Magnetic alignment structure for wireless power transfer system

Abstract

The invention relates to a magnetic alignment structure for a wireless power transfer system. A wireless power transmission system is provided that includes a power transmitting device and one or more power receiving devices of varying types. The power transmitting apparatus may include: a first wireless power transmission coil configured to transmit wireless power to a power receiving apparatus of a first type; a second wireless power transmission coil configured to transmit wireless power to a power receiving device of a second type; and a magnetic alignment structure. The magnetic alignment structure may be operable in a first state or a first position when the power receiving device of the first type is disposed on a charging surface of the power transmitting device, and may be operable in a second state or in a second position when the power receiving device of the second type is disposed on the charging surface.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 19 / 182,390, filed April 17, 2025, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 650,219, filed May 21, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This disclosure relates in its entirety to power systems, including wireless power systems for charging electronic devices. Background Technology

[0003] In a wireless charging system, a power transmitting device, such as a charging disk, can send wireless power to a power receiving device, such as a portable electronic device powered by a battery. The power transmitting device has a coil that generates electromagnetic flux. The power receiving device has a coil and a rectifier circuit that use the electromagnetic flux generated by the power transmitting device to produce DC power, which is then used to power the electrical load in the battery-powered portable electronic device. Designing a wireless charging system can be challenging. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One aspect of this disclosure provides a power transmitting device comprising: a first wireless power transmission coil configured to transmit wireless power to a first type of power receiving device; a second wireless power transmission coil configured to transmit wireless power to a second type of power receiving device different from the first type; and a magnetic alignment structure configured to: shift to a first position within the power transmitting device when the first type of power receiving device is located on a charging surface of the power transmitting device; and shift to a second position within the power transmitting device different from the first position when the second type of power receiving device is located on the charging surface. The power transmitting device may further include: a magnetic splitter disposed on a housing portion and providing magnetic force to pull the magnetic alignment structure to the second position when the second type of power receiving device is located on the charging surface. The power transmitting device may include: one or more guiding structures at least partially surrounding the magnetic alignment structure and configured to guide the magnetic alignment structure between the first position and the second position.

[0005] One aspect of this disclosure provides a power transmitting device comprising: a first wireless power transmitting coil configured to transmit wireless power to a first power receiving device of a first type; a second wireless power transmitting coil configured to transmit wireless power to a second power receiving device of a second type different from the first type; and a magnetic alignment structure. The magnetic alignment structure may be configured to: attract a corresponding magnet in the first power receiving device when the first wireless power transmitting coil transmits wireless power to the first power receiving device; and allow the second wireless power transmitting coil to transmit wireless power to the second power receiving device without saturating a magnetic shield in the second power receiving device.

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure provides an electronic device comprising: a first wireless power transmission coil configured to transmit wireless power to a first power receiving device; a second wireless power transmission coil configured to transmit wireless power to a second power receiving device; and a magnetic alignment structure operable in a first state when the first power receiving device is disposed on a charging surface of the electronic device; and a second state when the second power receiving device is disposed on the charging surface. In the first state, the magnetic alignment structure may be configured to attract a corresponding magnet in the first power receiving device. In the second state, the magnetic alignment structure may be configured to allow the second wireless power transmission coil to transmit wireless power to the second power receiving device without saturating a magnetic shield in the second power receiving device. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of an exemplary wireless power transmission system based on some implementation schemes.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a side view of an exemplary power transmitting device configured to transmit wireless power to a first type of power receiving device, according to some implementation schemes.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a side view of an exemplary power transmitting device configured to transmit wireless power to a second type of power receiving device, according to some implementation schemes.

[0010] Figure 4 This is a side view of an exemplary power transmission device having a magnetic alignment structure capable of operating in a first state, according to some implementation schemes.

[0011] Figure 5This is a side view of an exemplary power transmission device having a magnetic alignment structure capable of operating in a second state, according to some implementation schemes.

[0012] Figure 6A This is a perspective view of an exemplary magnetic alignment structure of the South Pole with a charging surface facing a power transmitting device, according to some implementation schemes.

[0013] Figure 6B This is a perspective view of an exemplary magnetic alignment structure with a charging surface facing the north pole of a power transmitting device, according to some implementation schemes.

[0014] Figure 7A It is a top (planar) view of an exemplary magnetic alignment structure having a first shape and having a charging surface facing the power transmitting device, according to some embodiments.

[0015] Figure 7B This is a top (planar) view of an exemplary magnetic alignment structure of the North and South Poles, having a second shape and a charging surface facing the power transmitting device, according to some embodiments.

[0016] Figure 8 This is an exploded view showing the wireless power transmission coil and magnetic alignment structure within a power transmission device according to some embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0017] A wireless power transfer system may include a power transmitting device configured to transmit wireless power to one or more wireless power receiving devices. The wireless power receiving device may include electronic devices such as wristwatches, cellular phones, tablets, laptops, earphones, battery cases for earphones and other devices, tablet styluses (pens) and other input-output devices, wearable devices, head-mounted devices, or other electronic equipment. The power transmitting device may be an electronic device such as a wireless charging pad or disc, a tablet, or other battery-powered electronic device with wireless power transmission circuitry, or other wireless power transmitting devices. The power receiving device uses the power from the power transmitting device to power internal components and to charge an internal battery. Because the transmitted wireless power is typically used to charge the internal battery, wireless power transfer operations are sometimes referred to as wireless charging operations.

