Charging device for wearable device and operating method thereof

Abstract

A wireless charging device according to an embodiment, may comprise: a base member; a support member provided to be rotatable with respect to the base member in a first direction in a state of being vertically coupled to an upper portion of the base member; and a charging pad provided to face a second direction opposite to the first direction and to be movable in a direction parallel to the support member in a state of being coupled to one side of the support member. The charging pad may comprise a housing which accommodates a coil which transmits power to a wearable device, and a magnet arranged within the coil.

Description

Wearable device charging device and method of operation thereof

[0001] Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an electronic device for charging a wearable device and a method of operating the same.

[0002] With the development of wireless power transfer technology, many electronic devices are recently utilizing it for wireless or contactless charging. Wireless power transfer is a technology that converts electrical energy into electromagnetic waves with frequency and transmits it wirelessly to a load without transmission lines. Wireless power transfer technology allows power to be transmitted wirelessly from a power transmitter to a power receiver without the need for a separate connector between the two devices, thereby charging the battery of the power receiver.

[0003] Meanwhile, wireless power transmission technology can be applied not only to smartphones but also to wearable devices such as smartwatches. Charging of smartwatches is primarily used when the main body and the strap are connected, but unstable contact occurs between the charging pad and the main body due to the irregular structure caused by the strap.

[0004] A wireless charging device according to one embodiment may include a base member, a support member arranged to be rotatable with respect to a base member in a first direction while being vertically coupled to the upper part of the base member, and a charging pad arranged to be movable in a direction parallel to the support member while facing a second direction opposite to the first direction and coupled to one side of the support member. The charging pad may include a housing that accommodates a coil for transmitting power to a wearable device and a magnet disposed between the coils.

[0005] FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of a wireless charging device according to one embodiment.

[0006] FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of a wireless charging device according to one embodiment.

[0007] FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the inside of a charging pad of a wireless charging device according to one embodiment.

[0008] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a wireless charging device according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view and an enlarged view of a wireless charging device according to one embodiment when it is in a first state.

[0010] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a wireless charging device according to one embodiment when it is in a second state.

[0011] FIG. 7 illustrates the state when a first type of wearable device is mounted on a wireless charging device.

[0012] FIG. 8 illustrates the state when a second type of wearable device is mounted on a wireless charging device.

[0013] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a slide dial type wireless charging device.

[0014] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a slide dial type wireless charging device.

[0015] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a slide dial type wireless charging device.

[0016] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a gear-motor type wireless charging device.

[0017] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a gear-motor type wireless charging device.

[0018] FIG. 14 illustrates the state when a wearable device is mounted on a gear-motor type wireless charging device.

[0019] Figure 15 illustrates movement information by wearable device.

[0020] FIG. 16 is a flowchart of an operation method of a wireless charging device according to one embodiment.

[0021] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but can be implemented in various different forms. These embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same components.

[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) may be used in a meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise. The terms used herein are for describing embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text.

[0023] As used in the specification, "comprises" and / or "comprising" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components, operations, operations, and / or elements to the mentioned components, operations, operations, and / or elements.

[0024] The wireless charging device (100) according to the disclosure is intended to stabilize unstable contact caused by an irregular structure due to the strap of a wearable device (200, see FIG. 7). In one embodiment, the wireless charging device (100) allows a user to easily visually confirm the contact between the charging pad (110) of the wireless charging device (100) and the main body (210) of the wearable device (200) through an automatic or manual method.

[0025] FIG. 1 is a first perspective view of a wireless charging device according to one embodiment, FIG. 2 is a second perspective view of a wireless charging device according to one embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the inside of a charging pad of a wireless charging device according to one embodiment.

[0026] Referring to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2, the appearance of a wireless charging device (100) can be seen. A wireless charging device (100) according to one embodiment may include a charging pad (110), a support member (130), and a base member (150).

[0027] A support member (150) according to one embodiment is connected to the lower part of a support member (130) so that the support member (130) and the charging pad (110) can be maintained vertically with respect to the support member (150). In FIGS. 1 and 2, the support member (150) is shown in a rectangular shape, but it can be implemented in various shapes other than a rectangular shape to provide various aesthetics.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the support member (130) may be provided to be rotatable relative to the support member (150) in a direction opposite to the charging pad (110) while being vertically coupled to the upper part of the support member (150). The lower part of the support member (130) may be implemented in various rotatable structures. For example, the lower part of the support member (130) and the upper part of the support member (150) may be coupled in a circular sliding type coupling structure according to FIG. 5. Additionally, although not illustrated, the lower part of the support member (130) and the upper part of the support member (150) may be coupled through a hinge assembly so that the support member (130) may be rotatable relative to the support member (150). Here, the hinge assembly may be designed to be rotatable in a unidirectional manner, and the support member (130) may rotate relative to the support member (150) in a direction opposite to the charging pad (110) due to the directionality of the hinge assembly.

