System for plug-free electrical contacting of a mobile device with a contact station in a vehicle and method for its operation

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for the plug-free electrical contacting of a mobile device (6) with a contact station (3) in a vehicle (1), wherein the contact station (3) is integrated into the vehicle (1) and electrically coupled to a control unit (4) and has at least a first and a second stationary contact surface (33, 34). A connecting element (5) can be detachably fastened to an outer surface of the mobile device (6), wherein a detachable electrical connection can also be established between the mobile device (6) and the connecting element (5), and the connecting element (5) has at least a first and a second mobile contact surface (53, 54).The stationary (33, 34) and mobile contact surfaces (53, 54) are essentially flat and made of a conductive plastic, wherein the stationary (33, 34) and mobile contact surfaces (53, 54) are arranged such that the contact station (3) and the connecting element (5) can be brought into contact such that the first stationary (33) and the first mobile contact surface (53) as well as the second stationary (34) and the second mobile contact surface (54) are at least partially brought into conductive contact with one another. The invention further relates to a connecting element (5) for plug-free electrical contacting of a mobile device (6) with a contact station and to a method for operating a system for plug-free electrical contacting of a mobile device (6) with a contact station (3) in a vehicle (1).

Description

The present invention relates to a system for plug-free electrical contacting of a mobile device with a contact station in a vehicle and to a method for operating the system. The invention further relates to a connecting element for making electrical contact, without plugs, with a mobile device and a contact station.Inductive chargers are known for charging mobile devices, such as mobile telephones, in which a power source is inductively coupled to the mobile device. In this case, the energy source and the mobile device do not have to be connected by means of a cable. The transfer efficiency is typically about 70%, i.e. about 30%, of the energy used cannot be used for charging, but results, for example, in heat development. The efficiency is thus all the more deteriorated than the inductive charger itself must also be supplied with electrical energy, with further losses occurring.In addition, a relatively low power is usually transmitted by induction, so that the charging process runs more slowly than in systems in which the mobile device is connected to a charging cable by plug contact. The transmitted power also drops sharply with increasing distance between the inductive charging device and the inductive receiver of the mobile device, so that separate casings for mobile devices have a negative effect on the transmitted power and the charging duration. However, such envelopes are widely used to protect mobile devices or to individualize their appearance.EP 2 506 386 A1 describes a system for charging portable electronic devices. The apparatus has a part for supporting and is suspended from the latter on a device. An electrical contact is made and the device can be charged.DE 20 2011 105 521 U1 describes a device which has two transparent and conductive layers on one body, which are insulated from one another and by means of which a device can be supplied with current.The holding device for an electronic mobile device described in DE 10 2015 200 305 A1 comprises a depression for the raised holder and an insert part spaced apart therefrom.DE 10 2014 201 989 A1 describes a receiving device which can wirelessly receive power from an inductive or conductive charging system. The receiving device is designed as a receiver casing and has a connection for transmitting the received power to an electrical device for charging.WO 2009 / 033482 A2 proposes a charging and communication device on which an electrical device can be placed in a position-variable manner and which automatically carries out direct contacting.A smart platform device comprises a first module having a first body and a first mounting surface including a first coupling force element positioned at a first location on the first mounting surface, the first module configured to provide a charging current, as shown in WO 2018 / 129,469 A1. The apparatus may further include a second module including a second body and a second mounting surface coupled to the second body, the second mounting surface including a second coupling force element positioned at a second location on the second mounting surface corresponding to the first location on the first mounting surface. The second module may further include a hinge component coupled to the second body, a wing connector coupled to the hinge component, and a charging circuit disposed in the second body, the charging circuit providing the charging current to the first module.DE 197 55 767 C2 has a housing with a plug connector mounted in an opening of the housing base for cooperation with an electronic control unit inserted into the housing, which is mechanically secured within the housing opening via form-fit elements. The locking elements can be secured by rotating the plug connector relative to the housing.DE 10 2006 008 146 A1 shows a mobile identification transmitter for keyless activation of a security system of a motor vehicle, having an electronic unit and a receiving unit which receives a first signal generated from outside the identification transmitter and passes it to the electronic unit which carries out an identification check of the first signal and, if an identification is determined positively, initiates a second signal which is generated in a radio unit and transmitted via a transmitting unit. According to the invention, it is provided that the receiving unit, which contains an electrode, has a minimum distance to the remaining electronics of the identification transmitter and receives the first signal by means of a capacitive coupling, wherein the electronics unit has a shield which ensures reliable reception of the first signal.The object of the present invention is to provide a system and a method which make it possible for a user to connect a mobile device in a vehicle without plug connections into an electrical or electronic overall system in a particularly simple manner.According to the invention, this object is achieved by a system having the features of claim 1, a