Energy transmission device and method for wireless transmission of electric energy

Abstract

The invention relates to an energy transmission device (10) for wirelessly transmitting electrical energy, comprising: a first capacitor device (16) having a first and a second capacitor element (20, 22); a second capacitor device (18) having a third and a fourth capacitor element (24, 26), wherein the second capacitor element (22) is relatively movable relative to the first capacitor element (20) and the fourth capacitor element (26) is relatively movable relative to the third capacitor element (24), and electrical energy can be transmitted from the first capacitor element (20) to the second capacitor element (22) and from the third capacitor element (24) to the fourth capacitor element (26) by means of a capacitive coupling (28), wherein the motor vehicle component is configured as a motor vehicle window (30), and the first capacitor element (20) and the third capacitor element (24) are configured as a motor vehicle window guide of the motor vehicle (14), and the second capacitor element (22) and the fourth capacitor element (26) are configured on a motor vehicle window region (32) of the motor vehicle window (30) corresponding to the motor vehicle window guide. The invention also relates to a method.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an energy transmission device for the wireless transmission of electrical energy to a functional unit of a motor vehicle component of a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a method. Background Art

[0002] The electrical contact in the movable window in a motor vehicle poses a great challenge. The line must be guided along the entire path, because on the one hand there is a risk of getting stuck due to the kinematics of movement, and on the other hand the line cannot swing freely in order to avoid disturbing noise. In addition, it is problematic that the moving line tends to break after a certain number of cycles. In addition, the line is in a humid space. This means that in addition to humidity and moisture, dust and salt must also be taken into account. In this case, there is a significantly higher cost for durable and reliable contact. In addition, the voltage to be transmitted is a voltage higher than the safe contact voltage, which is particularly specified by national regulations. For components with an operating voltage higher than this contact voltage, it is necessary to comply with work protection requirements in terms of manufacturing and also in repair situations. Even in the event of a collision, it is necessary to ensure the protection of the end user. Therefore, in order to avoid potential dangers, it is advantageous to develop a completely closed system.

[0003] In addition, DE102007059046B3 discloses a device for wireless energy transmission, comprising a primary conductor and a unit with a secondary inductance that is movable relative to the primary conductor, wherein the primary conductor and the secondary inductance are inductively coupled and at least one electrical consumer is connected to the secondary inductance, and electrical energy is supplied to the electrical consumer from the primary conductor via the secondary inductance, wherein a first data transmission device is connected or coupled to the primary conductor, a conductive coupling surface is constructed on the movable unit, the conductive coupling surface forms a capacitive coupling element with the primary conductor, a second data transmission device is arranged on the movable unit, the second data transmission device is connected to the conductive coupling surface, and data can be transmitted between the first data transmission device and the second data transmission device via the primary conductor. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide an energy transmission device and a method by means of which a simple and nevertheless reliable transmission of electrical energy can be achieved with movable parts.

[0005] One aspect of the present invention relates to an energy transmission device for wirelessly transmitting electrical energy to a functional unit of a motor vehicle component of a motor vehicle, the energy transmission device comprising: a first capacitor device, the first capacitor device having a first capacitor element and a second capacitor element; a second capacitor device, the second capacitor device having a third capacitor element and a fourth capacitor element, wherein the second capacitor element is movable relative to the first capacitor element and the fourth capacitor element is movable relative to the third capacitor element, and electrical energy can be transmitted from the first capacitor element to the second capacitor element and from the third capacitor element to the fourth capacitor element by means of a capacitive coupler.

[0006] It is provided that the motor vehicle component is designed as a motor vehicle window, and that the first and third capacitor elements are designed as a window guide of the motor vehicle, and that the second and fourth capacitor elements are designed on a window region of the motor vehicle window corresponding to the window guide.

[0007] In particular, a simple and yet reliable transmission of energy to functional units of motor vehicle components can thereby be achieved.

