Accessory case for multiple charger types

Abstract

To provide an accessory case that is chargeable by using one or more types of wireless chargers.SOLUTION: An accessory case 100 comprises a first positioning mechanism for performing positioning with respect to a first type wireless charger. The first positioning mechanism comprises one or more magnetic elements 120, 122, 124 and 126 inside the accessory case. The one or more magnetic elements are placed at both a base bottom part 102 and a lid 108 of the accessory case. The accessory case also performs charging using a charging pack 200 or another structure of the first type wireless charger. The charging pack receives power by a cable 202, then a control circuit inside the charging pack generates current inside a charge coil of a power-receiving pack by using the received power, and generates a time-varying magnetic field capable of inducing current into the charge coil 130 from the foregoing current, so as to feed power to a built-in battery, one or more accessories, or both thereof.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] (CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 243,584, filed September 13, 2021, which is incorporated by reference.

[0002] The number of types of portable electronic devices available on the market has grown exponentially over the past few years, and the rate of adoption of new devices shows no signs of slowing. Portable devices, such as portable computing devices, tablets, laptops, smartphones, wearable computing devices, charging devices, storage devices, audio devices, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors, and the like, have become ubiquitous.

[0003] Each of these portable devices may have a built-in battery that allows the user to freely carry the portable device and use it wherever they go. Each of these portable devices may have its own charging method. For example, a first portable electronic device may be charged using a first type of wireless charger. This first type of wireless charger may include a first type of pack that converts power received from a power adapter plugged into a wall outlet into wireless charging power. This wireless charging power can then be received by the first electronic device and used to charge a battery inside the first electronic device.

[0004] Similarly, a second portable electronic device can be charged using a second type of wireless charger, which can include a second type of pack that converts power received from a power adapter plugged into a wall outlet into wireless charging power that can then be received by the second electronic device and used to charge a battery within the second electronic device.

[0005] As a result, a user who desires to be able to charge both a first portable electronic device and a second portable electronic device may be required to own and carry both a first type of wireless charger and a second type of wireless charger. Thus, it may be desirable for the second portable electronic device to be chargeable using either the first wireless charger or the second wireless charger. This may be particularly true when the second portable electronic device is an accessory device used in association with the first portable electronic device.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an accessory case that is capable of charging using more than one type of wireless charger. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Thus, embodiments of the present invention can provide an accessory case that is capable of being charged using more than one type of wireless charger.

[0008] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention may provide an accessory case capable of being charged using a first type of wireless charger as well as an additional type of wireless charger. The first type of wireless charger may be a magnetic charger. The additional type of wireless charger may be a non-magnetic charger. The accessory case may include one or more magnetic elements that function as an alignment feature. The alignment feature may serve to align the accessory case with the first type of wireless charger.

[0009] These and other embodiments of the invention may provide an accessory case capable of being charged using a first type of wireless charger, a second type of wireless charger, and an additional type of wireless charger. The first type of wireless charger may be a magnetic charger. The second type of wireless charger may be another magnetic charger. As previously mentioned, the additional type of wireless charger may be a non-magnetic charger. The accessory case may include one or more magnetic elements that function as a first alignment feature. The first alignment feature may be useful for aligning the accessory case with the first type of wireless charger. The accessory case may include one or more magnetic elements that function as a second alignment feature. The second alignment feature may be useful for aligning the accessory case with the second type of wireless charger.

[0010] These and other embodiments of the invention may provide an accessory case having a base. The base may have one, two, three, four or more accessory receptacles, each for storing an accessory. Each accessory may be charged by the charging case when the accessory is stored in the accessory receptacle. A lid may cover the accessory receptacle to hold the accessory in place when the accessory is stored in the accessory case. The lid may be joined to the base with a hinge such that the lid can move relative to the base to allow removal of the accessory from the accessory receptacle when the accessory is stored in the accessory case.

[0011] The first alignment feature can be a single magnetic element, which can be a permanent magnet or other type of magnet, an electromagnet, a ferromagnetic element, a pole piece and a magnet, or other magnetic element. The first alignment feature can be a plurality of magnetic elements, each of which can be a permanent magnet or other type of magnet, an electromagnet, a ferromagnetic element, a pole piece and a magnet, or other magnetic element. For example, the first alignment feature can be implemented as a first magnetic element in the base and a second magnetic element in the lid. The first alignment feature can further include a third magnetic element in the base and a fourth magnetic element in the lid.

