Foreign matter detection for wireless charging system

Abstract

To provide a wireless charging system and a method for detecting foreign matter in proximity to the wireless charging system.SOLUTION: A wireless charging system (10) includes a wireless rechargeable battery (14) that receives power from a wireless charging device (16) when the wireless rechargeable battery (14) is in proximity to the wireless charging device (16). The wireless charging device (16) determines the amount of actual electrical consumption of the wireless charging system (10), and the wireless rechargeable battery (14) measures an induction voltage in the wireless rechargeable battery (14) by the wireless charging device (16). The wireless charging device (16), the wireless rechargeable battery (14), or the combination of them determines the amount of predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging system (10) based on the measured voltage and determines whether or not a foreign matter (12) is in proximity to the wireless charging system (10) based on the amount of the predicted electrical consumption and the amount of actual electrical consumption.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 884,092, filed on August 7, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Background Art

[0002] When a conductive foreign object is placed close to the transmitting coil of a wireless charging system, the transmitting coil induces a current in the foreign object, thereby increasing the temperature of the foreign object. As the temperature of the foreign object increases, it can damage the materials used within and around the wireless charging system and can unexpectedly burn the user.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] In one example, a system for detecting a foreign object in proximity to a wireless charging device includes a wirelessly rechargeable battery. The wirelessly rechargeable battery includes a receiving coil that receives power from the wireless charging device when in proximity thereto, one or more battery cells, and an electrical load. The system also includes at least one controller configured to switch the wirelessly rechargeable battery between a first configuration in which the receiving coil is connected to the one or more battery cells and disconnected from the electrical load to charge the one or more battery cells, and a second configuration in which the receiving coil is connected to the electrical load and disconnected from the one or more battery cells to supply power to the electrical load. The at least one controller also measures an induced voltage within the wirelessly rechargeable battery by the wireless charging device and, based on the measured voltage, Then, determine the predicted electrical loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery as a first electrical characteristic, and wireless When the rechargeable battery is in a second configuration, determine a second electrical characteristic of the electrical load, and are configured to perform. At least the controller is further configured to determine whether a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device based on the first and second electrical characteristics are configured to perform. are configured to perform.

[0004] In another example, the wireless charging device includes a transmission coil for transmitting power to the wirelessly rechargeable battery when the wirelessly rechargeable battery is in proximity to the transmission coil, a power supply connected to the transmission coil and configured to generate a power supply signal for supplying power to the transmission coil, and at least one controller. The at least one controller is configured to determine a first electrical characteristic of the power supply signal, determine the predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging device as a second electrical characteristic, and determine whether a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device based on the first and second electrical characteristics are configured to perform. are configured to perform. are configured to perform. are configured to perform. are configured to perform.

[0005] In a further example, a method for detecting a foreign object in proximity to a wireless charging system including a wireless charging device and a wirelessly rechargeable battery is provided, where the wirelessly rechargeable battery includes a reception coil for receiving power from the wireless charging device when the reception coil is in proximity to the wireless charging device, one or more battery cells, and an electrical load. The method includes switching the wirelessly rechargeable battery to a first configuration in which the reception coil is connected to the electrical load and disconnected from the one or more battery cells to supply power to the electrical load, measuring an induced voltage in the wirelessly rechargeable battery by the wireless charging device, and predicting the wirelessly rechargeable battery based on the measured voltage are configured to perform. are configured to perform. are configured to perform. are configured to perform. are configured to perform. are configured to perform. determining electrical loss as a first electrical characteristic, and when the wireless charging battery is in a first configuration, determining a second electrical characteristic of an electrical load, and based on the first and second electrical characteristics, determining whether a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device.

[0006] In a further example, a method of detecting a foreign object in proximity to a wireless charging device is provided, the wireless charging device having a transmitting coil for transmitting power to a wireless charging battery when the wireless charging battery is in proximity to the transmitting coil, and a power supply configured to generate a power supply signal for supplying power to the transmitting coil. The method includes determining a first electrical characteristic of the power supply signal, determining a predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging device as a second electrical characteristic, and based on the first and second electrical characteristics, determining whether a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device.

[0007] In a further example, a wireless charging system for detecting a foreign object includes a wireless charging device and a wireless charging battery that receives power from the wireless charging device when the wireless charging battery is in proximity to the wireless charging device. The wireless charging device includes a first controller configured to determine an actual power consumption of the wireless charging system. The wireless charging battery includes a second controller configured to measure an induced voltage in the wireless charging battery by the wireless charging device. The first controller, the second controller, or a combination of the first and second controllers determines a predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system based on the measured voltage. ​​​​​​​​​​​​configured to determine whether a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging system based on the predicted and actual electricity consumption and perform the determination of whether a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging system based on the predicted and actual electricity consumption of the wireless charging system.

[0008] In a further example, a wireless rechargeable battery for detecting a foreign object in proximity to a wireless charging system is provided. The wireless charging system includes a wireless rechargeable battery and a wireless charging device configured to transmit power to the wireless rechargeable battery when the wireless rechargeable battery is in proximity to a wireless charging device. The wireless rechargeable battery is configured to measure an induced voltage in the wireless rechargeable battery by the wireless charging device, determine a predicted electricity consumption of the wireless charging system based on the measured voltage, and include a controller configured to determine whether a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging system based on the predicted and actual electricity consumption of the wireless charging system. In a further example, a method for detecting a foreign object in proximity to a wireless charging system including a wireless charging device and a wireless rechargeable battery configured to receive power from the wireless charging device when the wireless rechargeable battery is in proximity to the wireless charging device is provided. The method includes determining an actual electricity consumption of the wireless charging system by the wireless charging device and measuring an induced voltage in the wireless rechargeable battery by the wireless charging device. The method includes determining a predicted electricity consumption of the wireless charging system based on the measured voltage by the wireless charging device, the wireless rechargeable battery, or a combination of the wireless charging device and the wireless rechargeable battery, and determining whether a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging system based on the predicted and actual electricity consumption by the wireless charging device, the wireless rechargeable battery, or a combination of the wireless charging device and the wireless rechargeable battery. when the wireless rechargeable battery is in proximity to a wireless charging device, a wireless charging device configured to transmit power to the wireless rechargeable battery. The wireless rechargeable battery is configured to measure an induced voltage in the wireless rechargeable battery by the wireless charging device, determine a predicted electricity consumption of the wireless charging system based on the measured voltage, and determine a predicted electricity consumption of the wireless charging system based on the measured voltage, and configured to determine whether a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging system based on the predicted and actual electricity consumption of the wireless charging system. include a controller configured to determine whether a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging system based on the predicted and actual electricity consumption of the wireless charging system.

[0009] In a further example, a method for detecting a foreign object in proximity to a wireless charging system including a wireless charging device and a wireless rechargeable battery configured to receive power from the wireless charging device when the wireless rechargeable battery is in proximity to the wireless charging device is provided. The method includes determining an actual electricity consumption of the wireless charging system by the wireless charging device and measuring an induced voltage in the wireless rechargeable battery by the wireless charging device. The method includes determining a predicted electricity consumption of the wireless charging system based on the measured voltage by the wireless charging device, the wireless rechargeable battery, or a combination of the wireless charging device and the wireless rechargeable battery, and when the wireless rechargeable battery is in proximity to the wireless charging device, a wireless rechargeable battery configured to receive power from the wireless charging device. The method includes determining an actual electricity consumption of the wireless charging system by the wireless charging device and measuring an induced voltage in the wireless rechargeable battery by the wireless charging device. The method includes determining an actual electricity consumption of the wireless charging system by the wireless charging device and measuring an induced voltage in the wireless rechargeable battery by the wireless charging device. The method includes determining a predicted electricity consumption of the wireless charging system based on the measured voltage by the wireless charging device, the wireless rechargeable battery, or a combination of the wireless charging device and the wireless rechargeable battery, and The method includes determining a predicted electricity consumption of the wireless charging system based on the measured voltage by the wireless charging device, the wireless rechargeable battery, or a combination of the wireless charging device and the wireless rechargeable battery, and determine a predicted electricity consumption of the wireless charging system based on the measured voltage, and The method includes determining a predicted electricity consumption of the wireless charging system based on the measured voltage by the wireless charging device, the wireless rechargeable battery, or a combination of the wireless charging device and the wireless rechargeable battery, and determine whether a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging system based on the predicted and actual electricity consumption by the wireless charging device, the wireless rechargeable battery, or a combination of the wireless charging device and the wireless rechargeable battery.​ further includes determining whether it is close to the wireless charging system.

[0010] In a further example, a wireless charging system includes a wireless charging battery and a wireless charging device that transmits power to the wireless charging battery when the wireless charging battery is close to the wireless charging device. A method for detecting a foreign object close to the wireless charging system is provided. The method includes measuring, by the wireless charging battery, the induced voltage in the wireless charging battery by the wireless charging device, and determining, by the wireless charging battery, the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system based on the measured voltage. The wireless charging battery determines whether a foreign object is close to the wireless charging system based on the predicted and actual power consumption of the wireless charging system. including measuring, by the wireless charging battery, the induced voltage in the wireless charging battery by the wireless charging device; determining, by the wireless charging battery, the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system based on the measured voltage; and determining, by the wireless charging battery, whether a foreign object is close to the wireless charging system based on the predicted and actual power consumption of the wireless charging system.

[0011] In another example, a wireless charging system for detecting a foreign object includes a wireless charging battery and a wireless charging device having a transmitting coil for charging the wireless charging battery when the wireless charging battery is placed close to the transmitting coil. The wireless charging system determines a first predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system corresponding to the first distance in response to the wireless charging battery being placed at a first distance from the transmitting coil of the wireless charging device, and determines whether a foreign object is close to the wireless charging device based on the first predicted power consumption. including determining a first predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system corresponding to the first distance in response to the wireless charging battery being placed at a first distance from the transmitting coil of the wireless charging device; and determining whether a foreign object is close to the wireless charging device based on the first predicted power consumption. The wireless charging system further includes at least one controller configured to determine a second predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system corresponding to the second distance in response to the wireless charging battery being placed at a second distance different from the first distance from the transmitting coil of the wireless charging device, and determine whether a foreign object is close to the wireless charging device based on the second predicted power consumption. including determining a second predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system corresponding to the second distance in response to the wireless charging battery being placed at a second distance different from the first distance from the transmitting coil of the wireless charging device; and determining whether a foreign object is close to the wireless charging device based on the second predicted power consumption.​​​​​​​​ is further configured to determine whether it is close or not.

[0012] In another example, a wireless charging system includes a wireless charging battery and a wireless charging device having a transmission coil for charging the wireless charging battery when the wireless charging battery is placed close to the transmission coil. A method for detecting a foreign object close to the wireless charging system is provided. The method includes determining a first predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system corresponding to a first distance in response to the wireless charging battery being placed at a first distance from the transmission coil of the wireless charging device, and determining based on the first predicted power consumption whether a foreign object is close to the wireless charging system. The method further includes determining a second predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system corresponding to a second distance different from the first distance in response to the wireless charging battery being placed at the second distance from the transmission coil of the wireless charging device, and determining based on the second predicted power consumption whether a foreign object is close to the wireless charging system. wireless charging system including a wireless charging battery and a wireless charging device having a transmission coil for charging the wireless charging battery when the wireless charging battery is placed close to the transmission coil. A method for detecting a foreign object close to the wireless charging system is provided. The method includes determining a first predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system corresponding to a first distance in response to the wireless charging battery being placed at a first distance from the transmission coil of the wireless charging device, and determining based on the first predicted power consumption whether a foreign object is close to the wireless charging system. The method further includes determining a second predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system corresponding to a second distance different from the first distance in response to the wireless charging battery being placed at the second distance from the transmission coil of the wireless charging device, and determining based on the second predicted power consumption whether a foreign object is close to the wireless charging system. A method for detecting a foreign object close to a wireless charging system is provided. The method includes determining a first predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system corresponding to a first distance in response to the wireless charging battery being placed at a first distance from the transmission coil of the wireless charging device, and determining based on the first predicted power consumption whether a foreign object is close to the wireless charging system. The method further includes determining a second predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system corresponding to a second distance different from the first distance in response to the wireless charging battery being placed at the second distance from the transmission coil of the wireless charging device, and determining based on the second predicted power consumption whether a foreign object is close to the wireless charging system. In response to the wireless charging battery being placed at a first distance from the transmission coil of the wireless charging device, determining a first predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system corresponding to the first distance, and determining based on the first predicted power consumption whether a foreign object is close to the wireless charging system. Determining a first predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system corresponding to a first distance in response to the wireless charging battery being placed at a first distance from the transmission coil of the wireless charging device, and determining based on the first predicted power consumption whether a foreign object is close to the wireless charging system. Based on the first predicted power consumption, determine whether a foreign object is close to the wireless charging system. The method includes determining a first predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system corresponding to a first distance in response to the wireless charging battery being placed at a first distance from the transmission coil of the wireless charging device, and determining based on the first predicted power consumption whether a foreign object is close to the wireless charging system. The method further includes determining a second predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system corresponding to a second distance different from the first distance in response to the wireless charging battery being placed at the second distance from the transmission coil of the wireless charging device, and determining based on the second predicted power consumption whether a foreign object is close to the wireless charging system. In response to the wireless charging battery being placed at a second distance different from the first distance from the transmission coil of the wireless charging device, determining a second predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system corresponding to the second distance, and determining based on the second predicted power consumption whether a foreign object is close to the wireless charging system. Determining a second predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system corresponding to a second distance different from the first distance in response to the wireless charging battery being placed at the second distance from the transmission coil of the wireless charging device, and determining based on the second predicted power consumption whether a foreign object is close to the wireless charging system. Based on the second predicted power consumption, determine whether a foreign object is close to the wireless charging system.

[0013] In another example, a method for calibrating a wireless charging battery for detecting a foreign object close to a wireless charging system is provided. The wireless charging system includes a wireless charging battery and a wireless charging device having a transmission coil. The wireless charging battery has a reception coil, an electrical load connected to the reception coil, and a non-volatile memory device. The method includes placing the wireless charging battery close to the wireless charging device such that the reception coil is located at a first distance from the transmission coil, and while the wireless charging battery is placed close to the wireless charging device with the reception coil located at the first distance from the transmission coil, charging the wireless charging battery by the wireless charging device. A method for calibrating a wireless charging battery for detecting a foreign object close to a wireless charging system is provided. The wireless charging system includes a wireless charging battery and a wireless charging device having a transmission coil. The wireless charging battery has a reception coil, an electrical load connected to the reception coil, and a non-volatile memory device. The method includes placing the wireless charging battery close to the wireless charging device such that the reception coil is located at a first distance from the transmission coil, and while the wireless charging battery is placed close to the wireless charging device with the reception coil located at the first distance from the transmission coil, charging the wireless charging battery by the wireless charging device. A method for calibrating a wireless charging battery for detecting a foreign object close to a wireless charging system is provided. The wireless charging system includes a wireless charging battery and a wireless charging device having a transmission coil. The wireless charging battery has a reception coil, an electrical load connected to the reception coil, and a non-volatile memory device. The method includes placing the wireless charging battery close to the wireless charging device such that the reception coil is located at a first distance from the transmission coil, and while the wireless charging battery is placed close to the wireless charging device with the reception coil located at the first distance from the transmission coil, charging the wireless charging battery by the wireless charging device. The method includes placing the wireless charging battery close to the wireless charging device such that the reception coil is located at a first distance from the transmission coil, and while the wireless charging battery is placed close to the wireless charging device with the reception coil located at the first distance from the transmission coil, charging the wireless charging battery by the wireless charging device. Place the wireless charging battery close to the wireless charging device so that the reception coil is located at a first distance from the transmission coil. While the wireless charging battery is placed close to the wireless charging device with the reception coil located at a first distance from the transmission coil, charge the wireless charging battery with the wireless charging device. While the wireless charging battery is placed close to the wireless charging device with the reception coil located at a first distance from the transmission coil, charge the wireless charging battery with the wireless charging device. Measuring a first induced voltage therein, and a first electrical characteristic of a signal supplied to an electrical load, and measuring a first electrical characteristic of a power supply signal provided by a wireless charging device and, based on the first electrical characteristic of the electrical load, the first electrical characteristic of the power supply signal provided by the wireless charging device, and a predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging device, determining a first electrical loss of a wirelessly rechargeable battery. The method includes positioning the wirelessly rechargeable battery proximate to the wireless charging device such that the receiving coil is at a second distance different from the first distance from the transmitting coil, and while the wirelessly rechargeable battery is positioned proximate to the wireless charging device such that the receiving coil is at the second distance from the transmitting coil, measuring a second induced voltage in the wirelessly rechargeable battery by the wireless charging device, and a second electrical characteristic of a signal supplied to an electrical load, and a second electrical characteristic of a power supply signal provided by the wireless charging device, and, based on the second electrical characteristic of the electrical load, the second electrical characteristic of the power supply signal provided by the wireless charging device, and a predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging device, determining a second electrical loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery. The method also includes generating calibration data for the wirelessly rechargeable battery based on the first electrical loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery, the second electrical loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery, the first measured voltage, and the second measured voltage, and storing the calibration data in a non-volatile memory device of the wirelessly rechargeable battery. In a further example, a wireless charging system for detecting foreign objects includes a wireless charging device and a wirelessly rechargeable battery positioned proximate to the wireless charging device to charge one or more battery cells.

[0014] When present, a wirelessly rechargeable battery having one or a plurality of battery cells configured to be charged from received power from a wireless charging device, and at least one controller. The at least one controller is configured to start a charging cycle in response to the wirelessly rechargeable battery being placed in proximity to a wireless charging device, monitor electrical characteristics of a power supply signal provided by the wireless charging device during the charging cycle, and trigger a foreign object detection cycle based on the monitored electrical characteristics. In another example, a method for detecting a foreign object in proximity to a wireless charging system including a wirelessly rechargeable battery having one or a plurality of battery cells and a wireless charging device for charging the one or a plurality of battery cells of the wirelessly rechargeable battery is provided. The method includes placing the wirelessly rechargeable battery in proximity to the wireless charging device, starting a charging cycle, monitoring electrical characteristics of a power supply signal provided by the wireless charging device during the charging cycle, and triggering a foreign object detection cycle based on the monitored electrical characteristics.

[0015] The advantages of the present disclosure will be readily understood when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings and will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description. Non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments of the present disclosure are described with reference to the following figures, and throughout the various figures, like numerals refer to like parts unless otherwise specified.

