Charging module and charging system

The detachable charging module with magnetic coupling and rechargeable battery system addresses the mobility restriction of finger-worn devices by enabling wireless charging while worn, ensuring continuous power supply and user convenience.

JP2026002528APending Publication Date: 2026-01-08MURATA MFG CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024100587
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-06-21
Publication Date
2026-01-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional finger-worn devices require users to restrict their movements to power them using built-in batteries by bringing them close to power supply devices, limiting mobility.

Method used

A detachable charging module with a rechargeable battery and a magnetic coupling system that allows wireless charging while the device is worn, featuring a detachable structure, a power transmission circuit, and a charging station with a secondary battery for seamless power supply.

Benefits of technology

Enables continuous power supply to finger-worn devices without restricting user mobility, allowing 24/7 wearability and convenience by eliminating the need for direct device proximity during charging.

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Abstract

To provide a charging module in which a user's action is hardly restricted even during power supply to a finger-mounted device.SOLUTION: A charging module charges an in-device battery of a finger-mounted device having a chargeable in-device battery and a receiver coil. The charging module may have an attachment structure that removably attaches the charging module to the finger-mounted device while the finger-mounted device is worn on the finger. Further, the charging module includes a charging battery and a power transmission circuit. The power transmission circuit includes a first coil that is magnetically coupled to a power reception coil of the finger-mounted device in a state of being mounted on the finger-mounted device by the attachable and detachable structure, and performs power supply control for supplying power from the charging battery to the finger-mounted device via the first coil.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a charging module and a charging system. [Background technology]

[0002] A ring-shaped device (finger wearable device) that is worn on a finger to collect biometric information is known (see Patent Document 1). The finger wearable device described in Patent Document 1 is powered by a built-in battery. Power is supplied wirelessly to the battery built into the finger wearable device. With the finger wearable device worn on a finger, a power receiving element is located near the outer periphery of the finger on the pad side. Wireless power is supplied when a user brings the finger wearable device close to a power supply device while wearing it on their finger. Power supply devices are incorporated into mobile phones, car steering wheels, computer input devices (e.g., a mouse), stair railings, etc. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2023-173805 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] To power a conventional finger-worn device, the user must wear the finger-worn device and bring it close to a power supply device built into a mobile phone, a car steering wheel, a computer input device (e.g., a mouse), a stair railing, etc. Therefore, the user's movements are restricted while the device is being powered. An object of the present invention is to provide a charging module that does not restrict the user's movements even while the device is being powered. Another object of the present invention is to provide a charging system that includes this charging module. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, A charging module for charging a battery built into a finger-worn device having a rechargeable battery built into the device and a receiving coil, the charging module comprising: a detachable structure for detachably attaching the charging module to the finger-worn device while the finger-worn device is worn on a finger; A rechargeable battery, a power transmission circuit that includes a first coil that is magnetically coupled with the power receiving coil of the finger-worn device when the finger-worn device is attached to the finger-worn device by the detachable structure, and that controls power supply from the rechargeable battery to the finger-worn device via the first coil; A charging module is provided.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to the charging module; Charging station and Equipped with the charging battery of the charging module is a secondary battery, and the charging station includes a second coil magnetically coupled to the first coil of the charging module; A charging system is provided in which the charging module includes a circuit that charges the rechargeable battery with power supplied from the charging station via the second coil and the first coil. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] Since power can be supplied while the finger-worn device is worn on the finger and the charging module is attached to the finger-worn device using a detachable structure, the user's movements are less likely to be restricted while power is being supplied to the finger-worn device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of a charging module 10 according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of a finger-worn device 50 to be charged by the charging module 10. As shown in FIG. [Figure 2]2A is a cross-sectional view taken along dashed line 2A-2A in FIG. 1A, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along dashed line 2B-2B in FIG. 1B. [Figure 3] 3A is a cross-sectional view of the charging module 10 and the finger-worn device 50 perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction when the charging module 10 is attached to the finger-worn device 50, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the dashed line 3B-3B in FIG. 3A. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic equivalent circuit diagram of a power transmission circuit 20 through which the charging module 10 transmits power to the finger-worn device 50, a power receiving circuit 60 through which the finger-worn device 50 receives power from the charging module 10, and the like. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the MPU 25 of the charging module 10 performs control based on the mounting state. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure when the MPU 25 of the charging module 10 performs control based on temperature information. [Figure 7] 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of the charging module 10 according to the second embodiment attached to the finger-worn device 50. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view of the charging module 10 according to the third embodiment and a cross-sectional view of a finger-worn device 50 to which the charging module 10 is attached. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the dashed line 9-9 in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a front view of a charging module 10 according to a fourth embodiment and a cross-sectional view of a finger-worn device 50 to which the charging module 10 is attached. [Figure 11] FIG. 11A is a plan view of the charging module 10 being charged in the charging station 70, and FIG. 11B is a plan view of the finger-worn device 50 being charged in the charging station 70. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [First Example] A charging module according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A to 6. FIG. FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of a charging module 10 according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along dash-dotted line 2A-2A in FIG. 1A. The cross-sectional view taken along dash-dotted line 1A-1A in FIG. 2A corresponds to FIG. 1A. FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of a finger-worn device 50 to be charged by the charging module 10, and FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along dash-dotted line 2B-2B in FIG. 1B. The cross-sectional view taken along dash-dotted line 1B-1B in FIG. 2B corresponds to FIG. 1B. The direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in FIG. 1B corresponds to the direction in which the finger is inserted or removed.

[0010] The charging module 10 is used by being detachably attached to a ring-shaped finger-worn device 50. Fig. 3A is a cross-sectional view perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction of the charging module 10 and the finger-worn device 50 when the charging module 10 is attached to the finger-worn device 50, and Fig. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along dashed line 3B-3B in Fig. 3A.

[0011] First, the structure of the finger-worn device 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1B and 2B. An internal member 51 for maintaining the annular shape is disposed inside the finger wearable device 50. The internal member 51 has an annular shape that follows approximately the circumference. The internal member 51 is made of, for example, a non-transparent resin such as ABS or polycarbonate, and is produced by injection molding.

[0012] The first opening 51A and the second opening 51B are provided at different positions in the circumferential direction of the internal member 51. The internal member 51 may have a shape that follows the outer periphery of an ellipse, or a shape that follows a closed curve without an inflection point, in addition to a circular shape. For example, it is preferable that the internal member 51 has a shape that follows the outer periphery of the cross-sectional shape of a human finger. The internal member 51 may also have a partially open C-shape.

