Electronic device

Abstract

The embodiment of the utility model relates to an electronic device. An electronic device, an earphone speaker, comprising: a coil having a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal; a switching circuit coupled to the third terminal and the second terminal of the coil; an amplifier coupled to the switching circuit and the first terminal, the amplifier including: a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor, and a fourth transistor, the switching circuit coupled between the third transistor and the fourth transistor, and the first terminal coupled between the first transistor and the second transistor; an audio generation circuit having a first terminal coupled to the amplifier between a third transistor and the first transistor, and a second terminal coupled to the amplifier between a second transistor and a fourth transistor; and a battery charging circuit coupled to the amplifier; and a processor coupled between the audio generation circuit and the switching circuit. According to the embodiment of the invention, the cost is favorably reduced, and the precious space in the earphone equipment is saved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This solution relates to an electronic device for wirelessly charging a battery within a speaker using an existing voice coil within a standard speaker. In particular, the voice coil is bidirectional and has the ability to generate sound and receive charge from a wireless charging power transfer device. Background Art

[0002] Conventional headphone speakers include a conductive voice coil that is wound around a hollow cylinder and carries current during use. When the voice coil is placed in a permanent magnetic field, it moves back and forth due to changes in the intensity or direction of its current. The voice coil is physically coupled to the speaker cone of the headphone, and these movements cause the speaker cone to vibrate. In fact, the rapid movement of the speaker cone generates pressure changes in the air, which are audible sound waves.

[0003] Typically, in order to charge a headphone, a conductive charging plug must be electrically and physically connected between the metal circuit of the headphone and a power socket.

[0004] Wireless charging solutions have also been proposed. Some known types of wireless chargers include separate low-power coils, but these components can cause many complexities and are generally both expensive and inefficient. Summary of the Utility Model

[0005] The object of the present disclosure is to provide an electronic device to at least partially solve the above problems existing in the prior art.

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure provides an electronic device, comprising: a headphone speaker, comprising: a coil having a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal; a switch circuit coupled to the third terminal and the second terminal of the coil; an amplifier coupled to the switch circuit and the first terminal, the amplifier comprising: a first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor, and a fourth transistor, the switch circuit being coupled between the third transistor and the fourth transistor, and the first terminal being coupled between the first transistor and the second transistor; an audio generation circuit having a first terminal coupled between the third transistor and the first transistor of the amplifier, and a second terminal coupled between the second transistor and the fourth transistor of the amplifier; and a battery charging circuit coupled to the amplifier; a processor coupled between the audio generation circuit and the switch circuit.

[0007] According to one or more embodiments, the device comprises a housing, the housing comprising the headphone speaker, the switch circuit, the amplifier, the audio generation circuit, and the battery charging circuit.

[0008] According to one or more embodiments, the coil is configured to output an acoustic signal in a first sound generation mode, and the coil is configured to receive charge in a second battery charging mode.

[0009] According to one or more embodiments, during the first sound generation mode, the first terminal and the second terminal of the coil are used, and during the second battery charging mode, the second terminal and the third terminal of the coil are used.

[0010] According to one or more embodiments, a first length of the coil between the first terminal and the second terminal is greater than a second length of the coil between the second terminal and the third terminal.

[0011] According to one or more embodiments, the switch circuit is configured to switch between the first sound generation mode and the second battery charging mode.

[0012] According to one or more embodiments, the device includes a control circuit configured to receive a sound generation signal from the audio generation circuit and transmit a first mode activation signal.

[0013] Embodiments of the present disclosure advantageously reduce costs and save valuable space within the headphone device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The foregoing features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages, will be given in the following description of specific embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings in an illustrative rather than limiting manner, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a speaker and a wireless charging circuit in a headphone system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of another example of a speaker and a wireless charging circuit with a center-tapped transformer in a headphone system;

[0017] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a speaker, a wireless charging circuit, and a charging device in a headphone system according to another embodiment;

[0018] Figure 4 is according to an embodiment of Figure 1 a schematic diagram of a wireless charging circuit integrated in a pair of headphones;

[0019] Figure 5 is according to an embodiment of integrating Figure 3 a wireless charging circuit in a pair of headphones;

[0020] Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of a wireless earphone according to an embodiment having a block diagram including a wireless charging circuit; and

[0021] Figure 7A and Figure 7B illustrates a method and system for wirelessly charging an earphone on a charging pad according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Many electronic devices, such as mobile phones and watches, include a battery. The battery sometimes needs to be recharged. In many cases, this can be achieved by connecting the electronic device to a power outlet via a charging cable. However, in some cases, the battery can be wirelessly charged by inductive charging. The electronic device is placed adjacent to a wireless charging device that emits a charging field. An energy harvesting circuit within the electronic device harvests energy from the charging field. The energy harvesting circuit can include a rectifier that converts an AC voltage into a DC charging current. This disclosure relates to a circuit configuration of a wirelessly rechargeable earphone that uses a speaker voice generation coil for charging.