[0016]

[0017]

Figure 1

[0017] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1

[0017]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] Throughout this specification, references to "one instance", "an instance", "one example", or "an example" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example or instance is included in at least one instance of the invention. At various places throughout this specification, "in one instance", "in an instance", "in one example", or "in an example" instance) means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example or instance is included in at least one instance of the invention. Throughout this specification le) means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example or instance is included in at least one instance of the invention. Throughout this specification characteristic is included in at least one instance of the invention. Throughout this specification wherein, "in one instance", "in an instance", "in one example", "in a The phraseology of "in an example)" does not necessarily refer to the same instance or example. Further, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be combined in any suitable combination and / or partial combination in one or more instances or examples. Additionally, the figures provided herein are for illustrative purposes for those skilled in the art, and it will be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. is not limited to. Further, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be combined in any suitable combination and / or partial combination in one or more instances or examples, and be combined in any suitable combination and / or partial combination. In addition, the figures provided herein are for illustrative purposes for those skilled in the art, and it will be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. obtained. In addition, the figures provided herein are for illustrative purposes for those skilled in the art, and it will be understood that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless charging system 10 configured to detect a foreign object 12 proximate to the wireless charging system 10. When a foreign object 12, or more particularly, a conductive foreign object 12, is accidentally placed proximate to the wireless charging system 10, the wireless charging system 10

[0019] may induce a current in the foreign object 12, thereby increasing the temperature of the foreign object 12. The heated foreign object 12 may damage the materials used within and around the wireless charging system 10, such as melting adjacent resin materials, or may cause injury to a user in contact with the wireless charging system 10 and the foreign object 12. Accordingly, the wireless charging system 10 is configured to detect whether the foreign object 12 is proximate to the wireless charging system 10 and, in response to the detection of such a foreign object 12, disable the charging operation and warn the user. FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless charging system 10 configured to detect a foreign object 12 proximate to the wireless charging system 10. When a foreign object 12, or more particularly, a conductive foreign object 12, is accidentally placed proximate to the wireless charging system 10, the wireless charging system 10 may induce a current in the foreign object 12, thereby increasing the temperature of the foreign object 12. The heated foreign object 12 may damage the materials used within and around the wireless charging system 10, such as melting adjacent resin materials, or may cause injury to a user in contact with the wireless charging system 10 and the foreign object 12. Accordingly, the wireless charging system 10 is configured to detect whether the foreign object 12 is proximate to the wireless charging system 10 and, in response to the detection of such a foreign object 12, disable the charging operation and warn the user. may induce a current in the foreign object 12, thereby increasing the temperature of the foreign object 12. The heated foreign object 12 may damage the materials used within and around the wireless charging system 10, such as melting adjacent resin materials, or may cause injury to a user in contact with the wireless charging system 10 and the foreign object 12. Accordingly, the wireless charging system 10 is configured to detect whether the foreign object 12 is proximate to the wireless charging system 10 and, in response to the detection of such a foreign object 12, disable the charging operation and warn the user. The heated foreign object 12 may damage the materials used within and around the wireless charging system 10, such as melting adjacent resin materials, or may cause injury to a user in contact with the wireless charging system 10 and the foreign object 12. Accordingly, the wireless charging system 10 is configured to detect whether the foreign object 12 is proximate to the wireless charging system 10 and, in response to the detection of such a foreign object 12, disable the charging operation and warn the user. The heated foreign object 12 may damage the materials used within and around the wireless charging system 10, such as melting adjacent resin materials, or may cause injury to a user in contact with the wireless charging system 10 and the foreign object 12. Accordingly, the wireless charging system 10 is configured to detect whether the foreign object 12 is proximate to the wireless charging system 10 and, in response to the detection of such a foreign object 12, disable the charging operation and warn the user. The heated foreign object 12 may damage the materials used within and around the wireless charging system 10, such as melting adjacent resin materials, or may cause injury to a user in contact with the wireless charging system 10 and the foreign object 12. Accordingly, the wireless charging system 10 is configured to detect whether the foreign object 12 is proximate to the wireless charging system 10 and, in response to the detection of such a foreign object 12, disable the charging operation and warn the user. The heated foreign object 12 may damage the materials used within and around the wireless charging system 10, such as melting adjacent resin materials, or may cause injury to a user in contact with the wireless charging system 10 and the foreign object 12. Accordingly, the wireless charging system 10 is configured to detect whether the foreign object 12 is proximate to the wireless charging system 10 and, in response to the detection of such a foreign object 12, disable the charging operation and warn the user. The heated foreign object 12 may damage the materials used within and around the wireless charging system 10, such as melting adjacent resin materials, or may cause injury to a user in contact with the wireless charging system 10 and the foreign object 12. Accordingly, the wireless charging system 10 is configured to detect whether the foreign object 12 is proximate to the wireless charging system 10 and, in response to the detection of such a foreign object 12, disable the charging operation and warn the user.

[0020] The wireless charging system 10 includes a wireless charging battery 14 and a wireless charging device 16. The wireless charging device 16 includes a charging surface 18. The wireless charging device 16 is configured to charge the wireless charging battery 14 when the wireless charging battery 14 is placed proximate to the charging surface 18. Specifically, the wireless charging device 16 is configured to transmit an electrical signal to charge the wireless charging battery 14. The wireless charging system 10 includes a wireless charging battery 14 and a wireless charging device 16. The wireless charging device 16 includes a charging surface 18. The wireless charging device 16 is configured to charge the wireless charging battery 14 when the wireless charging battery 14 is placed proximate to the charging surface 18. Specifically, the wireless charging device 16 is configured to transmit an electrical signal to charge the wireless charging battery 14. The wireless charging system 10 includes a wireless charging battery 14 and a wireless charging device 16. The wireless charging device 16 includes a charging surface 18. The wireless charging device 16 is configured to charge the wireless charging battery 14 when the wireless charging battery 14 is placed proximate to the charging surface 18. Specifically, the wireless charging device 16 is configured to transmit an electrical signal to charge the wireless charging battery 14. Specifically, the wireless charging device 16 is configured to transmit an electrical signal to charge the wireless charging battery 14. Induce the number into the wireless charging battery 14.

[0021] FIG. 1 also illustrates a foreign object 12 placed in proximity to the charging surface 18. The foreign object 12 , as described above, may include a conductive material through which the wireless charging system 10 induces current . In the illustrated example, the foreign object 12 is a paper clip. As other non-limiting examples , the foreign object 12 may be a coin, a key, or a ring. The foreign object 12 may also be a medical object such as a sterilization indicator with a metal foil attached to the back .

[0022] FIG. 2 illustrates the components of the wireless charging system 10, and more particularly, the components of the wireless charging battery 14 and the wireless charging device 16. The wireless charging device 16 includes a power source 20, a charger control circuit 22, and a transmitting coil 24. The charger control circuit 22 includes a DC / AC converter 26. During operation of the wireless charging system 10, the power source 20 receives a commercial power signal from a commercial power source 28 such as a wall outlet . The commercial power signal is alternating current (AC). The power source 20 is configured to output an electrical power supply signal from the received commercial power signal. Specifically, the power source 20 is an AC / DC converter , and the electrical power supply signal may be a direct current (DC) signal having a supply voltage v , a supply current i , and a supply power P . The power source 20 is configured to supply the electrical power supply signal to the DC / AC converter 26 of the charger control circuit 22. The DC / AC converter 26 may be configured to generate an AC signal across the transmitting coil 24 from the electrical power supply signal supply . The AC signal across the transmitting coil 24 is such that when the wireless charging battery 14 is placed in proximity to the charging surface 18 supply , and supply power P supply . The power source 20 supplies the electrical power supply signal to the DC / AC converter 26 of the charger control circuit 22. The DC / AC converter 26 is configured to generate an AC signal across the transmitting coil 24 from the electrical power supply signal . The AC signal across the transmitting coil 24 is such that when the wireless charging battery 14 is placed in proximity to the charging surface 18 . The AC signal across the transmitting coil 24 is such that when the wireless charging battery 14 is placed in proximity to the charging surface 18 . The AC signal across the transmitting coil 24 is such that when the wireless charging battery 14 is placed in proximity to the charging surface 18 When in this state, it generates an electromagnetic field that induces an AC signal corresponding to the receiving coil 30 (power receiving coil) of the wirelessly chargeable battery 14.

[0023] In addition to the receiving coil 30, the wirelessly chargeable battery 14 may include a voltage rectifier 32, a voltage regulator 34, a battery control circuit 36, and one or more battery cells 38. When the receiving coil 30 of the wirelessly chargeable battery 14 is placed close to the charging surface 18, the electrical signal of the receiving coil 30 induced by the transmitting coil 24 is supplied to the voltage rectifier 32. The voltage rectifier 32 is configured to generate input power from the induced signal of the receiving coil 30. The input power signal is a DC signal having a received voltage v . The voltage rectifier 32 is configured to provide the input power signal rec to the voltage regulator 34, and the voltage regulator 34 is then configured to output a load signal from the received power signal. The load signal is a DC signal having a load voltage v , a load load current i , and a load power P load . When the wireless charging system 10 is load operating in the charging mode, the battery control circuit 36 is configured to transmit the load signal to the battery cells 38 in order to charge the battery cells 38. When a predetermined event occurs, the wireless charging system 10 transitions from the charging mode to a foreign object detection mode for determining whether the foreign object 12 is proximate to the charging surface 18 of the wireless charging device 16. The wireless charging system 10 assumes that the foreign object 12 does not exist and determines the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10, and that the foreign object 12 wirelessly charges the system

[0024] When a predetermined event occurs, the wireless charging system 10 transitions from the charging mode to a foreign object detection mode for determining whether the foreign object 12 is proximate to the charging surface 18 of the wireless charging device 16. The wireless charging system 10 assumes that the foreign object 12 does not exist and determines the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10, and that the foreign object 12 wirelessly charges the system and determines the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 assuming that the foreign object 12 does not exist, and that the foreign object 12 wirelessly charges the system ​​To determine whether or not power is being consumed from the item 10, this determination can be made by comparing the predicted power consumption and the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10. This determination can be made by comparing the predicted power consumption and the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10.

[0025] The power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 can be a function of the electrical loss and power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 due to a load such as the battery cell 38. The electrical loss of the wireless charging system 10, when the foreign object 12 is present, corresponds to the power loss of the wireless charging system 10 dissipated by the foreign object 12, and the power consumption due to the load of the wireless charging system 10 corresponds to the power dissipated by the load of the wireless charging system 10. Therefore, the power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 is equivalent to the power supplied by the wireless charging system 10, or more specifically, the power supplied by the power source 20 and consumed by the wireless charging system 10, and when the foreign object 12 is close to the wireless charging system 10, the power consumed by the foreign object 12. The power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 is due to various sources. For example, power can be dissipated by the inherent structure of the wireless charging device 16, such as the charger control circuit 22 and the transmission coil 24. Power can also be dissipated by the inherent structure of the wireless charging battery 14, such as the voltage rectifier 32, the voltage regulator 34, and the battery control circuit 36. Power can be further dissipated by the load of the wireless charging battery 14, such as the battery cell 38. The power dissipated by the inherent structure of the wireless charging device 16 is referred to herein as the power loss P of the wireless charging device 16, and the power dissipated by the inherent structure of the wireless charging battery 14 is referred to herein as the power loss P of the wireless charging battery 14. of the wireless charging battery 14. The power consumed by the wireless charging system 10 is due to various sources. For example, power can be dissipated by the inherent structure of the wireless charging device 16, such as the charger control circuit 22 and the transmission coil 24. Power can also be dissipated by the inherent structure of the wireless charging battery 14, such as the voltage rectifier 32, the voltage regulator 34, and the battery control circuit 36. Power can be further dissipated by the load of the wireless charging battery 14, such as the battery cell 38. The power dissipated by the inherent structure of the wireless charging device 16 is referred to herein as the power loss P of the wireless charging device 16, and the power dissipated by the inherent structure of the wireless charging battery 14 is referred to herein as the power loss P of the wireless charging battery 14.

[0026] The power consumption by the wireless charging system 10 is caused by various sources. For example, power can be dissipated by the inherent structure of the wireless charging device 16, such as the charger control circuit 22 and the transmission coil 24. Power can also be dissipated by the inherent structure of the wireless charging battery 14, such as the voltage rectifier 32, the voltage regulator 34, and the battery control circuit 36. Power can be further dissipated by the load of the wireless charging battery 14, such as the battery cell 38. The power dissipated by the inherent structure of the wireless charging device 16 is referred to herein as the power loss P of the wireless charging device 16, and the power dissipated by the inherent structure of the wireless charging battery 14 is referred to herein as the power loss P of the wireless charging battery 14. The power consumption by the wireless charging system 10 is caused by various sources. For example, power can be dissipated by the inherent structure of the wireless charging device 16, such as the charger control circuit 22 and the transmission coil 24. Power can also be dissipated by the inherent structure of the wireless charging battery 14, such as the voltage rectifier 32, the voltage regulator 34, and the battery control circuit 36. Power can be further dissipated by the load of the wireless charging battery 14, such as the battery cell 38. The power dissipated by the inherent structure of the wireless charging device 16 is referred to herein as the power loss P of the wireless charging device 16, and the power dissipated by the inherent structure of the wireless charging battery 14 is referred to herein as the power loss P of the wireless charging battery 14. of the wireless charging device 16, and the power dissipated by the inherent structure of the wireless charging battery 14 is referred to herein as the power loss P Tx losses of the wireless charging battery 14. The dissipated power is, in this specification, the power loss P of the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 Rx losses and is referred to as The power consumed by the load of the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 is, in this specification, P load and is referred to as .

[0027] The power consumed by the wireless charging system 10 is substantially equal to the sum of P Tx losses , P Rx losses , and P load . Assuming that the foreign object 12 is not placed in close proximity to the transmission coil 24 of the wireless charging device 16, this total is, in this specification, P and is substantially equal to the supplied power from the power source 20, which is referred to as P supply in this specification. In other words, when the foreign object 12 is absent, the following relationship holds true.

[0028] 0 ≒ P supply - P Tx losses - P Rx losses - P load

[0029] However, when the foreign object 12 is placed in close proximity to the transmission coil 24 of the wireless charging device 16 , some of the supplied power P supply from the power source 20 is also consumed by the foreign object 12 . Specifically, when the foreign object 12 containing a conductive material enters the magnetic field generated by the transmission coil 24, the magnetic field induces eddy currents in the conductive material. These currents cause the foreign object 12 to dissipate power from the wireless charging system 10. The power dissipated by the foreign object 12 is, in this specification, referred to as P FO . Therefore, when the foreign object 12 is present, the following relationship holds true .

[0030] P FO ≒ P supply - P Tx losses - P Rx losses ​-P load

[0031] Therefore, in order to determine whether the foreign object 12 exists, the wireless charging system 10 determines the difference between the supply power P from the power supply 20, referred to as the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 supply and the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 assuming that the foreign object 12 does not exist. When the difference is less than a predetermined threshold value, the wireless charging system 10 is configured to determine that the foreign object 12 does not exist. When the difference is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold value, it is possible that the foreign object 12 is dissipating the power P, and the wireless charging system 10 is configured to determine that the foreign object 12 exists. The power consumed by the wireless charging system 10, or more specifically, by the wireless charging battery 14, may also be a function of the position of the receiving coil 30 of the wireless charging battery 14 with respect to the transmitting coil 24 of the wireless charging device 16. Specifically, the receiving coil 30 can be spaced at various distances from the transmitting coil 24 but can still receive power from the transmitting coil 24. For example, referring to FIG. 3A, the wireless charging battery 14 is disposed on the charging surface 18 of the wireless charging device 16 such that the receiving coil 30 is spaced a distance D1 from the transmitting coil 24, where the distance D1 corresponds to the thickness of the housing of the wireless charging battery 14. As another example, referring to FIG. 3B, the wireless charging battery 14 is disposed within a sterilizable container 39 and is disposed on the charging surface 18 of the wireless charging device 16 such that the receiving coil 30 is spaced a distance D2 from the transmitting coil 24. Here, the distance D2 is the thickness of the housing of the wireless charging battery 14 and the sterilization FO

[0032] 4 and can still receive power from the transmitting coil 24. For example, referring to FIG. 3A, the wireless charging battery 14 is disposed on the charging surface 18 of the wireless charging device 16 such that the receiving coil 30 is spaced a distance D1 from the transmitting coil 24, where the distance D1 corresponds to the thickness of the housing of the wireless charging battery 14. As another example, referring to FIG. 3B, the wireless charging battery 14 is disposed within a sterilizable container 39 and is disposed on the charging surface 18 of the wireless charging device 16 such that the receiving coil 30 is spaced a distance D2 from the transmitting coil 24. Here, the distance D2 is the thickness of the housing of the wireless charging battery 14 and the sterilization ​​​​​​​​​​​​including both possible thicknesses of the container 39 and being greater than the distance D1. As a further example, wireless charging The inductive battery 14 is placed on the charging surface 18 of the wireless charging device 16 with the receiving coil 30 off - center from the transmitting coil 24.

[0033] The power consumed by the inductive battery 14, and similarly the power consumed by the wireless charging system 10, can vary as a function of the distance between the receiving coil 30 of the inductive battery 14 and the transmitting coil 24 of the wireless charging device 16. For example, FIG. 4 illustrates a solid - line graph of the power consumed by the wireless charging system 10 when the foreign object 12 is not close to the wireless charging device 16, as a function of the received voltage v induced in the inductive battery 14 by the wireless charging device 16. As shown, the greater the distance between the receiving coil 30 and the transmitting coil 24, the smaller the received voltage v induced in the inductive battery 14 by the wireless charging device 16, and correspondingly, the greater the power consumed by the wireless charging system 10. FIG. 4 also illustrates a dotted - line graph of the power of the wireless charging system 10 consumed when the foreign object 12 is close to the wireless charging device 16, as a function of the received voltage v induced in the inductive battery 14 by the wireless charging device 16. As shown, the power of the wireless charging system 10 consumed when the foreign object 12 is close to the wireless charging device 16 may be similar to the power of the wireless charging system 10 consumed when there is no foreign object 12 but the distance between the receiving coil 30 and the transmitting coil 24 is increasing. In this situation rec rec

[0034] FIG. 4 also illustrates a dotted line showing the power of the wireless charging system 10 consumed when the foreign object 12 is close to the wireless charging device 16, as a function of the received voltage v induced in the inductive battery 14 by the wireless charging device 16. As shown, the power of the wireless charging system 10 consumed when the foreign object 12 is close to the wireless charging device 16 rec may be similar to the power of the wireless charging system 10 consumed when there is no foreign object 12 but the distance between the receiving coil 30 and the transmitting coil 24 is increasing. In this situation ​​​​​​​​​​​can be represented by the examples shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.

[0035] Wireless charging system 10 is configured to distinguish between a case where the wirelessly chargeable battery 14 is disposed at a distance from the wireless charging device 16 without the foreign object 12, and a case where the wirelessly chargeable battery 14 is disposed at a distance further from the wireless charging device 16 and the foreign object 12 is in proximity to the wireless charging device 16, even if the power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 is similar in both cases. More specifically, the wireless charging system 10 is configured to determine the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 based on the electrical characteristics of the wireless charging system 10 measured during execution and predetermined calibration data specific to the wireless charging system 10. The predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 assumes that the foreign object 12 is not in proximity to the wireless charging device 16. The wireless charging system 10 is also configured to determine the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 based on the electrical characteristics of the wireless charging system 10 measured during execution. For example, the actual power consumption corresponds to the power P provided by the power supply 20. The predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 does not include any power P lost by the foreign object 12, but when the power P is dissipated by the foreign object 12, the supply current i increases, so when the power P is dissipated by the foreign object 12, the actual power consumption determined for the wireless charging system 10 increases. Therefore, unlike the predicted power consumption, the actual power consumption includes the power P lost by the foreign object 12. Thus, the actual power consumption is greater than the predicted power consumption. The wireless charging system 10 is configured to distinguish between a case where the wirelessly chargeable battery 14 is disposed at a distance from the wireless charging device 16 without the foreign object 12, and a case where the wirelessly chargeable battery 14 is disposed at a distance further from the wireless charging device 16 and the foreign object 12 is in proximity to the wireless charging device 16, even if the power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 is similar in both cases. More specifically, the wireless charging system 10 is configured to determine the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 based on the electrical characteristics of the wireless charging system 10 measured during execution and predetermined calibration data specific to the wireless charging system 10. The predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 assumes that the foreign object 12 is not in proximity to the wireless charging device 16. The wireless charging system 10 is also configured to determine the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 based on the electrical characteristics of the wireless charging system 10 measured during execution. For example, the actual power consumption corresponds to the power P provided by the power supply 20. The predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 does not include any power P lost by the foreign object 12, but when the power P is dissipated by the foreign object 12, the supply current i increases, so when the power P is dissipated by the foreign object 12, the actual power consumption determined for the wireless charging system 10 increases. Therefore, unlike the predicted power consumption, the actual power consumption includes the power P lost by the foreign object 12. Thus, the actual power consumption is greater than the predicted power consumption. The wireless charging system 10 is configured to distinguish between a case where the wirelessly chargeable battery 14 is disposed at a distance from the wireless charging device 16 without the foreign object 12, and a case where the wirelessly chargeable battery 14 is disposed at a distance further from the wireless charging device 16 and the foreign object 12 is in proximity to the wireless charging device 16, even if the power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 is similar in both cases. More specifically, the wireless charging system 10 is configured to determine the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 based on the electrical characteristics of the wireless charging system 10 measured during execution and predetermined calibration data specific to the wireless charging system 10. The predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 assumes that the foreign object 12 is not in proximity to the wireless charging device 16. The wireless charging system 10 is also configured to determine the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 based on the electrical characteristics of the wireless charging system 10 measured during execution. For example, the actual power consumption corresponds to the power P provided by the power supply 20. The predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 does not include any power P lost by the foreign object 12, but when the power P is dissipated by the foreign object 12, the supply current i increases, so when the power P is dissipated by the foreign object 12, the actual power consumption determined for the wireless charging system 10 increases. supply corresponds to The predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 does not include any power P lost by the foreign object 12, but when the power P is dissipated by the foreign object 12, the supply current i increases, so when the power P is dissipated by the foreign object 12, the actual power consumption determined for the wireless charging system 10 increases. P FO but when the power P is dissipated by the foreign object 12, FO the supply current i supply increases so when the power P is dissipated by the foreign object 12, FO the actual power consumption determined for the wireless charging system 10 increases. Therefore, unlike the predicted power consumption, the actual power consumption includes the power P lost by the foreign object 12. FO Thus, the actual power consumption is greater than the predicted power consumption. If the amount is significantly different from a predetermined threshold, the wireless charging system 10 is configured to determine that the foreign object 12 is in proximity to the wireless charging device 16.

