Low-current charging method of multi-port charger and multi-port charger

Abstract

According to the low-current charging method of the multi-port charger and the multi-port charger provided by the invention, when a low-current charging device is inserted into a corresponding low-current charging port and the corresponding low-current charging device has no charging protocol, a protocol-free charging mode is entered; wherein in the protocol-free charging mode, when the charging current of the corresponding low-current charging port is smaller than a corresponding preset current threshold value, charging is carried out in a hiccup mode. The charging current of the low-current charging port is compared with the corresponding preset current threshold value, and when the charging current is smaller than the corresponding preset current threshold value, charging is carried out in a hiccup mode, so that compared with the scheme that the charging current requirement is detected in real time and the output current is adjusted according to the requirement in the prior art, the charging efficiency is improved; the corresponding preset current threshold value can be set to be relatively large, so that the requirement on the current sampling precision is greatly reduced; and small-current charging can be carried out without user intervention.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of charger technology, specifically to a low-current charging method for a multi-port charger and a multi-port charger. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of smart wearable devices (e.g., smartwatches, health trackers), wireless headphones, and other electronic devices, the demand for chargers has also increased. These devices generally require relatively low charging current, and mobile phones and other electronic devices have become indispensable tools in modern life. Therefore, higher demands are placed on chargers, requiring them to be able to charge both high-current devices like mobile phones and low-current devices like wireless headphones. One existing solution for supporting low-current charging involves real-time monitoring of the current demand of each charging device and adjusting the output current of each charging port accordingly. However, because the charging current of low-current devices is small, especially during the near-full charge phase, this solution requires high accuracy from the current sampling circuit. High-accuracy current sampling circuits are more expensive and increase the design complexity. Another existing solution for supporting low-current charging involves a dedicated low-current charging mode that the user activates through a specific operation (e.g., pressing a button for a long time). In this mode, a small current is continuously output for low-current charging. However, this solution requires user intervention to enter low-current mode and is difficult to adapt to the automatic power allocation requirements of multi-port chargers. Therefore, it is necessary to propose a new low-current charging scheme to solve the problems existing in the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a low-current charging method for a multi-port charger and a multi-port charger.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a low-current charging method for a multi-port charger is provided, the charger comprising N charging ports, of which M are low-current charging ports, where M and N are both positive integers, N > 1, and 1 ≤ M < N; characterized in that,

[0005] When a low-current charging device is inserted into the corresponding low-current charging port and the corresponding low-current charging device has a charging protocol, the protocol charging mode is entered after protocol communication; when the corresponding low-current charging device does not have a charging protocol, the protocol-free charging mode is entered.

[0006] In the protocol-free charging mode, when the charging current of the corresponding low-current charging port is less than the corresponding preset current threshold, charging is performed in a hiccup mode. The hiccup mode is that the corresponding low-current charging port is opened and charged for a first time, then the corresponding low-current charging port is closed for a second time, during which no charging is performed.

[0007] Optionally, during the second time period, it is detected whether the corresponding low-current charging device has been unplugged. If the corresponding low-current charging device is detected to have been unplugged, the corresponding low-current charging port is closed and charging is stopped. If the corresponding low-current charging device is detected to have not been unplugged, charging continues in hiccup mode.

[0008] Optionally, when the corresponding low-current charging device is detected to be unplugged, the corresponding low-current charging port is closed, and the charging ports corresponding to the charging devices with charging protocols will redistribute power according to the corresponding charging protocols.

[0009] This invention also provides a multi-port charger, comprising N charging ports, of which M are low-current charging ports, where M and N are positive integers, N > 1, and 1 ≤ M < N; characterized in that the charger further comprises,

[0010] The detection circuit module is used to detect whether a charging device is plugged into each charging port;

[0011] A charging chip module and a charging circuit module are provided. The charging circuit module includes multiple charging circuits. The output terminal of the detection circuit module is connected to the input terminal of the charging chip module. The charging chip module controls the corresponding charging circuit in the charging circuit module to charge the corresponding charging port based on the output of the detection circuit module.

[0012] Specifically, when the detection circuit module detects that a low-current charging device is inserted into the corresponding low-current charging port and that the corresponding low-current charging device has a charging protocol, it enters the protocol charging mode after protocol communication; when the corresponding low-current charging device does not have a charging protocol, it enters the no-protocol charging mode; in the no-protocol charging mode, when the charging current of the corresponding low-current charging port is less than the corresponding preset current threshold, the charging chip module controls the corresponding charging circuit in the charging circuit module to charge in a hiccup mode; the hiccup mode is that the corresponding low-current charging port is opened and charged for a first time, then the corresponding low-current charging port is closed for a second time, during which no charging is performed.