[0023] Figure 1 is an illustration of an embodiment of an earphone speaker system 100, which includes a speaker 102 having a coil 104 configured to operate in a voice generation mode and a battery charging mode using a class D amplifier 106 coupled to the coil 104. The class D amplifier is configured to amplify and rectify based on the voice generation mode or the battery charging mode. The class D amplifier 106 includes a first switch 108 coupled to a second switch 110. The term "switch" herein can refer to a transistor or other similar device capable of amplifying or switching an electrical signal. A first terminal 112 of the coil 104 is coupled between the first switch and the second switches 108, 110. The amplifier 106 includes a third switch 114 coupled between a fourth switch 116 and the first switch 108. A second terminal 120 of the coil 104 is coupled between the third and fourth switches 114, 116. Other arrangements of the class D amplifier are conceivable.

[0024] The speaker 102 can include a cone 124 connected to the edge of a surround suspension 152. The cone 124 includes a dust cap 126 that prevents foreign particles from entering the speaker 102. The coil 104 is located on a coil support 154. The coil support 154 is coupled to a spider or internal support 128 on the inner surface of the speaker 102. The spider 128 and the surround suspension 152 hold the cone 124 in place while allowing air to vibrate to move the cone 124 in response to the back-and-forth movement of a magnetic field generated by the coil in the speaker 102.

[0025] The magnet 130 is connected between the front plate 142 and the rear plate 144 at the bottom of the speaker 102. The magnet 130 surrounds the pole piece 138, and the pole piece 138 is located between portions of the coil 104 or otherwise surrounded by the coil 104. The magnet 130 and the coil 104 interact with each other to convert electrical energy into mechanical energy or motion. A current generated through the coil 104 induces a magnetic field. The magnetic field generated by the coil 104 interacts with the magnetic field of the magnet 130 attached to the speaker 102. When an audio signal is sent through the coil 104, the magnet 130 continuously repels and attracts magnetic charges of opposite charges, thereby generating an audio signal. This audio signal enables the cone 124 to vibrate back and forth, thereby generating a sound pressure wave in the air.

[0026] The surround suspension 152 and the cone 124 are connected to the washer 146. The washer 146 is mounted on a frame or basket 140 that supports the cone 124, the surround suspension 152, and the dust cap 126. The frame or basket 140 extends from the washer 146 to the front plate 142. The connection terminal 122 is externally attached to the frame or basket 140 and internally attached to the cone 124, which provides an electrical connection for the external speaker if needed.

[0027] The first terminal 112 and the second terminal 120 are coupled to a circuit including a class-D amplifier 106 and other components included in the wirelessly chargeable speaker. The third terminal 148 extends from an audio generation circuit or sound source 132 to the class-D amplifier 106. The third terminal 148 is coupled between the first and third switches 108, 114. The fourth terminal 150 extends from the audio generation circuit 132 to the class-D amplifier 106. The fourth terminal 150 is coupled between the second and fourth switches 110, 116. An audio signal is generated from the audio generation circuit 132 and may include audible noise such as human speech, a microphone, a Bluetooth device, or any type of playback device that generates sound waves or sound energy. The audio generation circuit 132 manipulates the audio signal and transmits the audio signal to the class-D amplifier 106 using the third and fourth terminals 148, 150.

[0028] The battery charging circuit 134 includes a fifth terminal 156 and a sixth terminal 158. The fifth terminal 156 is coupled to a fourth terminal 150 between the audio generation circuit 132 and the class-D amplifier 106. The sixth terminal 158 is coupled to a third terminal 148 between the audio generation circuit 132 and the class-D amplifier 106. The battery charging circuit 134 provides direct current to the charge storage device 136. The charge storage device or battery 136 can be composed of lithium-ion or another suitable alternative that stores chemical energy. When in the sound generation or audio generation mode, the charge storage device 136 converts its stored chemical energy into electrical energy and transfers the electrical energy to the audio generation circuit 132. In the battery charging mode, the coil collects energy and transfers the energy to the battery charging circuit 134 and the battery through the class-D amplifier.

