Wireless charging conversion device and wireless charging system including same

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a wireless charging conversion device which can be detachably coupled to a wireless power transmission device for charging a first electronic device using a first wireless charging method. The wireless charging conversion device may comprise: a first charging circuit configured to receive wireless power based on the first wireless charging method from the wireless power transmission device; a first charging IC configured to control the operation of the first charging circuit; a second charging circuit configured to transmit wireless power based on a second wireless charging method to a second electronic device; and a second charging IC configured to control the operation of the first charging IC and the second charging circuit. The first charging IC may be configured to transmit an identification signal for recognizing the wireless charging conversion device as the first electronic device to the wireless power transmission device, receive wireless power based on the first wireless charging method from the first charging circuit, and rectify the received power based on the first wireless charging method and supply the rectified power to the second charging IC. The second charging IC may be configured to convert the power received from the first charging IC into power based on the second wireless charging method, and control the second charging circuit to transmit the converted wireless power based on the second wireless charging method.

Description

Wireless charging converter and wireless charging system including the same

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wireless charging converter that supports the conversion of a wireless charging method and a wireless charging system including the same.

[0002] Wireless charging technology is widely used to charge batteries contained in various electronic devices. Wireless charging systems transmit and receive wireless power through electromagnetic induction or magnetic resonance between a power transmitter and a power receiver, enabling electronic devices to charge batteries without a wired connection.

[0003] The information described above may be provided as related art for the purpose of aiding understanding of the present disclosure. No claim or determination is made as to whether any of the foregoing may be applied as prior art related to the present disclosure.

[0004] The present disclosure provides a wireless charging converter detachably coupled to a wireless power transmitter for charging a first electronic device using a first wireless charging method. The wireless charging converter may include a first charging circuit configured to receive wireless power based on the first wireless charging method from the wireless power transmitter, a first charging IC configured to control the operation of the first charging circuit, a second charging circuit configured to transmit wireless power based on the second wireless charging method to the second electronic device, and a second charging IC configured to control the operation of the first charging IC and the second charging circuit. The first charging IC may be configured to transmit an identification signal to the wireless power transmitter for the wireless charging converter to be recognized as the first electronic device, receive wireless power based on the first wireless charging method from the first charging circuit, and rectify the received power based on the first wireless charging method and supply it to the second charging IC. The second charging IC may be configured to convert power received from the first charging IC into power based on the second wireless charging method and to control the second charging circuit to transmit the converted wireless power based on the second wireless charging method.

[0005] The present disclosure provides a method for switching the wireless charging method of a wireless charging converter detachably coupled to a wireless power transmitter for charging a first electronic device using a first wireless charging method. The method may include, while the wireless charging converter is attached to the wireless power transmitter, the operation of transmitting an identification signal to the wireless power transmitter for the wireless charging converter to be recognized as the first electronic device; the operation of receiving wireless power based on the first wireless charging method; the operation of converting the received power based on the first wireless charging method into power based on a second wireless charging method; and the operation of transmitting the power converted to the second wireless charging method to the second electronic device.

[0006] In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components.

[0007] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2a is a perspective view showing the combined appearance of a wireless power transmitting device, a wireless charging converter, and a wireless power receiving device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 2b is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the combined appearance of a wireless power transmitting device, a wireless power transmitting device, and a wireless power receiving device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 3a is a perspective view showing the combined appearance of a wireless power transmission device and a wireless charging converter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 3b is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the appearance of a wireless power transmission device and a wireless power transmission device combined according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the connection relationships between the components of a wireless charging system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the charging flow in a wireless charging converter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the charging flow in a wireless charging converter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 7 is a control flowchart regarding the switching of a wireless charging method of a wireless charging system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the operation between a wireless power transmitting device, a wireless charging converter, and a wireless power receiving device regarding the switching of a wireless charging method of a wireless charging system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the charging flow in a wireless charging converter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the drawings so that those skilled in the art can easily practice them. However, the present disclosure may be embodied in various different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. In relation to 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 brevity.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device in a network environment according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0020] Referring to FIG. 1, in a network environment (100), an electronic device (101) may communicate with an electronic device (102) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or with an electronic device (104) or a server (108) through a second network (199) (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may communicate with the electronic device (104) through a server (108). According to one embodiment, the electronic device (101) may include a processor (120), memory (130), input module (150), sound output module (155), display module (160), audio module (170), sensor module (176), interface (177), connection terminal (178), haptic module (179), camera module (180), power management module (188), battery (189), communication module (190), subscriber identification module (196), or antenna module (197). In some embodiments, at least one of these components (e.g., connection terminal (178)) may be omitted from the electronic device (101), or one or more other components may be added. In some embodiments, some of these components (e.g., sensor module (176), camera module (180), or antenna module (197)) may be integrated into a single component (e.g., display module (160)).

[0021] The processor (120) can control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device (101) connected to the processor (120) by executing software (e.g., program (140)), for example, and can perform various data processing or operations. According to one embodiment, as at least part of the data processing or operations, the processor (120) can store commands or data received from other components (e.g., sensor module (176) or communication module (190)) in volatile memory (132), process the commands or data stored in volatile memory (132), and store the resulting data in non-volatile memory (134). According to one embodiment, the processor (120) may include a main processor (121) (e.g., central processing unit or application processor) or an auxiliary processor (123) that can operate independently or together with it (e.g., graphics processing unit, neural processing unit (NPU), image signal processor, sensor hub processor, or communication processor). For example, if the electronic device (101) includes a main processor (121) and an auxiliary processor (123), the auxiliary processor (123) may be configured to use lower power than the main processor (121) or to be specialized for a designated function. The auxiliary processor (123) may be implemented separately from the main processor (121) or as part thereof.

[0022] The auxiliary processor (123) may control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., display module (160), sensor module (176), or communication module (190)) on behalf of the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor (121) while the main processor (121) is in an active (e.g., application execution) state. According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., image signal processor or communication processor) may be implemented as part of another functionally related component (e.g., camera module (180) or communication module (190)). According to one embodiment, the auxiliary processor (123) (e.g., neural network processing unit) may include a hardware structure specialized for processing an artificial intelligence model. The artificial intelligence model may be generated through machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, on the electronic device (101) itself where the artificial intelligence is performed, or through a separate server (e.g., server (108)). The learning algorithm may include, for example, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning, but is not limited to the examples described above. The artificial intelligence model may include a plurality of artificial neural network layers.An artificial neural network may be a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more of the above, but is not limited to the examples described above. In addition to the hardware structure, the artificial intelligence model may include a software structure, either additionally or substantially.

[0023] The memory (130) can store various data used by at least one component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120) or sensor module (176)). The data may include, for example, input data or output data for software (e.g., program (140)) and related commands. The memory (130) may include volatile memory (132) or non-volatile memory (134).

[0024] The program (140) may be stored as software in memory (130) and may include, for example, an operating system (142), middleware (144), or an application (146).

[0025] The input module (150) can receive commands or data to be used for a component of the electronic device (101) (e.g., processor (120)) from outside the electronic device (101) (e.g., user). The input module (150) may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, a key (e.g., a button), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus pen).

[0026] The sound output module (155) can output a sound signal to the outside of the electronic device (101). The sound output module (155) may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes, such as multimedia playback or recording playback. The receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. According to one embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part thereof.

[0027] The display module (160) can visually provide information to an external (e.g., user) of the electronic device (101). The display module (160) may include, for example, a display, a holographic device, or a projector and a control circuit for controlling said device. According to one embodiment, the display module (160) may include a touch sensor configured to detect a touch, or a pressure sensor configured to measure the intensity of the force generated by said touch.

[0028] The audio module (170) can convert sound into an electrical signal or, conversely, convert an electrical signal into sound. According to one embodiment, the audio module (170) can acquire sound through the input module (150) or output sound through the sound output module (155) or an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)) (e.g., speaker or headphones) connected directly or wirelessly to the electronic device (101).