[0018] Figure 1 An exemplary wireless power transfer system 8 (sometimes referred to as a wireless charging system) is shown. For example... Figure 1As shown, the wireless power transmission system 8 may include power transmitting devices (such as wireless power transmitting device 12) and power receiving devices (such as wireless power receiving device 24). Wireless power transmitting device 12 includes control circuitry 16. Wireless power receiving device 24 includes control circuitry 30. The control circuitry in system 8, such as control circuitry 16 and control circuitry 30, is used to control the operation of system 8. This control circuitry may include processing circuitry associated with a microprocessor, power management unit, baseband processor, application processor, digital signal processor, microcontroller, battery charger, and / or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) having processing circuitry. The processing circuitry implements the required control and communication features in devices 12 and 24.

[0019] For example, the processing circuitry can be used to select a wireless power coil, determine power transmission levels, process sensor data and other data, process user input, handle negotiations between devices 12 and 24, send and receive in-band and out-of-band data, perform measurements, and otherwise control the operation of system 8. As another example, the processing circuitry may include one or more processors, such as an application processor, for running software such as internet browsing applications, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) applications, telephone calling applications, email applications, media playback applications, operating system functions, power management functions for controlling when one or more processors wake up, gaming applications, maps, instant messaging applications, payment applications, calendar applications, notification / reminder applications, etc.

[0020] The control circuitry in system 8 can be configured to perform operations within system 8 using hardware (e.g., dedicated hardware or circuitry), firmware, and / or software. Software code used to perform operations within system 8 is stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium (e.g., a tangible computer-readable storage medium) in control circuitry 8. Software code may sometimes be referred to as software, data, program instructions, commands, or code. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may include non-volatile memory such as non-volatile random access memory (NVRAM), one or more hard disk drives (e.g., disk drives or solid-state drives), one or more removable flash drives, or other removable media. The software stored on the non-transitory computer-readable storage medium can be executed on the processing circuitry of control circuitry 16 and / or 30. The processing circuitry may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) with processing circuitry, one or more microprocessors such as an application processor, a central processing unit (CPU), or other processing circuitry.

[0021] The wireless power transmission device 12 can be a standalone power adapter (e.g., a wireless charging pad or disk including power adapter circuitry), a wireless charging pad or disk coupled to a power adapter or other device via a cable, a battery-powered electronic device (mobile phone, tablet, laptop, removable chassis), equipment already integrated into furniture, vehicles, or other systems, or other wireless power transmission devices. The exemplary configuration of the wireless power transmission device 12 as a wireless charging pad or battery-powered electronic device is sometimes described herein as an example.

[0022] The wireless power receiving device 24 can be a portable electronic device, such as a wristwatch, cellular phone, laptop computer, tablet computer, accessories such as earphones, tablet computer input devices such as wireless tablet computer styluses, battery cases, or other electronic equipment. The wireless power transmitting device 12 may include one or more input-output devices 62 (e.g., input devices and / or output devices described in conjunction with input-output device 56) or may omit input-output devices 62 (e.g., to reduce device complexity). The wireless power transmitting device 12 may be coupled to a wall socket (e.g., an AC power source), may have a battery for supplying power, and / or may have another power source. The device 12 may have an AC-DC power converter, such as an AC-DC power converter 14, for converting AC power from the wall socket or other power source into DC power.

[0023] In some configurations, the AC-DC power converter 14 may be housed in a separate housing (e.g., a power brick housing) from the housing of device 12 (e.g., a wireless charging disc housing or a battery-powered electronics housing), and a cable may be used to couple DC power from the power converter to device 12. DC power may be used to power control circuitry 16. During operation, a controller in control circuitry 16 may use power transmitting circuitry 52 to transmit wireless power to power receiving circuitry 54 of device 24. Power transmitting circuitry 52 may have a switching circuit (e.g., an inverter circuitry 60 formed of transistors) that is switched on or off based on a control signal provided by control circuitry 16 to form an AC current signal passing through one or more transmitting coils 42. Coils 42 may be arranged as a planar coil array (e.g., in a configuration where device 12 is a wireless charging pad) or may be arranged to form a coil cluster (e.g., in a configuration where device 12 is a wireless charging disc). In some arrangements, device 12 (e.g., a charging pad, disc, battery-powered device, etc.) may have only a single coil. In other arrangements, the wireless charging device 12 may have multiple coils (e.g., two or more coils, 5-10 coils, at least 10 coils, 10-30 coils, less than 35 coils, less than 25 coils or other suitable number of coils).

[0024] When an AC current passes through one or more coils 42, the coils 42 generate an electromagnetic field signal 44 in response to the AC current signal. The electromagnetic field signal (sometimes referred to as a wireless power signal) 44 can then induce a corresponding AC current to flow in one or more nearby receiver coils, such as coil 48, within the power receiving device 24. When the AC electromagnetic field is received by coil 48, a corresponding AC current is induced in coil 48. A rectifier circuit, such as rectifier 50 (which includes rectifier components, such as synchronously rectified metal-oxide-semiconductor transistors arranged in a bridge network), converts the AC signal received from coil 48 (the received AC signal associated with the electromagnetic field 44) ​​into a DC voltage signal for powering loads in device 24, such as powering an application processor and charging a battery in the device. This principle of wireless power transfer can be referred to as the transmission and reception of wireless power signals.

[0025] The DC voltage generated by rectifier 50 can be used to power energy storage devices such as battery 58, and can also be used to power other components in device 24. For example, device 24 may include input-output devices 56 such as a display, touch sensor, communication circuitry, audio components, sensors, components that generate electromagnetic signals sensed by touch sensors in tablet computers or other devices with touch sensors (e.g., for providing stylus input), and other components, and these other components and these components can be powered by the DC voltage generated by rectifier 50 in combination with the DC voltage generated by other available energy sources such as battery 58.