[0029] Figure 2 An alternative embodiment of a speaker and circuit having a coil that uses a center tap connection (three terminals on the coil) to operate in a sound generation mode and a battery charging mode. There are different amplifiers and rectifiers with control circuits that manage switches to change between the sound mode and the charging mode. In the sound mode, a longer coil is used. In the charging mode, a shorter coil is used.

[0030] Figure 2 is an alternative embodiment of the headphone speaker system 200. The headphone speaker system 200 includes a speaker 202 having a coil 216, a rectifier 230, and an analog amplifier 222. The rectifier and amplifier 230, 222 enable the coil 216 to operate in a sound generation mode and a battery charging mode.

[0031] The speaker 202 housing includes a cone 204 connected to the edge of the surround suspension 210. The cone 204 includes a dust cap 208 that prevents foreign particles from entering the speaker 202. The surround suspension 210 and the cone 204 are connected to a gasket 212. The gasket 212 is mounted to a frame or basket 214 that supports the cone 204, the surround suspension 210, and the dust cap 208. The frame or basket 214 extends from the gasket 212 to the base of the speaker 202 that houses the coil 216.

[0032] The yoke 246 and the yoke support 248 are coupled to the coil 216. The yoke and the surround suspension 210 hold the cone 204 in place while allowing air to vibrate to move the cone 204 in response to the back-and-forth movement of the magnetic field generated by the coil 216 in the speaker 202. The connection terminal 206 is connected externally to the frame or basket 214 and internally to the cone 204, and if needed, the cone 204 provides an electrical connection for an external speaker.

[0033] In this embodiment, coil 216 can be used as a sound or audio generating coil and can be used as a wireless power charging coil based on the state of switch or switch circuit 220. Coil 216 has a first terminal 232, a second terminal 234, and a third terminal 244 located between the first and second terminals. This can be referred to as a center-tapped transformer or coil. In one embodiment, the coil length between the first and second terminals 232, 234 is used to generate sound. The length between the first and third terminals is the longest length of the coil. The coil length between the first terminal 232 and the third terminal 244 is used for wireless charging. The coil length between the first terminal and the third terminal is less than the length between the first and second terminals.

[0034] The first terminal 232 of coil 216 is coupled to analog amplifier 222 and rectifier 230 through connection 236. Analog amplifier 222 is electrically coupled to coil 216 through switch 220. The second and third terminals 234, 244 are both coupled to switch 220, and switch 220 can couple or decouple the second terminal from the analog amplifier and couple or decouple the third terminal from the analog amplifier. The coupling and decoupling are controlled or managed by control circuit 218.

[0035] Sound source 224 is coupled to analog amplifier 222 and control circuit 218. Battery 226 is coupled to the sound source and the analog amplifier through connection 252. When in use, the analog amplifier reproduces the audio signal at a desired volume and power level and transmits the signal using the first terminal 232.

[0036] In the sound generation mode, sound source 224 generates an electrical audio signal, which is transmitted to control circuit 218 through sound source output 250. Once the signal is received, if the control circuit determines to activate the sound generation mode, control circuit 218 activates switch 220. Control circuit 218 and switch 220 implement the conversion between the sound generation mode and the battery charging mode by receiving an algorithm that activates or deactivates the second terminal 234 and generates accurate sound reproduction. In one embodiment, when a signal is received from sound source circuit 224, the control circuit automatically switches to the sound generation mode. The control circuit then activates switch 220 to couple the second terminal 234 to the analog amplifier so that the maximum length of the coil is configured to generate sound. Even if the sound source does not send a signal, the control circuit can remain in the sound generation mode. The control circuit can be configured to automatically switch to the battery charging mode when an induced voltage is received through the coil and the second terminal 234.

[0037] When a voltage from the coil is detected, the control circuit can adjust the switch to decouple the second terminal from the analog amplifier and couple the third terminal 244 to the rectifier via connection 238. The third terminal 244 serves as a center-tapped transformer coupled to the switch 220, i.e., the shorter form of the coil is coupled to the rectifier in the battery charging mode. In other words, when there is no signal and the coil 216 is receiving inductive energy, the control circuit 218 sends a signal indicating a switch to the battery charging mode. Inductive charging allows for wireless power transmission through the speaker 202.

[0038] In the battery charging mode, the rectifier 230 converts the alternating current from the coil 216 into direct current, which is transmitted to the battery charger 228 and the battery. The terminal 236 of the rectifier 230 is coupled between the coil 216 and the analog amplifier 222. The rectifier 230 transfers energy to the battery charger 228 via terminals 240, 242. Once the battery device 226 stores energy, power is supplied to the analog amplifier 222 and the sound source 224 via the battery device terminal 252.

