Power supply unit for a mobile device

Abstract

A power supply unit (100) for a mobile device is provided, comprising a receiving compartment (110) for receiving a first power unit (210, 220) for at least two batteries (210, 220) and a first output voltage, or a second power unit (230) with a rechargeable battery (220) and a second output voltage. Furthermore, a detector (300) is provided, which detects whether a first or second power unit (220, 230) is present in the receiving compartment (110). A boost converter (410) is also provided for boosting the first output voltage of a first power unit (220), which is placed in the receiving compartment (110), to a third voltage, namely an operating voltage. The boost converter (410) is not activated if the detector has detected a second power unit (230). The boost converter is activated if the detector has detected a first power unit in the receiving compartment (110).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a power supply unit for a mobile device and a mobile device.

[0002] Mobile electrical or electronic devices require their own power supply to ensure operation independent of a stationary power source. For this purpose, mobile devices typically use rechargeable batteries or accumulators. These batteries or accumulators must be designed to provide sufficient energy for the mobile device's operation. While rechargeable batteries can be adapted to different sizes, there are only a few standardized batteries, such as AA or AAA batteries.

[0003] Mobile devices typically have a battery compartment where batteries or rechargeable batteries can be placed. To improve the range of applications for mobile devices, battery compartments may be designed to accommodate both standard batteries (primary cells) and a rechargeable battery. When batteries are depleted, they must be replaced, while a rechargeable battery can be recharged.

[0004] If a mobile device is to be powered by standard batteries, then the power supply for the mobile device must be adapted to the electrical output of standard batteries. Furthermore, it may be necessary to adjust the functionality of the mobile device as well.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a power supply unit for a mobile device, as well as a corresponding mobile device with a power supply unit, which eliminates or at least reduces the disadvantages described above. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a power supply unit for a mobile device that allows the use of both rechargeable batteries and standard batteries without restricting the operation of the mobile device.

[0006] This problem is solved by a power supply unit for a mobile device according to claim 1 and by a mobile device according to claim 5.

[0007] Thus, a power supply unit for a mobile device is provided, featuring a compartment for a first power unit consisting of at least two batteries and a first output voltage, or a second power unit consisting of a rechargeable battery and a second output voltage. Furthermore, a detector is provided to determine whether a first or second power unit is present in the compartment. Additionally, a boost converter is provided to increase the first output voltage of a first power unit placed in the compartment to a third voltage, namely an operating voltage. The boost converter is not activated if the detector has detected a first power unit. The boost converter is activated if the detector has detected a second power unit in the compartment.

[0008] The receiving compartment serves for the mechanical reception of the first or second energy unit.

[0009] The detector can determine whether primary cells or a rechargeable battery are placed in the battery compartment as the power source. If only batteries are placed in the compartment, their output voltage must be boosted to an operating voltage using a voltage booster. If a rechargeable battery is placed in the compartment, this is unnecessary because the rechargeable battery has a higher output voltage, which essentially corresponds to the third voltage, namely the operating voltage. This allows the mobile device to be operated even with standard batteries, although their output voltage is insufficient for its operation.

[0010] Optionally, the power supplied by the power supply unit can be ≥ 1 watt.

[0011] According to one example, the receiving compartment has a first contact as a negative contact and a second contact as a positive contact for the energy unit placed within it, as well as a third contact which is coupled to an electrically conductive connecting element suitable for electrically connecting two batteries (in particular primary cells, AA cells) located in the receiving compartment in series. The third contact is positioned in the receiving compartment opposite the first and second contacts. The detector is coupled to the third contact to detect a voltage across the third contact and, upon detection of a voltage that essentially corresponds to the output voltage of a battery, to indicate the presence of the first energy unit in the receiving compartment.

[0012] In one example, the control unit comprises a boost converter and a first and a second switching unit. The control unit activates a first operating mode when the detector detects the first energy unit in the receiving space and activates a second operating mode when the detector detects the second energy unit in the receiving space. In the first operating mode, the control unit activates the boost converter and switches the first and second switching units such that the output voltage of the first energy unit is boosted by the boost converter. In the second operating mode, the control unit switches the first and second switching units such that a bypass is present in parallel to the boost converter, and the boost converter is not activated.

