Charging compartment arrangement for cost-effective and safe charging of a mobile device in a motor vehicle

Abstract

A charging compartment arrangement (10) for charging a mobile device (34) in a center console (12) of a motor vehicle is provided, comprising a fixed receiving tray (14) for receiving the device (34), a charging device (42) for supplying the device (34) with electrical energy, at least one inlet opening (26) connectable to an air conditioning system for supplying cooling air to the device (34), at least one outlet opening (36) for discharging cooling air heated by the device (34), and a closing device (22) for enclosing the device (34) in the receiving tray (14), wherein, in the closed state of the closing device (22), a receiving volume (32) limited by the receiving tray (14) and the closing device (22) is accessible exclusively via the inlet opening (26) and the outlet opening (36).Due to the defined flow conditions within the sealed receiving tray (14), cost-effective and safe charging of a mobile device (34) in a motor vehicle is made possible.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a charging compartment arrangement with which a mobile device can be charged in a center console of a motor vehicle.

[0002] From KR 102 227 178 B1, a holder for a smartphone that can be recessed into the dashboard of a motor vehicle is known, in which a cooling hose connected to an air conditioner is attached to a lower mounting point of the sliding or swiveling holder in order to cool the smartphone with cooling air from the air conditioner while charging.

[0003] From DE 10 2019 131 341 A1 a center console with a receiving tray for a smartphone to be charged is known, wherein a charging device provided below the receiving tray can be cooled by an airflow using a cooling device.

[0004] There is a constant need to be able to charge a mobile device cost-effectively and safely in a motor vehicle.

[0005] The purpose of the invention is to demonstrate measures that enable cost-effective and safe charging of a mobile device in a motor vehicle.

[0006] The problem is solved according to the invention by a loading compartment arrangement with the features of claim 1 and a motor vehicle with the features of claim 10. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and the following description, each of which can individually or in combination represent an aspect of the invention.

[0007] One aspect of the invention relates to a charging compartment arrangement for charging a mobile device in a center console of a motor vehicle, comprising a motion-resistant receiving tray for receiving the device, a charging device for supplying the device with electrical energy, at least one inlet opening connectable to an air conditioning system for supplying cooling air to the device, at least one outlet opening for discharging cooling air heated by the device, and a closing device for enclosing the device in the receiving tray, wherein, in the closed state of the closing device, a receiving volume limited by the receiving tray and the closing device is accessible exclusively via the inlet opening and the outlet opening, and the charging device is arranged downstream of the outlet opening in the airflow of the cooling air.

[0008] The receiving tray can be designed as a recess in the center console, which can be closed by the locking mechanism. This allows the receiving tray to be fixedly recessed within the center console. Since the receiving tray can be mounted in a movement-resistant manner, the at least one inlet opening and the at least one outlet opening can also be integrated into the receiving tray in a movement-resistant manner, for example, as a through-hole in the material of the receiving tray. This eliminates the need for a movement mechanism for the receiving tray and for the movement of cooling lines leading to and / or away from the receiving tray, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

[0009] Simultaneously, the fixed inlet and / or outlet openings, at least when the closing device is closed, allow for a defined, preferably forced, airflow of cooling air within the receiving tray. This optimizes the cooling airflow for particularly effective cooling of the mobile device, without any movement of the receiving tray or changes in the position of the inlet and / or outlet openings affecting the flow conditions, especially with regard to cooling effects through natural convection. The cooling capacity of the supplied air can thus be improved, making it possible to reduce the volume flow of the cooling air to achieve the desired and predetermined cooling performance.This, in turn, can reduce any impairment of the air conditioning system's intended climate control of the vehicle interior, as, for example, only a smaller airflow needs to be diverted to cool the mobile device. This could even allow for a smaller, more energy-efficient, and more cost-effective air conditioning system. Since the cooling capacity can be predicted with high accuracy, it is not necessary to deliberately oversize the airflow to compensate for any unforeseen leaks that might impair cooling. Overheating of the mobile device during charging can be reliably prevented with minimal design effort. The defined airflow patterns within the sealed charging tray enable cost-effective and safe charging of a mobile device in a motor vehicle.

[0010] The cooling air used to cool the mobile device can also be used to cool the charging unit. This prevents overheating of the charging unit, allowing for a more cost-effective design. Operational reliability during charging of the mobile device can thus be ensured not only for the device itself but also for the charging unit.

[0011] The receiving tray can be made, for example, of a plastic material, particularly by injection molding. The at least one inlet opening and the at least one outlet opening can thus be formed during the injection molding process, eliminating a subsequent material-removing manufacturing step. The receiving tray can be mounted in the center console, for example, with a load-bearing bracket. Preferably, the receiving tray has clip-on fasteners located on an outer surface of the tray facing away from the receiving volume.