[0013] A wiring board 52 and a built-in device battery 57 are arranged along the outer peripheral surface of the internal member 51. The wiring board 52 includes rigid portions 52A, 52B, and 52C, and three flexible portions 52F. The built-in device battery 57 is connected to the rigid portion 52A via one flexible portion 52F. The rigid portion 52A is connected to the rigid portion 52B via another flexible portion 52F, and the rigid portion 52B is connected to the rigid portion 52C via yet another flexible portion 52F. The wiring board 52 can be, for example, a rigid-flexible substrate.

[0014] Rigid portions 52B and 52C are disposed at the positions of the first opening 51A and the second opening 51B, respectively. A second temperature sensor 55B is mounted on the outer peripheral surface of rigid portion 52A. A first light-emitting element 54A and a light-receiving element 54C are mounted on the inner peripheral surface of rigid portion 52B. The first light-emitting element 54A and the light-receiving element 54C are disposed within the first opening 51A.

[0015] A first temperature sensor 55A and a second light-emitting element 54B are mounted on the inner peripheral surface of the rigid portion 52C, and an acceleration gyro sensor 56 is mounted on the outer peripheral surface. The first temperature sensor 55A and the second light-emitting element 54B are disposed within the second opening 51B. The first temperature sensor 55A and the second temperature sensor 55B may be, for example, a surface-mounted thermistor. The first light-emitting element 54A, the second light-emitting element 54B, and the light-receiving element 54C form an optical sensor 54.

[0016] The power receiving coil 61 is arranged along the outer surface of the device's built-in battery 57. In FIG. 1B, the power receiving coil 61 is represented by a thick solid line, but this solid line does not represent a cross section of the power receiving coil 61. In FIG. 1B, the range in which the power receiving coil 61 is arranged in the circumferential direction of the finger wearable device 50 is shown, and in FIG. 2B, the range in which the power receiving coil 61 is arranged in the width direction of the finger wearable device 50 is shown. The power receiving coil 61 is arranged in an orientation in which magnetic flux linking with the power receiving coil 61 extends in the radial direction of the finger wearable device 50. The power receiving coil 61 is formed, for example, by a conductor pattern formed on a flexible substrate. The number of turns of the power receiving coil 61 is, for example, between 1 and 4.

[0017] The built-in battery 57 and the receiving coil 61 are positioned opposite the optical sensor 54. Usually, the finger-worn device 50 is worn on a finger so that the optical sensor 54 is located on the pad side of the finger. In this case, the built-in battery 57 and the receiving coil 61 are located on the dorsal side of the finger.

[0018] The internal member 51, the built-in battery 57, the receiving coil 61, and the multiple components mounted on the wiring board 52 are covered with sealing resin 53. For example, epoxy resin, silicone resin, urethane resin, polycarbonate, etc. can be used as the sealing resin 53. The inner circumferential surface of the sealing resin 53 forms the inner circumferential surface of the finger wearable device 50.

[0019] It is preferable to form a raised portion that is raised relative to the surrounding inner circumferential surface at a position on the inner circumferential surface of the finger wearable device 50 corresponding to the location where the first light emitting element 54A and the second light emitting element 54B are arranged. This can improve the adhesion between the inner circumferential surface in the area where the first light emitting element 54A and the second light emitting element 54B are arranged and the surface of the body. Furthermore, a raised portion may be formed on the inner circumferential surface at a position corresponding to the location where the light receiving element 54C is arranged.

[0020] The inner peripheral surface of the finger wearing device 50 has a shape in which the center portion rises more than the ends in the width direction (left-right direction in FIG. 2B ). Here, the “width direction” refers to the direction in which the finger wearing device 50 is inserted and removed when worn on a finger, that is, the direction from the base of the finger toward the tip when worn.

[0021] Next, the function of the optical sensor 54 will be described. The first light-emitting element 54A and second light-emitting element 54B of the optical sensor 54 emit measurement light toward the space inside the finger wearable device 50 (the finger on which it is worn). The first light-emitting element 54A emits light in the blue to yellow-green wavelength range (preferably a wavelength range of 500 nm to 550 nm), and the second light-emitting element 54B emits light in the red wavelength range (preferably a wavelength range of 650 nm to 700 nm) or near-infrared light (preferably a wavelength range of 850 nm to 950 nm). The light-receiving element 54C receives light diffused by the surface or interior of the finger and outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the light intensity.

[0022] For example, a light emitting diode (LED) or a vertical cavity surface emitting laser (VCSEL) can be used as the first light emitting element 54A and the second light emitting element 54B. For example, a photodiode or a phototransistor can be used as the light receiving element 54C.

[0023] Biometric information, such as photoplethysmographic information, can be acquired based on the intensity of light incident on the light-receiving element 54C. Because light in the blue to yellow-green wavelength range emitted by the first light-emitting element 54A is relatively highly absorbed by the body and penetrates only shallowly from the surface of the finger, the distance between the first light-emitting element 54A and the light-receiving element 54C is preferably 1 mm or more and 3 mm or less. To achieve this distance, the first light-emitting element 54A and the light-receiving element 54C are disposed within the same first opening 51A. Because light in the red or near-infrared wavelength range emitted by the second light-emitting element 54B is relatively less absorbed by the body and penetrates deeper, the distance between the second light-emitting element 54B and the light-receiving element 54C is preferably 5 mm or more and 20 mm or less. To achieve this distance, the second light-emitting element 54B is disposed within a second opening 51B that is different from the first opening 51A in which the light-receiving element 54C is disposed.

[0024] In the photoelectric pulse wave information obtained by operating the first light-emitting element 54A and the light-receiving element 54C, the proportion of information from shallow areas of the skin is greater, and in the photoelectric pulse wave information obtained by operating the second light-emitting element 54B and the light-receiving element 54C, the proportion of information from deep areas of the skin is greater.

[0025] Next, the functions of the first temperature sensor 55A and the second temperature sensor 55B will be described. Because the first temperature sensor 55A is disposed on a surface facing the inner periphery of the rigid portion 52C, the temperature of the finger is likely to be reflected in the measurement value of the first temperature sensor 55A. Because the second temperature sensor 55B is disposed on a surface facing the outer periphery of the rigid portion 52A, the external temperature is likely to be reflected in the measurement value of the second temperature sensor 55B. When the finger wearable device 50 is not worn on a finger, the external temperature is reflected in the measurement values ​​of both the first temperature sensor 55A and the second temperature sensor 55B.

[0026] For example, by comparing the temperature measurements by the first temperature sensor 55A and the second temperature sensor 55B, it is possible to determine whether the finger wearable device 50 is worn on the finger or not.

