U.S. patent number 7,180,265 [Application Number 10/694,638] was granted by the patent office on 2007-02-20 for charging device with an induction coil.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Nokia Corporation. Invention is credited to Matti Naskali, Tetsuya Yamamoto.
United States Patent |
7,180,265 |
Naskali , et al. |
February 20, 2007 |
**Please see images for:
( Certificate of Correction ) ** |
Charging device with an induction coil
Abstract
A charging device including a battery; a first induction coil
coupled to the battery; and an induction core extending through the
first induction coil. The induction core has a portion which
extends in an outward direction from the charging device and is
adapted to removably couple with a second induction coil of a
portable electronic device by extending into the second induction
coil.
Inventors: |
Naskali; Matti (Tokyo,
JP), Yamamoto; Tetsuya (Chiba-ken, JP) |
Assignee: |
Nokia Corporation (Espoo,
FI)
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Family
ID: |
34509320 |
Appl.
No.: |
10/694,638 |
Filed: |
October 27, 2003 |
Prior Publication Data
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Document
Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20040145343 A1 |
Jul 29, 2004 |
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Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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09894883 |
Jun 29, 2001 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
320/108 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J
7/0027 (20130101); H04M 1/04 (20130101); H02J
7/025 (20130101); H02J 7/02 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H01M
10/46 (20060101) |
Field of
Search: |
;320/107,108,111,114,115 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Tso; Edward H.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Harrington & Smith, PC
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
This is a continuation-in-part patent application of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/894,883 filed on Jun. 29, 2001 which is
hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A charging device comprising: a battery; a first induction coil
coupled to the battery; and an induction core extending through the
first induction coil, wherein the induction core has a portion
which extends in an outward direction trout the charging device and
is adapted to removably couple with a second induction coil of a
portable electronic device by extending into the second induction
coil.
2. A charging device as in claim 1 wherein the portion of the
induction core comprises a movable charging clamp section.
3. A charging device as in claim 1 wherein the portion of the
induction core comprises a movable cantilevered section.
4. A charging device as in claim 1 wherein the charging device does
not comprise an electrical connector with electrical contacts for
connection to an external power source.
5. A charging device as in claim 1 wherein the battery comprises a
rechargeable battery, and the induction core is adapted to induce
current in the first induction coil to charge the rechargeable
battery.
6. A charging device as in claim 1 wherein the battery comprises a
rechargeable battery, and the charging device comprises two systems
for charging the rechargeable battery, a first one of the two
systems comprising the induction core for inducing a current in the
first induction coil for recharging the battery, and a second one
of the systems comprises an electrical connector connected to a
housing of the charging device and electrically coupled to the
rechargeable battery.
7. A charging device as in claim 1 further comprising a switch
connected between the battery and the first induction coil for
controlling whether the battery is charged or whether the battery
is allowed to discharge.
8. A charging device as in claim 7 further comprising a DC/AC
converter coupled between the battery and the switch.
9. A charging device as in claim 1 wherein the portion of the
induction core is pivotably movable relative to a housing of the
charging device.
10. A charging system for a portable electronic device comprising:
a charging device as in claim 1; and a first battery charger
comprising a plug adapted to be connected to an electrical outlet
and an induction loop section having a hole adapted to receive the
induction core in the hole, wherein the induction loop section is
located on the portion of the induction core.
11. A charging system as in claim 10 further comprising a second
battery charger comprising a plug adapted to be connected to an
electrical outlet and an electrical connector adapted to be
connected to an electrical connector of the charging device to
thereby couple the battery to the second battery charger.
12. A method of charging a portable electronic device comprising
steps of: charging a first rechargeable battery in a first charging
device, the charging device comprising a first induction coil
coupled to the battery and an induction core extending through the
first induction coil; and coupling a second induction coil of the
portable electronic device to the induction core such that the
induction core is located in the second induction coil. wherein the
first battery of the charging device can charge a second
rechargeable battery in the portable electronic device by induction
through the single induction core.
13. A method as in claim 12 wherein the step of charging the first
battery comprises connecting a second charging device to the first
charging device, the second charging device comprising a third
induction coil which is located onto the induction core, the third
induction coil being connected to an electrical plug which is
adapted to be connected to an electrical outlet.
14. A method as in claim 12 wherein the step of coupling the second
induction coil of the portable electronic device to the induction
core comprises locating a support loop on the portable electronic
device on a cantilevered portion of the induction core.
15. A method as in claim 14 wherein the step of locating the
support loop on the cantilevered portion of the induction core
comprises moving the cantilevered portion of the induction core
from a first open position to a second closed position relative to
a housing of the first charging device.
16. A method as in claim 15 wherein the step of moving the
cantilevered portion comprises the cantilevered portion of forming
a charging clamp which is adapted to clamp the support loop to the
first charging device at the second closed position.
17. A portable electronic device comprising: a housing having a
housing support loop extending outward from the housing, the
support loop being adapted to support the housing by suspension on
another member; a rechargeable battery located in the housing; and
a signal indicator extending along an elongated length of the
support loop, wherein the signal indicator is adapted to visually
signal at least one characteristic of the portable electronic
device.
18. A portable electronic device as in claim 17 further comprising
an induction coil connected to the battery, the induction coil
extending through the support loop with a hole of the support loop
being located in a center path of the induction coil.
19. A portable electronic device as in claim 17 wherein the at
least one characteristic comprises a charge level of the
battery.