[0039] Figure 3 is an alternative embodiment of a speaker with a charging circuit that has a coil operating in a sound generation mode and a battery charging mode using a center-tapped connection (three terminals on the coil). This embodiment includes a class D amplifier configured to operate as an amplifier in the sound generation mode and as a rectifier in the battery charging mode, and the class D amplifier has a control circuit that manages the switch to change between the sound mode and the charging mode.

[0040] Figure 3 is an alternative embodiment of a headphone speaker system 300 having a speaker 320, a coil 322, and a class D amplifier 312, such as those described with respect to Figure 1 and 2 The headphone speaker system 300 is configured to interact with a transmitter or transceiver 308 to wirelessly charge a battery (not shown) coupled to terminals 328, 326. The transceiver 308 includes a coil 305 that sends an alternating current (AC) signal to the coil 322.

[0041] The coil 322 has a first terminal 314, a second terminal 316, and a third terminal 318. In this embodiment, the coil 322 can use the third terminal 318 as a center-tapped transformer to operate in a sound or audio generation mode and a wireless battery charging mode.

[0042] In this embodiment, a longer coil is used in the sound or audio generation mode, and a shorter coil is used in the wireless battery charging mode. Coil 322 is coupled to class-D amplifier 312. Class-D amplifier 312 serves as an amplifier in the sound generation mode and as a rectifier in the battery charging mode. A processor or control circuit 304 that receives a signal from sound source 306 manages switch 302, which enables changing between the sound or audio generation mode and the wireless battery charging mode.

[0043] Class-D amplifier and rectifier 312 may include a first diode 330 coupled to a second diode 332. A first terminal 314 of coil 322 is coupled between the first and second diodes 330, 332. Class-D amplifier 312 includes a third diode 334 coupled between a fourth diode 336 and the first diode 330. A second terminal 316 of coil 322 is coupled between the third and fourth diodes 334, 336.

[0044] A sound source terminal 326 is coupled to class-D amplifier 312 between the first diode 330 and the third diode 334. A negative voltage terminal 328 is coupled to the class-D amplifier between the second diode 332 and the fourth diode 336. A capacitor 310 is coupled between the sound source terminal 326 and the negative voltage terminal 328.

[0045] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the wireless charging circuit as integrated within a headphone speaker system 400. Headphone speaker system 400 includes a first headphone 404a having a first speaker 402a and a second headphone 404b having a second speaker 402b. Each speaker in headphone phone system 400 includes components as described in Figure 1 -3, such as a speaker having a coil, which can be used to operate in the sound generation mode and the battery charging mode. Figure 1 -3, such as a speaker having a coil, which can be used to operate in the sound generation mode and the battery charging mode.

[0046] The headphone speaker system may have a rigid band or a curved structure that physically couples the first headphone to the second headphone. The rigid band may be a headband having a rigid structure and a padding structure located between the user's head and the rigid structure. Electrical connections 414, 416 may be physically located within the rigid structure or coupled to the rigid structure. Alternatively, the headphone speaker system may have a flexible wire between the first and second headphones to electrically and physically connect them together, for example, via a first connection 414 and a second connection 416.

[0047] The headset system can be wirelessly charged by components in one of the speakers. For example, the first headset 404a includes a circuit that implements wireless inductive charging. The voice coil 422a in the first speaker 402a of the first headset 404a includes a first terminal 418 and a second terminal 420. The first and second terminals 418, 420 extend from the voice coil 422a to the class-D amplifier 412, which is configured as an amplifier in a first mode and a rectifier in a second mode.

[0048] A single class-D amplifier 412 is coupled to the first and second speakers 402a, 402b through a first connection 414 and a second connection 416. The first and second connections 414, 416 are coupled to a first coil 422a in the first speaker 402a and a second coil 422b in the second speaker 404b. The first connection 414 is coupled to the first terminal 418 between the first speaker 402a and the class-D amplifier 412. The second connection 416 is coupled to the second terminal 420 between the first speaker 402a and the class-D amplifier 412. The two coils 422a, 422b can be placed adjacent to a transmitter or transceiver charging pad to receive an AC signal to charge the battery 408.

[0049] A third terminal 428 extends from the audio generation circuit or sound source 406 to the class-D amplifier 412. The battery charging circuit 410 includes a fourth terminal 430 and a fifth terminal 424. The fourth terminal 430 extends from the battery charging circuit 410 to the class-D amplifier 412. The fifth terminal 424 extending from the battery charging circuit 410 is coupled between the class-D amplifier 412 and the audio generation circuit or sound source 406. The sound source terminal 426 extending from the audio generation circuit or sound source 406 is coupled between the battery charging circuit 410 and the class-D amplifier 412.