[0036] Instead of power consumption, the power consumption identified by the wireless charging system 10 to determine whether the foreign object 12 is in proximity to the wireless charging device 16 can be defined by the current passing through the wireless charging system 10. Specifically, the power dissipated by an object is a function of the voltage across the object and the current passing through the object, and since the voltage across the wireless charging system 10 is maintained substantially constant during a given foreign object detection cycle, the wireless charging system 10 determines a predicted current through the wireless charging system 10 assuming no foreign object 12 is present, and can be configured to compare the predicted current with the actual current supplied to the wireless charging system 10 to determine whether the foreign object 12 is in proximity to the wireless charging device 16. The actual current supplied to the wireless charging system 10 corresponds to the supply current i 0. If the actual current is significantly different from the predicted current by a predetermined threshold, the wireless charging system 10 is configured to determine that the foreign object 12 is in proximity to the wireless charging device 16. Thus, in the following examples, although the power supplied and consumed by the wireless charging system 10 is referred to for detecting the presence of the foreign object 12, it will be understood that the current supplied and consumed by the wireless charging system 10 may be used as an alternative. supply

[0037] The wireless charging battery 14 and the wireless charging device 16 each include a sensor 40 and a controller 42 to determine whether the foreign object 12 is in proximity to the wireless charging device 16. obtained. The sensor 40A of the wireless rechargeable battery 14 is configured to generate data indicating the electrical characteristics of the electrical signal within the wireless rechargeable battery 14, and the sensor 40B of the wireless charging device 16 is configured to generate data indicating the electrical characteristics of the electrical signal within the wireless charging device 16. As a non-limiting example, each of the sensors 40 of the wireless rechargeable battery 14 and the wireless charging device 16 includes a voltage sensor and a current sensor. The controller 42 is configured to determine whether the foreign object 12 is in proximity to the wireless charging device 16 based on the electrical characteristics indicated by the sensor data generated by the sensor 40. Specifically, as described herein, the controller 42 determines the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 based on the sensor data, and determines whether the foreign object 12 is in proximity to the wireless charging device 16 based on the predicted power consumption and the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10. The power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 can be a function of the current passing through the battery cell 38, including the current passing through the wireless charging system 10. Since the impedance of the battery cell 38 changes depending on its charge level, determining the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 as a function of the current passing through the battery cell 38 when the battery cell 38 is charged can be complex and result in inaccurate results. Therefore, the wireless rechargeable battery 14 also includes an electrical load 46 for performing foreign object detection. The electrical load 46 can have a predetermined fixed impedance. In some examples, the electrical load 46 is such that the battery cell 38 is fully charged or substantially fully charged.

[0038] The controller 42 is configured to determine whether the foreign object 12 is in proximity to the wireless charging device 16 based on the electrical characteristics indicated by the sensor data generated by the sensor 40. Specifically, as described herein, the controller 42 determines the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 based on the sensor data, and determines whether the foreign object 12 is in proximity to the wireless charging device 16 based on the predicted power consumption and the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10. In detail, as described herein, the controller 42 determines the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 based on the sensor data, and determines whether the foreign object 12 is in proximity to the wireless charging device 16 based on the predicted power consumption and the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10. Based on the sensor data, the controller 42 determines the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10, and based on the predicted power consumption and the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10, determines whether the foreign object 12 is in proximity to the wireless charging device 16. Based on the predicted power consumption and the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10, it is configured to determine whether the foreign object 12 is in proximity to the wireless charging device 16. The power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 can be a function of the current passing through the battery cell 38, including the current passing through the wireless charging system 10. Since the impedance of the battery cell 38 changes depending on its charge level, determining the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 as a function of the current passing through the battery cell 38 when the battery cell 38 is charged can be complex and result in inaccurate results. Therefore, the wireless rechargeable battery 14 also includes an electrical load 46 for performing foreign object detection. The electrical load 46 can have a predetermined fixed impedance. In some examples, the electrical load 46 is such that the battery cell 38 is fully charged or substantially fully charged.

[0039] The power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 can be a function of the current passing through the battery cell 38, including the current passing through the wireless charging system 10. Since the impedance of the battery cell 38 changes depending on its charge level, determining the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 as a function of the current passing through the battery cell 38 when the battery cell 38 is charged can be complex and result in inaccurate results. Therefore, the wireless rechargeable battery 14 also includes an electrical load 46 for performing foreign object detection. The electrical load 46 can have a predetermined fixed impedance. In some examples, the electrical load 46 is such that the battery cell 38 is fully charged or substantially fully charged. Therefore, the wireless rechargeable battery 14 also includes an electrical load 46 for performing foreign object detection. The electrical load 46 can have a predetermined fixed impedance. In some examples, the electrical load 46 is such that the battery cell 38 is fully charged or substantially fully charged. represents the impedance of the battery cell 38 when it is in a certain state. In other words, the electrical load 46 is the battery cell 38 during charging of the battery cell 38, when the battery cell 3 is sized to dissipate an amount of electrical power substantially equal to the maximum amount of electrical power that can be supplied to the battery cell 3 8. For example, the electrical load 46 has an impedance that results in a combined resistance of 8.3 ohms and includes one or more resistors that consume 15 watts of power.

[0040] The wireless rechargeable battery 14 includes one or more switches 48, such as a switch 48A between the connection voltage regulator 34 and the battery cell 38, and a switch 48B between the voltage regulator 34 and the electrical load 46. The receiving coil 30 switches between a charging configuration in which the receiving coil 30 is connected to the battery cell 38 to charge the battery cell 38 and a foreign object detection configuration in which the receiving coil 30 is connected to the electrical load 46 to supply power to the electrical load 46. The battery controller 42A is configured to switch the wireless rechargeable battery 42A between these configurations. Specifically, when a charging cycle is triggered, the battery controller 42A engages the switch 48A and releases the engaged switch 48B, so that the receiving coil 30 is connected to the battery cell 38 and disconnected from the electrical load 46. As a result, the power from the receiving coil 30 is supplied to charge the battery cell 38. When a foreign object detection cycle is triggered, the battery controller 42A releases the engaged switch 48A and engages the switch 48B, so that the receiving coil 30 is connected to the electrical load 46 and disconnected from the battery cell 38. As a result, the receiving coil 0. As a result, the power from the receiving coil 30 is supplied to charge the battery cell 38. When a foreign object detection cycle is triggered, the battery controller 42A releases the engaged switch 48A and engages the switch 48B, so that the receiving coil 30 is connected to the electrical load 46 and disconnected from the battery cell 38. As a result, the receiving coil ​​​​​​​​​​​​Power from 30 is supplied to the electrical load 46. When the wireless charging battery 14 is not close to the wireless charging device 16, or when a foreign object 12 is detected, etc., if neither the charging cycle nor the foreign object detection cycle is being executed by the wireless charging system 10 the battery controller 4 2A releases both switches 48A and 48B, and the battery cell 38 and the electrical load 46 are configured not to receive power from the receiving coil 30. Thereafter, in response to the charging cycle or the foreign object detection cycle being triggered, the battery controller 42A is configured to engage switch 4 8A or switch 48B, respectively.

[0041] Instead of the electrical load 46 having an impedance of the battery cell 38 when the battery cell 38 is fully charged or substantially fully charged, the electrical load 46 may be configured to have an impedance for minimizing the amount of power transmitted from the transmitting coil 24 to the receiving coil 30 during each foreign object detection cycle. In other words, the electrical load 46 can be configured to have a relatively large impedance, for example, about 56 ohms, that consumes about 2 watts of power during a given foreign object detection cycle. A smaller power consumption amount enables the wireless charging system 10 to detect a smaller change from the predicted power consumption amount, contributing to the detection of an increase in the foreign object 12.

[0042] Each controller 42 of the wireless charging system 10 may include a processor 50, a memory 52, and a non - volatile memory device 54. The processor 50 operates signals (analog or digital) based on operation instructions stored in the non - volatile memory device 54 and read into the me mory 52. ​​​​One or more devices selected from a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, a microcomputer, a central processing unit, a field programmable gate array, a programmable logic device, a state machine, a logic circuit, an analog circuit, a digital circuit, and / or any other arbitrary device. Memory 52 may include, but is not limited to, a read-only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM ), a volatile memory, a non-volatile memory, a static random access memory (SRAM) , a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a flash memory, a cache memory , and / or any other arbitrary device capable of storing information, including a single memory device or a plurality of memory devices. The non-volatile storage device 54 may include one or more persistent data storage devices such as a hard drive, an optical drive, a tape drive, a non-volatile solid state device, and / or any other arbitrary device capable of persistently storing information.

[0043] The processor 50 of each controller 42 is programmed to execute the functions, mechanisms, processes, methods, and modules of the controller 42 shown herein. Specifically , the processor 50 operates under the control of software embodied by computer-executable instructions in the non-volatile storage device 54. The computer-executable instructions may include, but are not limited to , various ones including Java (registered trademark), C, C++, C#, Objective C, Fortran , Pascal, Java Script (registered trademark), Python (registered trademark) , Perl, and PL / SQL, either singly or in combination. It can be compiled or interpreted and executed by a programming language and / or technology. During operation, the processor 50 reads computer-executable instructions into the memory 52 and then is configured to execute the computer-executable instructions. The computer-executable instructions when executed by the processor 50 are configured to cause the processor 50 to implement the functions, mechanisms, processes, methods, and modules of the controller 42 described herein.

[0044] For example, the computer-executable instructions in the non-volatile memory device 54 of the controller 42 when executed by the processor 50 of the controller 42 are configured to cause the processor 50 to determine whether a foreign object 12 is close to the wireless charging device 16 based on the electrical characteristics measured by the controller 42, such as using the sensor 40. Specifically, the computer-executable instructions of the battery controller 42A when executed are configured to cause the processor 50A to determine the electrical characteristics corresponding to the electrical signals in the wireless charging battery 14. The electrical characteristics determined by the battery controller 42A may indicate the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging battery 14. Similarly, the computer-executable instructions of the charger controller 42B when executed are configured to cause the processor 50B to determine the electrical characteristics corresponding to the electrical signals in the wireless charging device 16. The electrical characteristics determined by the charger controller 42B indicate the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging device 16 and

[0045] may indicate the power supplied by the wireless charging system 10. The data generated based on the electrical characteristics determined in one of the controllers 42. Accordingly, the computers of one controller 42 may be configured to aggregate the The data executable instructions, when executed, cause the processor 50 of the controller 42 to As described in the document, based on the aggregated data, the foreign object 12 may be detected as a wireless charging device 16. The present invention is configured to determine whether the object is in proximity to the target object.

[0046] To facilitate data communication between the controller 42 and the wireless rechargeable battery 14, Each of the electrical devices 16 includes a communication device 44. In some examples, the communication device 4 4, when the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 is placed in close proximity to the wireless charging device 16, the battery Configured to support wireless communication between controller 42A and charger controller 42B For example, and without limitation, each communication device 44 may include: Infrared, NFC, RFID, ZigBee (registered trademark), Bluetooth (registered trademark) ), and / or Wi-Fi protocol to transmit and receive data wirelessly. The present invention may be configured to:

[0047] In addition to the software programs embodied in computer executable instructions, The non-volatile storage 54 of the controller 42 is also shown in FIG. 42 functions, mechanisms, processes, methods, and modules. For example, the non-volatile storage 54 of each controller 42 may store the predicted electrical consumption of the controller 42. Each controller 42 stores calibration data that allows the amount of foreign matter 12 to be determined. To aid in determining the presence of configured to query calibration data.

[0048] As a non-limiting example, the non-volatile memory device 54A is induced within the wireless charging battery 14 and includes calibration data indicating the predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging battery 14 as a function of the voltage v measured using the sensor 40A by the battery controller 42A. The predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging battery 14 rec of the function can be the predicted power loss P of the wireless charging battery 14, or the current through the wireless charging battery 14 that contributes to the predicted power loss P of the wireless charging battery 14. The battery controller 42A is configured to determine the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging battery 14 based on the predicted electrical loss and determine the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging system 10 based on the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging battery 14. As described above, the predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging battery 14 is the predicted power loss P of the wireless charging battery 14 Rx losses or the predicted power loss P of the wireless charging battery 14 Rx losses or the current through the wireless charging battery 14 that contributes to the predicted power loss P of the wireless charging battery 14. The battery controller 42A is configured to determine the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging battery 14 based on the predicted electrical loss and determine the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging system 10 based on the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging battery 14. can be the current through the wireless charging battery 14. The battery controller 42A is configured to determine the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging battery 14 based on the predicted electrical loss and determine the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging system 10 based on the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging battery 14. The battery controller 42A is configured to determine the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging battery 14 based on the predicted electrical loss and determine the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging system 10 based on the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging battery 14. Based on the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging battery 14, the battery controller 42A is configured to determine the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging system 10.

[0049] As a further non-limiting example, the non-volatile memory device 54B of the charger controller 42B stores calibration data indicating the predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging device 16 when the wireless charging battery 14 is placed adjacent to the charging surface 18 of the wireless charging device 16. The predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging device 16 can be the predicted power loss P of the wireless charging device 16, or the current through the wireless charging device 16 that contributes to the predicted power loss P of the wireless charging device 16. The charger controller 42B is configured to determine the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging device 16 based on the predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging device 16 and determine the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging system 10 based on the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging device 16. The predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging device 16 can be the predicted power loss P of the wireless charging device 16, or the current through the wireless charging device 16 that contributes to the predicted power loss P of the wireless charging device 16. The charger controller 42B is configured to determine the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging device 16 based on the predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging device 16 and determine the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging system 10 based on the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging device 16. As described above, the predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging device 16 is the predicted power loss P of the wireless charging device 16 loss P Tx losses or the predicted power loss P of the wireless charging device 16 Tx losses or the current through the wireless charging device 16 that contributes to the predicted power loss P of the wireless charging device 16. The charger controller 42B is configured to determine the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging device 16 based on the predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging device 16 and determine the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging system 10 based on the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging device 16. The charger controller 42B is configured to determine the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging device 16 based on the predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging device 16 and determine the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging system 10 based on the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging device 16. Based on the predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging device 16, the charger controller 42B is configured to determine the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging device 16 and determine the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging system 10 based on the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging device 16. Based on the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging device 16, the charger controller 42B is configured to determine the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging system 10. Based on the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging device 16, the charger controller 42B is configured to determine the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging system 10.

[0050] FIG. 5 is a method for determining whether a foreign object 12 is close to a wireless charging device 16 is illustrated at 300. Method 300 is executed by a controller 42. Specifically the battery controller 42A is configured to execute one or more blocks of method 300 and the charger controller 42B is configured to execute one or more other blocks of method 300 is configured to execute.

[0051] In block 302, it is determined whether a predetermined event has occurred. Specifically at least one controller 42, such as the charger controller 42B, is configured to monitor the occurrence of one or more predetermined events. In response to the detection of the occurrence of one of the one or more predetermined events the controller 42 is configured to trigger a foreign object detection cycle. is configured to execute.

[0052] One of the predetermined events monitored by at least one of the controllers 42 is that the wireless rechargeable battery 14 is placed close to the charging surface 18 of the wireless charging device 16 is. In one example, the charger controller 42B is configured to determine whether this predetermined event has occurred based on the supply current i of the power supply signal output from the power supply 20. of the power supply signal output from the power supply 20. supply is configured to determine whether this predetermined event has occurred. More specifically, the charger controller 42B periodically outputs an AC signal passing through the transmission coil 24 to the DC / AC converter 26, and then measures the supply current i of the power supply signal output by the power supply 20 to periodically check for the presence of the wireless rechargeable battery 14 close to the wireless charging device 16. The wireless rechargeable battery 14 is configured to periodically output an AC signal passing through the transmission coil 24 to the DC / AC converter 26, and then measure the supply current i of the power supply signal output by the power supply 20 to periodically check for the presence of the wireless rechargeable battery 14 close to the wireless charging device 16. The wireless rechargeable battery 14 supply is configured to periodically output an AC signal passing through the transmission coil 24 to the DC / AC converter 26, and then measure the supply current i is configured to periodically check for the presence of the wireless rechargeable battery 14 close to the wireless charging device 16 by measuring the supply current i of the power supply signal output by the power supply 20. The wireless rechargeable battery 14 When placed close to the charging surface 18 of the wireless charging device 16, the output power supply signal induces electrical energy in the receiving coil 30, and correspondingly, the supply of the power supply signal current i supply increases. Therefore, the charger controller 42B determines whether the measured supply current i supply has increased to a value exceeding a predetermined threshold, so as to determine whether the wireless charging type battery 14 is close to the charging surface 18 of the wireless charging device 16. The measured supply current i supply is determined to have increased to a value exceeding a predetermined threshold. In response, the charger controller 42B is configured to determine that the wireless charging type battery 14 is placed close to the charging surface 18 of the wireless charging device 16.

[0053] As a further example, at least one of the controllers 42 may be configured to use the communication device 44 to determine whether the wireless charging type battery 14 is placed adjacent to the charging surface 18 of the wireless charging device 16. Specifically, one of the communication devices 44, also referred to as the signal transmitting communication device 44, is configured to periodically notify another communication device 44, also referred to as the approval communication device 44, of the beacon signal received when the wireless charging type battery 14 is placed adjacent to the charging surface 18 of the wireless charging device 16. In one example, the communication device 44B is configured as the signal transmitting communication device 44, and the communication device 44A is configured as the approval communication device 44. In response to the wireless charging type battery 14 being placed adjacent to the charging surface 18 of the wireless charging device 16, the approval communication device 44 receives the beacon signal and, in response, transmits an approval signal to the signal transmitting communication device 44. The signal transmitting communication device 44B is configured to periodically notify another communication device 44A, also referred to as the approval communication device 44, of the beacon signal received when the wireless charging type battery 14 is placed adjacent to the charging surface 18 of the wireless charging device 16. In one example, the communication device 44B is configured as the signal transmitting communication device 44, and the communication device 44A is configured as the approval communication device 44. In response to the wireless charging type battery 14 being placed adjacent to the charging surface 18 of the wireless charging device 16, the approval communication device 44 receives the beacon signal and, in response, transmits an approval signal to the signal transmitting communication device 44. signal and, in response, transmits an approval signal to the signal transmitting communication device 44. The device 44 then detects that the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 is now connected to the charging surface 18 of the wireless charging device 16. A controller connected to the signaling communication device 44 to notify the user that the device is adjacent to the The signal is transmitted to the controller 42.

[0054] In some examples, the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 is adjacent to the charging surface 18 of the wireless charging device 16. In response to determining that the device has been placed in a wireless charging The wireless charging device 16 may be configured to verify that the rechargeable battery 14 and the wireless charging device 16 are compatible. For example, the non-volatile storage 54 of each controller 42 stores authentication data. One of the controllers 42, such as controller 42B, stores its stored authentication data in , and is configured to communicate to the other controller 42 via a communication device 44. The controller 42 then stores the received authentication data in its non-volatile storage device 54. The received authentication data is then matched to the authentication data stored in the In response to determining that the data matches the authentication data, the other controller 42 The wireless charging device 16 is configured to determine whether the rechargeable battery 14 and the wireless charging device 16 are compatible.

[0055] The wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 is placed adjacent to the charging surface 18 of the wireless charging device 16. Which of the above may be performed, the determination of the occurrence of a predetermined event (positive determination of block 302) and / or the block In the box 304, the wireless rechargeable battery 14 is used with the wireless charging device 16. In response to the authentication, a foreign object detection cycle is triggered. Determining and / or using the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 with the wireless charging device 16 The authenticated controller 42 is configured to transmit, through the communication device 44, a signal instructing the start of execution of the foreign object detection cycle to the other controller 42.

