Charging device for moving object and charging control method thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a charging device and method for charging a moving object. The charging device may: identify whether a charging terminal is short-circuited on the basis of a change in an input voltage of the charging terminal; identify an approach of an object to the charging terminal on the basis of an amount of change in the intensity of an internal current caused by the movement of the object within a magnetic field; and output an alarm indicating the short-circuit of the charging terminal or the approach of the object. The object may be a conductor other than the moving object the location of which can be identified.

Description

Mobile charging device and charging control method thereof

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging device and method for charging a mobile device.

[0002] The advancement of the electronics industry has led to the development and / or proliferation of various types of electronic devices. These electronic devices may include those requiring mobility. These mobility-requiring devices may include, for example, mobile devices such as smartphones, smart pads (tablets), and PDAs, as well as home appliances such as robot vacuum cleaners.

[0003] The electronic device requiring mobility may include a battery that supplies the power necessary for operation. For example, the electronic device may utilize a rechargeable battery capable of recovering its original state by charging internal power with an externally supplied current (hereinafter referred to as "charging current"). In this case, the electronic device must be able to connect to a charging device and charge the rechargeable battery when necessary.

[0004] The rechargeable electronic device may include a charging terminal. The charging terminal may be exposed externally for convenience in charging. The externally exposed charging terminal may be subject to short-circuiting due to conductive materials.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a charging device includes a power supply circuit, a communication circuit for communicating with a mobile object based on a predetermined short-range communication method, a charging terminal exposed externally to substantially contact a connection terminal of the mobile object and supply a charging current, the charging circuit outputting the charging current using power supplied by the power supply circuit, a detection circuit for forming a magnetic field around the charging terminal and detecting a change in internal current due to movement of an object within the magnetic field, an alarm circuit for outputting an alarm by visual information and / or auditory information, and a processing circuit, and may include a processor for controlling the alarm circuit to output the alarm for guiding the approach of the object based on the change in internal current. The object may be another conductive body other than the mobile object, the location of which the processor can identify through the communication circuit.

[0006] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for preventing damage to a charging terminal in a charging device may include an operation of identifying whether the charging terminal is short-circuited based on a change in an input voltage of the charging terminal, an operation of identifying an object's approach to the charging terminal based on a change in an internal current intensity according to movement of the object within a magnetic field, and an operation of outputting an alarm notifying a short-circuit of the charging terminal or an approach of the object. The object may be a conductive body other than the movable body whose location can be identified.

[0007] In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0008] FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of a charging system in which a mobile body is mounted on a charging device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 1b is a schematic diagram of a charging system before a mobile body is mounted on a charging device, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a charging device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 3 is a detailed configuration diagram of the charging circuit and detection circuit of Figure 2.

[0012] Figure 4 is a detailed configuration diagram of the detection circuit shown in Figure 3.

[0013] FIG. 5a or FIG. 5b is an exemplary operation diagram for detecting the approach of an external object in a detection circuit according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for controlling charging of a mobile device in a charging device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of performing a charging operation of a mobile device in response to the occurrence of a charging event in a charging device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a control flowchart for monitoring the approach of a mobile object to a charging device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 9A is a separation structure diagram of a terminal for charging in a charging system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 9b is a diagram of a fastening structure of a terminal for charging in a charging system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0019] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present disclosure. However, the present disclosure may be implemented in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In connection with the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Furthermore, in the drawings and related descriptions, descriptions of well-known functions and configurations may be omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0020] In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a charging device and a charging control method thereof can be provided that predict the approach and / or short circuit of an external object other than a moving object to a charging terminal based on a change in a magnetic field.

[0021] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, a charging device for charging a mobile device can prevent damage to the system by predicting a short circuit of a charging terminal by an object other than the mobile device or an approach of the object, and controlling charging of the mobile device based on this.

[0022] The technical problems to be achieved in the present disclosure are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other technical problems not mentioned above can be derived from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure by a person having ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field.

[0023] The effects that can be achieved by the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be clearly derived and understood by those skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure pertain, from the following description. In other words, unintended effects resulting from the implementation of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can also be derived by those skilled in the art from the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 1a is a configuration diagram of a charging system (1) in a state where a mobile body is mounted on a charging device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 1b is a configuration diagram of a charging system (1) in a state before a mobile body is mounted on a charging device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B, a charging system (1) may include a mobile body (10) or a charging device (20). The mobile body (10) may be an electronic device capable of autonomous movement based on electric driving force. The mobile body (10) may be, for example, a robot vacuum cleaner. The charging device (20) may be an electronic device for charging power consumed by the mobile body (10). The charging device (20) may have a structure in which the robot vacuum cleaner can be placed when charging is required.

[0026] The above-described mobile body (10) can clean the floor while moving along the floor. The floor that the mobile body (10) cleans can be referred to as a surface to be cleaned. The mobile body (10) can be docked to the charging device (20) when charging is required or when the inside of the dust collector is full of foreign substances and needs to be emptied. The charging device (20) can have a structure on which the mobile body (10) can be seated. For example, the charging device (20) can include a seating portion on which the mobile body (10) is seated. The mobile body (10) can be seated on the charging device (20) and can include a connection terminal (110) for receiving a charging current supplied by the charging device (20). The charging device (20) can include a charging terminal (253) so as to face the connection terminal (110) of the mobile body (10) seated on the seating portion.

[0027] According to one example, the charging device (20) may be a device that charges a battery built into the mobile body (10) when the power of the battery is consumed. The charging terminal (253) included in the charging device (20) may be installed on the front of the charging device (20) at the same height as the connection terminal (110) included in the mobile body (10). The charging device (10) may be connected to a commercial power source (e.g., 110 V or 220 V) by a power cord. The shape of the charging terminal (253) may be determined according to the type of power source used by the charging device (20). For example, when using a commercial power source mainly supplied at home, the charging device (20) may include two charging terminals.

[0028] The above-described mobile body (10) may be capable of moving to a target point using electric energy as power. The mobile body (10) may include a rechargeable battery inside. The battery may receive charging current from the outside through the connection terminal (110). To this end, the connection terminal (110) may be installed on the front bumper of the mobile body (10) at the same height as the charging terminal (253) of the charging device (20) so as to be connected to the charging terminal (253).

[0029] With the above-described configuration, when the mobile body (10) approaches the charging device (20) so that the connection terminal (110) is connected to the charging terminal (253), the connection terminal (110) is connected to the charging terminal (253), and power for charging can be supplied to the battery provided in the mobile body (10).

[0030] The charging terminal (253) provided in the charging device (20) may be short-circuited by an external object (30) that is a conductive material when exposed to the outside. The charging device (20) needs to monitor whether the external object (30) approaches within a predetermined distance or short-circuits the charging terminal (253). The charging device (20) needs to limit attempts to charge the mobile device (10) when the external object (30) approaches within a predetermined distance or short-circuits the charging terminal (253).

[0031] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a charging device (e.g., the charging device (20) of FIG. 1a or FIG. 1b) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 2, the charging device (20) may include at least one processor (210), a communication circuit (200), a power supply circuit (230), at least one sensor (240), a charging circuit (250), a detection circuit (260), an alarm circuit (270), or at least one memory (280) (e.g., volatile memory and / or non-volatile memory). In the following description, for convenience, it will be assumed that there is one component (e.g., processor (210), sensor (240), or memory (280)) that may be composed of multiple components. However, it will be understood that the functions and / or operations to be described may be individually or collectively executed by multiple components. The individual execution may mean that a specific function and / or operation is executed by a single component. The collective execution may mean that a specific function and / or operation is executed by collaboration of multiple components.