[0013] Optionally, during the second time period, when the detection circuit module detects that the corresponding low-current charging device has been unplugged, the charging chip module controls the corresponding charging circuit to close the corresponding low-current charging port and stop charging; when the detection circuit module detects that the corresponding low-current charging device has not been unplugged, the charging chip module continues to control the corresponding charging circuit to charge in hiccup mode.

[0014] Optionally, when the detection circuit module detects that the corresponding low-current charging device has been unplugged, the charging chip module controls the corresponding charging circuit to close the corresponding low-current charging port, and the charging ports corresponding to the charging devices with charging protocols will be redistributed according to the corresponding charging protocols.

[0015] Optionally, the detection circuit module includes multiple detection circuits, and the multiple detection circuits are configured to correspond one-to-one with N charging ports.

[0016] Optionally, the charging chip module is a single charging chip, or the charging chip module includes multiple charging chips.

[0017] Optionally, the detection circuit module includes multiple detection circuits, each of which is integrated into a corresponding charging chip.

[0018] Optionally, the plurality of charging circuits are configured in a one-to-one correspondence with the N charging ports; or, the number of the plurality of charging circuits is less than N.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the present invention include at least the following:

[0020] This paper presents a low-current charging method for a multi-port charger and a multi-port charger. When a low-current charging device is inserted into the corresponding low-current charging port and the device has a charging protocol, protocol communication is established before entering protocol charging mode. When the device lacks a charging protocol, it enters a protocol-free charging mode. In protocol-free charging mode, when the charging current of the corresponding low-current charging port is less than a preset current threshold, charging is performed in a hiccup mode. The hiccup mode involves opening the low-current charging port and charging for a first time, then closing the port for a second period without charging. By comparing the charging current of the low-current charging port with a preset current threshold, and using hiccup mode when the current is less than the threshold, this method allows for a relatively larger preset current threshold compared to existing technologies that monitor charging current demand in real time and adjust the output current accordingly. This significantly reduces the requirements for current sampling accuracy and allows for low-current charging without user intervention.

[0021] Furthermore, when a low-current charging device is detected as being disconnected, the corresponding low-current charging port shuts down. The charging ports corresponding to devices with the appropriate charging protocols will then redistribute power according to those protocols. In other words, when a device is disconnected from a low-current charging port, the power it occupied while charging is released and redistributed among the remaining charging ports, thereby improving power utilization and charging efficiency. This is especially beneficial when only one charging port is used for protocol charging, such as when a mobile phone is connected and the other charging ports are closed; all power can be combined on that single charging port, further enhancing charging efficiency.

[0022] It should be noted that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This invention illustrates a state diagram of a low-current charging method for a multi-port charger provided by the present invention.

[0024] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the workflow in the hiccup mode provided by the present invention is shown;

[0025] Figure 3 This invention illustrates a state diagram where other charging port devices are inserted after the low-current charging port provided by this invention is closed.

[0026] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a multi-port charger provided by the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 5 An embodiment of the multi-port charger provided by the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To facilitate understanding of the present invention, a more complete description will be given below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings. However, the invention can be implemented in various forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of the invention.

[0029] This invention provides a low-current charging method for a multi-port charger. The charger includes N charging ports, of which M are low-current charging ports, where M and N are positive integers, N > 1, and 1 ≤ M < N. When a low-current charging device is inserted into a corresponding low-current charging port and the device has a charging protocol, protocol communication is performed before entering a protocol charging mode. When the device does not have a charging protocol, a protocol-free charging mode is entered. In the protocol-free charging mode, when the charging current of the corresponding low-current charging port is less than a preset current threshold, a hiccup charging mode is used. The hiccup mode involves opening the low-current charging port and charging for a first time, then closing the port for a second time during which no further charging occurs. Specifically, as shown... Figure 1 The diagram shows a state illustration of a low-current charging method using one of the low-current charging ports (charging port i) as an example, provided by this invention. When no device is inserted, the charging port is in a closed state (i.e., no output, the charging port output is off). When a low-current charging device is inserted, if the device has a charging protocol, it will perform protocol communication and charge in protocol charging mode in the no-protocol state; if the device has no charging protocol, it will charge in no-protocol charging mode. In no-protocol charging mode, when the charging current of the low-current charging port is less than a first current threshold I1, it will charge in hiccup mode. In no-protocol charging mode, this paper compares the charging current of the low-current charging port with the first current threshold I1. When the charging current is less than the first current threshold I1, it charges in hiccup mode. Compared to the prior art scheme that detects the charging current demand in real time and adjusts the output current accordingly, the first current threshold I1 can be set relatively large, significantly reducing the requirement for current sampling accuracy; and low-current charging can be performed without user intervention. It should be noted that... Figure 1 The diagram illustrates the working state of one of the low-current charging ports. When a multi-port charger has two or more low-current charging ports, in the absence of a protocol, the corresponding preset current threshold for each low-current charging port to enter the hiccup mode can be set to the first current threshold I1. Alternatively, other settings can be made according to the actual application, such as setting different values, or having the same threshold for some ports and different thresholds for others.