[0027] Next, the function of the acceleration gyro sensor 56 will be described. The acceleration gyro sensor 56 measures acceleration in three orthogonal axis directions and angular velocity. The measurement results of the acceleration gyro sensor 56 can be used to determine whether or not the user wearing the finger wearable device 50 is moving. For example, it can be used to determine whether the user is exercising, at rest, or asleep.

[0028] Next, the structure of the charging module 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 2A. The charging module 10 includes a main body 11 and a detachable structure 12. The main body 11 includes a surface (hereinafter referred to as the opposing surface) that faces the outer circumferential surface of the finger-worn device 50 when attached to the finger-worn device 50. The detachable structure 12 has two clamping portions that protrude from the opposing surface of the main body 11 and clamp a circumferential portion of the finger-worn device 50 in the width direction. The two clamping portions of the detachable structure 12 are formed of an elastic material such as rubber or plastic. The clamping portions elastically deform, allowing the charging module 10 to be attached to and detached from the finger-worn device 50. It is preferable that the two clamping portions of the detachable structure 12 are not made of a material that is likely to cause allergies, such as latex.

[0029] The rechargeable battery 13, wiring board 15, first coil 21, notifier 23, etc. are arranged within the main body 11 of the charging module 10. The first coil 21 is composed of a conductor pattern formed on the wiring board 15. The number of turns of the first coil 21 is, for example, 1 to 4 turns. The thick solid lines shown in Figures 1A and 2A do not represent the cross section of the first coil 21. In both Figures 1A and 2A, the thick solid lines indicate the range in which the first coil 21 is arranged in that cross section.

[0030] The notifier 23 notifies the user wearing the finger wearable device 50 of various pieces of information. For example, a light-emitting diode is used as the notifier 23. Various pieces of information can be notified by changing the lit state, flashing state, light color, etc. of the light-emitting diode. The main body 11 functions as a waterproof structure that prevents moisture from entering the rechargeable battery 13, the first coil 21, the notifier 23, and various electronic components mounted on the wiring board 15, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 4. In other words, terminals for connecting to cables, etc. are not exposed.

[0031] 3A and 3B , when the detachable structure 12 is elastically deformed to attach the charging module 10 to the finger-worn device 50, the first coil 21 and the power receiving coil 61 are magnetically coupled. This allows power to be supplied from the charging module 10 to the finger-worn device 50.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a schematic equivalent circuit diagram of a power transmission circuit 20 through which the charging module 10 transmits power to the finger-worn device 50, a power receiving circuit 60 through which the finger-worn device 50 receives power from the charging module 10, and the like.

[0033] The power transmitting circuit 20 includes a differential amplifier 24, a microprocessor unit (MPU) 25, a switch control unit 26, switching elements 27 and 28, a resistive element 29, a first coil 21, and a capacitor 22. These electronic components that make up the power transmitting circuit 20 are mounted on a wiring board 15 (FIG. 1A).

[0034] Power is supplied from the rechargeable battery 13 to the MPU 25 and switch control unit 26. A series circuit of switching elements 27 and 28 is connected between the positive and negative electrodes (reference potential) of the rechargeable battery 13. The switching element 27 is connected to the positive electrode side, and the switching element 28 is connected to the reference potential side. A series resonant circuit consisting of a first coil 21 and a capacitor 22 is connected between the interconnection point of the two switching elements 27 and 28 and the reference potential. The series resonant circuit consisting of the first coil 21 and the capacitor 22 will be referred to as a power transmitting resonant circuit 32.

[0035] The switch control unit 26 alternately turns on and off the two switching elements 27 and 28. When the two switching elements 27 and 28 are alternately turned on and off, a high-frequency current flows through the power transmitting resonant circuit 32.

[0036] The current flowing from the positive electrode of the rechargeable battery 13 to the switching element 27 is converted into a voltage by the resistive element 29, and this voltage is input to the differential amplifier 24. The output of the differential amplifier 24 is input to the MPU 25. The MPU 25 outputs a drive signal to the switch control unit 26. It also demodulates the output of the differential amplifier 24 and controls the drive signal based on the demodulation result. For example, the MPU 25 stops the drive signal based on the demodulation result. By stopping the drive signal, it is possible to stop power transmission after charging is completed, thereby reducing unnecessary power consumption. Furthermore, by outputting the drive signal intermittently, it is possible to adjust the transmitted power. Furthermore, the MPU 25 notifies the user of various information by operating the notifier 23.

[0037] The power receiving circuit 60 includes a power receiving coil 61, a capacitor 62, a diode bridge rectifier circuit 63, a power receiving control unit 64, a charging circuit 65, and switch elements 66 and 67. A parallel resonant circuit consisting of the power receiving coil 61 and the capacitor 62 is connected between two AC input nodes of the diode bridge rectifier circuit 63. The parallel resonant circuit consisting of the power receiving coil 61 and the capacitor 62 is referred to as a power receiving resonant circuit 69. A high-voltage side node of the diode bridge rectifier circuit 63 is connected to the power receiving control unit 64 and the charging circuit 65, and a low-voltage side node is connected to ground.

[0038] The terminal voltage of the device's built-in battery 57 is input to the power receiving control unit 64. The power receiving control unit 64 operates using the DC voltage output from the diode bridge rectifier circuit 63. The power receiving control unit 64 acquires charging information from either or both of the terminal voltage of the device's built-in battery 57 and a signal from the charging circuit 65, and controls the operation of the charging circuit 65. The output node of the charging circuit 65 is connected to the device's built-in battery 57. Under the control of the power receiving control unit 64, the charging circuit 65 charges the device's built-in battery 57 using DC power supplied from the diode bridge rectifier circuit 63, for example, using CCCV charging control.

[0039] Power is supplied to finger-worn device control circuit 58 from built-in device battery 57. Finger-worn device control circuit 58 receives measurement results from optical sensor 54, first temperature sensor 55A, and second temperature sensor 55B, and notifies power receiving control unit 64 of the measurement results. The measurement results include, for example, temperature information and wearing state information.

[0040] Switching elements 66 and 67 are connected in parallel to the two diodes on the low-voltage side of the diode bridge rectifier circuit 63. The power receiving control unit 64 controls the switching elements 66 and 67 to turn on and off.

[0041] <Transmission of information from the finger-worn device to the charging module> Next, a method for transmitting various pieces of information from the finger-worn device 50 to the charging module 10 will be described.

[0042] The power receiving control unit 64 controls the on / off of the switch elements 66 and 67. When the switch elements 66 and 67 are controlled to be on / off, the resonance conditions of the power transmitting resonant circuit 32 and the power receiving resonant circuit 69 change.

