GB2521646A

GB2521646A - Case for an electrical device

Info

Publication number: GB2521646A
Application number: GB1323016.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Salvino Sardo
Original assignee: GLOBAL MARKETING ASSOCIATES Ltd
Current assignee: GLOBAL MARKETING ASSOCIATES Ltd
Priority date: 2013-12-24
Filing date: 2013-12-24
Publication date: 2015-07-01
Also published as: GB201323016D0

Abstract

A case 10 for an electrical device, such as a mobile telephone or a tablet computer, includes an additional battery for power supply to the electrical device. The case 10 comprises a body 1 for receiving the electrical device, a rechargeable battery 3, an inductive power receiver 2 for receiving power from an inductive power transmitter, and an electrical connector 5 for connecting to the electrical device. The case 10 is configured to selectively charge the battery 3 and/or provide power to the electrical device when receiving power from the inductive power transmitter, and otherwise to selectively provide power from the battery 3 to the electrical device. The case may be able to take the form of an adjustable stand for the electrical device (figure 3).

Description

CASE FOR AN ELECTRICAL DEVICE

FIELD

The present invention relates to a case for an electrical device.

BACKGROUND

Modern mobile phones, and other portable media devices, tend to have a short battery life between battery charges due to high power consumption of media device components such as liquid-crystal display (LCD) screens, processors and speakers, for example. During times of significant use, a media device battery may last for less than 12 hours. Naturally this is inconvenient if the user does not have access to a power supply for charging the battery.

Attempts have been made to provide for longer battery life in media devices. For example, external battery packs which connect to the media device by cable are available. Typically, the external battery pack needs to be disconnected from the media device once depleted and recharged via a charging cable. The media device also typically needs to be charged via a charging cable. The requirement to use two charging cables is inconvenient as media device charging cables can be bulky and inconvenient to carry around with the media device.

Wireless inductive charging of media devices is known and typically involves provision of a charging surface which is connected by cable to a mains power source. The charging surface includes an inductive power transmitter. A media device is placed into a protective case which has an integral inductive power receiver. The media device is electrically connected to the inductive power receiver by a cable which is connected to the media device's charging socket or port. When the case is moved into close proximity with the charging surface, the media device battery is wirelessly charged. Media devices fitted with a charging case can be charged by any compatible charging surface, including those which operate according to a currently-prevailing Wireless Power Consortium Ui standard and a Power Matters Alliance standard, without need for dedicated charging cables.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a case for an electrical device, the case comprising a body for receiving the electrical device, a rechargeable battery, an inductive power receiver for receiving power from an inductive power transmitter, and an electrical connector for connecting to the electrical device, wherein the case is configured to selectively charge the battery and/or provide power to the electrical device when receiving power from the inductive power transmitter and otherwise to selectively provide power from the battery to the electrical device.

The case may comprise a first part which is movable relative to the body and which carries at least part of the inductive power receiver such that, when the case is in a first configuration and the first part is positioned on an inductive power transmitter, the body is inclined at an angle relative to the inductive power transnitter to facilitate user interaction with an electrical device received in the case. When the case is in a second configuration, the first part may be for covering a face of the electrical device.

The first part may be connected to the body via at least one hinge and a conductor carrying power from the inductive power receiver may pass via the at least one hinge.

The first part may be connected via a first hinge to a second part which maybe connected via at least a second hinge to the body and, when the case is in a second configuration, the second part may be substantially parallel to a face of the body and, when the case is in the first configuration, the further part may extend at an angle away from the face of the body.

The further part may connected via the second hinge to third part which is attached to the body, and the first, second and third parts may form an integral piece. The piece may have a laminate structure and the receiver and/or the conductor may be within the external layers of the laminate structure.

The case may be configured to charge the battery and/or provide power to the electrical device under a first condition. The first condition may correspond to the inductive power receiver receiving power from an inductive power transmitter, and the battery and/or the portable media device having a charge level of less than a predetermined level. The case may be configured to commence charging the battery and/or providing power to the electrical device under the first condition without user input.

The case may be configured to stop charging the battery and/or providing power to the electrical device under a second condition. The second condition may correspond to the battery and/or the electrical device having a charge level of more than a predetermined level.

The case may be configured to stop providing power from the battery to the electrical device under a third condition. The third condition may correspond to the battery having a charge level of less than a predetermined level.

The case may be configured to simultaneously charge the battery and provide power to the electrical device in dependence upon the power received by the inductive power receiver being greater than a predetermined level and otherwise to separately charge the battery or provide power to the electrical device.