[0033] The processor (210) may include processing circuitry. The processor (210) may execute software (e.g., an application program, a driving program, and / or a system program) to control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the charging device (20). To this end, the processor (210) may perform various data processing and / or operations. As at least a part of the data processing and / or operations, the processor (210) may store commands or data received from other components (e.g., a communication circuit (220), a sensor (240), or a detection circuit (260)) in the volatile memory. The processor (210) may process commands or data stored in the volatile memory and store resulting data in the non-volatile memory.

[0034] The processor (210) may be implemented as one or more integrated circuit (IC) chips and may perform various data processing operations. For example, the processor (210) may be implemented as a system on chip (SoC) (e.g., a single chip or chipset). The processor (210) may include sub-components including a central processing unit (CPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a communication processor (CP), a sensor interface, an audio controller, a display controller, a memory controller, and / or a storage controller. The sub-components are merely exemplary. For example, the processor (210) may further include other sub-components (e.g., an image signal processor (ISP)). For example, some sub-components may be omitted from the processor (210). For example, some sub-components may be included as separate components of the charging device (20) outside the processor (210). For example, some sub-components may be included within other components.

[0035] The above communication circuit (220) can perform communication with a target device (e.g., a mobile device (10) of FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B) based on a predetermined communication method. The communication circuit (220) can be controlled by the processor (210) to transmit and receive signals with the mobile device (10). The communication method of the communication circuit (220) can be applied in consideration of, for example, the operation, function, performance, and / or structure of the charging device (20) and / or the mobile device (10). The predetermined communication method can be, for example, a short-range communication method. The short-range communication method can be a communication method that supports direct communication with a mobile device (10) located within a predetermined area. The predetermined area can vary depending on the applied communication method. The predetermined area can be determined by the distance that a transmission signal based on the applied communication method can reach. The above-described communication method may be one of the communication methods based on a communication protocol such as Bluetooth communication, BLE (Bluetooth low energy) communication, near field communication, WLAN communication, Zigbee communication, infrared (IrDA, infrared data association) communication, WFD (Wi-Fi Direct) communication, UWB (ultrawideband) communication, Ant+ communication, or microwave (uWave) communication, but is not limited thereto.

[0036] The communication circuit (220) can establish a communication link or channel with the mobile device (10) and transmit or receive a signal through the established communication link or channel. The communication circuit (220) can include one or more communication processors that support wireless communication. The one or more communication processors can operate independently of the processor (210). The communication circuit (220) can include, for example, a wireless communication module (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module, or a power line communication module). Among these communication modules, the corresponding communication module can communicate with an external electronic device, such as a mobile device (10), via a network (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA, or a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). The various types of communication modules described above can be integrated into one component (e.g., a single chip) or separated into multiple components (e.g., multiple chips).

[0037] The power supply circuit (230) can manage the power supplied from the charging device (20). The power supply circuit (230) can output the power required to drive the charging device (20) using a commercial power source (e.g., 110 V or 220 V). For example, the power supply circuit (230) can generate a DC voltage of 12 V or 24 V required by the charging device (20) using a commercial power source of 220 V.

[0038] The sensor (240) can detect the operating status (e.g., power or temperature) of the charging device (20) or the external environmental status (e.g., user status) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected status. The sensor (240) may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor. As an example, the sensor (240) may include an infrared sensor, a passive infrared (PIR) sensor, a LIDAR sensor, or an image sensor. The infrared sensor, the PIR sensor, or the LIDAR sensor may be configured to detect the movement of an object in front. The infrared sensor, the PIR sensor, or the LIDAR sensor may sense the movement of an object in front and output a sensing signal or sensing information thereof.

[0039] The charging circuit (250) can generate a charging current (or charging voltage) to be supplied for charging the mobile body (10) using the power supplied by the power supply circuit (230). The charging circuit (250) can output the charging current (or charging voltage) to the connection terminal (110) of the mobile body (10) mounted for charging through the charging terminal (253).

[0040] The above detection circuit (260) can output a short circuit detection signal for determining a short circuit of the charging terminal (253) and / or an approach detection signal for determining an approach of an external object (30) to the charging terminal (253). For example, the detection circuit (260) can provide the short circuit detection signal to the processor (210) based on a voltage change at the charging terminal (253). The detection circuit (260) can provide the approach detection signal to the processor (210) based on a change in current intensity inside corresponding to a change in the magnetic field due to movement and / or movement of the external object (30) within the magnetic field.

[0041] The alarm circuit (270) may generate an audible signal / information and / or a visual signal / information under the control of the processor (210). For example, the alarm circuit (270) may generate one of an audible signal / information or a visual signal / information corresponding to a short circuit alarm for notifying a user of a short circuit of the charging terminal (253) in response to the control of the processor (210). For example, the alarm circuit (270) may generate one of an audible signal / information or a visual signal / information corresponding to an approach alarm for notifying a user of an approach of an external object (30) to the charging terminal (253) in response to the control of the processor (210). The alarm circuit (270) may include a speaker for outputting the audible signal / information. The alarm circuit (270) may include a warning lamp for outputting the visual signal / information.

[0042] The memory (280) may store various data used by at least one component (e.g., processor (210) or sensor (240)) of the charging device (20). The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (e.g., program) and / or commands related thereto. The memory (280) may include volatile memory or non-volatile memory.

[0043] According to one example, the processor (210) may be configured to control the overall operation for charging the mobile body (10) in response to the occurrence of an event for charging the mobile body (10) (hereinafter referred to as a “charging event”). The processor (210) may form a communication link with the mobile body (10) through the communication circuit (220) and perform control for transmitting and receiving signals with the mobile body (10) through the formed communication link.

[0044] The processor (210) can recognize that a charging event has occurred by receiving a charging request from the mobile body (10). The processor (210) can check the battery level of the mobile body (10) and determine that a charging event has occurred for the mobile body (10) when the battery level falls below a predetermined threshold level. The processor (210) can determine that a charging event will occur when the mobile body (10) completes a requested operation. When a charging event has occurred, the processor (210) can command the mobile body (10) to move to a location for charging through the communication circuit (220).

[0045] The processor (210) may perform a charging operation considering whether a charging terminal (e.g., a charging terminal (253) of FIG. 1A or 1B) is short-circuited when a charging event occurs. The processor (210) may check whether the charging terminal (253) is short-circuited by an external object (e.g., an object (30) of FIG. 1B, FIG. 5A or FIG. 5B) after the charging event occurs. The charging device (20) may ignore the amount of change in the magnetic field measured by the detection circuit (260) after the charging event occurs, or may stop measuring the amount of change in the magnetic field. The amount of change in the magnetic field may be a change in the intensity of the current flowing inside due to the magnetic field due to movement and / or movement of the external object (30) within the magnetic field.

[0046] The processor (210) can detect that the charging terminal (253) is short-circuited by an external object (30) based on a voltage change at the charging terminal (253) measured by the detection circuit (260). When the processor (210) detects a short-circuit of the charging terminal (253), the processor (210) can reset the system.