[0043] When the resonance conditions change, the current flowing from the rechargeable battery 13 of the charging module 10 to the switching element 27 changes. This change in current is detected by the resistive element 29, and the differential amplifier 24 outputs the change in current flowing through the resistive element 29 as a change in voltage. The MPU 25 samples the output of the differential amplifier 24 at a predetermined frequency and demodulates the output fluctuations into digital data of "0" and "1." In this way, the power receiving control unit 64 controls the on / off of the switch elements 66 and 67, thereby transmitting various information and commands represented as digital data from the finger wearable device 50 to the charging module 10.

[0044] <Normal power supply control> Next, normal power supply control will be described. The charging module 10 transmits short-term power at regular intervals to detect the finger-worn device 50. When the charging module 10 is attached to the finger-worn device 50 in this state, the power receiving circuit 60 transmits a command to start power transmission to the power transmitting circuit 20. When the power transmitting circuit 20 receives this command to start power transmission, the MPU 25 continuously outputs a drive signal to the switch control unit 26. The switch control unit 26 receives the drive signal and controls the switching of the switching elements 27 and 28. As a result, the DC power supplied from the rechargeable battery 13 is converted into high-frequency power and supplied to the power transmitting resonant circuit 32. The charging module 10 may be configured to start short-term power transmission to detect the finger-worn device 50 after charging of the rechargeable battery 13 is complete. Alternatively, the charging module 10 may be provided with a switch, and short-term power transmission may be started by turning on the switch.

[0045] When the first coil 21 and the power receiving coil 61 are magnetically coupled, a magnetic field resonance phenomenon occurs between the power transmitting resonant circuit 32 and the power receiving resonant circuit 69. A high frequency current is induced in the power receiving coil 61 by the magnetic field resonance phenomenon.

[0046] This high-frequency current is rectified by a diode bridge rectifier circuit 63 and supplied to a power receiving control unit 64 and a charging circuit 65. The power receiving control unit 64 controls the charging circuit 65, thereby charging the device's built-in battery 57.

[0047] While MPU 25 is outputting a drive signal to switch control unit 26 to supply power, MPU 25 notifies the user that charging is in progress by activating notifier 23. If notifier 23 is a light-emitting diode, it is advisable to associate a predetermined blinking pattern with "charging in progress."

[0048] <Power supply cutoff control> Next, the power supply stop control will be described. When the terminal voltage of the device's built-in battery 57 reaches the fully charged voltage, the power receiving control unit 64 controls the on / off of the switch elements 66, 67, thereby sending a command to the charging module 10 to stop power supply. When the MPU 25 receives the command to stop power supply, it stops the drive signal to the switch control unit 26. This stops the supply of power to the power transmitting resonant circuit 32, and power supply to the finger wearable device 50 is stopped. After power supply is stopped, the MPU 25 operates in a power saving mode and only demodulates various information and commands from the finger wearable device 50. This power saving mode corresponds to a mode in which short-term power transmission is performed at regular intervals to detect the finger wearable device 50, for example.

[0049] When the MPU 25 stops the power supply, it notifies the user of the completion of charging via the notifier 23. For example, if the notifier 23 is a light-emitting diode, it is preferable to make the light-emitting diode blink in a blinking pattern different from the blinking pattern during charging. Alternatively, the completion of charging may be notified by changing the light color, turning on or off the light.

[0050] <Power supply start control> Next, the power supply start control will be described. When the terminal voltage of the device's built-in battery 57 falls below the charging start voltage threshold, the power receiving control unit 64 controls the switch elements 66 and 67 to turn on and off, thereby transmitting a command to the charging module 10 to start power transmission. For example, during short-term power transmission when the charging module 10 is operating in power saving mode, the power receiving control unit 64 transmits the command to the charging module 10 to start power transmission. Upon receiving the command to start power transmission, the MPU 25 starts sending a drive signal to the switch control unit 26. This starts power supply from the charging module 10 to the finger wearable device 50.

[0051] <Charging status notification> Next, a function for notifying the user of the state of charge (SOC) of the device's built-in battery 57 will be described. The power receiving control unit 64 calculates the state of charge based on the terminal voltage of the device's built-in battery 57. The state of charge is classified into a number of charge levels, for example, between three and five, and the power receiving control unit 64 determines which charge level the current state of charge corresponds to. Furthermore, the power receiving control unit 64 transmits information indicating the current charge level of the device's built-in battery 57 to the charging module 10 by controlling the on / off of switch elements 66 and 67.

[0052] When the MPU 25 receives information indicating the current charge level, it notifies the user of the charge level by activating the notifier 23. For example, it is preferable to define a blinking pattern for the notifier 23 corresponding to each of a plurality of charge levels.

[0053] <Control based on wearing information> Next, the control based on the wearing state will be described. The finger wearable device control circuit 58 has the function of determining whether the finger wearable device 50 is worn on a finger based on the measurement results of the first temperature sensor 55A, the second temperature sensor 55B, and the optical sensor 54 (FIG. 1B), etc.

[0054] For example, the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 55A, which reflects the body temperature, is compared with the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor 55B, which reflects the external temperature, and the wearing state is determined based on the comparison result. If the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 55A is higher than the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor 55B, it can be determined that the device is wearing the device.

[0055] Alternatively, whether or not the device is being worn is determined based on the measured light reception level by the optical sensor 54. For example, if the space surrounded by the finger wearable device 50 is hollow, the light reception level when the first light-emitting element 54A emits light will be lower than when the device is being worn on a finger. Taking into account the case where an object other than a finger is inserted into the finger wearable device 50, whether or not the device is being worn can be determined with high accuracy by also combining the light reception level when the second light-emitting element 54B (FIG. 1B) emits light.

[0056] The finger-worn device control circuit 58 transmits information indicating whether the finger-worn device is in a worn state or a non-worn state (hereinafter referred to as "wearing state information") to the power receiving control unit 64. The power receiving control unit 64 transmits the wearing state information to the charging module 10 by controlling the on / off of the switch elements 66 and 67 based on the wearing state information. The wearing state information is transmitted, for example, at a fixed interval. This interval may be, for example, 10 seconds or more and 60 seconds or less.

[0057] 5 is a flowchart showing the processing steps performed by the MPU 25 of the charging module 10 in control based on the wearing state information. When the MPU 25 receives the wearing state information (step SA1), the processing branches depending on whether the finger wearable device 50 is in a wearing state or an unwearing state (step SA2). If the finger wearable device 50 is in an unwearing state, the MPU 25 supplies power at a normal power supply rate (step SA3). If the finger wearable device 50 is in an wearing state, the MPU 25 supplies power at a power supply rate (low power supply rate) slower than the normal power supply rate (step SA4).