[0029] The sensor module (176) can detect the operating state of the electronic device (101) (e.g., power or temperature) or the external environmental state (e.g., user state) and generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to one embodiment, the sensor module (176) may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyroscope sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an accelerometer sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an IR (infrared) sensor, a biosensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0030] The interface (177) may support one or more specified protocols that can be used for the electronic device (101) to be connected directly or wirelessly to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the interface (177) may include, for example, a high definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a universal serial bus (USB) interface, an SD card interface, or an audio interface.

[0031] The connection terminal (178) may include a connector through which the electronic device (101) can be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102)). According to one embodiment, the connection terminal (178) may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0032] The haptic module (179) can convert an electrical signal into a mechanical stimulus (e.g., vibration or movement) or an electrical stimulus that the user can perceive through tactile or kinesthetic senses. According to one embodiment, the haptic module (179) may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electric stimulation device.

[0033] The camera module (180) can capture still images and video. According to one embodiment, the camera module (180) may include one or more lenses, image sensors, image signal processors, or flashes.

[0034] The power management module (188) can manage the power supplied to the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the power management module (188) can be implemented, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0035] The battery (189) can supply power to at least one component of the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, the battery (189) may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0036] The communication module (190) can support the establishment of a direct (e.g., wired) communication channel or a wireless communication channel between an electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (102), electronic device (104), or server (108)), and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module (190) may include one or more communication processors that operate independently of the processor (120) (e.g., application processor) and support direct (e.g., wired) communication or wireless communication. According to one embodiment, the communication module (190) may include a communication module (192) (e.g., cellular communication module, short-range communication module, or GNSS (global navigation satellite system) communication module) or a wired communication module (194) (e.g., LAN (local area network) communication module, or power line communication module). The corresponding communication module among these communication modules can communicate with an external electronic device (104) through a first network (198) (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth, WiFi (wireless fidelity) direct, or IrDA (infrared data association)) or a second network (199) (e.g., a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or WAN)). These various types of communication modules may be integrated into a single component (e.g., a single chip) or implemented as multiple separate components (e.g., multiple chips). The communication module (192) can identify or authenticate the electronic device (101) within a communication network such as the first network (198) or the second network (199) using subscriber information (e.g., International Mobile Subscriber Identifier (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identification module (196).

[0037] The communication module (192) can support 5G networks and next-generation communication technologies following 4G networks, for example, new radio access technology. NR access technology can support high-speed transmission of high-capacity data (enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB)), minimization of terminal power and connection of multiple terminals (massive machine type communications (mMTC)), or high reliability and low latency (ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC)). The communication module (192) can support a high-frequency band (e.g., mmWave band) to achieve a high data transmission rate, for example. The communication module (192) can support various technologies for securing performance in the high-frequency band, such as beamforming, massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antenna, analog beam-forming, or large-scale antenna. The communication module (192) can support various requirements specified in the electronic device (101), external electronic device (e.g., electronic device (104)), or network system (e.g., second network (199)). According to one embodiment, the communication module (192) can support a Peak data rate (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for eMBB realization, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for mMTC realization, or U-plane latency (e.g., downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) each 0.5 ms or less, or round trip 1 ms or less) for URLLC realization.

[0038] An antenna module (197) can transmit a signal or power to or from an external source (e.g., an external electronic device). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include an antenna comprising a radiator made of a conductor or a conductive pattern formed on a substrate (e.g., a PCB). According to one embodiment, the antenna module (197) may include a plurality of antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In this case, at least one antenna suitable for a communication method used in a communication network, such as a first network (198) or a second network (199), may be selected from the plurality of antennas, for example, by a communication module (190). A signal or power may be transmitted or received between the communication module (190) and an external electronic device through the selected at least one antenna. According to some embodiments, in addition to the radiator, other components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) may be additionally formed as part of the antenna module (197).

[0039] According to various embodiments, the antenna module (197) may form a mmWave antenna module. According to one embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., top surface or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving a signal of the specified high frequency band.

[0040] At least some of the above components can be connected to each other via a communication method between peripheral devices (e.g., bus, GPIO (general purpose input and output), SPI (serial peripheral interface), or MIPI (mobile industry processor interface) and exchange signals (e.g., commands or data) with each other.

[0041] According to one embodiment, commands or data may be transmitted or received between the electronic device (101) and an external electronic device (104) through a server (108) connected to a second network (199). Each of the external electronic devices (102, or 104) may be the same or different type of device as the electronic device (101). According to one embodiment, all or part of the operations performed on the electronic device (101) may be performed on one or more of the external electronic devices (102, 104, or 108). For example, if the electronic device (101) needs to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, the electronic device (101) may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of performing the function or service itself or additionally. One or more external electronic devices that receive the above request may execute at least part of the requested function or service, or additional function or service related to the request, and transmit the result of the execution to the electronic device (101). The electronic device (101) may provide the result as is or additionally processed as at least part of the response to the request. For this purpose, for example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology may be used. The electronic device (101) may provide ultra-low latency services using, for example, distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) may include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server (108) may be an intelligent server using machine learning and / or neural networks. According to one embodiment, the external electronic device (104) or the server (108) may be included within a second network (199).The electronic device (101) can be applied to intelligent services (e.g., smart home, smart city, smart car, or healthcare) based on 5G communication technology and IoT-related technology.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a wireless power transmitting device (or wireless power transmitter) or a wireless power receiving device (or wireless power receiver) may include at least one of, for example, a smartphone, a tablet PC, a mobile phone, a video phone, an e-book reader, a desktop PC, a laptop PC, a netbook computer, a workstation, a server, a PDA, a PMP (portable multimedia player), an MP3 player, a medical device, a camera, or a wearable device. The wearable device may include at least one of an accessory type (e.g., a watch, a ring, a bracelet, an anklet, a necklace, glasses, a contact lens, or a head-mounted device (HMD)), a fabric or clothing integrated type (e.g., electronic clothing), a body-attached type (e.g., a skin pad or a tattoo), or a bio-implantable circuit.

[0043] According to one embodiment, a wireless power transmission device or electronic device may include at least one of, for example, a television, a set-top box connected to the television via wired or wireless connection, a DVD (digital video disk) player, audio, a refrigerator, an air conditioner, a vacuum cleaner, an oven, a microwave oven, a washing machine, an air purifier, a set-top box, a home automation control panel, a security control panel, a media box, a game console, an electronic dictionary, an electronic key, a camcorder, an electric vehicle, or an electronic photo frame.

[0044] According to one embodiment, a wireless power transmitting device (or wireless power transmitter) or a wireless power receiving device (or wireless power receiver) is various medical devices (e.g., various portable medical measuring devices (blood glucose meters, heart rate monitors, blood pressure monitors, or body temperature monitors, etc.), MRA (magnetic resonance angiography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), CT (computed tomography), imaging devices, or ultrasound devices, etc.), navigation devices, satellite navigation systems (GNSS (global navigation satellite system)), EDR (event data recorder), FDR (flight data recorder), automotive infotainment devices, marine electronic equipment (e.g., marine navigation devices, gyrocompass, etc.), avionics, security devices, vehicle head units, industrial or domestic robots, drones, ATMs of financial institutions, POS (point of sales) of stores, or Internet of Things devices (e.g., light bulbs, various sensors, sprinkler systems, fire alarms, thermostats, streetlights, toasters, exercise equipment, hot water tanks, It may include at least one of a heater, a boiler, etc.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the wireless power transmitting device or electronic device may include at least one of furniture, a part of a building / structure or vehicle, an electronic board, an electronic signature receiving device, a projector, or various measuring instruments (e.g., water, electricity, gas, or radio wave measuring instruments, etc.).

[0046] According to one embodiment, the wireless power transmitting device or the wireless power receiving device may be flexible or a combination of two or more of the various devices described above.

[0047] The wireless power transmitting device or electronic device according to the embodiments of the present disclosure is not limited to the devices described above. In the present disclosure, the term "user" may refer to a person using the electronic device or a device using the wireless power transmitting device or wireless power receiving device (e.g., an artificial intelligence electronic device).

[0048] Generally, a wireless power transmitting device or electronic device can only charge a wireless power receiving device or electronic device that has the same or a corresponding wireless charging standard (e.g., QI) or uses the same or a corresponding wireless charging method (e.g., electromagnetic induction, electromagnetic resonance, or NFC). To charge a wireless power receiving device that has a different wireless charging standard or uses a different wireless charging method, a corresponding separate wireless power transmitting device must be used. For example, to charge a wearable electronic device that can be charged by electromagnetic induction (e.g., a smart watch), an electromagnetic induction wireless power transmitting device must be used, and to charge a wearable electronic device that can be charged by NFC (e.g., a smart ring), an NFC wireless power transmitting device must be used.

[0049] As such, in order to charge electronic devices with different wireless charging standards or wireless charging methods, separate wireless power transmission devices must be used for each, and a power cable, a power adapter (TA, travel adapter), and / or a power outlet to supply power to each wireless charging device may also be required separately.

[0050] Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 2 and below, a wireless charging conversion device (300) for switching wireless charging methods to enable charging of a wireless power receiving device (400) based on a second wireless charging method using a wireless power transmitting device (200) based on a first wireless charging method will be described.

[0051] FIG. 2a is a perspective view showing the combined appearance of a wireless power transmitting device, a wireless charging converter, and a wireless power receiving device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] FIG. 2b is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the combined appearance of a wireless power transmitting device, a wireless power transmitting device, and a wireless power receiving device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] FIG. 3a is a perspective view showing the combined appearance of a wireless power transmission device and a wireless charging converter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0054] FIG. 3b is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the appearance of a wireless power transmission device and a wireless power transmission device combined according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0055] FIG. 2a is a diagram showing the state before combination between a wireless power transmitting device (200), a wireless charging converter (300), and a wireless power receiving device (400) for wireless charging of a wireless power receiving device (400) (e.g., a smart ring). FIG. 2b is a diagram showing the state of combination between a wireless power transmitting device (200), a wireless charging converter (300), and a wireless power receiving device (400) for wireless charging of a wireless power receiving device (400).

[0056] FIG. 3a is a drawing showing the state before combination of a wireless power transmitter (200) and a wireless charging converter (300) for storing (or carrying) the wireless charging converter (300) or for wirelessly charging another wireless power receiver (e.g., a smart watch). FIG. 3b is a drawing showing the state of combination between a wireless power transmitter (200) and a wireless charging converter (300) for storing (or carrying) the wireless charging converter (300) or for wirelessly charging another wireless power receiver (e.g., a smart watch).

[0057] The embodiments of FIGS. 2a to 3b can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 4 to 9.

[0058] Referring to FIGS. 2a through 3b, a wireless charging system according to one embodiment can support wireless charging of an electronic device (or wireless power receiving device (400)) with a different wireless charging method by switching the wireless charging method (or setting) of a wireless power transmitting device (200). For example, the wireless charging system can convert the wireless charging method from a first wireless charging method to a second wireless charging method through interaction between the wireless power transmitting device (200) and the wireless charging conversion device (300). For example, the first wireless charging method may be an electromagnetic induction wireless charging method, and the second wireless charging method may be an NFC (near field communication) wireless charging method. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the wireless charging system may be configured to support conversion of the wireless charging method between two of the electromagnetic induction wireless charging method, the electromagnetic resonance wireless charging method, or the NFC wireless charging method.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the wireless charging system may include at least one of a wireless power transmitting device (200), a wireless charging converting device (300), or a wireless power receiving device (400).

[0060] The configuration of the wireless power receiving device (400) of FIGS. 2a and 2b may be all or partly the same as the configuration of the electronic device (101) of FIG. 1.

[0061] According to one embodiment, the wireless power transmission device (200) can charge an electronic device that supports a first wireless charging method (or, a first electronic device or a first wireless power receiving device) (e.g., a smartwatch). For example, the electronic device can be charged by the first wireless charging method (e.g., electromagnetic induction) by being placed on one side (201) of the wireless power transmission device (200). For example, the wireless power transmission device (200) can be wiredly connected to an external power source (e.g., a TA (travel adapter)) to receive power for wireless charging from the external power source.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the wireless power transmission device (200) may include a magnet (210) and a charging circuit (220).

[0063] According to one embodiment, the magnet (210) of the wireless power transmission device (200) may be placed inside the main body of the wireless power transmission device (200). The magnet (210) can guide the alignment of the wireless power transmission device (200) and the first electronic device by magnetically interacting with a magnet (not shown) provided in the first electronic device.

[0064] According to one embodiment, a charging circuit (220) of a wireless power transmission device (200) may be configured to transmit wireless power to a first electronic device or a wireless charging converter (300). The charging circuit (220) may be positioned adjacent to an upper surface (201) of the wireless power transmission device (200) (e.g., a surface facing the +Z axis). The charging circuit (220) may include a coil or a capacitor. For example, the charging circuit (220) may be surrounded by a shielding member.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the wireless charging converter (300) may be configured to convert the wireless charging method of the wireless system through interaction with the wireless power transmission device (200). For example, when combined with the wireless power transmission device (200), the wireless charging converter (300) may receive power from the wireless power transmission device (200) in a first wireless charging method and convert the received power in a second wireless charging method. The method of converting the wireless charging method through the wireless charging converter (300) will be described later with reference to the drawings from FIG. 4 onwards.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the wireless charging converter (300) may include a main body (310), a magnet (320), and a charging circuit (330, 340).

[0067] According to one embodiment, the main body (310) of the wireless charging converter (300) may include a base (311) and a mounting portion (312). The base (311) may have a shape corresponding to the wireless power transmission device (200). For example, as shown in the drawing, if the wireless power transmission device (200) has a cylindrical shape, the base (311) may also have a cylindrical shape. For example, the diameter of the base (311) may be substantially the same as the diameter of the wireless power transmission device (200). The mounting portion (312) may extend upward from the base (311) (e.g., in the +Z-axis direction). The mounting portion (312) may be formed in a shape corresponding to the wireless power receiving device (400). For example, as shown in the drawing, the mounting portion (312) may have a cylindrical shape. For example, the diameter of the mounting portion (312) may be substantially the same as the hole (401) of the wireless power receiving device (400). The mounting portion (312) may have a truncated cone shape, as shown in the drawing. If the mounting portion (312) has a truncated cone shape, the diameter of the mounting portion (312) gradually increases from the top to the bottom and may correspond to the diameters of wireless power receiving devices (400) (e.g., smart rings) having different diameters.

[0068] The base (311) and the mounting portion (312) may form a step. The wireless power receiving device (400) can be mounted on the upper surface (e.g., one surface facing the +Z axis direction) of the base (311) by inserting the hole (401) of the wireless power device (400) into the mounting portion (312) of the main body (310).

[0069] According to one embodiment, the magnet (320) of the wireless charging converter (300) may be placed inside the base (311) of the main body (310) of the wireless charging converter (300). The magnet (320) of the wireless charging converter (300) may be provided at a position corresponding to the magnet (210) of the wireless power transmission device (200). The magnet (320) of the wireless charging converter (300) and the magnet (210) of the wireless power transmission device (200) may be arranged to have the same polarity direction. For example, if the magnet (210) of the wireless power transmission device (200) is positioned with the upper part as the N pole and the lower part as the S pole, the magnet (320) of the wireless charging converter (300) may also be positioned with the upper part as the N pole and the lower part as the S pole.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the wireless charging converter (300) may be detachably coupled to the wireless power transmitting device (200) by magnetic interaction between the magnets (320, 210). For example, the wireless charging converter (300) may be attached (or fixed) to the upper surface (201) or lower surface (202) of the wireless power transmitting device (200) by magnetic interaction between the magnets (320, 210). The wireless charging converter (300) may be attached to the upper surface (201) of the wireless power transmitting device (200) when charging of the wireless power receiving device (400) is required, as shown in FIGS. 2a and 2b. In this case, the base (311) of the wireless charging converter (300) may face the upper surface (201) of the wireless power transmitting device (200). As shown in FIGS. 3a and 3b, the wireless charging converter (300) may be attached to the bottom surface (202) of the wireless power transmitter (200) for storage (or portability) of the wireless charging converter (300) or for charging another wireless power receiver (e.g., a smart watch) when charging of the wireless power receiver (400) (e.g., a smart ring) is not required. In this case, the mounting portion (312) of the wireless charging converter (300) may face the bottom surface (201) of the wireless power transmitter (200).