[0047] The processor (210), when detecting a short circuit of the charging terminal (253), may control the alarm circuit (270) to perform a notification operation according to the occurrence of a short circuit. For example, the processor (210) may control the alarm circuit (270) to output an alarm (hereinafter referred to as a “short circuit alarm”) to notify of a short circuit of the charging terminal (253). The short circuit alarm may be, for example, one of an auditory signal / information or a visual signal / information. The auditory signal / information may be, for example, an audible signal output through a speaker included in the alarm circuit (270). The visual signal / information may be, for example, a visually identifiable signal or information, such as the lighting or blinking of a warning lamp included in the alarm circuit (270).

[0048] The processor (210) can notify the mobile device (10) of a short circuit of the charging terminal (253) through the communication circuit (220). The processor (210) can transmit a message (e.g., a charging stop command) notifying the short circuit to the mobile device (10) through the communication circuit (220).

[0049] When the processor (210) recognizes that a short circuit situation is resolved by a short circuit detection signal provided by the detection circuit (260), the processor (210) can transmit a message (e.g., a charging resumption command) to the mobile body (10) through the communication circuit (220). When the short circuit situation is resolved, the processor (210) can stop outputting the short circuit alarm being output through the alarm circuit (270). The processor (210) can control the power supply circuit (230) or the charging circuit (250) to supply a charging current (or charging voltage) (hereinafter collectively referred to as “charging current”) only when the connection terminal (110) of the mobile body (10) is in close contact with the charging terminal (253) and charging is possible. The processor (210) can detect whether a short circuit occurs in the charging terminal (253) by a short circuit detection signal provided from the detection circuit (260) even while charging the mobile body (10). When the processor (210) recognizes that docking with the mobile body (10) has been released, it can return to the state before the charging event occurred and monitor the approach of an external object (30) to the charging terminal (253).

[0050] The processor (210) can monitor the approach of an external object (30) to the charging terminal (253). For example, the processor (210) can recognize the magnitude of a magnetic field that changes due to movement and / or displacement of the external object (30) within a magnetic field based on an approach detection signal provided by the detection circuit (260). The magnetic field can be formed by a predetermined magnetic force line. The magnetic field can be formed by, for example, a magnetic field generating circuit (e.g., an LC resonant circuit) included in the detection circuit (260). The magnetic field can also be generated by, for example, a device provided external to the charging device (20).

[0051] According to one example, the processor (210) can measure the current intensity flowing inside the magnetic field through the detection circuit (260) in a state where there is no movement and / or movement of the external object (30). At this time, the measured current intensity may be substantially constant. The processor (210) can determine the movement and / or movement of the external object (30) based on the information about the current intensity provided by the detection circuit (260). The amount of change in the magnetic field may vary depending on the distance from the external object (30), the size of the external object (30), and / or the shape of the external object (30). In order to make a relatively more accurate judgment, the processor (210) can acquire the characteristics of the external object (30) that may affect the amount of change in the magnetic field. The processor (210) can acquire the characteristics of the external object (30), for example, by considering the sensing signal of the sensor (240).

[0052] When the external object (30) moves or moves in the direction of the charging device (20) within the magnetic field, the processor (210) can predict the distance from the external object (30) based on the amount of change in the current intensity provided by the detection circuit (260). The external object (20) may be a conductive material (e.g., metal or liquid). The processor (210) can identify that the external object (30) has approached within a predetermined distance based on the amount of change in the magnetic field (e.g., amount of change in magnetic flux).

[0053] When the processor (210) recognizes that the external object (30) has approached within a predetermined distance, the processor (210) may control the alarm circuit (270) to output an approach alarm according to the approach of the external object (30). For example, the processor (210) may output an approach alarm to notify the approach of the external object (30) to the charging terminal (253) through the alarm circuit (270). The approach alarm may be output using, for example, an auditory signal / information or a visual signal / information. The auditory signal / information may be, for example, an audible signal output through a speaker included in the alarm circuit (270). The visual signal / information may be, for example, a visually identifiable signal or information, such as the lighting or blinking of a warning lamp included in the alarm circuit (270).

[0054] FIG. 3 is a detailed configuration diagram of the charging circuit (250) and detection circuit (260) of FIG. 2, and FIG. 4 is a detailed configuration diagram of the detection circuit illustrated in FIG. 3 (e.g., the detection circuit (260) of FIG. 2 or FIG. 3).

[0055] Referring to FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the charging circuit (250) may include a charging current generation circuit (251) or a charging terminal (e.g., the charging terminal (253) of FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B). The sensing circuit (260) may include a judgment circuit (261) or a resonance circuit (263).

[0056] The above charging current generation circuit (251) can generate a charging current (or charging voltage) of a level suitable for charging a mobile body (e.g., a mobile body (10) of FIG. 1A or FIG. 1B) using power supplied from a power supply circuit (e.g., a power supply circuit (230) of FIG. 2).

[0057] The above resonant circuit (263) can create a current flow of a magnitude that reflects the amount of magnetic field change due to eddy current brake caused by the approach of an external object (30). The above resonant circuit (263) can include a forward LC resonant circuit (2631) or a reverse LC resonant circuit (2633).

[0058] The above-described judgment circuit (261) can generate a short circuit detection signal (2110) based on a change in voltage level at the charging terminal (2520). The above-described judgment circuit (261) can generate an approach detection signal (2120) based on a current intensity in the resonant circuit (263) corresponding to a change in magnetic field due to the approach of the external object (30). The above-described judgment circuit (261) can include a short circuit detection circuit (2610) that generates the short circuit detection signal (2110). The above-described judgment circuit (261) can include an approach detection circuit (2620) that generates the approach detection signal (2120).

[0059] According to one example, the short circuit detection circuit (2610) can output a short circuit detection signal (2110) based on a change in a voltage level at the charging terminal (253) to determine whether the charging terminal (253) is short-circuited by an external object (30). The short circuit detection circuit (2610) can include a reset circuit (2611) or the protection circuit (2613). The reset circuit (2611) can supply a pull-up voltage (V_pull-up) to the charging terminal (2520) and measure a change in a voltage level (e.g., transition from a high level to a low level) across a pull-up resistor (R1) by the pull-up voltage to generate the short circuit detection signal (2110). If the charging terminal (2520) is not short-circuited by the external object (30), the voltage level across the pull-up resistor (R1) will remain constant. However, if the charging terminal (2520) is short-circuited by an external object (30), the voltage level applied to the pull-up resistor (R1) will change. The reset circuit (2611) can recognize a change in the voltage level applied to the pull-up resistor (R1) (e.g., change from a high level to a low level) and generate the short-circuit detection signal (2110). The reset circuit (2611) can transmit the short-circuit detection signal (2110) to a processor (e.g., processor (210) of FIG. 2) based on a GPIO method. The processor (210) can determine whether the charging terminal (2520) is short-circuited based on the short-circuit detection signal (2110) received from the reset circuit (2611).

[0060] When the short circuit of the charging terminal (2520) is released, the reset circuit (2611) can recognize a change in the voltage level (e.g., change from a low level to a high level) applied to the pull-up resistor (R1) and generate the short circuit detection signal (2110). The reset circuit (2611) can transmit the short circuit detection signal (2110) to a processor (e.g., processor (210) of FIG. 2) based on a GPIO method. The processor (210) can determine that the short circuit of the charging terminal (2520) is released based on the short circuit detection signal (2110) received from the reset circuit (2611).