[0058] Methods for slowing down the power supply rate include, for example, intermittently outputting a drive signal from the charging module 10 to intermittently drive the switching elements 27 and 28 to reduce the transmitted power, or reducing the power supply voltage of the switching elements 27 and 28 to reduce the transmitted power. Slowing down the power supply rate reduces the amount of heat generated when the built-in battery 57 of the finger wearable device 50 is being charged.

[0059] Alternatively, the power supply rate may be slowed by not supplying power when the optical sensor 54 (FIG. 1B) is operating and by supplying power during periods when the optical sensor 54 is not operating. This method also reduces the amount of heat generated within a certain period of time. Furthermore, by stopping power supply during periods when the optical sensor 54 is operating, the impact of the power supply operation on the collection of biometric information by the optical sensor 54 can be reduced. For example, it is possible to suppress the inclusion of noise in measurements by the optical sensor 54. To achieve this method, the finger-worn device 50 has a function of notifying the charging module 10 of the timings when the optical sensor 54 starts and stops operating.

[0060] By transmitting the wearing state information at regular intervals, even if charging is started in an untouched state and then the finger wearable device 50 is worn, an excessive temperature rise can be avoided.

[0061] <Control based on temperature information> Next, control based on temperature information will be described. The finger-worn device control circuit 58 (FIG. 4) transmits the temperature measurement value to the power receiving control unit 64 based on the measurement result of the first temperature sensor 55A (FIG. 1B). The power receiving control unit 64 determines whether the temperature measurement value is equal to or greater than the determination threshold and generates temperature information. If the temperature measurement value is equal to or greater than the determination threshold, the temperature information is determined to be a "high temperature state." If the temperature measurement value is less than the determination threshold, the temperature information is determined to be a "non-high temperature state." The power receiving control unit 64 transmits the temperature information to the charging module 10 by controlling the on / off of switch elements 66 and 67. The temperature information is transmitted, for example, periodically.

[0062] 6 is a flowchart showing the processing steps when the MPU 25 of the charging module 10 performs control based on temperature information. The MPU 25 first starts power supply at a normal power supply rate (step SB1). When the MPU 25 receives temperature information from the finger wearable device 50 (step SB2), the processing branches depending on the content of the received temperature information. If the received temperature information indicates a "high temperature state," the MPU 25 supplies power at a low power supply rate (step SB4). If power is currently being supplied at the normal power supply rate, the power supply rate is switched to a low power supply rate. If power is currently being supplied at a low power supply rate, the low power supply rate is maintained.

[0063] When the received temperature information indicates a "non-high temperature state," the MPU 25 supplies power at the normal power supply rate (step SB5). If power is currently being supplied at a low power supply rate, the MPU 25 switches the power supply rate to the normal power supply rate. If power is currently being supplied at the normal power supply rate, the MPU 25 maintains the normal power supply rate.

[0064] The procedure from step SB2 to step SB5 is repeated at regular intervals until power supply is terminated (step SB6). When the temperature of the finger wearable device 50 reaches a temperature equal to or higher than the determination threshold, power is supplied at a low power supply rate, thereby preventing the temperature from becoming excessively high.

[0065] Instead of dividing the temperature state into two, a high temperature state and a non-high temperature state, it may be divided into three, a high temperature state, a low temperature state, and a normal temperature state between the two. In this case, when a high temperature state is detected, power is supplied at a low power supply rate, when a low temperature state is detected, power is supplied at a normal power supply rate, and when a normal temperature state is detected, the current power supply rate is maintained.

[0066] Next, the excellent effects of the charging module according to the first embodiment will be described. When the charging module 10 according to the first embodiment is used, the finger-worn device 50 can be charged while it is still attached to the finger. The attachment / detachment structure 12 of the charging module 10 clamps a portion of the circumferential direction of the finger-worn device 50 in the width direction, so that the charging module 10 can be easily attached and detached while the finger-worn device 50 is still attached.

[0067] Even if the charge state of the built-in battery 57 of the device becomes low, there is no need to remove the finger-worn device 50, which prevents the finger-worn device 50 from being left behind or forgotten to be worn after charging. Furthermore, because the charging module 10 is equipped with a rechargeable battery 13 (FIG. 1A), charging can be performed without connecting the charging module 10 to an external power source via a cable or the like. This allows the user to continue their normal daily life without any restrictions on their activities while the finger-worn device 50 is charging. This makes it possible to wear the finger-worn device 50 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

[0068] When the finger-worn device 50 is worn on a finger so that the optical sensor 54 is located on the pad side of the finger, the power receiving coil 61 (FIGS. 3A and 3B) is located on the dorsal side of the finger. Therefore, the charging module 10 is also attached to the dorsal side of the finger. If the charging module 10 is attached to the side of the finger, the charging module 10 is likely to come into contact with adjacent fingers, causing the user to feel uncomfortable. By attaching the charging module 10 to the dorsal side of the finger, the user's discomfort is reduced.

[0069] The notifier 23 notifies the user when charging is in progress and when charging is complete. The user can immediately confirm that charging is complete, so the user can know the appropriate time to remove the charging module 10 from the finger wearable device 50.

[0070] Furthermore, the user can obtain information about the current charging state of the device's built-in battery 57 from the notifier 23. This allows the user to know the approximate time required for full charging. Furthermore, the information about the charging state is useful for determining when to remove the charging module 10.

[0071] Mounting the notifier 23 on the finger worn device 50 is disadvantageous in terms of miniaturizing the finger worn device 50. In the first embodiment, the notifier 23 is mounted on the charging module 10, which makes it possible to avoid an increase in the size of the finger worn device 50 due to the inclusion of the notifier.

[0072] Furthermore, in a configuration in which notifier 23 is mounted on finger wearable device 50, power for operating notifier 23 must be supplied from device's internal battery 57 (FIG. 1B). Even while device's internal battery 57 is being charged, power is discharged from device's internal battery 57, which lengthens the charging time required to charge to the desired charge state. In the first embodiment, notifier 23 is supplied with power from charging battery 13 (FIG. 1A) of charging module 10, so operating notifier 23 does not result in discharge from device's internal battery 57, and the charging time is not lengthened.

[0073] In the first embodiment, the main body 11 (FIG. 1A) of the charging module 10 functions as a waterproof structure, so the user can wash their hands while the charging module 10 is attached to the finger-worn device 50. Therefore, even with the charging module 10 attached, the user can go about their daily life without feeling any particular inconvenience.

