Wireless charging module with power switching, and control method therefor

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a wireless charging module with power switching, and a control method therefor. The wireless charging module comprises a charging base and a wireless charging pad, wherein the charging base includes a base body and a first connector, the base body has a placement region, and the first connector is exposed in the placement region; the wireless charging pad is detachably arranged in the placement region, and the wireless charging pad includes a controller unit and a second connector, the controller unit is electrically connected to the second connector, and the first connector is mated with or separated from the second connector; and when the controller unit detects that the first connector is separated from the second connector, the controller unit controls the wireless charging pad to output a first charging power, and when the controller unit detects that the first connector is mated with the second connector, the controller unit controls the wireless charging pad to output a second charging power, the second charging power being greater than or equal to the first charging power.

Description

Wireless charging module with power switching and its control method

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This disclosure claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 716,729, filed November 6, 2024, entitled “Wireless Charging Device,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a wireless charger, and more particularly to a wireless charging module with power switching and its control method. Background Technology

[0004] Wireless chargers are mainly used to wirelessly charge various mobile phones and watches such as iPhones and Apple Watches. Wireless chargers on the market are mainly divided into wireless charging pads and wireless charging stands. Wireless charging pads are convenient to carry, while wireless charging stands can charge quickly, allowing users to choose according to their needs.

[0005] However, wireless charging pads have drawbacks such as the inability to actively dissipate heat, leading to overheating and the inability to maintain maximum power output, resulting in longer charging times. Wireless charging docks, on the other hand, are bulky and not easily portable. Therefore, creating a wireless charger that overcomes these shortcomings and combines the advantages of both wireless charging pads and docks is a key research and development focus for charger manufacturers.

[0006] In view of this, the discloser has devoted himself to studying the aforementioned prior art and applying theoretical principles to try his best to solve the above-mentioned problems, which has become the target of the discloser's development. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This disclosure provides a wireless charging module with power switching and its control method. When the wireless charging pad is used alone or when the wireless charging pad is used with a charging dock, the wireless charging coil 22 can output different charging powers to improve the ease of use of the wireless charging module.

[0008] In this embodiment of the disclosure, a wireless charging module with power switching is provided for an external power source. The wireless charging module includes: a charging base comprising a body, a fan and a first connector mounted on the body, the body having a placement area, the fan being configured corresponding to the placement area, and the first connector being exposed in the placement area; and a wireless charging pad detachably disposed in the placement area, the wireless charging pad comprising a pad body, a wireless charging coil and a controller unit mounted inside the pad body, and a second connector and a third connector mounted outside the pad body, the controller unit being electrically connected to the wireless charging coil, the second connector and the third connector, the first connector and the second connector being able to dock or detach, and the third connector being able to dock or detach from the external power source; wherein, when the controller unit detects that the first connector and the second connector are detached, it controls the wireless charging coil to output a first charging power; when the controller unit detects that the first connector and the second connector are docked, it controls the wireless charging coil to output a second charging power, the second charging power being greater than or equal to the first charging power.

[0009] In this embodiment of the disclosure, a control method for a wireless charging module with power switching is provided, applied to an external power source, a charging dock including a placement area and a first connector, and a wireless charging pad including a wireless charging coil, a controller unit, and a second connector, wherein the first connector is exposed in the placement area, comprising the following steps: a) electrically connecting the wireless charging pad to the external power source and detachably placing it in the placement area; and b) when the controller unit detects that the first connector is separated from the second connector, controlling the wireless charging coil to output a first charging power, and when the controller unit detects that the first connector is mated with the second connector, controlling the wireless charging coil to output a second charging power, wherein the second charging power is greater than or equal to the first charging power.

[0010] Based on the above, the wireless charging module disclosed herein can automatically switch the charging power according to the operational needs of using the wireless charging pad alone or using the wireless charging pad with the charging dock. At the same time, under higher charging power operation, the active heat dissipation components such as the fan of the charging dock will also be activated to dissipate heat from the wireless charging pad. This enables the wireless charging module to simultaneously have the functions of automatically switching the charging power according to operational needs, convenient portability, fast charging, and high heat dissipation efficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the wireless charging module disclosed herein.

[0012] Figure 2 is a three-dimensional assembly diagram of the wireless charging module disclosed herein.

[0013] Figure 3 is a three-dimensional view of the wireless charging module of this disclosure in use.

