Magnetic charging element, charging tray arrangement for mobile terminal, and motor vehicle having charging tray arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a magnetic charging element (16), which is designed to wirelessly charge an energy storage element and has a charging cable (20), one end of which is arranged on the charging element (16); wherein the holding surface (24) of the charging element (16) is magnetically designed. The invention further relates to a charging tray device (14) for a mobile terminal, comprising a housing (18), a magnetic charging element (16) arranged in or on the housing (18) above a charging cable (20), and a charging tray element (28) for supporting the charging element (16), and to a motor vehicle (10) comprising a charging tray device (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a magnetic charging element having a charging cable. A charging element is a component constructed for charging an energy storage device, such as a battery in a mobile terminal device. The invention also relates to a charging tray device with a magnetic charging element for a mobile terminal device, and a motor vehicle having a charging tray device. This charging tray device may also be referred to as a "docking station." Background Technology

[0002] Currently, wireless chargers are installed in motor vehicles. Vehicle users correctly place their mobile devices, such as smartphones, into the charger to charge them. If the user removes the smartphone from the charger, the charging process is interrupted.

[0003] US 11 772 573 B1 describes a bracket mounted on a vehicle, the bracket having: a support base, a wireless charger, a magnetically attached ring assembly, an adjustment assembly, and a locking assembly, wherein the wireless charger and the support base are combined to form a magnetically attached bracket for wireless charging mounted on the vehicle, the magnetically attached ring assembly and the support base are combined to form a magnetically attached bracket mounted on the vehicle, and the adjustment assembly is used to rotatably adjust the load-bearing state of the support base.

[0004] US 2023 / 051385 A1 describes a mobile phone connectivity device for an automobile, comprising a USB connector socket or cigarette lighter socket for the automobile and a mobile phone holder, the mobile phone holder including a mating USB connector plug or cigarette lighter plug for the automobile and a mobile phone connection holding mechanism. The plug has a flange and internally threaded locking cap, a flange and a bayonet locking cap, a flange and a screw through-hole plate and screw, or a screw through-hole flange and screw; the mobile phone connection holding mechanism includes a mobile phone connector plug, a wireless charging pad, or an NFC communication pad.

[0005] If charging is interrupted, the user can place the smartphone back into the charging tray of the vehicle's charger. However, the charging tray in a vehicle's charger must be designed for smartphones of various sizes. Therefore, the charging tray has a relatively large surface area, and smaller smartphones may slide out. The user must place the device back in the precise position. If the user fails to place the smartphone exactly back on the charging point, the charging process will not resume. If the user leaves the vehicle with their smartphone, the device may not be fully charged or far from fully charged. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to improve the continuity of the charging process for mobile terminal devices in motor vehicles.

[0007] This objective is achieved through the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous improvements of the invention are described by the dependent claims, the following description, and the accompanying drawings.

[0008] The present invention is based on the concept of providing a magnetically designed charging element to which one end of a charging cable is connected. This magnetic charging element is designed for wireless charging of mobile terminal devices; that is, the mobile terminal device does not necessarily need to be fixedly connected by a cable for charging. Instead, the charging element is designed for inductive charging, and the mobile terminal device is placed on the charging element to charge. Furthermore, the charging element is designed to be magnetic, thus allowing it to remain on the mobile terminal device.

[0009] When installed in a charging tray, the other end of the cable is secured to or within the housing of the charging tray, allowing the mobile device to be removed from the charging tray during charging. The charging element remains on the mobile device via magnetic retention, and the charging process is uninterrupted by the cable supplying power to the charging element. Then, when the mobile device is placed back into the charging tray, the cable guides it back to its precise position within the tray.

[0010] The device according to the invention is applicable to mobile terminal devices of different sizes, and its technical effects and advantages are equally applicable to mobile terminal devices of different sizes. In other words, regardless of the size of the mobile terminal device, it can be correctly placed on the charging point or charging port and the charging process can begin. The charging process is uninterrupted during removal. The user does not need to look at the charging tray to correctly align the charging point when placing the mobile terminal device back. Therefore, the charging process can be carried out smoothly and continuously.

[0011] Another advantage is that this holding method is also applicable to mobile terminal devices with dedicated housings that do not have magnetic brackets or mobile terminal devices that do not have built-in magnets.

[0012] The charging element and the charging tray device according to the invention are particularly suitable for motor vehicles, but can also be used in homes and other settings, and have the same advantages.

[0013] The magnetic charging element according to the invention is designed for wireless charging of energy storage elements (i.e., batteries or accumulators). The magnetic charging element has a magnetically designed holding surface. Here, "magnetic" means that the holding surface has magnetic properties. This means that the holding surface is ferromagnetic and capable of attracting magnetized or magnetizable materials. Preferably, the holding surface is flat, i.e., planar. The magnetic charging element is preferably designed for inductive charging. Furthermore, the magnetic charging element has a charging cable, one end of which is disposed at the charging element. Preferably, this end of the cable can be disposed on the side opposite to the holding surface.