[0013] According to one example, the battery compartment has a negative contact and a positive contact. Furthermore, an electrically conductive connecting element is provided, which is suitable for connecting two batteries located in the battery compartment in series. One negative contact of the battery can be connected to the negative contact of the battery compartment. The positive contact of the first battery is then connected to the connecting element, which electrically connects the positive contact of the first battery to the negative contact of the second battery. The positive contact of the second battery can then be connected to the positive contact of the battery compartment. The power supply unit thus has a first contact (negative contact), a second contact (positive contact), and a third electrical contact, which is connected to the connecting element.

[0014] The detector is connected to the third contact. If the detector detects a voltage between the negative contact and the third contact, or between the positive contact and the third contact, then it can be assumed that two batteries are present in the battery compartment. The boost converter can then be activated to increase the voltage between the positive and negative contacts to a third voltage, namely the operating voltage. If the detector does not detect a voltage between the first and third contacts, or between the second and third contacts, then it can be assumed that a rechargeable battery is present in the battery compartment. A rechargeable battery typically does not have a terminal near the connector, but only a positive and a negative contact. This allows for a simple detection of whether two standard batteries or a rechargeable battery is present in the battery compartment.

[0015] The design of the power supply unit allows for a simple and robust detection of whether a rechargeable battery or batteries have been placed in the receiving compartment. The energy from the units in the receiving compartment can then be processed.

[0016] The second output voltage of the second energy unit (accumulator) is higher than the output voltage of the first energy unit (batteries). The second output voltage can be, for example, between three and five volts, specifically between 3.2 volts and 4.35 volts.

[0017] The power supply unit can be used particularly in mobile devices that are intended to be small and lightweight. For example, these mobile devices can be designed as so-called body packs, which are used for in-ear monitoring solutions.

[0018] The fact that the power supply unit allows the use of both a rechargeable battery and standard batteries expands its range of applications. In particular, batteries can be used as emergency power sources when the commonly used rechargeable batteries are depleted.

[0019] Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0020] The advantages and embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B each shows a schematic representation of a power supply unit, Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of electronics for a mobile device, and Fig. Figure 3 shows an example circuit for a detector and a voltage converter.

[0021] Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B each shows a schematic representation of a power supply unit. Fig. 1A consists of two batteries and in Fig. In 1 B, an accumulator is provided as the energy unit. The energy supply unit 100 has a receiving compartment 110 with a first, second, and third electrical contact 101, 102, 103. The first electrical contact 101 corresponds to a negative contact 111, the second electrical contact 102 is coupled to a positive contact 112. The third electrical contact 103 is coupled to a connecting element 113.

[0022] In Fig. In 1A, two batteries 210 and 220 are placed in the receiving compartment as the first energy unit. A first spring element (e.g., a spring or a metal plate) 114 is provided at the negative contact 111. A second spring 115 is provided at the positive contact 112. A third and a fourth spring 116 and 117 are provided at the connecting element. A first battery 210 is placed between the first and third springs 114 and 116. A second battery 220 is placed between the second and fourth springs 115 and 117. Thus, a galvanic connection is provided between the negative contact 111 and the positive contact 112 via the first spring 114, the first battery 210, the third spring 116, the connecting element 113, the fourth spring 117, the second battery 220, and the second spring 115. This means that the first and second batteries 210, 220 are electrically connected in series.The output voltage of the power supply unit, which is formed by the series connection of the first and second batteries 210, 220, is applied via the first and second electrical output terminals 101, 102.

[0023] In Fig. 1B, a battery unit 230 is present as a second energy unit in the receiving chamber 110. The battery unit 230 has a first and second battery connection 231, 232, which are connected to the negative contact 111 and the positive contact 112. The battery unit 230 has no electrical contact that can be connected to the connecting element 113.

[0024] This means that a voltage is only present at the connecting element 113 when batteries are used as energy units.

[0025] To determine whether a rechargeable battery or regular batteries are placed in the battery compartment, it is therefore only necessary to detect whether or not there is voltage at the connection point. If there is no voltage, then a rechargeable battery is present in the compartment, and if there is voltage, then there are regular batteries.

[0026] Rechargeable batteries have a higher output voltage than standard batteries. To supply the mobile device with sufficient electrical power, for example, > 1 watt, the battery output voltage must be increased. This is done using a boost converter.

[0027] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of electronics for a mobile device. Fig. Figure 2 shows the output terminals 101, 102, and 103 of the recording chamber 110. The third electrical terminal 103, i.e., the third electrical contact, is connected to a detector 300. The second electrical terminal 102 (positive contact) is connected to a control unit 400. The first electrical contact 101 can be used as a return current path and ground reference for the control unit 400, the boost converter 410, and the first and second switching units 420 and 430.