The case may comprise a further connector for making a wired connection to a further device to provide power for charging the battery and/or for providing power to the electrical device, and/or to transfer data between the further device and the electrical device.

The case may comprise at least one interface for a storage device, preferably a memory card, the case configured to enable transfer of data between a storage device and the electrical device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a case for an electrical device according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a block diagram illustrating electrical components of the case of Figure 1.

Figure 3 illustrates a case for an electrical device according to another embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a case 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

The case 10 comprises a body 1, which, in this example, is made from a polycarbonate material, but may be made from any suitable material, e.g. a plastic or metal material. The body 1 is configured to receive an electrical device such as a mobile telephone or a tablet computer (hereinafter referred to as a "portable media device"). In particular, in this example, the body 1 primarily comprises a thin, e.g. a 1-to-S-millimetre-thick, generally-rectangular back plate la. The back plate la is configured to be positioned on the back of the portable media device. The body 1 further comprises clips lb configured to engage with portions of sides and/or the front of the portable media device so as to hold the portable media device in the case 10.

The case 10 further comprises an inductive power receiver 2 (hereinafter referred to as a "receiver"). The receiver 2 is preferably compatible with an inductive power standard such as Ui, as described in "Ui -System Description -Wireless Power Transfer -Volume I: Low Power -Part 1: Interface Definition -Version 1.1.2 -June 2013" published by the Wireless Power Consortium (this document is hereinafter referred to simply as the "Ui specification"). The receiver 2 preferably comprises a power pick-up unit including a secondary coil (not shown), and a communications/control unit (not shown) connected thereto. The receiver 2 is preferably included within the body 1, e.g. in a cavity in the back plate la, towards the back face of the back plate lb. The case 10 further comprises a rechargeable battery 3 (hereinafter referred to as a "battery"). The battery 3 can be of any suitable type, e.g. lithium-ion. The battery 3 is preferably included within the body 1, e.g. in a cavity in the back plate lb. The case 10 further comprises circuitry 4. The circuitry 4 preferably constitutes an application-specific integrated circuit suitably configured to perform operations described herein. The circuitry 4 has inputs and outputs (not shown) for connection to other elements of the case 10 as described herein. The circuitry 4 is preferably included within the body 1, e.g. in a cavity in the back plate lb. The case 10 further comprises a first connectorS for connection to a corresponding connector on the portable media device. The first connector S may comprise, for example, a male micro Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector. The case 10 further comprises a second connector for connection to an external source of power, e.g. a mains charger, and/or to a further electrical device, e.g. a personal computer. The second connector 6 may comprise, for example, a female micro USB connector. In other examples, the connectors 5,6 may include different types of connectors. In some examples, the connectors 5, 6 may be provided with interchangeable connectors to enable connections to various devices.

The receiver 2 is connected to the circuitry 4 by an interconnection 31 which include a positive connection, a negative connection and, in some examples, a signalling connection. The battery 3 is connected to the circuitry 4 by an interconnection 32 which includes positive and negative connections. The first and second connectors 5, 6 are connected to the circuitry 4 by respective interconnections 33, 34, each of which includes, in the case of certain USB connections, two power connections and two data connections.

When the receiver 2 is in sufficiently close proximity to, e.g. within 5 millimetres of, a corresponding inductive power transmitter (hereinafter referred to as a "transmitter"), the receiver 2 is configured to receive power transmitted by the transmitter and provide corresponding power to the circuitry 4. The transmitter preferably operates in accordance with an inductive power standard, e.g. Qi. The circuitry 4 is configured to provide corresponding power to the battery 3 and/or to the portable media device via the first connectorS. The power may be conditioned, e.g. regulated and rectified, by the receiver 2 and/or the circuitry 4 such that it is suitable for the battery 3 and/or the portable media device.

The circuitry 4 is configured to control distribution of the power to the battery 3 and/or to the portable media device in dependence upon several conditions.

The circuitry 4 is preferably configured to sense the charge level of the battery 3, e.g. by sensing the voltage across the battery 3. The circuitry 4 is also preferably configured to obtain information about the charge level of a battery in the portable media device (hereinafter referred to as the "device battery") If the charge level of the battery and/or the device battery is less than a predetermined level, e.g. 95% of a maximum charge level, then the circuitry 4 is preferably configured to provide the power to the battery 3 and/or to the portable media device automatically when the receiver 2 is moved into sufficiently close proximity to the transmitter, thereby automatically commencing charging. The lack of a need for user input can make the case 10 more convenient to use. If the charge level of the battery 3 and/or the device battery is more than the predetermined level, then the circuitry 4 is preferably configured not to provide the power to the battery 3 and/or to the portable media device. The automatic stopping of charging can prevent damage to the batteries and can increase efficiency. Furthermore, the circuitry 4 may be configured to provide a "battery fully charged" signal via the signalling connection to the receiver 2, which, in turn, is configured to provide a corresponding signal to cause the transmitter to stop transmitting power, as described, for example, in the 01 standard.