[0030] Specifically, Figure 2The diagram illustrates the workflow in hiccup mode, using charging port i as an example. After a low-current charging device is inserted, charging port i is opened, and a first time interval T1 is started. During this first time interval T1, the low-current charging device is charged. Then, charging port i is closed, and a second time interval T2 is started. During this second time interval T2, no charging occurs. During this second time interval T2, it is checked whether the low-current charging device corresponding to charging port i has been unplugged (i.e., it is determined whether it has been unplugged). If it is detected that it has been unplugged, charging ends. If it is detected that it has not been unplugged, the above process is repeated to continue charging in hiccup mode. The working process of other low-current charging ports in hiccup mode is the same as that of charging port i.

[0031] Furthermore, when the corresponding low-current charging device is detected to be unplugged, the corresponding low-current charging port is closed, and the charging ports corresponding to charging devices with the appropriate charging protocols will redistribute power according to their respective charging protocols. For example... Figure 3 As shown, when charging port i is closed, if a charging device is plugged into another port, and this other charging device includes one that uses a charging protocol, then these devices can obtain new charging power through protocol communication (it is known that different power levels can be configured for different protocol types, and multiple power levels can be set for the same protocol type). That is, after a device is unplugged from the corresponding low-current charging port, the power it occupied during charging can be released and redistributed among the remaining charging ports, thereby improving power utilization and charging efficiency. Especially when only one charging port is used for protocol charging, such as when a mobile phone is connected for charging, and the other charging ports are closed, all the power can be combined on that single charging port, further improving charging efficiency.

[0032] Figure 4The diagram shown is a schematic of a multi-port charger provided in this paper. It includes N charging ports, of which M are low-current charging ports, where M and N are positive integers, N > 1, and 1 ≤ M < N. The charger also includes a detection circuit module, a charging chip module, and a charging circuit module. The detection circuit module is used to detect whether a charging device is inserted into each charging port. The charging circuit module includes multiple charging circuits (not shown in the figure). The output terminal of the detection circuit module is connected to the input terminal of the charging chip module. The charging chip module controls the corresponding charging circuit in the charging circuit module to charge the corresponding charging port based on the output of the detection circuit module. In this system, when the detection circuit module detects a low-current charging device inserted into the corresponding low-current charging port, and the device has a charging protocol, it enters protocol charging mode after protocol communication. If the device lacks a charging protocol, it enters no-protocol charging mode. In no-protocol charging mode, when the charging current of the corresponding low-current charging port is less than a preset current threshold, the charging chip module controls the corresponding charging circuit in the charging circuit module to charge in a hiccup mode. The hiccup mode involves opening the low-current charging port and charging for a first time, then closing the port for a second period without charging. In no-protocol charging mode, this method compares the charging current of the low-current charging port with a preset current threshold. When the current is less than the threshold, it charges in hiccup mode. Compared to existing technologies that detect charging current requirements in real-time and adjust the output current accordingly, this preset current threshold can be set relatively large, significantly reducing the requirements for current sampling accuracy. Furthermore, low-current charging can be performed without user intervention. It should be noted that… Figure 4 The connections shown are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the invention. For example, the connection between the charging chip module and the charging circuit module via an arrow does not mean that the charging chip module has only one output. The arrow simply indicates that the charging chip module can output corresponding signals to the charging circuit module.

[0033] Furthermore, during the second time interval, when the detection circuit module detects that the corresponding low-current charging device has been unplugged, the charging chip module controls the corresponding charging circuit to close the corresponding low-current charging port and stop charging; when the detection circuit module detects that the corresponding low-current charging device has not been unplugged, the charging chip module continues to control the corresponding charging circuit to charge in hiccup mode.

[0034] Furthermore, when the detection circuit module detects that a low-current charging device has been unplugged, the corresponding low-current charging port is closed. The charging ports corresponding to the charging devices with the appropriate charging protocols will then redistribute power according to their respective protocols. In other words, after a device is unplugged from a low-current charging port, the power it occupied during charging can be released and redistributed among the remaining charging ports, thereby improving power utilization and charging efficiency.