[0012] The second alignment feature can be a single magnetic element, which can be a permanent magnet or other type of magnet, an electromagnet, a ferromagnetic element, a pole piece and magnet, or other magnetic element. The second alignment feature can be a plurality of magnetic elements, each of which can be a permanent magnet or other type of magnet, an electromagnet, a ferromagnetic element, a pole piece and magnet, or other magnetic element. For example, the second alignment feature can be implemented as a first magnetic element in the base.

[0013] These and other embodiments of the invention may provide an accessory case having a charging coil for receiving power. The magnetic elements relative to the first alignment feature may be positioned around a center, the center being at least a similar distance from each of the magnetic elements. The magnetic elements may be disposed in a base and a lid of the accessory case. The charging coil may have a center. The charging coil may be disposed in the base such that the charging coil has clearance from the hinge. As a result, the center of the charging coil may not be aligned with the center of the magnetic elements relative to the first alignment feature. When mating the accessory case with a first type of wireless charger, a magnet in the first type of wireless charger may be aligned with the first alignment feature of the accessory case. The charging coil in the first type of wireless charger may not be aligned with the charging coil in the accessory case because the charging coil in the first type of wireless charger is likely aligned with the magnet in the first type of wireless charger. Thus, the charging coil in the accessory case may be shaped and positioned to improve inductive coupling to the charging coil in the first type of wireless charger. Additional shielding may be included to increase the coupling coefficient between the offset charging coil in the accessory case and the corresponding charging coil in the first type wireless charger.

[0014] The second alignment feature can be located at the center of the charging coil of the accessory case. When the accessory case is mated with the second type of wireless charger, a magnet in the second type of wireless charger can be aligned with the second alignment feature of the accessory case. Because the charging coil in the second type of wireless charger is likely aligned with the magnet in the second type of wireless charger, the charging coil in the second type of wireless charger can be aligned with the charging coil in the accessory case.

[0015] While embodiments of the present invention are well suited for use in accessory cases, these and other embodiments of the present invention may also be used in other types of electronic devices, such as portable computing devices, tablets, laptops, smartphones, wearable computing devices, charging devices, storage devices, audio devices, watches, jewelry, rings, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors, etc.

[0016] Various embodiments of the present invention may incorporate one or more of these and other features described herein. A better understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention can be obtained by reference to the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates an accessory case being charged by a first type of wireless charger, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] [Diagram 3] 1 illustrates charging and control components for an accessory case according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] [Figure 4] 1 illustrates the attractive force of an alignment magnet between an accessory case and a first type charger, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] [Diagram 5] 1 illustrates an accessory case according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] [Figure 6] 1 illustrates a portion of an accessory case according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] [Figure 7] 13 shows details of a button that can be used to align a second type of wireless charger with an accessory case, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] [Figure 8] 11 is a side view of a button and associated structure that can be used to align a second type of wireless charger with an accessory case, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] [Figure 9] 1 illustrates a charging circuit that can be used with wireless chargers that operate at multiple frequencies. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] 1 illustrates an electronic device according to one embodiment of the present invention. This figure, as well as the other figures included herein, are provided for illustrative purposes and are not intended to limit any of the possible embodiments of the invention or the scope of the claims.

[0027] In this example, three accessories 101 can be stored for charging in an accessory receptacle 104 in a base 102 of the accessory case 100. The accessory case 100 can include a lid 108 that can be attached to the base 102 using a hinge 109. The lid 108 can be closed to hold the accessory 101 in place when the accessory 101 is in the accessory receptacle 104. The lid 108 can be rotated relative to the base 102 along the axis of the hinge 109 to allow a user to remove the accessory 101 from the accessory receptacle 104.