[0028] The control unit 400 includes a boost converter 410 and a first and second switch unit 420, 430. The boost converter 410 and the first and second switch units 420, 430 are coupled to the detector 300.

[0029] When the first switch unit 420 is closed, a bypass is present, allowing the boost converter 410 to be bridged. The first switch unit 420 is therefore closed when the detector 300 has not detected any primary cells or batteries in the recording chamber, i.e., when a rechargeable battery is present. Therefore, boosting the output voltage of the rechargeable battery is unnecessary, as its output voltage is sufficiently high. In this case, the second switch 430 is open.

[0030] However, if the detector 300 detects that there are two batteries in the recording chamber, then the first switch 420 is opened and the second switch 430 is closed, and the boost converter 410 is activated to increase the output voltage of the batteries to a required value.

[0031] Elements BA, BA, and M can represent possible accessories. These accessories are optional.

[0032] In particular, modular systems can therefore contain multiple circuit boards, connectors, and cables between the power source and the actual consumer. Each element in the chain introduces additional contact resistance. The sum of these resistances can result in the primary cells' voltage being insufficient or dropping under load. The invention solves this problem by increasing the voltage when using primary cells.

[0033] The elements can represent a battery adapter BA, an adapter between battery compartment and device connector GA-BP, a small receiver EK for portable receivers, and a device connector Multiplin for accessories and power supply.

[0034] Fig. Figure 3 shows an example circuit for a detector, a bypass, and the control circuitry for a voltage converter. Fig.Figure 3 shows a circuit diagram of the control unit with a boost converter 410. A first switching unit 420 is also shown, comprising a first field-effect transistor FET1 and a resistor R1. A second switching unit 430 includes a second field-effect transistor FET2 and a second resistor R2.

[0035] Transistor T1 can act as the actual detector. If there is no voltage at terminal 113 (i.e., less than approximately 400 mV - 700 mV), the transistor remains in a high-impedance state. The voltage across resistors R2 and R4 remains unchanged and is slightly below the battery's output voltage. FET2 is off, and transistor T2 is on.

[0036] Switching on transistor T2 causes a voltage close to the terminal voltage 111 (- or ground) to be present at the junction between FET1, R1, and the control input of 410. As a result, the boost converter is deactivated and the bypass is activated.

[0037] If the voltage at terminal 113 is higher, i.e., within the range of a usable primary cell, the transistor switches on and pulls the voltage across resistors R2 and R4 close to the terminal voltage 111 (- or ground). This causes FET2 to switch on, thus activating the second switching unit 430. Additionally, transistor T2 becomes high-impedance. The potential at the junction between FET1, R1, and the control input of 410 increases and is slightly below the output voltage. This deactivates the bypass and activates the boost converter.

[0038] According to one example, a power supply unit for a mobile device is provided, which has a compartment for holding power units, namely a rechargeable battery or two primary cells or standard batteries, and a detector for determining whether a rechargeable battery or the standard batteries are placed in the compartment. The power supply unit further includes a control unit which is coupled to the detector and puts the power supply unit into a first operating mode when the detector has detected that standard batteries are present in the compartment. In this case, the control unit activates a boost converter which increases the output voltage of the batteries in the compartment to a higher voltage required for the operating voltage.If the detector senses that a battery is present in the recording compartment, the control unit can activate a bypass to the boost converter and deactivate its output, preventing backflow and thus ensuring that the battery's output voltage is not further increased by the boost converter. This is unnecessary because the battery's output voltage is sufficiently high to guarantee the operating voltage of a mobile device. In the second operating mode (battery in the recording compartment), the bypass deactivates and bypasses the boost converter, enabling high efficiency at low cost.

[0039] According to an example of the invention, it is possible to automatically detect whether batteries or a rechargeable battery are present in the receiving compartment. This is achieved, in particular, by the detector contacting a third contact (center contact; electrical connecting element) in the receiving compartment and detecting a voltage at this third contact. If no voltage is present, then a rechargeable battery is present in the receiving compartment. However, if a voltage is detected, then it can be assumed that batteries are present in the receiving compartment. Based on the detector's detection, the control unit can activate a first or second operating mode. By activating the first operating mode, i.e., by activating the boost converter 410, it is possible to prevent the voltage drop caused by the current flow from being insufficient to provide enough energy for the operation of the device due to the contact resistances between the receiving compartment and the device input.