20. A portable electronic device as in claim 17 wherein the at
least one characteristic comprises a charging state of the
battery.
21. A portable electronic device as in claim 17 wherein the signal
indicator is adapted to indicate the at least one characteristic by
a color or a shading change of the signal indicator.
22. A portable electronic device as in claim 17 wherein the support
loop comprises a wrist strap.
23. A portable electronic device as in claim 17 further comprising
a switch on the housing which is adapted to actuate the signal
indicator.
24. A portable electronic device as in claim 17 further comprising
means for automatically activating the signal indicator upon a
predetermined event.
25. A battery charger comprising: a plug adapted to be connected to
an electrical outlet; and an induction loop section having a hole
adapted to receive an induction core of a device to be charged, the
induction loop section having an induction coil coupled to the
plug, wherein a center path of the induction coil is located at the
hole of the induction loop section, and wherein the induction loop
section is adapted to be removably placed on the induction core and
surround a portion of the induction core to allow the induction
coil to induce current in the induction core.
26. A battery charger as in claim 25 wherein the induction loop
section comprises a flexible strap with the hole being a hole
surrounded by the strap.
27. A battery charger comprising: an induction coil; an induction
core extending through a center channel of the induction coil, the
induction core comprising a portion extending out of the center
channel a predetermined distance; a power feed section connected to
the induction coil for supplying the induction coil with AC
voltage; and a housing surrounding the induction coil and the
induction core, the housing comprising a first section adapted to
be fixedly stationarily attached to a substantially vertical
mounting surface and a second section extending outward from the
first section, wherein the portion of the induction core extends at
least partially along the second section of the housing, wherein
the second section extends outward from the first section as a
general cantilever.
28. A battery charger as in claim 27 wherein the second section of
the housing comprises a general oval shape.
29. A battery charger as in claim 27 wherein the second section of
the housing comprises a general egg shape.
30. A battery charger as in claim 28 wherein the general egg shape
is vertically orientated and a back side of the general egg shape
is connected to the first section of the housing.
31. A battery charger as in claim 27 wherein the second section
comprises at least two cantilevered beam sections extending from a
connection section with the first section of the housing.
32. A battery charger as in claim 31 wherein the two cantilevered
beam sections extending in generally opposite directions from each
other.
33. A charging system for a portable electronic device comprising:
a charging device comprising: a rechargeable battery; a first
induction coil coupled to the battery; and an induction core
extending through the first induction coil, wherein the induction
core is adapted to removably couple with a second induction coil of
a portable electronic device by extending into the second induction
coil; and a first battery charger comprising a plug adapted to be
connected to an electrical outlet and an induction loop section
having a hole adapted to receive the induction core in the hole.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a charging system and, more
particularly, to a charging system for a portable electronic
device.
2. Brief Description of Prior Developments
The use of battery operated portable electronic devices has been
increasing, such as mobile telephones, PDAs, MP3 players, etc.
Problems associated with the discharge of batteries in portable
electronic devices has, thus, been increasing. Likewise, the need
to recharge batteries of portable electronic devices while away
from the home or office has increased. Battery charging trays which
use induction for charging batteries in portable electronic devices
are known in the art, such as devices offered for sale by
Splashpower Ltd. and MobileWise Inc. However, these types of
battery charging trays must be directly connected to an electrical
outlet or main, and have a relatively large footprint. A tray can
be difficult to carry, and not all portable electronic devices have
the necessary circuitry or chips to use these types of induction
trays. Another problem is a simple organization issue, such as
neatly organizing a family of different products, in a compact
manner, with a charging device.
FIG. 1 in the accompanying drawings shows a portable telephone 1
being charged by a contactless charging system, based upon
electromagnetic induction, which is known to exist in the prior
art. The portable telephone 1 includes a secondary side coil 2. The
charging system comprises a charger 3 which includes a primary side
coil 7. A user can set the portable telephone 1 on the housing of
the charger 3 as shown in the figure. The charger 3 can charge a
battery 8 in the portable telephone 1, such as when the portable
telephone has not been used for a long time or when the remaining
battery capacity of the battery in the portable telephone become
small.
With the prior art charging system shown in FIG. 1, a spacing 5 is
provided between the primary side coil 7 and the secondary side
coil 2. The charger 3 comprises a first induction core 6 located in
the primary side coil 7. The telephone 1 comprises a second
induction core 9 located in the secondary side coil 2. Because of
the spacing 5, the induction cores 6, 9 are spaced from each other.
Various problems exist with the prior art system shown in FIG. 1.
Both the portable telephone 1 and the charger 3 need to include a
separate core 6, 9 made of magnetic material, such as metal. The
weight and the size of the portable telephone 1 and the charger 3
is increased because each of these components require a separate
induction core. Since the primary side coil and the secondary side
coil are separate from each other, even a small deviation in the
relative position between the two coils can exert an influence on
charging efficiency. In the event a magnetic item, such as a coin
or an accessory article, is accidentally held or located in the
receiving area 4 of the charger 3, heat can be generated in the
magnetic item which can present a fire concern. The housing of the
charger 3 has a receiving area 4 for receiving a portion of the
portable telephone. The receiving area is sized and shaped for a
specific size and shape of portable telephone. Therefore, the
charger 3 is not adapted to allow a plurality of different sizes
and shapes of portable telephones or other portable electronic
devices, to be used with the charger.