[0028] The accessories 101 can communicate with the accessory case 100 when they are stored in the accessory receptacle 104 in the base 102 of the accessory case 100. In these and other embodiments of the invention, the accessories 101 can communicate with the accessory case 100 when the accessories 101 are not stored in the accessory case 100. In these and other embodiments of the invention, the accessories 101 can also communicate with each other through the accessory case 100 when they are stored in the accessory receptacle 104 in the base 102 of the accessory case 100. In these and other embodiments, the accessories 101 can communicate with each other when they are not stored in the accessory case 100. These communications can be wired or wireless. For example, the communications can be Bluetooth or other wireless communications. The accessory case 100 can also provide charging power to one or more accessories 101 when the one or more accessories are stored in the accessory receptacle 104 in the base 102 of the accessory case 100.

[0029] In this example, charging and communication between accessory 101 and accessory case 100 can occur through the same contacts (not shown) on accessory 101. In these and other embodiments of the invention, accessory case 100 can provide a charging voltage on a first contact and a reference ground on a second contact of the accessory case 100-to-accessory 101 interface. Data can be transferred by modulating the charging voltage on the first pin. Accessory case 100 can modulate the charging voltage to send data to accessory 101, and accessory 101 can modulate its charging voltage itself to send data to accessory case 100.

[0030] In this example, three accessories 101 are shown, but in other embodiments, the accessory case 100 can support one, two, four or more accessories 101. The accessory case 100 can be a rectangular parallelepiped, can have a rectangular parallelepiped type shape with rounded edges, or can have another suitable form factor. The accessory 101 can be a rechargeable battery, a speaker, a Bluetooth headphone, a headset, a wearable computing device or a wearable media device such as a ring, a bracelet, a small ear bud, a piece of jewelry, or a watch, or other type of accessory.

[0031] Accessory case 100 may be powered by an internal battery (not shown), an external power source (not shown), or other suitable sources, or a combination thereof. Accessory case 100 may provide power to and communicate with one or more accessories 101. These communications may include authentication and identification information, firmware and software updates, user-provided preferences, or other information.

[0032] When the accessory case 100 is being charged, power may be provided by a battery controller (not shown) in the accessory case 100 to an internal battery (not shown) in the accessory case 100. In some circumstances, power may be provided directly to one or more accessories 101 stored in an accessory receptacle 104 in the base 102 of the accessory case 100. In other circumstances, power may be provided to a battery, which may then provide power to one or more accessories 101. Power may be provided by the battery controller to one or more accessories 101 until they are acceptably charged, and then power may be provided to the internal battery, or other algorithms may be used.

[0033] The internal battery of the accessory case 100 and one or more accessories 101 (collectively referred to herein as accessory case 100 for simplicity) can be charged using a first type of wireless charger, which is magnetic. One embodiment is shown in the following figure.

[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates an accessory case being charged by a first type of wireless charger, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The accessory case 100 may include a lid 108 and a base 102. The lid 108 may be attached to the base 102 with a hinge 109. One or more accessories 101 (as shown in FIG. 1) may be stored in a corresponding accessory receptacle 104 (as shown in FIG. 2) in the base 102. The lid 108 may be closed to help hold the accessory 101 in place in the accessory receptacle 104 in the base 102. The lid 108 may be opened by rotating relative to the base 102 along the axis of the hinge 109. This may allow a user to remove one or more accessories 101 from the accessory receptacle 104 in the base 102.

[0035] In this embodiment, the accessory case 100 can be charged using a charging pack 200, or other structure of a first type charger. The charging pack 200 can receive power over a cable 202. Control circuitry (not shown) in the charging pack 200 can use the received power to generate currents in a charging coil (not shown). These currents can generate a time-varying magnetic field that can induce currents in the charging coil 130. These induced currents can be used by a battery controller (not shown) and other control circuitry 320 (shown in FIG. 3) in the accessory case 100 to power an internal battery (not shown), one or more accessories 101 in the accessory receptacle 104, or both.

[0036] The charging pack 200 can be magnetic. That is, the charging pack 200 can include one or more magnetic elements that can be used by the accessory case 100 to align the accessory case 100 to the charging pack 200. In this example, a ring of alignment magnets 220 can be included in the charging pack 200. One or more magnetic elements, such as magnetic element 120, can be magnetically attracted to the magnets in the ring of alignment magnets 220. In this example, the magnetic elements 120 and 122 can be disposed in the lid 108 of the accessory case 100. The magnetic elements 124 and 126 can be disposed in the base 102 of the accessory case 100. The magnetic elements 120, 122, 124, and 126 can serve to align the accessory case 100 to the charging pack 200. One example of how this alignment is performed is shown in FIG. 4.