[0035] Furthermore, Figure 4 The detection circuit module can include multiple detection circuits (not shown in the figure), each corresponding to one of the N charging ports. That is, the number of detection circuits equals N, used to detect whether a charging device is inserted into the corresponding charging port. The detection circuit that detects the insertion or removal of the charging device can adopt a structure from existing technologies. For example, an analog-to-digital converter can be used to collect the voltage of the detection circuit. If the sampled voltage is lower than a threshold voltage V1, the device is considered inserted; if the sampled voltage is higher than the threshold voltage V1, the device is considered removed. Other circuit structures can also be used, which will not be illustrated here.

[0036] Furthermore, the charging chip module can consist of a single charging chip (i.e., all charging ports share one charging chip), or it can include multiple charging chips. For example, N charging chips can be configured, with each chip corresponding to one of the N charging ports; alternatively, multiple charging ports can share a single charging chip, such as two charging ports sharing one chip. The charging chip module can support protocol-based charging and can also control the charging circuit module to charge the corresponding charging ports in a protocol-free state. The specific protocols supported by the charging chip module can be configured according to the actual application. Additionally, when the charging chip module includes multiple charging chips, these chips can communicate with each other through corresponding communication interfaces.

[0037] Furthermore, Figure 4 Although the detection circuit module is shown separately, multiple detection circuits in the detection circuit module can also be integrated into the corresponding charging chip. For example, when the number of detection circuits and charging chips is equal to N, the detection circuits and charging chips can be integrated one-to-one. When the number of charging chips is less than N, the detection circuit corresponding to the charging port of each charging chip can be integrated with the charging chip.

[0038] Furthermore, as mentioned above, the charging circuit module may include multiple charging circuits, and the multiple charging circuits may be configured to correspond one-to-one with N charging ports, that is, the number of multiple charging circuits is equal to N; or, the number of multiple charging circuits may be less than N, that is, multiple charging ports may share one charging circuit.

[0039] For ease of understanding, Figure 5 This illustration shows an embodiment of the multi-port charger provided by the present invention. The charger includes three charging ports: charging port 1, charging port 2, and charging port 3. Charging port 2 is a low-current charging port, while charging ports 1 and 3 are non-low-current charging ports. Three detection circuits, detection circuit 1, detection circuit 2, and detection circuit 3, are provided corresponding to the three charging ports to detect whether a device is inserted into the corresponding charging port. Three charging chips, charging chip 1, charging chip 2, and charging chip 3, are also provided. Each charging chip controls the corresponding charging circuit based on the output of its corresponding detection circuit (whether a device is inserted). In this embodiment, two charging circuits, charging circuit 1 and charging circuit 2, are provided. Charging circuit 1 is used to charge charging ports 1 and 2, and one of them can output power. For example, when detection circuit 1 detects that a device is inserted into charging port 1, charging chip 1 controls charging circuit 1 to output power to charging port 1 based on the output of detection circuit 1. When detection circuit 2 detects that a low-current device is inserted into charging port 2, charging chip 2 controls charging circuit 1 to output power to charging port 2 based on the output of detection circuit 2. In this embodiment, when an electronic device is inserted into the charging port 3 and the detection circuit 2 detects that a small current charging device on the charging port 2 has been pulled out, the charging chip 2 controls the charging circuit 1 to stop outputting to the charging port 2, that is, the charging port 2 will be turned off. At this time, the power occupied by the charging port 2 in the charging state can be combined to the charging port 3, and the maximum charging power of the electronic device connected to the charging port 3 can be increased, thereby improving the charging efficiency of the electronic device.

[0040] It should be noted that, Figure 5 This is just one embodiment of the present invention. The number of charging ports can also be set in other ways. In addition, as mentioned above, each charging port can be provided with a separate charging circuit, or one charging chip can control two or more charging circuits. Those skilled in the art can make the settings according to the actual application.

[0041] In summary, the low-current charging method and multi-port charger provided in this paper, when a low-current charging device is inserted into the corresponding low-current charging port and the corresponding low-current charging device has a charging protocol, enters protocol charging mode after protocol communication; when the corresponding low-current charging device does not have a charging protocol, it enters no-protocol charging mode. In no-protocol charging mode, when the charging current of the corresponding low-current charging port is less than a preset current threshold, it charges in a hiccup mode. The hiccup mode involves opening the corresponding low-current charging port and charging for a first time, then closing the corresponding low-current charging port for a second time without charging. This paper compares the charging current of the low-current charging port with a preset current threshold. When the charging current is less than the preset current threshold, it charges in a hiccup mode. Compared to existing technologies that detect charging current demand in real time and adjust the output current accordingly, the preset current threshold can be set relatively large, significantly reducing the requirements for current sampling accuracy; and low-current charging can be performed without user intervention.