[0061] The above protection circuit (2613) can block overvoltage or overcurrent from being applied to the reset circuit (2611). For example, the protection circuit (2613) can block the path to the reset circuit (2611) so that the charging current does not flow to the reset circuit (2611) during charging. To this end, the protection circuit (2613) can include an internal switch.

[0062] According to one example, the approach detection circuit (2620) can output an approach detection signal (2120) corresponding to a change in magnetic field due to movement and / or displacement of an external object (30) within a magnetic field. The approach detection circuit (2620) can include a signal transmission circuit (2621) or an analog / digital converter (ADC) (2623). The ADC (2623) can convert analog data, which is a change in current intensity corresponding to a change in magnetic field in the resonant circuit (263), into digital data. The signal transmission circuit (2621) can transmit the approach detection signal (2120), which is digital data converted by the ADC (2623), to a processor (e.g., the processor (210) of FIG. 2) based on a predetermined method (e.g., I2C (inter-integrated circuit)). The above processor (210) can predict how close an external object (30) has come based on digital data corresponding to the amount of change in the magnetic field received from the signal transmission circuit (2621).

[0063] FIG. 5a or FIG. 5b is an exemplary operation diagram for detecting the approach of an external object (e.g., an external object (30) of FIG. 1b) in a detection circuit (e.g., a detection circuit (260) of FIG. 2 or FIG. 3) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 5a or FIG. 5b, a charging current supplied from a proximity detection circuit (e.g., proximity detection circuit (2620) of FIG. 4) may flow from a first terminal (+ terminal) to a second terminal (- terminal). One or more resonant circuits may be configured on a line connecting the first terminal (+ terminal) and the second terminal (- terminal). The one or more resonant circuits may have a predetermined resonant frequency.

[0065] According to an example, three resonant circuits may be connected in parallel in a line connecting the first terminal (+ terminal) and the second terminal (- terminal). The three resonant circuits may be LC resonant circuits. The coils constituting the three resonant circuits may form a magnetic field (M1, M2 or M3) corresponding to the direction in which the charging current flows. The three resonant circuits may be arranged so that their orientations are different from each other. The three resonant circuits may form a magnetic field (M1, M2 or M3) in the direction in which they are oriented, thereby creating a current flow corresponding to a change in the magnetic field caused by an object (e.g., an external object (30) in FIG. 1b) entering the magnetic field (M1, M2 or M3).

[0066] An eddy current (310a or 310b) may be generated in an object (e.g., an external object (30) in FIG. 1b) that enters the magnetic field (M1, M2, or M3). The eddy current (310a or 310b) flowing in the object (30) may flow into the LC resonant circuit (320a) and change the magnetic field (M1, M2, or M3) (I1, I2, or I3).

[0067] The current intensity flowing in the LC resonant circuit can be changed in proportion to the amount of change in the magnetic field (M1, M2, or M3) due to the inflow of the above-described eddy current (310a or 310b). The amount of change in the current intensity flowing in the LC resonant circuit can be converted into an approach detection signal (2120) by the approach detection circuit (2620).

[0068] FIG. 6 is a flowchart for controlling charging of a mobile body (e.g., a mobile body (10) of FIG. 1a or FIG. 1b) in a charging device (e.g., a charging device (20) of FIG. 1a or FIG. 1b) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0069] Referring to FIG. 6, the charging device (20) can determine, in operation 610, whether a charging event for charging the mobile body (10) has occurred. The charging device (20) can, for example, form a communication link with the mobile body (10) and receive a charging request from the mobile body (10) through the formed communication link. The charging device (20) can recognize that a charging event has occurred by receiving a charging request from the mobile body (10). The charging device (20) can, for example, check the remaining battery level of the mobile body (10) and determine that a charging event for the mobile body (10) has occurred when the remaining battery level falls below a predetermined threshold level. To this end, the charging device (20) can monitor the remaining battery level of the mobile body (10). The charging device (20) can, for example, receive information regarding the remaining battery level from the mobile body (10). The charging device (20) may determine, for example, when the mobile body (10) completes a requested operation, that this is the occurrence of a charging event. When a charging event occurs, the charging device (20) may command the mobile body (10) to move to a location for charging. In response to the command, the mobile body (10) may move to a location where charging by the charging device (20) is possible. Even if a movement command for charging is not received from the charging device (20), the mobile body (10) may move to a location for charging if it is determined that charging is necessary. In this case, the mobile body (10) may notify the charging device (20) that it has moved to a location for charging.

[0070] The charging device (20), when a charging event occurs, can perform a charging operation in consideration of whether a charging terminal (e.g., a charging terminal (253) of FIG. 1a or 1b) is short-circuited in operation 620. The charging device (20) can check whether the charging terminal (253) is short-circuited by an external object (e.g., an object (30) of FIG. 1b, FIG. 5a or FIG. 5b) after the charging event occurs. The charging device (20) can ignore the amount of change in the measured magnetic field to detect the approach of the external object (30) after the charging event occurs, or can stop measuring the amount of change in the magnetic field. The magnetic field can be formed by predetermined magnetic force lines (e.g., magnetic fields M1, M2, M3 of FIG. 5a or 5b). The magnetic field can be formed, for example, by a magnetic field generating circuit included in the charging device (20). The magnetic field generating circuit may be provided separately, for example, outside the charging device (20). The amount of change in the magnetic field may be the amount of change in the current intensity flowing internally due to the magnetic field due to the movement and / or movement of an external object (30) within the magnetic field.

[0071] According to one example, the charging device (20) can detect that the charging terminal (253) is short-circuited by a conductive object (30) based on a change in voltage applied to the charging terminal (253). The charging device (20) can detect a short-circuit of the charging terminal (253), for example, by supplying a pull-up voltage (e.g., the pull-up voltage (V_pull-up) of FIG. 4) to the charging terminal (253) and measuring a change in a voltage level (e.g., transition from a high level to a low level) applied to a pull-up resistor (e.g., R1 of FIG. 4)) by the pull-up voltage. When the charging device (20) detects a short-circuit of the charging terminal (253), the charging device (20) can reset the system.

[0072] The charging device (20) may perform a notification operation according to the occurrence of a short circuit when it detects a short circuit of the charging terminal (253). For example, the charging device (20) may output a short circuit alarm to notify of a short circuit of the charging terminal (253). The charging device (20) may output the short circuit alarm using, for example, an auditory signal or information. The charging device (20) may output the short circuit alarm using, for example, a visual signal or information. The charging device (20) may output the short circuit alarm using, for example, an auditory signal / information or a visual signal / information. The auditory signal / information may be, for example, an audible signal output through a speaker. The visual signal / information may be, for example, a visually identifiable signal or information, such as the lighting or flashing of a warning lamp.