[0037] In these and other embodiments, magnetic element 120, and other magnetic elements within accessory case 100, can be permanent magnets, rare earth magnets, pole pieces, ferromagnetic elements, or other magnetic elements.

[0038] In this embodiment, charging coil 130 may have a central opening 132. A reset and pairing button 700 (shown in FIG. 7) for accessory case 100 may be located within central opening 132. Accessory 101 within accessory receptacle 104 and control circuitry 320 (shown in FIG. 3) may be shielded from the charging coil by shield 140. Accessory 101 and control circuitry 320 may be shielded from magnetic elements 120, 122, 124, and 126 by corresponding shield 121 (shown in FIG. 4).

[0039] In these and other embodiments of the invention, the accessory case 100 can be charged using a wired connection. The accessory case 100 can include a connector receptacle, such as a Lightning™ or Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type C connector receptacle, that can receive a corresponding connector insert and, via this connection, can provide power to a battery within the accessory case 100, one or more accessories 101 stored within an accessory receptacle 104 within the accessory case 100, or both.

[0040] As shown in this example, the charging coil 130 may not be centered with the magnetic elements 120, 122, 124, and 126 of the accessory case 100. That is, the charging coil 130 may be offset from the center of these magnetic elements. This offset may be due to the location of the hinge 190, which may require the charging coil 130 to be positioned away from the hinge 190. Typically, the charging coil (not shown) in the charging pack 200 may be centered with respect to the ring of the alignment magnet 220. Thus, the charging coil 300 in the accessory case 100 may not be centered with the charging coil in the charging pack 200. Thus, to help overcome this offset, the charging coil 130 may be positioned and shaped, and additional features may be added, to improve inductive coupling between the charging coil 130 in the accessory case 100 and the charging coil in the charging pack 200. Further details regarding the charging coil 130 and related structures are shown in the following figures.

[0041] FIG. 3 illustrates charging and control components for an accessory case, according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a magnetic field generated by charging pack 200 (shown in FIG. 2) can induce a current in charging coil 130. This current can be provided to control circuitry 320 over wire 134. Control circuitry 320 can include a battery controller (not shown) and other circuitry. Control circuitry 320 can use the induced current received at charging coil 130 to charge an internal battery (not shown) of accessory case 100 (shown in FIG. 2), one or more accessories 101 (all shown in FIG. 1) stored in accessory receptacle 104 in base 102 of accessory case 100, or both.

[0042] Control circuitry 320 may be shielded from charging coil 130 by shield 140, which may be positioned between charging coil 130 and control circuitry 320. Control circuitry 320 may be further shielded from charging coil 130 by shield 142, which may be positioned between button housing 310 and control circuitry 320. Shield 140 and shield 142 may act as a magnetic shunt and may shield control circuitry 320 to prevent eddy currents from being induced by currents in charging coil 130. Shield 140 and shield 142 may also improve the coupling coefficient between charging coil 130 and a corresponding coil in charging pack 200 (shown in FIG. 2 ) or other chargers. This increased coupling coefficient may help to compensate for an offset in the position of charging coil 130 relative to a first alignment feature in accessory case 100, including magnetic element 120, magnetic element 122, magnetic element 124, and magnetic element 126 (all shown in FIG. 2 ). Shields 140 and 142 may be formed of a magnetically permeable material, such as ferrite or other material. For example, shields 140 and 142 may be formed of laminated layers of nanocrystalline material. The nanocrystalline material may be an amorphous ferrite material or other material.

[0043] The button housing 310 can be positioned within the central opening 132 of the charging coil 130. The button housing 310 can include a button 700 (shown in FIG. 7) that can be activated by a user. The button 700 can control a reset function for the control circuitry 320. The button 700 can also be used to initiate pairing of one or more accessories 101 (shown in FIG. 1) with the accessory case 100.

