Motor vehicle charging device for a mobile device and motor vehicle

Abstract

Motor vehicle charging device (1) for a mobile terminal (4), comprising a storage area (2) for the mobile terminal (4) with an inductive charging device (3) for generating an alternating magnetic field, where the storage surface (2) has at least one air opening (8), wherein the motor vehicle charging device (1) has at least one vacuum device (7) which is designed to generate a negative pressure at the at least one air opening (8) in order to hold the mobile terminal (4) on the storage surface (2), characterized in that the at least one air opening (8) is a region of the support surface (2) which differs in its mechanical properties from a remainder of the support surface, wherein the at least one air opening (8) has a membrane, while the support surface (2) is made of a rigid material, and / or the motor vehicle charging device (1) is designed to detect a position of the mobile terminal (4) on the storage surface (2) and to control the at least one vacuum device (7) for providing the negative pressure when the mobile terminal (4) is detected on the storage surface (2), and / or the storage surface (2) has at least two air openings (8), wherein the at least one vacuum device (7) is designed to provide the negative pressure at the respective air openings (8), wherein the motor vehicle charging device (1) is designed to detect a position of the mobile terminal (4) on the storage surface (2) and to control the at least one vacuum device (7) in order to move the mobile terminal (4) into a predetermined charging position (6) on the storage surface (2) with respect to the inductive charging device (3) by providing a negative pressure or positive pressure at individual air openings (8).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle charging device for a mobile terminal and a motor vehicle which has at least one motor vehicle charging device for a mobile terminal.

[0002] In motor vehicles, vehicle charging devices can be provided for mobile devices, which enable the charging of the mobile devices. Inductive vehicle charging devices are also provided, which enable a mobile device located on a storage surface to be charged wirelessly using an inductive charging device of the vehicle charging device. Mobile devices can be, for example, mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, or remote control keys. For this purpose, the mobile device must be arranged in a predetermined position with respect to the inductive charging device, such that a primary charging coil of the charging device is arranged below the secondary charging coil of the mobile device. To prevent the mobile device from slipping on the storage surface, vehicle charging devices have rubber anti-slip pads or holders. Holders mechanically fix the mobile device.These brackets have frames or clamps, for example.

[0003] In order for the mounts to be able to fix the mobile device, they must be adapted to the dimensions of the mobile device and the position of the secondary charging coil of the mobile device. This is necessary to enable the mobile device to be aligned with the inductive charging device and to ensure that the mobile device is held securely while driving. Mechanical mounts have the disadvantage that they are limited in their adaptability. Even adjustable mounts only offer limited modification options. The dimensions and shapes of current mobile devices serve as the basis for the design of mechanical mounts. In the mobile phone market in particular, the shapes of the devices are subject to rapidly changing fashion trends. Manufacturers usually bring new mobile phones onto the market in a cycle of 6 to 12 months.In comparison, the development cycle for automotive charging devices is 12 to 36 months.

[0004] DE 10 2018 201 300 A1 discloses a charging device for wirelessly charging a mobile device, which has holes in a housing for an air inlet and outlet. Air driven by a ventilation device can enter and exit through the holes and cool the mobile device during charging.

[0005] From US 2018 / 0224909 A1, a charging device for wirelessly charging a mobile terminal is also known, which provides a support surface for placing the mobile terminal and contains holes through which air is sucked in by a ventilation device and the mobile terminal is cooled by the air flow during charging.

[0006] From US 6 888 940 B1 a magnetic holding device for a mobile terminal is known, which fixes the mobile terminal by means of a magnetic force, wherein the holding device can be attached to a dashboard by means of a suction cup.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a possibility for fixing mobile terminals in motor vehicle charging devices, which has a higher tolerance with regard to the dimensions of the mobile terminals than mechanical holders.

[0008] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention result from the features of the dependent patent claims, the following description, and the figures.

[0009] The invention comprises a motor vehicle charging device for a mobile terminal. The motor vehicle charging device has a storage area for the mobile terminal with an inductive charging device for generating an alternating magnetic field. In other words, the motor vehicle charging device comprises a storage area that is intended to provide a storage area for the mobile terminal for carrying out an inductive charging process. The storage area has the inductive charging device. The inductive charging device is designed to inductively charge the mobile terminal by generating an alternating magnetic field. It is provided that the storage area has at least one air opening, wherein the motor vehicle charging device has at least one vacuum device that is designed to generate a negative pressure at the at least one air opening in order to hold the mobile terminal on the storage area.In other words, the mobile device is secured to the at least one air vent on the support surface by providing the negative pressure. The air vent can, for example, be a hole in the support surface, which can be connected to the vacuum device via a pipe or hose.

[0010] According to the invention, the air opening is a region of the support surface that can differ in its mechanical properties from the rest of the support surface. It is provided that the air opening has a membrane, while the support surface is made of a rigid material. To hold the mobile device on the support surface, negative pressure can be provided at the at least one air opening to suck in the mobile device located on the air opening.

[0011] Additionally or alternatively, the invention provides that the motor vehicle charging device is configured to detect a position of the mobile terminal on the storage surface and to control the vacuum device to provide the negative pressure when the mobile terminal is detected on the storage surface. In other words, the vacuum device is configured to provide the negative pressure as soon as the motor vehicle charging device detects that the mobile terminal is on the storage surface. This results in the advantage that the mobile terminal is automatically fixed on the storage surface by the motor vehicle charging device as soon as it is placed thereon. For example, the motor vehicle charging device can be configured to detect the mobile terminal on the storage surface using the inductive charging device or sensor units.The vehicle charging device can then control the vacuum device to provide the negative pressure and thus hold the mobile device in its position.

[0012] Additionally or alternatively, the invention provides that the storage surface has at least two air openings, wherein the at least one vacuum device is configured to provide the negative pressure selectively at predetermined respective air openings. In other words, the motor vehicle charging device has a plurality of air openings on the storage surface. It is provided that the vacuum device is configured to provide the negative pressure individually for individual air openings. This results in the advantage that the negative pressure can be specifically provided at air openings that are covered by the mobile device. It can be provided, for example, that the air openings are connected to respective pumps, wherein each respective pump can be individually controlled by the vacuum device. Thus, it can be determined for each of the air holes whether or not a negative pressure should be provided.

[0013] It is provided that the motor vehicle charging device is configured to control the vacuum device in order to move the mobile terminal device into a predetermined charging position on the storage surface relative to the inductive charging device by providing negative pressure or positive pressure at respective air openings. In other words, it is provided that the motor vehicle charging device is configured to control the vacuum device to change the position of the mobile terminal device on the storage surface. The control comprises a targeted provision of positive pressure or negative pressure at respective air openings. As a result, the mobile terminal device can either be sucked onto the respective air openings or an air cushion can be provided beneath the mobile terminal device by means of positive pressure at the air opening.Through a coordinated provision of negative pressure and positive pressure at respective air openings, the mobile terminal can be caused to slide on the storage surface, allowing it to move to the predetermined charging position on the storage surface. The predetermined charging position can be an optimized position in which a receiver coil of the mobile terminal can be centered over a transmitter coil of the motor vehicle charging device. This development results in the advantage that the motor vehicle charging device can automatically align the mobile terminal into the predetermined charging position. For example, it can be provided that the motor vehicle charging device can detect a current position of the mobile terminal on the support surface using sensor units.The motor vehicle charging device can control the vacuum device to create an air cushion between the storage surface and the mobile device, allowing the mobile device to slide into the predetermined charging position. The invention offers the advantage of providing a method for securing mobile devices that has a greater tolerance regarding the shape and dimensions of mobile devices than mechanical mounts.

[0014] The invention also includes optional developments which result in further advantages.

[0015] A further development of the invention provides that the at least one vacuum device has at least one suction cup. In other words, the vacuum device comprises a surface made of a polymer which can be deformed by the vacuum device to generate the negative pressure. This results in the advantage that a negative pressure can be provided without the continuous operation of a propeller or a pump. For example, it can be provided that the at least one air opening of the storage surface is covered with a rubber membrane. If a mobile device is pressed onto the air opening, air can escape from an area between the rubber membrane and the mobile device, creating a negative pressure and holding the mobile device on the storage surface.