If the power provided by the receiver 2 is greater than a predetermined level, e.g. 5 watts (e.g. 5 volts, 1 ampere), then the circuitry 4 is preferably configured to provide power to both the battery 3 and the portable media device for simultaneous charging thereof. If the power provided by the receiver 2 is less than the predetermined level, then the circuitry 4 is preferably configured to provide power individually to the battery 3 and the portable media device. For example, power may be provided to the battery 3 for a predetermined time period or until the battery 3 reaches a predetermined charge level and, thereafter, power may be provided to the portable media device, etc.. Thus, the available power can be used in an effective way.

If no power is being provided by the receiver 2, the circuitry 4 is preferably configured to provide power from the battery 3 to the portable media device. This provision of power can be started or stopped in response to determining that the charge level of the device battery is respectively less than or greater than the predetermined level of e.g. 95% of a maximum charge level. This provision of power can also be stopped in response to sensing that the charge level of the battery 3 is less than another predetermined level, e.g. 1% of a maximum level. Thus, damage to the battery 3 due to it being overly-discharged can be avoided.

In some examples, the case 10 may include one or more additional receivers 2' also connected to the circuitry 4. This can enable more power to be provided, e.g. for simultaneous charging of the battery 3 and the portable media device. For example, the case 10 may include two receivers 2, 2' for receiving power from a dual-zone transmitter, that is to say a transmitter with two primary coils, and for providing e.g. up to 10 watts (e.g. 5 volts, 2 amperes). The case 10 may include three receivers 2, 2' to enable the case 10 to be used with either a single-zone transmitter (i.e. a transmitter with a single primary coil) or a dual-zone transmitter. In this case, two of the receivers 2,2' are used with the dual-zone transmitter and the third receiver 2' is used with the single-zone transmitter.

Referring to Figure 3, a case 100 according to another embodiment of the present invention will now be described.

The case 100 includes a receiver 2, a battery 3, circuitry 4, and first and second connectors 5, 6, each of which corresponds to those described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

The case 10 includes a body 11 and a cover 18 which is attached to the body 11. The body 11 is substantially the same as the body 1 described above with reference to Figure 1. However, the body 11 does not include the receiver 2. The cover 18 comprises first, second and third cover parts 19, 20, 21 and first and second hinge regions 22, 23. The first, second and third cover parts 19, 20, 21 are preferably thin, e.g. 1-to-5-millimetre-thick, generally-rectangular parts. The first hinge region 22 divides the first and second cover parts 19, 20, and the second hinge region 23 divides the second and third cover parts 20, 21. The third cover part 21 is attached to the body 11. The cover 18 may be formed from suitable natural (e.g. leather, fabric) and/or artificial (e.g. plastic) materials. The cover 18 may have a laminate structure with sheets of flexible material and sheets of non-flexible material outside the hinge regions 22, 23.

In a closed configuration of the cover 18, the first cover part 19 extends over the front face of a portable media device held in the body 11, the first hinge region 22 extends over a side face (preferably a major side face) of the body 11, and the second and third cover parts 20, 21 and the second hinge region 23 extend over the back face of the body 11. In an open configuration (as illustrated in the figure), the second hinge region 23 is hinged such that the second cover part 20 extends at an angle away from the body 11, and the first hinge region 22 is hinged such that the first cover part 19 contacts the back edge of the side face of the body 11. The case 100 may include means for maintaining the open configuration, e.g. a locking mechanism. In this way, when the first cover part 19 is placed on a horizontal surface, the portable media device is positioned at an angle which makes it convenient for a user to interact therewith. For example, the angle may be 45 degrees from vertical, or between 20 degrees and 60 degrees from vertical, or any suitable angle.

The receiver 3 (in particular, the secondary coil) is carried by, e.g. attached to or included inside, the first cover part 19. For example, the receiver 3 may be within the external layers of a laminate structure which makes up the first cover part 19. The interconnection 31 between the receiver 3 and the circuitry 4 is preferably in the form of a flexible cable, e.g. a ribbon cable, which extends between the receiver 3 and the circuitry 4 via the first and second hinge regions 22, 23. The interconnection 31 may be within a laminate structure which makes up the cover 18.