There is a desire to allow induction charging of a battery in a
portable electronic device without increasing the weight and size
of the portable electronic device by having to include an induction
core in the device. There is also a desire to increase charging
efficiency in induction charging equipment by allowing larger
deviations in relative positioning between coils in a charger and
the portable electronic device. There is also a desire to reduce
the risk of generating heat in items accidentally located near the
charger. There is also a desire to provide a charger which is
adapted to accommodate different geometries, shapes or sizes of
portable electronic devices. There is a desire to provide a
portable charging device which can be used without a real time
connection with an electrical outlet or main. There is also a
desire to provide an improved charging system which is readily
adaptable to different charging configurations. There is also a
desire to provide a portable electronic device having an induction
charging loop which can be used for at least one other function,
such as a structural support loop for supporting the electronic
device in a hanging configuration, or such as being housed in
conjunction with a signal indicator adapted to visually signal at
least one characteristic of the portable electronic device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a charging
device is provided including a battery; a first induction coil
coupled to the battery; and an induction core extending through the
first induction coil. The induction core has a portion which
extends in an outward direction from the charging device and is
adapted to removably couple with a second induction coil of a
portable electronic device by extending into the second induction
coil.
In accordance with one method of the present invention, a method of
charging a portable electronic device is provided comprising steps
of charging a first rechargeable battery in a first charging
device, the charging device comprising a first induction coil
coupled to the battery and an induction core extending through the
first induction coil; and coupling a second induction coil of the
portable electronic device to the induction core such that the
induction core is located in the second induction coil. The first
battery of the charging device can charge a second rechargeable
battery in the portable electronic device by induction through the
single induction core.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a
portable electronic device is provided comprising a housing having
a housing support loop extending outward from the housing; a
rechargeable battery located in the housing; an induction coil
connected to the battery; and a signal indicator. The induction
coil extends through the support loop with a hole of the support
loop being located in a center path of the induction coil. The
signal indicator extends along an elongated length of the support
loop. The signal indicator is adapted to visually signal at least
one characteristic of the portable electronic device.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a
battery charger is provided comprising a plug adapted to be
connected to an electrical outlet; and an induction loop section
having a hole adapted to receive an induction core of a device to
be charged. The induction loop section has an induction coil
coupled to the plug. A center path of the induction coil is located
at the hole of the induction loop section. The induction loop
section is adapted to be removably placed on the induction core and
surround a portion of the induction core to allow the induction
coil to induce current in the induction core.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a
battery charger is provided comprising an induction coil; an
induction core extending through a center channel of the induction
coil, the induction core comprising a portion extending out of the
center channel a predetermined distance; a power feed section
connected to the induction coil for supplying the induction coil
with AC voltage; and a housing surrounding the induction coil and
the induction core. The housing comprises a first section adapted
to be stationarily attached to a mounting surface and a second
section extending from the first section in a general cantilevered
fashion. The portion of the induction core extends at least
partially along the second section of the housing.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a
charging system for a portable electronic device is provided
comprising a charging device and a first battery charger. The
charging device comprises a rechargeable battery; a first induction
coil coupled to the battery; and an induction core extending
through the first induction coil. The induction core is adapted to
removably couple with a second induction coil of a portable
electronic device by extending into the second induction coil. The
first battery charger comprises a plug adapted to be connected to
an electrical outlet and an induction loop section having a hole
adapted to receive the induction core in the hole.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The foregoing aspects and other features of the present invention
are explained in the following description, taken in connection
with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional system of a battery
charger stand used for charging a battery in a portable telephone
by induction;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a charging system incorporating
features of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of two components of the system shown
in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of a charging
system incorporating features of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of some of the components used in the
charging device shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 6 is a front view of the charging device shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 7 is a plan view of a second charging device for use with the
charging device shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 8 is a plan view of a conventional charging device which is
adapted to be used as a second charging device with the charging
system shown in FIG. 4;
FIG. 9 is a front view of the first and second charging devices
shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 operably coupled to each other;
FIG. 10 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the charging
system shown in FIG. 4 with the conventional charging device shown
in FIG. 8 attached as a secondary charging device to the primary
charging device;
FIG. 11 is a front view of three different types of portable
electronic devices which could be used separately or simultaneously
with the primary charging devices;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the
primary charging device incorporating features of the present
invention;
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the primary charging device shown
in FIG. 12 having a portable electronic device connected
thereto;
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of another alternate embodiment of
the primary charging device incorporating features of the present
invention, and showing two portable electronic devices connected to
the primary charging device;
FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a portable electronic device
having a signal indicator incorporating features of the present
invention; and
FIG. 16 is a diagrammatic view of the signal indicator used on the
flexible support of the portable electronic device shown in FIG.
15.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a perspective view of a
charging system 10 incorporating features of the present invention.
Although the present invention will be described with reference to
the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be
understood that the present invention can be embodied in many
alternate forms of embodiments. In addition, any suitable size,
shape or type of elements or materials could be used.
The charging system 10 is shown connected to a wall 12 erected
perpendicular to a floor 14 (the ground). In an alternate
embodiment, the charging system 10 could be connected to any
suitable component or surface. The charging system 10 generally
comprises a charging device 16 and at least one portable electronic
device 18. In the embodiment shown, the charging system 10 is shown
with two of the portable electronic devices 18 connected to the
charging device 16. In alternate embodiment, more or less than the
two portable electronic devices could be connected to the charging
device. The charging device could be configured to receive only one
portable electronic device at a time, or more than two portable
electronic devices at the same time. In the embodiment shown, the
first portable electronic device comprises a mobile telephone 20
and the second portable electronic device comprises a PDA 22.