[0008] In particular, the invention makes use of the fact that, unlike inductive current transmission, in which the transmitting and receiving coils must be directly superposed, in capacitive current transmission the conductive coupling plates, i.e. the capacitor elements, are oriented relative to one another. The coupling plates can have an almost unlimited geometry. It is particularly advantageous that the spacing between the plates, i.e. the capacitor elements, does not change or changes only slightly. In particular, it is provided that the spacing between the first capacitor element and the second capacitor element does not change or changes only slightly, and the spacing between the third capacitor element and the fourth capacitor element also changes only slightly.

[0009] Although the capacitive coupling realized by means of the capacitor device is sensitive to changes in the spacing between the coupling plates, that is, the capacitor elements, it is insensitive to the movement of these capacitor elements relative to each other, as long as sufficient coverage is ensured. This characteristic is utilized in the following form: the transmitting antenna is introduced into the motor vehicle glass guide on both sides over the entire length. The transmitting antenna is a metallic conductor. The conductor can be constructed as a flexible conductor format, or a flat ribbon cable or a copper strip, or a metal mesh, or as a simple current line. In particular, it must be taken into account that the electrical conductor must be insulated, the insulation must be designed for the voltage to be transmitted, and the electrical conductor must be designed for the current intensity to be transmitted. It is not important here whether the first capacitor element or the third capacitor element is integrated in the motor vehicle glass guide or is constructed separately from the motor vehicle glass guide.

[0010] The receiving antenna, in other words the second capacitor element and the fourth capacitor element, are arranged on the movable motor vehicle window. Depending on the electrical function of the motor vehicle window, they can be laminated in the middle of the window or can be suitably bonded to the outer surface.

[0011] In particular, in order to avoid the danger of voltages above the safe contact voltage (the safe contact voltage is especially specified by national regulations), it is feasible that the first capacitor element and the third capacitor element can be connected to the DC / AC converter without a plug connection. The second capacitor element and the fourth capacitor element are also directly and fixedly connected to the AC / DC or AC / AC converter or its combined (reverse) converter. As a result, the contact conduction can be implemented tightly or sealed, which avoids oxidation of the line and also makes the system safe for undesired touches. For this purpose, the electronic device is meaningfully bonded to the motor vehicle window.

[0012] In particular, a functional unit for switching a window pane or for tinting a window pane can be considered as a functional unit for a motor vehicle component. In addition, a heating device for heating a motor vehicle window pane can be considered as a functional unit.

[0013] Furthermore, the energy transmission device according to the invention can additionally enable data to be transmitted as well. In particular, the principle of Power-Lan can be used for this purpose, for example.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment, the second capacitor element is formed on a first side of the motor vehicle window and the fourth capacitor element is formed on a second side of the motor vehicle window opposite the first side. In particular, the motor vehicle then has two motor vehicle window guides, wherein the first motor vehicle window guide is assigned to the first capacitor device, i.e. the second capacitor element, and the second motor vehicle window guide is assigned to the second capacitor device, i.e. the fourth capacitor element. Furthermore, in particular, the first capacitor element is then also formed on the first side and the third capacitor element is formed on the second side. This enables a simple and yet reliable energy transmission.

[0015] According to another advantageous design, the second capacitor element and the fourth capacitor element are configured on a first side of the motor vehicle window, or the second capacitor element and the fourth capacitor element are configured on a second side of the motor vehicle window opposite to the first side. In other words, the first capacitor device and the second capacitor device are configured together on one side, respectively. This enables a simple and yet reliable energy transmission.

[0016] In a further advantageous embodiment, the motor vehicle window guide is designed as a guide rail element and at least the corresponding motor vehicle window region is guided in the guide rail element.

[0017] Furthermore, it is particularly provided that the second capacitor element and / or the fourth capacitor element are integrated into the motor vehicle window. In particular, the second capacitor element and / or the fourth capacitor element are integrated into the motor vehicle window over the entire length. In particular, the second capacitor element and / or the fourth capacitor element are laminated into the motor vehicle window. Alternatively, the second capacitor element can be bonded to the outer surface of the motor vehicle window with the fourth capacitor element. This enables a simple and also reliable energy transmission.