[0016] A further development of the invention provides that the at least one vacuum device has an actuator which is designed to deform the suction cup to generate the negative pressure. In other words, the motor vehicle charging device is designed to control the vacuum device in order to deform the suction cup by means of an actuator. The deformation of the suction cup leads to a negative pressure in an area between the suction cup and the mobile device. This results in the advantage that manual pressure on the suction cup is not necessary to secure the mobile device. For example, it can be provided that the motor vehicle charging device is designed to grip the mobile device on the storage surface and control the vacuum device. The actuator of the vacuum device can, for example, comprise an electric motor. The actuator can be attached to a point on the suction cup.The actuator can move the point and thus deform the suction cup, creating a vacuum in the space between the suction cup and the mobile device. This vacuum can then suck in the mobile device and secure it in place.

[0017] A further development of the invention provides that the at least one vacuum device has at least one fan or a pump for generating the negative pressure. In other words, the vacuum device is designed to provide the negative pressure at the air opening by means of a fan or a pump. This results in the advantage that the negative pressure is eliminated even if air penetrates in the area of the air opening. For example, it can be provided that the at least one fan or the at least one pump is operated by the vacuum device as long as the mobile device is on the storage surface. The fan or the pump can be operated until a predetermined negative pressure is established.

[0018] The invention also includes a motor vehicle with at least one motor vehicle charging device for a mobile terminal.

[0019] The invention also includes further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention that have features already described in connection with the further developments of the motor vehicle charging device according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the motor vehicle according to the invention are not described again here.

[0020] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

[0021] An embodiment of the invention is described below. It shows: Fig. 1 a motor vehicle charging device; Fig. 2 another motor vehicle charging device; and Fig. 3 a motor vehicle.

[0022] The exemplary embodiment explained below is a preferred embodiment of the invention. In the exemplary embodiment, the described components of the embodiment each represent individual, independently considered features of the invention, which also further develop the invention independently of one another and are thus also to be considered as components of the invention, either individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiment can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0023] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a motor vehicle charging device 1. The motor vehicle charging device 1 can have a storage surface 2 with an inductive charging device 3 in order to be able to inductively charge a mobile terminal 4 using an alternating magnetic field. The inductive charging device 3 can, for example, have primary induction coils which can provide the alternating magnetic field to provide power from an energy storage device 5. In order to ensure an efficient charging process between the inductive charging device 3 and the mobile terminal 4, it can be provided that the mobile terminal 4 is arranged in a predetermined position 6 with respect to the inductive charging device 3 on the storage surface 2. In addition, it may be necessary to ensure that the mobile terminal 4 remains in the predetermined position 6 during the charging process.This may be necessary, for example, in a motor vehicle 17 if forces act on the mobile terminal 4 while the motor vehicle 17 is traveling, causing the mobile terminal 4 to slip from the predetermined position 6 during the charging process. According to the current state of the art, solutions for ensuring that the mobile terminal 4 remains in the predetermined position 6 include, for example, providing an adhesive surface on the storage surface 2, which increases the adhesion of the mobile terminal 4 to the storage surface 2. This adhesion may not be a sufficient solution for moving motor vehicles to prevent the mobile terminal 4 from slipping. For this reason, it is proposed to ensure that the mobile terminal 4 is held in place by means of a vacuum device 7.The vacuum device 7 can be configured to provide a negative pressure or an overpressure in order to suction the mobile terminal 4 onto the storage surface 2. For this purpose, the storage surface 2 can have air openings 8 through which air can be drawn in or blown out by the vacuum device 7. The air openings 8 can be connected to the vacuum device 7 via hoses or air ducts 9. When the mobile terminal 4 is resting on the storage surface 2, individual air openings 8 can be covered by the mobile terminal 4. By sucking air through the covered air openings 8 by the vacuum device 7, the negative pressure can be generated at the air openings 8, whereby the mobile terminal 4 can be sucked onto the storage surface 2. To provide the negative pressure, the vacuum device 7 can, for example, have pumps 10 or propellers 11, which can suck in or blow out air.The vacuum device 7 can be controlled by a control unit 12 of the motor vehicle charging device 1. The control unit 12 can be, for example, a microprocessor or a microcontroller. In order to be able to detect a position of the mobile terminal 4 on the storage surface 2, the motor vehicle charging device 1 can have sensor units 13, which can be arranged, for example, in or below the storage surface 2. The sensor units 13 can detect a current position of the mobile terminal 4, for example, capacitively or via a weight. The control unit 12 can be configured to control the vacuum device 7 depending on the current position of the mobile terminal 4 on the storage surface 2 in such a way that negative pressure is generated only at those air openings 8 that are completely or at least partially covered by the mobile terminal 4.This can be achieved, for example, by specifically controlling respective pumps 10 that are assigned to respective air openings 8. Another possibility is for all air openings 8 to be fluidically connected to the same propeller 11 or the same pump 10, wherein the provision of the negative pressure can be controlled by means of respective valves 14 of the air openings 8. It can also be provided that an overpressure can be provided at the air openings 8 by blowing out air through the vacuum device in order to create an air cushion between the respective air opening 8 and the mobile terminal 4. This can, for example, enable the mobile terminal 4 to slide on the storage surface 2 if the sensor units 13 detect that it is not in the predetermined position 6.It can be provided that the mobile terminal 4 is attracted by the vacuum device 7 as soon as it is grasped on the storage surface 2. The air openings 8 can protrude from the storage surface 2 at different heights. This can make it possible for the mobile terminal 4 to be sucked in through air openings 8 that protrude further from the storage surface 2, while an air flow can be provided through recessed air openings 8. This air flow between the storage surface 2 and the mobile terminal 4 can cool the mobile terminal 4. This can be necessary, for example, during a charging process in order to dissipate heat from the mobile terminal 4.