[0014] This yields advantages not mentioned above. Magnetic charging elements are also well-suited for expanding and upgrading existing charging trays. Mobile devices held magnetically at the charging element are not only prevented from slipping during charging, but are also held at the charging element and thus at the charging tray in the event of a collision. This allows for more reliable storage of mobile devices during charging.

[0015] Preferably, the charging element may have a winding mechanism for the charging cable, which is arranged at the end of the charging cable opposite to the charging element. The winding mechanism may, for example, have an automatic return brake to slow the speed of cable retraction, thereby slowing the retraction speed of the magnetic charging element when it is located in the charging tray assembly. Alternatively, locking can be additionally achieved by a simple pull. In addition to the advantages already mentioned, another advantage is that the winding mechanism allows for more accurate positioning of the mobile terminal device in the charging tray when it is being returned to its original position.

[0016] The aforementioned advantages also apply to the charging tray device for mobile terminal devices according to the present invention. "Charging tray device" is understood herein as a component or assembly of components having a charging tray element, i.e., a component designed as a tray for storing charging elements and thus storing the mobile terminal device during the charging process. The charging tray device also has a housing and embodiments of the charging tray element according to the present invention. The charging tray element is arranged above the charging cable in or within the housing.

[0017] Preferably, the charging tray device may have a winding mechanism for the charging cable, which is arranged at the end of the charging cable opposite to the charging element. Here, the winding mechanism is arranged in or on the housing of the charging tray device. The advantages of the winding mechanism have been discussed above.

[0018] In the improved design, the winding mechanism can be designed as an automatic winding mechanism. These advantages have already been discussed above.

[0019] In another embodiment of the charging tray device according to the invention, the charging tray device may have a retaining element in the housing for holding the magnetic charging element in or on the charging tray element in a storage position. In other words, the magnetic charging element is placed in or on the charging tray element in a storage position and held in that position by the retaining element. Therefore, the retaining element is also arranged at the location where the charging element is in the storage position. If the mobile terminal device is held and charged by the charging element, the mobile terminal device is similarly placed in or on the charging tray element in a storage position.

[0020] Preferably, the retaining element can be designed as a locking element, that is, it is designed to hold the magnetic charging element in a stored position by force locking. To remove the mobile terminal device and the magnetic charging element, the locking element can be pressed, for example, to release the charging element. This improvement provides a better and more reliable storage solution for mobile terminal devices in the charging tray device.

[0021] By using retaining elements, especially retaining elements designed as locking elements, mobile terminal devices are also stored more reliably in the charging tray device during the charging process.

[0022] In an improved version of the charging tray device with a retaining element, the retaining element is supported in a movable manner and designed to release the charging element when force is applied to the retaining element, thereby allowing the charging element to be removed from the charging tray device. Therefore, the user can pull the mobile terminal device with the charging element held in place from the charging tray device for use. In this embodiment, the retaining element is designed as a locking element, such as a button.

[0023] In another embodiment of the charging tray device according to the invention, the charging element is designed for inductive charging. Its advantages have been discussed above.

[0024] The motor vehicle according to the invention has an embodiment of the charging tray device according to the invention, and is preferably designed as an automobile, especially as a passenger car or truck, or as a bus or motorcycle. Preferably, the charging device can be arranged at or within the center console of the motor vehicle.

[0025] The present invention also includes an improved version of the motor vehicle according to the invention, having the features already described in conjunction with the improved version of the charging tray device according to the invention. Therefore, corresponding improvements to the motor vehicle according to the invention will not be elaborated further here.

[0026] The present invention also includes combinations of features of the described embodiments. Therefore, the present invention also includes implementations having combinations of features of multiple embodiments described herein, provided that these embodiments are not described as mutually exclusive. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The embodiments of the present invention are described below. Wherein:

[0028] Figure 1 Schematic diagrams showing corresponding embodiments of the device according to the invention; and

[0029] Figure 2 Another schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the charging tray device and charging element shows a side view of the charging tray device and charging element. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The embodiments described below relate to preferred embodiments of the invention. In the embodiments, the described components are individual, independently viewable features of the invention, which also independently improve the invention. Therefore, this disclosure should also include combinations of features of the embodiments that differ from the combinations shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments may be supplemented by other features among the already described features of the invention.

[0031] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals refer to elements that have the same function.

[0032] Figure 1 An embodiment of a motor vehicle 10 is illustrated schematically, which may be designed as a passenger car, for example. Exemplarily, a charging tray device 14 may be arranged in the center console 12 of the motor vehicle 10. Figure 1 A top view shows a charging tray device 14 with a magnetic charging element 16. Figure 1 In the example, the charging element 16 can be, for example, elliptical or circular, and as... Figure 1 As exemplarily shown, it is held in the housing 18 of the charging tray device 14 in the storage location.

[0033] Figure 2 The charging cable 20 of the charging element 16 is shown in a side view of the charging tray device 14. In this embodiment, the charging tray device 14 may have a cable winding mechanism 22, which may include, for example, a cable reel. Accordingly, in Figure 1 When storing the cable, cable 20 can be rolled up.