[0018] Furthermore, it has proven to be advantageous if the motor vehicle window guide has a sealing element for sealing the motor vehicle window, and the first capacitor element and / or the third capacitor element are arranged between the motor vehicle window guide and the sealing element, thereby achieving that the motor vehicle window can be reliably sealed and that electrical energy transmission can nevertheless be performed simply and reliably.

[0019] It is also advantageous that the second capacitor element is movably arranged relative to the first capacitor element so that the second capacitor element and the first capacitor element have a common overlapping area for transmitting electrical energy, and the fourth capacitor element is movably arranged relative to the third capacitor element so that the fourth capacitor element and the third capacitor element have a common overlapping area for transmitting electrical energy. In other words, it is ensured that the corresponding capacitor elements have an overlapping area for transmitting electrical energy, thereby enabling reliable transmission of electrical energy.

[0020] According to another advantageous embodiment, the motor vehicle window is designed as a window pane or a sliding roof or a partition pane for the interior of a motor vehicle. As a result, energy can be transmitted between a plurality of different motor vehicle windows. As a result, the energy transmission device can be used in a motor vehicle with high flexibility. Alternatively, it can also be provided, for example, that energy transmission can be carried out between seat elements as motor vehicle components.

[0021] It is also advantageous if the motor vehicle window guide is designed as a U-shaped motor vehicle window guide. In particular, the motor vehicle window guide is substantially U-shaped. This ensures that the motor vehicle window is reliably guided in the U-shaped motor vehicle window guide. In addition, a simple placement of the first capacitor element and the fourth capacitor element on the U-shaped motor vehicle window guide can be achieved.

[0022] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method for operating an energy transmission device, which is used to wirelessly transmit electrical energy to a functional unit of a motor vehicle component of a motor vehicle, and the energy transmission device includes: a first capacitor device, which has a first capacitor element and a second capacitor element; a second capacitor device, which has a third capacitor element and a fourth capacitor element, wherein the first capacitor element can be relatively moved relative to the second capacitor element, and the third capacitor element can be relatively moved relative to the fourth capacitor element, and electrical energy is transmitted from the first capacitor element to the second capacitor element and from the third capacitor element to the fourth capacitor element by means of a capacitive coupler.

[0023] It is provided that the motor vehicle component is provided as a motor vehicle window, and the first and third capacitor elements are provided as a motor vehicle window guide of the motor vehicle, and the second and fourth capacitor elements are provided on a motor vehicle window region of the motor vehicle window corresponding to the motor vehicle window guide, and electrical energy is capacitively transmitted.

[0024] Advantageous embodiments of the energy transmission device can be seen as advantageous embodiments of the method. For this purpose, the energy transmission device has features as technical solutions which enable the implementation of the method or its advantageous embodiments.

[0025] A further aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle component having an energy transmission device according to the above aspect. A further aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle having a motor vehicle component according to the above aspect. The motor vehicle is in particular designed as a passenger car.

[0026] Further features of the invention can be derived from the drawings and the description of the drawings. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description and the features and feature combinations shown below in the description of the drawings and / or in the drawings alone can be used not only in the respectively given combination, but also in other combinations or alone. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The present invention will now be described in more detail according to a preferred embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of an energy transmission device; and

[0029] Figure 2 A schematic side view shows another specific embodiment of an energy transmitting device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] In the figures, identical elements or elements having the same function are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0031] Figure 1 A specific embodiment of a transmission device 10 for wirelessly transmitting electrical energy to a functional unit 12 of a motor vehicle component of a motor vehicle 14 is shown in a schematic sectional view. The energy transmission device 10 has a first capacitor device 16 and a second capacitor device 18. The first capacitor device 16 has a first capacitor element 20 and a second capacitor element 22. The second capacitor device 18 has a third capacitor element 24 and a fourth capacitor element 26. The second capacitor element 22 can be moved relative to the first capacitor element 20, and the fourth capacitor element 26 can be moved relative to the third capacitor element 24. With the help of a capacitive coupler 28, electrical energy can be transmitted from the first capacitor element 20 to the second capacitor element 22 and from the third capacitor element 24 to the fourth capacitor element 26.