However, in alternate embodiments, the portable electronic devices
could comprise any suitable type of portable electronic device
including, for example, a laptop computer, a hand-held game device,
or a digital camera.
Referring also to FIG. 3, the charging device 16 generally
comprises a main section 15 and a charging hook section 17. The
main section 15 generally comprises a housing 24, a primary side
coil 26, and a power feed portion 28. In the embodiment shown, the
housing 24 is shown attached to the wall 12. The housing 24 could
be attached to the wall 12 by any suitable fastening system, such
as screws or bolts for example. In an alternate embodiment, the
housing 24 could be adapted to be placed on a horizontal surface,
such as a desktop. In another alternate embodiment, the housing 24
could be attached, such as by adhesive, to a portion of an
automobile, such as a dashboard. The power feed portion 28 could
comprise an electrical connection with electrical wires running
through the wall 12. In an alternate embodiment, the power feed
portion 28 could comprise an electrical plug adapted to be
removably connected to an electrical outlet. In another alternate
embodiment, the power feed portion 28 could comprise an automobile
accessory electrical connector, such as an electrical connector
adapted to be inserted into a cigarette lighter connector. In the
embodiment shown, the power feed portion 28 is adapted to provide
an AC voltage.
The charging device 16 also comprises an induction core 30. In the
embodiment shown, the induction core 30 has a general elongated
shape. The induction core 30 comprises a first section 32 and a
second section 34. The induction core 30 is comprised of
ferromagnetic material, such as metal. The first section 32 of the
induction core 30 is located in the center path of the primary side
coil 26. The second section 34 extends out of the housing 24 in a
general cantilevered fashion. The second section 34 could be
covered with a suitable insulator.
The charging hook section 17 generally comprises the second section
34. The charging hook section 17 is adapted to support the portable
electronic devices 18 thereon. In an alternate embodiment, the
charging hook section 17 could comprise any suitable size or shape.
As shown in FIG. 2, each of the portable electronic devices 18
comprise a support loop 36. The portable electronic devices 18 are
adapted to be mounted on the second section 34 by locating the
support loops 36 on the second section 34. Thus, the portable
electronic devices 18 can be suspended from the second section 34
of the induction core 30. Because the housing 24 of the charging
device 16 is fixedly attached to the wall 12, the portable
electronic devices 18 can be suspended from the wall 12. The
portable electronic devices 18 can be removed from the charging
device 16 by merely sliding the support loops 36 off of the second
section 34 of the induction core 30.
Each of the portable electronic devices 18 comprise a battery 38
and a secondary side coil 40. The battery 38 comprises a
rechargeable battery. The rechargeable battery 38 could be
removably connected to the rest of the portable electronic device.
Alternatively, the rechargeable battery 38 might not be removable.
The secondary side coil 40 is located in the support loop 36. More
specifically, each support loop 36 comprises a hole 42. The
secondary side coil 40 comprises a center channel 44 which is
located at the hole 42. Thus, when the second section 34 of the
induction core 30 extends through the hole 42, the second section
34 also extends through the center channel 44 through the secondary
side coil 40. Thus, the induction core 30 penetrates through the
secondary side coil 40 as shown in FIG. 3. The support loop 36 of
the portable electronic device forms a charging arch. The secondary
side coil 40 exist in an annular space which is defined by the
charging arch shown in FIG. 2 and is contained within the arch.
As seen with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the portable electronic
devices 18 do not need to be inserted into the housing 24 of the
charging device 16. In fact, the portable electronic devices 18 can
be spaced apart from the housing 24. This is because the induction
core 30 extends out of the housing 24. The primary side coil, 26 is
connected with the power feed portion 28, and the induction core 30
is mounted inside the primary side coil 26. When the power feed
portion 28 provides an AC voltage, a magnetic flux is generated in
the induction core 30. A voltage is induced across the secondary
side coil 40 by the action of electromagnetic induction. Because
the secondary side coil 40 is connected to the rechargeable battery
38, the rechargeable battery 38 can be recharged. The portable
electronic device 18 can be supported on the charging hook section
17 for a predetermined time period, or any suitable time, for
recharging of the rechargeable battery in the portable electronic
device.
The embodiment described above has many various different
advantages. The portable electronic devices 18 can be made smaller
in size and lighter in weight than conventional induction recharged
portable devices. This is because the portable electronic devices
do not need a separate induction core for their secondary side
coils 40. The charging system comprises a single induction core 30
which is used for both the charging device 16 and one or more of
the portable electronic devices 18. The portable electronic device
18 is removably coupled with the single induction core 30. Thus,
when the portable electronic device 18 is removed from the
induction core 30, the portable electronic device is smaller and
more light weight because the induction core 30 is not
attached.
The single induction core 30 extends from the primary side coil 26
over to the secondary side coil 40. This provides a stable charging
efficiency which can be attained by hanging the portable electronic
device on the charging hook section 34. The portable electronic
devices can be relatively easily slid onto and slid off of the
cantilevered charging hook section 17. The location of the
induction core 30 inside the center channel 44 of the secondary
side loop 40 can be relatively precise. Thus, charging efficiency
can be relatively stable. Precise positioning of the portable
electronic device relative to the charger, such as in the
conventional embodiment shown in FIG. 1, is not needed because the
induction core 30 extends through the secondary side coil 40 of the
portable electronic device.