[0026] During wireless power transmission operation, the power transmission circuit 52 can supply an AC drive signal, such as an AC current signal, to one or more coils 42 at a given power transmission frequency. The power transmission frequency is sometimes referred to as the carrier frequency, power carrier frequency, drive frequency, or inverter switching frequency Fs. The inverter switching frequency Fs can be a predetermined frequency, for example, about 125 kHz, about 128 kHz, about 200 kHz, about 326 kHz, about 360 kHz, at least 80 kHz, at least 100 kHz, less than 500 kHz, less than 300 kHz, or other suitable wireless power frequencies. Devices operating under the Qi wireless charging standard established by the Wireless Power Consortium typically operate between 110 kHz and 205 kHz or between 80 kHz and 300 kHz. In some configurations, the switching frequency Fs is negotiated in communication between device 12 and device 24. In other configurations, the power transmission frequency can be fixed.

[0027] The control circuit 16 may also include an external object measurement circuit 41 configured to detect external objects on the charging surface of the device 12 and perform other desired measurements, such as current measurement, voltage measurement, power measurement, and / or energy measurement. The measurement circuit 41 can detect indications that an object is adjacent to the device 12. The measurement circuit 41 can help detect whether a nearby object is compatible with wireless charging operation, or if the nearby object may be a foreign object, such as a coil, paperclip, coin, or other generally metallic object that responds to the inductive field but is incompatible with wireless charging.

[0028] During wireless power transmission operation, while the power transmitting circuit 52 drives an AC signal to one or more coils in coil 42 at the power transmission frequency to generate signal 44, the wireless transceiver circuit 40 uses Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) modulation to modulate the power transmission frequency driving the AC signal, and thereby modulates the frequency of signal 44. The power receiving circuit 54 uses the received signal on coil 48 and rectifier 50 to generate DC power. Simultaneously, the wireless transceiver circuit 46 uses FSK demodulation to extract the transmitted in-band data from signal 44. This method allows FSK data (e.g., FSK data packets) to be transmitted from device 12 to device 24 via coils 42 and 48, while simultaneously delivering wireless power from device 12 to device 24 via coils 42 and 48. Transceiver circuit 46 may be coupled to coil 48 (e.g., via one or more capacitors). Measurement circuit 43 may also be coupled to coil 48 or some other node in power receiving circuit 54 for impedance measurements, impulse response measurements, and / or other desired measurements for external object detection.

[0029] In-band communication between device 24 and device 12 can employ ASK modulation and demodulation techniques. Wireless transceiver circuitry 46 may include an ASK modulator coupled to coil 48 for modulating the impedance of power receiving circuitry 54 (e.g., to adjust the impedance at coil 48). This, in turn, modulates the amplitude of signal 44 and the amplitude of the AC signal passing through coil 42. Transceiver circuitry 40 may include an ASK demodulator for monitoring the amplitude of the AC signal passing through coil 42 and using ASK demodulation to extract transmitted in-band data from these signals transmitted by wireless transceiver circuitry 46. Using ASK communication allows ASK data bits (e.g., ASK data packets) to be transmitted in-band from device 24 to device 12 using coils 48 and 42, while simultaneously using coils 42 and 48 to wirelessly deliver power from device 12 to device 24.

[0030] Power transmitting device 12 may include one or more alignment magnets, such as alignment magnet 70. Power receiving device 24 may include one or more alignment magnets, such as alignment magnet 72. Power receiving device 24 may be placed on the charging surface of power transmitting device 12. When power receiving device 24 is placed on the charging surface of power transmitting device 12, alignment magnet 70 may attract or exhibit a pulling magnetic force on the corresponding alignment magnet 72 in power receiving device 24. In this manner, alignment magnets 70 and 72 may be configured to orient devices 12 and 24 in such a way that coil 42 of device 12 is substantially aligned with coil 48 of device 24 to facilitate efficient wireless power transmission. This type of alignment magnet 70 and 72 is sometimes referred to herein as a magnetic alignment structure.

[0031] The power transmitting device 12 may be operable to transmit wireless power to one or more types of power receiving devices 24. Figure 2 This is a side view of a power transmitting device 12 configured to transmit wireless power to a first-type power receiving device (e.g., device 24-1). Device 24-1 may be, for example, a wristwatch or other type of portable electronic device. Figure 2 As shown, the power receiving device 24-1 can be disposed on the charging surface 80 of the power transmitting device 12. The power receiving device 24-1 may have a curved housing portion, and the power transmitting device 12 may have a corresponding curved surface portion 80', which is configured to receive the curved housing portion of the power receiving device 24-1 (for example, the curvature of the charging surface portion 80' may substantially match the curvature of the curved housing portion of the device 24-1). Figure 2 The curved surface portion 80' of the power transmitting device 12 of the type shown is sometimes referred to as a concave surface or an inwardly curved surface. The curved surfaces of the power transmitting device 12 and the power receiving device 24-1 are exemplary. In other embodiments, the mating surfaces of the power transmitting device 12 and the power receiving device 24-1 may be planar or non-curved.

[0032] The power transmission device 12 may include a first wireless power transmission coil 42-1, a second wireless power transmission coil 42-2, a first magnetic alignment structure 70-1, and a second magnetic alignment structure 70-2. The first wireless power transmission coil 42-1, the second wireless power transmission coil 42-2, the first magnetic alignment structure 70-1, and the second magnetic alignment structure 70-2 may be concentric. This concentric arrangement is... Figure 8 Example in. like Figure 8 As shown in the exploded view, the first wireless power transmission coil 42-1 may be a first circular coil structure having a center aligned with axis 140; the second wireless power transmission coil 42-2 may be a second circular coil structure that is wider than the first wireless power transmission coil 42-1 and has a center aligned with axis 140 (e.g., coil 42-2 may surround coil 42-1 within device 12); the first magnetic alignment structure 70-1 may be a cylindrical structure having a center aligned with axis 140 (e.g., magnet 70-1 may be surrounded by coil 42-1 within device 12); and the second magnetic alignment structure 70-2 may be a circular structure having a center aligned with axis 140 (e.g., structure 70-2 may surround coil 42-2 within device 12). Figure 8 The axis 140 in the middle can be parallel to Figure 2 The Z-axis in the diagram.