[0012] The inlet opening and / or the outlet opening are preferably designed as a through-opening, which may be bounded by two components or by a single component. Preferably, the inlet opening and / or the outlet opening has a completely closed rim in the circumferential direction. The inlet opening and / or the outlet opening may have an internal thread to allow the connection of a media-carrying line by screwing. Additionally or alternatively, the inlet opening and / or the outlet opening may be part of a pipe section projecting from the receiving trough, to which the media-carrying line can be connected. The pipe section may, in particular, have an external thread and / or an internal thread and / or another connecting element, for example, for a clip connection.

[0013] The locking device can extend through an access opening left open by the receiving tray. For this purpose, the locking device is designed to provide a releasable mechanical lock in its closed state, preferably without a key-operated lock. In the closed state, the access opening through which the mobile device can be placed in the receiving tray can be substantially or largely closed and accordingly filled by the locking device. For example, in its closed state, the locking device can be force-fit and / or form-fit to the receiving tray and / or a component attached to the receiving tray, in particular by latching and / or locking. Preferably, the locking device is designed to seal the access opening in a liquid-tight and / or airtight manner.In most applications, an airtight seal of the access opening can be omitted, since the closing device, when closed, can generally contain the flow of cooling air directed towards it sufficiently to direct at least 90%, preferably at least 95%, of the cooling air flow from the inlet opening to the outlet opening. The closing device can, for example, have at least one pivoting flap. Preferably, the closing device has a sliding cover and / or a roll-up shutter. Particularly preferably, the closing device has a stop switch that is actuated when the closed position of the closing device is reached.The stop switch can be connected to the charging device and configured so that the charging device only charges the mobile device when the stop switch is activated, i.e., when the locking mechanism is in the closed position. This ensures that the mobile device only charges when defined airflow conditions exist within the charging tray and sufficient heat dissipation is guaranteed when the locking mechanism is closed. Furthermore, the locking mechanism can visually cover the mobile device, thus preventing the driver from being distracted by it while driving.However, it is also possible to design the locking mechanism to be at least partially translucent and / or transparent, so that the mobile device can be observed through the closed mechanism, for example, to see when charging is complete. This is particularly useful if the charging compartment is located in the passenger area or in the area facing the rear seats, where the driver cannot be distracted by the mobile device.

[0014] The charging device can have a plug, in particular a USB plug, for establishing an electrical connection with the mobile device. Additionally or alternatively, the charging device can have a charging pad for inductively charging the mobile device. Preferably, the charging device has only the charging pad, thus eliminating the need for an additional plug. The charging device can be connected to the vehicle's electrical infrastructure, allowing the electrical energy for charging the mobile device to be drawn from the vehicle battery.

[0015] The cooling air can originate from an air conditioning system. The cooling air can be drawn entirely or, preferably, only partially from a volume flow that exits an air conditioning system outlet in a defined, conditioned state and from which it only needs to be conveyed to the vehicle interior via ducts. This utilizes the understanding that vehicle occupants generally desire a climate control level in the vehicle interior that is still sufficient to cool a mobile device while it is charging. Preferably, it can be provided that charging of the mobile device is only enabled below a predetermined maximum temperature of the volume flow exiting the air conditioning system outlet, in order to reliably prevent excessive heating of the mobile device in extreme situations where the cooling capacity of the air would otherwise be insufficient.

[0016] The air conditioning system includes, for example, an air conditioning compressor, which can be driven by the vehicle's drivetrain, particularly via a belt drive. A refrigerant compressed by the air conditioning compressor can then be cooled in a heat exchanger, especially a front radiator of the vehicle. Subsequently, the refrigerant can be directed, for example via an expansion valve, into an evaporator to cool ambient air supplied through an inlet to a desired temperature and discharge the cooled air through the outlet towards the vehicle interior. At least a portion of the cooled air can be supplied as cooling air to the cargo area.

[0017] The mobile device can be a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or similar. Preferably, the charging tray is designed to accommodate only one smartphone to minimize the required installation space. The mobile device can be charged via a USB port and / or inductive coupling using the charging unit.

[0018] The center console can, in particular, form an instrument panel housing instruments for driving the vehicle. The center console can preferably include a load-bearing bracket via which a dashboard and / or instrument panel can be connected to the rest of the vehicle in order to transfer the weight forces acting on the center console, including the weight forces of the cargo compartment arrangement and the mobile device mounted on it.

[0019] In particular, when the closing device is closed, the cooling airflow between the inlet and outlet openings is forced in such a way that at least 40%, more preferably at least 50%, preferably at least 75%, and most preferably at least 90% of an upward-facing surface of the device and / or an upward-facing top surface of the base of the receiving tray is covered by the cooling air. When the closing device is closed, unnecessary cooling air leakage losses can be avoided and defined flow conditions can be established. In particular, the cooling airflow can be directed longitudinally along the mobile device and / or along the base of the receiving tray, thus ensuring forced convective heat dissipation over a large portion of the mobile device. This enables a particularly high cooling capacity for the mobile device.

[0020] Preferably, a rigid supply duct or a flexible supply hose, communicating with the air conditioning system, is connected to the inlet opening and mounted in a movement-proof manner. Since the receiving tray is movement-proof, it is possible to use a rigid supply duct or to install a flexible supply hose in a movement-proof manner. This simplifies installation and reduces the risk of damage to the supply duct and / or the supply hose during use of the charging tray assembly.