[0073] The charging device (20) can notify the mobile body (10) of a short circuit of the charging terminal (253). The charging device (20) can transmit a message (e.g., a charging stop command) notifying the short circuit to the mobile body (10). The transmission of the message can be possible in a situation where a communication link is formed between the charging device (20) and the mobile body (10) based on a predetermined communication method. The mobile body (10) can recognize a short circuit situation of the charging terminal (253) by receiving the message. When the mobile body (10) recognizes the short circuit situation, the mobile body (10) can stop the charging attempt. If the mobile body (10) does not stop the charging attempt in the short circuit situation, the charging device (20) may cause circuit damage and / or a fire. If the mobile body (10) does not stop the charging attempt in the short circuit situation, the mobile body (10) may be damaged due to overcurrent, or secondary damage such as malfunction may occur. This may cause permanent damage to the charging device (20) and / or the mobile body (10). The charging device (20) can detect that the short circuit of the charging terminal (253) has been released by measuring a change in the voltage level (e.g., transition from a low level to a high level) across the pull-up resistor (e.g., R1 in FIG. 4)) by the pull-up voltage. When the short circuit situation is released, the charging device (20) can transmit a message (e.g., a charging resumption command) to guide the mobile body (10). In this case, the mobile body (10) can continue the charging attempt that was interrupted. The charging device (20) can stop outputting the short circuit alarm when the short circuit situation is released. The charging device (20) can supply the charging current (or charging voltage) only when the connection terminal (110) of the mobile body (10) is in close contact with the charging terminal (253) and charging is possible.The charging device (20) can continuously detect whether a short circuit occurs in the charging terminal (253) even while charging the mobile body (10). When docking with the mobile body (10) is released, the charging device (20) can return to the state before the charging event occurred and monitor the approach of an external object (30) to the charging terminal (253).

[0074] If a charging event does not occur, the charging device (20) may monitor, in operation 630, whether an external object (e.g., an object (30) of FIG. 5a or 5b) approaches the charging terminal (253) and / or whether the charging terminal (253) is short-circuited. For example, the charging device (20) may change the size of the magnetic field due to movement and / or movement of the external object (30) within the magnetic field. The magnetic field may be formed by predetermined magnetic force lines (e.g., magnetic fields M1, M2, M3 of FIG. 5a or 5b). The magnetic field may be formed, for example, by a magnetic field generating circuit included in the charging device (20). The magnetic field generating circuit may be provided, for example, external to the charging device (20).

[0075] According to one example, the charging device (20) can constantly measure the current intensity flowing inside the device in a state where there is no movement and / or movement of an external object (30) within a magnetic field. The amount of change in the magnetic field due to the movement and / or movement of the external object (30) may vary depending on the distance from the external object (30), the size of the external object (30), and / or the shape of the external object (30). The charging device (20) can acquire a characteristic of the external object (30) that may affect the amount of change in the magnetic field. The charging device (20) can acquire, for example, the characteristic of the external object (30) by a sensing signal of at least one sensor (e.g., the sensor (240) of FIG. 2). The at least one sensor may be, for example, at least one of a temperature sensor, a lidar, or an image sensor. The sensor for acquiring the characteristics of the external object (30) is not limited to the type suggested above, but other types of sensors that are easy to acquire the characteristics may be used.

[0076] When the external object (30) moves or moves toward the charging device (20) within the magnetic field, the charging device (20) can predict the distance from the external object (30) based on the amount of change in the current intensity flowing inside. The external object (20) may be a conductive material (e.g., metal or liquid). The charging device (20) can identify that the external object (30) has approached within a predetermined distance based on the amount of change in the magnetic field (e.g., amount of change in magnetic flux).

[0077] The charging device (20), when it identifies that the external object (30) has approached within a predetermined distance, can perform a notification operation according to the approach of the external object (30). For example, the charging device (20) can output an approach alarm to notify the approach of the external object (30) to the charging terminal (253). The charging device (20) can output the approach alarm using, for example, an auditory signal or information. The charging device (20) can output the approach alarm using, for example, a visual signal or information. The charging device (20) can output the approach alarm using, for example, an auditory signal / information or a visual signal / information. The auditory signal / information can be, for example, an audible signal output through a speaker. The visual signal / information can be, for example, a visually identifiable signal or information, such as the lighting or flashing of a warning lamp.

[0078] The charging device (20) can notify the mobile body (10) of the approach of the charging terminal (253). The charging device (20) can transmit a message informing the mobile body (10) of the approach. The transmission of the message can be possible in a situation where a communication link is formed between the charging device (20) and the mobile body (10) based on a predetermined communication method. By receiving the message, the mobile body (10) can recognize a situation where an external object (30) is approaching the charging terminal (253). In this case, the mobile body (10) may not initiate a charging attempt.

[0079] The charging device (20) can detect that the charging terminal (253) is short-circuited by a conductive object (30) based on a change in voltage applied to the charging terminal (253). The charging device (20) can detect a short-circuit of the charging terminal (253), for example, by supplying a pull-up voltage to the charging terminal (253) and measuring a change in the voltage level applied to the pull-up resistor (e.g., transition from a high level to a low level) due to the pull-up voltage. When the charging device (20) detects a short-circuit of the charging terminal (253), it can reset the system, output a short-circuit alarm, or notify the mobile device (10) that a short-circuit has occurred. This may be the same as an operation performed by the charging device (20) based on detection of a short-circuit of the charging terminal (253) after a charging event occurs.

[0080] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a charging operation of a mobile body (e.g., a mobile body (10) of FIG. 1a or FIG. 1b) in response to the occurrence of a charging event in a charging device (e.g., a charging device (20) of FIG. 1a or FIG. 1b) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 7, the charging device (20) can, in operation 710, check whether the charging terminal (e.g., the charging terminal (253) of FIG. 1a or FIG. 1b) is short-circuited. For example, the charging device (20) can check whether the charging terminal (253) is short-circuited by an external object (e.g., the object (30) of FIG. 1b, FIG. 5a or FIG. 5b). The charging device (20) can detect that the charging terminal (253) is short-circuited by the external object (30) that is a conductor, based on a change in the voltage applied to the charging terminal (253). The charging device (20) can detect a short circuit of the charging terminal (253), for example, by supplying a pull-up voltage (e.g., the pull-up voltage (V_pull-up) of FIG. 4) to the charging terminal (253) and measuring a change in the voltage level (e.g., transition from a high level to a low level) applied to a pull-up resistor (e.g., R1 of FIG. 4)) by the pull-up voltage.

[0082] The charging device (20) can determine whether the charging terminal (253) is short-circuited based on the result of the short-circuit inspection of the charging terminal (253) at operation 720. If the charging device (20) detects a short-circuit of the charging terminal (253), it can reset the system.

[0083] If the charging device (20) detects a short circuit of the charging terminal (253), it can perform a notification operation according to the occurrence of a short circuit in operation 730. For example, the charging device (20) can output a short circuit alarm to notify of a short circuit of the charging terminal (253). The charging device (20) can output the short circuit alarm using, for example, an auditory signal or information. The charging device (20) can output the short circuit alarm using, for example, a visual signal or information. The charging device (20) can output the short circuit alarm using, for example, an auditory signal / information or a visual signal / information. The auditory signal / information can be, for example, an audible signal output through a speaker. The visual signal / information can be, for example, a visually identifiable signal or information, such as the lighting or blinking of a warning lamp.

[0084] The charging device (20) can notify the mobile body (10) of a short circuit of the charging terminal (253). The charging device (20) can transmit a charging stop command to the mobile body (10). The transmission of the charging stop command can be possible in a situation where a communication link is formed between the charging device (20) and the mobile body (10) based on a predetermined communication method. The mobile body (10) can recognize a short circuit situation of the charging terminal (253) by receiving the charging stop command. When the mobile body (10) recognizes the short circuit situation, the mobile body (10) can stop the charging attempt. If the mobile body (10) does not stop the charging attempt in the short circuit situation, the charging device (20) may cause circuit damage and / or fire. If the mobile body (10) does not stop the charging attempt in the short circuit situation, the mobile body (10) may be damaged due to overcurrent, or secondary damage such as malfunction may occur. This may cause permanent damage to the charging device (20) and / or the mobile body (10).