connecting element having the features of claim 9 and a method for operating the system having the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments and refinements emerge from the dependent claims.In the system according to the invention, the contact station is integrated into the vehicle and electrically coupled to a control unit. It has at least a first and a second stationary contact surface. A connecting element can be detachably fastened to an outer surface of the mobile device, wherein a detachable electrical connection can also be produced between the mobile device and the connecting element. The connecting element has at least a first and a second mobile contact surface, wherein the stationary and mobile contact surfaces are substantially planar and are formed from a conductive plastic. In this case, the stationary and mobile contact surfaces are arranged such that the contact station and the connecting element can be brought into contact such that the first stationary and the first mobile contact surface and the second stationary and the second mobile contact surface are at least partially brought into conductive contact with one another.The connecting element advantageously allows the mobile device to be brought into conductive contact with the contact station easily and quickly. Systems are otherwise typically used for this purpose, in which the mobile device is connected to a contact station or a control unit via a cable. In contrast, the invention provides a plug-free contacting which can be produced or released quickly. In this case, the contact between the connecting element and the contact station is not established by means of a connection of a plug and a socket, but rather by bringing contact surfaces of the connecting element and the contact station into conductive contact. In particular, no wire is used as a conductor between the connecting element and the contact station. Such a connection can be produced particularly easily and quickly.Higher power may be transmitted as compared to induction-based systems and the mobile device may be charged faster, for example. In this case, the radiation exposure for the user is minimal, while radiation exposure can occur in the event of induction. The connection element can be used to include practically all arbitrary mobile devices in the system, even if they were not designed for this by the manufacturer. A particularly cost-effective solution with high compatibility is achieved.Because the stationary and mobile contact surfaces are formed according to the invention from a conductive plastic, they can be shaped and designed in different ways. In particular, the contact surfaces can be formed in a plastic surface without being visible, for example if they are formed from insulating plastic in the same color as surrounding regions. The contact station can thereby advantageously be integrated particularly well into the vehicle, for example such that its contact surfaces are not visible to a user. Analogously, the connecting element can also be designed. The plastic can be used, for example, in the form of a textile material or can have a continuous plastic surface. Furthermore, tactile properties of the plastic can be selected such that the surfaces of the connecting element and / or of the contact station are perceived as particularly pleasant. In particular, metallic surfaces can be avoided.In a further development of the invention, the conductive plastic comprises a polymer, in particular polyethylene or polypropylene, as matrix material. The conductive plastic additionally comprises a conductive filler material, in particular carbon black particles, such as, for example, polyblak. Furthermore, cellulose or another suitable material can also be used as matrix material. In order to achieve a suitable electrical conductivity, the filling material can be embedded into the matrix material to a sufficiently high degree. In particular, a chemical bond between matrix material and filling material is possible. Starting from a certain filling degree (for example starting from 5%), electrical current paths can form due to the contact of the particles of the filling material and the material obtained is electrically conductive. Methods known per se can be used for the production.Fibers can be obtained from the matrix and filler and used in a textile material in order to ensure its electrical conductivity. In particular, matrix and filler material are mixed for this purpose and spun to form textile fibers. In the production of a textile surface, the electrically conductive textile fibers are used to produce an at least partial conductivity, in particular also in combination with non-electrically conductive textile fibers. Furthermore, structures other than textile structures can also be used, for example a continuous plastic surface.The planar configuration of the contact surfaces according to the invention distinguishes them from a configuration as a plug or in a similar manner. The contact surfaces are in particular substantially flat, that is to say their extent can be described in each case in a two-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system. The contact surfaces of a unit, i.e. for example the mobile contact surfaces of the connecting element or the stationary contact surfaces of the contact station, are each insulated from one another. For this purpose, they are separated from one another in particular by non-conductive regions. Short circuits and faulty contactings are thereby prevented.In further embodiments, the contact surfaces can at least partially have a curvature or other geometric deviations from a purely flat form; however, these deviations are small compared to the planar extent and amount to, for example, at most one tenth of the planar extent.In further exemplary embodiments, a contact surface is composed of two or more two-dimensionally distinct partial surfaces. For example, two surfaces can be connected to one another at right angles to form a continuous contact surface. Furthermore, a contact surface can have a curved edge region, for example in the case of a contact surface on an edge of a depression.Furthermore, in one embodiment, a contact surface can have a structuring, in particular a regular structuring with a multiplicity of elements of uniform or similar design, wherein the elements of the structuring are small with respect to the area extent of the contact surface. For example, a rough surface structure can be provided or a fabric structure can be provided on the surface, as in