[0033] Figure 8The example is illustrative, in which the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 has a cylindrical shape / structure. In general, the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 can have, for example... Figure 8 The circular cross-section, rectangular cross-section, elliptical cross-section, pentagonal cross-section, hexagonal cross-section, octagonal cross-section shown may be used, or other suitable shapes may be present. Although in Figure 8 The magnetic alignment structure 70-2 is shown as a continuous circular structure, but in general, the magnetic alignment structure 70-2 can be formed by one or more magnets (e.g., magnet rings).

[0034] Re-reference Figure 2 When the power receiving device 24-1 is received on the charging surface 80 of the power transmitting device 12, the curved housing portion of the device 24-1 can fit into the curved surface portion 80' of the device 12. Specifically, the magnet 72-1 within the power receiving device 24-1 can be configured to attract or exhibit a pulling magnetic force on the corresponding magnetic alignment structure 70-1 within the power transmitting device 12. The magnet 72-1 of the device 24-1 may sometimes also be referred to as the magnetic alignment structure. This magnetic attraction between the magnet 72-1 of the device 24-1 and the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 of the power transmitting device 12 ensures that the device 24-1 is properly attached to the device 12 during wireless power transmission operation, and more specifically, ensures that the first wireless power transmission coil 42-1 of the device 12 is properly aligned with the wireless power transmission coil 48-1 of the device 24-1 during wireless power transmission (see, for example, coils 42-1 and 48-1 in...). Figure 2 They essentially overlap in the side view. Figure 2 Further examples illustrate how device 24-1 may include one or more displays 57, battery 58, and / or other electronic components within the housing of device 24-1.

[0035] The power transmitting device 12 may be operable to transmit wireless power to other types of power receiving devices. Figure 3 This is a side view of a power transmitting device 12 configured to transmit wireless power to a second type of power receiving device (e.g., device 24-2), which is different from the first type. Device 24-2 can be, for example, a cellular phone or other type of portable electronic device. Device 24-2 can represent a different version or generation of a smartphone. Figure 3 As shown, power receiving device 24-1 can be disposed on the charging surface 80 of power transmitting device 12. Unlike power receiving device 24-1, power receiving device 24-2 can have a substantially flat or planar housing that mates with the flat (non-curved) portion of surface 80. Therefore, when power receiving device 24-2 is disposed on charging surface 80, an air gap such as gap 82 may exist between device 24-2 and the concave surface portion 80' of device 12.

[0036] Figure 3 Further examples illustrate how device 24-2 may include one or more displays 57, a battery 58, shielding layers 90 and 92, and / or other electronic components within the housing of device 24-2. Although not explicitly shown, additional components such as communication, storage, and processing components may be included within the stacked structure of device 24-2. The arrangement of components within device 24-2 may vary. Electronic components within device 24-2 may be susceptible to signal interference. Shielding layer 90 may be a metallic shield configured to suppress electromagnetic interference. This type of shielding layer 90 may be formed of materials such as copper, nickel, silver, gold, other metals, combinations of these materials, or other suitable conductive materials that suppress signals under radio frequency, and may sometimes be referred to as radio frequency (RF) shielding or e-shield.

[0037] The shielding layer 92 guides a magnetic field at a relatively low frequency to serve as a guide for the electromagnetic flux received from the power transmitting device 12. Layer 92 can be a layer of magnetic material that acts as a magnetic shield (i.e., layer 92 can block magnetic flux and can have a relative permeability of 500 or greater, 1000 or greater, or other suitable values). Examples of materials that can be used to form the magnetic shielding layer 92 are ferrites. Another example of materials that can be used to form the magnetic shielding layer 92 is a high-permeability nickel-iron magnetic alloy, sometimes referred to as a high-permeability alloy (mu-metal) or permalloy. Another example of materials that can be used to form the magnetic shielding layer 92 is an iron-based nanocrystalline material.

[0038] When the power receiving device 24-2 is received on the charging surface 80 of the power transmitting device 12, the magnet 72-2 within the power receiving device 24-2 can be configured to attract or exhibit a pulling magnetic force on the corresponding magnetic alignment structure 70-2 within the power transmitting device 12. The magnet 72-2 of the device 24-2 is sometimes also referred to as the magnetic alignment structure. The use of the magnetic alignment structure 72-2 within the device 24-2 is optional. The magnetic alignment structure 72-2 in some devices 24-2 of the second type can be omitted. This magnetic attraction between the magnet 72-2 of the device 24-2 and the magnetic alignment structure 70-2 of the power transmitting device 12 ensures that the device 24-2 is properly attached to the device 12 during wireless charging, and more specifically, ensures that the second wireless power transmission coil 42-2 of the device 12 is properly aligned with the wireless power transmission coil 48-2 of the device 24-2 during wireless charging (see, for example, coils 42-2 and 48-2 in...). Figure 3 They essentially overlap in the side view.

