Cellular telephone battery recharging apparatus

• US 20060028176A1
• Filed: 07/22/2004
• Published: 02/09/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 07/22/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Lear Corporation
• Original Assignee: Lear Corporation
• Inventors: Ghabra, Riad, Tang, Qingfeng
• Application Number:
  US10/896,805
• Publication Number:
  US 20060028176A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 320/114
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 50/10 using inductive coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00036 Charger exchanging data with battery
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00047 with provisions for charging different types of batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0042 characterised by the mechanical construction
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/0044 specially adapted for holding portable devices containing batteries H02J7/0045 takes precedence

Abstract

A cellular telephone communication apparatus rechargeable by an exterior power source comprises a housing that includes a rechargeable battery. A secondary inductive coil disposed in the housing is excited by the exterior power source. A control circuit disposed in the housing is electrically connected between the secondary inductive coil and the rechargeable battery for controlling energy flow to the rechargeable battery. A transmitter disposed in the housing is activated for transmitting an identification signal. The identification signal identifies a particular rechargeable battery for recharging.

Claims

1. A cellular telephone communication apparatus rechargeable by an exterior power source, the apparatus comprising:

a housing including a rechargeable battery;

a secondary inductive coil disposed in said housing excited by said exterior power source;

a control circuit disposed in said housing and electrically connected between said secondary inductive coil and said rechargeable battery for controlling energy flow to said rechargeable battery; and

a transmitter disposed in said housing wherein said transmitter is activated for transmitting an identification signal, said identification signal identifying a particular rechargeable battery for recharging.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said transmitter is comprised of a transponder.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said transmitter transmits said identification signal for activating at least one vehicle passive entry function.

4. A portable convenience system comprising:

a recharging port including an exterior power source, said port mounted in a vehicle; and

a portable electronic device for performing a user convenience function, said portable electronic device including a rechargeable battery pack comprising;

a rechargeable battery disposed in said battery pack;

a secondary inductive coil disposed in said battery pack that is excited by said exterior power source;

a control circuit electrically connected between said secondary inductive coil and said rechargeable battery for controlling energy flow to said rechargeable battery; and

a transmitter for transmitting identification signals;

wherein said recharging port further includes a sensing circuit for receiving said identification signals from said transmitter, said identification signal identifying a particular rechargeable battery for recharging.

5. The system of claim 4 wherein said portable electronic device includes a cellular telephone.

6. The system of claim 4 wherein said transmitter includes a transponder energized by said exterior power source.

7. The system of claim 4 wherein said exterior power source includes a self-contained power source.

8. The system of claim 4 wherein said exterior power source includes a primary inductive coil disposed in said recharging port.

9. The system of claim 4 wherein said transmitter transmits said identification signal for activating at least one passive entry function in conjunction with said vehicle.

10. A vehicle convenience system comprising:

a vehicle including an interior compartment;

a recharging port including an exterior power source, said recharging port mounted in said interior compartment of said vehicle;

a sensing circuit disposed in said vehicle; and

wherein said recharging port is adaptable to receive a portable electronic device, wherein said sensing circuit receives an identification signal identifying said portable electronic device as compatible for recharging, said recharging port recharges said portable electronic device in response to said identification signal.

11. The vehicle system of claim 10 wherein said portable electronic device includes a cellular telephone.

12. The vehicle system of claim 10 wherein said sensing circuit is disposed in said recharging port.

13. The vehicle system of claim 10 further comprising an electronic control module, said electronic control module receives said identification signal for activating a vehicle passive entry function.

14. A method of recharging a rechargeable battery pack within a cellular telephone from a power source exterior to said rechargeable battery pack within a vehicle, said method comprising the steps of:

providing a housing disposed in said cellular telephone which includes a rechargeable battery, a secondary inductive coil, a control circuit, and a transmitter;

energizing said transmitter in response to a user action to broadcast an identification signal;

exciting said secondary inductive coil disposed in said housing by said exterior power source in response to said identification signal; and

controlling the flow of energy to said at least one rechargeable battery from said secondary inductive coil.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein said identification signal identifies a particular rechargeable battery for recharging.

16. The method of claim 14 wherein a sensing circuit senses receives said identification signal identifying said rechargeable battery pack.

17. The method of claim 14 wherein said identification signal is received by an electronic control module for determining whether a passive entry function should be activated for allowing access to a vehicle.

18. The method of claim 17 wherein said passive entry function includes a vehicle door unlock function for unlocking a vehicle door.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein said passive entry function includes an engine start function deactivating engine immobilizer.

20. The method of claim 14 wherein said transmitter is energized by said exterior power source.