Alignment independent and self-aligning inductive power transfer system

摘要

An inductive power transfer device is provided for recharging cordless appliances. The device includes a plurality of inductors arranged in an array and connected with a power supply via switches which are selectively operable to activate the respective inductors. The inductors serve as the primary coil of a transformer. The secondary coil of the transformer is arranged in the appliance. When the appliance is arranged proximate to the power transfer device with the respective coils in alignment, power is inductively transferred from the device to the appliance via the transformer.

主权项

1. An inductive power transfer device for inductively providing power to an appliance with a secondary inductor, comprising:
a) a flat housing with a flat surface for interfacing with an appliance equipped with a secondary inductor; b) a plurality of independently switched primary inductors in a planar array parallel to said flat surface located within said housing; c) electrical connection for said plurality of independently switched primary inductors to a power supply; d) each of said plurality of independently switched primary inductor associated with said switch, which automatically responds to the presence of said appliance with a secondary inductor, causing current to flow through said switch from said electrical connection and through said at least one of plurality of independently switched primary inductors so as to inductively cause power to flow from said at least one of said plurality of independently switched primary inductors to said secondary inductor, only when said secondary inductor is in proximity with said at least one of said plurality of independently switched primary inductors for said inductive power transfer to occur.