[0039] When the power receiving device 24-2 is positioned on the charging surface 80 of the power transmitting device 12, the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 of the device 12 can generate a DC magnetic flux (see, for example, flux line 94) if not carefully observed. This DC magnetic flux can contribute to certain characteristic conditions in the magnetic shielding layer 92 within the power receiving device 24-2. During wireless power transmission, an AC current signal flowing through the coil 42-2 can induce an AC magnetic flux, which can be added to the DC magnetic flux associated with the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 within the device 12. The combination of the AC and DC magnetic flux at the power transmitting device 12 can lead to characteristic conditions such as saturation at the magnetic shielding layer 92. Saturation of a material occurs when an increase in the applied magnetic field can no longer further increase the magnetization of the material. Saturation can also occur at ferrite or nanocrystalline materials with high magnetic saturation or high AC flux. In the example where the magnetic shielding layer 92 is a ferrite structure, this saturation is sometimes referred to as and defined herein as ferrite saturation. Saturation (e.g., magnetic saturation or flux saturation) can affect wireless charging performance. As an example, when device 24-2 is placed on the charging surface of device 12, the effect may include a reduced inductance between device 12 and device 24-2.

[0040] According to one implementation, to reduce the risk of saturation at the magnetic shielding 92, the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 can be configured to be in different states depending on whether the power transmitting device 12 is currently attached to a first type of power receiving device 24-1 or a second type of power receiving device 24-2. Figure 3 In the example, when device 24-2 is mounted on device 12, the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 can be further displaced away from the charging surface of device 12 (as indicated by the direction of arrow 96). Displaced in this way, the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 further away from the charging surface can be technically advantageous and beneficial in reducing or mitigating saturation at the magnetic shield 92 within device 24-2 during wireless power transfer operations.

[0041] Figure 2 and Figure 3The embodiment shown in which the power transmitting device 12 includes both coil 42-1 and coil 42-2 is exemplary. Coil 42-1 and / or coil 42-2 may optionally be omitted from the power transmitting device 12. For example, the power transmitting device 12 may include coil 42-1 without coil 42-2 (e.g., coil 42-2 can be omitted from device 12). Similarly, the power transmitting device may include coil 42-2 without coil 42-1 (e.g., coil 42-1 can be omitted from device 12). Generally, the power transmitting device 12 may include one or more wireless power transmission coils having a center aligned with the position of the magnetic alignment structure 70-1.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a side view of a part of the power transmitting device 12, including the magnetic alignment structure 70-1. (See image.) Figure 4 As shown, the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 can be disposed between the upper housing 100-1 and the lower housing 100-2. The upper housing 100-1 is sometimes referred to as the upper housing portion, and the lower housing 100-2 is sometimes referred to as the lower housing portion. The upper housing portion 100-1 can have a convex or inwardly curved surface, such as a curved surface portion 80'. The device 12 can include a substrate layer, such as a printed circuit board (PCB) 102. The circuit board 102 can include through-holes, openings, or cutouts through which the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 can be disposed within the device 12.

[0043] One or more support structures, such as support structure 104, may be disposed on a first (upper) surface of circuit board 102. Support structure 104 may optionally be implemented as a magnetic structure (e.g., a ferrite structure) for receiving or guiding magnetic flux from magnetic alignment structure 70-1, or may be implemented as a non-magnetic structure (e.g., plastic or other types of polymer). On the other side, one or more support structures, such as support (wall) structure 106, may be disposed on a second (lower) surface of circuit board 102. Support structure 106 may optionally be implemented as a magnetic structure (e.g., a ferrite or magnetic steel structure) for receiving or guiding magnetic flux from magnetic alignment structure 70-1, or may be implemented as a non-magnetic structure (e.g., plastic or other types of polymer). Support structures 104 and 106 may collectively form a wall surrounding magnetic alignment structure 70-1, which may act as a track guiding the movement of magnetic alignment structure 70-1 as it shifts in the Z direction.

[0044] A magnetic shielding layer, such as magnetic shielding layer 110, may be disposed on the lower surface of the magnetic alignment structure 70-1. Magnetic shielding layer 110 may act as a DC shield (e.g., formed of magnetic steel or ferrite) for guiding the flux from the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 upward so that the flux will not leak toward the lower housing 100-2.

[0045] A magnetic splitter, such as magnetic splitter 112, may be disposed on the lower housing 100-2 directly below the magnetic alignment structure 70-1. A layer 114 of adhesive, such as pressure-sensitive adhesive, may be disposed between the magnetic splitter 112 and the lower housing 100-2. If desired, other types of adhesives or mechanisms may be used to attach the magnetic splitter 112 to the lower housing 100-2.

[0046] In some embodiments, a shock-absorbing layer, such as shock-absorbing layer 116, may be disposed on the upper surface of the magnetic splitter 112 facing the magnetic alignment structure 70-1. Shock-absorbing layer 116 may be implemented as a foam layer (as an example) or other soft or absorbent material. Shock-absorbing layer 116 may be configured to absorb physical shocks generated by the downward displacement of the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 toward the magnetic splitter 112 in the direction of arrow 95. Layer 116 may also help mitigate any sound that may be generated by such physical shocks and is therefore sometimes referred to as a sound-absorbing layer. If desired, an additional shock-absorbing layer may optionally be disposed on the inner surface of the upper housing 100-1 directly above the structure 70-1 to absorb shocks from the magnetic alignment structure as the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 moves toward the upper housing 100-1 in the direction of arrow 97.

[0047] The magnetic splitter 112 can be configured to attract or exhibit a magnetic force that pulls on the magnetic alignment structure 70-1, such that when no external device is attached to the device 12, the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 shifts downward in the direction of arrow 95. Therefore, when no external device is placed on the charging surface of the device 12, the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 can shift downward until it presses against the magnetic splitter 112. The magnetic splitter 112, configured to pull the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 downward in this manner, may sometimes be referred to as a return splitter.

