Foldable wireless charger module
In one embodiment, the wireless charger can be light-weight, thin, and can be hidden and/or integrated inside of handbags, backpacks, jackets, and other accessories. The wireless charger can also be used as a standalone product. The wireless charger charges phones using wireless power transmission and incorporates a battery which can be recharged through a power adapter. When properly integrated, the wireless charger according to embodiments described herein can be integrated into such apparel, accessories, or other products without altering or affecting the appearance of the product. For example, the wireless charger may be seamlessly incorporated into most any apparel and accessories from purses to apparel to jackets if the product has a pocket. Because various aspects of the wireless charger are adaptable, it can be easily customized to meet customer needs.
1. A wireless charger for wirelessly charging an electronic device, the wireless charger comprising:
an inductive charging transmission coil;
one or more batteries connected with and providing electrical power to the inductive charging transmission coil;
a power input connector receiving electrical power from an external source;
a controller or a power management component controlling charging of the one or more batteries by the electrical power from the external source received through the power input connector and charging of the electronic device through the inductive charging transmission coil when the electronic device is proximate to and aligned with the wireless charger; and
a first rigid case portion enclosing the one or more batteries;
a second rigid case portion enclosing the inductive charging transmission coil, power input connector, and controller;
a flex circuit between the first rigid case portion and the second rigid case portion providing electrical connection between the one or more batteries and the inductive charging transmission coil, power input connector, and controller and allowing the first rigid case portion to pivot relative to the second rigid case portion, wherein the wireless charger is operable regardless of the position or orientation of the first and second rigid case portions; and
a console disposed on an edge of the second rigid case portion and comprising a switch turning the wireless charger on and off and a single, multi-color Light Emitting Diode (LED) indicating a state of the wireless charger, wherein the input power connector is disposed in the console.
2. The wireless charger of claim 1 , wherein the controller further comprises:
a digital power controller connected with the inductive charging transmission coil and driving the inductive charging transmission coil to create an inductive field; and
a power management component conditioning and controlling voltage and current received through the input power connector and applied to the batteries and the digital power controller.
3. The wireless charger of claim 2 , further comprising one or more temperature sensors and wherein the digital power controller and power management component control operation of the wireless controller based on input from the one or more temperature sensors.
4. The wireless charger of claim 2 , further comprising one or more current limit sensors and wherein the digital power controller and power management component control operation of the wireless controller based on input from the one or more current limit sensors.
5. The wireless charger of claim 1 , wherein the power input connector comprises a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector.
6. The wireless charger of claim 1 , wherein the one or more batteries comprise rechargeable lithium ion or lithium polymer batteries.