[0050] The battery charging circuit 410 supplies direct current to the charge storage device 408. The charge storage device 408 can be composed of lithium-ion or another suitable alternative for storing energy. When in the sound or audio generation mode, the charge storage device 408 converts its stored chemical energy into electrical power and transfers the power to the audio generation circuit 406 through the battery charging terminal 432.

[0051] The headphone system 400 includes first and second coils 422a, 422b that are coupled to a single sound generation and battery charging circuit. Each coil is configured to transmit sound and receive a charging signal. Depending on whether the system is in a sound generation mode or a battery charging mode, there is a single class-D amplifier that acts as both an amplifier and a rectifier. This provides a cost-effective circuit that can automatically switch between the two modes based on the detected usage of whether a sound source is transmitting a signal or the headphone system is in a dormant state and not transmitting a signal from the sound source. The system can include sensors, such as an accelerometer or gyroscope, to detect and identify when the headphones are not on the user and are on a charging pad. The system can also automatically identify which coil is receiving a signal, and by way of example and not limitation, the system can detect which coil is receiving a stronger signal and select that coil to receive the charging signal, for example, using a microprocessor or controller (not shown) coupled to other circuits in the headphones.

[0052] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of the wireless charging and sound generation circuit integrated within the headphone speaker system 500 as Figure 3 described. The headphone speaker system 500 includes a first headphone 502a having a first speaker 508 and a second headphone 502b having a second speaker 562. In the first headphone 502a, the speaker 508 includes a coil 510 having a first terminal 532, a second terminal 534, and a third terminal 512, with the third terminal 512 located between the first and second terminals 532, 534 and serving as a center-tapped transformer. The first terminal 532 extends from the coil 510 to the class-D amplifier 506. A processor 504 that receives a signal from a sound source 520 manages a switch 514 that enables changing between a sound or audio generation mode and a wireless battery charging mode.

[0053] In one embodiment, the class-D amplifier 506 includes a first switch 540 coupled to a second switch 542. The first terminal 532 is coupled between the first and second switches 540, 542. The amplifier 506 includes a third switch 538 coupled between a fourth switch 544 and the first switch 540. The second terminal 534 of the coil is coupled to the switch 514, which is coupled between the third and fourth switches 538, 544 via a connection 535.

[0054] The sound source 520 is coupled to a battery charger connection 546 that extends from a battery charger 516 to a class-D amplifier 506. The battery charger connection 546 is coupled between second and fourth switches 542, 544. The sound source 520 in the first earphone 502a is coupled to a second class-D amplifier 548 in the second earphone 502b using a first earphone terminal 524. A processor 504 in the first earphone is coupled to a second switch 554 in the second earphone. In the second earphone 502b, a speaker 562 includes a coil 560 having a first terminal 550, a second terminal 552, and a third terminal 558 that are coupled to the switch 554. The first terminal 550 is coupled to the class-D amplifier 548.

[0055] The class-D amplifier 548 is electrically coupled to the coil 560 through the switch 554. Both the second and third terminals 552, 558 are coupled to the switch 554, which can couple or decouple the second terminal from the class-D amplifier 548 and couple or decouple the third terminal from the class-D amplifier. The coupling and decoupling are controlled or managed by the processor 504 in the first earphone 502a. The class-D amplifier 548 is coupled to the battery charger connection 546 in the first earphone 502a through a second earphone terminal 530.

[0056] The earphone system 500 includes two speakers and two center-tapped transformer coils that are coupled to a sound generation circuit and a wireless charging circuit that minimizes circuit elements for operation in these dual modes. There is a single processor that receives signals from a single sound source 520. Each speaker is coupled to a different switch or switch circuit to manage the change from a sound mode using the full coil to a charging mode using a portion of the coil (the length of the coil is less than the sound mode). This allows either earphone coil to act as a charge receiving coil, such that the user does not have to determine which earphone is suitable for placement on a wireless charging pad. Each earphone also includes a class-D amplifier that can both receive an AC charging signal from a charging pad and generate or produce a sound signal when in a sound generation mode.

[0057] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of an alternative embodiment of a wireless earbud system 600 that is integrated with a wireless charging circuit. Each wireless earbud 602 in the wireless earbud system 600 can include a wireless charging circuit as described in Figure 1 -3, such that the wireless earbud 602 is capable of operating in a sound generation mode and a battery charging mode. In this alternative embodiment, the wireless earbud 602 includes a speaker 604 having a coil 610, an amplifier 606, and a processor 620. The coil 610 has terminals 608, 611 that are coupled to the amplifier 606. The amplifier 606 is coupled to a sound source circuit 614 through a first sound terminal 612.