[0042] Furthermore, when a low-current charging device is detected as being disconnected, the corresponding low-current charging port shuts down. The charging ports corresponding to devices with the appropriate charging protocols will then redistribute power according to those protocols. In other words, when a device is disconnected from a low-current charging port, the power it occupied while charging is released and redistributed among the remaining charging ports, thereby improving power utilization and charging efficiency. This is especially beneficial when only one charging port is used for protocol charging, such as when a mobile phone is connected and the other charging ports are closed; all power can be combined on that single charging port, further enhancing charging efficiency.

[0043] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention and are not intended to limit the implementation. Those skilled in the art will recognize that other variations or modifications can be made based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively list all possible implementations. However, obvious variations or modifications derived therefrom are still within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. A low-current charging method for a multi-port charger, the charger comprising N charging ports, of which M are low-current charging ports, where M and N are both positive integers, N > 1, and 1 ≤ M < N; characterized in that, When a low-current charging device is inserted into the corresponding low-current charging port and the corresponding low-current charging device has a charging protocol, the protocol charging mode is entered after protocol communication; when the corresponding low-current charging device does not have a charging protocol, the protocol-free charging mode is entered. In the protocol-free charging mode, when the charging current of the corresponding low-current charging port is less than the corresponding preset current threshold, charging is performed in a hiccup mode. The hiccup mode is that the corresponding low-current charging port is opened and charged for a first time, then the corresponding low-current charging port is closed for a second time, during which no charging is performed.

2. The charging method according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the second time period, it is detected whether the corresponding low-current charging device has been unplugged. If the corresponding low-current charging device is detected to have been unplugged, the corresponding low-current charging port is closed and charging is stopped. If the corresponding low-current charging device is detected to have not been unplugged, charging continues in hiccup mode.

3. The charging method according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the corresponding low-current charging device is detected to be unplugged, the corresponding low-current charging port is closed, and the charging ports corresponding to the charging devices with the charging protocol will redistribute power according to the corresponding charging protocol.

4. A multi-port charger, the charger comprising N charging ports, of which M are low-current charging ports, where M and N are both positive integers, N > 1, and 1 ≤ M < N; characterized in that, The charger also includes, The detection circuit module is used to detect whether a charging device is plugged into each charging port; A charging chip module and a charging circuit module are provided. The charging circuit module includes multiple charging circuits. The output terminal of the detection circuit module is connected to the input terminal of the charging chip module. The charging chip module controls the corresponding charging circuit in the charging circuit module to charge the corresponding charging port based on the output of the detection circuit module. Specifically, when the detection circuit module detects that a low-current charging device is inserted into the corresponding low-current charging port and that the corresponding low-current charging device has a charging protocol, it enters the protocol charging mode after protocol communication; when the corresponding low-current charging device does not have a charging protocol, it enters the no-protocol charging mode; in the no-protocol charging mode, when the charging current of the corresponding low-current charging port is less than the corresponding preset current threshold, the charging chip module controls the corresponding charging circuit in the charging circuit module to charge in a hiccup mode; the hiccup mode is that the corresponding low-current charging port is opened and charged for a first time, then the corresponding low-current charging port is closed for a second time, during which no charging is performed.

5. The charger according to claim 4, characterized in that, During the second time period, when the detection circuit module detects that the corresponding low-current charging device has been unplugged, the charging chip module controls the corresponding charging circuit to close the corresponding low-current charging port and stop charging; when the detection circuit module detects that the corresponding low-current charging device has not been unplugged, the charging chip module continues to control the corresponding charging circuit to charge in hiccup mode.

6. The charger according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the detection circuit module detects that the corresponding low-current charging device has been unplugged, the charging chip module controls the corresponding charging circuit to shut down the corresponding low-current charging port. The charging ports corresponding to the charging devices with charging protocols will then redistribute power according to the corresponding charging protocols.

7. The charger according to claim 4, characterized in that, The detection circuit module includes multiple detection circuits, and each of the multiple detection circuits is configured to correspond one-to-one with N charging ports.

8. The charger according to claim 4, characterized in that, The charging chip module is a single charging chip, or the charging chip module includes multiple charging chips.

9. The charger according to claim 8, characterized in that, The detection circuit module includes multiple detection circuits, each of which is integrated into a corresponding charging chip.

10. The charger according to claim 4, characterized in that, The plurality of charging circuits are configured in a one-to-one correspondence with the N charging ports; or, the number of the plurality of charging circuits is less than N.

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