[0074] In the first embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 5 , when the finger-worn device 50 is worn on a finger, power is supplied to the finger-worn device 50 at a power supply rate lower than normal. This suppresses heat generation in the finger-worn device 50 compared to when power is supplied at the normal power supply rate all the time. This reduces discomfort to the user caused by an excessive rise in the temperature of the finger-worn device 50. Furthermore, when the finger-worn device 50 is not worn, power is supplied at the normal power supply rate, which prevents the charging time from becoming too long.

[0075] The attachment state information is preferably received when power supply starts. Since the attachment state may change even during power supply, the attachment state information may be received periodically during power supply to adjust the power supply speed.

[0076] In the first embodiment, as described with reference to Fig. 6, the power supply rate is adjusted based on the temperature information received from the finger-worn device 50. When the finger-worn device 50 reaches a high temperature, the power supply rate is slowed down to prevent further excessive temperature rise, thereby reducing the user's discomfort.

[0077] Instead of slowing down the power supply rate, power supply may be stopped when the finger wearable device 50 is in a high temperature state, for example, when the measured temperature reaches 43°C or higher. In this case, power supply may be resumed when the high temperature state is resolved. Alternatively, power supply may be stopped when the temperature rise since the start of charging exceeds a certain value. However, when the outside temperature is high, even a small temperature rise can cause low-temperature burns, so it is preferable to stop power supply regardless of the temperature rise. To manage temperature during charging, in addition to the first temperature sensor 55A and the second temperature sensor 55B (FIG. 1B), a third temperature sensor may be mounted on the board on which the charging circuit is mounted.

[0078] Next, a charging module according to a modification of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the charging module 10 is attached to the finger-worn device 50 by the attachment / detachment structure 12 (FIG. 3B) of the charging module 10 sandwiching the finger-worn device 50 in the width direction. As another configuration, the charging module may be fixed to the finger-worn device 50 by a belt that goes around the finger, like a wristwatch strap. Using a belt makes it less likely that the charging module 10 will fall off the finger-worn device 50.

[0079] In the first embodiment, the sealing resin 53 is exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the finger wearable device 50, but an annular outer member that adheres tightly to the outer peripheral surface of the sealing resin 53 may be attached. As the outer member, for example, ceramics such as zirconia (zirconium dioxide), aluminum nitride, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, and silicon nitride may be used. Alternatively, the outer member may be made of, for example, a non-transparent resin such as ABS or polycarbonate. The outer member can enhance the decorativeness and rigidity of the finger wearable device 50.

[0080] [Second Example] Next, a charging module according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7A and 7B. Below, a description of the configuration common to the charging module 10 according to the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1A to 6 will be omitted.

[0081] 7A and 7B are cross-sectional views of the charging module 10 according to the second embodiment attached to the finger-worn device 50. Fig. 7B corresponds to the cross-sectional view taken along dashed line 7B-7B in Fig. 7A, and Fig. 7A corresponds to the cross-sectional view taken along dashed line 7A-7A in Fig. 7B.

[0082] In the charging module 10 according to the first embodiment, the detachable structure 12 (FIG. 3B) sandwiches a part of the circumference of the finger-worn device 50 in the width direction, thereby attaching the charging module 10 to the finger-worn device 50. In contrast, the charging module 10 according to the second embodiment uses a permanent magnet 35 as the detachable structure.

[0083] The permanent magnet 35 is disposed at a position surrounded by the first coil 21 of the charging module 10. A soft magnetic member 59 is incorporated into the finger worn device 50. The soft magnetic member 59 is disposed at a position surrounded by the power receiving coil 61. The magnetic force acting between the permanent magnet 35 and the soft magnetic member 59 causes the charging module 10 to come into contact with and be fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the finger worn device 50. The surface of the main body 11 facing the finger worn device 50 is curved to match the outer circumferential surface of the finger worn device 50. This stabilizes the posture of the charging module 10 when it is attached to the finger worn device 50.

[0084] To generate sufficient attractive force, it is preferable to use a ferrite magnet, a samarium-cobalt magnet, a neodymium magnet, or the like as the permanent magnet 35. Iron, nickel, cobalt, or an alloy thereof can be used as the soft magnetic member 59. If the soft magnetic member 59 is exposed on the outer periphery of the finger wearable device 50, it is preferable to use stainless steel, which is hypoallergenic.

[0085] [Third Example] Next, a charging module according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 8 and 9. Below, a description of the configuration common to the charging module 10 according to the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1A to 6 will be omitted.

[0086] Fig. 8 is a front view of a charging module 10 according to a third embodiment, and a cross-sectional view of a finger-worn device 50 to which the charging module 10 is attached. Of the components of the finger-worn device 50, only the power receiving coil 61 is shown in the area hidden by the charging module 10. Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along dashed dotted line 9-9 in Fig. 8. The thick solid line representing the first coil 21 indicates the area in which the first coil 21 is arranged.

[0087] In the first embodiment, the sealing resin 53 is exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the finger-worn device 50. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the inner peripheral surface of the annular metallic outer member 80 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the sealing resin 53. The outer member 80 enhances the decorativeness and also functions to increase the rigidity of the finger-worn device 50.

[0088] In the first embodiment, the power receiving coil 61 (FIG. 1B) of the finger-worn device 50 is disposed on the outer periphery side of the device's built-in battery 57. In contrast, in the third embodiment, the power receiving coil 61 of the finger-worn device 50 is disposed on the inner periphery side of the internal member 51.

[0089] In the first embodiment (FIG. 1A), the first coil 21 is formed on a rigid wiring board 15. In contrast to this, in the third embodiment, the first coil 21 is formed on a flexible wiring board 30. The wiring board 30 extends from the main body 11 to the inside of the detachable structure 12. When the charging module 10 is attached to the finger wearing device 50 and viewed from the insertion / removal direction of the finger wearing device 50, the wiring board 30 and the first coil 21 overlap with the finger wearing device 50, as shown in FIG.

[0090] 9, when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the insertion / removal direction, the first coil 21 extends outward from both ends of the location where the finger wearing device 50 is worn in the width direction of the finger wearing device 50. In other words, the dimension of the first coil 21 in the width direction of the finger wearing device 50 is greater than the dimension of the location where the finger wearing device 50 is worn in the width direction. Furthermore, the first coil 21 curves to fit along the end face of the finger wearing device 50 and approaches the power receiving coil 61.