[0056] In block 306, the transmission coil 24 is energized to transmit power to the reception coil 30 of the wireless charging battery 14. Specifically, the charger controller 42B is configured to generate an AC signal passing through the transmission coil 24 from the supply power signal received from the power supply 20 in the DC / AC converter 26. The AC signal passing through the transmission coil 24 generates an electromagnetic field that induces a corresponding AC signal in the reception coil 30.

[0057] In block 308, foreign object detection is performed within the wireless charging battery 14. Specifically, the battery controller 42A is configured to engage the switch 48B and release the engaged switch 48A so that the reception coil 30 is connected to the electrical load 46 and disconnected from the battery cell 38. In this way, part of the power supplied from the wireless charging device 16 to the wireless charging battery 14 is supplied to the electrical load 46 and dissipated by the electrical load 46.

[0058] In block 310, the electrical characteristics of the power supply signal output by the power supply 20 are measured. As an example, the measured electrical characteristics are the supply power P or the supply current i provided by the power supply signal. The measured electrical characteristics of the power supply signal are used as the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 as described above. The charger controller 42B is configured to determine the electrical characteristics of the power supply signal using the sensor 40B. supply supply

[0059] ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ In block 312, a predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging device 16 is determined. The predicted electrical losses of the device 16 are treated as a constant value, so that the distribution tion), and stored in the non-volatile storage device 54B of the charger controller 42B. In particular, after the wireless charging device 16 is manufactured, the foreign object 12 or When the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 is not in close proximity to the charging surface 18 of the wireless charging device 16, The surgeon causes the power supply 20 to generate a power supply signal, which activates the transmit coil 24. Since the foreign object 12 and the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 are not present, The operational power supply signal corresponds to the electrical loss of the wireless charging device 16. In other words, supply current i supply and the supply voltage v supply The power of the power supply signal P is given by the product of su pply , or simply the supply current i supply The estimated electrical loss of the wireless charging device 16 is measured. In response to such a determination of an electrical loss of the wireless charging device 16, The calibration data indicative of the determined electrical losses of the line charging device 106 is sent to the charger controller 4. 2B in non-volatile storage device 54B. Then, in block 312, the charger The controller 42B automatically reads the calibration data from the non-volatile storage device 54B. The system is configured to determine a predicted electrical loss of the line charging device 16.

[0060] In block 314, the electrical characteristics of the electrical load 46 are determined. The roller 42A is configured to measure an electrical characteristic of the electrical load 46 using the sensor 40A. More specifically, the battery controller 42A is configured to load and the load current i load by measuring the load voltage v and multiplying these two values ​​together, or load and dividing the square of this value by the impedance of the electrical load 46. Thus, as the determined electrical characteristic of the fixed electrical load 46, the power dissipated by the electrical load 46 is Power P load Alternatively, the battery controller 42A may be configured to measure a load current i load is configured to measure and use as the determined electrical characteristic of the electrical load 46. Alternatively, the voltage from the voltage regulator 34 may be Since the voltage is substantially constant, the determined electrical characteristic of the electrical load 46, such as 11.2 volts, , remains substantially constant during each foreign object detection cycle. Thus, the power P load Or Flow load The electrical characteristics of the wireless rechargeable battery 14 are stored in a battery controller 16 before distribution of the wireless rechargeable battery 14. The calibration data is predetermined and stored in non-volatile storage device 54A of device 42A. Then, in response to a foreign object detection cycle being triggered by the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14, the battery The controller 42A derives the electrical characteristics from the calibration data stored in the non-volatile memory device 54A. By reading out the electrical characteristics of the electrical load 46 .

[0061] In block 316, the induced voltage in the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 by the wireless charging device 16 is More specifically, the AC signal generated through the receiving coil 30 is converted into a voltage rectifier 32, which converts the received voltage v rec Outputs the input power signal of the battery. The controller 42A is configured to measure the received voltage v using the sensor 40A. rec to be configured Alternatively, the battery controller 42A may be configured to measure and use the AC voltage passing through the receiving coil 30 as the measured voltage induced in the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 by the wireless charging device 16. to be configured to be used.

[0062] In block 318, the predicted electrical loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 is determined based on a predetermined voltage such as the received voltage v. As previously explained, due to the positional deviation of the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 with respect to the wireless charging device 16, the voltage induced in the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 is different, and correspondingly different electrical losses occur in the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14. Therefore, the battery controller 42A is configured to determine the predicted electrical loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 based on the measured induced voltage such as the received voltage v. The determined predicted electrical loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 corresponds to the electrical loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 that occurred in advance when the measured voltage was induced in the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 and no foreign object 12 was present. rec such as measurement to be determined based on a predetermined voltage Due to the positional deviation of the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 with respect to the wireless charging device 16, the voltage induced in the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 is different, and correspondingly different electrical losses occur in the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14. Therefore, different electrical losses occur in the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14. Therefore, the battery controller 42A is configured to determine the predicted electrical loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 based on the measured induced voltage such as the received voltage v. rec such as the measured induced voltage The determined predicted electrical loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 corresponds to the electrical loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 that occurred in advance when the measured voltage was induced in the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 and no foreign object 12 was present. The determined predicted electrical loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 corresponds to the electrical loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 that occurred in advance when the measured voltage was induced in the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 and no foreign object 12 was present. in the state where no foreign object 12 is present.

[0063] More specifically, the non-volatile memory device 54A of the battery controller 42A stores calibration data indicating the change in the predicted electrical loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 corresponding to the change in the position of the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 with respect to the wireless charging device 16 when no foreign object 12 is present. The change in the predicted electrical loss is respectively associated with the calibration data of different voltages, and these voltages are induced in the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 by the wireless charging device 16 when no foreign object 12 is present. When the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 has a predicted electrical loss corresponding to the voltage. when no foreign object 12 is present to store calibration data indicating the change in the predicted electrical loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 corresponding to the change in the position of the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 with respect to the wireless charging device 16. The change in the predicted electrical loss is respectively associated with the calibration data of different voltages, and these voltages are induced in the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 by the wireless charging device 16 when no foreign object 12 is present. when no foreign object 12 is present when the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 has a predicted electrical loss corresponding to the voltage associated with it. Electrical losses occur. The battery controller 42A, therefore, determines the predicted electrical losses indicated by the calibration data associated with the measured induced voltage by determining the predicted electrical losses of the wireless charging battery 14 based on the induced voltage measured within the wireless charging battery 14.

[0064] FIG. 6 shows a graph 402 represented by calibration data stored in the non-volatile memory 52A of the battery controller 42 A for determining the predicted electrical losses of the wireless charging battery 14. The Y-axis of the graph represents the change in the predicted power losses of the wireless charging battery 14 when no foreign object 12 is present, and the X-axis represents the change in the voltage induced in the wireless charging battery 14 by the wireless charging device 16 and measured by the battery controller 42A at block 316. According to graph 402, the relationship between the predicted power losses of the wireless charging battery 14 when no foreign object 12 is present and the induced voltage measured within the wireless charging battery 14 is defined by a function 404 that is a non-linear decreasing function. In other words, assuming no foreign object 12 is present, as the distance between the wireless charging battery 14 and the wireless charging device 16 decreases, the induced voltage v received within the wireless charging battery 14 increases, and the predicted electrical losses of the wireless charging battery 14 decrease. rec In an alternative example, the relationship between the predicted power losses of the wireless charging battery 14 when no foreign object 12 is present and the induced voltage measured within the wireless charging battery 14 can be defined by a U-shaped function 404. More specifically, first, the receiving coil 30 is by the wireless charging device 16

[0065] In an alternative example, the relationship between the predicted power losses of the wireless charging battery 14 when no foreign object 12 is present and the induced voltage measured within the wireless charging battery 14 can be defined by a U-shaped function 404. More specifically, initially, the receiving coil 30 is When moving closer to the transmission coil 24 from the maximum distance at which the wired rechargeable battery 14 can be charged, there is no induced voltage in the wired rechargeable battery 14 increases, and at the same time, the predicted power loss of the wireless rechargeable battery 14 decreases. However, while continuously moving the receiving coil 30 towards the transmitting coil 24, at some point, eddy currents that increase the predicted power loss of the wireless rechargeable battery 14 may be induced within the metal components of the wireless rechargeable battery 14. Therefore, while the induced voltage in the wireless rechargeable battery 14 increases, the predicted power loss of the wireless rechargeable battery 14 increases, resulting in a U-shaped waveform .

[0066] The calibration data stored in the non-volatile memory device 54A of the battery controller 42A is obtained by measuring the electrical loss of the wireless rechargeable battery 14 when the wireless rechargeable battery 14 is in a foreign object detection configuration and there is no foreign object 12, and the distance between the receiving coil 30 and the transmitting coil 24 changes at various positions adjacent to the charging surface 18 of the wireless charging device 16. Specifically, for each position of the wireless rechargeable battery 14 relative to the wireless charging device 16, the induced voltage in the wireless rechargeable battery 14 by the wireless charging device 16, the electrical characteristics of the electrical load 46 , the electrical characteristics of the power supply signal output by the power supply 20, and the electrical loss of the wireless charging device 16 are determined. As described above, the electrical loss of the wireless charging device 16 is stored as calibration data in the non-volatile memory device 54B of the charger controller 42B, and other data is measured by the controller 42. The electrical loss of the wireless rechargeable battery 14 is determined based on the data. For example, one of the controllers 42 determines the wireless rechargeable battery based on the current position of the wireless rechargeable battery 14 relative to the wireless charging device 16 . 6 is stored in the non-volatile memory device 54B of the charger controller 42B as calibration data, and other data is measured by the controller 42. The electrical loss of the wireless rechargeable battery 14 is determined based on the data. For example, one of the controllers 42 determines the wireless rechargeable battery based on the current position of the wireless rechargeable battery 14 relative to the wireless charging device 16 To determine the electrical losses of the wireless charging battery 14, it may be configured to subtract the electrical characteristics of the electrical load 46 and the electrical losses of the wireless charging device 16 from the electrical characteristics of the power supply signal. Thus, the controller 42 generates a calibration sample 406 for each position of the wireless charging device 16 with respect to the wireless charging battery 14, and each calibration sample 406 includes the measured induced voltage in the wireless charging battery 14 by the wireless charging device 16 and the corresponding electrical losses of the wireless charging battery 14 when there is no foreign object 12. Based on the measured induced voltage in the wireless charging battery 14, calibration data for determining the predicted electrical losses of the wireless charging battery 14 can then be determined based on the calibration sample 406.

[0067] For example, the controller 42 is configured to apply a curve fitting algorithm such as non-linear regression to the calibration sample 406 to generate a function 404 and is configured to transmit the calibration sample 406 to a test device. The test device generates a calibration data table indicating the function 404 and transmits such calibration data to the battery controller 42A to be stored in the non-volatile memory device 54A of the battery controller 42A. During subsequent foreign object detection cycles, the battery controller 42A is configured to apply the measured induced voltage in the wireless charging battery 14 to the function 404 indicated by the calibration data to determine the predicted electrical losses of the wireless charging battery 14. As a further example, the controller 42 and / or the test device generate a look-up table including samples obtained from the calibration sample 406 or the determined function 404, and transmit the calibration data indicated by the look-up table to the battery controller. For each position of the wireless charging device 16 with respect to the wireless charging battery 14, a calibration sample 406 is generated, and each calibration sample 406 includes the measured induced voltage in the wireless charging battery 14 by the wireless charging device 16 and the corresponding electrical losses of the wireless charging battery 14 when there is no foreign object 12. Based on the measured induced voltage in the wireless charging battery 14, calibration data for determining the predicted electrical losses of the wireless charging battery 14 can then be determined based on the calibration sample 406. For each position of the wireless charging device 16 with respect to the wireless charging battery 14, a calibration sample 406 is generated, and each calibration sample 406 includes the measured induced voltage in the wireless charging battery 14 by the wireless charging device 16 and the corresponding electrical losses of the wireless charging battery 14 when there is no foreign object 12. Based on the measured induced voltage in the wireless charging battery 14, calibration data for determining the predicted electrical losses of the wireless charging battery 14 can then be determined based on the calibration sample 406. For each position of the wireless charging device 16 with respect to the wireless charging battery 14, a calibration sample 406 is generated, and each calibration sample 406 includes the measured induced voltage in the wireless charging battery 14 by the wireless charging device 16 and the corresponding electrical losses of the wireless charging battery 14 when there is no foreign object 12. Based on the measured induced voltage in the wireless charging battery 14, calibration data for determining the predicted electrical losses of the wireless charging battery 14 can then be determined based on the calibration sample 406. For each position of the wireless charging device 16 with respect to the wireless charging battery 14, a calibration sample 406 is generated, and each calibration sample 406 includes the measured induced voltage in the wireless charging battery 14 by the wireless charging device 16 and the corresponding electrical losses of the wireless charging battery 14 when there is no foreign object 12. Based on the measured induced voltage in the wireless charging battery 14, calibration data for determining the predicted electrical losses of the wireless charging battery 14 can then be determined based on the calibration sample 406. For each position of the wireless charging device 16 with respect to the wireless charging battery 14, a calibration sample 406 is generated, and each calibration sample 406 includes the measured induced voltage in the wireless charging battery 14 by the wireless charging device 16 and the corresponding electrical losses of the wireless charging battery 14 when there is no foreign object 12. Based on the measured induced voltage in the wireless charging battery 14, calibration data for determining the predicted electrical losses of the wireless charging battery 14 can then be determined based on the calibration sample 406.

[0068] For example, the controller 42 is configured to apply a curve fitting algorithm such as non-linear regression to the calibration sample 406 to generate a function 404 and is configured to transmit the calibration sample 406 to a test device. The test device generates a calibration data table indicating the function 404 and transmits such calibration data to the battery controller 42A to be stored in the non-volatile memory device 54A of the battery controller 42A. During subsequent foreign object detection cycles, the battery controller 42A is configured to apply the measured induced voltage in the wireless charging battery 14 to the function 404 indicated by the calibration data to determine the predicted electrical losses of the wireless charging battery 14. The test device generates a calibration data table indicating the function 404 and transmits such calibration data to the battery controller 42A to be stored in the non-volatile memory device 54A of the battery controller 42A. During subsequent foreign object detection cycles, the battery controller 42A is configured to apply the measured induced voltage in the wireless charging battery 14 to the function 404 indicated by the calibration data to determine the predicted electrical losses of the wireless charging battery 14. The test device generates a calibration data table indicating the function 404 and transmits such calibration data to the battery controller 42A to be stored in the non-volatile memory device 54A of the battery controller 42A. During subsequent foreign object detection cycles, the battery controller 42A is configured to apply the measured induced voltage in the wireless charging battery 14 to the function 404 indicated by the calibration data to determine the predicted electrical losses of the wireless charging battery 14. The test device generates a calibration data table indicating the function 404 and transmits such calibration data to the battery controller 42A to be stored in the non-volatile memory device 54A of the battery controller 42A. During subsequent foreign object detection cycles, the battery controller 42A is configured to apply the measured induced voltage in the wireless charging battery 14 to the function 404 indicated by the calibration data to determine the predicted electrical losses of the wireless charging battery 14. During subsequent foreign object detection cycles, the battery controller 42A is configured to apply the measured induced voltage in the wireless charging battery 14 to the function 404 indicated by the calibration data to determine the predicted electrical losses of the wireless charging battery 14. During subsequent foreign object detection cycles, the battery controller 42A is configured to apply the measured induced voltage in the wireless charging battery 14 to the function 404 indicated by the calibration data to determine the predicted electrical losses of the wireless charging battery 14. During subsequent foreign object detection cycles, the battery controller 42A is configured to apply the measured induced voltage in the wireless charging battery 14 to the function 404 indicated by the calibration data to determine the predicted electrical losses of the wireless charging battery 14. As a further example, the controller 42 and / or the test device generate a look-up table including samples obtained from the calibration sample 406 or the determined function 404, and transmit the calibration data indicated by the look-up table to the battery controller. As a further example, the controller 42 and / or the test device generate a look-up table including samples obtained from the calibration sample 406 or the determined function 404, and transmit the calibration data indicated by the look-up table to the battery controller. It may be configured to store in the non-volatile memory device 54A of the battery controller 42A. During the subsequent foreign object detection cycle, the battery controller 42A is based on the measured inductive voltage in the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14. And is configured to predict (interpolate) the predicted electrical loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14 from the shown look-up table.

[0069] In some examples, at least one of the controllers 42 of the wireless charging system 10 may be configured to adjust calibration data such as the function 404 indicated by the calibration data at runtime, for example based on the measured electrical characteristics of the wireless charging system 10. For example, at least one of the controllers 42, such as the controller 42B, is configured to adjust the function 404 in response to a determination that the supply voltage v of the power supply signal is different from the supply voltage used to generate the calibration data. As another example, at least one of the controllers 42 may be configured to adjust the function 404 in response to a determination that the inductance of the receiving coil 30 and / or the transmitting coil 24 is different from that used to determine the calibration data. As a further example, at least one of the controllers 42, such as the controller 42A, may be configured to adjust the function 404 based on the measured temperature of the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14. For this purpose, the sensor 40A of the battery control circuit 36 may also include a temperature sensor configured to generate data indicating the temperature of the wirelessly rechargeable battery 14. supply

[0070] In block 320, one of the controllers 42, for example, uses the communication device 44. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​is used to aggregate the data determined by the controller 42. For example, the charger controller 42B is configured to transmit the electrical characteristics of the power supply signal output by the power supply 20 and the electrical loss of the wireless charging device 16 to the battery controller 42A. Alternatively, the battery controller 42A may be configured to transmit data indicating the predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging battery 14 and the electrical characteristics of the electrical load 46 to the charger controller 42B. For example, the battery controller 42A may be configured to transmit each of the predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging battery 14 and the electrical characteristics of the electrical load 46 to the charger controller 42B, or may be configured to transmit the sum of the predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging battery 14 and the electrical characteristics of the electrical load 46 to the charger controller 42B. In block 322, the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 is determined based on the aggregated data. More specifically, the controller 42 that aggregates the data is configured to determine the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 based on the electrical loss of the wireless charging device 16, the predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging battery 14, and the electrical characteristics of the fixed electrical load 46. For example, the controller 42 is configured to sum these items to determine the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10. As previously explained, the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 may not include the electrical loss corresponding to the foreign object 12 close to the wireless charging device 16. In block 324, the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 is the wireless charging system 10 As previously explained, the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 may not include the electrical loss corresponding to the foreign object 12 close to the wireless charging device 16.

[0071] In block 322, the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 is determined based on the aggregated data. More specifically, the controller 42 that aggregates the data is configured to determine the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 based on the electrical loss of the wireless charging device 16, the predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging battery 14, and the electrical characteristics of the fixed electrical load 46. For example, the controller 42 is configured to sum these items to determine the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10. As previously explained, the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 may not include the electrical loss corresponding to the foreign object 12 close to the wireless charging device 16. In block 324, the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 is the wireless charging system 10 As previously explained, the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 may not include the electrical loss corresponding to the foreign object 12 close to the wireless charging device 16. In block 324, the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 is the wireless charging system 10 As previously explained, the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 may not include the electrical loss corresponding to the foreign object 12 close to the wireless charging device 16.

[0072] In block 324, the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 is the wireless charging system 10 is compared with the predicted power consumption. Specifically, the controller 42 that aggregates the data is free of the difference between the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 and the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10. As previously explained, the electrical characteristics of the measured power supply signal are used as the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10.

[0073] In an alternative example, the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 can be based on both the determined electrical characteristics of the power supply signal output by the power supply 20 and the determined electrical losses of the wireless charging device 16. For example, the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 may be set as the sum of these two values, which corresponds to the transmitted power of the wireless charging device 16. In this case, the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 is based on the determined predicted electrical losses of the wireless battery 14 and the determined electrical characteristics of the electrical load 46. For example, the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 may be set as the sum of these two values, which corresponds to the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging battery 16. Similar to the previous example, the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 corresponds to the actual power consumption by the wireless charging battery 14 and, if present, the foreign object 12, and the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 corresponds to the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging battery 14 assuming that the foreign object 12 is not present.