[0071] According to one embodiment, the charging circuit (330, 340) of the wireless charging converter (300) may include a first charging circuit (330) and a second charging circuit (340).

[0072] According to one embodiment, the first charging circuit (330) may be provided to receive wireless power from the wireless power transmission device (200) by a first wireless charging method. The first charging circuit (330) may be provided at a position corresponding to the charging circuit (220) of the wireless power transmission device (200) so as to interact electromagnetically with the charging circuit (220) of the wireless power transmission device (200). For example, the first charging circuit (330) may be placed adjacent to the bottom surface (e.g., one surface facing the -Z axis direction) of the base portion (311).

[0073] According to one embodiment, the second charging circuit (340) may be provided to transmit wireless power by the second wireless charging method to the wireless power receiving device (400). The second charging circuit (340) may be provided at a position corresponding to the charging circuit (410) of the wireless power receiving device (400) so as to electromagnetically interact with the charging circuit (410) of the wireless power receiving device (400). For example, the second charging circuit (340) may be placed adjacent to the side of the mounting portion (312) (e.g., one side facing a direction perpendicular to the ±Z axis).

[0074] According to one embodiment, the wireless power receiving device (400) may be a wearable electronic device. For example, the wireless power receiving device (400) may be a ring-shaped wearable electronic device (or smart ring) that can be worn on a part of a user's body (e.g., hand). The wireless power receiving device (400) may include a hole (401) into which a part of a user's body (e.g., finger) can be inserted. The wireless power receiving device (400) may include a charging circuit (410) configured to receive wireless power by a second wireless charging method from a wireless charging converter (300).

[0075] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a wireless charging system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] The embodiment of FIG. 4 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIG. 1 to 3 and FIG. 5 to 9.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 4, a wireless charging system according to one embodiment may include at least one of a wireless power transmitting device (200), a wireless charging converting device (300), or a wireless power receiving device (400).

[0078] The configuration of the wireless power transmitting device (200), wireless charging converter (300), and wireless power receiving device (400) of FIG. 4 may be all or partly the same as the configuration of the wireless power transmitting device (200), wireless charging converter (300), and wireless power receiving device (400) of FIG. 2a to 3b.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the wireless power transmission device (200) may be configured to transmit wireless power based on a first wireless charging method (e.g., electromagnetic induction) to the wireless charging converter (300) when the wireless charging converter (300) is attached on the wireless power transmission device (200) as shown in FIG. 2b.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the wireless power transmission device (200) may include a charging circuit (220) and a charging IC (e.g., WPC TX IC) (230).

[0081] According to one embodiment, the charging IC (230) of the wireless power transmission device (200) may be at least one processor included in the wireless power transmission device (200). For example, the charging IC (230) may be a processor that supports various functions such as wireless power transmission and communication of the wireless power transmission device (200).

[0082] According to one embodiment, a charging IC (230) may be provided to control the operation of a charging circuit (220). For example, the charging IC (230) may control the charging circuit (220) so that wireless power based on a first wireless charging method (e.g., electromagnetic induction) is transmitted to a wireless charging converter (300). For example, the charging IC (230) may include a full-bridge circuit. The charging IC (230) may control the full-bridge circuit to drive an inverter (DC → AC) for wireless power transmission.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the charging IC (230) can exchange signals regarding wireless power transmission through in-band communication with a wireless power receiving device (e.g., a smart watch) or a wireless charging converter (300) in accordance with the WPC (wireless power consortium) standard. For example, the in-band communication may be a communication method that allows data to be exchanged between the charging circuit (220) of the wireless power transmitting device (200) and the charging circuit (e.g., a first charging circuit (330)) of the wireless charging converter (300) during wireless power transmission through frequency or amplitude modulation of the wireless power transmission signal. For example, the in-band communication may be a communication method that enables the wireless power transmitting device (200) and the wireless charging converter (300) to communicate at the same frequency as the frequency used for wireless power transmission.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the charging IC (230) can determine whether the wireless charging converter (300) is in close proximity to the wireless power transmitter (200) through in-band communication. For example, in a magnetic induction method, the proximity of two coils can be detected through a change in the current induced in the coil of the charging circuit.

[0085] According to one embodiment, a wireless charging converter (300) may be configured to receive wireless power based on a first wireless charging method (e.g., electromagnetic induction) from a wireless power transmitting device (200) while attached on top of a wireless power transmitting device (200), and to convert the received wireless power into a second wireless charging method (e.g., NFC) and transmit it to a wireless power receiving device (400).

[0086] According to one embodiment, the wireless charging converter (300) may include a charging circuit (330, 340) and a charging IC (350, 360). The charging circuit (330, 340) of the wireless charging converter (300) may include a first charging circuit (330) and a second charging circuit (340). The charging IC (350, 360) of the wireless charging converter (300) may include a first charging IC (e.g., WPC RX IC) (350) and a second charging IC (e.g., NFC TX IC) (360).

[0087] According to one embodiment, the first charging IC (350) may be at least one processor included in the wireless charging converter (300). For example, the first charging IC (350) may be a processor that supports various functions such as wireless power reception and communication of the wireless power converter (300).

[0088] According to one embodiment, a first charging IC (350) may be provided to control the operation of a first charging circuit (330). For example, the first charging IC (350) may control the first charging circuit (330) so that wireless power based on a first wireless charging method is received by a wireless charging converter (300). For example, the first charging IC (350) may include a full bridge circuit. The first charging IC (350) may control the full bridge circuit to drive a rectifier (AC → DC) for receiving wireless power. For example, the first charging IC (350) may rectify the power received by the first charging circuit (330) and supply it to a second charging IC (360).

[0089] According to one embodiment, the second charging IC (360) may be at least one processor included in the wireless charging converter (300). For example, the second charging IC (360) may be a processor that supports various functions such as wireless power transmission and communication of the wireless power converter (300).

[0090] According to one embodiment, a second charging IC (360) may be provided to control the operation of a second charging circuit (340). For example, the second charging IC (360) may control the second charging circuit (340) to transmit wireless power based on a second wireless charging method (e.g., NFC) to a wireless power receiving device (400). For example, the second charging IC (360) may include a full-bridge circuit. The second charging IC (360) may control the full-bridge circuit to drive an inverter (DC → AC) for wireless power transmission.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the second charging IC (360) may be electrically connected to the first charging IC (350) and configured to control the operation of the first charging IC (350). The second charging IC (360) may control the first charging IC (350) through various communication methods. For example, the second charging IC (360) may control the first charging IC (350) through at least one communication method among SPI (serial peripheral interface), I2C (inter-integrated circuit), UART (universal asynchronous receiver-transmitter), CAN (controller area network), and RS-485.

[0092] According to one embodiment, a wireless power receiving device (400) (e.g., a smart ring) may be configured to receive wireless power based on a second wireless charging method (e.g., NFC) from a wireless charging converting device (300) while mounted on a wireless charging converting device (300).

[0093] According to one embodiment, the wireless power receiving device (400) may include a charging circuit (e.g., NFC RX Coil) (410), a charging IC (e.g., NFC RX IC) (420), and a battery (430).

[0094] According to one embodiment, the charging circuit (410) of the wireless power receiving device (400) may be configured to receive wireless power from the wireless charging converter (300) by a second wireless charging method. The charging circuit (410) may include a coil or a capacitor.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the charging IC (420) of the wireless power receiving device (400) may be at least one processor included in the wireless power receiving device (400). For example, the charging IC (420) may be a processor that supports various functions such as wireless power reception and communication of the wireless power receiving device (400). The charging IC (420) may also function as a power management IC (PM IC).

[0096] According to one embodiment, a charging IC (420) may be provided to control the operation of a charging circuit (410). For example, the charging IC (420) may include a full bridge circuit. The charging IC (420) may control the full bridge circuit to drive a rectifier (AC → DC) for receiving wireless power. For example, the charging IC (420) may charge the battery (430) by rectifying the power received by the charging circuit (410) and supplying it to the battery (430). The charging IC (420) may monitor the current and voltage values ​​supplied to the battery (430).