Because the charging device 16 does not comprise a cradle or
receiving area, such as the cradle receiving area 4 in the
conventional charger shown in FIG. 1, there is less likelihood that
the charging device 16 can heat a small piece of metal, such as a
coin. The charging device 16 does not comprise a receiving area
which could hold such a small piece of metal, such as a coin. Thus,
there is less risk of the charging device causing an accidental
fire.
The charging device 16 is adapted to be coupled with a plurality of
different types of portable electronic devices. As seen with
reference to FIG. 2, regardless of the overall size and shape of
the portable electronic devices 18, so long as the portable
electronic device comprises a support/charging loop, such as loops
36, the portable electronic device can be used with the charging
device 16. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the charging device 16
is adapted to provide a recharging function for more than one
portable electronic device at a time. Multiple portable electronic
devices can be recharged simultaneously.
As seen with reference to FIG. 2, the charging device 16 is adapted
to be attached to a wall 12. The space required for the charging
system can be reduced. The charging system 10 can have a smaller
footprint than conventional induction charging systems, such as
induction charging systems which comprise a tray.
With the present invention, conventional systems which employee
electrical contacts in a charging connection portion need not be
provided which requires the electrical contacts to contact the
portable electronic device. Therefore, the portable electronic
device can be waterproof. Additionally, or alternatively, problems
of such as corrosion of the charging connection portion can be
avoided.
The foregoing embodiment has been described with regard to charging
with a charging arch provided on the side of the portable
electronic device which is suspended by a hook shaped induction
core extending from the main section of the charging device. In an
alternate embodiment, charging may be performed in such a way that
a charger body is installed (or buried) with an induction core
extending upward, such as from a floor or desktop. In another
alternate embodiment, the main section 15 of the charging device 16
could be mounted inside the wall 12, or inside a desk or automobile
body.
In the embodiment described above, the system has been described as
including the primary side coil, the power feed portion and the
induction core as the constituent elements of the charging device.
In an alternate embodiment, the charging device could comprise
additional components. With the present invention, a charging
system can be provided which is capable of accommodating various
different types of portable electronic devices, including portable
electronic devices having different sizes and shapes, and attaining
a stable charging efficiency, regardless of the overall different
sizes or shapes of the portable electronic devices, so long as the
portable electronic devices are adapted to receive the second
section 34 of the induction core of the charging device.
With the present invention, a charging system can be provided which
comprises a charging device which includes an induction core
penetrating through a primary side coil, and a portable equipment
which includes an insertion portion containing a secondary side
coil and allowing the induction core to pass therethrough. A
charging device for a charging system can be provided which
includes an induction core penetrating through a primary side coil,
and a portable equipment which includes an insertion portion
containing a secondary side coil and allowing the induction core to
pass therethrough; the charging device comprising the primary side
coil, and a power feed portion. A portable equipment can be
provided comprising an insertion portion through which an induction
core of the charging device penetrates through a primary side coil
thereof and is allowed to pass, and in which a secondary side coil
for performing charging is contained. A charging system can be
provided which comprises a charging device which includes a hook
shaped induction core penetrating through a primary side coil, and
a portable a equipment which includes a charging arch containing a
secondary side coil and allowed to be suspensibly attached to the
induction core. A charging device can be provided for a charging
system having the charging device which includes a hook shaped
induction core penetrating through a primary side coil, and a
portable equipment which includes a charging arch containing a
secondary side coil and allowed to be suspendably attached to the
induction core, comprising a power feed portion, the secondary side
coil, and the hook shaped induction core. A portable equipment can
be provided comprising a charging arch which is allowed to be
suspendably attached to a hook shaped induction core of a charging
device as it penetrates through a primary side coil thereof and
which is provided at an end part of a body of the portable
equipment, and a secondary side coil which serves to perform
charging and which is contained in an annular space defined by the
charging arch and a part under the arch.
Referring now to FIG. 4, an alternate embodiment of a charging
system 50 incorporating features of the present invention is shown.
The charging system 50 generally comprises a charging device 52 and
a portable electronic device 54. The portable electronic device 54
can comprise any suitable type of device as mentioned above, such
as a mobile telephone, a PDA, a hand-held computer game, etc. The
portable electronic device 54 includes a housing 56, a rechargeable
battery 58, and a support loop 60. In the embodiment shown, the
support loop 60 comprises a wrist strap. The support loop 60 is
flexible to allow a user's hand to pass through the center hole 62
of the wrist strap. In an alternate embodiment, the support loop 60
could be rigid, such as the support loops 36 shown in FIG. 2. In
other alternate embodiment, the support loop 60 could have any
suitable type of strap configuration, such as a neck strap for
example. Referring also to FIG. 11, the charging device 52 can be
used with a variety of different sizes and shapes of portable
electronic devices 54, such as the devices 114, 116 and 118. The
support loops 60 for these various different portable electronic
devices could also comprise different sizes and shapes.
Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the portable electronic
device 54 comprises an induction coil 64 which extends through the
support loop 60. The center path of the induction coil 64 is
located at the hole 62 of the support loop 60; such as co-centered
or co-axial. The wrist strap forms an induction loop section having
the hole 62 adapted to receive an induction core of a battery
charger. The induction coil 64 is coupled to the rechargeable
battery 58 in the portable electronic device. Thus, the battery can
be recharged by current induced at the induction coil 64. In
addition to functioning as part of the battery recharging system
for the portable electronic device 54, the support loop 60 is also
adapted to support the housing 56, such as by suspension, on
another item, such as a user's wrist or on the charging device 52
as further described below. The portable electronic device could
also comprise a separate electrical connector 66 for directly
mechanically and electrically connecting the portable electronic
device to a battery charger having contacts. The connector 66 need
not be provided.