[0034] In an alternative design, cable 20 may extend into a hollow guide rod that can be inserted into the housing 18 of the charging tray assembly 14. This embodiment is particularly suitable for installation in, for example, home or office furniture, while the embodiment with the cable reel mechanism 22 is preferred for installation in motor vehicle 10, as the cable reel mechanism is a particularly space-saving variant.

[0035] Figure 2 A preferred arrangement is also shown, wherein the winding mechanism 22 is arranged in the housing 18 and, when viewed from the side, below the charging element 16.

[0036] exist Figure 1 The top view shows the retaining surface 24, where the magnet of the magnetic charging element 16 can be arranged or below. The retaining surface 24 is preferably flat, allowing, for example, the back of the smartphone to rest flat against it. The charging element 16 is designed for wireless charging of energy storage elements and may accordingly include, for example, sensors for inductive charging. Alternatively, the interior space of the housing 18 may also contain other sensors. These sensors can then be arranged below the bearing surface 26 of the charging tray element 28. The charging tray element 28 can, for example, be a one-piece, tray-shaped member made of plastic, in which holes for the cable 20 and / or shape-matching grooves for the charging element 16 can be provided. These grooves can then preferably be shaped to allow the charging element 16 to be shape-matched within the charging tray element 28. Figure 2 This shape match is shown in a side view.

[0037] Figure 1 The top view also shows a retaining element 30, which may be designed as, for example, a button, slider, or switch, and has a portion that holds the charging element 16 in a stored position. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image), for example, a hook-like element. When the retaining element 30 (which may also be referred to as a locking element in this example) is pressed, the charging element 16 can be released and can be... Figure 2 As indicated by arrow 32, the charging element 16 is removed from its storage location. The user can pull the charging element 16 and the mobile terminal device (not shown) together toward themselves. The charging element 16 and thus the mobile terminal device remain connected to the charging tray assembly 14 via the retractable cable 20, and the charging element 16 continues to charge. When returned to its storage location, the charging element 16 and thus the mobile terminal device are guided back into the storage location.

[0038] Overall, the examples illustrate how a charging tray device 14 (a so-called "wireless charger") with a magnetic charging element 16 for wireless charging and the charging element 16 can be provided.

[0039] The wireless charger is equipped with a magnetic charging element 16 with a retractable cable 20 for easier operation by the user.

[0040] By integrating a charging element 16 with a retractable cable 20, users can better charge and operate mobile terminal devices, such as smartphones.

[0041] If the charging element 16 is locked, the user can, for example, take the charging element 16, along with the exemplary smartphone, into their hand by pressing the retaining element 30 (which may be designed as a mechanical switch). The exemplary smartphone continues to charge.

[0042] If a user wishes to simply pick up, for example, a smartphone without carrying the charging element 16, there is no need to manipulate a switch to release the holding of the charging element 16.

[0043] The charging element 16 may preferably have an automatic cable 20, which can be pulled out and automatically retracted depending on the usage of the charging element 16, for example, in a smartphone. When retracted, the charging element 16 is neatly and snugly embedded in the charging tray. Therefore, the charging tray can also be used for smartphones that do not provide magnets.

[0044] Alternatively, an existing charging tray and sensor in the motor vehicle 10 can be used and mounted on it with the charging element 16 according to the invention.

Claims

1. A magnetic charging element (16) designed for wirelessly charging an energy storage element and having a charging cable (20) one end of which is disposed at the charging element (16); wherein, The holding surface (24) of the charging element (16) is magnetically designed.

2. The magnetic charging element (16) according to claim 1, wherein the magnetic charging element has a winding mechanism (22) for the charging cable (20), the winding mechanism being arranged at one end of the charging cable (20) opposite to the charging element (16).

3. A charging tray device (14) for a mobile terminal device, the charging tray device having: a housing (18); a magnetic charging element (16) according to claim 1 or 2, disposed above the charging cable (20) in or at the housing (18); and a charging tray element (28) for supporting the charging element (16).

4. The charging tray device (14) according to claim 3, wherein the charging tray device has a winding mechanism (22) for the charging cable (20), the winding mechanism being arranged at one end of the charging cable (20) opposite to the charging element (16); wherein, The winding mechanism (22) is arranged in or on the housing (18) of the charging tray device (14).

5. The charging tray device (14) according to claim 4, wherein, The winding mechanism (22) is designed as an automatic winding mechanism.

6. The charging tray device (14) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the charging tray device has a retaining element (30) at the housing (18) for holding the magnetic charging element (16) in the charging tray element (28) or at the charging tray element in a storage position; preferably, wherein, The retaining element (30) is designed as a locking element to retain the magnetic charging element (16) in a force-locking manner.

7. The charging tray device (14) according to claim 6, wherein, The retaining element is supported in a movable manner and is designed to release the charging element (16) when a force is applied to the retaining element (30), thereby allowing the charging element (16) to be removed from the charging tray element (28).

8. The charging tray device (14) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein, The charging element (16) is designed for inductive charging.

9. A motor vehicle (10) having a charging tray device (14) according to any one of claims 3 to 8.

10. The motor vehicle (10) according to claim 9, wherein, The charging tray device (14) is located at or in the center console (12) of the motor vehicle (10).

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