[0058] In this embodiment, a motion sensor or accelerometer 632 is integrated within the wireless charging circuitry to detect motion, sense orientation, or an optical sensor to detect when the wireless earbud 602 has been inserted into or removed from the ear. For example, the motion sensor or accelerometer 632 can enable the wireless earbud 602 to detect when it is in a sleep state and start searching for a transmit signal to charge the battery 630. Once a change in state is detected, the motion sensor or accelerometer 632 sends a signal to the processor 620 via the motion sensor terminal or output 622. The processor 620 then triggers the stop in the sound generation mode and triggers the battery charging mode. The battery charging connection 618 is coupled to the second sound source terminal 616 such that the sound source indicator 614 can receive a signal from the battery charger 624. The battery charger 624 receives a signal from the processor 620 to start charging the battery 630 using the battery terminal 628.

[0059] The microphone 634 is coupled to the processor 620 via the microphone terminal 626. The microphone 634 identifies the voice from the user and sends a signal to the processor 620, triggering the sound source indicator 614 to switch from the battery charging mode to the sound generation mode.

[0060] The coil 610 can be a single coil or can be a center-tapped transformer configuration as discussed in other embodiments. The system in the earbud can change from the wireless charging mode to the sound generation mode based on the detection signal from the motion sensor alone or in combination with the microphone and the sound source. For example, if the sound source is outputting a sound signal, the amplifier (a class-D amplifier that can be used as an amplifier and a rectifier) will be in the amplifier mode. In response to the sound source not outputting a sound signal, the microphone not receiving an audio or sound signal, or the motion sensor not detecting motion, the processor can switch to the rectifier mode to inductively receive charge with the coil 610.

[0061] Figure 7A is an illustration of a wireless charging system 700. The wireless charging system 700 includes a wireless charging pad or mat 702, which can be used to charge any wireless headphone system, including the wireless headphone system as Figure 1 -6 described. Within the wireless charging pad 702, a coil 708 is integrated within the receiver to enable inductive coupling. The wireless charging pad 702 is equipped with a cable 706 and an LED indicator 704. If plugged into a power outlet, the LED indicator 704 will light up to indicate whether the wireless headphone system is charging or has finished charging.

[0062] Figure 7B is an illustration of a wireless headphone system 712 being charged on the wireless charging system 700. As Figure 7AAs shown, the headset system 710 can be placed on the wireless charging pad 702. The headset housing 714 is placed on the wireless charging pad at a position that allows inductive charging through the coil of the wireless headset speaker 716. When the wireless headset speaker 716 is placed on the wireless charging pad 702, a processor or processing unit within the wireless charging circuit detects measurements indicating which speaker coil is used for the battery charging mode.

[0063] Embodiments of the present disclosure include a speaker having a voice or sound coil as a wire, which can be copper or aluminum or other suitable metal alloy. The class-D amplifier can be directly coupled to the speaker via the voice coil. The class-D amplifier can include an H-bridge circuit having a first switch such as a MOSFET, a second switch serially coupled to the first switch, a third switch parallelly coupled to the first and second switches, and a fourth switch serially coupled to the third switch and parallelly coupled to the first and second switches. A processor coupled to the gates of the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch of the class-D amplifier. A sound source coupled to the first switch, the second switch, the third switch, and the fourth switch of the class-D amplifier. A battery charger is parallelly coupled between the sound source and the class-D amplifier, and the battery charger is charged by the class-D amplifier. The battery can be directly coupled to the sound source and the battery charger.

[0064] Embodiments may also include a system having a speaker that includes: a back plate, which is metallic and has a shape of a flat cylinder; a front plate, which is metallic and is positioned parallel to the back plate and has a shape of a flat ring; a magnet physically coupled between the front plate and the back plate, the magnet having a ring shape with an inner diameter larger than the inner diameter of the front plate. The speaker may include a pole piece, which is magnetic and physically coupled to the back plate, the pole piece having a cylindrical shape and being concentrically positioned within a hole in the magnet and a hole in the front plate such that the pole piece is separated from the inner surface of the magnet and the inner surface of the front plate by a narrow air gap. A frustum cone shape basket with a smaller circular opening is physically connected to the outer pole piece, and the basket is a metal frame. A speaker cone made of a rigid but lightweight material, the speaker cone having a frustum cone shape with a smaller circular opening and being physically coupled to the front plate.