Referring also to FIGS. 5 6, the charging device 52 generally
comprises a housing 68, a rechargeable battery 70, a switch 72, a
DC/AC converter 74, an induction coil 76, and an induction core 78.
In an alternate embodiment, such as shown in FIG. 10 when the
charging device 52' is adapted to have its battery 70 recharged by
the conventional battery charger 82 shown in FIG. 8, the DC/AC
converter 74 might not be provided. In such an alternate
embodiment, the switch 72 also might not be provided. The charging
device 52 could also comprise an electrical connector 80 for
directly mechanically and electrically connecting the charging
device 52 to a battery charger having contacts 84, 86, such as a
conventional battery charger 82 shown in FIG. 8. However, the
electrical connector 80 might not be provided. For example, the
housing 68 could completely seal off the components located in the
housing. This type of a sealed charging device might be
particularly useful in applications such as camping, boating,
and/or in the environments which are particularly dirty or wet.
The induction core 78 comprises a first section 88 (see FIG. 5) and
a second section 90 (see FIG. 6). The first section 88 is located
in the center channel of the induction coil 76. The second section
90 extends out of the housing 68 in a general cantilevered fashion.
The second section 90 has a first end 92 which extends out of the
housing 68 and a second end 94. As seen in FIG. 6, the second
section 90 is movable relative to the housing 68 between a first
open position, in which the second end 94 is located spaced from
the housing 68, and a second closed position in which the second
end 94 is located against the housing 68. The second section 90 of
the induction core 78 could be pivotably attached to an end of the
first section 88.
If the movable joint between the first and second sections is
located inside or at a wall of the housing 68, the housing 68 will
preferably comprises a sealing structure, such as a rubber boot, to
provide a seal for the second section 90, but still allow the
second section 90 to be movable between its first and second
positions. If the movable joint is located outside of the housing
68, a sealing structure is preferably provided for the end of the
first section 88 at the exit from the housing 68. In an alternative
embodiment, the first and second sections 88, 90 might not be
movable relative to each other. With this type of alternate
embodiment, the induction coil 76 could be adapted to move inside
the housing 68 with the first section 88 when the second section 90
is moved between its first and second positions.
The second section 90 of the induction core 78 forms a clamp or
clasp for the charging device 52. As seen with reference to FIG. 4,
the second section 90 is sized and shaped to provide an open area
96 between the inner facing side of the second section 90 and the
outside surface of the housing 68. The second section 90 can be
moved by a user to its open position shown in FIG. 6. The user can
then insert a portion of the support loop 60 of the portable
electronic device 54 between the housing 68 and the second section
90. The user can then move the second section 90 from its open
position to its closed position shown in FIG. 4 to capture a
portion of the support loop 60 in the area 96. In an alternate
embodiment, any suitable type of movable connection between the
first and second sections 88, 90 could be provided. The outwardly
extending section 90 of the induction core 78 could comprise any
suitable type of shape and could be movable relative to the housing
68 in any suitable type of movement. In alternate embodiments,
alternate types of latching structures or supporting structures
which also function as portions of an induction core could also be
provided.
In a preferred embodiment, the charging device 52 comprises a
detent system 98 which is adapted to retain the second section 90
at either its open position or its closed position until positively
moved by a user. In an alternate embodiment, the charging device
could comprise a latch 100 adapted to engage the end 94 of the
second section 90.
As noted above, the first section 88 of the induction core 78
extends through the induction coil 76. The induction coil 76 is
connected to the switch 72. The switch 72 is coupled to the
terminals of the battery 70 and to the DC/AC converter 74. The
circuit shown in FIG. 5 is adapted to control the flow of
electricity either to the battery 70 from the coil 76, or from the
battery 70 to the coil 76. When current flows from the battery 70
to the coil 76, the current flows through the DC/AC converter 74 to
convert direct current into alternating current. In alternate
embodiments, the charging device 52 could comprise additional or
alternative components. For example, if the charging device 52
comprises the connector 80, the connector 80 is preferably coupled
to the battery 70 by the switch 72. The switch 72 could also be
adapted to provide current from the connector 80 directly to the
coil 76.
The charging device 52 is adapted to charge the rechargeable
battery 58 by power from the battery 70. The charging device 52
functions as a mother product which is adapted to charge batteries
in satellite products, such as the portable electronic device 54,
by use of an inductive loop. The satellite products can be totally
insulated, having no galvanic parts, such as electrical contacts
for recharging their rechargeable batteries. The battery 70 in the
charging device 52 is much larger than the battery 58 in the
portable electronic device. Thus, the charging device 52 can
provide the portable electronic device 54 with a plurality of
charges and/or can provide a plurality of portable electronic
devices with charges before the battery 70 in the charging device
52 needs to be recharged or replaced.