[0032] It is provided that the motor vehicle component is designed as a motor vehicle window 30 , and that the first capacitor element 20 and the third capacitor element 26 are designed as a motor vehicle window guide, and that the second capacitor element 22 and the fourth capacitor element 26 are designed on a motor vehicle window region 32 of the motor vehicle window 30 corresponding to the motor vehicle window guide.

[0033] In the present exemplary embodiment, first capacitor element 20 and third capacitor element 24 are arranged on the side of motor vehicle window pane 30 that faces the interior of motor vehicle 14. Figure 1 Two alternative arrangements of the first and third capacitor elements 20, 24 are shown in FIG. On the one hand, the first and third capacitor elements 20, 24 are arranged separately in the intermediate space between the motor vehicle glass guide and the sealing element 40. In another example, the first and third capacitor elements 20, 24 are constructed in the sealing element. In addition, Figure 1 In this exemplary embodiment, it is shown that first capacitor device 16 is arranged next to second capacitor device, in particular as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0034] Figure 1 In particular, it is shown that the second capacitor element 22 and the fourth capacitor element 26 are formed on a first side 34 of the motor vehicle window pane 30 ( Figure 2 ), or the second capacitor element 22 and the fourth capacitor element 26 are configured on a second side 36 of the motor vehicle window pane 30 which is opposite to the first side 34 ( Figure 2 ).

[0035] also, Figure 1 It is shown that the motor vehicle window guide is designed as a guide rail element and at least the corresponding motor vehicle window region 32 is guided in the guide rail element.

[0036] Furthermore, it is provided in particular that second capacitive element 22 and / or fourth capacitive element 26 are integrated into motor vehicle window 30 .

[0037] In particular, it can be provided that the motor vehicle window guide has a sealing element 40 for sealing the motor vehicle window 30. Furthermore, it can be provided that the second capacitor element 22 is movably arranged relative to the first capacitor element 20, so that the second capacitor element and the first capacitor element have a common overlapping area 42 for transmitting electrical energy, and that the fourth capacitor element 26 is movably arranged relative to the third capacitor element 24, so that the fourth capacitor element and the third capacitor element have a common overlapping area 42 for transmitting electrical energy.

[0038] also, Figure 1 In particular, it is shown that the motor vehicle window guide is designed as a U-shaped motor vehicle window guide.

[0039] Figure 2 Another embodiment of the energy transmission device 10 is shown in a schematic side view. In this exemplary embodiment, the motor vehicle window 30 is designed as a window pane. Alternatively, the motor vehicle window 30 can be designed as a sliding roof or a partition pane for the interior of the motor vehicle 14 .

[0040] In this embodiment, it is particularly provided that the second capacitor element 22 is formed on the first side 34 of the motor vehicle window 30, and the fourth capacitor element 26 is formed on the second side 36. In the following embodiment, in particular, the first capacitor element 20 and the third capacitor element 24 are shown. The second capacitor element 22 is visually located behind the first capacitor element 20, and the fourth capacitor element 26 is visually located behind the third capacitor element 24.

[0041] In particular, the drawing shows that in a method for operating an energy transmission device 10 for wirelessly transmitting electrical energy for a functional unit 12, the electrical energy is transmitted from a first capacitor element 20 to a second capacitor element 22 and from a third capacitor element 24 to a fourth capacitor element 26 by means of a capacitive coupler 28. It is provided that a motor vehicle component is provided as a motor vehicle window 30, and that the first capacitor element 20 and the third capacitor element 24 are provided as a motor vehicle window guide of the motor vehicle 14, and that the second capacitor element 22 and the fourth capacitor element 26 are provided on a motor vehicle window region 32 of the motor vehicle window 30 corresponding to the motor vehicle window guide, and that the electrical energy is capacitively transmitted.