[0085] The charging device (20) can determine, in operation 740, whether the short circuit of the charging terminal (253) is released. The charging device (20) can detect, for example, whether the short circuit of the charging terminal (253) is released by measuring a change in the voltage level (e.g., transition from a low level to a high level) applied to a pull-up resistor (e.g., R1 in FIG. 4)) by a pull-up voltage.

[0086] The charging device (20), when the short circuit situation is released, can transmit a charging resumption command to the mobile body (10) in operation 750. In this case, the mobile body (10) can continue to perform the charging attempt that was interrupted. The charging device (20), when the short circuit situation is released, can stop outputting the short circuit alarm. The charging device (20) can supply charging current only when the connection terminal (110) of the mobile body (10) is in close contact with the charging terminal (253) and charging is possible. The charging device (20) can continuously detect whether a short circuit of the charging terminal (253) occurs even while charging the mobile body (10). When docking with the mobile body (10) is released, the charging device (20) can return to a state before the charging event occurs and monitor the approach of an external object (30) to the charging terminal (253).

[0087] FIG. 8 is a control flowchart for monitoring the approach of a mobile body (e.g., the mobile body (10) of FIG. 1a or FIG. 1b) to a charging device (e.g., the charging device (20) of FIG. 1a or FIG. 1b) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 8, the charging device (20) can monitor the approach of an external object (e.g., object (30) of FIG. 5a or 5b) and provide an approach alarm (see operation 810). The charging device (20) can monitor a short circuit of a charging terminal (charging terminal (253) of FIG. 1a or 1b) and provide a short circuit alarm (see operation 820).

[0089] More specifically, the charging device (20) can monitor the approach of an external object (30) to the charging terminal (253) in operation 811. For example, the charging device (20) may change the size of the magnetic field due to movement and / or displacement of the external object (30) within the magnetic field. The magnetic field may be formed by predetermined magnetic force lines (e.g., magnetic fields M1, M2, M3 of FIG. 5A or 5B). The magnetic field may be formed, for example, by a magnetic field generating circuit included in the charging device (20). The magnetic field generating circuit may be provided, for example, on the outside of the charging device (20).

[0090] According to one example, the charging device (20) can constantly measure the current intensity flowing inside the device in a state where there is no movement and / or movement of an external object (30) within a magnetic field. The amount of change in the magnetic field due to the movement and / or movement of the external object (30) may vary depending on the distance from the external object (30), the size of the external object (30), and / or the shape of the external object (30). The charging device (20) can acquire a characteristic of the external object (30) that may affect the amount of change in the magnetic field. The charging device (20) can acquire, for example, the characteristic of the external object (30) by a sensing signal of at least one sensor (e.g., the sensor (240) of FIG. 2). The at least one sensor may be, for example, at least one of a temperature sensor, a lidar, or an image sensor. The sensor for acquiring the characteristics of the external object (30) is not limited to the type suggested above, but other types of sensors that are easy to acquire the characteristics may be used.

[0091] The charging device (20) can determine, in operation 813, whether the external object (30) has approached within a predetermined distance. For example, the charging device (20) can predict the distance from the external object (30) based on the amount of change in the intensity of the current flowing inside as the external object (30) moves or moves toward the charging device (20) within the magnetic field. The external object (20) may be a conductive material (e.g., metal or liquid). The charging device (20) can identify that the external object (30) has approached within a predetermined distance based on the amount of change in the magnetic field (e.g., amount of change in magnetic flux).

[0092] If the charging device (20) identifies that the external object (30) has approached within a predetermined distance, the charging device (20) may perform a notification operation according to the approach of the external object (30) in operation 815. For example, the charging device (20) may output an approach alarm to notify the approach of the external object (30) to the charging terminal (253). The charging device (20) may output the approach alarm using, for example, an auditory signal or information. The charging device (20) may output the approach alarm using, for example, a visual signal or information. The charging device (20) may output the approach alarm using, for example, an auditory signal / information or a visual signal / information. The auditory signal / information may be, for example, an audible signal output through a speaker. The visual signal / information may be, for example, a visually identifiable signal or information, such as the lighting or blinking of a warning lamp.

[0093] The charging device (20) can notify the mobile body (10) of the approach of the charging terminal (253). The charging device (20) can transmit a message informing the mobile body (10) of the approach. The transmission of the message can be possible in a situation where a communication link is formed between the charging device (20) and the mobile body (10) based on a predetermined communication method. By receiving the message, the mobile body (10) can recognize a situation where an external object (30) is approaching the charging terminal (253). In this case, the mobile body (10) may not initiate a charging attempt.

[0094] The charging device (20) can, in operation 821, check whether the charging terminal (253) is short-circuited by an external object (30) that is a conductor based on a change in the voltage applied to the charging terminal (253). The charging device (20) can, for example, supply a pull-up voltage to the charging terminal (253) and measure a change in the voltage level applied to the pull-up resistor (e.g., transition from a high level to a low level) by the pull-up voltage to check whether the charging terminal (253) is short-circuited.

[0095] The charging device (20) can determine whether the charging terminal (253) is short-circuited in operation 823. If the charging device (20) determines that the charging terminal (253) is short-circuited, in operation 825, the charging device (20) can perform a notification operation according to the occurrence of a short-circuit. For example, the charging device (20) can output a short-circuit alarm to notify of a short-circuit of the charging terminal (253). The charging device (20) can output the short-circuit alarm using, for example, an auditory signal or information. The charging device (20) can output the short-circuit alarm using, for example, a visual signal or information. The charging device (20) can output the short-circuit alarm using, for example, an auditory signal / information or a visual signal / information. The auditory signal / information can be, for example, an audible signal output through a speaker. The above visual signal / information may be a visually identifiable signal or information, such as, for example, the lighting or flashing of a warning lamp.

[0096] The charging device (20) can notify the mobile body (10) of a short circuit of the charging terminal (253). The charging device (20) can transmit a charging stop command to the mobile body (10). The transmission of the charging stop command can be possible in a situation where a communication link is formed between the charging device (20) and the mobile body (10) based on a predetermined communication method. The mobile body (10) can recognize a short circuit situation of the charging terminal (253) by receiving the charging stop command. When the mobile body (10) recognizes the short circuit situation, the mobile body (10) can stop the charging attempt. If the mobile body (10) does not stop the charging attempt in the short circuit situation, the charging device (20) may cause circuit damage and / or fire. If the mobile body (10) does not stop the charging attempt in the short circuit situation, the mobile body (10) may be damaged due to overcurrent, or secondary damage such as malfunction may occur. This may cause permanent damage to the charging device (20) and / or the mobile body (10).

[0097] The charging device (20) can determine whether the short circuit situation of the charging terminal (253) is released. The charging device (20) can detect whether the short circuit situation of the charging terminal (253) is released by, for example, measuring a change in the voltage level (e.g., transition from a low level to a high level) applied to a pull-up resistor (e.g., R1 in FIG. 4)) by a pull-up voltage. If the short circuit situation is released, the charging device (20) can allow a charging attempt by the mobile body (10).