[0044] FIG. 4 illustrates the alignment magnet attraction between the accessory case and a first type charger according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the accessory case 100 can be aligned with the charging pack 200. The charging pack 200 can include a ring of alignment magnets 220. The ring of alignment magnets 220 can include an outer magnet 222, an inner magnet 224, and a backplate 226. Magnetic field lines 410 can originate from the north pole of the outer magnet 222 and reach the shield 121. The magnetic field lines 410 can continue through the shield 121 to the south pole of the magnetic element 120. The magnetic field lines 410 can continue from the north pole of the magnetic element 120 to the south pole of the inner magnet 224. The magnetic field lines 410 can continue through the backplate 226 from the north pole of the inner magnet 224 to the south pole of the outer magnet 222. In this manner, the magnetic field lines 410 can create a magnetic attraction between the magnetic element 120 in the accessory case 100 and the ring of the alignment magnet 220 in the charging pack 200. This attraction can be primarily between the magnetic element 120 and the internal magnet 224 of the ring of the alignment magnet 220. This attraction, when combined with similar magnetic attractions between the magnetic element 122 and the ring of the alignment magnet 220, between the magnetic element 124 and the ring of the alignment magnet 220, and between the magnetic element 126 and the ring of the alignment magnet 220, can align the accessory case 100 with the charging pack 200. This can enable the charging pack 200 to charge the accessory case 100.

[0045] These and other embodiments of the present invention can also be charged by a second type of wireless charger, one example of which is shown in the following figure.

[0046] FIG. 5 illustrates an accessory case according to one embodiment of the present invention. The accessory case 100 may include a base 102 having one or more accessory receptacles 104 (as shown in FIG. 1) for storing one or more accessories 101 (as shown in FIG. 1). The base 102 may be attached to a lid 108 via a hinge 109. The lid 108 may serve to hold the accessories 101 in their accessory receptacles 104. The lid 108 may rotate relative to the base 102 via the axis of the hinge 109. This may allow the accessory case 100 to be opened so that a user can remove one or more accessories 101 from their accessory receptacles 104 in the base 102.

[0047] As mentioned above, magnetic element 120 and magnetic element 122 can be positioned within lid 108 of accessory case 100. Magnetic element 124 and magnetic element 126 can be disposed within base 102. Magnetic element 120, magnetic element 122, magnetic element 124, and magnetic element 126 can serve to align accessory case 100 with a first type of wireless charger, as shown in FIG.

[0048] The button housing 310 can be disposed within the central opening 132 of the charging coil 130. The button housing 310 can include a button 700. A user can actuate the button 700 to reset the control circuit 320 (shown in FIG. 3 ). A user can actuate the button 700 to initiate pairing of the accessory case 100 with one or more accessories 101.

[0049] In these and other embodiments of the invention, the button 700 can be magnetic. For example, a portion of the button 700 can be formed of a magnetic element 510 (as shown in FIG. 7), which can be a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, a pole piece, a ferromagnetic element, or other magnetic element. The north pole of the magnetic element 510 can face the back side (the side shown here) of the accessory case 100. Alternatively, the south pole of the magnetic element can face the back side (the side shown here) of the accessory case 100. In this manner, the magnetic element 510 can be surrounded laterally by the charging coil 130. The charging coil 130 can be shielded by the shield 140. In this configuration, the magnetic element 510 can be aligned with a corresponding magnet in the second type of wireless charger. The charging coil 130 can be aligned with a corresponding coil that is positioned laterally around the corresponding magnet in a puck or other structure of the second type of wireless charger. The charging coil 130 can receive modulated magnetic flux from a second type of wireless charger. A current generated in the charging coil 130 from this modulated magnetic flux can be used by a control circuit 320 (shown in FIG. 3 ) to charge a battery (not shown) inside the accessory case 100, one or more accessories 101 stored in an accessory receptacle 104 in the accessory case 100, or both.

[0050] In these and other embodiments of the invention, the accessory case 100 can be charged using a wired connection. The accessory case 100 can include a connector receptacle, such as a Lightning™ or Universal Serial Bus (USB) Type-C connector receptacle, that can receive a corresponding connector insert and, via this connection, can provide power to a battery within the accessory case 100, one or more accessories 101 stored within an accessory receptacle 104 within the accessory case 100, or both.