[0091] Next, the excellent effects of the third embodiment will be described. If a metal member is disposed between the first coil 21 that transmits power and the power receiving coil 61 that receives power, the power supply efficiency decreases or power supply becomes impossible. In the third embodiment, the first coil 21 extends outward in the width direction beyond both ends of the metal outer member 80. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in power supply efficiency. Furthermore, the first coil 21 is curved along the end face of the finger wearable device 50 so as to approach the power receiving coil 61, thereby improving the power supply efficiency.

[0092] [Fourth Example] Next, a charging module according to a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10. Below, a description of the configuration common to the charging module 10 according to the first embodiment described with reference to Figs. 1A to 6 will be omitted.

[0093] 10 is a front view of a charging module 10 according to the fourth embodiment and a cross-sectional view of a finger-worn device 50 to which the charging module 10 is attached. Of the components of the finger-worn device 50, only the power receiving coil 61 is shown in the area hidden by the charging module 10. The thick solid line representing the first coil 21 indicates the area in which the first coil 21 is arranged.

[0094] In the first embodiment (FIG. 1B), the power receiving coil 61 is disposed on the outer periphery of the built-in battery 57. When the finger wearable device 50 is worn on a finger, the power receiving coil 61 is disposed on the dorsal side of the finger. In contrast, in the fourth embodiment, the power receiving coil 61 is disposed in an area opposite to where the built-in battery 57 is disposed, i.e., in an area where the optical sensor 54 is disposed. When the finger wearable device 50 is worn on a finger, the power receiving coil 61 is disposed on the pad side of the finger.

[0095] The charging module 10 is attached to a position facing the power receiving coil 61. That is, it is attached to the pad side of the finger.

[0096] Next, the excellent effects of the fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment also provides the same excellent effects as the first embodiment. The choice of whether to attach the charging module 10 to the dorsal side of the finger as in the first embodiment or to the pad side of the finger as in the fourth embodiment should be determined based on the user's usage pattern and preferences.

[0097] [Fifth Example] Next, a charging system according to a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 11A and 11B. The charging system according to the fifth embodiment includes the charging module 10 according to the first embodiment described with reference to Figs. 1A to 6, and a charging station 70. A rechargeable secondary battery is used as the charging battery 13 of the charging module 10. The charging station 70 charges the charging module 10 and the finger-worn device 50.

[0098] 11A is a plan view of the charging station 70 when the charging module 10 is being charged, and FIG. 11B is a plan view of the charging station 70 when the finger-worn device 50 is being charged. The charging station 70 includes a support member 71 and a second coil 75 fixed within the support member 71. The support member 71 has a flat upper surface, and a recess 72 is provided on the upper surface. In FIGS. 11A and 11B, the flat upper surface is hatched. The recess 72 is provided in the non-hatched area. A lid that covers the upper surface of the support member 71 may be provided, for example, a lid shaped like the lid of a ring case.

[0099] A protrusion 73 is provided that protrudes from a portion of the side surface of the recess 72 toward the recess 72. The position of the charging module 10 within the recess 72 is determined by sandwiching the protrusion 73 with the attachment / detachment structure 12 of the charging module 10. The charging module 10 is held in the charging station 70 in an orientation in which the clamping direction of the attachment / detachment structure 12 is parallel to the upper surface of the support member 71. For example, the charging module 10 is held in a predetermined position in the charging station 70 by positioning the attachment / detachment structure 12 of the charging module 10 so that it clamps the protrusion 73 and then dropping the charging module 10 in the depth direction of the recess 72. The recess 72 and the protrusion 73 function as a charging module holding structure that positions and holds the charging module 10.

[0100] With the charging module 10 held in a predetermined position within the recess 72, the second coil 75 is disposed at a position opposite the first coil 21, and the first coil 21 and the second coil 75 are magnetically coupled. That is, the second coil 75 is disposed at the tip of the protrusion 73.

[0101] The recess 72 has a finger wearable device holding structure 72A that holds the finger wearable device 50 in an upright position relative to the upper surface of the support member 71. Here, "upright position" means an orientation in which the insertion / removal direction of the finger wearable device 50 is parallel to the upper surface of the support member 71. When the finger wearable device 50 is held within the finger wearable device holding structure 72A, a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the finger wearable device 50 faces the tip of the protrusion 73. The finger wearable device 50 can be rotated in the circumferential direction to bring the power receiving coil 61 into opposition to the second coil 75. In this state, the power receiving coil 61 and the second coil 75 are magnetically coupled.

[0102] The charging station 70 has a function of connecting to a commercial power source and supplying high-frequency power to the second coil 75. Power is supplied to the charging station 70 using, for example, a USB cable. A circuit 36 ​​is mounted on the wiring board 15 of the charging module 10, and charges the rechargeable battery 13 with power supplied from the charging station 70 via the second coil 75 and the first coil 21. The rechargeable battery 13 of the charging module 10 can be charged by supplying power from the charging station 70 while the charging module 10 is held in a predetermined position within the recess 72. Similarly, the built-in battery 57 ( FIG. 1B ) of the finger-worn device 50 can be charged by supplying power from the charging station 70 while the finger-worn device 50 is held in the finger-worn device holding structure 72A.

[0103] Next, the excellent effects of the fifth embodiment will be described. The charging module 10 according to the fifth embodiment can be used repeatedly because it can be charged using the charging station 70. Furthermore, because power is supplied wirelessly from the charging station 70 to the charging module 10, there is no need to expose the power supply terminals on the charging module 10, and it is possible to make the charging module 10 waterproof.

[0104] Furthermore, when the charging system according to the first embodiment is used, one charging station 70 can be used to charge the charging module 10 and the finger-worn device 50 .

[0105] The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and it goes without saying that partial substitution or combination of the configurations shown in different embodiments is possible. Similar effects resulting from similar configurations of multiple embodiments will not be mentioned sequentially for each embodiment. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications, improvements, combinations, etc. are possible.