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4 6, the charging device 52 does
not comprise any externally located electrical contacts for
recharging the battery 72. However, the battery 72 can be recharged
while completely contained within the housing 68. Thus, the
charging device 52 can provide a completely non-galvanic portable
charger. Referring also to FIG. 7, a second charging device 102 is
shown which can be used to recharge the battery 70 of the charging
device 52. In this embodiment, the second charging device 102
generally comprises an electrical plug 104 connected by an
electrical cord 106 to an induction loop section 108. The
electrical plug 104 is adapted to be connected to an electrical
outlet or main.
The induction loop section 108 is substantially the same as the
support loop 60 of the portable electronic device 54. In
particular, the support loop 60 comprises a closed loop strap. The
induction loop section 108 is flexible to allow for compact storage
of the second charging device 102. In an alternate embodiment, the
induction loop section 108 could be rigid, such as the support
loops 36 shown in FIG. 2. In other alternate embodiments, the
induction loop section 108 could have any suitable type of strap
configuration.
Similar to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the induction
loop section 108 comprises an induction coil 110 which extends
through the induction loop section 108. The center path of the
induction coil 110 is located at the hole 112 of the induction loop
section 108; such as co-centered or co-axial. Referring also to
FIG. 9, the induction loop section 108 is adapted to receive a
portion of the second section 90 of the induction core 78 of a
battery charger 52. More specifically, the induction loop section
108 can be placed on the second section 90 of the induction core 78
when the second section 90 is in its open position. The user can
then move the second section 90 to its closed position. This
captures a portion of the induction loop section 108 between the
housing 68 and the second section 90. In an alternate embodiment,
the charger 52 could comprise a second induction core for the
induction loop section 108.
During recharging of the charging device 52, the charging device 52
can be charged by its inductive core 78. The clamp formed by the
second section 90 is clamped to the charger loop 108 which becomes
the primary coil of the charger system. The coil 76 of the charger
unit 52 acts as the secondary coil during this recharging mode.
However, the coil 76 of the charger unit acts as the primary coil
during recharging of the portable electronic devices by the
charging unit 52. Thus, the single coil 76 can function in two
different modes based upon whether the charging device 52 is being
charged or whether the charging device 52 is charging another
component.
The induction coil 64 is connected to the rechargeable battery 58
in the portable electronic device. Thus, the battery can be
recharged by current induced at the induction coil 64. In addition
to functioning as part of the battery recharging system for the
portable electronic device 54, the support loop 60 is also adapted
to support the housing 56, such as by suspension, on another item,
such as a user's wrist or on the charging device 52. The portable
electronic device could also comprise a separate electrical
connector 66 for directly mechanically and electrically connecting
the portable electronic device to a battery charger having
contacts. In a preferred embodiment, the induction loop section 108
of the second charging device 102 and the support loop 60 of at
least one portable electronic device 54 can both be attached at the
clasp 90 to the charging device 52 for charging both batteries 70,
58 at the same time.
Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, an alternate embodiment of the
present invention is shown. In this embodiment a charging device
120 is shown attached to a wall 12. The charging device 120
generally comprises a housing 122, an electrical connector 124, an
induction coil 126, and an induction core 128. The housing 122
generally comprises a first section 130 and a second section 132.
The first section 130 is stationarily attached to the wall 12, such
as by fasteners (not shown). The second section 132 extends outward
from the first section 130. In the embodiment shown, the second
section 132 comprises a general oval shape or general egg shape.
The general egg shape is vertically orientated with a back side of
the general egg shape being connected to the front side of the
first section 130 of the housing. In a preferred embodiment, the
second section 132 extends from the first section 130 in a general
cantilevered fashion.
In this embodiment, the induction coil 126 is located in the first
section 130. The induction core 128 extends through the induction
coil 126 in the first section 130 and extends out of the induction
coil a predetermined distance. The induction core 128 extends into
the second section 132. The electrical connector 124 forms a power
feed section which is connected to the induction coil 126 for
supplying the induction coil with AC voltage. The electrical
connector 124 is adapted to be connected to the contacts 84, 86 of
the conventional charger 82. In an alternate embodiment, the
charging device 120 could be attached to electrical wires inside
the wall 12. As seen in FIG. 13, the portable electronic device 54
can be attached to the charging device 120 by placing the support
loop 60 onto the second section 132 of the housing. The housing 122
functions similar to a coat hook on the wall 12. The contoured
design of the housing 122 and, more particularly, the second
section 132 provides a more attractive appearance for the charging
device and extends away from the wall 12 a lesser distance than the
hook shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.
Referring now to FIG. 14, another alternate embodiment of the
present invention is shown. In this embodiment a charging device
140 is shown attached to a wall 12. The charging device 140
generally comprises a housing 142, an induction coil 146, and an
induction core 148. The housing 142 generally comprises a first
section 150, a second section 152 and a third section 154 which
connects the second section 152 to the first section 150. The first
section 150 is stationarily attached to the wall 12, such as by
fasteners (not shown). The induction coil 146 is connected to
electrical wires inside the wall 12. In an alternate embodiment,
the charging device 140 could comprise an electrical connector for
connecting the charging device to a conventional charger, such as
the charger 82 shown in FIG. 8.
The second section 152 extends outward from the first section 150.
In this embodiment, the induction coil 146 is located in the wall
12. In an alternate embodiment, the induction coil 126 could be
located in the first section 150, or the second section 152, or the
third section 154 of the housing. The induction core 148 extends
through the induction coil and extends out of the induction coil a
predetermined distance. In the embodiment shown, the induction core
148 extends through the third section 154 and into the second
section 152.