[0029] A charging pad (110) according to one embodiment may include a concave portion (111). The concave portion (111) may come into contact with the rear surface of the main body of the wearable device (200), and when contact occurs between the concave portion (111) and the rear surface of the main body of the wearable device (220), electromagnetic induction occurs, and the charging pad (110) may supply power to the wearable device (200).

[0030] Referring to FIG. 3, a charging pad (110) according to one embodiment may include a concave portion (111) and a housing (119). The housing (119) may form the outer shape of the charging pad (110) together with the concave portion (111), the front surface of the housing (119) may become the concave portion (111), and the rear surface of the housing (119) may be coupled to one side of a support member (130).

[0031] According to one embodiment, the concave portion (111) may be formed in a shape corresponding to a protrusion formed on the rear surface of the main body of the wearable device. For example, the concave portion (111) may have a curvature that allows the protrusion of the wearable device (200) to be fitted. In one embodiment, by inserting the protrusion into the concave portion (111), the gap between the transmitting coil (113) of the wireless charging device (110) and the receiving coil of the wearable device (200) can be minimized, and the main body of the wearable device (200) can be maintained in a fixed state when attached to the charging pad (110).

[0032] Components for wireless charging (e.g., power transmission circuit, control circuit, signal processing unit, power conversion unit) may be accommodated inside the housing (119). The front of the housing (119) may include a charging surface that faces a wearable device (200), which is a wireless power receiving device, to form a wireless charging interface. At least a portion of the charging surface may be positioned so that a wearable device may face it to receive power wirelessly from a wireless charging device (100). Although not shown in FIG. 3, the inside of the housing (119) may be equipped with a sensor (e.g., NFC reader) capable of distinguishing different data packets.

[0033] The interior of the housing (119) may include a transmitting coil (113) for wireless charging and a magnet (115) for alignment with the wearable device (200) during wireless charging.

[0034] According to one embodiment, when the main body of a wearable device (200) is mounted on a charging pad (110), an attractive force is generated between a magnet in the main body and a magnet inside the housing (119), and as the protrusion of the main body and the concave part (111) of the charging pad (110) are structurally aligned, the receiving coil of the wearable device (200) and the transmitting coil (113) of the wireless charging device (100) are aligned, thereby improving wireless charging efficiency. In addition, heat generation caused by misalignment between the transmitting coil (113) and the receiving coil can be reduced.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a wireless charging device according to one embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of various power-related components of a wireless charging device (100) that provides power to a wearable device (200).

[0037] A wearable device (200) includes an inductive power receiving component (not shown), and a wireless charging device (100) includes a power transmission component (not shown). The power receiving component of the wearable device (200) may be operably coupled to the power transmission component to charge a battery (not shown) of the wearable device. Within the power receiving component, the battery is operably connected to a receiving coil (not shown) through a power control circuit. The receiving coil may be inductively coupled to a coil (113) of the wireless charging device (100) to receive power wirelessly from the wireless charging device (100) and to transfer the received power to a battery within the wearable device (200) through a power control circuit.

[0038] A wireless charging device (100) according to one embodiment includes a power source (151) operably coupled to a coil (113) to transmit power to a wearable device (200) via electromagnetic induction or magnetic resonance. The coil (113) may be an electromagnetic coil that generates a time-varying electromagnetic flux to induce current within an electromagnetic coil (e.g., a receiving coil) within the wearable device (200). The coil (113) may transmit power at a selected frequency or frequency band. In one example, the transmission frequency is substantially fixed, but it does not necessarily have to be. For example, the transmission frequency may be adjusted to improve power transfer efficiency for specific operating conditions. More specifically, a higher transmission frequency may be selected when more power is required by the accessory, and a lower transmission frequency may be selected when less power is required by the accessory. In another example, the coil (113) can generate a static electromagnetic field and can physically move, change, or otherwise alter its position to generate a spatially varying electromagnetic flux that induces current within the receiving coil.

[0039] When the wearable device (200) is operably attached to the wireless charging device (100), the wearable device (200) may use the received current to replenish the charge of a rechargeable battery or to provide power to an associated operating component. In this way, when the wearable device (200) is operably attached to the wireless charging device (100), the wireless charging device (100) may wirelessly transmit power at a specific frequency to the receiving coil of the wearable device (200) through the coil (113).

[0040] When the wireless charging device (100) is operably attached to the wearable device (200), the transmitting coil (113) may be positioned within the housing (119, FIG. 3) of the wireless charging device (100) so as to be aligned with the receiving coil (not shown) within the wearable device (200) along a mutual axis. If misaligned, the power transfer efficiency between the transmitting coil and the receiving coil may decrease as the misalignment increases. To ensure high charging efficiency, the housing of the wireless charging device (100) and the body of the wearable device (200) may be designed so that the body of the wearable device (200) is aligned by the concave portion (111) of the charging pad (110), and the charging pad (110) descends so that one end of the wearable device (200) rests on the support member (150).

[0041] In one embodiment, the connecting surface (opposite to the display) of the main body of the wearable device (200) has a convex shape, whereas the charging surface (concave portion, 111 in FIG. 3) of the wireless charging device (100) has a concave shape that follows the same or similar curvature as the connecting surface of the wearable device (200). In this way, the complementary geometry can facilitate alignment of the charging pad (110) and the wearable device (200) in addition to the magnet for alignment.

[0042] In one embodiment, the memory (155) may store device information of the wearable device (200) and movement information corresponding to the device information. The device information may include model information of the wearable device (200) and / or diameter information of the main body. The device information may be used to adjust the movement distance of the charging pad (110) in an automatic wireless charging device (100) equipped with a motor, which will be described later.

[0043] In one embodiment, the sensor (157) includes at least one sensor and can detect that a wearable device (200) is mounted on a charging pad (110). In one embodiment, the sensor (157) can measure power supplied to a motor (not shown) through a power source (151). Additionally, in one embodiment, the sensor (157) can acquire device information of the wearable. The sensor (157) acquiring device information of the wearable may be an NFC reader.

[0044] In one embodiment, the processor (153) is operatively connected to a motor (1350 in FIG. 12), a power supply (151), a memory (155), and / or a sensor (157) to control the overall operation of the wireless charging device (100). Detailed operation will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 12 through 16.

[0045] Meanwhile, the wireless charging device (100) according to the disclosure may be classified into two types. For example, it may be classified into a mechanical wireless charging device in which the wearable device (200) is seated on the support member (150) by means of a mechanical element (e.g., an elastic member or a slide dial) and an electronic wireless charging device in which the wearable device (200) is seated on the support member (150) by means of an electronic element (e.g., a motor and a sensor). Additionally, according to one embodiment, the wireless charging device (100) may be implemented as a hybrid type in which mechanical and electronic types are used in combination.

[0046] Hereinafter, a mechanical wireless charging device is described through FIGS. 5 to 11, and an electronic wireless charging device is described through FIGS. 12 to 16.

[0047] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view and enlarged view of a wireless charging device according to one embodiment when it is in a first state, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a wireless charging device according to one embodiment when it is in a second state.

[0048] In one embodiment, the first state of the wireless charging device (100) is a state in which the wearable device (200) is not mounted on the charging pad (110), and no load is generated on the charging pad (110), and no rotational force is generated on the support member (130) relative to the base member (150). Accordingly, the support member (130) can be positioned vertically relative to the base member (150). Even if an external force is applied horizontally toward the concave portion (111) of the charging pad (110), the support member (130) can be restored to a state vertically relative to the base member (150) due to the repulsive force of the second elastic member (S2). Additionally, even if an external force is applied vertically toward the base member (150), the charging pad (110) can be restored to the highest position relative to the base member (150) due to the repulsive force of the first elastic member (S1).

[0049] In one embodiment, the wireless charging device (100) may include a first elastic member (S1) and a second elastic member (S2). The first elastic member (S1) may be a tension spring, which is an elastic member that generates a force to return to its original state by utilizing a compressive force. The second elastic member (S2) may be a torsion spring, which is an elastic member that generates rotational force when twisted about an axis and provides a force to return to its original state.

[0050] In one embodiment, the support member (130) may include a first fixing member (1301) for fixing the upper end of the first elastic member (S1) on the upper side inside. The first fixing member (1301) may have a hole formed therein and be connected to a ring at one end of the first elastic member (S1).

[0051] In one embodiment, the charging pad (110) is inserted into the interior of the support member (130) and may include a second fixing member (1101) for fixing the lower end of the first elastic member (S1). The second fixing member (1101) may extend from the rear of the charging pad (110) and provide a hole that can be fastened to a ring at one end of the first elastic member (S1) inside the support member (130).

[0052] In one embodiment, when a load is applied to the charging pad (110), the gap between the first fixing member (1301) and the second fixing member (1101) increases, and an attractive force is generated by the elastic member (S1) located between the first fixing member (1301) and the second fixing member (1101). The generated attractive force can provide a force that causes the charging pad (110) to restore itself.

[0053] In one embodiment, the support member (130) may include a third fixing member (1307) for fixing one end of the second elastic member (S2) on one side (lower side) inside. The third fixing member (1307) may have a hole formed therein to be fastened to a ring at one end of the second elastic member (S2).

[0054] In one embodiment, the support member (150) may include a fourth fixing member (1501) for fixing the other end of the second elastic member (S2). A hole is formed in the fourth fixing member (1501) so that it can be fastened to a ring at the other end of the second elastic member (S2).

[0055] Meanwhile, referring to FIG. 5, the fastening structure between the lower part of the support member (130) and the upper part of the base member can be implemented in a circular sliding manner. For example, the outer structure of the lower part of the support member may be formed based on a virtual concentric axis, and at least a portion of the curved surface may be open. That is, it may be open for a certain length relative to the lowest point of the lower part of the support member. However, the open portion is not formed symmetrically, and the portion located on the opposite side of the charging pad (110) may be more open. The first end of the support member (130) (located on the charging pad side, 1303) may be formed to be relatively longer relative to the lowest point of the support member (130) than the second end (located on the opposite side of the charging pad, 1305).

[0056] A portion (1503) of the upper part of the support member (150) may be formed to have a shape that accommodates the first section (1303) and the second section (1305) of the support member (130). That is, the portion (1503) of the upper part of the support member (150) may have a double structure that shares a virtual concentric axis but has a radius different from the radius of the first section (1303) and the second section (1305).

[0057] As described above, the second section (1305) of the support member (130) is formed to be shorter than the first section (1303), so that when it is connected to a part (1503) of the upper part of the support member (150), a void space may be formed. At this time, when an external force in the horizontal direction toward the charging pad (110) is applied, a void space is created at the point where the first section (1303) and the part (1503) come into contact, and the void space between the second section (1305) and the part (1503) is reduced, thereby allowing the support member (130) to rotate only in one direction (opposite to the charging pad).

[0058] FIG. 6 illustrates the deformation state of the wireless charging device (100) when it is subjected to a load by the main body (210 in FIG. 7) and the strap (230 in FIG. 7). In one embodiment, the second state of the wireless charging device (100) is a state in which a wearable device (200) is mounted on the charging pad (110), a load is applied to the charging pad (110), and a rotational force is generated by the support member (130) against the support member (150).

[0059] According to one embodiment, when the main body (210) is mounted, the charging pad (110) slides downward along the side of the support member (130) due to the weight of the main body (210). When the charging pad (110) slides and moves, an elastic restoring force corresponding to the weight of the main body (210) is generated in the elastic member (S1). The charging pad (110) can descend stably without rapidly descending according to the elastic restoring force of the elastic member (S1). Meanwhile, the first elastic member (S1) can be implemented as the tension spring described above, but can also be implemented as a hydraulic gas spring that delays the sliding speed of the charging pad (110). When the wearable device (200) is separated from the charging pad (110), it can be restored from the second state to the first state according to the elastic restoring force of the first elastic member (S1).

[0060] In one embodiment, when a wearable device (200) is mounted on the support member (130), torque is generated toward the support member (150) by the center of gravity of the strap (230). At this time, the torque causes the support member (130) to rotate at a certain angle toward the support member (150). As described above, a second elastic member (S2) is provided between the support member (130) and the support member (150), so that when the support member (130) rotates at a certain angle toward the support member (150), a rotational restoring force is generated in the opposite direction. Therefore, the support member (130) can rotate stably without rotating rapidly according to the rotational restoring force of the elastic member (S2). When the wearable device (200) is separated from the charging pad (110), it can be restored from the second state to the first state according to the rotational restoring force of the second elastic member (S2).

[0061] Meanwhile, the wireless charging device (100) according to FIGS. 5 and 6 is of a mechanical type, and the travel distance of the charging pad (110) and the rotation angle of the support member (130) can be determined by external factors. For example, the travel distance of the charging pad (110) can be determined by the weight and / or diameter of the main body (210) of the wearable device (200), and the rotation angle of the support member (130) can be determined by the weight and / or length of the strap (230).

[0062] FIG. 7 illustrates the state when a first type of wearable device is mounted on a wireless charging device, and FIG. 8 illustrates the state when a second type of wearable device is mounted on a wireless charging device.

[0063] The wearable device (200) can be mounted on the wireless charging device (100) by contacting the rear of the main body (210) with the charging pad (110). When the wearable device (200) is mounted on the wireless charging device (100), the wireless charging device (100) can determine the movement distance of the charging pad (110) and the rotation angle of the support member (130) according to the overall shape of the wearable device (200).

[0064] FIG. 7 illustrates a first type of wearable device (200) with a relatively small diameter (e.g., diameter 40 mm to 43 mm) mounted on the main body, and FIG. 8 illustrates a second type of wearable device (200) with a relatively large diameter (e.g., diameter 44 mm or more) mounted on the main body.

[0065] Referring to FIG. 7, when the wearable device (200) is of the first type, the travel distance (D1) can be relatively longer and the rotation angle can be relatively larger compared to when it is of the second type. This is because a long distance is secured between one end of the main body (210) and the surface of the support member (150) due to the relatively short diameter of the main body (210). Also, due to the short diameter of the main body (210), the degree of rotation of the support member (130) can be relatively smaller. The charging pad (110) can be lowered until one end of the main body (210) contacts the first point (L1) of the support member (150) and one end of the strap (230) contacts the second point (L2) of the support member (150). At this time, as the charging pad (110) descends, the support member (130) rotates relative to the base member (150), and the rotation angle of the support member (130) can be θ1 with respect to the first point (L1).

[0066] Referring to FIG. 8, when the wearable device (200) is of the second type, the travel distance (D2) is relatively short and the rotation angle can be relatively small compared to when it is of the first type. This is because a relatively short distance is secured between one end of the main body (210) and the surface of the support member (150) due to the relatively long diameter of the main body (210). Also, due to the long diameter of the main body (210), the degree of rotation of the support member (130) can be relatively large. The charging pad (110) can be lowered until one end of the main body (210) contacts the third point (L3) of the support member (150) and one end of the strap (230) contacts the fourth point (L4) of the support member (150). At this time, as the charging pad (110) descends, the support member (130) rotates relative to the base member (150), and the rotation angle of the support member (130) can be θ2 with respect to the third point (L3).

[0067] For the movement distance and angle according to the size of the wearable device (200), refer to FIG. 15.

[0068] Meanwhile, the detailed structure and operation of a mechanical wireless charging device equipped with an elastic member have been described above. The movement distance of the charging pad (110) of the mechanical wireless charging device may be adjusted solely by user operation without relying on the elastic member. In this regard, a slide dial type wireless charging device among mechanical wireless charging devices will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 to 11.

[0069] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a slide dial type wireless charging device, FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of a slide dial type wireless charging device, and FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a slide dial type wireless charging device.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the support member (130) may be provided to be rotatable relative to the support member (150) in the opposite direction to the charging pad (110) while being vertically coupled to the upper part of the support member (150). The lower part of the support member (130) may be implemented in various rotatable structures. In the slide dial type, the lower part of the support member (130) and the upper part of the support member (150) may be connected by a second elastic member (S2, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6) according to FIG. 5 and FIG. 6. That is, the present embodiment can be seen as having replaced the first elastic member (S1, FIG. 5 and FIG. 6) with a slide dial (1310).

[0071] In one embodiment, the coil assembly (121) is housed in a housing (123) and connected to wiring (125) to supply power to a wearable device (200).

[0072] In one embodiment, the slide dial (1310) may be attached to the support member (130) so that the user can operate it up and down while it is inserted and coupled toward the rear of the support member (130). A handle may be provided on one side of the slide dial (1310), and a projection may be provided on the other side facing the one side to be coupled with the housing (123) of the charging pad (110). The projection may pass through a straight hole formed in the support member (130) and be coupled with a coupling member (127) located on the rear of the housing (123). The coupling between the projection and the coupling member (127) is formed in a close-contact state so that the charging pad (110) does not slide down due to weight even when a wearable device (200) is attached to the charging pad (110). Although not shown in FIG. 10, the coupling between the projection and the coupling member (127) may be formed by an elastic member (e.g., a spring or an elastomer) that generates an attractive force.

[0073] In one embodiment, a portion of the rear surface of the support member (130) may be provided with a friction pad (1330). The slide dial (1310) may be connected to the coupling member (127) of the housing (123) while the other side is in contact with the friction pad (1330). The friction pad (1330) may be a different material having a higher frictional force than the material forming the exterior of the wireless charging device (100). Accordingly, the slide dial (1310) is connected to the housing (123) in a state of closer contact with the support member (130), so that the charging pad (110) may not slip due to the weight of the wearable device (200).

[0074] FIG. 11 illustrates a state in which a wearable device (200) is attached to a charging pad (110). The main body (210) of the wearable device (200) includes a receiving coil assembly (210) comprising a magnet and a receiving coil, and the main body (210) can be fixed in an aligned state by the receiving coil assembly (210) and the magnet (115) included in the charging pad (110). When the wearable device (200) is attached to the charging pad (110), the rotating member (130) may be tilted at a certain angle according to the torque caused by the center of gravity of the strap (230) (a state in which the wearable device (200) is lifted and not seated on the support member (150).

[0075] In one embodiment, the charging pad (110) combined with the wearable device (200) can be moved according to the movement of the slide dial (1310). The user can adjust the handle of the slide dial (1310) up and down. The user can fix the slide dial (1310) by confirming that one end of the main body (210) and one end of the strap (230) are in contact with the support member. When both one end of the main body (210) and one end of the strap (230) are in contact with the support member (150), a state of structural equilibrium is achieved so that misalignment of the main body (210) with respect to the charging pad (110) does not occur even due to external impact.

[0076] Meanwhile, the detailed structure and operation of a mechanical wireless charging device equipped with an elastic member or a slide dial have been described above. Below, an automatic (electronic) wireless charging device composed of a gear-motor will be described.

[0077] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a gear-motor type wireless charging device, FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a gear-motor type wireless charging device, and FIG. 14 illustrates the state when a wearable device is mounted on the gear-motor type wireless charging device.

[0078] In one embodiment, the wireless charging device (100) may include a circular gear (1351, pinion gear) and a linear gear (1353, rack gear). The circular gear (1351) receives power directly from the motor (1350) and meshes with the linear gear (1353) to convert the rotational motion of the circular gear (1351) into the linear motion of the linear gear (1353). The motor (1350), the circular gear (1351), and the linear gear (1353) may be provided inside a support member (130).

[0079] Referring to FIG. 13, a charging pad (110) according to one embodiment is inserted into the interior of a support member (130) and may include a linear gear (1353) for engaging with a circular gear (1531). The circular gear (1351) may be provided together with a motor (1350) inside the support member (130). Based on FIG. 13, when the circular gear (1353) rotates clockwise, the charging pad (110) descends according to the movement of the linear gear (1353). Conversely, when the circular gear (1353) rotates counterclockwise, the charging pad (110) ascends according to the movement of the linear gear (1353).

[0080] In one embodiment, the motor (1350) may receive power from a power control module (control circuit, 1500 in FIG. 4). Additionally, the motor (1350) may operate according to a control signal from the power control module (1500). The motor (1350) may rotate a circular gear (1351) according to the power and control signal provided from the power control module (1500) through the wiring (125).

[0081] The interior of the charging pad (110) may include a transmitting coil (113) for wireless charging and a magnet (115) for alignment with the wearable device (200) during wireless charging. A wireless charging device (100) according to one embodiment may transmit power to the transmitting coil (113) for charging and transmit power to the motor (1350) to rotate the circular gear (1351) when the wearable device (200) is placed on the charging pad (110).

[0082] In one embodiment, the power control module (1500) may include a power source (151), a processor (153), a memory (155), and a sensor (157). Each component included in the power control module (1500) may be provided inside a support member (1500) as illustrated, or may be distributed and arranged on a charging pad (110) or a support member (130).

[0083] According to one embodiment, the support member (130) may be provided to be rotatable relative to the support member (150) in a direction opposite to the charging pad (110) while being vertically coupled to the upper part of the support member (150). The lower part of the support member (130) may be implemented in various rotatable structures. In the gear-motor type, the lower part of the support member (130) and the upper part of the support member (150) may be connected by a second elastic member (S2, FIG. 5 and 6) according to FIG. 6. That is, the present embodiment can be seen as having replaced the first elastic member (S1, FIG. 5 and 6) or the slide dial (Fig. 9) with a gear-motor.

[0084] In one embodiment, when the charging pad (110) is in an initial position (highest position), and the wearable device (200) is mounted on the charging pad (110), the support member (130) tilts toward the rear of the support member (130) due to the center of gravity shifted to one side. At this time, it can be maintained in a state where it does not completely fall over by the second elastic member (S2). At this time, the wearable device (200) remains in a lifted state relative to the support member (150).

[0085] In one embodiment, when the wearable device (200) is lifted off the support member (150), the power control module (1500) can control the motor (1350) so that one end of the main body (210) and one end of the strap (230) are seated on the support member (150).

[0086] In one embodiment, the power control module (1500) may include at least one sensor. The at least one sensor may include a proximity sensor that detects when a wearable device (200) is mounted on a charging pad (110). Additionally, the at least one sensor may include a power sensor that measures power supplied to a motor (1350). The power sensor may be used to measure power consumption, flow, or change when a wearable device (200) is attached to the charging pad (110). The power sensor may measure each power value by distinguishing between current for charging and current for driving the motor. The at least one sensor may include a Near Field Communication (NFC) reader that acquires device information of the wearable device (200). A wireless charging device (100) according to one embodiment can obtain device information through an NFC tag included in the wearable device (200) when the wearable device (200) is less than a certain distance from the charging pad (110).

[0087] In one embodiment, the power control module (1500) may include a memory (155). It may store movement information corresponding to device information. Refer to FIG. 15 for an example of movement information.

[0088] Referring to FIG. 15, movement information may include movement distance and angle. The movement distance of the charging pad (110) and the rotation angle of the support member (130) may be determined by the size factor of the wearable device (200). Accordingly, a memory (155) according to one embodiment stores movement information considering the size characteristics of the wearable device, and when the wearable device (200) is mounted on the charging pad (110), the movement distance of the charging pad (110) can be determined based on the movement information. At this time, according to one embodiment, a processor (153) can control the motor (1350) based on the determined movement distance.

[0089] FIG. 16 is a flowchart (1600) of an operation method of a wireless charging device according to one embodiment.

[0090] A wireless charging device (100) according to one embodiment can detect a wearable device (1601).

[0091] A wireless charging device (100) according to one embodiment requests device information from a wearable device (1603) and can check whether movement information corresponding to the wearable device (200) exists in the memory (155) (1605). A processor (153) according to one embodiment can obtain device information provided by the wearable device (200) from at least one sensor when the wearable device (200) is mounted on the charging pad (110).

[0092] According to one embodiment, if device information corresponding to a wearable device (200) exists in memory (155), the wireless charging device (100) can move the charging pad (110) and / or support member (130) based on the movement information stored in memory (155) (1607). Specifically, the wireless charging device (100) can lower the charging pad (110) by driving the motor (1350) and can rotate the rotating member (130) at a certain angle using the weight of the strap (230).

[0093] A wireless charging device (100) according to one embodiment can control the operation of a motor (1350) without relying on movement information stored in a memory (155). For example, the wireless charging device (100) can detect a load on the motor (1350) and control the operation of the motor (1350). The downward movement of the charging pad (110) is limited to when one end of the main body (210) and one end of the strap (230) come into contact with the support member (150). At this time, if the motor (1350) continues to operate while the one end of the main body (210) and one end of the strap (230) are in contact with the support member (150), the load on the motor (1350) becomes relatively high. A wireless charging device (100) according to one embodiment can stop the movement of the charging pad (110) based on a change in the load of the motor (1350).

[0094] Meanwhile, a wireless charging device (100) according to one embodiment may not be able to obtain device information from a wearable device (200). For example, if the wearable device (200) is a product of a different company than the wireless charging device (100) or is a product released after the wireless charging device (100) was manufactured, device information may not exist in the wireless charging device (100).

[0095] According to one embodiment, the wireless charging device (100) can maintain the charging pad (110) and the support member (130) at their initial values ​​(1609) if there is no device information corresponding to the wearable device (200) in the memory (155). For example, the wireless charging device (100) can maintain a stationary state without driving the motor (1350). According to one embodiment, if there is no device information corresponding to the wearable device (200) in the memory (155), the wireless charging device (100) can drive the motor (1350) to move the charging pad (110) and stop the movement of the charging pad (110) based on the load change of the motor (1350).

[0096] Meanwhile, according to one embodiment, if the wireless charging device (100) does not have device information corresponding to the wearable device (200) in memory (155), it may provide a notification to the user. This is to give the user the opportunity to move the charging pad (110) directly. The notification may be implemented as sound or vibration by equipping the wireless charging device (100) with a sticker or haptic device.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the wireless charging device (100) may receive slide dial operation from the user (1611). This case corresponds to an example of switching by a manual method, as there is no device information corresponding to the wearable device (200) in the memory (155). In this embodiment, the mechanical means for moving the charging pad (110) is assumed to be equipped with a slide dial (1310 of FIG. 9) together with a circular gear (1351) / linear gear (1353).

[0098] In one embodiment, the wireless charging device may include a base member, a support member arranged to be rotatable with respect to the base member in a first direction while being vertically coupled to the upper part of the base member, and a charging pad arranged to be movable in a direction parallel to the support member while facing a second direction opposite to the first direction and coupled to one side of the support member. The charging pad may include a housing that accommodates a coil that transmits power to a wearable device and a magnet disposed between the coils.

[0099] In one embodiment, the wireless charging device may further include a first elastic member. In one embodiment, the support member may include a first fixing member for fixing the upper end of the first elastic member at the upper side inside. In one embodiment, the charging pad is inserted inside the support member and may include a second fixing member for fixing the lower end of the first elastic member.

[0100] In one embodiment, the wireless charging device may further include a second elastic member. In one embodiment, the support member may include a third fixing member for fixing one end of the second elastic member on one side inside. In one embodiment, the support member may include a fourth fixing member for fixing the other end of the second elastic member.

[0101] In one embodiment, the wearable device may include a main body and a strap connected to the main body. In one embodiment, the charging pad may descend in the direction of the support member until one end of the main body contacts the support member due to the weight of the wearable device while the main body is attached by a magnet placed between the coils.

[0102] In one embodiment, the support member can rotate until one end of the strap contacts the support member due to the weight of the strap while the main body is attached by a magnet placed between the coils.

[0103] In one embodiment, the charging pad may include a housing that forms the outer surface of the charging pad and includes a recess that can be coupled with a protrusion of a wearable device.

[0104] In one embodiment, the support member is coupled with a slide dial comprising a hole formed that is movable in a vertical direction, a projection inserted into the hole to be movable along the hole, and a handle provided opposite the projection, and the projection may be coupled to the rear surface of the housing across the hole.

[0105] In one embodiment, the support member may be provided with a friction pad attached to an area surrounding the hole, and arranged so that the friction pad and the opposite side of the handle come into contact.

[0106] In one embodiment, the support member may include a circular gear that is fixed to an inner surface and can rotate. In one embodiment, the charging pad is inserted into the interior of the support member and includes a linear gear extending from the rear of the housing, and the linear gear is coupled to a position that meshes with the circular gear so that it can descend in the direction of the support member until one end of the main body of the wearable device comes into contact with the support member.

[0107] In one embodiment, the wireless charging device may further include a motor that provides power to a circular gear.

[0108] In one embodiment, the wireless charging device may further include a first sensor that detects that a wearable device is mounted on a charging pad, a second sensor that measures power supplied to a motor, at least one processor; and a memory that stores instructions executable by at least one processor. Instructions according to one embodiment allow the wireless charging device to: drive a motor when it detects that a wearable device is mounted through the first sensor, measure power supplied to the motor through the second sensor while the motor is driven, and stop driving the motor when the measured power is greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0109] In one embodiment, the wireless charging device may further include a first sensor that detects that a wearable device is mounted on a charging pad and a memory that stores instructions executable by at least one processor. The first sensor according to one embodiment may include an NFC reader that acquires device information of the wearable device. The memory according to one embodiment may store movement information corresponding to the device information. The instructions according to one embodiment may cause the wireless charging device to: detect that a wearable device is mounted on a charging pad through the first sensor, and drive a motor to lower the charging pad based on the movement information stored in the memory.

[0110] In one embodiment, the support member is coupled with a slide dial comprising a hole formed that is movable in a vertical direction, a projection inserted into the hole to be movable along the hole, and a handle provided opposite the projection, and the projection may be coupled to the rear surface of the housing across the hole.

[0111] Instructions according to one embodiment allow a wireless charging device to: check if there is movement information corresponding to the wearable device in memory when the wearable device is mounted on the charging pad, and if there is movement information corresponding to the wearable device in memory, drive a motor.

[0112] Instructions according to one embodiment allow a wireless charging device to: provide a notification without driving a motor if there is no movement information corresponding to a wearable device in memory.

[0113] The various 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" may each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as "first," "second," or "first" or "second" may be used simply to distinguish 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.

[0114] The term “module” as used in the various embodiments of this document may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit, 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).

[0115] Various embodiments of this document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory or external memory) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device). For example, a processor (e.g., a processor) of the machine (e.g., an electronic device) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored from the storage medium and execute it. This enables the machine to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code 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-transitory" simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily in the storage medium.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various 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 an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM It can be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through ) 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.

[0117] According to various embodiments, 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 various embodiments, 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 various embodiments, 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 device for wirelessly transmitting power to a wearable device, Support member; A support member provided to be rotatable with respect to the support member in a first direction while being vertically coupled to the upper part of the support member; It includes a charging pad that faces a second direction opposite to the first direction and is configured to move in a direction parallel to the support member while coupled to one side of the support member, and The above charging pad is, A wireless charging device comprising a housing that accommodates a coil for transmitting power to the wearable device and a magnet disposed between the coils.

2. In Paragraph 1, further comprising a first elastic member; and The above support member is, It includes a first fixing member for fixing the upper end of the first elastic member at the upper side of the interior, and The above charging pad is, A wireless charging device comprising a second fixing member inserted inside the support member and for fixing the lower end of the first elastic member.

3. In Paragraph 2, It further includes a second elastic member; and The above support member is, It includes a third fixing member for fixing one end of the second elastic member on one side of the interior, and The above support member is, A wireless charging device comprising a fourth fixing member for fixing the other end of the second elastic member.

4. In Paragraph 1, The above-mentioned wearable device is, It includes a main body and a strap connected to the main body, The above charging pad is, With the main body attached by a magnet placed between the coils: A wireless charging device that descends in the direction of a support member until one end of the main body contacts the support member due to the weight of the wearable device.

5. In Paragraph 4, The above support member is, With the main body attached by a magnet placed between the coils: A wireless charging device that rotates until one end of the strap contacts the support member due to the weight of the strap.

6. In Paragraph 1, The above charging pad is, A wireless charging device comprising a housing that forms the exterior of the charging pad and includes a recess capable of being coupled with a protrusion of the wearable device.

7. In Paragraph 6, The above support member is, A wireless charging device having a vertically movable hole formed therein, coupled with a slide dial comprising a projection inserted into the hole to be movable along the hole and a handle provided opposite to the projection, wherein the projection is coupled to the rear surface of the housing across the hole.

8. In Paragraph 7, The above support member is, A wireless charging device in which a friction pad is attached to an area surrounding the hole, and the friction pad is arranged to come into contact with the opposite side of the handle.

9. In Paragraph 1, The above support member is, It includes a circular gear fixed to an inner surface and capable of rotation, and The above charging pad is, A wireless charging device that includes a straight gear inserted inside the support member and extending from the rear of the housing, wherein the straight gear is coupled to a position where it meshes with the circular gear, thereby descending in the direction of the support member until one end of the main body of the wearable device contacts the support member together with the wearable device.

10. In Paragraph 9, A wireless charging device further comprising a motor that provides power to the above-mentioned circular gear.

11. In Paragraph 10, A first sensor that detects that the wearable device is mounted on the charging pad; A second sensor for measuring power supplied to the above motor; At least one processor; and It further includes a memory for storing instructions executable by at least one processor, and The above instructions cause the wireless charging device to: When the wearable device is detected to be mounted through the first sensor, the motor is driven, and While the above motor is being driven, the power supplied to the motor is measured through the second sensor, and A wireless charging device that stops the operation of the motor when the measured power is greater than a predetermined threshold.

12. In Paragraph 11, A first sensor that detects that the wearable device is mounted on the charging pad; It further includes a memory for storing instructions executable by at least one processor, and The first sensor above is, It includes an NFC reader that acquires device information of the above-mentioned wearable device, and The above memory is, Storing movement information corresponding to the above device information, and The above instructions cause the wireless charging device to: Detecting that the wearable device is mounted on the charging pad through the first sensor, A wireless charging device that drives the motor to lower the charging pad based on movement information stored in the memory.

13. In Paragraph 12, The above support member is, A wireless charging device having a vertically movable hole formed therein, coupled with a slide dial comprising a projection inserted into the hole to be movable along the hole and a handle provided opposite to the projection, wherein the projection is coupled to the rear surface of the housing across the hole.

14. In Paragraph 13, The above instructions cause the wireless charging device to: When the above-mentioned wearable device is mounted on the above-mentioned charging pad, check if there is movement information corresponding to the above-mentioned wearable device in the memory, and A wireless charging device that drives the motor when there is movement information corresponding to the wearable device in the memory.

15. In Paragraph 14, The above instructions cause the wireless charging device to: A wireless charging device that provides a notification without driving the motor if there is no movement information corresponding to the wearable device in the memory.

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