[0014] Figure 4 is a perspective view of another usage state of the wireless charging module disclosed herein.

[0015] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the usage status of the wireless charging pad disclosed herein.

[0016] Figure 6 is a block diagram of the wireless charging module disclosed herein.

[0017] Figure 7 is a control diagram of the wireless charging module disclosed herein.

[0018] Figure 8 is a circuit diagram of the wireless charging module disclosed herein.

[0019] Figure 9 is a flowchart of the control method of the wireless charging module disclosed herein.

[0020] Figure 10 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the wireless charging module disclosed herein.

[0021] Figure 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the wireless charging module disclosed herein.

[0022] Figure 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the wireless charging module of this disclosure in use.

[0023] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the wireless charging module disclosed herein in use.

[0024] Figure 14 is a block diagram of yet another embodiment of the wireless charging module disclosed herein.

[0025] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 10: Wireless charging module; 1: Charging base; 11: Base body; 111: Placement area; 112: Recessed groove; 113: Disk body slot; 114: Connector slot; 12: Fan; 13: First connector; 14: Cooling chip; 15: Step-down circuit; 16: Heat sink; 17: Processor unit; 2: Wireless charging disk; 21: Disk body; 22: Wireless charging coil; 23: Controller unit; 24: Second connector; 25: Third connector; 3: Trapezoidal base; 31: Vertical inclined wall; 32: Vent; 4: Rectangular base; 41: Air inlet; 42: Air outlet; 100: External power supply; 200: Mobile device; 300: Automotive system; S1-S3: Steps. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The detailed description and technical content of this disclosure will be explained below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, the accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0027] Please refer to Figures 1 to 9. This disclosure provides a wireless charging module with power switching and its control method, which is applied to an external power supply 100 and mobile devices such as mobile phones and tablets 200. The wireless charging module 10 mainly includes a charging base 1 and a wireless charging pad 2.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the charging base 1 includes a body 11 and a fan 12, a first connector 13, a cooling chip 14, a buck circuit 15, and a heat sink 16 installed on the body 11. The fan 12, cooling chip 14, and buck circuit 15 are installed inside the body 11. The body 11 has a mounting area 111. The fan 12 is configured corresponding to the mounting area 111. The first connector 13 is exposed in the mounting area 111. The cooling chip 14 is attached to the mounting area 111. The buck circuit 15 is electrically connected to the fan 12 and the cooling chip 14. The buck circuit 15 is composed of a circuit board and circuits provided on the circuit board. The heat sink 16 is installed inside the body 11, thermally attached to the cooling chip 14, and surrounds the fan 12. The heat sink 16 is configured to absorb the heat of the cooling chip 14 and dissipate the heat to the environment.

[0029] As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the wireless charging pad 2 is detachably installed in the placement area 111. The wireless charging pad 2 includes a pad body 21, a wireless charging coil 22 installed inside the pad body 21, a controller unit 23, and a second connector 24 and a third connector 25 installed outside the pad body 21. The controller unit 23 is electrically connected to the wireless charging coil 22, the second connector 24, and the third connector 25.

[0030] In addition, the first connector 13 and the second connector 24 can be connected or disconnected, and the third connector 25 can be connected or disconnected from the external power supply 100. In this embodiment, the first connector 13 and the second connector 24 are the male and female ends of a spring connector, respectively, and the third connector 25 is a type C connector, but this is not a limitation.

[0031] When the controller unit 23 detects that the first connector 13 and the second connector 24 are separated, it controls the wireless charging coil 22 to output a first charging power. When the controller unit 23 detects that the first connector 13 and the second connector 24 are connected, it controls the wireless charging coil 22 to output a second charging power. The second charging power is greater than or equal to the first charging power.

[0032] The following is a detailed description: In this embodiment, the base 11 is provided with a recessed groove 112. The wireless charging pad 2 can be assembled or disassembled in the recessed groove 112 by means of shape matching, interlocking or magnetic attraction, so that the wireless charging pad 2 can be detachably embedded in the recessed groove 112. The placement area 111 is formed on the inner bottom wall of the recessed groove 112.

[0033] In addition, the recessed groove 112 in this embodiment includes a disc body receiving groove 113 whose shape matches the disc body 21 and a connector receiving groove 114 whose shape matches the third connector 25. However, this is not a limitation. The recessed groove 112 may also include only the disc body receiving groove 113 and not the connector receiving groove 114.

[0034] Furthermore, the seat 11 in this embodiment is a trapezoidal seat 3, but this is not a limitation. The outer periphery of the trapezoidal seat 3 has a vertical inclined wall 31 and a ventilation opening 32 at the bottom. The recessed groove 112 is opened from the outer side of the vertical inclined wall 31. The fan 12 and the heat dissipation fins 16 are fixed to the inner side of the vertical inclined wall 31. The cooling chip 14 is sandwiched between the vertical inclined wall 31, the fan 12 and the heat dissipation fins 16 and is exposed in the placement area 111.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, the fan 12 in this embodiment is an axial fan, which generates airflow indicated by the dashed line segment with arrows in the figure. The airflow enters the axial fan through the air vent 32 and then blows towards the placement area 111 to dissipate heat from the cooling chip 14 and the heat sink 16.

[0036] Figure 9 shows the steps of the control method of the wireless charging module 10 disclosed herein. First, as shown in step S1 of Figure 9 and Figures 1 to 5, the wireless charging pad 2 is electrically connected to the external power supply 100 and is detachably mounted in the placement area 111. Further explanation is as follows: Figures 1 and 5 show the reference state in which the wireless charging pad 2 is detached from the placement area 111; Figures 2 to 4 show the reference state in which the wireless charging pad 2 is assembled in the placement area 111; and Figures 3 and 5 show the reference state in which the third connector 25 is connected to the external power supply 100, i.e., the wireless charging pad 2 is connected to the external power supply 100.

[0037] Second, as shown in step S2 of Figure 9 and Figures 1 to 8, when the controller unit 23 detects through the first sensor that the first connector 13 and the second connector 24 are separated, it controls the wireless charging coil 22 to output a first charging power to the mobile device 200. When the controller unit 23 detects through the first sensor that the first connector 13 and the second connector 24 are connected, it controls the wireless charging coil 22 to output a second charging power to the mobile device 200. The second charging power is greater than or equal to the first charging power.

[0038] In this embodiment, the first sensor can be a current / voltage sensor installed on the corresponding first connector 13. The current / voltage sensor detects changes in current / voltage to determine whether the first connector 13 and the second connector 24 are mated. However, the first sensor is not limited to the above.

[0039] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first charging power is less than 25W and the second charging power is 25W; or, the first charging power is 25W and the second charging power is greater than 25W, but the values ​​of the first charging power and the second charging power are for reference only and are not intended to limit the user.

[0040] In addition, as shown in Figures 1 and 5, the wireless charging pad 2 is not set in the placement area 111 and is used alone without being paired with the charging base 1, that is, the first connector 13 and the second connector 24 are separated. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the wireless charging pad 2 is set in the placement area 111 and is used with the charging base 1, that is, the first connector 13 and the second connector 24 are connected.

[0041] Third, as shown in step S3 of Figure 9 and Figures 2 to 4 and 6 to 8, after the first connector 13 is connected to the second connector 24, when the controller unit 23 detects through the second sensor that the mobile device 200 is not placed on the wireless charging pad 2, it will turn off the cooling chip 14 and the fan 12. When the controller unit 23 detects through the second sensor that the mobile device 200 has been placed on the wireless charging pad 2, it will turn on the cooling chip 14 and the fan 12.

[0042] In this embodiment, the second sensor can be a current / voltage sensor installed on the corresponding wireless charging coil 22. The current / voltage sensor detects changes in current / voltage to determine whether the mobile device 200 is placed on the wireless charging pad 2. Alternatively, the second sensor can be a weight sensor installed on the corresponding placement area 111. The weight sensor detects changes in weight to determine whether the mobile device 200 is placed on the wireless charging pad 2. However, the second sensor is not limited to the above.

[0043] Additionally, as shown in Figures 1, 6, and 8, the first connector 13 in this embodiment is electrically connected to the step-down circuit 15. In step S3, when the controller unit 23 detects that the mobile device 200 has been placed on the wireless charging pad 2, the wireless charging pad 2 provides voltage to the step-down circuit 15 through the first connector 13 and the second connector 24. The step-down circuit 15 then provides a reduced voltage to the cooling chip 14 and the fan 12.

[0044] In addition, as shown in the circuit diagram of the wireless charging module 10 in Figure 8, the wireless charging pad 2 also has a voltage converter that can convert voltage to supply the wireless charging coil 22 and the controller unit 23. The mobile device 200 has a wireless charging receiver and a step-down converter that receives the voltage of the wireless charging receiver and steps it down to supply the battery and the controller.

[0045] Therefore, as shown in Figure 5, the wireless charging pad 2 of this disclosure can be used independently without the charging base 1, so that the wireless charging module 10 has the advantage of being easy to carry. When the wireless charging pad 2 is used alone, the wireless charging pad 2 will output a first charging power that is the same as or less than the second charging power to the mobile device 200.

[0046] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the wireless charging pad 2 can also be used with the charging base 1. When the wireless charging pad 2 is used with the charging base 1, the wireless charging pad 2 will output a larger second charging power to the mobile device 200, allowing the wireless charging pad 2 to start the fast charging mode. Since the charging base 1 is equipped with active heat dissipation components such as the fan 12 and the cooling plate 14, the heat generated by the high charging power output of the wireless charging pad 2 can be dissipated through the active heat dissipation components of the charging base 1, so that the wireless charging module 10 has the advantages of fast charging and high heat dissipation efficiency.

[0047] Therefore, the wireless charging module 10 disclosed herein can automatically switch the charging power according to the operational needs of using the wireless charging pad 2 alone and using the wireless charging pad 2 with the charging base 1. At the same time, under the operation of higher charging power, the active heat dissipation component of the charging base 1 will also be activated to dissipate heat from the wireless charging pad 2, so that the wireless charging module 10 has the functions of automatically switching the charging power according to the operational needs, convenient portability, fast charging and high heat dissipation efficiency.

[0048] As shown in Figures 10 to 13, this is another embodiment of the wireless charging module 10 of the present disclosure. The embodiments of Figures 10 to 13 are generally the same as the embodiments of Figures 1 to 9. The difference between the embodiments of Figures 10 to 13 and the embodiments of Figures 1 to 9 is that the structure of the charging base 1 is different.

[0049] The detailed description is as follows: In this embodiment, the base 11 is a rectangular base 4, but this is not a limitation. The heat dissipation fins 16 are installed inside the base 11 and are thermally attached to the cooling chip 14. The heat dissipation fins 16 are configured to absorb the heat of the cooling chip 14 and dissipate the heat to the environment. The outer periphery of the rectangular base 4 is provided with an air inlet 41 and an air outlet 42. The recessed groove 112 is opened from the top of the rectangular base 4. The heat dissipation fins 16 are disposed between the air inlet 41 and the air outlet 42. The fan 12 is disposed between the air inlet 41 and the heat dissipation fins 16.

[0050] As shown in Figure 13, the fan 12 in this embodiment is an axial fan, which generates airflow as indicated by the dashed line segment with arrows. The airflow enters the axial fan through the air inlet 41, dissipates heat from the heat sink fins 16 and the cooling plate 14, and then blows out from the air outlet 42 to the outside of the rectangular base 4. Thus, the same effect as the embodiments in Figures 1 to 9 is achieved.

[0051] Figure 14 shows another embodiment of the wireless charging module 10 disclosed herein. The embodiment of Figure 14 is largely the same as the embodiment of Figure 6. The difference between the embodiment of Figure 14 and the embodiment of Figure 6 is that the wireless charging module 10 is also applied to an automotive system 300, and the charging base 1 is integrated into the automotive system 300.

[0052] In this embodiment, the charging dock 1 further includes a processor unit 17. The vehicle system 300 is electrically connected to the step-down circuit 15. Referring to step S3 in FIG9, when the controller unit 23 detects that the mobile device 200 has been placed on the wireless charging pad 2, the controller unit 23 first sends a signal to the processor unit 17, and the processor unit 17 then sends a signal to the vehicle system 300. The vehicle system 300 provides voltage to the step-down circuit 15, and the step-down circuit 15 then provides a reduced voltage to the cooling chip 14 and the fan 12. Thus, the same effect as the embodiments of FIG1 to FIG9 is achieved.

[0053] In summary, the wireless charging module with power switching and its control method disclosed herein have not been seen in similar products or publicly used, and possess industrial applicability, novelty, and inventiveness, fully meeting the requirements for patent application. Therefore, this application is filed in accordance with the Patent Law to protect the inventor's rights.

Claims

1. A wireless charging module with power switching for use with an external power source, wherein, The wireless charging module includes: A charging dock includes a body, a fan mounted on the body, and a first connector. The body has a mounting area, the fan is configured corresponding to the mounting area, and the first connector is exposed in the mounting area. A wireless charging pad is detachably mounted in the placement area. The wireless charging pad includes a pad body, a wireless charging coil and a controller unit installed inside the pad body, and a second connector and a third connector installed outside the pad body. The controller unit is electrically connected to the wireless charging coil, the second connector and the third connector. The first connector and the second connector can be docked or detached, and the third connector can be docked or detached from the external power source. When the controller unit detects that the first connector is separated from the second connector, it controls the wireless charging coil to output a first charging power. When the controller unit detects that the first connector is connected to the second connector, it controls the wireless charging coil to output a second charging power. The second charging power is greater than or equal to the first charging power.

2. The wireless charging module with power switching according to claim 1, wherein, The charging dock also includes a cooling chip and a step-down circuit. The fan, the cooling chip and the step-down circuit are installed inside the dock body. The cooling chip is attached to the mounting area, and the step-down circuit is electrically connected to the fan and the cooling chip.

3. The wireless charging module with power switching according to claim 2, wherein, The base has a recessed groove, and the wireless charging pad can be detachably embedded in the recessed groove. The placement area is formed on the inner bottom wall of the recessed groove.

4. The wireless charging module with power switching according to claim 3, wherein, The base is a trapezoidal base with a vertical inclined wall on one side of its outer periphery and a ventilation opening at the bottom. The recessed groove is opened from the outer side of the vertical inclined wall. The charging base also includes a heat dissipation fin. The fan and the heat dissipation fin are fixed to the inner side of the vertical inclined wall. The heat dissipation fin is thermally attached to the cooling plate and is arranged around the fan. The cooling plate is sandwiched between the vertical inclined wall, the fan and the heat dissipation fin and is exposed in the mounting area.

5. The wireless charging module with power switching according to claim 3, wherein, The base is a rectangular base, and the charging base also includes a heat dissipation fin. The heat dissipation fin is installed inside the base and thermally attached to the cooling chip. The outer periphery of the rectangular base is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet. The recessed groove is opened from the top of the rectangular base. The heat dissipation fin is disposed between the air inlet and the air outlet. The fan is disposed between the air inlet and the heat dissipation fin.

6. The wireless charging module with power switching according to claim 3, wherein, The recessed groove includes a disc body receiving groove whose shape matches the disc body and a connector receiving groove whose shape matches the third connector.

7. A control method for a wireless charging module with power switching, wherein, A charging dock, which is applied to an external power source and includes a mounting area and a first connector, and a wireless charging pad, which includes a wireless charging coil, a controller unit, and a second connector, wherein the first connector is exposed in the mounting area, includes the following steps: Step a) Electrically connect the wireless charging pad to the external power source and detachably mount it in the placement area; and Step b) When the controller unit detects that the first connector is separated from the second connector, it will control the wireless charging coil to output a first charging power. When the controller unit detects that the first connector is connected to the second connector, it will control the wireless charging coil to output a second charging power. The second charging power is greater than or equal to the first charging power.

8. The control method for a wireless charging module with power switching according to claim 7, wherein, It is also applied to a mobile device, the charging dock also including a fan and a cooling chip, and after step b), it further includes: after the first connector is docked with the second connector, when the controller unit detects that the mobile device is not placed on the wireless charging pad, it will turn off the cooling chip and the fan, and when the controller unit detects that the mobile device is placed on the wireless charging pad, it will turn on the cooling chip and the fan.

9. The control method for a wireless charging module with power switching according to claim 8, wherein, The charging dock also includes a step-down circuit. In step c), when the controller unit detects that the mobile device has been placed on the wireless charging pad, the wireless charging pad provides voltage to the step-down circuit through the first connector and the second connector. The step-down circuit then provides a reduced voltage to the cooling chip and the fan.

10. The control method for a wireless charging module with power switching according to claim 8, wherein, It is also applied to an automotive system, the charging dock also including a step-down circuit and a processor unit. In step c), when the controller unit detects that the mobile device has been placed on the wireless charging pad, the controller unit first sends a signal to the processor unit, the processor unit then sends a signal to the automotive system, the automotive system provides voltage to the step-down circuit, and the step-down circuit then provides a reduced voltage to the cooling chip and the fan.

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