[0074] In these alternative examples, the battery controller 42A is configured to determine the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 based on the data determined by the battery controller 42A, namely, the predicted electrical losses of the wireless charging battery 14 and the electrical characteristics of the electrical load 46. ​​​​​​​​​​​and the charger controller 42B is configured to determine the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 based on the data determined by the charger controller 42B, that is, the electrical characteristics of the power supply signal output by the power supply 20 and the electrical loss of the wireless charging device 16. Specifically, each controller 42 is configured to sum the determined data. Then, in order to aggregate the data at block 320, the battery controller 42A is configured to transmit the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 to the charger controller 42B, or the charger controller 42B is configured to transmit the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 to the battery controller 42A. Alternatively, one of the controllers 42 may be configured to transmit the determined data item to the other controller 42 that performs the summation for determining the actual and predicted power consumption. Then, at block 324, the controller 24 that aggregates the data is configured to compare the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 with the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10, for example, by determining the difference between the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 and the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10. ta, that is, the electrical characteristics of the power supply signal output by the power supply 20, and the wireless charging de vice 16 to determine the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10. is configured. Specifically, each controller 42 is configured to sum the determined data. After that, in order to aggregate the data at block 320, the battery controller 42A is configured to transmit the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 to the charger controller 42B, or the charger controller 42B is configured to transmit the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 to the battery controller 42A. Alternatively, one of the controllers 42 may be configured to transmit the determined data item to the other controller 42 that performs the summation for determining the actual and predicted power consumption. for the actual and predicted power consumption. It may also be configured to transmit to the other controller 42 that performs the summation for determining the actual and predicted power consumption. After that, at block 324, the controller 24 that aggregates the data is, for example, the difference between the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 and the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10. between the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 and the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10. to compare the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 with the predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system 10. 10 is configured.

[0075] At block 326, regardless of whether the electrical characteristics of the power supply were used as the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 or whether the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 was determined based on the electrical characteristics of the power supply and the electrical loss of the wireless charging device 16, a determination is made as to whether the difference determined at block 324 is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value. For example, data whether the electrical characteristics of the power supply were used as the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10, or whether the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system 10 was determined based on the electrical characteristics of the power supply and the electrical loss of the wireless charging device 16. Regardless, at block 324, a determination is made as to whether the difference determined at block 324 is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value. For example, data is used to determine whether the difference determined at block 324 is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold value. For example, data The predetermined threshold is set by the controller 42 after the data is aggregated. The non-volatile storage 54 of the controller 42 may store the In some examples, the predetermined threshold is stored in the memory when the foreign object 12 reaches an unsafe temperature. The maximum power P that can be dissipated without FO In some examples, referring to FIG. The predetermined threshold is set to the average of the difference between the black line and the dotted line, or the minimum of the difference between the black line and the dotted line. In another example, the predetermined threshold used in the comparison of block 326 may be determined at run time. The power consumption may vary based on the electrical characteristics of the wireless charging system 10. For example, see FIG. In response to the induced voltage measured by the battery controller 42A, the controller 42 The method is configured to use a predetermined threshold value corresponding to a value between the black line and the dotted line in the It is done.

[0076] In response to determining that the difference between the actual and predicted electrical consumption does not exceed a predetermined threshold (block If the determination at block 326 is negative, then at block 328 a charging cycle is triggered. , the battery controller 42A engages switch 48A and releases switch 48b. The receiving coil 30 is connected to the battery cell 38 and is configured to be disconnected from the electric load 46. In addition, the wireless charging device 16 includes a transmission coil for charging the battery cell 38. For example, the battery controller 42A outputs a signal through the load current i load Eyes The control circuit 34 is configured to transmit a current setpoint indicative of a target current to the voltage regulator 34. For example, the target current is 1.4 amps. In response to a charge cycle being triggered, The voltage regulator 34 is configured to obtain a current from the wireless charging device 16 such that the voltage regulator 34 can provide a target current to the battery cell 38. is configured to obtain from the wireless charging device 16 a current such that the voltage regulator 34 can provide a target current to the battery cell 38.

[0077] Alternatively, in response to a determination that the difference between the actual and predicted electrical consumption exceeds a predetermined threshold ( positive determination of block 326), at block 330, it is determined that the foreign object 12 is in proximity to the wireless charging device 16. Thereafter, at block 332, the transmission coil 24 is deactivated. Specifically, the charger controller 42B is configured to prevent the DC / AC converter 26 from outputting a power supply signal through the transmission coil 24 for charging the battery cell 3 8. At block 334, a warning of the wireless charging system 10 is issued. The warning is an audible, visual, or tactile warning. For example, the wireless charging device 16 may include a speaker configured to issue an audible warning. The wireless charging device 16 may also include a light emitting device such as the light emitting device 508 configured to emit light in response to the detection of the foreign object 12 as shown in FIG. 8. The wireless charging device 16 may further include a vibration motor configured to vibrate in response to the detection of the foreign object 12. In response to the trigger of the warning at block 334, or the trigger of the charging cycle at block 328, the method 300 returns to block 302 for continuous monitoring of one or more predetermined events. In addition to the wireless rechargeable battery 14 being placed in proximity to the wireless charging device 16, one or more predetermined events monitored by the wireless charging system 10 include the elapse of a predetermined time from the execution of the final foreign object detection cycle. For example, the wireless charging system may include a light emitting device such as the light emitting device 508 configured to emit light in response to the detection of the foreign object 12 as shown in FIG. 8. The wireless charging device 16 may further include a vibration motor configured to vibrate in response to the detection of the foreign object 12. In response to the trigger of the warning at block 334, or the trigger of the charging cycle at block 328, the method 300 returns to block 302 for continuous monitoring of one or more predetermined events. In addition to the wireless rechargeable battery 14 being placed in proximity to the wireless charging device 16, one or more predetermined events monitored by the wireless charging system 10 include

[0078] In response to the trigger of the warning at block 334, or the trigger of the charging cycle at block 328, the method 300 returns to block 302 for continuous monitoring of one or more predetermined events. In addition to the wireless rechargeable battery 14 being placed in proximity to the wireless charging device 16, one or more predetermined events monitored by the wireless charging system 10 include the elapse of a predetermined time from the execution of the final foreign object detection cycle. For example, the wireless charging system In response to the trigger of the warning at block 334, or the trigger of the charging cycle at block 328, the method 300 returns to block 302 for continuous monitoring of one or more predetermined events. In addition to the wireless rechargeable battery 14 being placed in proximity to the wireless charging device 16, one or more predetermined events monitored by the wireless charging system 10 include the elapse of a predetermined time from the execution of the final foreign object detection cycle. For example, the wireless charging system In addition to the wireless rechargeable battery 14 being placed in proximity to the wireless charging device 16, one or more predetermined events monitored by the wireless charging system 10 include the elapse of a predetermined time from the execution of the final foreign object detection cycle. For example, the wireless charging system Mu 10 may be configured to trigger a foreign object detection cycle every five minutes from the last foreign object detection cycle executed by the wireless charging system 10. After passing, it may be configured to trigger a foreign object detection cycle.

[0079] In some examples, one or more predetermined events monitored by the wireless charging system 10 also include a bump detection event. As described above, during the charging cycle, the charger controller 42B is configured to execute a constant current charging technique provided to charge the battery cell 38 with a constant load current i. However, when the battery cell 38 is charged, the battery voltage increases, which increases the effective impedance of the battery cell 38 and correspondingly decreases the load current i. In response, the wireless charging battery 14, or more specifically the voltage regulator 34, is configured to obtain additional current from the wireless charging device 16 to maintain the load current i at a target level. Correspondingly, the supply power P and the supply current i increase. Referring to FIG. 7, the solid line illustrates the output curve of the supply power P over time for charging the wireless charging battery 14 with a constant load current i executed by the wireless charging system 10. During the charging cycle, the charger controller 42B is configured to execute a constant current charging technique provided to charge the battery cell 38 with a constant load current i. load Is provided to charge the battery cell 38 Execute the constant current charging technology. When the battery cell 38 is charged, However, the battery voltage increases, which increases the effective impedance of the battery cell 38 And correspondingly increases the load current i load To decrease. In response, the wireless charging type Battery 14, or more specifically the voltage regulator 34, has a load current i load To the target level To maintain, it is configured to obtain additional current from the wireless charging device 16. Correspondingly Therefore, the supply power P supply And supply current i supply Increases. Referring to FIG. 7, the solid line is The constant load current i executed by the wireless charging system 10 load Wireless charging battery 14 with To charge, the supply power P over time supply Illustrates the output curve shown.

[0080] The supply power P of the power supply signal output by the power supply 20 supply And supply current i supply Is to maintain a constant load current i to the battery cell 38 load To increase over the charging cycle. However, the supply power P of the power supply signal And supply current i supply And supply current i loadAlso, the foreign object 17 is moved to a position that absorbs more power P FO from the wireless charging system 10, thereby increasing the power consumption of the wireless charging system 10. In response to an impact on the wireless charging system 10, it increases. Referring to FIG. 7, the dotted line illustrates a possible change in the supplied power P supply that occurs in response to an impact event.

[0081] Thus, during the charging cycle, the charger controller 42B monitors the electrical characteristics of the power supply signal provided by the wireless charging device 16, and based on the monitoring of the electrical characteristics, is configured to determine the occurrence of an impact event. For example, the electrical characteristics can be the supplied power P of the power supply signal output by the power supply 20, or the supply current i supply of the power supply signal. supp ly The charger controller 42B continuously tracks the difference between the current level of the electrical characteristics and the initial level of the electrical characteristics at the start of the current charging cycle, and is configured to determine whether the difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold corresponds to a predetermined increase in the total power consumption of the wireless charging system 10. As an example, the predetermined increase is 400 milliwatts. In other words, the charger controller 42B is configured to determine the occurrence of a predetermined event in response to an increase of 400 milliwatts in the supplied power P from the final foreign object detection cycle. supply

[0082] In response to the detection of at least one of one or more predetermined events (positive determination in block 302), in block 304, another foreign object detection cycle is triggered. ​​Accordingly, in response to the wireless charging battery 14 being placed in proximity to the wireless charging device 16 the wireless charging system 10 is configured to execute an object detection cycle so as to occupy the charging cycle during which the wireless charging device 16 charges the wireless charging battery 14. In each foreign object detection cycle, the wireless charging system 10 may be configured to refrain from charging the battery cell 38 and determine whether a foreign object 12 is in proximity to the wireless charging device 16.

[0083] FIG. 8 illustrates a wireless charging device 500 for charging several wireless charging batteries 14 simultaneously. More specifically, the wireless charging device 500 includes a controller 502, a power supply 504, and several charging bays 506. Each charging bay 506 includes a transmitting coil 24 for providing power to the receiving coil 30 of the wireless charging battery 14 disposed in the charging bay 506. The transmitting coil 24 of each charging bay 506 is connected to the power supply 504 through a DC / AC converter or the like. The controller 502 and the power supply 504 are configured to perform the same functions as the power supply 20 and the charger controller 42B of the wireless charging device 16 described above, if each charging bay 506 is considered separately. In other words, the controller 502 is configured to assist in performing the charging cycle and the foreign object detection cycle for each charging bay 506 as described above. The wireless charging device 500 may be configured to charge a wireless charging battery 14 housed in a

[0084] sterilizable container disposed on the wireless charging device 500, such as the sterilizable container 600 shown in FIG. 9. More specifically, one or more wireless charging batteries 14 may be charged after sterilization and placed in the sterilizable container. , is placed within a sterilizable container 600. The sterilizable container 600 is also sterilized (e.g., by an autoclave ), and maintains the sterilized state of the volume contained therein . In other words, the sterilizable container 600 provides a microbial barrier such that the volume within the sterilizable container 600 is maintained in a sterilized state until the sterilizable container 600 is opened.

[0085] Alternatively, the wireless rechargeable battery 14 may be placed within the sterilizable container 600 prior to sterilization. The sterilizable container 600 is then sterilized by an autoclave process (or other suitable sterilization process) with the wireless rechargeable battery 14 contained within the sterilizable container 600. Thus, the wireless rechargeable battery 14 and the sterilizable container 600 are both sterilized, and the volume within the sterilizable container 600 is sterilized or maintained in a sterilized state.

[0086] After using either of the above methods to sterilize the wireless rechargeable battery 14, the sterilizable container 600 is transported or transferred to the desired place of use while maintaining the sterilized state of the wireless rechargeable battery 14 and the sterilized volume. For example, the sterilizable container 600 is then placed on a wireless charging device 500 such that each wireless rechargeable battery 14 placed within the sterilizable container 600 is positioned on the transmitting coil 24 of a different charging bay 506. In this way, the wireless charging device 500 can provide charging power to the wireless rechargeable battery 14 while maintaining the wireless rechargeable battery 14 in a microbially sealed state within the sterilized volume. Each wireless rechargeable battery 14 may also obtain battery operation data, battery state data, and / or any other suitable data indicated herein while being maintained within the sterilized volume. It can communicate with the wireless charging device 500. The wireless rechargeable battery 14 is in a low power state while the wireless rechargeable battery 14 and its internal components are being transferred to the wireless charging device 5 00. During that time, the wireless rechargeable battery 14 and its internal components are in a low power state There is.

[0087] In another example, the wireless rechargeable battery 14 is placed in a sterilizable container 600 before sterilization, and the sterilizable While the container 600 and the wireless rechargeable battery 14 are not sterilized, the sterilizable container 600 is placed close to the wireless charging device 500 so that the wireless rechargeable battery 14 receives charging power Is placed. In such an example, after the wireless rechargeable battery 14 receives charging power from the wireless charging device 500, the sterilizable container 600 and the wireless rechargeable battery 14 are autoclaved Or sterilized by other sterilization processes, and the wireless rechargeable battery 14 is stored in a sterilized and charged state until the sterilizable container 600 is opened Instead, the wireless rechargeable battery 14 may be charged using the wireless charging device 500 and then placed in the sterilizable container 600 and sterilized It may be. Instead of the sterilizable container 600, rather, the wireless rechargeable battery 14 is placed in a blue (sterilized) wrap (b lue wrap), sterilized, and can be charged using any of the above methods It may be.

[0088] Rather than the sterilizable container 600, the wireless rechargeable battery 14 is placed in a blue (sterilized) wrap and sterilized and can be charged using any of the above methods lue wrap), sterilized, and can be charged using any of the above methods Therefore, the wireless rechargeable battery 14 can be charged through the blue wrap while being maintained in a sterilized state It can be.

[0089] Note that the wireless rechargeable battery 14 can be replaced with any power receiving device configured to receive and charge power For example, the power receiving device can be a surgical instrument configured to store charge. The power receiving device can also store charge Is configured to accumulate. The power receiving device can also store charge A cooling device configured to do so, or a light-emitting device configured to store electricity may be.

[0090] Some exemplary embodiments have been discussed in the foregoing description. However, the examples discussed in this specification are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to any particular form. The terminology used herein is not of a limiting nature but is intended to be explanatory. Many changes and variations are possible in light of the above teachings, and the invention may be practiced differently from that specifically described.

[0091] Examples of the present disclosure may be described with specific features presented in dependent claims using the following numbered clauses.

[0092] Clause 1. A system for detecting foreign objects in proximity to a wireless charging device, comprising a wireless charging battery, a receiving coil for receiving power from the wireless charging device when in proximity to the wireless charging device, one or more battery cells, an electrical load and a wireless charging battery comprising the same, wherein the receiving coil is connected to the one or more battery cells to charge the one or more battery cells and is disconnected from the electrical load in a first configuration, and the receiving coil is connected to the electrical load to supply power to the electrical load and is disconnected from the one or more battery cells in a second configuration, and at least one controller configured to switch the wireless charging battery between the two configurations. ​The at least one controller is configured to measure an induced voltage in the wirelessly rechargeable battery by the wireless charging device; based on the measured voltage, determine, as a first electrical characteristic, a predicted electrical loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery; when the wirelessly rechargeable battery is in a second configuration, determine a second electrical characteristic of the electrical load; and based on the first and second electrical characteristics, determine whether a foreign object is proximate to the wireless charging device. A system.

[0093] 2. The system according to clause 1, wherein the first electrical characteristic is a predicted power loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery, and the second electrical characteristic is power dissipated

[0094] by the electrical load. 3. The system according to clause 1, wherein the first electrical characteristic is a predicted current

[0095] loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery, and the second electrical characteristic is a current passing through the electrical load. 4. The wirelessly rechargeable battery includes a voltage rectifier connected to the receiving coil, configured to receive a first voltage from the receiving coil and generate a second voltage from the first voltage; a voltage regulator connected to the voltage rectifier, configured to receive the second voltage from the voltage rectifier and generate a third voltage from the second voltage; and when the wirelessly rechargeable battery is in the first configuration, the one or more battery cells are configured to receive a voltage, The system according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein the measured voltage is the second voltage. system.

[0096] 5. The wireless rechargeable battery includes a non-volatile memory device that stores calibration data specific to the wireless rechargeable battery, and the at least one controller is configured to determine the first electrical characteristic based on the measured voltage and the calibration data. The system according to any one of clauses 1 to 4.

[0097] 6. The calibration data indicates a change in predicted electrical loss of the wireless rechargeable battery corresponding to a change in the position of the wireless rechargeable battery relative to the wireless charging device, each of the predicted electrical losses being associated with a different voltage in the calibration data, and the at least one controller is configured to determine one of the predicted electrical losses indicated by the calibration data associated with the measured voltage in the calibration data, whereby the measured voltage and the calibration data are configured to determine the first electrical characteristic. The system according to clause 5.

[0098] 7. The electrical load is sized to dissipate the same amount of power as the one or more battery cells when the one or more battery cells are substantially fully charged, and includes at least one resistor. The system according to any one of clauses 1 to 6.

[0099] 8. The system according to clause 7, wherein the at least one resistor has a combined resistance of 8.3 ohms.

[0100] ​​​​​​9. The at least one controller is configured to as a third electrical characteristic, determine a predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging device; determine a fourth electrical characteristic of a power supply signal generated by the wireless charging device and; based on the first, second, third, and fourth electrical characteristics, determine whether the foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device, as described in clause 1. The system according to any one of clauses 1 to 8.

[0101] 10. The third electrical characteristic is a predicted power loss of the wireless charging device, and the fourth electrical characteristic is the supply power generated by the power supply signal, as described in clause 9. The system.

[0102] 11. The third electrical characteristic is a predicted current loss of the wireless charging device, and the fourth electrical characteristic is the supply current of the power supply signal, as described in clause 9.

[0103] 12. The wireless charging battery includes a first communication device for communicating with a second communication device of the wireless charging device when the wireless charging battery is in proximity to the wireless charging device. The at least one controller includes a battery controller integrated in the wireless charging battery, and the battery controller is configured to measure an induced voltage in the wireless charging battery by the wireless charging device; determine the first electrical characteristic based on the measured voltage; measure the second electrical characteristic; receive the third and fourth electrical characteristics from the wireless charging device through the first and second communication devices; and based on the first, second, third, and fourth electrical characteristics, determine whether the foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device. Based on the first, second, third, and fourth electrical characteristics, determining whether the foreign object is close to the wireless charging device, and Clause 9 is configured to perform such determination. The system according to any one of Clauses 11.

[0104] 13. The system further includes the wireless charging device, and the at least one controller includes a charger controller integrated into the wireless charging device. The charger controller is configured to , determine the third electrical characteristic, measure the fourth electrical characteristic, and transmit the third and fourth electrical characteristics to the battery controller through the first and second communication devices. The system according to Clause 12 is configured to perform such operations.

[0105] 14. The wireless charging battery includes a first communication device for communicating with a second communication device of the wireless charging device when the wireless charging battery is close to the wireless charging device. The at least one controller includes a battery controller integrated into the wireless charging battery. The battery controller is configured to measure the induced voltage in the wireless charging battery by the wireless charging device, determine the first electrical characteristic based on the measured voltage, measure the second electrical characteristic, and transmit the first and second electrical characteristics to the wireless charging device through the first and second communication devices. The system according to any one of Clauses 44 is configured to perform such operations.

[0106] 15. Further comprising the wireless charging device, wherein the at least one controller includes a charger controller integrated into the said wireless charging device, and the charger controller , receives the first and second electrical characteristics, determines the third electrical characteristic, measures the fourth electrical characteristic, and determines whether the foreign object is close to the wireless charging device based on the first, second, third, and fourth electrical characteristics, and is configured to perform the above, Clause 1 The system according to claim 4.

