Device for wireless charging having a plurality of wireless charging protocols

• US 9,472,963 B2
• Filed: 02/06/2013
• Issued: 10/18/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 02/06/2013
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Van Wiemeersch, John Robert, Hrecznyj, Michael
• Primary Examiner(s): Chiang, Jack
• Assistant Examiner(s): Bowers, Brandon
• Application Number:
  US13/760,514
• Publication Number:
  US 20140217965A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,350 Days
• Field of Search: 716/108, 320/108
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/10 using inductive coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/70 involving the reduction of electric, magnetic or electromagnetic leakage fields
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/90 involving detection or optimisation of position, e.g. alignment
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00302 Overcharge protection
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0044 specially adapted for holding portable devices containing batteries H02J7/0045 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/02 for charging batteries from ac mains by converters
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 5/24 Inductive coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 5/79 for data transfer in combination with power transfer

Abstract

A receiver device configured to connect to a chargeable device, including an inductive region including at least one receiver coil for receiving magnetic flux from an inductive charging system. Additionally the receiver device includes a conductive region having contacts for receiving wireless electric power from a conductive charging system. In addition, the receiver device includes a connector for transferring wireless power received from the inductive or conductive charging system to the chargeable device in order to charge the chargeable device.

Claims

1. A receiver device configured to charge a chargeable device, comprising:

an inductive region comprising a receiver coil for receiving magnetic flux from an inductive charging system; and

a conductive region comprising a first and a second plurality of contacts, the first and second plurality of contacts configured for receiving wireless electric power from a conductive charging system, wherein the first and second plurality of contacts are positioned on opposite sides of the inductive region and wherein an asymmetry in the number of contacts on a surface exists across a lengthwise centerline of the chargeable device.

2. The receiver device of claim 1 further comprising:

a connector for transferring the wireless power received from the inductive or conductive charging system to the chargeable device to charge the chargeable device.

3. The receiver device of claim 1 further comprising:

a voltage regulator for regulating an amount of power transferred from the receiver device to the chargeable device.

4. The receiver device of claim 3 further comprising:

a diode at the output of the voltage regulator to prevent reverse current flow.

5. The receiver device of claim 1, wherein the first and second plurality of contacts are positioned proximate opposite ends of the receiver device.

6. The receiver device of claim 1, wherein the contacts are connectorless.

7. The receiver device of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of contacts includes at least three contacts.

8. The receiver device of claim 1, wherein the first plurality of contacts forms a scalene triangle.

9. The receiver device of claim 1 further comprising:

a plurality of magnets to increase force applied by the contacts to a surface of the conductive or inductive charging system.

10. The receiver device of claim 9, wherein the magnets are located substantially in close proximity to the perimeter of the receiver device and away from the receiver coil.

11. The receiver device of claim 1, further comprising:

circuitry capable of converting output power of an inductive or conductive wireless charging system to a standard power level or range required to charge the chargeable device.

12. The receiver device of claim 1, wherein the contacts are configured in a non-equilateral pattern in order to ensure charging of the chargeable device independent of orientation and location of the chargeable device in relation to the conductive charging system.

13. The receiver device of claim 1 further comprising:

an inductive rectification module configured to generate an output voltage based upon said magnetic flux received by the inductive charging system.

14. The receiver device of claim 13, wherein the inductive rectification module sends the output voltage to a voltage regulator for regulating the amount of power transferred to the chargeable device.

15. The receiver device of claim 1, wherein the contacts protrude from the receiver device.

16. The receiver device of claim 1, further comprising:

a case formed to substantially fit and attach onto the chargeable device.

17. The receiver device of claim 1 further comprising:

circuitry to ensure charging of the chargeable device is independent of orientation and location of the chargeable device in relation to the conductive charging system.

18. The receiver device of claim 17, wherein the circuitry includes a module which is capable of converting output power received by the contacts from the conductive wireless charging system to a predetermined power level.

19. A sleeve configured to charge a chargeable device, comprising:

an inductive region for receiving wireless electric power; and

a conductive region comprising a first and a second plurality of contacts for receiving power from a conductive charging system, wherein the first and second plurality of contacts are positioned proximate opposite ends of the chargeable device and wherein an asymmetry in the number of contacts on a surface exists across a lengthwise centerline of the chargeable device.

20. The sleeve of claim 19, wherein the inductive region comprises at least one receiver coil receiving magnetic flux from an inductive charging system.