[0042] In particular, the invention makes use of the fact that, unlike inductive current transmission, in which the transmitting and receiving coils must be arranged directly one above the other, in capacitive current transmission the conductive coupling plates, i.e. the capacitor elements 20, 22, 24, 26, are oriented relative to one another. The capacitor elements 20, 22, 24, 26 can have an almost unlimited geometry. It is particularly advantageous that the spacing between the capacitor elements 20, 22, 24, 26 does not change or changes only slightly.

[0043] The motor vehicle window 30 is held on both sides, in particular, in a so-called window guide, i.e. a motor vehicle window guide. This allows a vertical movement of the motor vehicle window 30, for example by 500 millimeters. For sealing purposes, a so-called velvet seal is used as a sealing element 40. This is a U-shaped profile, which is fitted into the window guide. The U-shaped profile in turn surrounds the motor vehicle window 30.

[0044] Capacitive coupling is sensitive to changes in the spacing between capacitor elements 20, 22, 24, 26, but is insensitive to the movement of these capacitor elements 20, 22, 24, 26 relative to each other. This characteristic is utilized in the following form: the first capacitor element 20 and the third capacitor element 24 are introduced into the automotive glass guide on both sides over the entire length. The first capacitor element 20 and the third capacitor element 24 are metal conductors. The conductor can be constructed as a flexible conductor strip, or a flat cable or a copper strip, or a metal mesh, an ITO layer, which itself can be a simple current line. In particular, the first capacitor element 20 and the third capacitor element 24 have the following characteristics: the first capacitor element and the third capacitor element are insulated, and the insulation is designed for the voltage to be transmitted. In addition, the conductor is designed for the current intensity to be transmitted.

[0045] In particular, it is not important here whether the first capacitor element 20 and the third capacitor element 24 are designed as part of the motor vehicle window guide or as part of the sealing element 40 or are designed between the motor vehicle window guide and the sealing element 40. Velvet rails are known, which are injected with material reinforcements for dimensional stability. Such material reinforcements can also be used as the first capacitor element 20 or as the third capacitor element 24.

[0046] The second capacitor element 22 or the fourth capacitor element 26 (the second capacitor element or the fourth capacitor element can also be called a receiving antenna) is fixedly mounted on the movable motor vehicle glass 30. Depending on the electrical function of the motor vehicle glass 30, it can be laminated in the middle of the glass, such as Figure 1 As shown in , or suitable bonding to the outer surface can be performed.

[0047] In order to avoid the danger of voltages exceeding the safe contact voltage (which is in particular specified by national regulations), the first capacitor element 20 and the third capacitor element 24 can be connected to the DC / AC converter without a plug connection. On the receiving side, the second capacitor element 22 and the fourth capacitor element 26 are also directly and fixedly connected to the AC / DC (flyback) converter. As a result, the contact connection can be implemented tightly or hermetically, which avoids oxidation of the lines or capacitor elements 20, 22, 24, 26 and also makes the energy transmission device 10 safe against undesired touches. In particular, it can be provided for this purpose that the receiving electronics are meaningfully bonded to the motor vehicle window 30.

[0048] Furthermore, it can also be provided that data can also be transmitted via capacitive coupling. For this purpose, this principle can be used by Power LAN, for example.

[0049] In general, the present invention shows a wireless current transmission in movable glass.