[0107] 16. The wireless charging device includes a non-volatile memory device that stores calibration data indicating the third electrical characteristic, and the at least one controller is configured to read the calibration data from the non-volatile memory device, so that the third electrical characteristic is determined. The system according to any one of Clauses 9 to 15. characteristic is determined. The system according to any one of Clauses 9 to 15. The system according to any one of Clauses 9 to 15. tem.

[0108] 17. The at least one controller determines, based on the first, second, and third electrical characteristics, the predicted electrical consumption of the system as the fifth electrical characteristic, determines whether the difference between the fifth electrical characteristic and the fourth electrical characteristic is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold, and determines that a foreign object is close to the wireless charging device in response to a determination that the difference between the fifth electrical characteristic and the fourth electrical characteristic is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold, and is configured to perform the above, so that the first, second, third, and fourth electrical characteristics, and the system according to any one of Clauses 9 to 15. characteristics, and the system according to any one of Clauses 9 to 15. characteristics, and the system according to any one of Clauses 9 to 15. Based on the qi characteristics, determine whether the foreign object is close to the wireless charging device The system according to any one of clauses 9 to 16, which is configured as such.

[0109] 18. The at least one controller In response to a determination that no foreign object is close to the wireless charging device, trigger a charging cycle And In response to a determination that a foreign object is close to the wireless charging device, disable the charging of the wireless charging battery The system according to any one of clauses 1 to 17, which is configured to perform the above. Item.

[0110] 19. In response to the wireless charging battery being placed close to the wireless charging device , the at least one controller is configured to execute a foreign object detection cycle that occupies intervals by a charging cycle, and in each of the foreign object detection cycles, the At least one controller described above Switch the wireless charging battery to the second configuration And Measure the induced voltage in the wireless charging battery by the wireless charging device Based on the measured voltage, determine the first electrical characteristic Determine the second electrical characteristic Based on the first and second electrical characteristics, determine whether a foreign object is close to the wireless charging device And In response to a determination that no foreign object is close to the wireless charging device, trigger one of the charging cycles And In response to a determination that a foreign object is close to the wireless charging device, disable the charging of the wireless charging battery And is configured to perform the above. In each of the charging cycles, the at least one controller is configured to switch the wirelessly chargeable battery to the first configuration, as described in any one of clauses 1 to 18. The system according to any one of clauses 1 to 18, wherein the at least one controller is configured to switch the wirelessly chargeable battery to the first configuration in each of the charging cycles. The system according to any one of clauses 1 to 18, wherein the at least one controller is configured to switch the wirelessly chargeable battery to the first configuration in each of the charging cycles.

[0111] 20. The system according to clause 19, wherein the at least one controller is configured to trigger each of the foreign object detection cycles in response to detection of at least one of one or more predetermined events. The system according to clause 19, wherein the at least one controller is configured to trigger each of the foreign object detection cycles in response to detection of at least one of one or more predetermined events. The system according to clause 19, wherein the at least one controller is configured to trigger each of the foreign object detection cycles in response to detection of at least one of one or more predetermined events.

[0112] 21. The system according to clause 20, wherein the one or more predetermined events include the wirelessly chargeable battery being placed in proximity to the wireless charging dock. The system according to clause 20, wherein the one or more predetermined events include the wirelessly chargeable battery being placed in proximity to the wireless charging dock.

[0113] 22. The system according to clause 20 or 21, wherein the one or more predetermined events include the elapse of a predetermined time from the final foreign object detection cycle. The system according to clause 20 or 21, wherein the one or more predetermined events include the elapse of a predetermined time from the final foreign object detection cycle.

[0114] 23. The system according to any one of clauses 20 to 22, wherein the one or more predetermined events include a predetermined increase in the supply power by the wireless charging device from the final foreign object detection cycle. The system according to any one of clauses 20 to 22, wherein the one or more predetermined events include a predetermined increase in the supply power by the wireless charging device from the final foreign object detection cycle. The system according to any one of clauses 20 to 22, wherein the one or more predetermined events include a predetermined increase in the supply power by the wireless charging device from the final foreign object detection cycle.

[0115] 24. A wireless charging device, a transmitting coil for transmitting power to a wirelessly chargeable battery when the wirelessly chargeable battery is in proximity to the transmitting coil; a power supply connected to the transmitting coil and configured to generate a power supply signal for supplying power to the transmitting coil; determining a first electrical characteristic of the power supply signal; determining, as a second electrical characteristic, a predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging device; determining a first electrical characteristic of the power supply signal; determining, as a second electrical characteristic, a predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging device; Based on the first and second electrical characteristics, determine whether a foreign object is close to the wireless charging device and is configured to perform, at least one controller A wireless charging device comprising.

[0116] 25. The first electrical characteristic is the supply power provided by the power supply signal and the second electrical characteristic is the predicted power loss of the wireless charging device, as described in clause 24 The wireless charging device described.

[0117] 26. The first electrical characteristic is the supply current of the power supply signal, and the second electrical characteristic is the predicted current loss of the wireless charging device, as described in clause 24 The wireless charging device.

[0118] 27. When the wireless charging battery is close to the wireless charging device, it further includes a first communication device for communicating with the second communication device of the wireless charging battery, and the at least one controller determines the first and second electrical characteristics, and through the first and second communication devices, receives, as the third electrical characteristic, the predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging battery and the fourth electrical characteristic of the electrical load of the wireless charging battery from the wireless charging battery, and is configured to determine whether a foreign object is close to the wireless charging device based on the first, second, third, and fourth electrical characteristics, as described in any one of clauses 24 to 26 The wireless charging device described in clause 42. The wireless charging device described in any one of clauses 44.

[0119] 28. The third electrical characteristic is the predicted power loss of the wireless charging battery, and the fourth​​​​ The electrical characteristic of is the power dissipated by the electrical load, the wireless charging

[0120] 29. The third electrical characteristic is the predicted current loss of the wireless charging battery, and the fourth electrical characteristic is the current passing through the electrical load, the wireless charging device according to clause 27.

[0121] 30. Further comprising a non-volatile memory device for storing calibration data indicating the second electrical characteristic, and the at least one controller is configured to read the calibration data from the non-volatile memory device, thereby determining the second electrical characteristic configured as such, the wireless charging device according to any one of clauses 24 to 29.

[0122] 31. The at least one controller based on the second, third, and fourth electrical characteristics, as a fifth electrical characteristic, determining the predicted electrical consumption of the system; determining whether the difference between the fifth electrical characteristic and the first electrical characteristic is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value or not; responding to the determination that the difference between the fifth electrical characteristic and the first electrical characteristic is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value by determining that the foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device configured to perform, thereby determining whether the foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device based on the first, second, third, and fourth electrical characteristics configured as such, the wireless charging device according to any one of clauses 24 to 30.

[0123] ​​32. The at least one controller is configured to invalidate charging of the wirelessly rechargeable battery in response to a determination that foreign matter is proximate to the wireless charging device. The wireless charging device according to any one of clauses 24 to 31.

[0124] 33. In response to the wirelessly rechargeable battery being placed proximate to the wireless charging device, the at least one controller is configured to execute a foreign object detection cycle that is interspersed by charging cycles, and in each of the foreign object detection cycles, the at least one controller determines the first electrical characteristic of the power supply signal, determines the second electrical characteristic, determines whether foreign matter is proximate to the wireless charging device based on the first and second electrical characteristics, triggers one of the charging cycles in response to a determination that foreign matter is not proximate to the wireless charging device, and invalidates charging in response to a determination that foreign matter is proximate to the wireless charging device. The wireless charging device according to any one of clauses 24 to 32.

[0125] 34. The at least one controller is configured to trigger each of the foreign object detection cycles in response to detection of at least one of one or more predetermined events. The wireless charging device according to clause 33.

[0126] 35. The one or more predetermined events include the wirelessly rechargeable battery being placed proximate to the wireless charging device. The wireless charging device according to clause 34.​​​​​​​

[0127] 36. The wireless charging device according to clause 34 or 35, wherein the one or more predetermined events include the elapse of a predetermined time from the final foreign object detection cycle.

[0128] 37. The wireless charging device according to any one of clauses 34 to 36, wherein the one or more predetermined events include a predetermined increase in the supplied power by the wireless charging device from the final foreign object detection cycle.

[0129] 38. A method for detecting a foreign object in proximity to a wireless charging system including a wireless charging device and a wirelessly rechargeable battery, wherein the wirelessly rechargeable battery has a receiving coil for receiving power from the wireless charging device when the receiving coil is in proximity to the wireless charging device, one or more battery cells, and an electrical load, and the method includes: switching the wirelessly rechargeable battery to a first configuration in which the receiving coil is connected to the electrical load to supply power to the electrical load and is disconnected from the one or more battery cells; measuring an induced voltage in the wirelessly rechargeable battery by the wireless charging device; determining a predicted electrical loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery as a first electrical characteristic based on the measured voltage; determining a second electrical characteristic of the electrical load when the wirelessly rechargeable battery is in the first configuration; and determining whether a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device based on the first and second electrical characteristics.

[0130] 39. The wirelessly rechargeable battery stores calibration data specific to the wirelessly rechargeable battery in a non-volatile Comprising a volatile memory device and determining the first electrical characteristic based on the measured voltage Determining the first electrical characteristic based on the measured voltage and the calibration data The method according to clause 38, comprising

[0131] 40. Determining a predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging device as a third electrical characteristic and Determining a fourth electrical characteristic of a power supply signal generated by the wireless charging device and Based on the first, second, third, and fourth electrical characteristics, determining whether the foreign object is close to the wireless charging device, further comprising the method according to clause 38 or 39 described

[0132] 41. When the wireless charging battery is close to the wireless charging device, the wireless charging type battery comprises a first communication device for communicating with a second communication device of the wireless charging device and Measuring the induced voltage in the wireless charging battery by the wireless charging device and Determining the first electrical characteristic based on the measured voltage by the wireless charging battery and Receiving the third and fourth electrical characteristics from the wireless charging device through the first and second communication devices by the wireless charging battery and Based on the first, second, third, and fourth electrical characteristics, determining whether the foreign object is close to the wireless charging device by the wireless charging battery further comprising The method according to clause 40

[0133] 42. Determining, by the wireless charging device, the third electrical characteristic; and measuring, by the wireless charging device, the fourth electrical characteristic; The wireless charging device communicates with the first and second communication devices. and transmitting the third and fourth electrical characteristics to the wirelessly rechargeable battery. 1. The method according to claim 1.

[0134] 43. The wirelessly rechargeable battery is connected to the wireless charging device. a first communication device for communicating with a second communication device of the wireless charging device when the first communication device is in a Equipped with The wireless rechargeable battery is connected to the wireless charging device. Measuring the induced voltage; determining, by the wirelessly rechargeable battery, the first electrical characteristic based on the measured voltage; And, Measuring the second electrical characteristic by the wirelessly rechargeable battery; The wirelessly rechargeable battery communicates with the first and second communication devices. and communicating a second electrical characteristic to the wireless charging device. 0. The method described herein.

[0135] 44. The wireless charging device, through the first and second communication devices, receiving the first and second electrical characteristics; determining, by the wireless charging device, the third electrical characteristic; measuring, by the wireless charging device, the fourth electrical characteristic; and detecting a power supply voltage based on the first, second, third, and fourth electrical characteristics by the wireless charging device. and determining whether the foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device based on the detected foreign object. also included, the method according to clause 43.

[0136] 45. The wireless charging device includes a non-volatile memory device that stores calibration data indicating the third electrical characteristic, and determining the third electrical characteristic includes reading the calibration data from the non-volatile memory device. The method according to any one of clauses 40 to 44. volatile memory device, and determining the third electrical characteristic includes reading the calibration data from the non-volatile memory device. The method according to any one of clauses 40 to 44. memory device, and determining the third electrical characteristic includes reading the calibration data from the non-volatile memory device. The method according to any one of clauses 40 to 44. described method.

[0137] 46. Based on the first, second, third, and fourth electrical characteristics, determining whether the foreign object is close to the wireless charging device; based on the first, second, and third electrical characteristics, determining, as a fifth electrical characteristic, the predicted power consumption of the system; determining whether the difference between the fifth electrical characteristic and the fourth electrical characteristic exceeds a predetermined threshold; and determining that the foreign object is close to the wireless charging device in response to a determination that the difference between the fifth electrical characteristic and the fourth electrical characteristic is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold. The method according to any one of clauses 40 to 45. whether the foreign object is close to the wireless charging device; based on the first, second, and third electrical characteristics, determining, as a fifth electrical characteristic, the predicted power consumption of the system; determining whether the difference between the fifth electrical characteristic and the fourth electrical characteristic exceeds a predetermined threshold; and determining that the foreign object is close to the wireless charging device in response to a determination that the difference between the fifth electrical characteristic and the fourth electrical characteristic is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold. The method according to any one of clauses 40 to 45. Based on the first, second, and third electrical characteristics, determining, as a fifth electrical characteristic, the predicted power consumption of the system; determining whether the difference between the fifth electrical characteristic and the fourth electrical characteristic exceeds a predetermined threshold; and determining that the foreign object is close to the wireless charging device in response to a determination that the difference between the fifth electrical characteristic and the fourth electrical characteristic is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold. The method according to any one of clauses 40 to 45. predicted power consumption of the system; determining whether the difference between the fifth electrical characteristic and the fourth electrical characteristic exceeds a predetermined threshold; and determining that the foreign object is close to the wireless charging device in response to a determination that the difference between the fifth electrical characteristic and the fourth electrical characteristic is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold. The method according to any one of clauses 40 to 45. Determining whether the difference between the fifth electrical characteristic and the fourth electrical characteristic exceeds a predetermined threshold; and determining that the foreign object is close to the wireless charging device in response to a determination that the difference between the fifth electrical characteristic and the fourth electrical characteristic is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold. The method according to any one of clauses 40 to 45. predetermined threshold; and determining that the foreign object is close to the wireless charging device in response to a determination that the difference between the fifth electrical characteristic and the fourth electrical characteristic is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold. The method according to any one of clauses 40 to 45. Determining that the foreign object is close to the wireless charging device in response to a determination that the difference between the fifth electrical characteristic and the fourth electrical characteristic is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold. The method according to any one of clauses 40 to 45. Determining that the foreign object is close to the wireless charging device in response to a determination that the difference between the fifth electrical characteristic and the fourth electrical characteristic is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold. The method according to any one of clauses 40 to 45. described method.

[0138] 47. In response to a determination that the foreign object is not close to the wireless charging device, switching the wireless charging battery to a second configuration in which the receiving coil is connected to the one or more battery cells to charge the one or more battery cells and is disconnected from the electrical load; and in response to a determination that the foreign object is close to the wireless charging device, further including invalidating the charging of the wireless charging battery. The method according to any one of clauses 38 to 46. In response to a determination that the foreign object is not close to the wireless charging device, switching the wireless charging battery to a second configuration in which the receiving coil is connected to the one or more battery cells to charge the one or more battery cells and is disconnected from the electrical load; and in response to a determination that the foreign object is close to the wireless charging device, further including invalidating the charging of the wireless charging battery. The method according to any one of clauses 38 to 46. In response to a determination that the foreign object is not close to the wireless charging device, switching the wireless charging battery to a second configuration in which the receiving coil is connected to the one or more battery cells to charge the one or more battery cells and is disconnected from the electrical load; and in response to a determination that the foreign object is close to the wireless charging device, further including invalidating the charging of the wireless charging battery. The method according to any one of clauses 38 to 46. In response to a determination that the foreign object is not close to the wireless charging device, switching the wireless charging battery to a second configuration in which the receiving coil is connected to the one or more battery cells to charge the one or more battery cells and is disconnected from the electrical load; and in response to a determination that the foreign object is close to the wireless charging device, further including invalidating the charging of the wireless charging battery. The method according to any one of clauses 38 to 46. In response to a determination that the foreign object is close to the wireless charging device, further including invalidating the charging of the wireless charging battery. The method according to any one of clauses 38 to 46. In response to a determination that the foreign object is close to the wireless charging device, further including invalidating the charging of the wireless charging battery. The method according to any one of clauses 38 to 46. described method.

[0139] In response to the wirelessly rechargeable battery being placed in proximity to the wireless charging device further including executing a foreign object detection cycle that occupies intervals by means of a charging cycle each of the foreign object detection cycles comprising switching the wirelessly rechargeable battery to the first configuration measuring the induced voltage within the wirelessly rechargeable battery by the wireless charging device determining the first electrical characteristic based on the measured voltage determining the second electrical characteristic based on the first and second electrical characteristics, determining whether a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device or not in response to a determination that no foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device, triggering one of the charging cycles thereof in response to a determination that a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device, disabling charging of the wirelessly rechargeable battery comprising, each of the charging cycles switching the wirelessly rechargeable battery to a second configuration in which the receiving coil is connected to one or more battery cells for charging the one or more battery cells and is disconnected from the electrical load the method according to any one of clauses 38 to 47 comprising as described in

[0140] 49. Monitoring the occurrence of one or more predetermined events and in response to detection of at least one of the one or more predetermined events, triggering each of the foreign object detection cycles the method according to clause 48 further comprising

[0141] 50. In response to a determination that the wirelessly rechargeable battery has been placed in proximity to the wireless charging device further comprising triggering one of the foreign object detection cycles, the method according to clause 49 described.

[0142] 51. Responsive to a determination that a predetermined time has elapsed since the final foreign object detection cycle, further comprising triggering one of the foreign object detection cycles, the method according to clause 49 or 50 described.

[0143] 52. Responsive to a predetermined increase in the supply power by the wireless charging device from the final foreign object detection cycle, further comprising triggering one of the foreign object detection cycles, the method according to any one of clauses 49 to 51.

[0144] 53. A method for detecting a foreign object in proximity to a wireless charging device comprising a transmission coil for transmitting power to the wireless charging battery when the wireless charging battery is in proximity to the transmission coil, and a power supply configured to generate a power supply signal for supplying power to the transmission coil and connected to the transmission coil, the method comprising: determining a first electrical characteristic of the power supply signal; determining, as a second electrical characteristic, a predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging device; and determining, based on the first and second electrical characteristics, whether a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device. The method includes: determining a predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging device as a second electrical characteristic; and determining whether a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device based on the first and second electrical characteristics. The method includes:

[0145] 54. The wireless charging device includes a first communication device for communicating with a second communication device of the wireless charging battery when the wireless charging battery is in proximity to the wireless charging device, wherein the wireless charging device determines the first and second electrical characteristics, and the wireless charging device determines the first and second electrical characteristics, By the wireless charging device, through the first and second communication devices, the wireless From the wireless charging battery, as a third electrical characteristic, the predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging battery and the Fourth electrical characteristic of the electrical load of the wireless charging battery described above, and receiving Based on the first, second, third, and fourth electrical characteristics by the wireless charging device, Determining whether the foreign object is close to the wireless charging device, and further including the method according to clause 53.

[0146] 55. The wireless charging device further includes a non-volatile memory device that stores calibration data indicating the second electrical characteristic, and determining the second electrical characteristic includes reading the calibration data from the non-volatile memory device, and the method according to clause 53 or 54.

[0147] 56. Based on the first, second, third, and fourth electrical characteristics, determining whether the foreign object is close to the wireless charging device, Based on the second, third, and fourth electrical characteristics, as a fifth electrical characteristic, determining the predicted power consumption of the system, Determining whether the difference between the fifth electrical characteristic and the first electrical characteristic is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold, In response to the determination that the difference between the fifth electrical characteristic and the first electrical characteristic is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, determining that the foreign object is close to the wireless charging device, and including the method according to clause 54.

[0148] 57. In response to the determination that a foreign object is close to the wireless charging device, the wireless charging The method according to any one of clauses 53 to 56, further comprising disabling charging of the battery. Method.

[0149] 58. In response to the wirelessly chargeable battery being placed in proximity to the wireless charging device, further comprising performing a foreign object detection cycle that occupies an interval during a charging cycle, wherein each of the foreign object detection cycles comprises: determining the first electrical characteristic of the power supply signal; determining the second electrical characteristic; based on the first and second electrical characteristics, determining whether a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device; in response to a determination that no foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device, triggering one of the charging cycles; in response to a determination that a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device, disabling charging of the wirelessly chargeable battery, the method according to any one of clauses 53 to 57. in response to a determination that no foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device, triggering one of the charging cycles; in response to a determination that a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device, disabling charging of the wirelessly chargeable battery, the method according to any one of clauses 53 to 57. in response to a determination that a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device, disabling charging of the wirelessly chargeable battery, the method according to any one of clauses 53 to 57. in response to a determination that a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device, disabling charging of the wirelessly chargeable battery, the method according to any one of clauses 53 to 57.