[0048] The state in which the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 presses against the magnetic splitter 112 is sometimes referred to as, and is defined herein as, the “retracted” state. In the retracted state, an air gap, such as gap 98, may exist between the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 and the upper housing 100-1. The air gap 98 may have a height H that allows the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 to travel with sufficient displacement along the Z-axis such that when the device 24-2 is attached to the device 12, the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 does not saturate within the device 24-2. The height H may be approximately 0.5 mm, 0.4 mm–0.6 mm, 0.5 mm–1 mm, 1 mm–2 mm, 1 mm–3 mm, 1 mm–5 mm, 5 mm–10 mm, or other distances. Preventing saturation in this way is technically advantageous and beneficial for improving wireless power transmission efficiency.

[0049] When device 24-2 is placed on the charging surface of power transmitting device 12 (e.g., Figure 3 As shown in the diagram, the magnetic splitter 112 can be configured to pull the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 to a retracted state. In the retracted state, the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 can be positioned sufficiently away from the charging surface to allow the second wireless power transmission coil 42-2 to transmit wireless power to the corresponding coil 48-2 in the device 24-2 without saturating the magnetic shield 92. The magnetic alignment structure 70-1, which can be moved or displaced between different locations in this way, is sometimes referred to as a retractable magnet or a retractable magnetic alignment structure.

[0050] The retractable magnetic alignment structure 70-1 can operate in both a retracted (position) and an extended (position) state. In the retracted state, the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 can press against the lower housing portion of the device 12, such as... Figure 4 As shown in the diagram. In the unfolded state, the magnetic alignment structure 70-2 can press against the upper outer casing of the device 12, as shown in the diagram. Figure 5 As shown in the image. Figure 5 This is a side view showing a portion of the power transmitting device 12, wherein the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 is configured in an deployed state. Figure 5As shown, the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 can press against the upper housing 100-1 in the unfolded state. In the unfolded state, an air gap, such as gap 99, may exist between the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 and the magnetic splitter 112. The air gap 99 may have a height H, which allows the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 to travel with sufficient displacement along the Z-axis such that when the device 24-1 is placed on the charging surface of the device 12, the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 can attract the corresponding magnet 72-1 in the device 24-1 for aligning the wireless power transmission coil. When the first type of device 24-1 is placed on the power transmitting device 12, the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 should only be in the position of... Figure 5 The unfolded state, such as Figure 2 As shown in the arrangement. In other words, when the first type of power receiving device 24-1 is located on the charging surface, the magnet 72-1 can overcome the magnetic force from the magnetic splitter 112 to pull the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 to the unfolded position.

[0051] Figure 4 and Figure 5 The example is illustrative, in which the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 is operable between a retracted state and an extended state. In other embodiments, the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 does not need to be a magnet that moves or shifts in the Z direction. If desired, the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 can be rotated about a rotation axis. If desired, the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 may be shifted along the XY plane (e.g., in the lateral direction). In yet another embodiment, the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 may be operable between three or more different states to support operation with at least three different types of power receiving devices 24.

[0052] The magnetic alignment structure 70-1 of the power transmitting device 12 can have any suitable shape. Figure 6A One embodiment is illustrated, wherein the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 is a cylindrical magnet having a south pole (S) facing the charging surface of device 12 and a north pole (N) facing the magnetic shunt 112, opposite to the south pole. This configuration allows the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 to rotate about the Z-axis, as indicated by arrow 120. Figure 4 The described guide structures 104 and 106 can form circular walls to allow the cylindrical magnet 70-1 to move up and down along the Z-axis between a retracted state and an extended state while optionally rotating about the Z-axis.

[0053] Figure 6A The example is illustrative, in which the cylindrical magnet 70-1 has an upward-facing south pole. Figure 6BAnother embodiment is illustrated, wherein the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 is a cylindrical magnet having a north pole (N) facing the charging surface of device 12 and a south pole (S) opposite to the north pole facing the magnetic shunt 112. This configuration allows the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 to rotate about the Z-axis, as indicated by arrow 120. Figure 4 The described guide structures 104 and 106 can form circular walls to allow the cylindrical magnet 70-1 to move up and down along the Z-axis between a retracted state and an extended state while optionally rotating about the Z-axis.

[0054] Figure 6A and Figure 6B The example is illustrative, where the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 is allowed to rotate about the Z-axis. In other embodiments, the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 may have a north pole and a south pole facing the charging surface of device 12. Assuming that the orientation of the north and south poles is important for the attraction mechanism between device 12 and the corresponding power receiving device 24, rotation of the magnetic alignment structure oriented in this manner should not be allowed.

[0055] Figure 7A This is a top (planar) view of an exemplary magnetic alignment structure 70-1 having a first shape and charging surfaces facing the north and south poles of device 12. Figure 7A As shown in the example, structure 130, which may represent other guiding structures in a stacked structure within structure 102, 104, 106, or device 12, may have an opening or cutout that matches the shape of the magnetic alignment structure 70-1. Having a cutout that matches the shape of the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 helps ensure that the magnet 70-1 does not rotate about the Z-axis. Structure 130 may form walls to allow Figure 7A The magnet 70-1 moves up and down along the Z-axis between the retracted and extended states without rotating around the Z-axis.