[0040] For example, the mobile device requires a power output of between 2 and 3 W. Without the activation of the first operating mode according to the invention (activation of the boost converter), a sufficient energy supply for the mobile device cannot be ensured due to the contact resistance between the battery compartment and the consumer.

[0041] The dimensions of the recording space are such that two standard batteries, for example AA or AAA batteries, can be placed in the recording space (namely between the + / - connection and the center connection (connecting element)).

[0042] By ensuring that the first operating mode (boost converter activated) is only activated when batteries are actually present in the recording chamber, efficiency can be maintained in the second operating mode (accumulators in the recording chamber). This avoids transition effects during regulation (such as switching between boost and step-down operation or continuous operation with a resulting increased residual value of the output voltage, voltage spikes, unwanted frequency components in the audio range, etc.).

[0043] Because the detector is coupled to the third contact (center contact or connecting element), the detector can detect the voltage at the center contact even when the mobile device is switched off and forward this information to the control unit, which can switch the first and second switches accordingly and activate the boost converter so that the switches are activated before the mobile device is started in order to automatically switch the correct supply path.

[0044] According to one aspect, the control should be implemented with such high resistance that the permanent load on primary cells or accumulators is low, so that the total current in the downstream device does not exceed a limit of 30 µA.

[0045] According to one aspect, the center contact (connecting element) is used to detect whether a battery is placed in the receiving space. The voltage at the connecting element corresponds to the output voltage of a battery and can be used to control electronic components that allow a current path with an intermediate boost converter, and to prevent any other current circuit in at least one direction.

[0046] Using the connecting element as a connection for the detector is advantageous because it eliminates the need for a corresponding voltage divider and reduces the load on the primary cells.

Claims

[1] Power supply unit (100) for a mobile device, with a receiving compartment (110) for receiving a first energy unit (210, 220) with at least two batteries (210, 220) each with a battery negative terminal (212, 222), a battery positive terminal (211, 221) and a first output voltage or a second energy unit (230) with a rechargeable battery (230) with a rechargeable battery negative terminal (231), a rechargeable battery positive terminal (232) and a second output voltage, wherein the second output voltage is higher than the first output voltage, a detector (300) which is designed to detect whether a first or second energy unit (210, 220; 230) is provided in the receiving compartment (110), a boost converter (410) which is designed to boost the first output voltage of a first energy unit (210, 220) which is placed in the receiving compartment (110) to a third voltage, in particular an operating voltage, and a control unit (400) which is designed to activate the boost converter (410) when the detector (300) has detected the first energy unit (210, 220) in the receiving compartment (110), and not to activate the boost converter (410) when the detector (300) has detected the second energy unit (230) in the receiving compartment (110). [2] Power supply unit for a mobile device according to claim 1, wherein the power supplied by the power supply unit (100) is ≥ 1 watt. [3] Power supply unit (100) for a mobile device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the receiving compartment (110) has a first contact (111) as a negative contact, a second contact (112) as a positive contact for the energy unit (210, 220, 230) placed therein, and a third contact (113) which is coupled to an electrically conductive connecting element (113) which is suitable for electrically connecting two batteries (210, 220) located in the receiving compartment (110) in series. wherein the detector (300) is coupled to the third contact (113) to detect a voltage at the third contact (113) and, upon detection of a voltage which is essentially equivalent to the output voltage of a battery, to detect the presence of the first energy unit (210, 220) in the receiving space (110). [4] Power supply unit (100) for a mobile device according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control unit (400) includes the boost converter (410) and a first and a second switching unit (420, 430), wherein the control unit (400) is configured to activate a first operating mode when the detector (300) detects the first energy unit (210, 220) in the recording chamber (110) and to activate a second first operating mode when the detector (300) detects the second energy unit (230) in the recording chamber (110), wherein the control unit (400) in the first operating mode is designed to activate the boost converter and to switch the first and second switching units (420, 430) such that the output voltage of the first energy unit (210, 220) is increased by the boost converter (410), wherein the control unit (400) in the second operating mode is designed to switch the first and second switching units (420, 430) in such a way that a bypass is provided in parallel to the boost converter (410) and the boost converter is not activated. [5] Mobile device comprising a power supply unit (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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