[0106] Based on the above examples described in this specification, the following invention is disclosed. <1> A charging module for charging a battery built into a finger-worn device having a rechargeable battery built into the device and a receiving coil, the charging module comprising: a detachable structure for detachably attaching the charging module to the finger-worn device while the finger-worn device is worn on a finger; A rechargeable battery, a power transmission circuit that includes a first coil that is magnetically coupled with the power receiving coil of the finger-worn device when the finger-worn device is attached to the finger-worn device by the detachable structure, and that controls power supply from the rechargeable battery to the finger-worn device via the first coil; A charging module comprising:

[0107] <2> The finger-worn device further includes a notifier that notifies a user wearing the finger-worn device of information, The power transmission circuit notifies the user that charging is in progress via the notifier while performing the power supply control. <1> The charging module described in

[0108] <3> When the power transmitting circuit receives information indicating the charging state of the device's built-in battery via the power receiving coil and the first coil, it notifies the user of the charging state of the device's built-in battery via the notifier. <2> The charging module described in

[0109] <4> The attachment / detachment structure has a structure that sandwiches a circumferential portion of the finger-worn device in a width direction. <1> ~ <3> 10. The charging module according to claim 9, wherein:

[0110] <5> The attachment / detachment structure includes a permanent magnet, and is attached to the finger-worn device by a magnetic force generated by the permanent magnet. <1> ~ <3> 10. The charging module according to claim 9, wherein:

[0111] <6> Furthermore, the device has a waterproof structure that prevents moisture from entering the rechargeable battery and the power transmission circuit. <1> ~ <5> 10. The charging module according to claim 9, wherein:

[0112] <7> With respect to the width direction of the finger wearing device in a state where the finger wearing device is worn, the dimension of the first coil is larger than the dimension of the width direction of the wearing location of the finger wearing device. <1> ~ <6> 10. The charging module according to claim 9, wherein:

[0113] <8> When the power transmitting circuit receives, via the power receiving coil and the first coil, wearing information indicating whether the finger wearable device is worn on a finger, the power transmitting circuit performs the power supply control based on the received wearing information. <1> ~ <7> 10. The charging module according to claim 9, wherein:

[0114] <9> When the power transmitting circuit receives temperature information indicating a temperature measured by a temperature sensor built into the finger wearable device via the power receiving coil and the first coil, the power transmitting circuit performs the power supply control based on the received temperature information. <1> ~ <8> 10. The charging module according to claim 9, wherein:

[0115] <10> <1> ~ <9> a charging module according to any one of the above; Charging station and Equipped with the charging battery of the charging module is a secondary battery, and the charging station includes a second coil magnetically coupled to the first coil of the charging module; The charging module includes a circuit that charges the rechargeable battery with power supplied from the charging station via the second coil and the first coil.

[0116] <11> The charging station a charging module holding structure that holds the charging module by the attachment / detachment structure of the charging module; a finger-worn device holding structure for holding the finger-worn device; It is equipped with When the charging module is held by the charging module holding structure, the first coil and the second coil are magnetically coupled to each other, The power receiving coil and the second coil are magnetically coupled in a state in which the finger-worn device is held by the finger-worn device holding structure. <10> The charging system according to claim 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0117] 10 Charging Module 11 Main unit 12 Detachable structure 13 Rechargeable battery 15 Wiring board 20 Power Transmission Circuit 21 First coil 22 Capacitor 23 Notification device (light-emitting diode) 24 Differential Amplifier 25 Microprocessor Unit (MPU) 26 Switch control section 27, 28 Switching elements 29 Resistive element 30 Flexible wiring board 32 Power transmission resonant circuit 35 Permanent Magnets 36 Circuit for charging rechargeable batteries 50 Finger-worn devices 51 Internal parts 51A 1st opening 51B 2nd opening 52 Wiring board 52A, 52B, 52C Rigid part 52F Flexible section 53 Sealing resin 54 Optical Sensor 54A First light-emitting element 54B Second light-emitting element 54C Photodetector 55A 1st temperature sensor 55B Second temperature sensor 56 Acceleration gyro sensor 57 Built-in battery of device 58 Finger-mounted device control circuit 59 Soft magnetic materials 60 Receiving circuit 61 Receiving coil 62 Capacitor 63 Diode bridge rectifier circuit 64 Power receiving control unit 65 Charging circuit 66, 67 Switching elements 69 Receiving Resonant Circuit 70 Charging Station 71 Support member 72 recess 72A Finger-worn device holding structure 73 Protrusion 75 Second coil 80 Outer member

Claims

1. A charging module for charging a battery built into a finger-worn device having a rechargeable battery built into the device and a receiving coil, the charging module comprising: a detachable structure for detachably attaching the charging module to the finger-worn device while the finger-worn device is worn on a finger; A rechargeable battery, a power transmission circuit that includes a first coil that is magnetically coupled with the power receiving coil of the finger-worn device when the finger-worn device is attached to the finger-worn device by the detachable structure, and that controls power supply from the rechargeable battery to the finger-worn device via the first coil; A charging module comprising:

2. The finger-worn device further includes a notifier that notifies a user wearing the finger-worn device of information. The charging module according to claim 1 , wherein the power transmission circuit notifies a user that charging is in progress via the notifier while performing the power supply control.

3. 3. The charging module according to claim 2, wherein when the power transmitting circuit receives information indicating the charging state of the device's built-in battery via the receiving coil and the first coil, it notifies the user of the charging state of the device's built-in battery via the notifier.

4. The charging module according to claim 1 , wherein the detachable structure has a structure that sandwiches a circumferential portion of the finger-worn device in a width direction.

5. The charging module according to claim 1 , wherein the detachable structure includes a permanent magnet, and is attached to the finger-worn device by a magnetic force generated by the permanent magnet.

6. 4. The charging module according to claim 1, further comprising a waterproof structure that prevents moisture from entering the rechargeable battery and the power transmission circuit.

7. 4. The charging module according to claim 1, wherein the dimension of the first coil is greater than the dimension of the width of the location where the finger-worn device is worn in the width direction of the finger-worn device when worn on the finger-worn device.

8. 4. The charging module according to claim 1, wherein the power transmission circuit, upon receiving, via the receiving coil and the first coil, attachment information indicating whether the finger-wearable device is worn on a finger, performs the power supply control based on the received attachment information.

9. 4. The charging module according to claim 1, wherein the power transmitting circuit receives temperature information indicating a temperature measured by a temperature sensor built into the finger wearable device via the receiving coil and the first coil, and performs the power supply control based on the received temperature information.

10. A charging module according to any one of claims 1 to 3; Charging station and Equipped with the charging battery of the charging module is a secondary battery, and the charging station includes a second coil magnetically coupled to the first coil of the charging module; The charging module includes a circuit that charges the rechargeable battery with power supplied from the charging station via the second coil and the first coil.

11. The charging station a charging module holding structure that holds the charging module by the attachment / detachment structure of the charging module; a finger-worn device holding structure for holding the finger-worn device; It is equipped with When the charging module is held by the charging module holding structure, the first coil and the second coil are magnetically coupled to each other, The charging system according to claim 10 , wherein the power receiving coil and the second coil are magnetically coupled when the finger-worn device is held by the finger-worn device holding structure.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

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    JP2023173805A