Thus, the cover 100 can be placed on e.g. a generally horizontal charging surface associated with a transmitter and can be used to charge the battery 3 and/or provide power to the portable media device as described above while simultaneously positioning the portable media device at a convenient angle for user interaction.

It will be appreciated that many other modifications may be made to the abovedescribed embodiments.

The case 10, 100 may include further elements. For instance, the case 10, 100 may comprise a memory-card reader. The memory card reader may have one or more slots for receiving, and circuitry configured to communicate with, one or more memory cards of one or more different standard types, e.g. secure digital. In this way, in addition to the functions described above, the case 10, 100 can also enable data to be transferred between the portable media device and memory cards. The case 10, 100 may include a housing and/or an interface for a digital pen. The case 10, 100 may include a near-field communication (NEC) transceiver.

The case 10, 100 need not include all of the elements described above. For example, the case 10, 100 need not include the second connector 6.

The case 100 may have a differently-configured cover 18. For example, the cover 18 need not include a second hinge region 23, and the second and third cover parts 20, 21 may constitute a single part which remains in contact with the back face of the body 11. Or, the cover 18 may be configured such that a part between two hinge regions, i.e. a part corresponding to the second cover part 20, holds the receiver 3 and, when this part is positioned on a substantially horizontal surface, the portable media device is at a convenient angle for user interaction.

The case 100 may include a body 11 and a cover 18 which are integral with each other.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A case for an electrical device, the case comprising a body for receiving the electrical device, a rechargeable battery, an inductive power receiver for receiving power from an inductive power transmitter, and an electrical connector for connecting to the electrical device, wherein the case is configured to selectively charge the battery and/or provide power to the electrical device when receiving power from the inductive power transmitter and otherwise to selectively provide power from the battery to the electrical device.
2. A case according to claim 1, comprising a first part which is movable relative to the body and which carries at least part of the inductive power receiver such that, when the case is in a first configuration and the first part is positioned on an inductive power transmitter, the body is inclined at an angle relative to the inductive power transmitter to facilitate user interaction with an electrical device received in the case.
3. A case according to claim 2, wherein, when the case is in a second configuration, the first part is for covering a face of the electrical device.
4. A case according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first part is connected to the body via at least one hinge and wherein a conductor carrying power from the inductive power receiver passes via the at least one hinge.
5. A case according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the first part is connected via a first hinge to a second part which is connected via at least a second hinge to the body and wherein, when the case is in a second configuration, the second part is substantially parallel to a face of the body and, when the case is in the first configuration, the further part extends at an angle away from the face of the body.
6. A case according to claim 5, wherein the further part is connected via the second hinge to third part which is attached to the body, wherein the first, second and third parts form an integral piece.
7. A case according to claim 6, wherein the piece has a laminate structure and wherein the receiver and/or the conductor are within the external layers of the laminate structure.
8. A case according to any preceding claim, configured to charge the battery and/or provide power to the electrical device under a first condition.
9. A case according to claim 8, wherein the first condition corresponds to the inductive power receiver receiving power from an inductive power transmitter, and the battery and/or the portable media device having a charge level of less than a predetermined level.
10. A case according to claim 8 or 9, configured to commence charging the battery and/or providing power to the electrical device under the first condition without user input.
11. A case according to any preceding claim, configured to stop charging the battery and/or providing power to the electrical device under a second condition.
12. A case according to claim 11, wherein the second condition corresponds to the battery and/or the electrical device having a charge level of more than a predetermined level.
13. A case according to any preceding claim, configured to stop providing power from the battery to the electrical device under a third condition.
14. A case according to claim 13, wherein the third condition corresponds to the battery having a charge level of less than a predetermined level.
15. A case according to any preceding claim, configured to simultaneously charge the battery and provide power to the electrical device in dependence upon the power received by the inductive power receiver being greater than a predetermined level and otherwise to separately charge the battery or provide power to the electrical device.
16. A case according to any preceding claim, comprising at least one further inductive power receiver configured to receive further power from a further inductive power transmitter or part thereof.
17. A case according to claim 16, comprising first and second inductive power receivers configured to receive power from an inductive power transmitter with dual charging zones, and a third inductive power receiver configured to receive power from an inductive power transmitter with a single charging zone.
18. A case according to any preceding claim, comprising a further connector for making a wired connection to a further device to provide power for charging the battery and/or for providing power to the electrical device, and/or to transfer data between the further device and the electrical device.
19. A case according to any preceding claim, comprising at least one interface for a storage device, preferably a memory card, the case configured to enable transfer of data between a storage device and the electrical device.
20. A case substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1, 2 and/or 3.