[0025] Fig. 2 shows a further embodiment of the motor vehicle charging device 1. The motor vehicle charging device 1 can have a flexibly designed storage surface 2 so that it can be deformed. The storage surface 2 can have an air opening 8 in which a suction cup 15 can be arranged. The suction cup 15 can have a different material than a remaining area of the storage surface 2. By using a suction cup 15, it can be possible to fix the mobile terminal 4 by pressing it onto the storage surface 2. The vacuum device 7 can have an actuator 16, which can be configured to pull on a point of the suction cup 15 and thereby deform it. This makes it possible, when the mobile terminal 4 rests on the suction cup 15, to generate a negative pressure in an area between the suction cup 15 and the mobile terminal 4 and to fix the mobile terminal 4 on the storage surface 2.

[0026] Fig. 3 shows a motor vehicle 17. The motor vehicle 17 can have two motor vehicle charging devices 1 for mobile terminals 4. The storage areas 2 of the motor vehicle charging devices 1 can, for example, be arranged horizontally on a center console of the motor vehicle 17 or tilted. This can make it possible to inductively charge the mobile terminals 4 while driving without having to secure them by means of mechanical mounts.

[0027] According to the current state of the art, wireless charging systems or multifunctional devices for mobile terminals 4 comprise mechanical mounts, such as frames or clamps, to fix the mobile terminal 4 in a predetermined charging position. Other mounts comprise magnetic devices for holding the mobile terminal 4. Simpler solutions consist of an arrangement of rubber adhesive surfaces on a storage surface, which are intended to prevent the mobile terminal from slipping. In motor vehicles in particular, it is necessary to securely fasten the mobile terminal while driving due to the movements of the motor vehicle. The design of mechanical mounts presents the problem that the market for mobile terminals is a rapidly changing sector.Typically, mobile device vendors release a new generation of mobile devices with a cycle of approximately 6-12 months, although the location of the charging coils in the mobile devices or their dimensions may change with each generation. In contrast, new generations of in-vehicle mobile device chargers 4 are offered with a cycle of 12 to 36 months.

[0028] Newer charging systems require active or passive cooling to prevent overheating of the vehicle charging device or mobile device during the charging process.