[0050] Reference numerals list

[0051] 10Energy transmission equipment

[0052] 12 functional units

[0053] 14 Motor vehicle parts

[0054] 16 first capacitor device

[0055] 18. Second capacitor device

[0056] 20 first capacitance element

[0057] 22 second capacitor element

[0058] 24Third capacitor element

[0059] 26 Fourth capacitor element

[0060] 28 Capacitive coupler

[0061] 30Motor vehicle glass

[0062] 32Motor vehicle glass area

[0063] 34 First side

[0064] 36 Second side

[0065] 40 Sealing element

[0066] 42 Overlapping Area

Claims

1. An energy transmission device (10) for wirelessly transmitting electrical energy to a functional unit (12) of a motor vehicle component of a motor vehicle (14), the energy transmission device comprising: A first capacitive device (16), the first capacitive device having a first capacitive element (20) and a second capacitive element (22); a second capacitive device (18), the second capacitive device having a third capacitive element (24) and a fourth capacitive element (26), wherein the second capacitive element (22) is relatively movable relative to the first capacitive element (20), and the fourth capacitive element (26) is relatively movable relative to the third capacitive element (24), and electrical energy can be transmitted from the first capacitive element (20) to the second capacitive element (22) and from the third capacitive element (24) to the fourth capacitive element (26) by means of a capacitive coupler (28), It is characterized in that The motor vehicle component is configured as a motor vehicle window (30), and the first capacitor element (20) and the third capacitor element (24) are configured as a motor vehicle window guide of the motor vehicle (14), and the second capacitor element (22) and the fourth capacitor element (26) are configured on a motor vehicle window region (32) of the motor vehicle window (30) corresponding to the motor vehicle window guide.

2. The energy transmission device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The second capacitive element (22) is formed on a first side (34) of the motor vehicle window (30), and the fourth capacitive element (26) is formed on a second side (36) of the motor vehicle window (30) which is opposite the first side (34).

3. The energy transmission device (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that The second capacitor element (22) and the fourth capacitor element (26) are formed on a first side (34) of the motor vehicle window (30), or the second capacitor element (22) and the fourth capacitor element (26) are formed on a second side (36) of the motor vehicle window (30) that is opposite to the first side (34).

4. The energy transmission device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The motor vehicle window guide is designed as a guide rail element and at least the corresponding motor vehicle window region (32) is guided in the guide rail element.

5. The energy transmission device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The second capacitive element (22) and / or the fourth capacitive element (26) are integrated into the motor vehicle window pane (30).

6. The energy transmission device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The motor vehicle glass guide has a sealing element (40) for sealing the motor vehicle glass (30), and the first capacitor element (20) and / or the third capacitor element (24) are arranged between the motor vehicle glass guide and the sealing element (40).

7. The energy transmission device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The second capacitor element (22) is movably arranged relative to the first capacitor element (20), so that the second capacitor element and the first capacitor element have a common overlapping area (42) for transmitting electrical energy, and the fourth capacitor element (26) is movably arranged relative to the third capacitor element (24), so that the fourth capacitor element and the third capacitor element have a common overlapping area (42) for transmitting electrical energy.

8. The energy transmission device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The motor vehicle window (30) is designed as a window pane or a sliding roof or as a partition pane for the interior of the motor vehicle (14).

9. The energy transmission device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The motor vehicle window guide is designed as a U-shaped motor vehicle window guide.

10. A method for operating an energy transmission device (10) for wirelessly transmitting electrical energy to a functional unit (12) of a motor vehicle component of a motor vehicle (14), the energy transmission device comprising: A first capacitive device (16), the first capacitive device having a first capacitive element (20) and a second capacitive element (22); A second capacitor device (18), the second capacitor device having a third capacitor element (24) and a fourth capacitor element (26), wherein the second capacitor element (22) is relatively movable relative to the first capacitor element (20), and the fourth capacitor element (26) is relatively movable relative to the third capacitor element (24), and electrical energy is transmitted from the first capacitor element (20) to the second capacitor element (22) and from the third capacitor element (24) to the fourth capacitor element (26) by means of a capacitive coupler (28), characterized in that: The motor vehicle component is provided as a motor vehicle glass (30), and the first capacitor element (20) and the third capacitor element (24) are provided as a motor vehicle glass guide of the motor vehicle (14), and the second capacitor element (22) and the fourth capacitor element (26) are provided on a motor vehicle glass region (32) of the motor vehicle glass (30) corresponding to the motor vehicle glass guide, and electrical energy is capacitively transmitted.

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