[0098] FIG. 9a is a separation structure diagram of a terminal for charging in a charging system (e.g., charging system (1) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 9b is a fastening structure diagram of a terminal for charging in a charging system (e.g., charging system (1) of FIG. 1) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] Referring to FIG. 9a or 9b, the terminal for charging may include a connection terminal (110) provided on the mobile body (10) and a charging terminal (253) provided on the charging device (20). The charging terminal (253) may be configured to face the connection terminal (110) when the mobile body (10) is placed on the charging device (20) for charging. The charging terminal (253) may have a protruding structure. The connection terminal (110) may have a hole structure (17, 19) so that the charging terminal (253) can be inserted.

[0100] According to an example, the charging terminal (253) may include two protruding members (21, 23). The connection terminal (110) may include two fitting members (11, 13). At least two catching grooves (h11, h12 or h21, h22) may be formed substantially near the middle of each of the two protruding members (21, 23). At least two protrusions (1130, 1140 or 1330, 1340) may be formed substantially near the middle of each of the two fitting members (11, 13). The at least two protrusions (1130, 1140 or 1330, 1340) may be arranged to protrude into the fitting holes (17, 19) of the fitting members (11, 13).

[0101] When the charging terminal (253) is fitted into the connection terminal (110), the protrusions (1130, 1140 or 1330, 1340) can be elastically fitted into the engaging grooves (h11, h12 or h21, h22). The protrusions (1130, 1140 or 1330, 1340) and the engaging grooves (h11, h12 or h21, h22) may have, for example, a negative connection structure. For example, the protrusions (1130, 1140 or 1330, 1340) can be pressed when the protrusion member (21, 23) is inserted into the fitting member (11, 13), and when the pressing is released by reaching the engaging grooves (h11, h12 or h21, h22), the protrusions (1130, 1140 or 1330, 1340) can be returned to their original state. As a result, the protrusions (1130, 1140 or 1330, 1340) can be fastened to the engaging grooves (h11, h12 or h21, h22). The elastic portion (1110, 1120 or 1310, 1320) for the above elastic fitting may be provided inside the fitting hole (17, 19) corresponding to the above protrusions (1130, 1140 or 1330, 1340). The elastic portion (1110, 1120 or 1310, 1320) may be a spring-coupled structure including a spring.

[0102] The two protrusions (1130, 1140 or 1330, 1340) included in the charging terminal (253) may be covered with a first cover (2110 or 2310) whose outer surface, excluding the engaging grooves (h11, h12 or h21, h22), is made of a non-conductive material. The first cover (2110 or 2310) may be provided to minimize a short-circuit surface caused by an external object (e.g., an external object (30) of FIG. 1B, FIG. 5A, or FIG. 5B). That is, the first cover (2110 or 2310) may be configured so that a conductive portion (e.g., a second cover (2120 or 2320)) to be exposed to the outside can be minimized.

[0103] A second cover (2120 or 2320) made of a conductive material may be placed on the inner surface of the first cover (2110 or 2310). The second cover (2120 or 2320) may be exposed to the outside without being covered by the first cover (2110 or 2310) in the engaging grooves (h11, h12 or h21, h22). This allows the charging terminal (253) and the connection terminal (110) to be electrically coupled when the protrusions (1130, 1140 or 1330, 1340) are fastened to the engaging grooves (h11, h12 or h21, h22). The protrusions (1130, 1140 or 1330, 1340) may be made of a conductive material. The second cover (2120 or 2320) can be electrically connected to the lines (a1, a2) through which the charging current from the charging device (20) is supplied.

[0104] A resonance circuit may be arranged in the internal space provided by the first cover (2110 or 2310) and / or the second cover (2120 or 2320). The resonance circuit may be substantially covered by the first cover (2110 or 2310). The resonance circuit may be an LC resonance circuit. The LC resonance circuit has a structure in which a coil (L) and a capacitor (C) are connected in parallel. The LC resonance circuit may be electrically coupled to a current supply line (b1 or b2). The LC resonance circuit may form a magnetic field by a current supplied through the current supply line (b1 or b2). The LC resonance circuit may cause a change in the intensity of the flowing current in response to a change in the magnitude of the magnetic field due to the movement of an external object (30) in the magnetic field.

[0105] The above fitting member (11, 13) can be electrically connected to a current supply line (a3 or a4) for transmitting the charging current supplied through the protrusions (1130, 1140 or 1330, 1340) fastened to the engaging grooves (h11, h12 or h21, h22) into the interior of the moving body (10).

[0106] According to an example, a charging device (20) may include a power supply circuit (230), a communication circuit (220) for communicating with a mobile body (10) based on a predetermined short-range communication method, a charging terminal (253) that is exposed externally to substantially contact a connection terminal (110) of the mobile body (10) and supply a charging current, a charging circuit (250) that outputs the charging current using power supplied by the power supply circuit (230), a detection circuit (260) that forms a magnetic field around the charging terminal (253) and detects a change in internal current due to movement of an object (30) within the magnetic field, and an alarm circuit (270) that outputs an alarm using visual information and / or auditory information, and a processing circuit, and a processor (210) that controls the alarm circuit (270) to output the alarm that guides the approach of the object (30) based on the change in internal current. The above object (30) may be another conductor other than the mobile body (30) whose location can be identified by the processor (210) through the communication circuit (220).

[0107] As an example, the charging device (20) may be configured to control the alarm circuit (270) to output the alarm in response to the processor (210) identifying the approach of the object (30) within a predetermined threshold distance based on the amount of change in the internal current intensity.

[0108] As an example, the charging device (20) may include a reset circuit (2611) configured to output an interrupt signal to the processor (210) depending on whether there is a physical short circuit at the charging terminal (253).

[0109] As an example, the charging device (20) may be configured so that the processor (210) detects a physical short circuit at the charging terminal (253) based on the interrupt signal and, in response thereto, commands the mobile device (30) to stop charging operation through the communication circuit (220).

[0110] As an example, the charging device (20) may be configured so that the processor (210) detects a physical short circuit at the charging terminal (253) based on the interrupt signal and, in response, cuts off the supply of the charging current through the charging terminal (253).

[0111] As an example, the charging device (20) may be configured so that the processor (210) controls the alarm circuit (270) to output the alarm that guides a short circuit of the charging terminal (253) based on the interrupt signal.

[0112] As an example, the charging device (20) may be configured so that the processor (210) detects that a physical short circuit at the charging terminal (253) has been released based on the interrupt signal, and in response thereto, commands the mobile device (30) to resume charging operation through the communication circuit (220).

[0113] As an example, the sensing circuit (260) may form a magnetic field to point in different directions, and the charging device (20) may include a plurality of resonant circuits (2631, 2633).

[0114] As an example, the plurality of resonant circuits (2631, 2633) may be LC resonant circuits.

[0115] As an example, the charging device (20) may be provided with the detection circuit (260) in the front portion of the housing in which the charging circuit (250) is mounted, to which the moving body approaches for charging.

[0116] According to an example, a method for preventing damage to a charging terminal (253) in a charging device (20) may include an operation (620) of identifying whether a charging terminal (253) is short-circuited based on a change in an input voltage of the charging terminal (253), an operation (630) of identifying an approach of an object (30) to the charging terminal (253) based on a change in an internal current intensity according to movement of the object (30) within a magnetic field, and an operation of outputting an alarm notifying a short-circuit of the charging terminal (253) or an approach of the object. The object (30) may be a conductor other than the movable body capable of identifying a location.