[0056] Figure 7A The shape of magnet 70-1 in the image is illustrative. Figure 7B This is a top (planar) view of an exemplary magnetic alignment structure 70-1 having a second shape and charging surfaces facing the north and south poles of device 12. Figure 7B As shown in the example, structure 130, which may represent other guiding structures in the stacked structures within structures 102, 104, 106, or device 12, may have a square or rectangular opening / cutout that matches the shape of the magnetic alignment structure 70-1. Having a cutout that matches the shape of the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 helps ensure that the magnet 70-1 does not rotate about the Z-axis. Structure 130 may form walls to allow... Figure 7BThe magnet 70-1 moves up and down along the Z-axis between the retracted and extended states without rotating around the Z-axis.

[0057] Figure 7B The square shape of the magnet 70-1 in the example is illustrative. In general, the magnetic alignment structure 70-1 can have an elliptical shape, a pentagonal shape, a hexagonal shape, an octagonal shape, a shape with only curved edges, a shape with only straight edges, a shape with a combination of curved and straight edges, or other suitable shapes.

[0058] According to one embodiment, a power transmitting device includes: a first wireless power transmission coil configured to transmit wireless power to a first type of power receiving device; a second wireless power transmission coil configured to transmit wireless power to a second type of power receiving device different from the first type; and a magnetic alignment structure configured to: shift to a first position within the power transmitting device when the first type of power receiving device is located on a charging surface of the power transmitting device; and shift to a second position within the power transmitting device different from the first position when the second type of power receiving device is located on the charging surface.

[0059] According to another embodiment, the power transmitting device optionally includes a magnetic shielding layer disposed on a first surface of the magnetic alignment structure, wherein the magnetic alignment structure has a second surface facing the charging surface opposite to the first surface.

[0060] According to another embodiment, the magnetic alignment structure is optionally disposed between the charging surface and the housing portion of the power transmitting device. The power transmitting device optionally includes a magnetic splitter disposed on the housing portion and providing magnetic force to pull the magnetic alignment structure to the second position when the power receiving device of the second type is located on the charging surface.

[0061] According to another embodiment, when the power receiving device of the first type is optionally located on the charging surface, the magnet in the power receiving device of the first type optionally overcomes the magnetic force from the magnetic splitter to pull the magnetic alignment structure to the first position.

[0062] According to another embodiment, the power transmitting device optionally includes an impulse absorption layer disposed on a first surface of the magnetic splitter.

[0063] According to another embodiment, the power transmitting device optionally includes an adhesive layer disposed between the magnetic splitter and the housing portion.

[0064] According to another embodiment, the power transmitting device optionally includes one or more guiding structures that at least partially surround the magnetic alignment structure and are configured to guide the magnetic alignment structure between the first position and the second position.

[0065] According to another embodiment, the magnetic alignment structure optionally includes a first surface facing the charging surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and the magnetic alignment structure includes a north pole located at the first surface or the second surface of the magnetic alignment structure.

[0066] According to another embodiment, the magnetic alignment structure optionally includes a surface facing the charging surface of the power transmitting device, and the magnetic alignment structure optionally includes a north pole and a south pole located on the surface of the magnetic alignment structure.

[0067] According to another embodiment, the magnetic alignment structure is optionally concentric with the first wireless power transmission coil and the second wireless power transmission coil.

[0068] According to another embodiment, the power transmitting device optionally includes: an additional magnetic alignment structure concentric with the first wireless power transmission coil and the second wireless power transmission coil, and configured to align the second wireless power transmission coil with a corresponding wireless power transmission coil in the second type of power receiving device when the power receiving device of the second type is located on the charging surface.

[0069] According to another embodiment, a first portion of the charging surface is optionally curved and configured to receive a corresponding curved surface of the power receiving device of the first type, and a second portion of the charging surface is optionally planar and configured to receive a corresponding planar surface of the power receiving device of the second type.

[0070] According to another embodiment, the power receiving device of the first type optionally includes a wristwatch, and the power receiving device of the second type optionally includes one or more generations of telephones.

[0071] According to one embodiment, a power transmitting device includes: a first wireless power transmission coil configured to transmit wireless power to a first power receiving device of a first type; a second wireless power transmission coil configured to transmit wireless power to a second power receiving device of a second type different from the first type; and a magnetic alignment structure configured to: attract a corresponding magnet in the first power receiving device when the first wireless power transmission coil transmits wireless power to the first power receiving device; and allow the second wireless power transmission coil to transmit wireless power to the second power receiving device without saturating a magnetic shield in the second power receiving device.

[0072] According to another embodiment, the magnetic shielding element optionally comprises ferrite or iron-based nanocrystal material.

[0073] According to another embodiment, the magnetic alignment structure is optionally in a first state when the first wireless power transmission coil transmits wireless power to the first power receiving device; and the magnetic alignment structure is optionally in a second state different from the first state when the second wireless power transmission coil transmits wireless power to the second power receiving device.

[0074] According to another embodiment, the power transmitting device optionally includes a magnetic splitter configured to place the magnetic alignment structure in the second state to prevent saturation of the magnetic shield when the second wireless power transmitting coil transmits wireless power to the second power receiving device.

[0075] According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes: a first wireless power transmission coil configured to transmit wireless power to a first power receiving device; a second wireless power transmission coil configured to transmit wireless power to a second power receiving device; and a magnetic alignment structure operable in a first state when the first power receiving device is disposed on a charging surface of the electronic device; and a second state when the second power receiving device is disposed on the charging surface.

[0076] According to another embodiment, in the first state, the magnetic alignment structure is optionally configured to attract a corresponding magnet in the first power receiving device; and in the second state, the magnetic alignment structure is optionally configured to allow the second wireless power transmission coil to transmit wireless power to the second power receiving device without saturating the magnetic shielding in the second power receiving device.