[0097] According to one embodiment, the battery (430) of the wireless power receiving device (400) may be configured to supply power to an electronic component (e.g., PBA or sensor) included in the wireless power receiving device (400).

[0098] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the charging flow in a wireless charging converter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0099] The embodiment of FIG. 5 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIG. 1 to 4 and FIG. 6 to 9.

[0100] Referring to FIG. 5, a wireless power converter (300) according to one embodiment may include a charging circuit (330, 340) and a charging IC (350, 360). The charging circuit (330, 340) of the wireless power converter (300) may include a first charging circuit (e.g., WPC RX Coil) (330) and a second charging circuit (e.g., NFC TX Coil) (340). The charging IC (350, 360) of the wireless power converter (300) may include a first charging IC (350) and a second charging IC (360).

[0101] The configuration of the charging circuit (330, 340) and charging IC (350, 360) of the wireless power converter (300) of FIG. 5 may be all or partly the same as the configuration of the charging circuit (330, 340) and charging IC (350, 360) of the wireless power converter (300) of FIG. 4.

[0102] When a wireless charging converter (300) is attached to the upper surface (201 in FIG. 2a) of a wireless power transmitting device (e.g., the wireless power transmitting device (200) in FIG. 2a), wireless power based on a first wireless charging method (e.g., electromagnetic induction) can be received from the wireless power transmitting device (200) to the wireless charging converter (300).

[0103] According to one embodiment, the first charging circuit (330) of the wireless charging converter (300) can receive wireless power from the wireless transmitting device (200) by a first wireless charging method. For example, the first wireless charging method (e.g., electromagnetic induction) may be a charging method between a wireless power transmitting device (e.g., wireless power transmitting device (200)) and a wireless power receiving device (e.g., wireless power converter (300) or a first electronic device (e.g., smartwatch)) using a first frequency (e.g., about 145 kHz) as the operating frequency. The first charging circuit (330) can supply the received wireless power to the first charging IC (350).

[0104] According to one embodiment, when wireless power is received from the first charging IC (350) of the wireless charging converter (300), the received power can be rectified to a predetermined voltage (e.g., 5V) and supplied to the second charging IC (360).

[0105] According to one embodiment, the second charging IC (360) of the wireless charging converter (300) may periodically transmit a wireless power signal (e.g., a first ping signal) through the second charging circuit (340) to determine whether the wireless power receiving device (e.g., the wireless power receiving device (400) of FIG. 2a) is mounted, or to perform wireless charging based on the second wireless charging method. The second wireless charging method (e.g., NFC) may be a charging method between a wireless power transmitting device (e.g., the wireless charging converter (300)) and a wireless power receiving device (e.g., the wireless power receiving device (400) (e.g., a smart ring)) using a second frequency (e.g., about 13.56 MHz) as the operating frequency. The first ping signal may be a wireless power signal generated in the standby mode of the wireless charging converter (300). The first ping signal may have a frequency value substantially the same as the second frequency (e.g., about 13.56 MHz).

[0106] When the wireless power receiving device (400) is a smart ring, the inductive coupling efficiency in wireless power transmission / reception is lowered because the size (or form factor) of the wireless power receiving device (400) is small compared to the operating frequency (e.g., 13.56 MHz). Additionally, since the wireless power receiving device (400) requires a low receiving power amount of about 100 mW, the wireless charging efficiency through the second wireless charging method (e.g., NFC) can be measured as low at about 10 to 20%. In this case, in the process of generating the first ping signal of the wireless charging converter (300) to determine whether the wireless power receiving device (400) is mounted, each charging IC (350, 360) of the wireless charging converter (300) requires higher power, so the standby power in the standby mode when the wireless power receiving device (400) is not mounted may increase.

[0107] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the charging flow in a wireless charging converter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] The embodiment of FIG. 6 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIG. 1 to 5 and FIG. 7 to 9.

[0109] According to one embodiment, when a wireless charging converter (300-1) is attached to the upper surface (201) of a wireless power transmitting device (e.g., the wireless power transmitting device (200) of FIG. 2a), it can receive wireless power based on a first wireless charging method (e.g., electromagnetic induction) from the wireless power transmitting device (200).

[0110] Referring to FIG. 6, a wireless charging converter (300-1) according to one embodiment may include a charging circuit (330, 340), a charging IC (350, 360), and a touch IC (370). The charging circuit (330, 340) may include a first charging circuit (330) and a second charging circuit (340). The charging IC (350, 360) may include a first charging IC (350) and a second charging IC (360).

[0111] The configuration of the wireless charging converter (300-1) of FIG. 6 may be all or partly the same as the configuration of the wireless charging converter (300) of FIG. 5.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the first charging IC (350) of the wireless charging converter (300-1) can transmit a wireless power signal regarding the wireless power hold mode (PHM, power hold mode) of the wireless power transmission device (200) to the wireless power transmission device (200) through the first charging circuit (330). The wireless power hold mode of the wireless power transmission device (200) may be a standby mode in which the wireless power transmission device (200) does not transmit wireless power by the first wireless charging method. The wireless power hold mode may be a mode in which the wireless power transmission device (200) transmits a wireless power signal (e.g., a second ping signal) at a certain period (e.g., about 170ms) to the wireless charging converter (300).

[0113] According to one embodiment, the first charging IC (350) may maintain a wake-up state by receiving a wireless power signal (e.g., a second ping signal) regarding the wireless power hold mode from the first charging circuit (330) of the wireless power transmission device (200) in the wireless power hold mode of the wireless power transmission device (200). The first charging IC (350) may not supply power to the second charging IC (350) in the wireless power hold mode of the wireless power transmission device (200). The first charging IC (350) may supply power to the touch IC (370) at a predetermined voltage (e.g., 5V) based on the wireless power signal (e.g., a second ping signal) received from the first charging circuit (330) in the wireless power hold mode of the wireless power transmission device (200).

[0114] According to one embodiment, the second charging IC (360) may not generate a wireless power signal (e.g., a first ping signal) for detecting a wireless power receiving device (e.g., a wireless power receiving device (400) of FIG. 2a) in the wireless power hold mode of the wireless power transmitting device (200).

[0115] According to one embodiment, a touch IC (370) may be provided to determine whether the wireless power receiving device (400) is mounted in the wireless power hold mode of the wireless power transmitting device (200). For example, the touch IC (370) may determine whether the wireless power receiving device (400) is mounted based on the amount of change in capacitance. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and to determine whether the wireless power receiving device (400) is mounted, a Hall sensing, pressure sensing, or optical sensing method other than a touch sensing method such as the touch IC (370) may be used.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the touch IC (370) can transmit judgment information regarding whether the wireless power receiving device (400) is mounted to the first charging IC (340).

[0117] According to one embodiment, the first charging IC (340) can perform an operation to release the wireless power hold mode of the wireless power transmission device (200) based on the judgment information of the touch IC (370).

[0118] FIG. 7 is a control flowchart regarding the switching of a wireless charging method of a wireless charging system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0119] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the operation between a wireless power transmitting device, a wireless charging converter, and a wireless power receiving device regarding the switching of a wireless charging method of a wireless charging system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0120] The embodiments of FIGS. 7 and 8 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIGS. 1 to 6 and FIG. 9.

[0121] The wireless charging method switching method and / or wireless power transmission and reception method of the wireless charging system (or, wireless charging converter device (300)) may include operations 710 to 780. The wireless charging method switching method and / or wireless power transmission and reception method of the wireless charging converter (300) may be performed by at least one of a wireless power transmission device (e.g., wireless power transmission device (200) of FIG. 4), a circuit of a wireless power transmission device (e.g., charging circuit (210) of FIG. 4), or a processor (e.g., charging IC (220) of FIG. 4), at least one of a wireless charging converter (e.g., wireless charging converter (300) of FIG. 4), a circuit of a wireless charging converter (e.g., charging circuit (330, 340) of FIG. 4), or a processor (e.g., charging IC (350, 360) of FIG. 4 or touch IC (370) of FIG. 6), and at least one of a wireless power receiving device (e.g., wireless power receiving device (400) of FIG. 4), a circuit of a wireless power receiving device (e.g., charging circuit (410) of FIG. 4), or a processor (e.g., charging IC (420) of FIG. 4). In one embodiment, at least one of the operations of 710 to 780 of the method may be omitted, some operations may be performed simultaneously in parallel, some operations may be changed in order, or other operations may be added.

