DC-DC converter can have a buck topology or a boost topology in the second operation mode.
6. The charging system of claim 1, further comprising a battery switching device electrically coupled between the DC-DC converter and the energy storage device. 7 . The charging system of claim 1 , further comprising a second input switching device configured to selectively electrically couple the system node to a second input power source.
8. The charging system of claim 7, wherein the controller is further configured to control operation of at least the first input switching device, the second input switching device, and the DC-DC converter to enable the charging system to operate in any one of at least the first operating mode, the second operating mode, and a third operating mode, the third operating mode being characterized at least in part by the DC-DC converter charging the energy storage device with energy from the second input power source.
9. The charging system of claim 8, wherein the third operating mode is further characterized by the one or more loads being powered from the second input power source via the second input switching device and the diode device.
10. The charging system of claim 8, wherein the second operating mode is further characterized by the second input power source being isolated from the system node.
11. The charging system of claim 1 , wherein the energy storage device comprises one or more batteries.
12. A charging system comprising: a first input switching device configured to selectively electrically couple the system node to a first input power supply; a first load switch device configured to selectively electrically couple the system node to one or more first loads; Energy storage devices; a direct current to direct current (DC-DC) converter electrically coupled between the system node and the energy storage device; and A controller configured to control the operation of at least the first input switch device, the first load switch device, and the DC-DC converter to enable the charging system to operate in at least any one of the following operating modes: The first mode of operation is characterized at least in part by the DC-DC converter charging the energy storage device with energy from the first input power source, and The second mode of operation is characterized, at least in part, by the DC-DC converter powering the one or more first loads via the first load switching device using energy stored in the energy storage device. 13 . The charging system of claim 12 , wherein the controller is further configured to control the first load switch device such that the first load switch device simulates a diode. 14 . The charging system of claim 12 , further comprising a second load switch device configured to selectively electrically couple the system node to one or more second loads.
15. The charging system of claim 14, wherein the second operating mode is further characterized by the DC-DC converter using energy stored in the energy storage device to power the one or more second loads via the second load switching device. 16 . The charging system of claim 14 , wherein the controller is further configured to control the second load switch device such that the second load switch device simulates a diode.
17. A method for operating a charging system, the method comprising: transferring energy from a first input power source to an energy storage device via a first input switching device and a direct current-to-direct current (DC-DC) converter; and After energy is transferred between the first input power source and the energy storage device, energy is transferred from the energy storage device to a load via the DC-DC converter and one of a diode device and a first load switch device.
18. The method of claim 17, further comprising transferring energy from the first input power source to the load via the first input switching device and one of the diode device and the first load switching device while transferring energy from the first input power source to the energy storage device.
19. The method of claim 17, further comprising transferring energy from a second input power source to the energy storage device via a second input switching device and the DC-DC converter after transferring energy from the first input power source to the energy storage device.
20. The method of claim 17, wherein the energy storage device comprises one or more batteries.