[0051] FIG. 6 illustrates a portion of an accessory case, according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this example, a button housing 310 can be attached to the back side of the shield 140 by an adhesive layer 313. The adhesive layer 313 can be a pressure sensitive adhesive layer, a heat activated film layer, a UV curable adhesive, a polyimide film, or other adhesive layer. The button housing 310 can be positioned in a central opening 132 of the charging coil 130. Wires 134 from the charging coil 130 can be routed through slots 145 in the shield 140 to the control circuit 320 (shown in FIG. 3). The slots 145 can help prevent eddy currents from forming in the shield 140.

[0052] In these and other embodiments of the invention, a flexible circuit board can connect the button housing 310 to a control circuit 320 (as shown in FIG. 3). Additional circuitry can be included, such as overheat protection or thermal shutdown.

[0053] FIG. 7 shows details of a button that can be used to align a second type of wireless charger to an accessory case, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, the button 700 can include a magnetic element 510. The magnetic element 510 can be attached within an inner surface of a bucket 710 using a first adhesive layer 712. The magnetic element 510 can be attached to a shield 720 using a second adhesive layer 714. The first adhesive layer 712 and the second adhesive layer 714 can be pressure sensitive adhesive layers, heat activated film layers, UV curable adhesives, polyimide films, or other adhesive layers. Foam 730 can be positioned between the shield 720 and the button housing 310 and between the bucket 710 and the button housing 310.

[0054] The shield 720 may act as a magnetic shunt and may shield the control circuitry 320 from the magnetic element 510. The shield 720 may also improve the coupling coefficient between the magnetic element 510 and a corresponding magnet in the second type of wireless charger. The shield 720 may be formed of a magnetically permeable material, such as ferrite or other material. For example, the shield 720 may be formed of a laminate of nanocrystalline material. The nanocrystalline material may be an amorphous ferrite material or other material.

[0055] In this embodiment, bucket 710 can be formed of plastic or resin to match the rest of enclosure 810 (shown in FIG. 8) for accessory case 100. The back surface of bucket 710 can be flush with enclosure 810 for accessory case 100. Magnetic element 510 can be a permanent magnet, an electromagnet, a ferromagnetic element, a pole piece, or other magnetic element.

[0056] FIG. 8 is a side view of a button and associated structure that can be used in aligning a second type of wireless charger with an accessory case, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this example, button 700 can include magnetic element 510 that can be attached to bucket 710 by a first adhesive layer 712. Magnetic element 510 can also be attached to shield 720 by a second adhesive layer 714. When actuated by a user, button 700 can move upward as shown relative to enclosure 810 of accessory case 100. This movement can push pusher 314 of button housing 310 into flexible dome 312. Flexible dome 312 can be conductive or have a conductive surface. When flexible dome 312 is sufficiently displaced vertically, flexible dome 312 can form an electrical connection between contact 318 and contact 316. This connection can be detected by control circuitry 320 (as shown in FIG. 3). A flexible coverlay 311 can be used to hold and seal in place the flexible dome 312. The flexible dome 312 can be implemented as one, two, or more than two flexible domes 312 to provide a desired force profile.

[0057] In accordance with these and other aspects of the present invention, the accessory case 100 can be charged using two or more types of wireless chargers. These two chargers can operate at different frequencies. Therefore, the control circuit 320 can employ two charging circuits, each tuned to a different frequency, to receive power from these different wireless chargers. Alternatively, a single charging circuit capable of tuning between the two frequencies can be employed. One embodiment is shown in the following figure.

[0058] FIG. 9 shows a charging circuit that can be used with wireless chargers that operate at multiple frequencies. In a first state, the frequency selection output FS from a general-purpose input / output (GPIO) circuit can be high. The source of transistor Q3 can be connected to a low-dropout regulated voltage V1. As a result, transistor Q3 can be turned off. Transistor Q1 can be turned off by resistor R1 connected between the gate and source of transistor Q1. Similarly, transistor Q2 can be turned off by resistor R2 connected between the gain and source of transistor Q2. In that case, charging coil 130 can form a resonant circuit together with capacitors C4 and C5. The frequency peak of this resident circuit can be adjusted to operate at the frequency of one of the wireless chargers.

[0059] In a second state, the frequency selection output FS from the GPIO circuit may be low. This may turn on transistor Q3, which may pull up the gate of transistor Q1 through diode D1 and the gate of transistor Q2 through diode D2. Transistor Q1 may connect capacitor C3 across capacitor C4. Transistor Q2 may connect capacitor C6 across capacitor C5. The charging coil 130 may then form a resonant circuit with the parallel combination of capacitors C3 and C4 and the parallel combination of capacitors C5 and C6. This new low frequency resonant circuit may be tuned to operate at the frequency of one of the wireless chargers.