[0122] Referring to FIG. 7, in operation 710, according to one embodiment, a wireless charging converter (300) may be attached on top of a wireless power transmitting device (200). For example, the wireless charging converter (300) may be attached to the upper surface (201) of the wireless power transmitting device (200) for receiving wireless power (see FIG. 2a).

[0123] According to one embodiment, the wireless power transmitting device (200) can transmit a wireless power signal (e.g., a third ping signal) for detecting (or searching for) the wireless charging converter (300).

[0124] According to one embodiment, a wireless charging converter (300) may receive a ping signal from a wireless power transmitting device (200) and transmit a corresponding wireless power signal (or response signal) to the wireless power transmitting device (200). For example, the wireless charging converter (300) may transmit a signal (e.g., a signal strength packet (SSP)) regarding the strength of the received power signal in response to the ping signal from the wireless power transmitting device (200). The strength of the power signal may indicate the degree of coupling for power transmission between the wireless power transmitting device (200) and the wireless charging converter (300). For example, if the power received by the wireless charging converter (300) is lower than the power transmitted by the wireless power transmitting device (200), the wireless charging converter (300) may determine that the degree of coupling is low. Additionally, for example, the wireless charging converter (300) may transmit a signal regarding identification information of the wireless charging converter (300) and / or configuration information related to wireless charging in response to a ping signal of the wireless power transmission device (200). The identification information may include, for example, at least one of version information, a manufacturing code, or a basic device identifier. The configuration information may include, for example, at least one of a wireless charging frequency, a charging power requirement, or an average transmission power amount.

[0125] According to one embodiment, if there is no response to a ping signal transmitted externally, the wireless power transmission device (200) may determine that the wireless charging converter (300) is not detected or that the wireless charging converter (300) is not attached. When a response signal is received from the wireless charging converter (300), the connection between the wireless power transmission device (200) and the wireless charging converter (300) may be completed (or formed).

[0126] In operation 720, according to one embodiment, the wireless charging converter (300) may transmit a wireless power signal (e.g., a device identification signal) for performing wireless charging of the wireless power transmission device (200). For example, the device identification signal may be a signal for identifying the wireless charging converter (300), and may be a signal for causing the wireless power transmission device (200) to recognize the wireless charging converter (300) as substantially the same as a first electronic device (e.g., a smart watch). As another example, if the wireless power transmission device (200) is configured to recognize the wireless charging converter (300), the wireless charging converter (300) may transmit a device identification signal for identifying the wireless charging converter (300). In one embodiment, when the wireless power transmission device (200) receives the device identification signal from the wireless charging converter (300), it may perform an operation for wireless charging. For example, the wireless power transmission device (200) can supply wireless power based on a first wireless charging method (e.g., WPC) to the wireless charging converter (300).

[0127] In operation 730, according to one embodiment, when the wireless charging converter (300) receives wireless power from the wireless power transmitting device (200), it can transmit a wireless power signal (e.g., a PHM entry signal) for entering the wireless power hold mode of the wireless power transmitting device (200) in response.

[0128] According to one embodiment, when the wireless power transmission device (200) receives the PHM entry signal from the wireless charging converter (300), it enters a wireless power hold mode and performs an operation corresponding to the mode. For example, the wireless power transmission device (200) may block (or stop) the supply of wireless power to the wireless charging converter (300) in the wireless power hold mode. For example, the wireless power transmission device (200) may transmit a wireless power signal (e.g., a second ping signal) to the wireless charging converter (300) at a constant period (e.g., about 170ms) in the wireless power hold mode.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the wireless charging converter (300) can receive the second ping signal and transmit a corresponding response signal (e.g., SSP) to the wireless power transmitting device (200).

[0130] According to one embodiment, the wireless charging converter (300) may wake up the first charging IC (350) and / or touch IC (370) in response to the reception cycle of the second ping signal based on the second ping signal received in the wireless power hold mode of the wireless power transmitting device (200). In one embodiment, the woke-up first charging IC (350) may cut off (or stop) the power supply to the second charging IC (360). In this case, the standby power of the wireless charging converter (300) may be reduced by the second charging IC (360) not generating a wireless power signal (e.g., the first ping signal) for detection of the wireless power receiving device (400). In one embodiment, the woke-up first charging IC (350) may supply power to the touch IC (370) at a predetermined voltage (e.g., 5V). In one embodiment, the touch IC (350) can be woken up by receiving power from the first charging IC (350).

[0131] In operation 740, according to one embodiment, the wireless charging converter (300) can determine whether the wireless power receiving device (400) is mounted via the touch IC (370) in the wireless power hold mode of the wireless power transmitting device (200). For example, the touch IC (370) can determine whether the wireless power receiving device (400) is mounted on the wireless charging converter (300) by detecting a change in the capacitance value. In one embodiment, the touch IC (370) can transmit a determination result value based on the change in the capacitance value to the first charging IC (350). In one embodiment, if the mounting of the wireless power receiving device (400) is determined in operation 740, operation 750 can be performed.

[0132] In operation 750, according to one embodiment, the wireless charging converter (300) may perform an operation to release the wireless power hold mode of the wireless power transmitting device (200) when the wireless power receiving device (400) is determined to be mounted by the touch IC (370). For example, the wireless charging converter (300) may stop the transmission of a response signal (e.g., SSP) corresponding to a ping signal (e.g., a third ping signal) of the wireless power transmitting device (200) within a predetermined interval or number of times (e.g., 5 to 8 times). The operation of the wireless charging converter (300) is for releasing the wireless power hold mode of the wireless power transmitting device (200), and according to some embodiment, the wireless charging converter (300) may transmit a wireless power signal (e.g., a PHM release signal) related to releasing the wireless power hold mode to the wireless power transmitting device (200).

[0133] According to one embodiment, the wireless power transmission device (200) may stop the wireless power hold mode when it receives a response signal from the wireless charging converter (300) less than a predetermined number of times within a predetermined interval or period. For example, the wireless power transmission device (200) may stop the wireless power hold mode and supply wireless power to the wireless power converter (300) using a first wireless charging method (e.g., WPC).

[0134] In operation 760, according to one embodiment, when the wireless power hold mode of the wireless power transmission device (200) is released, the wireless charging converter (300) receives wireless power according to the first wireless charging method from the wireless power transmission device (200) and converts the received power to the second wireless charging method (e.g., NFC) and supplies it to the wireless power receiving device (400). For example, when the first charging IC (350) of the wireless charging converter (300) receives wireless power according to the first wireless charging method through the first charging circuit (330), the first charging IC (350) can rectify the power to a predetermined voltage (e.g., 5V) and supply it to the second charging IC (350). For example, the second charging IC (350) receives the rectified power, converts it to the second wireless charging method, and supplies it to the wireless power receiving device (400) through the second charging circuit (340).

[0135] In operation 770, according to one embodiment, the wireless charging converter (300) can determine whether the wireless power receiving device (400) is fully charged. In one embodiment, the wireless charging converter (300) can receive a signal regarding the charging status (e.g., fully charged) of the battery (430) of the wireless power receiving device (400) from the wireless power receiving device (400). For example, the wireless charging converter (300) can receive a signal regarding the charging status of the battery (430) from the charging IC (420) of the wireless power receiving device (400) through the second charging IC (360). In one embodiment, the wireless charging converter (400) can determine whether the wireless power receiving device (400) is fully charged based on the signal regarding the charging status of the battery (430) received from the wireless power receiving device (400). In one embodiment, the second charging IC (360) of the wireless charging converter (300) can transmit a signal regarding the full charge of the wireless power receiving device (400) to the first charging IC (350) via I2C communication. In one embodiment, if the full charge of the wireless power receiving device (400) is determined in operation 770, operation 780 may be performed. Otherwise, the process may return to operation 760 and perform subsequent operations.