[0117] As an example, the operation of outputting the alarm may include an operation of outputting an approach alarm in response to identifying an approach of the object (30) within a predetermined threshold distance based on a change in the internal current intensity.

[0118] As an example, the operation (620) of identifying whether there is a short circuit may include an operation of generating an interrupt signal depending on whether there is a physical short circuit at the charging terminal (253).

[0119] As an example, the method may include an operation of detecting a physical short circuit at the charging terminal (253) based on the interrupt signal and commanding the mobile body (10) to stop charging operation in response to the detection of the physical short circuit.

[0120] As an example, the method may include an operation of detecting a physical short circuit at the charging terminal (30) based on the interrupt signal and an operation of blocking the supply of charging current to the mobile body (10) through the charging terminal (253) in response to the detection of the physical short circuit.

[0121] As an example, the method may include an operation of outputting an alarm that guides a short circuit of the charging terminal (263) based on the interrupt signal.

[0122] As an example, the method may include an operation of detecting that a physical short circuit at the charging terminal (253) has been released based on the interrupt signal and an operation of commanding the mobile body (10) to resume charging operation in response to the release of the physical short circuit at the charging terminal (253).

[0123] As an example, the method may include an operation of forming a magnetic field for detecting movement of the object (30) in a number of different directions.

[0124] As an example, the alarm may be visual information.

[0125] As an example, the alarm may be auditory information.

[0126] According to one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium may record a program for executing a method for switching an activation function in the above-described display device (100).

[0127] The display device (100) according to various embodiments disclosed in this document may be a variety of devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computer device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a camera, a wearable device, or a home appliance. The electronic device according to the embodiments of this document is not limited to the aforementioned devices.

[0128] The various embodiments of this document and the terminology used herein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, but should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutes of the embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of the items, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as "A or B," "at least one of A and B," "at least one of A or B," "A, B, or C," "at least one of A, B, and C," and "at least one of A, B, or C" can each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish the corresponding components from other corresponding components and do not limit the corresponding components in any other respect (e.g., importance or order). When a component (e.g., a first component) is referred to as being "coupled" or "connected" to another component (e.g., a second component), with or without the terms "functionally" or "communicatively," it means that the component can be connected to the other component directly (e.g., wired), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0129] The term "module" used in various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be an integral component, or a minimum unit or part of such a component that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0130] Various embodiments of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., a memory (160)) readable by a machine (e.g., a display device (100)). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor (110)) of the machine (e.g., the display device (100)) may call at least one instruction among the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily on the storage medium.

[0131] According to one embodiment, the methods according to various embodiments disclosed in the present document may be provided as included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a commodity between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) via an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smart phones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily generated in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0132] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include one or more entities, and some of the entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to various embodiments, one or more components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Alternatively or additionally, a plurality of components (e.g., a module or a program) may be integrated into a single component. In such a case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the plurality of components identically or similarly to those performed by the corresponding component among the plurality of components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, the operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

1. In the charging device (20), Power supply circuit (230); A communication circuit (220) that communicates with a mobile device (10) based on a predetermined short-range communication method; A charging circuit (250) including a charging terminal (253) exposed externally to substantially contact the connection terminal (110) of the above-mentioned moving body (10) and supply a charging current, and outputting the charging current using power supplied by the power supply circuit (230); A detection circuit (260) that forms a magnetic field around the charging terminal (253) and detects a change in internal current due to movement of an object (30) within the magnetic field; An alarm circuit (270) that outputs an alarm by visual information and / or auditory information; and A processor (210) including a processing circuit and controlling the alarm circuit (270) to output the alarm guiding the approach of the object (30) based on the amount of change in the internal current, Here, the object (30) is a charging device (20) other than the mobile body (30) whose location can be identified by the processor (210) through the communication circuit (220).

2. In paragraph 1, The above processor (210), A charging device (20) configured to control the alarm circuit (270) to output the alarm in response to identifying the approach of the object (30) within a predetermined threshold distance based on the amount of change in the internal current intensity.

3. In paragraph 1 or 2, A charging device (20) including a reset circuit (2611) configured to output an interrupt signal to the processor (210) depending on whether there is a physical short circuit at the charging terminal (253).

4. In paragraph 3, A charging device (20) configured so that the processor (210) detects a physical short circuit at the charging terminal (253) based on the interrupt signal and, in response thereto, commands the mobile device (30) to stop charging operation through the communication circuit (220).

5. In paragraph 3, A charging device (20), wherein the processor (210) is configured to detect a physical short circuit at the charging terminal (253) based on the interrupt signal and, in response thereto, cut off the supply of the charging current through the charging terminal (253).

6. In paragraph 3, A charging device (20), wherein the processor (210) is configured to control the alarm circuit (270) to output the alarm that guides a short circuit of the charging terminal (253) based on the interrupt signal.

7. In any one of paragraphs 3 to 6, A charging device (20) configured so that the processor (210) detects that a physical short circuit at the charging terminal (253) has been released based on the interrupt signal, and in response thereto, commands the mobile device (30) to resume charging operation through the communication circuit (220).

8. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 7, The above detection circuit (260) forms a magnetic field to point in different directions, A charging device (20) comprising a plurality of resonant circuits (2631, 2633).

9. In paragraph 1, A charging device (20) in which the detection circuit (260) is provided in the front part of the housing in which the charging circuit (250) is mounted, to which the moving body approaches for charging.

10. In a method for preventing damage to a charging terminal (253) in a charging device (20), An operation (620) for identifying whether the charging terminal (253) is short-circuited based on a change in the input voltage of the charging terminal (253); An operation (630) of identifying the approach of the object (30) to the charging terminal (253) based on the change in internal current intensity according to the movement of the object (30) within the magnetic field; and Including an operation of outputting an alarm to notify of a short circuit of the charging terminal (253) or the approach of the object, Here, the object (30) is a conductive body other than the mobile body capable of identifying a location.

11. In paragraph 10, The action of outputting the above alarm is: A method comprising an operation of outputting an approach alarm in response to identifying an approach of the object (30) within a predetermined threshold distance based on a change in the internal current intensity.

12. In paragraph 10 or 11, The action (620) of identifying whether the above paragraph is An operation of generating an interrupt signal depending on whether there is a physical short circuit at the above charging terminal (253); Detecting a physical short circuit at the charging terminal (253) based on the interrupt signal and operating; and A method comprising an action of commanding the mobile body (10) to stop charging operation in response to detection of the above physical short circuit.

13. In paragraph 10 or 11, The action (620) of identifying whether the above paragraph is An operation of generating an interrupt signal depending on whether there is a physical short circuit at the above charging terminal (253); An operation of detecting a physical short circuit at the charging terminal (30) based on the interrupt signal; and A method comprising an operation of cutting off the supply of charging current to be supplied to the mobile body (10) through the charging terminal (253) in response to detection of the above physical short circuit.

14. In paragraph 12 or 13, An operation of detecting that a physical short circuit at the charging terminal (253) has been released based on the interrupt signal; and A method comprising an operation of commanding the mobile body (10) to resume charging operation in response to the release of a physical short circuit at the charging terminal (253).

15. In any one of paragraphs 10 to 14, A method comprising an action of forming a magnetic field for detecting movement of the object (30) in a plurality of different directions.

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