[0150] 59. Monitoring the occurrence of one or more predetermined events, and in response to detection of at least one of the one or more predetermined events, triggering each of the foreign object detection cycles, the method according to clause 58. in response to detection of at least one of the one or more predetermined events, triggering each of the foreign object detection cycles, the method according to clause 58.

[0151] 60. Further comprising triggering one of the foreign object detection cycles in response to a determination that the wirelessly chargeable battery is placed in proximity to the wireless charging device, the method according to clause 58 or 59. the method according to clause 58 or 59.

[0152] 61. In response to a determination that a predetermined time has elapsed since a final foreign object detection cycle, the foreign object Any one of clauses 58 to 60, further including triggering one of the detection cycles The method according to item 1.

[0153] 62. Further including triggering one of the foreign object detection cycles in response to a predetermined increase in the supply power from the wireless charging device in the final foreign object detection cycle The method according to any one of clauses 58 to 61, further including triggering one of the foreign object detection cycles The method according to any one of clauses 58 to 61, further including triggering one of the foreign object detection cycles

Claims

1. 1. A wireless charging system for detecting a foreign object, comprising: a first controller configured to determine an actual electrical consumption of the wireless charging system; A wireless charging device comprising: a wireless power supply that receives power from the wireless charging device when in proximity to the wireless charging device; A rechargeable battery, comprising: a wireless charging device; and a rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery includes: a first rechargeable battery; a wirelessly rechargeable battery having a second controller configured to determine Equipped with The first controller, the second controller, or the first and second controllers The combination of trolls is determining a projected electrical consumption of the wireless charging system based on the measured voltage; Based on the predicted electrical consumption and the actual electrical consumption, a foreign object is detected in the wireless charging system. Determining whether or not the objects are in close proximity; The wireless charging system is configured to:

2. The wireless charging device, a transmitting coil for transmitting power to the wirelessly rechargeable battery; A power supply signal is generated by connecting the power supply coil to the transmitting coil. and a power source configured to generate The first controller is configured to measure an electrical characteristic of the power supply signal. and configured to determine the actual electrical consumption of the wireless charging system by The wireless charging system of claim 1 .

3. The wireless rechargeable battery, When the receiving coil is in proximity to the wireless charging device, the receiving coil for receiving power; A power supply is connected to the receiving coil to receive a first voltage from the receiving coil and to supply the first voltage to the receiving coil. a voltage rectifier configured to generate a second voltage from the first voltage; a second power supply connected to the voltage rectifier to receive the second voltage from the voltage rectifier; a voltage regulator configured to generate a third voltage from the voltage of one or more power supplies configured to receive the third voltage from the voltage regulator; and a number of battery cells, 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the measured induced voltage in the wirelessly rechargeable battery is the second voltage.

3. The wireless charging system according to claim 2.

4. The wireless rechargeable battery, When the receiving coil is in proximity to the wireless charging device, the receiving coil for receiving power; one or more battery cells; an electrical load; The second controller controls the wirelessly rechargeable battery, and the receiving coil controls the one or is connected to one or more battery cells to charge the battery cells, A charging arrangement is separated from the electrical load, and the receiving coil supplies power to the electrical load. a power supply connected to the electrical load to supply a power to the electrical load; and a foreign object detection configuration that is separated from the foreign object detection configuration.

13. The wireless charging system according to claim 12 .

5. The electrical load is configured to supply a maximum of at least one resistor sized to dissipate an amount of power substantially equal to the large power; The wireless charging system of claim 4 , further comprising a power supply.

6. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the at least one resistor has a combined resistance of 8.3 ohms. Wireless charging system.

7. The second controller: Based on the measured voltage, a predicted electrical characteristic of the wirelessly rechargeable battery is calculated as a first electrical characteristic. Determining the loss; and When the wirelessly rechargeable battery is in the foreign object detection configuration, a second electrical characteristic is: Determining an electrical characteristic of a signal provided to an electrical load; The device is configured to: The predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging system is determined based on the first and second electrical characteristics. The wireless charging system of claim 4 , wherein the power consumption is determined based on the power consumption.

8. The wirelessly rechargeable battery includes a non-volatile memory that stores calibration data specific to the wirelessly rechargeable battery. A storage device is provided. The second controller controls the first controller based on the measured voltage and the calibration data.

8. The wireless charging system of claim 7, configured to determine an electrical characteristic of the power supply.

9. The calibration data responds to changes in position of the wirelessly rechargeable battery relative to the wireless charging device. a change in predicted electrical loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery, each of the predicted electrical losses being associated with different voltages in the calibration data, The second controller selects the calibration voltage associated with the measured voltage in the calibration data. The measured electrical losses are determined by determining one of the predicted electrical losses represented by positive data. and determining the first electrical characteristic based on the voltage and the calibration data.

9. The wireless charging system of claim 8 .

10. The wireless charging device, a transmitting coil for transmitting power to the wirelessly rechargeable battery; A power supply signal is generated by connecting the power supply coil to the transmitting coil. and a power source configured to generate The first controller, measuring an electrical characteristic of the power supply signal; The electrical characteristic of the power delivery signal is the actual electrical consumption of the wireless charging system. And set it, determining a predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging device as a third electrical characteristic; The device is configured to: The predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging system is further determined based on the third electrical characteristic. The wireless charging system of claim 7 , wherein the power supply voltage Vcc is determined as follows:

11. The wireless charging device includes a first communication device, and the wirelessly rechargeable battery includes a When a rechargeable battery is in proximity to the wireless charging device, the rechargeable battery communicates with the first communication device. a second communication device for receiving a The second controller: The wireless charging device transmits a signal to the third communication device through the first and second communication devices. receiving an electrical characteristic and the actual electrical consumption of the wireless charging system; determining whether the first, second, and third electrical characteristics of the wireless charging system are satisfied; determining a predicted electrical consumption; Based on the predicted electrical consumption and the actual electrical consumption, a foreign object is detected in the wireless charging system. Determining whether or not the objects are in close proximity; The wireless charging system of claim 10 , configured to:

12. The wireless charging device includes a first communication device, and the wirelessly rechargeable battery includes a When a rechargeable battery is in proximity to the wireless charging device, the rechargeable battery communicates with the first communication device. a second communication device for receiving a The first controller, transmitting the first and second power supplies from the wirelessly rechargeable battery through the first and second communication devices; and receiving data indicative of a second electrical characteristic. The prediction of the wireless charging system is performed based on the received data and a third electrical characteristic. Determining a measured electrical consumption; Based on the predicted electrical consumption and the actual electrical consumption, a foreign object is detected in the wireless charging system. Determining whether or not the objects are in close proximity; The wireless charging system of claim 10 , configured to:

13. The wireless charging device, a transmitting coil for transmitting power to the wirelessly rechargeable battery; A power supply signal is generated by connecting the power supply coil to the transmitting coil. and a power source configured to generate The first controller, measuring an electrical characteristic of the power supply signal; determining an electrical loss of the wireless charging device as a third electrical characteristic; and based on the electrical characteristic of the power supply signal and the third electrical characteristic, determining the actual electrical consumption of the wireless charging system; The actual electricity consumption of the wireless charging system is calculated by: The wireless charging system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, configured to determine Hmm.

14. The wireless charging device includes a first communication device, and the wirelessly rechargeable battery includes a When a rechargeable battery is in proximity to the wireless charging device, the rechargeable battery communicates with the first communication device. a second communication device for receiving a The second controller: The wireless charging device transmits the wireless receiving the actual electrical consumption of a charging system; The predicted electrical current of the wireless charging system based on the first and second electrical characteristics. Determining the consumption amount; Based on the predicted electrical consumption and the actual electrical consumption, a foreign object is detected in the wireless charging system. Determining whether or not the objects are in close proximity; 14. The wireless charging system of claim 13, configured to:

15. The wireless charging device includes a first communication device, and the wirelessly rechargeable battery includes a When a rechargeable battery is in proximity to the wireless charging device, the rechargeable battery communicates with the first communication device. a second communication device for receiving a The first controller, transmitting the first and second power supplies from the wirelessly rechargeable battery through the first and second communication devices; and receiving data indicative of a second electrical characteristic. determining the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging system based on the received data; And, Based on the predicted electrical consumption and the actual electrical consumption, a foreign object is detected in the wireless charging system. Determining whether or not the objects are in close proximity; 14. The wireless charging system of claim 13, configured to:

16. The wireless charging device stores calibration data indicative of the electrical losses of the wireless charging device. a non-volatile storage device for storing the The first controller reads the calibration data from the non-volatile storage device. The wireless charging device may be configured to determine the electrical loss of the wireless charging device. The wireless charging system according to claim 10 , wherein the wireless charging system is configured as follows:

17. The first controller or the second controller, Whether the difference between the actual electricity consumption and the predicted electricity consumption is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value and determining whether In response to determining that the difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, a foreign object is detected in the wireless charging system. Determining that the facility is in close proximity to The wireless charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, configured to: Hmm.

18. The first controller or the second controller, In response to determining that a foreign object is not proximate to the wireless charging device, the charging cycle is terminated. Triggering; and In response to determining that a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device, Disable battery charging The wireless charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, configured to: Hmm.

19. in response to the wirelessly rechargeable battery being placed in proximity to the wireless charging device, First and second controllers are configured to detect a foreign object between two adjacent foreign object detection sites, the foreign object detection sites being separated by a charging cycle. It is configured to run the In each of the foreign object detection cycles, the first or second controller: Based on the predicted electrical consumption and the actual electrical consumption, a foreign object is detected in the wireless charging system. determining whether or not the objects are in close proximity; In response to determining that a foreign object is not proximate to the wireless charging device, triggering one of the In response to determining that a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device, Disable battery charging 19. The wireless charging system according to claim 1 , configured to: Hmm.

20. The first or second controller detects at least one of one or more predetermined events. and configured to trigger each of said foreign object detection cycles in response to at least one detection of said foreign object.

20. The wireless charging system of claim 19.

21. The one or more predetermined events are when the wirelessly rechargeable battery detects that the wireless charging device 21. The wireless charging system of claim 20, further comprising:

22. The one or more predetermined events are determined based on a predetermined time lapse since the last foreign object detection cycle.

22. The wireless charging system of claim 20 or 21, further comprising a filter.

23. The one or more predetermined events may include determining whether the wireless charging 22. A method according to any one of claims 20 to 21, comprising a predetermined increase in power supplied by the device. Wireless charging system.

24. The predicted power consumption is a predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system, and the actual power consumption is 24. The method according to claim 1, wherein the power consumption is an actual power consumption of the wireless charging system. The wireless charging system according to claim 1.

25. The predicted electrical consumption corresponds to a predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system. the actual electrical consumption is the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system.

24. The wireless charging system according to claim 1, wherein the amount of current passing through the wireless charging system corresponds to the amount of current passing through the wireless charging system. The wireless charging system according to claim 1.

26. 2 and 3, wherein the electrical characteristic of the power supply signal is the power of the power supply signal.

16. The wireless charging system according to any one of claims 10 to 15.

27. 2 and 3, wherein the electrical characteristic of the power supply signal is a current of the power supply signal.

16. The wireless charging system according to any one of claims 10 to 15.

28. The first electrical characteristic is a predicted power loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery, and the second electrical characteristic is a predicted power loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery. the third electrical characteristic is the power dissipated by the electrical load; The wireless charging device according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein the wireless charging device is a wireless device. Line charging system.

29. the first electrical characteristic being a current corresponding to an expected power loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery; The second electrical characteristic is a current through the electrical load, and the third electrical characteristic is a 17. The method according to claim 10, wherein the current corresponds to an expected power loss of the wireless charging device.

2. The wireless charging system according to claim 1.

30. A wirelessly rechargeable battery and a wireless charging device that, when the wirelessly rechargeable battery is in close proximity to the wireless charging device, and the wireless charging device transmitting a signal to the wirelessly rechargeable battery. A wireless rechargeable battery for detecting a foreign object in contact therewith, Measuring an induced voltage in the wirelessly rechargeable battery by the wireless charging device; determining a projected electrical consumption of the wireless charging system based on the measured voltage; Based on the predicted electrical consumption and the actual electrical consumption of the wireless charging system, a foreign object is detected. determining whether the wireless charging system is in proximity; A wireless rechargeable battery comprising: a controller configured to:

31. When the receiving coil is in close proximity to the wireless charging device, the receiving coil receives power from the wireless charging device. the receiving coil for receiving a force; A power supply connected to the receiving coil for receiving a first voltage from the receiving coil, a voltage rectifier configured to generate a second voltage from a second power supply connected to the voltage rectifier for receiving the second voltage from the voltage rectifier; a voltage regulator configured to generate a third voltage from the voltage; one or more amplifiers configured to receive the third voltage from the voltage regulator; Battery cells and Further equipped with 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the measured induced voltage in the wirelessly rechargeable battery is the second voltage.

10. The wireless rechargeable battery according to claim 0.

32. When the receiving coil is in close proximity to the wireless charging device, the receiving coil receives power from the wireless charging device. the receiving coil for receiving a force; one or more battery cells; and an electrical load. The controller controls the wirelessly rechargeable battery, and the receiving coil controls the one or more a charger connected to the one or more battery cells for charging the battery cells; a charging arrangement in which the receiving coil is disconnected from the electrical load and the receiving coil is used to supply power to the electrical load; a power supply connected to the electrical load for supplying power to the one or more battery cells; 32. The method of claim 30 or 31, further comprising: On-board wireless rechargeable battery.

33. The electrical load is configured to supply a maximum of at least one resistor sized to dissipate an amount of power substantially equal to the large power; 33. The wirelessly rechargeable battery of claim 32, comprising a rechargeable battery.

34. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein the at least one resistor has a combined resistance of 8.3 ohms. Wireless rechargeable battery.

35. The wirelessly rechargeable battery is connected to the wireless charging device. a first communication device for communicating with a second communication device of the wireless charging device; picture, The controller: Based on the measured voltage, a predicted electrical characteristic of the wirelessly rechargeable battery is calculated as a first electrical characteristic. Determining the loss; and When the wirelessly rechargeable battery is in the foreign object detection configuration, a second electrical characteristic is: Determining an electrical characteristic of a signal provided to an electrical load; The predicted electrical current of the wireless charging system based on the first and second electrical characteristics. Determining consumption and The wireless rechargeable battery of any one of claims 32 to 34, pond.

36. and a non-volatile storage device configured to store calibration data specific to the wirelessly rechargeable battery. 、 The controller controls the second electrical 36. The wirelessly rechargeable battery of claim 35, configured to determine a functional characteristic.

37. The calibration data responds to changes in position of the wirelessly rechargeable battery relative to the wireless charging device. a change in predicted electrical loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery, each of the predicted electrical losses being associated with different voltages in the calibration data, The controller determines the calibration data associated with the measured voltage in the calibration data. and configured to determine one of the predicted electrical losses indicated by the and determining the second electrical characteristic based on the measured voltage and the calibration data.

37. The wirelessly rechargeable battery of claim 36, configured as follows:

38. The controller: A third electrical characteristic is a third electrical characteristic of the wireless charging device. receiving a predicted electrical loss of an electrical device; The actual electrical consumption is measured using a power delivery signal provided by the wireless charging device. and a first communication device and a second communication device are connected to the wireless charging system via the first and second communication devices. receiving the actual electrical consumption of the system; [0023] The method according to claim 1, further comprising: The determination of the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging system further includes determining the third electrical characteristic.

38. The wirelessly rechargeable battery according to any one of claims 35 to 37,

39. The controller communicates with the wireless charging system through the first and second communication devices. and further configured to receive the actual electrical consumption of the system. The actual electrical consumption is measured based on a power delivery signal provided by the wireless charging device. and a third electrical characteristic, which is an expected electrical loss of the wireless charging device.

38. The wirelessly rechargeable battery according to any one of claims 35 to 37,

40. The controller: Whether the difference between the actual electricity consumption and the actual electricity consumption is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. Determining the In response to determining that the difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, a foreign object is detected in the wireless charging device. Determining that the site is in close proximity to The wirelessly rechargeable battery of any one of claims 30 to 39, pond.

41. The controller: In response to determining that a foreign object is not proximate to the wireless charging device, the charging cycle is terminated. Triggering; and In response to determining that a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device, Disable battery charging The wireless rechargeable battery of any one of claims 30 to 40, pond.

42. in response to the wirelessly rechargeable battery being placed in proximity to the wireless charging device, The controller will perform foreign object detection cycles interspersed with charging cycles. It is structured as follows: During each of the foreign object detection cycles, the controller: Based on the predicted electrical consumption and the actual electrical consumption, a foreign object is detected in the wireless charging system. determining whether the device is in proximity to a In response to determining that a foreign object is not proximate to the wireless charging device, triggering one of the In response to determining that a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device, Disable battery charging The wireless rechargeable battery of any one of claims 30 to 41, pond.

43. The controller detects at least one of one or more predetermined events.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the method further comprises the steps of:

3. The wireless rechargeable battery according to claim 2.

44. The one or more predetermined events are when the wirelessly rechargeable battery detects that the wireless charging device 44. The wirelessly rechargeable battery of claim 43, comprising being placed in proximity to

45. The one or more predetermined events are determined based on a predetermined time lapse since the last foreign object detection cycle.

45. The wirelessly rechargeable battery of claim 43, further comprising a filter.

46. The one or more predetermined events may include determining whether the wireless charging 46. ​​A method as claimed in any one of claims 43 to 45, comprising a predetermined increase in power supplied by the device. Wireless rechargeable battery.

47. The predicted power consumption is a predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system, and the actual power consumption is 47. Any one of claims 30 to 46, wherein the consumption is an actual power consumption of the wireless charging system. Item 1. A wirelessly rechargeable battery as described in paragraph 1.

48. The predicted electrical consumption corresponds to a predicted power consumption of the wireless charging system. the actual electrical consumption is the actual power consumption of the wireless charging system.

47. Any one of claims 30 to 46, wherein the current through the wireless charging system corresponds to an amount Item 1. A wirelessly rechargeable battery as described in paragraph 1.

49. 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the electrical characteristic of the power supply signal is the power of the power supply signal.

40. The wireless rechargeable battery according to claim 39.

50. 38. The method of claim 37, wherein the electrical characteristic of the power supply signal is a current of the power supply signal.

40. The wireless rechargeable battery according to claim 39.

51. The first electrical characteristic is a predicted power loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery, and the second electrical characteristic is a predicted power loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery. the third electrical characteristic is the power dissipated by the electrical load; 40. The wirelessly rechargeable battery of claim 38 or 39, wherein the predicted power loss of the wireless charging device is 。

52. the first electrical characteristic being a current corresponding to an expected power loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery; The second electrical characteristic is a current through the electrical load, and the third electrical characteristic is a 40. The method of claim 38, wherein the current corresponds to an expected power loss of the wireless charging device. Wireless rechargeable battery.

53. a wireless charging device and a wirelessly rechargeable battery when the wireless charging device is in close proximity to the wireless charging device. and a wirelessly rechargeable battery that receives power from a wireless charging device.

1. A method for detecting an intimate foreign object, comprising: determining an actual electrical consumption of the wireless charging system by the wireless charging device; and, The wireless rechargeable battery is adapted to receive induction in the wireless rechargeable battery by the wireless charging device. Measuring a conduction voltage; The wireless charging device, the wireless rechargeable battery, or the wireless charging device and the wireless A combination of rechargeable batteries is used to predict the wireless charging system based on the measured voltage. Determining a measured electrical consumption; The wireless charging device, the wireless rechargeable battery, or the wireless charging device and the wireless Based on the predicted electrical consumption and the actual electrical consumption by a combination of rechargeable batteries, determining whether a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging system; A method comprising:

54. a transmitting coil for transmitting power to the wirelessly rechargeable battery, a power supply signal connected to the transmitting coil for powering the transmitting coil; and a power source configured to: Determining the actual electrical consumption of the wireless charging system comprises determining the electrical consumption of the power supply signal.