[0060] The current induced in the charging coil 130 may generate a voltage at the inputs VINP and VINN of the rectifier circuit "Rectifier 1." The rectifier circuit "Rectifier 1" may rectify this waveform and provide an output voltage VOUT at a capacitor COUT. This output voltage may be used to charge a battery (not shown) inside the accessory case 100, one or more accessories 101 stored in an accessory receptacle 104 in the accessory case 100 (all shown in FIG. 1), or both.

[0061] In accordance with these and other aspects of the invention, it may be desirable for accessory case 100 to be able to transmit data to the wireless charger. For example, this data may inform the wireless charger that accessory case 100 is a valid device that needs charging. Thus, communication circuit COM may provide output signals DP and DN to charging coil 130 via capacitors C7 and C8. The output signals may be received via the charging coil in the wireless charger.

[0062] Variations of this circuit can be used in these and other embodiments of the invention. For example, transistor Q2 and its associated circuitry can be removed. The lower terminal of charging coil 130 can be grounded. Adjustments in the sizes of capacitors C3 and C4 can be made to compensate for the removal of capacitors C5 and C6. In yet other embodiments of the invention, additional capacitor and transistor pairs can be placed in parallel with capacitor C3, transistor Q1, and capacitor C6 and transistor Q2. These additional transistors can be driven by additional logic outputs from the GPIO circuit. The inclusion of these additional transistors and capacitors can provide additional possible states for the circuit shown and allow compatibility with additional wireless chargers.

[0063] While embodiments of the present invention are well suited for use in accessory cases, these and other embodiments of the present invention may also be used in other types of electronic devices, such as portable computing devices, tablets, laptops, smartphones, wearable computing devices, charging devices, storage devices, audio devices, watches, jewelry, rings, portable media players, navigation systems, monitors, etc.

[0064] The above description of the embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described, as many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. The embodiments have been chosen and described to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments, and with various modifications as may be suitable for the particular use contemplated. It will therefore be understood that the present invention is intended to cover all modifications and equivalents within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. A charging case, a base having an accessory receiving portion for storing an accessory, the accessory being chargeable by a charging component in the charging case when the accessory is stored in the accessory receiving portion; a lid that covers the accessory receptacle to retain the accessory when the accessory is stored within the accessory receptacle; and a hinge joining the lid to the base such that the lid is movable relative to the base to permit removal of the accessory from the accessory receptacle when the accessory is stored within the accessory receptacle; and a first alignment mechanism including a plurality of magnets for aligning the charging case with a first type charger; a second alignment mechanism consisting of a single magnet for aligning the charging case with a second type of charger; A charging case comprising: a charging component for wirelessly receiving power from the first type charger or from the second type charger and supplying the received power to the accessory when the accessory is stored in the accessory receptacle.

2. The charging case of claim 1 , wherein the first type charger is a first type wireless charger and the second type charger is a second type wireless charger.

3. A charging case as described in claim 2, further comprising a connector receiving portion for receiving a compatible connector insertion portion, receiving power through the connector receiving portion, and supplying power to the accessory when the accessory is stored within the accessory receiving portion.

4. The charging case of claim 3 , wherein the charging components include a charging coil and a shield.

5. 5. The charging case of claim 4, wherein the charging coil is offset relative to a center of the first alignment feature and the charging coil is centered relative to a center of the second alignment feature.

6. 6. The charging case of claim 5, wherein the first alignment feature includes a first magnet and a second magnet in the base and a third magnet and a fourth magnet in the lid, and the second alignment feature includes a fifth magnet aligned with a center of the charging coil.

7. The charging case of claim 6 , wherein the first alignment feature and the second alignment feature are permanent magnets.