the mutually complementary elements of hook and loop fasteners.In this case, it is ensured that the stationary and mobile contact surfaces are brought into connection with one another in such a way that a correct contacting takes place; short circuits and bridging of a plurality of contacts are in particular avoided. This is achieved by its arrangement, for example by arranging the stationary contact surfaces of the contact station and the mobile contact surfaces of the connection element in mutually corresponding patterns. Furthermore, the dimensions of the contact surfaces can be selected such that they can be contacted correctly with one another and, in particular, incorrect operations are avoided or prevented. The first stationary and the first mobile contact surface are brought into contact with one another, analogously to which the second stationary and the second mobile contact surface are brought into contact. In particular, it can be provided that no contacting can take place "via a cross", wherein the first mobile is connected to the second stationary contact surface and / or the second mobile is connected to the first stationary contact surface. Furthermore, the system can be designed such that the contact surfaces can be connected to one another in various combinations. In particular, it can be provided that it is detected which contact surfaces are connected to one another, and a corresponding actuation is subsequently carried out, in particular by means of the actuation unit.The invention is advantageous in motor vehicles above all because contacting by means of a plug contact generally requires a precise alignment of the plug and the socket relative to one another. However, when such a device is used by the driver of a vehicle, it is desirable to minimize the attention required for contacting. In the invention, the contacting is carried out particularly simply and quickly, so that the user has to use hardly any attention to the course of the contacting.The electrical contact can be used for charging or for data transmission by means of modulated electrical voltage or electrical current. A corresponding voltage or a current is provided by means of the contact station and controlled by the control unit. This can be, for example, a transformer or a computer interface.In the invention, the contact is provided via the connecting element which has mobile contact surfaces for establishing a contact with the contact station. By means of a suitable coupling between the mobile device and the connecting element, a transmission then takes place at the mobile device.In one embodiment of the invention, the connecting element is electrically connected to the mobile device by means of a plug connection. As a result, the electrical contact can advantageously be produced particularly easily and reliably. Mobile devices usually comprise interfaces, for example in the form of a socket for connection to other devices, which is standardized in such a way that it can be used with high flexibility. For example, a USB, micro-USB, or mini-USB port may be used or another port, such as a thunderbolt, may be provided.In one embodiment of the invention, the contact station is designed such that the mobile device is fixed in a contact-connected position. The fixing is effected in a detachable manner, so that the mobile device and the contact station can be separated from one another again without tools in a non-destructive manner. This advantageously makes it possible to ensure reliable contacting, in particular in the event of accelerations occurring during vehicle travel, during cornering or the like.In a contacted position, the connecting element and the contact station are aligned with respect to one another such that the first stationary and the first mobile contact surface and the second stationary and the second mobile contact surface are at least partially in conductive contact with one another. For example, the respective contact areas overlap and touch one another such that a conductive connection exists. This is in contrast to a non-contact position in which at least one pair of the contact pads are not in conductive communication. It can be ensured by means of control electronics that an energy and / or data exchange takes place automatically only when the contacting has been produced correctly. This control electronics can be comprised by the connecting element, the mobile device, the contact station and / or the control unit.The connecting element and / or the contact station are in particular designed such that all alignments with respect to one another in which the stationary and the mobile contact surfaces are in contact with one another form correctly contacted positions. The contacting is thus achieved independently of the alignment with respect to one another in which the connecting element and the contact station touch. This is achieved, for example, by an arrangement of the stationary and / or mobile contact surfaces which makes impermissible paired contacting impossible, for example because specific pairs of stationary and mobile contact surfaces cannot be simultaneously brought to overlap and into conductive contact with one another. In this case, it can also be ensured that proper contacting is achieved in all alignments in which the contact station and the connecting element can be brought into contact with one another. The contact station can furthermore be formed such that the connecting element can be brought into contact with it only in specific positions and alignments, for example by a receptacle into which the connecting element can be inserted only in specific alignments.Furthermore, the contact station and / or the connecting element can be designed such that different permutations of the paired contacting of the contact surfaces are permissible. For example, a properly contacted position is reached when the first stationary contact surface is in conductive contact with the first or second mobile contact surface, while at the same time the second stationary contact surface is in conductive contact with the respective other mobile contact surface. In particular, for this purpose, the control electronics can record which stationary and mobile contact surfaces are in conductive contact with one another, and actuation can take place in such a way that damage or malfunctions due to incorrect polarity are avoided.The contact station can be designed, for example, as a shelf which is designed, in particular, such that a form-fit connection can be produced with the outer