[0077] According to another embodiment, in the first state, the magnetic alignment structure is optionally configured to press against a first housing portion of the electronic device, the charging surface being a portion of the first housing portion; and in the second state, the magnetic alignment structure is optionally configured to press against a second housing portion of the electronic device opposite to the first housing portion.

[0078] The foregoing is merely illustrative and various modifications can be made to the described implementation. The foregoing implementation can be implemented individually or in any combination.

Claims

1. A power transmitting device, the power transmitting device comprising: A first wireless power transmission coil, configured to transmit wireless power to a first type of power receiving device; A second wireless power transmission coil is configured to transmit wireless power to a second type of power receiving device that is different from the first type. and A magnetic alignment structure, wherein the magnetic alignment structure is configured as follows: When the power receiving device of the first type is located on the charging surface of the power transmitting device, it is shifted to a first position within the power transmitting device; and When the power receiving device of the second type is located on the charging surface, it is shifted to a second position within the power transmitting device that is different from the first position.

2. The power transmitting device according to claim 1, further comprising: A magnetic shielding layer is disposed on a first surface of the magnetic alignment structure, wherein the magnetic alignment structure has a second surface facing the charging surface opposite to the first surface.

3. The power transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic alignment structure is disposed between the charging surface and the housing portion of the power transmitting device, and the power transmitting device further comprises: A magnetic splitter is disposed on the housing portion and provides magnetic force to pull the magnetic alignment structure to the second position when the power receiving device of the second type is located on the charging surface.

4. The power transmitting device of claim 3, wherein when the power receiving device of the first type is located on the charging surface, the magnet in the power receiving device of the first type overcomes the magnetic force from the magnetic splitter to pull the magnetic alignment structure to the first position.

5. The power transmitting device according to claim 3, further comprising: An impact absorption layer is disposed on the first surface of the magnetic splitter.

6. The power transmitting device according to claim 3, further comprising: An adhesive layer is disposed between the magnetic splitter and the housing portion.

7. The power transmitting device according to claim 1, further comprising: One or more guiding structures, the one or more guiding structures at least partially surrounding the magnetic alignment structure and configured to guide the magnetic alignment structure between the first position and the second position.

8. The power transmitting device of claim 1, wherein the magnetic alignment structure includes a first surface facing the charging surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface, and wherein the magnetic alignment structure includes a north pole located at the first surface or the second surface of the magnetic alignment structure.

9. The power transmitting device of claim 1, wherein the magnetic alignment structure includes a surface facing the charging surface of the power transmitting device, and wherein the magnetic alignment structure includes a north pole and a south pole located on the surface of the magnetic alignment structure.

10. The power transmitting device of claim 1, wherein the magnetic alignment structure is concentric with the first wireless power transmission coil and the second wireless power transmission coil.

11. The power transmitting device according to claim 10, further comprising: An additional magnetic alignment structure is provided, which is concentric with the first wireless power transmission coil and the second wireless power transmission coil, and is configured to align the second wireless power transmission coil with the corresponding wireless power transmission coil in the second type of power receiving device when the power receiving device of the second type is located on the charging surface.

12. The power transmitting device according to claim 1, wherein: The first portion of the charging surface is curved and configured to receive a corresponding curved surface of the power receiving device of the first type; as well as The second portion of the charging surface is planar and configured to receive a corresponding planar surface of the power receiving device of the second type.

13. The power transmitting device according to claim 12, wherein: The first type of power receiving device includes a wristwatch; and The power receiving device of the second type includes one or more generations of telephones.

14. A power transmitting device, the power transmitting device comprising: A first wireless power transmission coil, the first wireless power transmission coil being configured to transmit wireless power to a first power receiving device of a first type; A second wireless power transmission coil is configured to transmit wireless power to a second power receiving device of a second type, which is different from the first type. and A magnetic alignment structure, wherein the magnetic alignment structure is configured as follows: When the first wireless power transmission coil transmits wireless power to the first power receiving device, it attracts a corresponding magnet in the first power receiving device; and The second wireless power transmission coil is permitted to transmit wireless power to the second power receiving device without saturating the magnetic shielding in the second power receiving device.

15. The power transmitting device according to claim 14, wherein the magnetic shield comprises ferrite or iron-based nanocrystal material.

16. The power transmitting device according to claim 14, wherein: The magnetic alignment structure is in a first state when the first wireless power transmission coil transmits wireless power to the first power receiving device. as well as The magnetic alignment structure is in a second state, different from the first state, when the second wireless power transmission coil transmits wireless power to the second power receiving device.

17. The power transmitting device according to claim 16, further comprising: A magnetic splitter is configured to place the magnetic alignment structure in the second state to prevent saturation of the magnetic shield when the second wireless power transmission coil transmits wireless power to the second power receiving device.

18. An electronic device, the electronic device comprising: A first wireless power transmission coil, configured to transmit wireless power to a first power receiving device; A second wireless power transmission coil, configured to transmit wireless power to a second power receiving device; and A magnetic alignment structure that is operable under the following conditions: The first state when the first power receiving device is disposed on the charging surface of the electronic device; and The second state when the second power receiving device is disposed on the charging surface.

19. The electronic device according to claim 18, wherein: In the first state, the magnetic alignment structure is configured to attract a corresponding magnet in the first power receiving device; as well as In the second state, the magnetic alignment structure is configured to allow the second wireless power transmission coil to transmit wireless power to the second power receiving device without saturating the magnetic shielding in the second power receiving device.

20. The electronic device according to claim 18, wherein: In the first state, the magnetic alignment structure is configured to press against a first housing portion of the electronic device, and the charging surface is a portion of the first housing portion; as well as In the second state, the magnetic alignment structure is configured to press against a second housing portion of the electronic device that is opposite to the first housing portion.

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