54. The method of claim 53, comprising measuring a functional property.

55. The wireless rechargeable battery includes a receiving coil, a voltage rectifier connected to the receiving coil, and a a voltage regulator connected to the voltage rectifier and one or more battery cells; When the receiving coil is in proximity to the wireless charging device, receiving power from the wireless charging device; receiving a first voltage from the receive coil with the voltage rectifier; outputting a second voltage from the first voltage by the voltage rectifier; receiving, by the voltage regulator, the second voltage from the voltage rectifier; 、 outputting a third voltage from the second voltage by the voltage regulator; The one or more battery cells generate the third voltage from the voltage regulator. Receiving and Further comprising: Measuring the induced voltage in the wirelessly rechargeable battery by the wireless charging device; 55. The method of claim 53 or 54, comprising measuring the second voltage.

56. When the receiving coil is in close proximity to the wireless charging device, The receiving coil for receiving power from a wireless charging device and one or more battery cells. and an electrical load, The receiving coil transmits the one or more battery cells to charge the one or more battery cells. a charging arrangement connected to a number of battery cells and isolated from the electrical load; a receiving coil connected to the electrical load for supplying power to the electrical load; and a foreign object detection arrangement, the foreign object detection arrangement being separated from one or more battery cells.

56. The method of any one of claims 53 to 55, further comprising switching the battery.

57. Based on the measured voltage, the wirelessly rechargeable battery determines a first electrical characteristic as follows: Determining an expected electrical loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery; When the wirelessly rechargeable battery is in the foreign object detection configuration, the wirelessly rechargeable battery determining an electrical characteristic of a signal provided to the electrical load as the second electrical characteristic; The predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging system based on the first and second electrical characteristics. Determine the cost and 57. The method of claim 56, further comprising:

58. The wirelessly rechargeable battery includes a non-volatile memory that stores calibration data specific to the wirelessly rechargeable battery. A storage device is provided. Determining the first electrical characteristic based on the measured voltage comprises:

58. The method of claim 57, further comprising determining the first electrical characteristic based on the calibration data. Method of posting.

59. The calibration data responds to changes in position of the wirelessly rechargeable battery relative to the wireless charging device. a change in predicted electrical loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery, each of the predicted electrical losses being associated with different voltages in the calibration data, determining the first electrical characteristic based on the measured voltage and the calibration data; is the predicted voltage indicated in the calibration data associated with the measured voltage in the calibration data.

58. The method of claim 57, comprising determining one of the electrical losses.

60. a transmitting coil for transmitting power to the wirelessly rechargeable battery, a power supply signal connected to the transmitting coil for powering the transmitting coil; and a power source configured to: measuring, by the wireless charging device, an electrical characteristic of the power delivery signal; The wireless charging device controls the electrical characteristics of the power supply signal to the wireless charging system. setting the actual electrical consumption of the system as the actual electrical consumption of the system; The wireless charging device determines a third electrical characteristic of the wireless charging device. Measuring electrical losses and determining Further comprising: Determining the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging system is based on the third electrical characteristic.

60. The method of any one of claims 57 to 59, further based on

61. The wireless charging device includes a first communication device and the wirelessly rechargeable battery includes a second communication device. A communication device, The wireless rechargeable battery transmits the wireless power to the first and second communication devices. the third electrical characteristic from a charging device and the actual electrical consumption of the wireless charging system. receiving the amount; determining, by the wirelessly rechargeable battery, based on the first, second, and third electrical characteristics; determining the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging system; Based on the predicted electrical consumption and the actual electrical consumption, a foreign object is detected approaching the wireless charging system. Determining whether or not the device is in contact with the 61. The method of claim 60, further comprising:

62. The wireless charging device includes a first communication device and the wirelessly rechargeable battery includes a second communication device. A communication device, The wireless charging device communicates with the wireless device through the first and second communication devices. receiving data indicative of the first and second electrical characteristics from a linear rechargeable battery; The prediction of the wireless charging system based on the first, second, and third electrical characteristics. Determining a measured electrical consumption; Based on the predicted electrical consumption and the actual electrical consumption, a foreign object is detected approaching the wireless charging system. Determining whether or not the device is in contact with the 61. The method of claim 60, further comprising:

63. a transmitting coil for transmitting power to the wirelessly rechargeable battery, a power supply signal connected to the transmitting coil for powering the transmitting coil; and a power source configured to: Determining the actual electrical consumption of the wireless charging system measuring, by the wireless charging device, an electrical characteristic of the power delivery signal; The wireless charging device detects a third electrical characteristic of the wireless charging device. Determining electrical losses; The wireless charging device detects the electrical characteristics of the power supply signal and determining the actual electrical consumption of the wireless charging system based on the electrical characteristics of the third 60. The method of any one of claims 57 to 59, comprising:

64. The wireless charging device includes a first communication device and the wirelessly rechargeable battery includes a second communication device. A communication device, The wireless rechargeable battery transmits the wireless power to the first and second communication devices. receiving the actual electrical consumption of the wireless charging system from a charging device; and detecting the first and second electrical characteristics of the wirelessly rechargeable battery. determining the predicted electrical consumption of a charging system; The wirelessly rechargeable battery detects a difference in power consumption based on the predicted power consumption and the actual power consumption. determining whether an object is in proximity to the wireless charging system; 64. The method of claim 63, further comprising:

65. The wireless charging device includes a first communication device and the wirelessly rechargeable battery includes a second communication device. A communication device, The wireless charging device communicates with the wireless device through the first and second communication devices. receiving data indicative of the first and second electrical characteristics from a linear rechargeable battery; The wireless charging device determines whether the wireless charging system is connected to the wireless charging device based on the received data. determining the predicted electrical consumption; Based on the predicted electrical consumption and the actual electrical consumption, a foreign object is detected approaching the wireless charging system. Determining whether or not the device is in contact with the 64. The method of claim 63, further comprising:

66. The wireless charging device stores calibration data indicative of the electrical losses of the wireless charging device. a non-volatile storage device for storing the Determining the electrical loss of the wireless charging device includes determining the electrical loss of the wireless charging device from the non-volatile storage device.

66. The method of any one of claims 60 to 65, comprising retrieving the calibration data from Law.

67. Whether the difference between the actual electricity consumption and the predicted electricity consumption is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value. Determining the In response to determining that the difference is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold, a foreign object is detected in the wireless charging device. and determining that the 67. The method of any one of claims 53 to 66, further comprising:

68. In response to determining that a foreign object is not proximate to the wireless charging device, a charging cycle is initiated. Riga and In response to determining that a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device, Disable charging of 68. The method of any one of claims 53 to 67, further comprising:

69. In response to placing the wirelessly rechargeable battery in proximity to the wireless charging device, performing a foreign object detection cycle with the intervals occupied by the cycle; Each of the foreign object detection cycles comprises: Based on the predicted electrical consumption and the actual electrical consumption, a foreign object is detected in the wireless charging system. determining whether or not the objects are in close proximity; In response to determining that a foreign object is not proximate to the wireless charging device, triggering one of the In response to determining that a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device, and disabling charging of the battery.

70. in response to detecting at least one of the one or more predetermined events, 70. The method of claim 69, further comprising triggering each of the detection cycles.

71. in response to detecting that the wirelessly rechargeable battery is placed in proximity to the wireless charging device.

70. The method of claim 69, further comprising: triggering one of the foreign object detection cycles.

70. The method according to claim 70.

72. in response to detecting the passage of a predetermined time since the last foreign object detection cycle, 72. Any of claims 69 to 71, further comprising triggering at least one of the 2. The method according to claim 1.

73. and detecting a predetermined increase in power supplied by the wireless charging device since the last foreign object detection cycle. and triggering at least one of said foreign object detection cycles in response to said detection of said foreign object.

73. The method of any one of claims 69 to 72, comprising:

74. a wirelessly rechargeable battery and a wireless charging device that is connected to the wirelessly rechargeable battery when the wirelessly rechargeable battery is in close proximity to the wireless charging device; and a wireless charging device that transmits power to a rechargeable battery.

1. A method for detecting a foreign object comprising: The wireless rechargeable battery is adapted to receive induction in the wireless rechargeable battery by the wireless charging device. Measuring a conduction voltage; The wireless charging system predicts a power consumption based on the measured voltage by the wireless rechargeable battery. Determining the amount of air consumed; The wireless charging system is configured to charge the wirelessly rechargeable battery. determining whether a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging system based on the amount of energy consumed; and A method comprising:

75. The wireless rechargeable battery includes a receiving coil, a voltage rectifier connected to the receiving coil, and a a voltage regulator connected to the voltage rectifier and one or more battery cells; When the receiving coil is in proximity to the wireless charging device, receiving power from the wireless charging device; receiving a first voltage from the receive coil with the voltage rectifier; outputting a second voltage from the first voltage by the voltage rectifier; receiving, by the voltage regulator, the second voltage from the voltage rectifier; 、 outputting a third voltage from the second voltage by the voltage regulator; The one or more battery cells generate the third voltage from the voltage regulator. Receiving and Further comprising: Measuring the induced voltage in the wirelessly rechargeable battery by the wireless charging device; 75. The method of claim 74, comprising measuring the second voltage.

76. When the receiving coil is in close proximity to the wireless charging device, The receiving coil for receiving power from a wireless charging device and one or more battery cells. and an electrical load, The receiving coil transmits the one or more battery cells to charge the one or more battery cells. a charging arrangement connected to a number of battery cells and isolated from the electrical load; a receiving coil connected to the electrical load for supplying power to the electrical load; and a foreign object detection arrangement, the foreign object detection arrangement being separated from one or more battery cells.

76. The method of claim 74 or 75, further comprising switching the battery.

77. The wirelessly rechargeable battery is adapted to communicate with a second communication device of the wireless charging device. A first communication device, Based on the measured voltage, the wirelessly rechargeable battery determines a first electrical characteristic as follows: Determining an expected electrical loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery; When the wirelessly rechargeable battery is in the foreign object detection configuration, the wirelessly rechargeable battery determining an electrical characteristic of a signal provided to the electrical load as the second electrical characteristic; and detecting the first and second electrical characteristics of the wirelessly rechargeable battery. determining the predicted electrical consumption of the charging system; 77. The method of claim 76, further comprising:

78. The wirelessly rechargeable battery includes a non-volatile memory that stores calibration data specific to the wirelessly rechargeable battery. A storage device is provided. Determining the first electrical characteristic based on the measured voltage comprises:

78. The method of claim 77, further comprising determining the first electrical characteristic based on the calibration data. Method of posting.

79. The calibration data responds to changes in position of the wirelessly rechargeable battery relative to the wireless charging device. a change in predicted electrical loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery, each of the predicted electrical losses being associated with different voltages in the calibration data, determining the first electrical characteristic based on the measured voltage and the calibration data; is the predicted voltage indicated in the calibration data associated with the measured voltage in the calibration data.

80. The method of claim 78, comprising determining one of the electrical losses.

80. The wirelessly rechargeable battery transmits a third power supply through the first and second communication devices. receiving a predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging device as an electrical characteristic; The actual electrical consumption is a measured value of a power delivery signal provided by the wireless charging device. and a wireless rechargeable battery that is connected to the first and second communication devices. receiving the actual electrical consumption of the wireless charging system via a wireless charging Further comprising: The determination of the predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging system further includes determining the third electrical characteristic.

80. The method of any one of claims 77 to 79, based on

81. The actual electrical consumption of the wireless charging system is further provided. Power supply provided by the wireless charging device through the first and second communication devices. a third characteristic of the measured electrical characteristic of the signal and a predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging device; 80. The method of any one of claims 77 to 79, based on electrical properties.

82. Whether the difference between the actual electricity consumption amount and the actual electricity consumption amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value is determined. To judge, In response to determining that the difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, a foreign object is detected in the wireless charging system. and determining that the 82. The method of any one of claims 74 to 81, further comprising:

83. In response to determining that a foreign object is not proximate to the wireless charging device, a charging cycle is initiated. To rig and In response to determining that a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device, Disable charging of 83. The method of any one of claims 74 to 82, further comprising:

84. In response to placing the wirelessly rechargeable battery in proximity to the wireless charging device, performing a foreign object detection cycle with the intervals occupied by the cycle; Each of the foreign object detection cycles comprises: Based on the predicted electrical consumption and the actual electrical consumption, a foreign object is detected in the wireless charging system. determining whether or not the objects are in close proximity; In response to determining that a foreign object is not proximate to the wireless charging device, triggering one of the In response to determining that a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging device, and disabling charging of the battery. 。

85. in response to detecting at least one of the one or more predetermined events, 85. The method of claim 84, further comprising triggering each of the detection cycles.

86. in response to detecting that the wirelessly rechargeable battery is placed in proximity to the wireless charging device.

85. The method of claim 84, further comprising: triggering one of the foreign object detection cycles.

85. The method according to claim 85.

87. in response to detecting the passage of a predetermined time since the last foreign object detection cycle, 87. Any of claims 84 to 86, further comprising triggering at least one of the 2. The method according to claim 1.

88. and detecting a predetermined increase in power supplied by the wireless charging device since the last foreign object detection cycle. and triggering at least one of said foreign object detection cycles in response to said detection of said foreign object.

88. The method of any one of claims 84 to 87, comprising:

89. 1. A wireless charging system for detecting a foreign object, comprising: A wireless rechargeable battery, When the wirelessly rechargeable battery is placed in proximity to a transmitting coil, a wireless charging device including the transmitting coil for charging; The wirelessly rechargeable battery is positioned at a first distance from the transmitting coil of the wireless charging device. In response to determining a first predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging system corresponding to the first distance; And, Based on the first predicted electrical consumption, a foreign object is determined to be in proximity to the wireless charging system. determining whether The wirelessly rechargeable battery is disposed at a first distance from the transmitting coil of the wireless charging device. in response to being placed at a different second distance; determining a second predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging system corresponding to the second distance; And, Based on the second predicted electrical consumption, a foreign object is determined to be in proximity to the wireless charging system. and At least one controller configured to A wireless charging system comprising:

90. a wirelessly rechargeable battery, and when the wirelessly rechargeable battery is placed in proximity to a transmitting coil, and a wireless charging device having a transmitting coil for charging a wirelessly rechargeable battery.

1. A method for detecting a foreign object in proximity to a system, comprising: The wirelessly rechargeable battery is positioned at a first distance from the transmitting coil of the wireless charging device. In response to this, determining a first predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging system corresponding to the first distance; And, A foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging system based on the first predicted electrical consumption. and determining whether the wirelessly rechargeable battery is a distance different from the first distance from the transmitting coil of the wireless charging device in response to being placed at a second distance such that determining a second predicted electrical consumption of the wireless charging system corresponding to the second distance; And, A foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging system based on the second predicted electrical consumption. and determining whether A method comprising:

91. A foreign object in the vicinity of a wireless charging system including a wireless rechargeable battery and a wireless charging device A method for calibrating the wirelessly rechargeable battery for detection, comprising: The wireless rechargeable battery includes a receiving coil and a an electrical load and a non-volatile storage device; The method comprises: The wirelessly rechargeable battery is connected to the power supply such that the receiving coil is located at a first distance from the transmitting coil. placing a battery proximate to the wireless charging device; The wirelessly rechargeable battery is connected to the power supply such that the receiving coil is located at a first distance from the transmitting coil. While the battery is placed in proximity to the wireless charging device, Measuring a first induced voltage in the wirelessly rechargeable battery by the wireless charging device. and, A first electrical characteristic of a signal provided to the electrical load and a second electrical characteristic of the wireless charging device. measuring a first electrical characteristic of the power supply signal provided by the The first electrical characteristic of the electrical load, before being provided by the wireless charging device. According to the first electrical characteristic of the power delivery signal and the expected electrical loss of the wireless charging device, determining a first electrical loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery based on the first electrical loss; The receiving coil is positioned at a second distance from the transmitting coil that is different from the first distance. placing the wirelessly rechargeable battery in proximity to the wireless charging device; The wirelessly rechargeable battery is connected to the power supply such that the receiving coil is located at a second distance from the transmitting coil. While the battery is placed in proximity to the wireless charging device, Measuring a second induced voltage in the wirelessly rechargeable battery by the wireless charging device. and, A second electrical characteristic of a signal provided to the electrical load and a second electrical characteristic of the signal provided to the wireless charging device. measuring a second electrical characteristic of the power supply signal provided by The second electrical characteristic of the electrical load, before being provided by the wireless charging device. The second electrical characteristic of the power supply signal and the predicted electrical loss of the wireless charging device. determining a second electrical loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery based on the loss; The first electrical loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery, and the second electrical loss of the wirelessly rechargeable battery. based on the first measured voltage and the second measured voltage, generating calibration data; storing the calibration data in the non-volatile storage device of the wirelessly rechargeable battery; A method comprising:

92. 1. A wireless charging system for detecting a foreign object, comprising: A wireless charging device; A wirelessly rechargeable battery is connected to the wireless charging device to charge one or more battery cells. configured to be charged from received power from the wireless charging device when in close proximity. the wirelessly rechargeable battery comprising the one or more battery cells; At least one controller Equipped with The at least one controller Charging the wirelessly rechargeable battery in response to placing the wirelessly rechargeable battery in proximity to the wireless charging device. Initiating a power cycle; During the charging cycle, the voltage of the power delivery signal provided by the wireless charging device monitoring the atmospheric characteristics; triggering a foreign object detection cycle based on the monitored electrical characteristic; The wireless charging system is configured to:

93. the electrical characteristic monitored is the power provided by the power supply signal. Item 93. A wireless charging system according to item 92.

94. 93. The wireless device of claim 92, wherein the monitored electrical characteristic is the current of the power supply signal. Line charging system.

95. The at least one controller: comparing the monitored electrical characteristic to a predetermined threshold; triggering the foreign object detection cycle based on the comparison; and wherein the foreign object detection based on the monitored electrical characteristic is configured to 95. The method according to any one of claims 92 to 94, configured to trigger a cycle. Wireless charging system.

96. The at least one controller: The current level of the electrical characteristic and the level of the electrical characteristic at the start of the charging cycle. determining the difference between the determining whether the difference is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold; in response to determining that the difference is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold, the foreign object detection cycle is terminated. Riga and 96. The wireless charging system of claim 95, configured to:

97. The at least one controller performs a foreign object detection cycle prior to initiation of the charging cycle.

97. The wireless charging method according to claim 92, Electricity system.

98. A wirelessly rechargeable battery having one or more battery cells, and one of the wirelessly rechargeable batteries or a wireless charging system including a wireless charging device for charging a plurality of battery cells.

1. A method for detecting a proximate foreign object, comprising: placing the wirelessly rechargeable battery in proximity to the wireless charging device; initiating a charging cycle; During the charging cycle, the electrical current of the power supply signal provided by the wireless charging device and triggering a foreign object detection cycle based on the monitored electrical characteristic; A method comprising:

99. Electrical characteristics of the power signal provided to the one or more battery cells during the charging cycle monitoring the characteristic of the power signal to determine the power provided by the power signal during the charging cycle; 99. The method of claim 98, comprising:

100. Electrical characteristics of the power signal provided to the one or more battery cells during the charging cycle and monitoring the performance of the power signal during the charging cycle includes determining a current of the power signal.

99. The method of claim 98.

101. triggering the foreign object detection cycle based on the monitored electrical characteristic. comparing the electrical characteristic to a predetermined threshold; triggering the foreign object detection cycle based on the comparison; and 101. The method of any one of claims 98 to 100, comprising:

102. The current level of the electrical characteristic and the initial level of the electrical characteristic at the start of the charge cycle. determining the difference between the levels; determining whether the difference is greater than or equal to the predetermined threshold; Triggering the foreign object detection cycle in response to the difference being equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold. To 102. The method of claim 101, further comprising:

103. The foreign object detection cycle comprises: The actual electrical consumption of the wireless charging system during the foreign object detection cycle is and comparing it with the system's predicted electricity consumption. Based on the comparison, it is determined whether a foreign object is in proximity to the wireless charging system. And 103. The method of any one of claims 98 to 102, comprising:

104. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising: performing a foreign object detection cycle prior to initiation of the charging cycle. 98 to 103. A method according to any one of claims 98 to 103.

Images