surface of the connecting element and / or of the mobile device. For example, the contact station comprises a depression in which the mobile device with the connecting element can be placed and which is designed such that falling out or slipping in the event of normal accelerations and decelerations in the vehicle is avoided. The contact surfaces of the contact station and of the connecting element are designed in such a way that the paired connection of the contact surfaces is ensured when the mobile device is placed down. In particular, the stationary contact surfaces are arranged here in the region of the depression, within a depressed region and / or in an edge region.Alternatively or additionally, a fixation of the mobile device and the contact station with respect to each other can be provided by means of further fixation elements. For example, a clamp, a fastening strap, a button or push-button connection or a magnetic retaining device can be used for fixing.In a further development, the contact station comprises a hook and loop fastener element. In particular, the connecting element comprises a counterpart corresponding to the hook-and-loop fastener element, in particular a further hook-and-loop fastener element. As a result, the contact station and the mobile device or the connecting element can advantageously be fixed in a specific position with respect to one another in a particularly simple manner.The hook and loop fastener element can be formed in various ways known per se. In particular, the contact station and the connecting element have corresponding hook and loop fastener elements. If they are pressed against one another, they connect in a detachable manner. In particular, the elements can be separated from one another again by a peeling movement.Known principles of a hook and loop fastener include the configurations with hook and loop tape, mushroom head tape and velour tape, mushroom head tape and loop tape, mushroom head tape and mushroom head tape, or extruded hooks and fungi on knitted fabric, such as in a diaper fastener. Depending on the field of application and the tensile and shear forces to be expected in this case, different techniques can be used.The hook and loop fastener element of the contact station and / or of the connecting element is in particular designed to be electrically conductive, for example by means of a conductive coating or by being produced from conductive materials. It can therefore be used as an electrically conductive contact surface, wherein the electrical connection is produced in particular by the connection of two hook and loop fastener elements to one another. The hook and loop fastener elements are considered to be configured flat within the meaning of the invention, because hooks, mushroom heads, fluff layers and other elements are configured to be small with respect to the surface area.According to the invention, the contact station is integrated in the vehicle, for example on the central console or in the region of an instrument panel of the vehicle. It can be arranged fixedly in the vehicle and in particular connected to devices of the vehicle. It can also be variably positionable, for example pivotable or displaceable. In one embodiment, the contact station is arranged in the vehicle such that it is visible and accessible from a driver seat position. As a result, the driver can advantageously use the mobile device in a particularly simple manner and operate it ergonomically. In particular, the driver can easily capture a display display without having to turn the gaze too far away from the surrounding traffic. Further, the mobile device may be disposed within the typical arm length of a driver.The contact station can be arranged, for example, in an area of the center console, for example between the driver seat and the passenger seat. It can furthermore be arranged in the upper region of the dashboard or above the latter, in particular in the region of a front windshield of the vehicle.In a further embodiment, the connecting element comprises a sleeve which is designed to receive the mobile device in a detachable manner. As a result, the contacting can advantageously take place particularly easily.The cover can be formed in a manner known per se, for example in the manner of known mobile telephone covers which serve for protecting the telephone from impacts and for individualization. The cover may completely enclose the mobile device or leave a partial area exposed. The sheath is in particular designed such that it can be detached from the mobile device and attached thereto in a non-destructive manner and in particular without a tool.In one development, the sleeve is designed such that it runs at least along an edge region of the mobile device. It can extend in particular around the entire circumference of the mobile device. As a result, a sheath can advantageously be used which protects the mobile device from damage in the edge region.In one embodiment of the invention, the connecting element comprises a socket. The socket is formed in particular such that a connection can be established with a plug of an external device and contacting of the mobile device is achieved. As a result, the mobile device can advantageously be contacted by means of a plug connection, while at the same time plug-free contacting by the connecting element is made possible. This is of importance in particular when the connecting element is already coupled to the mobile device by means of a plug connection. In this case, it can furthermore advantageously be achieved that connections of the mobile device are not loaded by repeated plugging-in and unplugging, since these processes can be carried out on a socket of the connecting element. This increases the life of the mobile device.In a further embodiment, the connecting element comprises an output element, by means of which an output signal can be generated as a function of an electrical connection, a charging process and / or a data transmission. The connecting element can thereby advantageously be used to output information about the device state to a user.The output element can be designed in a manner known per se, for example as an optical display which comprises at least one light source. For example, a single or a plurality of light emitting diodes may be used. The output signal may include controlling intensity, color, and spatial distribution of light emission. The output signal can furthermore be designed dynamically, for example as a flashing or running light.The output signal can be used to indicate when an electrical connection for charging the mobile device is established or disconnected. It can be indicated whether a charging process is carried out, how far the charging has advanced, which charging state the mobile device has, or whether the charging process has been completed. Furthermore, information can be displayed via a data connection, for example when establishing or disconnecting the data connection, when exchanging data, during specific events such as the receipt of a message or when a warning message or a notification is present.The connection element according to the invention for plug-free electrical contacting of a mobile device with a contact station comprises a first and a second mobile contact surface. The connecting element is designed such that it can be detachably fastened to an outer surface of the mobile device, wherein a detachable electrical connection can also be produced between the mobile device and the connecting element by means of the first and second mobile contact surfaces, wherein the mobile contact surfaces are substantially planar and are formed from a conductive plastic.The connecting element advantageously allows contacting with the contact station by means of its mobile contact surfaces, in particular within the scope of the system according to the invention described above, without a plug connection having to be produced for this purpose between connecting element and contact station. The connection element can be designed, for example, as a casing of a mobile device, for example a mobile telephone or tablet computer. The configuration of the mobile contact surfaces with a planar geometry and made of a conductive plastic makes it possible to integrate the electrodes into the connecting element in such a way that they are not visible from the outside, for example, and / or offer a user a particularly pleasant haptics.The mobile contact surfaces are in particular arranged such that the connecting element can be brought into contact with the contact station such that the first mobile contact surface is brought into conductive contact with a first stationary contact surface and the second mobile contact surface is brought into conductive contact with a second stationary contact surface at least partially.In the method according to the invention of the type mentioned at the beginning, the contact station has at least one first and one second stationary contact surface and is electrically coupled to a control unit. A connecting element having at least a first and a second mobile contact surface is detachably fastened to an outer surface of the mobile device, wherein a detachable electrical connection is furthermore produced between the mobile device and the connecting element. The stationary and mobile contact surfaces are substantially planar and formed from a conductive plastic, wherein the stationary and mobile contact surfaces are brought into contact such that the first stationary and the first mobile contact surface and the second stationary and the second mobile contact surface are at least partially brought into conductive contact with one another.The method according to the invention is designed in particular to operate the above-described system according to the invention. The method thus has the same advantages as the system according to the invention.The invention will now be explained on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention, FIGS. 2A and 2B show exemplary embodiments of the connecting element of the system according to the invention, FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C show exemplary embodiments of the system according to the invention, and FIGS. 4A and 4B show further exemplary embodiments of the connecting element of the system according to the invention.With reference to FIG. 1, an embodiment of the system according to the invention is explained.A vehicle 1 comprises an instrument panel 2 into which a contact station 3 is integrated. In the exemplary embodiment, it is provided that the contact station 3 is pivotably fastened to the dashboard 2 in a central region in such a way that a driver of the vehicle 1 can easily reach and see the position of the contact station from its typical seating position. In further exemplary embodiments, it is provided that the contact station 3 is arranged in an area between the driver and passenger seats of the vehicle 1. Alternatively, a position may be provided at the upper edge of the instrument panel 2 close to a windshield of the vehicle 1. In further exemplary embodiments, other positions of the contact station 3 can also be provided; in addition, the fastening and integration into the vehicle 1 can take place in different ways, in particular by means of a pivotable and / or displaceable fastening device.The contact station 3 is coupled to a control unit 4. The control unit 4 is a charging device or an external power supply in the exemplary embodiment, wherein a specific current is provided at a predefined voltage in such a way that a mobile device 6 can be operated on the basis of the electrical energy or a battery of the mobile device 6 can be charged. In further exemplary embodiments, the control unit 4 can be designed as a computer interface for the purpose of outputting and / or receiving electronic signals. Furthermore, the control unit 4 can fulfil several functions at the same time, for example the functions of a computer interface and a charger.In the exemplary embodiment, the contact station 3 is designed as a receptacle for a connecting element 5 and a mobile device 4 coupled thereto. The connecting element 5 is fastened to the mobile device 4 and is coupled by means of an electrical connection in such a way that electrical energy and / or electrical signals can be transmitted by the connecting element 5. An embodiment of a corresponding coupling element 57 is shown in FIG. 2A and is explained below.The contact station 3 and the connecting element 5 have flat contact surfaces 31 to 36, 51 to 56 which are formed and arranged in such a way that, when the connecting element 5 is received by the contact station 3, pairs of contact surfaces 31 to 36, 51 to 56 of the connecting element 5 and of the contact station 3 are in electrically conductive contact with one another in each case. The contact surfaces 31 to 36, 51 to 56 are explained in more detail below with reference to the following exemplary embodiments.With reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B, embodiments of the connection element of the system according to the invention will be explained. In this case, the starting point is the exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention explained above with reference to FIG. 1.The connecting element 5 is designed as a casing 5 for a mobile telephone 6. It comprises a flat region and a circumferential, upwardly curved edge. When the cover 5 is attached to the mobile telephone 6, the flat portion abuts the rear of the mobile telephone 6, and the cover 5 is held by the bulged edge surrounding an edge portion of the mobile telephone 6. In further exemplary embodiments, the curved-up edge of the connecting element 5 is not completely circumferential, but is only formed in regions, but the fastening to the mobile telephone 6 is carried out in an analogous manner. In further embodiments, other types of fastening of the connecting element 5 to the mobile telephone 6 can be provided, for example a clamping device.The sleeve 5 also has a coupling element 57 which is designed as a plug connection 57. When the mobile telephone 6 is inserted into the casing 5, the coupling element 57 is inserted into a corresponding socket of the mobile telephone 6. For this purpose, a connection of a specific standard, for example mini-USB, is usually provided in mobile telephones 6, but other connections can also be used.The sheath 5 further comprises mobile contact surfaces 51 to 54, which in the exemplary embodiments shown are provided as rectangles in the flat region of the sheath 5. They are arranged on the side which faces away from an inserted mobile telephone 6, that is to say on the side of the casing 5 which faces away from the curved-up edge. The contact surfaces 51 to 54 are formed flat, that is to say their surface can be described substantially as a two-dimensional surface. They are insulated from one another, that is to say a non-conductive region is arranged between the contact areas 51 to 54 such that there is no electrical contact between the contact areas 51 to 54.In further exemplary embodiments, the contact surfaces 51 to 54 can be formed slightly curved, wherein the curvature is small compared to the planar extent. They can also have a different shape, for example round or polygonal shapes.The contact surfaces 51 to 54 also have electrical connections which are connected to the coupling element 57. Furthermore, an electrical or electronic element can be provided, which is connected between the contact surfaces 51 to 54 and the coupling element 57, for example for detecting an electrical contact or a data connection.Furthermore, control electronics can be provided which recognize whether a closed circuit is present and energy can be transmitted. A charging process, in which electrical current is transmitted via the contact surfaces 51 to 54 to the coupling element 57 and a mobile device connected thereto, can be controlled in such a way that the charging is carried out only when there is sufficient electrical contact. Alternatively or additionally, the control electronics can check and monitor the connection for the transmission of data by means of electrical signals, wherein a data connection is established if there is sufficient electrical contact.In the exemplary embodiment, the contact surfaces 51 to 54 are formed from a conductive plastic which is formed as a textile material. In particular, they are not designed as metal surfaces; however, in a further exemplary embodiment, metallic components can be included. In the case of the plastic, polymers, for example polyethylene or polypropylene, can be used as matrix material, which can be formed in particular as fibers. Furthermore, cellulose can also be used as matrix material. In order to achieve an electrical conductivity, for example, carbon black particles, for example polyblak, can be embedded into the matrix material to a sufficiently high degree as filling material.In the embodiment, fibers derived from the matrix and filler are used in a fabric to provide electrical conductivity. In a further exemplary embodiment, at least some of the contact surfaces 51 to 54 can be present as continuous plastic surfaces, i.e. not textile.Furthermore, any types of electrically conductive plastics can be used. By selecting a suitable conductive plastic, the texture and the appearance of the contact surfaces 51 to 54 can be selected such that a specific appearance and / or specific tactile properties are achieved, which are perceived as particularly pleasant, for example, or insert themselves particularly well into the design of the casing 5. In particular, it can be achieved that the contact surfaces 51 to 54 are not optically recognizable, since their surfaces optically correspond to the surrounding surfaces of the shell 5.Exemplary embodiments of the system according to the invention are explained with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3C, wherein the starting point is the exemplary embodiment of the system according to the invention explained above with reference to FIG. 1 and the exemplary embodiments of the connecting element 5 explained with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B.A contact station 3 with stationary contact surfaces 33, 34 is shown in longitudinal section in each case. a mobile telephone 6 and a connecting element 5 connected thereto with mobile contact surfaces 53, 54 are arranged on the contact station 3 in such a way that the mobile contact surface 53 is in conductive connection with the stationary contact surface 33 and the mobile contact surface 54 is in conductive connection with the stationary contact surface 34 by contact. The gap indicated in the drawing illustrates that these are contact surfaces 33, 34, 53, 54 of separate units. In the actual situation, however, the contact surfaces 33 and 53 and 34 and 54, respectively, contact each other.In the case shown in FIG. 3A, the contact station 3 is designed as a horizontal support with a depression and a raised edge region. The contact station 3 is designed such that a mobile telephone 6 placed therein with a connecting element 5 automatically slides into a contact-connected position and is held therein, wherein the contact surfaces 33, 53, 34, 54 each contact one another in pairs. For this purpose, lateral edge regions, not shown in the figure, are also raised in particular.In the case shown in FIG. 3B, the contact station 3 is designed as an oblique placement area, wherein a lower edge with a raised area is designed such that a placed mobile telephone 6 with a connecting element 5 is held by the raised edge area and prevented from slipping down. Here too, the contact surfaces 33, 53, 34, 44 are arranged such that the mobile telephone 6 automatically reaches a contact-connected position when it is placed on the connecting element 3 and is held therein. In further embodiments, the static contact surfaces 33, 34 can be arranged in the edge region such that the mobile device 6 and with the sleeve 5 are automatically brought into contact with them by gravity.In the case shown in FIG. 3C, the contact station 3 is designed as a planar surface on which the stationary contact surfaces 33, 34 are formed by means of electrically conductive hook and loop fastener elements. These are in particular strips with hook-and-loop fastener elements adhesively bonded in a two-dimensional manner or fastened in another way to the surface of the contact station 3. The contact station 3 is not designed as a shelf here, but a separable and self-supporting connection to the connecting element 5 and mobile telephones 6 is produced in that contact surfaces 53, 54 of the connecting element 5, which contact surfaces are likewise designed as hook-and-loop fastener elements, are brought into a detachable connection with the hook-and-loop fastener elements 33, 34 of the contact station, which contact surfaces are designed to be complementary thereto. The mobile device 6 can thereby be held in various positions against the force of gravity and against the forces of possible accelerations.In a further exemplary embodiment, the vehicle 1 is a bicycle, in particular a bicycle with a motor, for example an electric motor. The contact station 3 with the stationary contact surfaces 33, 34 is fastened in this case to a part of the bicycle, in particular to the handlebar or in a region close to the handlebar. In the exemplary embodiment, hook-and-loop fastener elements 33, 34 are attached to the handlebar as stationary contact surfaces 33, 34, and the connecting element 5 has contact surfaces 53, 54 which are designed as hook-and-loop fastener elements complementary thereto. In this way, by means of the connecting element 5, a mobile device 6 can be attached to the handlebar of the bicycle in such a way that its display is held in the viewing region of the cyclist. Alternatively, a different attachment may be provided. At the same time, in the exemplary embodiment, electrical energy is provided, in particular by a battery or a generator of the bicycle, in order to operate the mobile device 6 or to charge its battery. In further exemplary embodiments, electronic signals can be transmitted from the bicycle to the mobile device 6, for example from a computing unit of the bicycle. Alternatively or additionally, data can be transmitted from the mobile device 6 to the bicycle, for example for controlling a motor or a specific functionality.The connecting element 5 with the mobile telephone 6 and the contact station 3 are connected or are arranged in such a way that the electrical connection between the mobile contact surfaces 53, 54 and the stationary contact surfaces 33, 34 is not accidentally released, in particular not by certificates which typically occur in the vehicle during a journey, in particular in a curve or during a braking operation.The stationary contact surfaces 33, 34 of the contact station 3 are likewise planar and formed from plastic, analogously to the mobile contact surfaces 51 to 54 of the connecting element 5 explained above. Here too, a textile material with at least partially conductive fibers or a continuous plastic can be used such that the contact surfaces 33, 34 are insulated from one another by electrically non-conductive regions arranged therebetween. Furthermore, the contact surfaces 33, 34 can be formed such that they cannot be visually and / or tactilely distinguished by a user from the surrounding surface of the contact station 3.With reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, embodiments of the connection element of the system according to the invention will be explained. The above-explained exemplary embodiments of the system according to the invention are thereby assumed.The figures each show a mobile telephone 6, to which a connecting element 5 is fastened. In particular, the connecting element 5 is designed as a mobile telephone casing 5.In the case illustrated in FIG. 4A, the sleeve 5 encloses the mobile telephone 6 substantially completely except for a front side of the mobile telephone 6, which typically has a display or a touchscreen, and also operating elements and connections of the mobile telephone 6. The sleeve 5 furthermore comprises a cover flap 5 awhich is pivotably fastened to the remaining sleeve 5 and is designed such that, in a folded-down state, it extends over the display of the mobile telephone 6 and protects the latter. In a folded-open state, on the other hand, access to the display is enabled. An arrow P in FIG. 4A indicates the swing direction. The mobile contact surfaces 53, 54 are arranged in a two-dimensionally formed region of the sleeve 5 opposite the side facing the mobile telephone 6 and are therefore accessible from the outside.In the case shown in FIG. 4B, the sleeve 5 encloses the flat mobile telephone 6 only in an edge region, wherein the mobile telephone 6 is protected by edge protection, in particular from the consequences of a fall. The mobile contact surfaces 55, 56 are arranged here in an edge region such that they run over an edge of the surface of the casing 5 defined by the shape of the mobile telephone 6. The contact surfaces 55, 56 are therefore each composed of two flat elements on one or the other side of the edge. The arrangement and shape of the stationary contact surfaces 33, 34 of the contact station 3 can also be arranged in this case differently from the configurations shown in FIGS. 3A to 3C, for example in an edge region of a shelf, as shown in FIG. 3B, which comes into contact with the contacted regions.In further exemplary embodiments, provision is made for the sleeve 5 to comprise an output element, by means of which an output signal is generated as a function of an electrical connection, a charging process and / or a data transmission. For example, a light signal can be output which indicates that an electrical connection has been established by contact between the mobile contact pads 51 to 56 and the matching stationary contact pads 33, 34. Furthermore, a light signal can be output when a charging process begins, during which charging process is carried out or when this is ended. Furthermore, a state of charge of the mobile telephone 6 can be output by a light signal. In addition, the establishment or the termination of a data connection and the transmission of data can be signaled.In a further exemplary embodiment, the sleeve 5 comprises a socket which can be formed, for example, according to the mini-USB standard or in another way. To this receptacle, an external device can be connected by means of plugs, the connection being transmitted through the sheath 5 to the mobile device 6. This means, in particular, that a connection of the mobile device 6 can be contacted from the outside by the socket of the casing 5. In particular, a connection which is occupied by the coupling element 57 can thereby be replicated, so that contacting of the mobile device 6 by a plug is possible even when the casing 5 is mounted.In further exemplary embodiments, provision is made for the sleeve 5 to further comprise a receiver and / or transmitter for inductive coupling. In this case, the contact station 3 can comprise corresponding devices, by means of which a transmission of energy and / or data can be carried out by inductive coupling to the connection element 5 and the mobile device 6.In addition, in further exemplary embodiments, it can be provided that the connecting element 5 comprises an energy store, for example a rechargeable battery, which can be charged via the mobile contact surfaces 51 to 56. Alternatively, a data memory can be included, which can be read out or written to via the mobile contact areas 51 to 56.In further exemplary embodiments, it can also be provided that the mobile device 6 itself also comprises separate contact surfaces, which are formed in particular in the manner of the mobile contact surfaces 51 to 56. The mobile device 6 can then also be contacted with the contact station 5 without the connecting element 3, or the coupling with the connecting element 3 can be effected particularly easily in that the contact surfaces of the mobile device are brought into contact and conductive contact with additional inner side contact surfaces of the connecting element 3.List of reference characters1 Vehicle 2 dashboard 3 contact station, storage area 4 control unit 5 casing, connecting element 5 acover 6 mobile device, mobile telephone 33, 34 stationary contact surface (contact station) 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56 mobile contact surface (connecting element) 57 plug connection, coupling element (connecting element) P arrow

Claims

System for plug-less electrical contacting of a mobile device (6) with a contact station (3) in a vehicle (1), wherein the contact station (3) is integrated into the vehicle (1) and electrically coupled to a control unit (4) and has at least a first and a second stationary contact surface (33, 34); and a connecting element (5) can be detachably fastened to an outer surface of the mobile device (6), wherein furthermore a detachable electrical connection can be produced between the mobile device (6) and the connecting element (5) and the connecting element (5) has at least a first and a second mobile contact surface (53, 54); wherein the stationary (33, 34) and mobile contact surfaces (53, 54) are substantially planar and are formed from a conductive plastic; wherein the stationary contact surfaces (33, 34) and mobile contact surfaces (53, 54) are arranged such that the contact station (3) and the connecting element (5) can be brought into contact such that the first stationary contact surface (33) and the first mobile contact surface (53) and the second stationary contact surface (34) and the second mobile contact surface (54) are at least partially brought into conductive contact with one another.System according to Claim 1, characterized in that the conductive plastic comprises a polymer, in particular polyethylene or polypropylene, as matrix material and a conductive filler material, in particular carbon black particles.System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact station (3) is designed such that the mobile device (6) is fixed in a contact-connected position.The system according to claim 3, characterized in that the contact station (3) comprises a hook and loop fastener.A system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact station (3) is arranged in the vehicle (1) so as to be visible and accessible from a driver's seat position.The system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (5) comprises a sheath (5) configured to releasably receive the mobile device (6).System according to claim 6, characterised in that the sheath (5) is designed such that it extends at least along an edge region of the mobile device (6).System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connecting element (5) comprises an output element, by means of which an output signal can be generated as a function of an electrical connection, a charging process and / or a data transmission.Connecting element (5) for plug-free electrical contact of a mobile device (6) with a contact station (3), with a first and a second mobile contact surface (53, 54); wherein the connecting element (5) is designed such that it can be detachably fastened to an outer surface of the mobile device (6), wherein furthermore a detachable electrical connection can be produced between the mobile device (6) and the connecting element (5); wherein the mobile contact surfaces (53, 54) are substantially planar and are formed from a conductive plastic.Method for operating a system for plug-free electrical contacting of a mobile device (6) with a contact station (3) in a vehicle (1), wherein the contact station (3) has at least a first (33) and a second stationary contact surface (34) and is electrically coupled to a control unit (4); and a connecting element (5) with at least a first (53) and a second mobile contact surface (54) is detachably fastened to an outer surface of the mobile device (6), wherein a detachable electrical connection is furthermore produced between the mobile device (6) and the connecting element (5); wherein the stationary (33, 34) and mobile contact surfaces (53, 54) are substantially planar and are formed from a conductive plastic; wherein the stationary contact surfaces (33, 34) and the mobile contact surfaces (53, 54) are brought into contact such that the first stationary contact surface (33) and the first mobile contact surface (53) and the second stationary contact surface (34) and the second mobile contact surface (54) are brought at least partially into conductive contact with one another.

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