[0029] Due to the different cycles, automotive development can only keep pace with the rapid changes in the dimensions of mobile devices to a limited extent. 4 In addition, high development costs arise from adapting existing vehicle charging devices to the new dimensions of mobile devices.

[0030] The advantage of the invention is that no mechanical frames or clamps need to be provided to hold the mobile terminal 4 in the predetermined position. The holding of the mobile terminal 4 in the predetermined position 6 is realized by means of a vacuum system. For this purpose, a locally limited vacuum can be created. The vacuum can be created either actively by means of a propeller in a semi-closed air conditioning system or passively by means of at least one suction cup that can be arranged under the mobile terminal 4. The semi-closed air conditioning system can also dissipate the heat generated during a charging process of the mobile terminal 4. Another solution can consist of manually pressing the mobile terminal 4 onto the motor vehicle charging device 1.The support surface 2 of the motor vehicle charging device 1 can be made of a flexible material and have bendable charging coils to enable a local vacuum the size of the mobile terminal 4. To enable optimal alignment of the mobile terminal 4 with respect to the motor vehicle charging device 1, a gentle, sequential air blowing process can be performed through individual air channels. For this purpose, a plurality of air openings 8 can be provided on the support surface 2, which can be connected to the vacuum device 7 via the air channels 9.

[0031] The advantage of the invention is that no mechanical mount needs to be provided. Thus, if the dimensions of the mobile terminals 4 change, no adaptation of the mount is required. Due to the compatibility of the motor vehicle charging device 1 with virtually all possible dimensions of mobile terminals 4, development time and costs can be saved because no adaptations to the current market are necessary. The motor vehicle charging device 1 enables optimal alignment of the mobile terminal 4 with respect to the motor vehicle charging device 1 and fixation of the mobile terminal 4.

[0032] Overall, the example shows how the invention can provide a vacuum-based mounting and alignment for mobile devices. List of reference symbols 1 vehicle charging device 2 storage areas 3 Charging device 4 Mobile device 5 energy storage 6 Predetermined location 7 Vacuum device 8 Air opening 9 air ducts 10 Pump 11 propellers 12 Control unit 13 sensor units 14 valves 15 suction cup 16 Actuator 17 Motor vehicle

Claims

[1] Motor vehicle charging device (1) for a mobile terminal (4), comprising a storage area (2) for the mobile terminal (4) with an inductive charging device (3) for generating an alternating magnetic field, where the storage surface (2) has at least one air opening (8), wherein the motor vehicle charging device (1) has at least one vacuum device (7) which is designed to generate a negative pressure at the at least one air opening (8) in order to hold the mobile terminal (4) on the storage surface (2), characterized by , that the at least one air opening (8) is a region of the support surface (2) which differs in its mechanical properties from a remainder of the support surface, wherein the at least one air opening (8) has a membrane, while the support surface (2) is made of a rigid material, and / or the motor vehicle charging device (1) is designed to detect a position of the mobile terminal (4) on the storage surface (2) and to control the at least one vacuum device (7) for providing the negative pressure when the mobile terminal (4) is detected on the storage surface (2), and / or the storage surface (2) has at least two air openings (8), wherein the at least one vacuum device (7) is designed to provide the negative pressure at the respective air openings (8), wherein the motor vehicle charging device (1) is designed to detect a position of the mobile terminal (4) on the storage surface (2) and to control the at least one vacuum device (7) in order to move the mobile terminal (4) into a predetermined charging position (6) on the storage surface (2) relative to the inductive charging device (3) by providing a negative pressure or positive pressure at individual air openings (8). [2] Motor vehicle charging device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the at least one vacuum device (7) has at least one suction cup (15). [3] Motor vehicle charging device (1) according to claim 2, characterized by that the at least one vacuum device (7) has an actuator (16) which is designed to deform the suction cup (15) to generate the negative pressure. [4] Motor vehicle charging device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one vacuum device (7) has at least one fan (11) or a pump (10) for generating the negative pressure. [5] Motor vehicle (17), comprising at least one motor vehicle charging device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4.

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