[0065] The loudspeaker may include a gasket, which is a thin ring connected to the outer edge of the basket to connect the loudspeaker to an external housing, and the gasket is made of rubber or other sealing materials. A surround attached to both the speaker cone and the basket, which is a thin ring made of foam, rubber or another flexible material. A yoke, which is a ring of rubber-like material with coaxial corrugations, and the yoke has an outer edge and an inner edge attached to the smaller circular opening of the basket. A voice coil, which is thin-walled and cylindrical, and the voice coil is positioned such that one end is suspended in the air gap between the pole piece and the inner surface of the front plate.

[0066] It may include a dust cap, which is physically attached to the speaker cone in a recessed or protruding orientation, and the dust cap is made of a thin material (possibly fabric or aluminum) and is circular. A sound source circuit is coupled to the coil and the processor. A connection terminal, which is located on the basket and is electronically connected to the voice coil, and the connection terminal provides an electronic connection point from the voice coil to a component outside the basket. An amplifier is electrically connected in parallel with the voice coil, and the amplifier is used to amplify the audio signal from the sound source. A rectifier is coupled in parallel to the voice coil. A battery charger is coupled in parallel to the rectifier. A charge storage device electrically connected to the battery charger and the sound source. A power transmitting device such as a charging plate is electrically coupled to the battery charger in the loudspeaker, and the power transmitting device is placed in the larger circular opening of the basket.

[0067] Embodiments include a device having a headphone loudspeaker, and the headphone loudspeaker includes: a coil having a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal; a switch circuit coupled to the first terminal and the second terminal of the coil; a rectifier coupled to the third terminal and the switch circuit; an amplifier coupled to the switch circuit and the third terminal; an audio generation circuit coupled to the amplifier; and a battery charging circuit coupled to the rectifier.

[0068] A housing including a headphone loudspeaker, a switch circuit, a rectifier, an amplifier, an audio generation circuit, and a battery charging circuit. The coil is configured to output a sound signal in a first sound generation mode and is configured to receive charge in a second battery charging mode. The first terminal and the third terminal of the coil are used during the first sound generation mode, and the second terminal and the third terminal of the coil are used during the second battery charging mode.

[0069] A first length of the coil between the first terminal and the third terminal is greater than a second length of the coil between the second terminal and the third terminal. The switch circuit is configured to switch between the first sound generation mode and the second battery charging mode. A control circuit, which is configured to receive a sound generation signal from the audio generation circuit and transmit a first mode activation signal.

[0070] The embodiment further includes a device, which includes a headphone speaker housing having a coil, the coil having a first terminal and a second terminal; a class-D amplifier circuit configured to rectify in a battery charging mode and amplify in a sound generation mode, the class-D amplifier being coupled to the first terminal and the second terminal of the coil, the class-D amplifier including: first, second, third, and fourth switches, the first terminal being coupled between the first and second switches, and the second terminal being coupled between the third and fourth switches. An audio generation circuit having a third terminal and a fourth terminal, the third terminal being coupled between the first and third switches of the class-D amplifier, and the fourth terminal being coupled between the second and fourth switches of the class-D amplifier. A battery charging circuit coupled to the third terminal and the fourth terminal.

[0071] The class-D amplifier is configured to synchronously rectify in the battery charging mode. A switching circuit coupled between the coil and the class-D amplifier, the coil including a third terminal coupled to the switching circuit, and the second terminal being coupled to the switching circuit.

[0072] A method includes generating a sound signal in an audio generation circuit in a sound generation mode, the sound generation mode including: amplifying the sound signal by an amplifier coupled to the audio generation circuit; generating audible sound waves with a coil in a speaker having a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal and the second terminal being coupled to the amplifier; switching to a battery charging mode, the battery charging mode including: receiving a wireless AC charging current with the second terminal and a third terminal of the coil of the speaker; converting the wireless AC charging current into a DC charging current via a rectifier coupled to the speaker; wirelessly charging a charge storage device by transmitting the DC charging current from the rectifier to a battery charger circuit coupled to the rectifier.

[0073] The method includes switching between the sound generation mode and the battery charging mode by activating a switch coupled between the amplifier and the speaker. The method further includes automatically switching from the battery charging mode to the sound generation mode in response to an output signal from the audio generation circuit. The amplifier and the rectifier are implemented by a class-D amplifier. A first length of the coil between the first and second terminals is greater than a second length of the coil between the second and third terminals.

[0074] The method includes detecting the proximity of the external power transmitting device; and switching between the sound generation mode and the battery charging mode based on the proximity of the external power transmitting device.