In this embodiment, the induction core 148 has a general T shape. A
top of the T shape extends along the second section 152. The center
shaft of the T shape extends along the third section 154 and into
the induction coil 146. As shown in FIG. 14, the second section 152
of the housing is located spaced from the wall 12 and has a general
elongated length. The second section 152 extends generally parallel
to the wall 12. This configuration allows a plurality of portable
electronic devices 54 to be hung on the second section 152 by their
support loops 60. This can provide a multiple unit charging bay for
a family of products. The second section 152 forms two cantilevered
beam sections 156. The portable electronic devices 54 can be
suspended off of both of the cantilevered beam sections 156. This
type of embodiment allows a plurality of portable electronic
devices to be hung on the charging device at the same time without
the charging device extending to far away from the wall 12. This
embodiment substantially reduces the risk of the charging device
140 being damaged, such as might be likely if the charging device
extended a further distance away from the wall 12.
Referring now to FIGS. 15 and 16, another feature of the present
invention will be described. The portable electronic device 160 is
a mobile telephone comprising a handset 162 and a wrist strap or
support loop 164. The wrist strap 164 comprises an induction coil
substantially identical to the support loop 60 shown in the prior
figures. The wrist strap 164 comprises a signal indicator 166. In
the embodiment shown, the signal indicator 166 is adapted to
visually signal at least one characteristic of the portable
electronic device 160. In an alternate embodiment, the signal
indicator could additionally or alternatively be adapted to provide
an audio signal, or any other type of a signal such as a magnetic
or electrical signal.
In a preferred embodiment, the signal indicator 166 has a general
elongated length 168 and a relatively small width 170. The signal
indicator 166 extends along an elongated length of the support loop
164. The signal indicator 166 is located on one exterior side 172
of the support loop 164. In an alternate embodiment, a second
signal indicator could be located on the opposite exterior side 174
of the support loop. In another alternate embodiment, the signal
indicator could extend along both sides 172, 174.
A first end 176 of the signal indicator is located at the base of
the support loop. An opposite second end 178 of the signal
indicator is located at the outer end of the support loop. The
signal indicator 166 is adapted to illuminate or change color from
red at the first end 176 to green at the second end 178. More
specifically, the signal indicator 166 is coupled to the battery
180 of the portable electronic device 160. The portable electronic
device comprises a switch or button 182. When the button 182 is
depressed as indicated by arrow 184, current is sent from the
battery 180 to the signal indicator 166.
The signal indicator 166 is adapted to signal the strength of the
battery charge; indicated by how far up the signal indicator the
elimination occurs from the first end 176 to the second end 178.
Similar types of battery charge indicators are provided on the
sides of small size batteries and battery packaging; such as AA
batteries. In an alternate embodiment, any suitable type of battery
strength or level indicator could be provided. In an alternate
embodiment, in addition to or as an alternative to the button 182,
the portable electronic device could be adapted to activate the
signal indicator 166 based upon another predetermined event. For
example, the portable electronic device could be programmed to
activate the signal indicator 166 while the battery 180 in the
mobile telephone 160 is being charged.
In the embodiment in which the support loop 164 comprises an
induction coil, the portable electronic device could be programmed
or configured to automatically activate the signal indicator 166
when current is flowing through the induction coil 64. The signal
indicator could change color during charging. Thus, the signal
indicator could be adapted to indicate an operational state of
charging of the battery in addition to, or as an alternative to,
the charge level of the battery. The portable electronic device 160
could be configured to actuate the signal indicator automatically
based upon a predetermined event, such as, for example, charging of
the battery 180 by induction at the induction coil 64. Rather than
indicating the at least one characteristic of the portable
electronic device by color, the signal indicator could be adapted
to indicate the characteristic by a shading change or level of
illumination change of the signal indicator. The present invention
can comprise locating a signal indicator on the flexible strap 164
which is adapted to signal at least one characteristic of the
handset.
The present invention makes it possible to charge satellite
products on the road. The invention makes it possible to design a
product that is completely isolated, such as from water and dust,
and is thus protected. The mother-unit-charger can be operated even
under water. When compared to a tray charger, the charger system of
the present invention can have one unit less if the power cable or
adapter is connected to the mother unit instead of a tray. Also,
the present invention does away with a tray which it can be
difficult, or at least awkward or bulky, to carry. Even in the
embodiment in which the mother unit is charged contactlessly with a
loop charger, such as shown in FIG. 9, the loop charger is not
needed very much on the road or when traveling; as the charge need
of the satellite devices can be satisfied by the mother unit. The
present invention provides a cost benefit. A tray charger needs to
have a system that locates the devices to be charged and provides
energy to those locations only. With the present invention, there
is no wild energy field because all the magnetic field runs inside
the clamp core. This makes the protection easier. The mother unit
can be charged in an ordinary way by a conventional charger, such
as shown in FIG. 10. When the mother unit charges the satellite
units via the clamp 90, the clamp functions as a core of a magnetic
device; a transformer. The satellite devices can have an inductive
loop that is a secondary coil of the magnetic device. The mother
device can be charged to via the clamp. The satellite devices can
be charged at the same time with the mother unit. Rather than the
clamp, a hook, button, etc. could be used to attach to straps,
loops, hangers in the satellite products when they are coupled to
the mother device.
It should be understood that the foregoing description is only
illustrative of the invention. Various alternatives and
modifications can be devised by those skilled in the art without
departing from the invention. Accordingly, the present invention is
intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and
variances which fall within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *