Method for electrically charging a portable communication terminal in a motor vehicle with a charging function, as well as charging system and motor vehicle

Abstract

Method for electrically charging a portable communication terminal (2) in a motor vehicle (3), wherein - in the motor vehicle (3) a charging system (1) is provided which has at least one fast charging function for charging the portable communication terminal (2) and at least one different slow charging function for charging the portable communication terminal (2), wherein - depending on at least one current and / or future usage criterion of the motor vehicle (3) one of the two charging functions is automatically selected by the charging system itself, wherein - the portable communication terminal (2) in the motor vehicle (3) is charged at least temporarily with the selected charging function, characterized in that - as a usage criterion, the duration of use and / or the dwell time of the portable communication terminal (2) in the motor vehicle (3) is taken into account by the charging system (1) for the selection of the charging function and - when the portable communication device (2) is about to be charged using the fast charging function, a limiting threshold for the charging process is defined depending on the battery charge level of an energy storage device (8) of the portable communication device (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for electrically charging a portable communication device in a motor vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a charging system with an evaluation unit. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle with a charging system.

[0002] German patent DE 20 2017 003 298 U1 discloses a reserve tank for an electric vehicle. The reserve tank can, for example, be a power bank, whereby charging the reserve tank with electrical energy can be used to independently extend the range of the electric vehicle.

[0003] DE 10 2015 105 610 B3 describes a device for wirelessly charging and wirelessly coupling a mobile phone, as well as a vehicle-mounted charging and wireless coupling system with a device for wirelessly charging and wirelessly coupling a mobile phone. The device comprises a wireless low-frequency charging device and a high-frequency signal coupling device with the aim of making the wireless low-frequency charging device and the high-frequency signal coupling device configurable in the simplest possible way, wherein the high-frequency signal coupling device has a high-frequency coupling structure for wirelessly coupling a high-frequency signal to or from the mobile phone and a frequency-selective structure.The frequency-selective structure between the low-frequency charging device and the high-frequency coupling structure is arranged accordingly, wherein the frequency-selective structure is essentially transparent for the low frequency and essentially reflective for the high frequency.

[0004] US patent 2015 / 0162780 A1 discloses a device for fast charging a mobile device in a vehicle.

[0005] US patent 2015 / 0048803 A1 discloses a device for charging a mobile device depending on a charging pattern of the mobile device.

[0006] US 2018 / 0145532 A1 and US 2013 / 0307473 A1 each disclose a method for wirelessly charging a mobile device.

[0007] In particular, fast charging of lithium-ion batteries has a negative impact on the battery's lifespan.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a method, a charging system and a motor vehicle with which an improved and battery-friendly charging option can be provided, in particular for a battery of a communication terminal device in a motor vehicle.

[0009] This problem is solved by a method, a charging system, and a motor vehicle according to the independent patent claims. Meaningful further developments arise from the dependent claims.

[0010] One aspect of the invention relates to a method for electrically charging a portable communication device in a motor vehicle, wherein a charging system is provided in the motor vehicle which has a fast-charging function for charging the communication device and a different slow-charging function for charging the communication device. Depending on at least one current and / or future usage criterion of the motor vehicle, one of the two charging functions is automatically selected by the charging system itself, wherein the communication device in a motor vehicle is charged at least temporarily with the selected charging function.By automatically selecting the appropriate charging function for the portable communication device in the vehicle, the battery life of the device can be extended, even with frequent charging cycles. The charging system proactively selects the appropriate charging function from at least two available options. This ensures highly efficient and resource-saving charging of the device within the vehicle. As a result, a shortened battery life of the portable communication device can be prevented or mitigated.The proposed invention can, in particular, automatically provide support for a battery-saving charging process for the portable communication device via the charging system.

[0011] The charging system can, in particular, provide a charging device for charging the portable communication device in the vehicle. For example, the charging device of the charging system can be installed in a center console of the vehicle. The charging system or the charging device can, in particular, enable inductive or conductive charging of the portable communication device in the vehicle. For example, conductive charging of the portable communication device can be carried out via a connection to a USB port in the vehicle. The charging system can also include an inductive charging pad on which the portable communication device can be placed to perform inductive charging.

[0012] In particular, the portable communication device can be a smartphone or a tablet. The energy storage unit of the portable communication device can be a lithium-ion battery. The charging system can include an evaluation unit which automatically selects either the fast charging or the slow charging function depending on the current or future user criteria of the vehicle, so that the portable communication device of a user of the vehicle can be charged.

[0013] The charging system, particularly with the help of the evaluation unit, can decide or determine whether the charging function selected by the charging system should be used, at least temporarily. This allows the charging system to take unforeseen situations or influencing factors into account. In particular, this prevents the energy storage of a portable communication device from being unnecessarily burdened by an incorrectly selected charging function.

[0014] It is intended that the charging system will consider the usage duration and / or the dwell time of the communication device in the vehicle as a usage criterion when selecting the charging function. By taking the usage duration and / or the dwell time of the communication device in the vehicle into account, the charging system and / or its evaluation unit can perform an improved analysis to determine which charging function should be selected for the portable communication device and is therefore the best option for each individual case.

[0015] In particular, the charging system takes into account the usage duration and / or the dwell time of the portable communication device in the vehicle, especially immediately following the charging function selection process, when selecting a charging function. This allows the charging process to be adapted to the usage duration and / or dwell time of the portable communication device in the vehicle. This ensures a gentle charging process for the energy storage unit of the portable communication device and thus extends its lifespan. If the system detects that the communication device will be used soon, the fast charging function can be selected.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the operating time and / or dwell time of the communication device in the motor vehicle is determined by the charging system depending on the immediately following driving time of the motor vehicle and / or current and / or future usage information of the user's communication device. By taking the driving time of the motor vehicle into account, the charging system can, in particular, select the most suitable charging process with regard to the corresponding charging function. This allows the immediately following driving time of the motor vehicle to be utilized in such a way that a sufficient amount of energy can be supplied to the energy storage unit of the portable communication device, while ensuring that the energy storage unit of the portable communication device is not overloaded.For example, if the vehicle is going to be driven for an extended period immediately or subsequently, the slow charging function can be selected, as this ensures that the portable communication device's energy storage unit can still be fully charged without overtaxing it. If the charging system detects that the vehicle will be driven for a short period immediately or subsequently, the fast charging function can be used for a certain time interval. In particular, the fast charging function should be used if the charge level of the portable communication device's energy storage unit falls below a predefined charging threshold.This ensures that the portable communication device is sufficiently charged after the vehicle's driving time, allowing the user to use it. For example, the charging system can use the portable communication device's usage information to determine how long it will be used and / or remain in the vehicle. This usage information could be based on calendar data and / or appointment data stored on the device. Using this information, the charging system can select the appropriate charging function, ensuring that the portable communication device's energy storage unit is sufficiently charged during its use or presence in the vehicle.

[0017] For example, predefined thresholds can be set by the charging system and / or by the user. For instance, if the vehicle's journey time is imminent and falls below a certain threshold, such as 20 minutes, the portable communication device can be fast-charged using the fast-charging function. Similarly, the current state of charge of the portable communication device's energy storage unit can be taken into account when selecting the fast-charging function. Specifically, the charging system can select and execute the fast-charging function if the energy storage unit's state of charge is below 30 percent of its maximum energy level. Conversely, if the journey time is expected to be two hours or more, the charging system can automatically select and execute the slow-charging function.In particular, the slow charging function provides less power during the charging process of the portable communication device.

[0018] Preferably, the charging system selects a charging function for the portable communication device based on a route input into the vehicle's navigation system and / or the GPS position of the communication device. Using the route input into the vehicle's navigation system, the charging system can, in particular, determine the usage time and / or dwell time of the portable communication device in the vehicle, which also involves at least an estimate. The charging system can thus use the navigation system to determine the likely duration of an upcoming journey. Depending on the route length, the charging system can select either the slow charging or the fast charging function. In particular, the route input can determine whether multiple stops will be made during the route or during the journey.In that case, it would be useful if the charging system selected a fast charging function, so that the portable communication device is already sufficiently charged after an initial stop.

[0019] Similarly, the charging system can use a communication link with the portable communication device to determine its GPS position and, based on this GPS position, determine the duration of its presence and / or use in the vehicle. For example, the charging system can detect if the portable communication device has been in the vehicle for a certain period of time without the vehicle moving. If this is the case, the charging system can automatically charge the portable communication device using one of its two charging functions.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the charging system checks, based on a decision criterion, whether the currently executed charging function is still feasible according to the usage criterion during the charging process of the portable communication device in the motor vehicle. If not, the charging function is automatically changed. By having the charging system check the portable communication device during a charging process whether the executed charging function is feasible according to the usage criterion, it is ensured that an unsuitable charging function is not executed in the event of an unforeseen event. This prevents the service life of the portable communication device's energy storage unit from being unnecessarily shortened.For example, a decision criterion could be the current and future usage period and / or duration of the communication terminal in the motor vehicle.

[0021] For example, the charging system can switch charging functions accordingly if the vehicle is not taken into account or makes a spontaneous stop. For instance, the charging system can use appointment entries and / or calendar entries in the user's portable communication device to determine whether the vehicle is about to stop and how long that stop or stop will last. Accordingly, the charging system can ensure that the portable communication device's energy storage unit is sufficiently charged, or can be charged, before the user stops or leaves the vehicle.

[0022] It can also be provided that, when a charging function is selected and subsequently executed, a check is performed at least once, preferably several times, during the execution of this charging function to verify whether it is still the preferred charging function. For example, the criteria mentioned above can also be used as a basis for this.

[0023] In particular, changes to these criteria that have changed since the charging function was selected can also be taken into account. This can then lead, during a recheck while the selected charging function is being executed, to either confirming and continuing with that function, or switching to a different charging function.

[0024] In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the system automatically detects the portable communication device in the vehicle and provides the corresponding charging function for an upcoming charging process. Detecting the portable communication device in the vehicle allows for a more efficient charging process. In particular, this enables the fastest possible charging, allowing for optimal utilization of the device's operating time and / or charging duration by selecting and implementing one of the two charging functions. For example, the charging system can detect the portable communication device in the vehicle using a sensor unit.Similarly, the portable communication device can establish a communication link with the charging system, thereby informing the charging system that the portable communication device is located in the vehicle. In particular, the portable communication device can be detected and recorded by the charging system in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. This can be achieved, for example, through wireless communication, such as short-range data transmission via Bluetooth.

[0025] For example, the charging system can detect the vehicle's status even during preconditioning. Preconditioning refers specifically to preheating the vehicle before driving. This information can be provided to the charging system and the portable communication device, so that the charging system receives notification that the portable communication device will soon be positioned in the vehicle.

[0026] It is intended that, during an upcoming charging process of the portable communication device with the fast-charging function, a charging threshold will be defined based on the battery's state of charge or the energy storage unit of the portable communication device. Setting a charging threshold will, in particular, limit and counteract negative aging effects of the battery or energy storage unit of the portable communication device. This will, in particular, extend the battery's or energy storage unit's lifespan. The charging system can automatically define the charging threshold based on the battery's state of charge.This allows the fast-charging function to be used for charging the portable communication device without unnecessarily burdening the battery or energy storage unit. Specifically, the battery charge level of the portable communication device can be transmitted to the charging system by the device itself, or, in the case of an inductive or conductive connection between the portable communication device and the charging system, the battery charge level can be determined using an evaluation unit of the charging system.

[0027] For example, the charging system can adjust the charging current based on the charging function to be performed and the battery's state of charge. The charging current can be divided into different stages and continuously adjusted by the charging system.

[0028] Preferably, the limit threshold defines the maximum battery charge level, particularly up to 80 percent, to which the energy storage unit of the portable communication device will be charged using the fast-charging function. This allows the age of older batteries or energy storage units to be taken into account when using the fast-charging function, as the maximum permissible battery charge level is limited for older batteries. For example, the fast-charging function might limit the battery charge to 70 percent, 80 percent, or, in particular, 90 percent. This also extends the battery life of the portable communication device and prevents any negative impact on it.

[0029] For example, the charging system can be used not only for charging the portable communication device in the vehicle, but also for charging the portable communication device outside the vehicle. Specifically, the charging system can be integrated into the charging management system of an external charging device for the portable communication device. In this way, the charging function for charging the portable communication device outside the vehicle can be determined and carried out by the charging system using a suitable charging plug connected to a standard electrical outlet (e.g., a 230-volt outlet).

[0030] For example, if the charging system fails to select the desired charging function, the user can be given the option to manually select one of the two charging functions. Specifically, the user can then manually select and execute the desired charging function via an output unit. For instance, predefined default settings for the charging process can be provided and displayed to the user for selection.

[0031] Another aspect of the invention relates to a charging system with an evaluation unit, wherein the charging system is configured to carry out a method according to the aspect and its embodiments described above. In particular, the method is carried out using the charging system. A portable communication device can be charged in a motor vehicle using the charging system. The charging system can, in particular, select either a fast-charging function or a slow-charging function for the charging process of the portable communication device in the motor vehicle. The selection of the appropriate charging function is performed automatically by the charging system. Specifically, the evaluation unit of the charging system selects an appropriate charging function for the upcoming charging of the portable communication device based on current or future usage criteria.

[0032] Another independent aspect of the invention relates to a vehicle with a charging system as described in one of the previous aspects. In particular, the charging system can be incorporated into the vehicle.

[0033] The invention also includes further developments of the charging system according to the invention, which have features already described in connection with the further developments of the method according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the charging system according to the invention are not described again here.

[0034] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

[0035] An embodiment of the invention is described below. The single figure shows a charging system for charging a portable communication device in a motor vehicle.

[0036] The embodiment described below is a preferred embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the described components each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another. Each of these features further develops the invention independently and can therefore be considered part of the invention individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiment can also be supplemented by other features of the invention already described.

[0037] The figure shows a charging system 1 with which a portable communication device 2 can be electrically charged in a motor vehicle 3. For example, the charging system 1 can be provided in the motor vehicle 3. In particular, it is generally considered to be permanently installed in the motor vehicle 3, at least with its sub-units. Specifically, the charging system 1 has a charging device 4 with which the portable communication device 2 can be charged inductively and / or conductively. For example, the charging device 4 of the charging system 1 can have an inductive charging pad with which an inductive charging process of the portable communication device 2 can be carried out. Likewise, the charging device 4 has a charging port (for example, a USB socket) with which the portable communication device 2 can be charged conductively via a charging cable.

[0038] The charging system 1, for example, has at least one fast-charging function for charging the portable communication device 2 and at least one separate slow-charging function for charging the portable communication device 2. The portable communication device 2 is, in particular, a smartphone or a tablet.

[0039] For example, depending on at least one current and / or future usage criterion of the vehicle 3, one of the two charging functions can be automatically selected by the charging system 1 itself, thereby charging the portable communication device 2. This creates the possibility, in principle, of choosing between different available charging functions.

[0040] In particular, the charging system 1 can have an evaluation unit 5 with which, for example, it can be decided, especially also on the basis of usage criteria, that the portable communication terminal 2 in the motor vehicle 3 is charged at least temporarily with the selected charging function by the charging system 1.

[0041] In particular, one usage criterion is the immediately subsequent usage duration of the communication terminal 2 and / or the immediately subsequent dwell time of the portable communication terminal 2 in the motor vehicle 3. This is taken into account by the charging system 1, and especially by the evaluation unit 5 of the charging system 1, when selecting the charging function to be performed. Depending on the usage duration and / or dwell time of the portable communication terminal 2 in the motor vehicle 3, the evaluation unit 5 can automatically select the fast charging or slow charging function. Specifically, depending on the immediately subsequent driving time of the motor vehicle 3 and / or current and / or future usage information of the portable communication terminal 2 of the user 6, the evaluation unit 5 of the charging system 1 can select and perform a corresponding charging function.The usage information of the portable communication device 2 may in particular be an electronic calendar entry or electronic appointment information of the user 6.

[0042] In particular, the charging system 1, using the evaluation unit 5, can automatically select and execute the charging function based on a route input into the vehicle's navigation system 7 by the user 6 and / or a GPS position of the portable communication device 2. By considering the route input into the vehicle's navigation system 7, the charging system 1 can determine the expected usage time and / or dwell time of the communication device 2 in the vehicle 3 based on the upcoming driving time of the vehicle 3. This also allows the charging system 1 to select and execute a battery-saving and / or user-friendly charging function for the upcoming charging process of the portable communication device 2.

[0043] For example, during the charging process of the portable communication device 2, the evaluation unit 5 can, in addition to or instead of the options mentioned above, check, based on a decision criterion, whether the charging function currently being performed by the charging system 1 is still feasible according to the usage criterion. If not, the charging system 1 can automatically switch the charging function accordingly. This allows the charging process or the charging function being performed for the portable communication device 2 to be adjusted at any time in the event of unforeseen circumstances, particularly during stops or standstills of the vehicle 2, so that the service life of an energy storage unit 8 or a battery of the portable communication device 2 is not reduced.

[0044] For example, the charging system 1 can also be used to automatically detect the portable communication device 2 in the vehicle 3, and depending on the detected location of the portable communication device 2, the charging system 1 can provide the appropriate charging function for an upcoming charging process of the portable communication device 2 and, if necessary, carry it out automatically. For example, a sensor unit 9 can be used to detect the portable communication device 2 in or around the vehicle 3. Likewise, the current location of the portable communication device 2 can be determined by means of a communication connection between the portable communication device 2 and the charging system 1.Based on this information, the portable communication device 2 can be charged immediately upon positioning the portable communication device 2 in the motor vehicle 3.

[0045] The charging system 1 can define a charging threshold, particularly when the portable communication device 2 is about to be charged using the fast-charging function, depending on the battery charge level of the portable communication device 2's energy storage unit 8. This ensures that the energy storage unit 8 is not unduly stressed during a fast-charging process. For example, the limiting threshold can be defined using the charging system 1, and in particular using the evaluation unit 5. For instance, the limiting threshold can be set so that the energy storage unit 8 can only be charged up to a maximum battery charge level. Specifically, the battery charge level can be set to 80 percent, or more precisely, 90 percent, of its maximum charge level.

[0046] It can also be provided that, when a charging function is selected and subsequently executed, a check is performed at least once, preferably several times, during the execution of this charging function to verify whether it is still the preferred charging function. For example, the criteria mentioned above can be used as a basis for this check. In particular, changes to these criteria that have changed since the selection and execution of the charging function can also be taken into account. This can then lead, upon re-checking during the execution of the selected charging function, to either confirming and continuing the execution of this charging function or switching to a different charging function. A switch can be performed automatically by the charging system 1. Information regarding the switch can be generated for user 6, particularly before the switch occurs. Reference symbol list 1 charging system 2 portable communication devices 3 Motor vehicle 4 Charging device 5 evaluation unit 6 users 7 Navigation system 8 Energy storage 9 Sensor unit

Claims

[1] Method for electrically charging a portable communication terminal (2) in a motor vehicle (3), wherein - a charging system (1) is provided in the motor vehicle (3), which has at least one fast charging function for charging the portable communication terminal (2) and at least one different slow charging function for charging the portable communication terminal (2), wherein - depending on at least one current and / or future usage criterion of the motor vehicle (3), one of the two charging functions is automatically selected by the charging system itself, whereby - the portable communication terminal (2) in the motor vehicle (3) is charged at least temporarily with the selected charging function, characterized by , that - a usage time and / or a residence time of the portable communication terminal (2) in the motor vehicle (3) is taken into account by the charging system (1) as a usage criterion for selecting the charging function and - in the case of an impending charging process of the portable communication terminal (2) with the rapid charging function, a limiting threshold for the charging process is defined depending on a battery charge state of an energy storage device (8) of the portable communication terminal (2). [2] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the usage time and / or dwell time of the portable communication terminal (2) in the motor vehicle (3) is determined by the charging system (1) as a function of an immediately subsequent travel time of the motor vehicle (3) and / or current and / or future usage information of the portable communication terminal (2) of the user (6), in particular the current and / or future usage information is formed on the basis of electronic calendar entries and / or electronic appointment information of the user (6) in the portable communication terminal (2), in particular it is determined on the basis of the electronic calendar entries and / or the electronic appointment information of the user (6) in the portable communication terminal (2) whether an intermediate stop of the motor vehicle (3) is imminent and how long this intermediate stop lasts, wherein the charging function is changed accordingly as a function of the intermediate stop of the motor vehicle (3). [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the immediately following travel time of the motor vehicle (3) is utilized in such a way that a sufficient amount of energy is made available to the energy storage device (8) of the portable communication terminal (2), whereby care is taken to ensure that the energy storage device (8) of the portable communication terminal (2) is not subjected to excessive load. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that predefined, temporal threshold values ​​are defined by the charging system (1) and / or by the user (6), wherein, when the driving time of the motor vehicle (3) is imminent and is less than or equal to the predefined, temporal threshold value, a rapid charging of the portable communication terminal (2) is carried out using the rapid charging function. [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the selection of a charging function is carried out by the charging system (1) for charging the portable communication terminal (2) depending on a route input into a navigation system (7) of the motor vehicle (3) and / or on a GPS position of the portable communication terminal (2) and / or during the charging process of the portable communication terminal (2), the charging system (1) checks, depending on a decision criterion, whether the charging function currently being carried out can still be carried out depending on the usage criterion, and if not, the charging function is automatically changed. [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that an automatic detection of the portable communication terminal (2) in the motor vehicle (3) is carried out and the corresponding charging function of an upcoming charging process is provided by the charging system (1). [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the limit threshold determines up to which maximum battery state level, in particular up to 80%, the energy store (8) of the portable communication terminal (3) is charged with the quick-charge function, in particular a vehicle state of the motor vehicle (3) is detected by the charging system (1) during preconditioning of the motor vehicle (3), this information being used for the automatic detection of the portable communication terminal (2). [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat if the charging function selection process is not carried out by the charging system (1), a manual selection option for the two charging functions is provided to the user (6), in particular the corresponding charging function is manually selected by the user (6) via an output unit, and / or a charging current of the charging process is set based on the charging function to be carried out and a battery charge state of the portable communication terminal (2), in particular the charging current is divided into different stages and is continuously adjusted by the charging system (1). [9] Charging system (1) with an evaluation unit (5), wherein the charging system (1) is designed to carry out a method according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 8. [10] Motor vehicle (3) with a charging system (1) according to claim 9.

Images