[0075] Alternative embodiments of the present disclosure may include, but are not limited to, two speakers. In such embodiments, the wireless charging system may include two or more speakers, in which case the wireless charging system may select the optimal speaker for the battery charging mode.

[0076] The present disclosure relates to wirelessly charging a speaker using existing components in the speaker structure and generating sound by adding circuitry to enable such two-way use. In particular, the present utility model addresses the drawbacks of incorporating a separate low-power coil in a headphone circuit for wireless charging, which increases cost and occupies valuable space within the headphone system.

[0077] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a voice coil within a speaker that is bidirectional and used for both receiving charge from an external power transfer device and generating sound. A class-D amplifier acting as a rectifier is coupled to the first and second terminals of the voice coil and an audio generation circuit. A battery charging circuit is coupled in parallel between the class-D amplifier and the sound source. According to one embodiment, the class-D amplifier is an H-bridge digital amplifier.

[0078] In an alternative embodiment, the coil in the speaker is a center-tapped transformer that includes a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal. The coil will generate sound using a first length of the coil between the first terminal and the third terminal and will charge the battery using a second length of the coil between the second terminal and the third terminal. The second length of the coil may be less than the first length of the coil.

[0079] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a method that includes: generating a sound signal in an audio generation circuit in a sound generation mode, the sound generation mode including: amplifying the sound signal by an amplifier coupled to the audio generation circuit; generating an audible sound wave with a coil in a speaker having a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal and the second terminal being coupled to the amplifier; switching to a battery charging mode, the battery charging mode including: receiving a wireless AC charging current with the second terminal and the third terminal of the coil of the speaker; converting the wireless AC charging current into a DC charging current via a rectifier coupled to the speaker; wirelessly charging a charge storage device by transferring the DC charging current from the rectifier to a battery charger circuit coupled to the rectifier.

[0080] According to one or more embodiments, switching between the sound generation mode and the battery charging mode is accomplished by activating a switch coupled between the amplifier and the speaker.

[0081] According to one or more embodiments, the method includes automatically switching from the battery charging mode to the sound generation mode in response to an output signal from the audio generation circuit.

[0082] According to one or more embodiments, the amplifier and the rectifier are implemented with a class-D amplifier.

[0083] According to one or more embodiments, a first length of a coil between the first terminal and the second terminal is greater than a second length of the coil between the second terminal and the third terminal.

[0084] According to one or more embodiments, the method includes: detecting the proximity of an external power transfer device; and switching between the sound generation mode and the battery charging mode based on the proximity of the external power transfer device.

[0085] The various embodiments described above may be combined to provide additional embodiments. If desired, aspects of the embodiments may be modified to incorporate concepts of various patents, applications, and publications to provide additional embodiments.

[0086] Based on the foregoing detailed description, these and other changes may be made to the embodiments. In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed as limiting the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments and the full scope of equivalents to which these claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An electronic device, characterized in that, Comprising: An earphone speaker, comprising: A coil having a first terminal, a second terminal, and a third terminal; A switching circuit coupled to the third terminal and the second terminal of the coil; An amplifier coupled to the switching circuit and the first terminal, the amplifier comprising: A first transistor, a second transistor, a third transistor, and a fourth transistor, the switching circuit being coupled between the third transistor and the fourth transistor, and the first terminal being coupled between the first transistor and the second transistor; An audio generation circuit having a first terminal coupled between the third transistor and the first transistor of the amplifier, and a second terminal coupled between the second transistor and the fourth transistor of the amplifier; and A battery charging circuit coupled to the amplifier; A processor coupled between the audio generation circuit and the switching circuit.

2. The electronic device according to claim 1, characterized in that Comprising a housing, the housing comprising the earphone speaker, the switching circuit, the amplifier, the audio generation circuit, and the battery charging circuit.

3. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein The coil is configured to output an acoustic signal in a first sound generation mode, and the coil is configured to receive charge in a second battery charging mode.

4. The electronic device according to claim 3, characterized in that The first terminal and the second terminal of the coil are used during the first sound generation mode, and the second terminal and the third terminal of the coil are used during the second battery charging mode.

5. The electronic device according to claim 4, characterized in that, A first length of the coil between the first terminal and the second terminal is greater than a second length of the coil between the second terminal and the third terminal.

6. The electronic device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The switching circuit is configured to switch between the first sound generation mode and the second battery charging mode.

7. The electronic device according to claim 6, characterized in that, Comprising a control circuit, the control circuit being configured to receive a sound generation signal from the audio generation circuit and transmit a first mode activation signal.

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