[0136] In operation 780, according to one embodiment, the wireless charging converter (300) may transmit a wireless power signal (e.g., a PHM entry signal) for the wireless power transmitting device (200) to enter a wireless power hold mode in response to the determination that the wireless power receiving device (400) is fully charged. In this case, the wireless power transmitting device (200) enters the wireless power hold mode again, and the standby power of the wireless charging converter (300) may be reduced.

[0137] FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the connection relationships between the components of a wireless charging converter according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0138] The embodiment of FIG. 9 can be optionally combined with the embodiments of FIG. 1 to FIG. 8.

[0139] According to one embodiment, when a wireless charging converter (300-2) is attached to the upper surface (201) of a wireless power transmitting device (e.g., wireless power transmitting device (200) of FIG. 2a), it can receive wireless power based on a first wireless charging method (e.g., electromagnetic induction) from the wireless power transmitting device (200).

[0140] Referring to FIG. 9, a wireless charging converter (300-2) according to one embodiment may include a charging circuit (330, 340), a charging IC (350, 360), a touch IC (370), and a power connector (380). The charging circuit (330, 340) may include a first charging circuit (330) and a second charging circuit (340). The charging IC (350, 360) may include a first charging IC (350) and a second charging IC (360).

[0141] The configuration of the wireless charging converter (300-2) of FIG. 9 may be all or partly the same as the configuration of the wireless charging converter (300, 300-1) of FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the power connector (380) may be wiredly connected to an external power source (e.g., a TA (travel adapter)). The power connector (380) may receive power for wireless charging of the wireless charging converter (300-2) from the external power source. For example, the power connector (380) may be a charging cable for power supply wiredly provided to the wireless charging converter (300-2).

[0143] According to one embodiment, the power connector (380) may be electrically connected to the second charging IC (360) and / or touch IC (370) of the wireless charging converter (300-2). The power connector (380) may supply power to the second charging IC (360) and / or touch IC (370).

[0144] According to one embodiment, the wireless charging converter (300-2) can determine whether a wireless power receiving device (e.g., the wireless power receiving device (400) of FIG. 2a) is mounted through the touch IC (370) as described above, while the power connector (380) is connected to an external power source. In one embodiment, the touch IC (380) receives power for operation from the power connector (380) and can transmit information regarding the determination of the wireless power receiving device (400) to the second charging IC (370).

[0145] According to one embodiment, the second charging IC (360) can control the second charging circuit (340) to transmit wireless power based on a wireless power signal (e.g., a first ping signal) and a second wireless charging method (e.g., NFC) to detect (or search for) the wireless power receiving device (400) when the touch IC (370) determines that the wireless power receiving device (400) is mounted.

[0146] According to one embodiment, if a power connector (380) is provided in the wireless charging converter (300-2), the wireless power receiving device (400) can be charged using external power regardless of whether the wireless transmitting device (200) of the wireless charging converter (300-2) is connected.

[0147] A wireless charging converter (300, 300-1, 300-2) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure may be detachably coupled to a wireless power transmission device (200) for charging a first electronic device using a first wireless charging method. The wireless charging converter (300, 300-1, 300-2) may include a first charging circuit (330) configured to receive wireless power based on the first wireless charging method from the wireless power transmission device (200), a first charging IC (350) configured to control the operation of the first charging circuit (330), a second charging circuit (340) configured to transmit wireless power based on the second wireless charging method to the second electronic device (400), and a second charging IC (360) configured to control the operation of the first charging IC (350) and the second charging circuit (340). The first charging IC (350) may be configured to transmit an identification signal to the wireless power transmission device (200) for the wireless charging converter (300, 300-1, 300-2) to be recognized as the first electronic device, receive wireless power based on the first wireless charging method from the first charging circuit (330), and rectify the received power based on the first wireless charging method and supply it to the second charging IC (360). The second charging IC (360) may be configured to convert the power received from the first charging IC (350) into power based on the second wireless charging method and to control the second charging circuit (340) to transmit the converted wireless power based on the second wireless charging method.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the wireless charging converter (300, 300-1, 300-2) may be detachably coupled to a first surface (201) of the wireless power transmitting device (200) or a second surface (202) opposite to the first surface (201).

[0149] According to one embodiment, the wireless charging converter (300, 300-1, 300-2) may include a base (311) and a main body (310) that includes a mounting portion (312) extending from one side of the base (311) and into which the second electronic device (400) can be inserted. When the second electronic device (400) is being charged, the base (311) may be placed on the first surface (201) of the wireless power transmission device (200), and when the second electronic device (400) is not being charged, the mounting portion (312) may be placed on the second surface (202) of the wireless power transmission device (200).

[0150] According to one embodiment, the wireless power transmission device (200) may include a first magnet (210). The wireless charging converter (300, 300-1, 300-2) may include a second magnet (320) positioned with a polarity opposite to that of the first magnet. The wireless charging converter (300, 300-1, 300-2) may be detachably coupled to the wireless power transmission device (200) by mutual magnetic interaction between the magnets (210, 320).

[0151] According to one embodiment, the first wireless charging method is an electromagnetic induction wireless charging method, and the second wireless charging method may be an NFC wireless charging method.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the wireless charging converter (300-1, 300-2) may include a touch IC (370) configured to determine whether the second electronic device (400) is mounted based on a change in capacitance.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the first charging IC (350) may be configured to transmit a signal to the wireless power transmission device (200) for entering a wireless power hold mode (PHM) of the wireless power transmission device (200).

[0154] According to one embodiment, the first charging IC (350) may be configured to receive a ping signal regarding the wireless power hold mode from the wireless power transmission device (200) in the wireless power hold mode of the wireless power transmission device (200), and based on the received ping signal, stop supplying power to the second charging IC (360) and supply power to the touch IC (370).

[0155] According to one embodiment, the touch IC (370) may be configured to transmit a determination value regarding whether the second electronic device (400) is mounted, determined based on a change in capacitance in the wireless power hold mode of the wireless power transmission device (200), to the first charging IC (350).

[0156] According to one embodiment, the first charging IC (360) may be configured to transmit a response signal corresponding to a ping signal of the wireless power transmission device (200) in the wireless power hold mode of the wireless power transmission device (200), and to interrupt the transmission of the response signal for a predetermined period based on a judgment value of the touch IC (370).

[0157] According to one embodiment, the wireless charging converter (300-2) may include a power connector (380) configured to be electrically connected to the external power source and capable of supplying power to the touch IC (370) and the second charging IC (360).

[0158] According to one embodiment, the touch IC (370) may be configured to transmit a determination value regarding whether the second electronic device (400) is mounted, determined based on a change in capacitance, to the second charging IC (360). The second charging IC (360) may be configured to transmit a ping signal for searching the second electronic device based on the determination value of the touch IC (370), and to control the second charging circuit (340) to transmit wireless power based on the second wireless charging method.

[0159] In a method for switching wireless charging methods of a wireless charging converter (300, 300-1, 300-2) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the wireless charging converter (300, 300-1, 300-2) may be detachably coupled to a wireless power transmission device (200) for charging a first electronic device using a first wireless charging method. The above method may include, while the wireless charging converter (300, 300-1, 300-2) is attached to the wireless power transmission device (200), the operation of transmitting an identification signal to the wireless power transmission device (200) for the wireless charging converter (300, 300-1, 300-2) to be recognized as the first electronic device, the operation of receiving wireless power based on the first wireless charging method, the operation of converting the received power based on the first wireless charging method into power based on the second wireless charging method, and the operation of transmitting the power converted to the second wireless charging method to the second electronic device.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the wireless charging converter (300, 300-1, 300-2) may be detachably coupled to a first surface (201) of the wireless power transmitting device (200) or a second surface (202) opposite to the first surface (201).

[0161] According to one embodiment, the wireless power transmission device (200) may include a first magnet (210). The wireless charging converter (300, 300-1, 300-2) may include a second magnet (320) positioned with a polarity opposite to that of the first magnet. The wireless charging converter (300, 300-1, 300-2) may be detachably coupled to the wireless power transmission device (200) by mutual magnetic interaction between the magnets (210, 320).