8. A charging case, a base for storing an accessory, the base being capable of charging the accessory by a charging circuit in the charging case when the accessory is stored in the base; a lid for holding the accessory when the accessory is stored within the base; and a hinge joining the lid to the base such that the lid is rotatable about the hinge relative to the base to permit removal of the accessory from the base; a first plurality of magnetic elements for magnetically aligning the charging case with a first type of charger; a second magnet element for magnetically aligning the charging case with a second type of charger; a charging circuit capable of receiving power from a first type of charger providing a charging waveform having a first frequency when a first type of charger is aligned with the charging case, and capable of receiving power from a second type of charger providing a charging waveform having a second frequency when a second type of charger is aligned with the charging case.

9. The first type charger is a first type wireless charger, the second type charger is a second type wireless charger, and the charging circuit comprises: A charging coil; 9. The charging case of claim 8, further comprising: a variable capacitor coupled to the charging coil, the variable capacitor selected to have a first capacitance when the charging circuit receives power from the first type of charger, and the variable capacitor selected to have a second capacitance when the charging circuit receives power from the second type of charger.

10. A charging case as described in claim 9, further comprising a connector receiving portion for receiving a compatible connector insertion portion, receiving power through the connector receiving portion, and supplying power to the accessory when the accessory is stored in the base portion.

11. The variable capacitor is a first capacitor having a first terminal coupled to a first terminal of the charging coil; a second capacitor having a first terminal coupled to the first terminal of the charging coil; a third capacitor having a first terminal coupled to the second terminal of the charging coil; a fourth capacitor having a first terminal coupled to the second terminal of the charging coil; a first switch having a first terminal coupled to the second terminal of the first capacitor and a second terminal coupled to the second terminal of the second capacitor; a second switch having a first terminal coupled to the second terminal of the third capacitor and a second terminal coupled to the second terminal of the fourth capacitor; The charging case of claim 10 .

12. 12. The charging case of claim 11, wherein the charging coil is offset relative to a center of the first plurality of magnetic elements and the charging coil is centered relative to a center of the second magnet element.

13. 13. The charging case of claim 12, wherein the charging circuit further comprises a rectifier having a first input coupled to the second terminal of the first capacitor and the first terminal of the first switch, and a second input coupled to the second terminal of the third capacitor and the first terminal of the second switch.

14. 14. The charging case of claim 13, further comprising a communications circuit for providing data using the charging coil, the communications circuit having a first output coupled to the second terminal of the first capacitor and the first terminal of the first switch, and a second output coupled to the second terminal of the third capacitor and the first terminal of the second switch.

15. A charging case, a base having an accessory receiving portion for storing an accessory, the accessory being chargeable by a wireless charging component in the charging case when the accessory is stored in the accessory receiving portion; a lid that covers the accessory receptacle to retain the accessory when the accessory is stored within the accessory receptacle; and a hinge joining the lid to the base such that the lid is movable relative to the base to permit removal of the accessory from the accessory receptacle when the accessory is stored within the accessory receptacle; and a first magnetic alignment mechanism for aligning the charging case with a charger, the first magnetic alignment mechanism being disposed within the base; a second magnetic alignment mechanism for aligning the charging case with the charger, the second magnetic alignment mechanism being disposed within the lid; a wireless charging component for wirelessly receiving power from the charger and supplying the received power to the accessory when the accessory is stored within the accessory receptacle.

16. a third magnetic alignment mechanism for aligning the charging case with a charger, the third magnetic alignment mechanism being disposed within the base; a fourth magnetic alignment mechanism for aligning the charging case with the charger, the fourth magnetic alignment mechanism being disposed within the lid; The charging case of claim 15 further comprising:

17. 17. The charging case of claim 16, wherein the first magnetic alignment feature, the second magnetic alignment feature, the third magnetic alignment feature, and the fourth magnetic alignment feature are disposed around the wireless charging component, and the wireless charging component is offset relative to a center of the first magnetic alignment feature, the second magnetic alignment feature, the third magnetic alignment feature, and the fourth magnetic alignment feature.

18. The charging case of claim 17 , wherein the wireless charging components include a charging coil and a shield.

19. A charging case as described in claim 18, further comprising a connector receiving portion for receiving a compatible connector insert, receiving power through the connector receiving portion, and supplying power to the accessory when the accessory is stored within the accessory receiving portion.

20. 20. The charging case of claim 19, wherein the first magnetic alignment feature, the second magnetic alignment feature, the third magnetic alignment feature, and the fourth magnetic alignment feature are permanent magnets.

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