[0162] According to one embodiment, the wireless charging converter (300-1, 300-2) may include a touch IC (370) configured to determine whether the second electronic device (400) is mounted based on a change in capacitance.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the method may include the operation of transmitting a signal to the wireless power transmission device (200) for entering a wireless power hold mode (PHM) of the wireless power transmission device (200).

[0164] According to one embodiment, the method may include, in the wireless power hold mode of the wireless power transmission device (200), receiving a ping signal regarding the wireless power hold mode from the wireless power transmission device (200), stopping the power supply to the second charging IC (360) based on the received ping signal, and supplying power to the touch IC (370) based on the received ping signal.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the method may include, in the wireless power hold mode of the wireless power transmission device (200), an operation of determining whether the second electronic device (400) is mounted based on a change in capacitance of the touch IC (370), and an operation of transmitting a determination value regarding whether the second electronic device (400) is mounted to the first charging IC (350).

[0166] According to one embodiment, the method may include, in the wireless power hold mode of the wireless power transmission device (200), an operation of transmitting a response signal corresponding to a ping signal of the wireless power transmission device (200), and an operation of suspending the transmission of the response signal for a predetermined period based on a judgment value of the touch IC (370).

[0167] The embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said 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 said items unless the relevant 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" each may 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 said components from other said components and do not limit said components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationly,” it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0168] The term “module” as used in the 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, for example. A module may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof 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).

[0169] One embodiment of the present document may be implemented as software (e.g., program (140) of FIG. 1) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory (136) of FIG. 1 or external memory (138) of FIG. 1) that is readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (120) of FIG. 1) of the machine (e.g., electronic device (101) of FIG. 1) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to be operated 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 that can be executed by an interpreter. The storage medium readable by the machine may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-temporary' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and the term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the method according to the embodiments disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or distributed online (e.g., download or upload) through an application store (e.g., Play Store™) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0171] According to one embodiment, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be separated and placed in other components. According to one embodiment, one or more of the components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to integration. According to one embodiment, operations performed by the module, program, or other components 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. A wireless charging converter (300, 300-1, 300-2) detachably coupled to a wireless power transmission device (200) for charging a first electronic device using a first wireless charging method, A first charging circuit (330) configured to receive wireless power based on the first wireless charging method from the wireless power transmitting device (200); A first charging IC (350) configured to control the operation of the first charging circuit (330); A second charging circuit (340) configured to transmit wireless power based on a second wireless charging method to a second electronic device (400); and It includes a second charging IC (360) configured to control the operation of the first charging IC (350) and the second charging circuit (340), and The above first charging IC (350) is, The above wireless charging converter (300, 300-1, 300-2) transmits an identification signal to the wireless power transmission device (200) for recognition as the first electronic device, and wireless power based on the first wireless charging method is received from the first charging circuit (330), and It is configured to rectify power based on the received first wireless charging method and supply it to the second charging IC (360), and The above second charging IC (360) is, The power received from the first charging IC (350) is converted into power based on the second wireless charging method, and A device configured to control the second charging circuit (340) to transmit wireless power based on the converted second wireless charging method.

2. In Paragraph 1, The above wireless charging converter (300, 300-1, 300-2) is a device that can be detachably coupled to a first surface (201) of the wireless power transmission device (200) or a second surface (202) opposite to the first surface (201).

3. In Paragraph 2, The above wireless charging converter (300, 300-1, 300-2) is, The main body (310) includes a base (311) and a mounting portion (312) extending from the base (311) to one side and into which the second electronic device (400) can be inserted. The above wireless charging converter (300, 300-1, 300-2) is, When charging the second electronic device (400), the base (311) is placed on the first surface (201) of the wireless power transmission device (200), and A device in which, when the second electronic device (400) is not charged, the mounting portion (312) is placed on the second surface (202) of the wireless power transmission device (200).

4. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 3, The above wireless power transmission device (200) includes a first magnet (210), and The above wireless charging converter (300, 300-1, 300-2) includes a second magnet (320) arranged with a polarity opposite to that of the first magnet, and The above wireless charging converter (300, 300-1, 300-2) is a device that can be detachably coupled to the wireless power transmission device (200) by mutual magnetic interaction between the magnets (210, 320).

5. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 4, The above-mentioned first wireless charging method is an electromagnetic induction wireless charging method, and The above second wireless charging method is a device that is an NFC wireless charging method.

6. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 5, The above wireless charging converter (300-1, 300-2) is, A device comprising a touch IC (370) configured to determine whether the second electronic device (400) is mounted based on a change in capacitance.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above first charging IC (350) is, A device configured to transmit a signal to the wireless power transmission device (200) for entering the wireless power hold mode (PHM) of the wireless power transmission device (200).

8. In Paragraph 6 or 7, The above first charging IC (350) is, In the wireless power hold mode of the wireless power transmission device (200), a ping signal regarding the wireless power hold mode is received from the wireless power transmission device (200), and Based on the received ping signal above, Stopping the power supply to the above second charging IC (360), and A device configured to supply power to the above touch IC (370).

9. In any one of paragraphs 6 through 8, The above touch IC (370) is, A device configured to transmit a determination value regarding whether the second electronic device (400) is mounted, determined based on a change in capacitance, to the first charging IC (350) in the wireless power hold mode of the wireless power transmission device (200).

10. In Paragraph 9, The above first charging IC (360) is, In the wireless power hold mode of the wireless power transmission device (200), a response signal corresponding to a ping signal of the wireless power transmission device (200) is transmitted, and A device configured to interrupt the transmission of the response signal for a predetermined period based on the judgment value of the touch IC (370).

11. In Paragraph 6, The above wireless charging converter (300-2) is, It includes a power connector (380) configured to be electrically connected to the above external power source and capable of supplying power to the touch IC (370) and the second charging IC (360), and The above touch IC (370) is, It is configured to transmit a determination value regarding whether the second electronic device (400) is mounted, determined based on a change in capacitance, to the second charging IC (360), and The above second charging IC (360) is, Based on the judgment value of the touch IC (370), a ping signal for searching the second electronic device (400) is transmitted, and A device configured to control the second charging circuit (340) to transmit wireless power based on the second wireless charging method.

12. A method for switching the wireless charging method of a wireless charging converter (300, 300-1, 300-2) detachably coupled to a wireless power transmission device (200) for charging a first electronic device in a first wireless charging method, With the above wireless charging converter (300, 300-1, 300-2) attached to the above wireless power transmission device (200), The operation of transmitting an identification signal to the wireless power transmission device (200) so that the above wireless charging converter (300, 300-1, 300-2) is recognized as the first electronic device; Operation of receiving wireless power based on the above-mentioned first wireless charging method; The operation of converting power based on the first wireless charging method received above into power based on the second wireless charging method; and A method comprising the operation of transmitting power converted by the above-mentioned second wireless charging method to a second electronic device.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above wireless charging converter (300-1, 300-2) is, It includes a touch IC (370) configured to determine whether the second electronic device (400) is mounted based on a change in capacitance, and The operation of transmitting a signal to the wireless power transmission device (200) for entering the wireless power hold mode (PHM) of the wireless power transmission device (200); In the wireless power hold mode of the wireless power transmission device (200), the operation of receiving a ping signal regarding the wireless power hold mode from the wireless power transmission device (200); An operation to stop power supply to the second charging IC (360) based on the received ping signal; and A method comprising the operation of supplying power to the touch IC (370) based on the received ping signal.

14. In Paragraph 12, The above wireless charging converter (300-1, 300-2) is, It includes a touch IC (370) configured to determine whether the second electronic device (400) is mounted based on a change in capacitance, and In the wireless power hold mode of the wireless power transmission device (200), an operation of determining whether the second electronic device (400) is mounted based on a change in capacitance of the touch IC (370); and A method comprising the operation of transmitting a determination value regarding whether the second electronic device (400) is mounted to the first charging IC (350).

15. In Paragraph 14, An operation of transmitting a response signal corresponding to a ping signal of the wireless power transmission device (200) in a wireless power hold mode of the wireless power transmission device (200); and A method comprising an operation to interrupt the transmission of the response signal for a predetermined period based on the judgment value of the touch IC (370).

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