[0021] Preferably, the outlet opening is connected to a rigid discharge duct or a flexible discharge hose that communicates with the surrounding environment or the vehicle interior and is mounted in a movement-proof manner. Since the receiving tray is movement-proof, it is possible to use a rigid discharge duct or to install a flexible discharge hose in a movement-proof manner. This simplifies installation and reduces the risk of damage to the discharge duct and / or the discharge hose during use of the loading compartment arrangement.

[0022] In particular, the receiving tray has a base and side walls extending vertically from the base, the side walls defining an access opening that can be closed by the locking device. The base and side walls can be manufactured in one piece, for example by injection molding. This avoids a multi-part construction, thereby reducing manufacturing and assembly costs.

[0023] Preferably, the inlet opening is provided at least partially, and in particular completely, in the side wall. This allows for easy control of the cooling airflow direction onto the mobile device. Specifically, it is possible for the cooling air to strike the mobile device at an angle, with a portion coming from above and a portion coming from the side, so that the cooling air can flow over a sufficiently large upward-facing surface of the mobile device. This prevents the cooling air from passing through the closing mechanism.

[0024] The outlet opening is particularly preferably provided in the base and / or in the closing device and / or in a cover that reduces the size of the access opening, especially one connected to the receiving tray. The cooling air can thus be discharged upwards through the closing device and / or through the cover, for example by natural convection. Additionally or alternatively, the cooling air can be discharged downwards through the base of the receiving tray, for example by forced convection. Particularly when the cooling air is supplied laterally, especially through a side wall of the receiving tray, the airflow is deflected by approximately 90° at a defined point and a defined distance from the inlet opening, which can improve the cooling performance.

[0025] In particular, a fan is provided downstream of the outlet opening to expel the cooling air. The fan can draw in the cooling air supplied via the inlet opening and thereby create a forced flow from the inlet opening to the outlet opening associated with the fan. The flow conditions within the receiving volume of the receiving tray can thus be easily defined and optimized for high cooling performance. Preferably, the charging device is arranged downstream of the fan.

[0026] Another aspect of the invention relates to a motor vehicle with an air conditioning system for climate control of the vehicle interior, a center console accessible from the vehicle interior for arranging instruments, and a charging compartment arrangement provided in the center console, which can be designed and further developed as described above, wherein the air conditioning system has an outlet for conditioned air for climate control of the vehicle interior and the outlet is fluidically connected to the inlet opening of the charging compartment arrangement. Due to the defined flow conditions within the sealed receiving tray, cost-effective and safe charging of a mobile device in the motor vehicle is enabled.

[0027] The invention is explained below by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments, wherein the features shown below can represent an aspect of the invention, either individually or in combination. The drawings show: Fig. 1: a schematic perspective sectional view of a loading compartment arrangement and Fig. 2: a schematic perspective sectional view of the loading compartment arrangement Fig. 1 from an opposite viewing direction and in an offset section plane.

[0028] The in Fig. The illustrated loading compartment arrangement 10 can be recessed in a center console 12 of a motor vehicle, the center console being able to support a dashboard or instrument panel. The loading compartment arrangement 10 has a receiving tray 14, which has a base 16 and side walls 18 integrally connected to the base 16. The receiving tray 14 can define an access opening 20, which can be selectively closed or opened by a locking device 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the locking device 22 has a sliding cover 24 for this purpose.

[0029] In one of the side walls 18 of the receiving tray 14, an inlet opening 26 with a protruding pipe section is formed, to which a rigid or flexible cooling line 30 is connected via an adapter 28. Air conditioned in an air conditioning system can be introduced as cooling air into a receiving volume 32, which is limited by the receiving tray 14 and the closing device 22, via the cooling line 30. A mobile device 34, for example a smartphone, can be placed on the base 16 of the receiving tray 14.

[0030] Clearly spaced from the inlet opening 26, an outlet opening 36 can be formed in the base 16, into which a fan 38, positioned downstream of the outlet opening 36, can draw the cooling air from the intake volume 32. As shown in Fig.As shown in Figure 2, this can result in a forced airflow 40 along a large part of the length of the mobile device 34, leading to high cooling performance. In particular, the fan 38 can direct airflow towards and cool a charging device 42, wherein the charging device 42 in the illustrated embodiment is designed exclusively as an inductively charging device 42.

[0031] In the illustrated embodiment, a cover 44, which reduces the size of the access opening 20 and also has outlet openings 36, is connected to the receiving tray 14 at the upper end of the receiving volume 32. Particularly when the fan 38 is switched off, for example because the mobile device 34 is already fully charged, any remaining residual heat can be dissipated through the cover 44 by natural convection.

Claims

[1] Charging compartment arrangement (10) for charging a mobile device (34) in a center console (12) of a motor vehicle, with a motion-resistant receiving tray (14) for receiving the terminal device (34), a charging device (42) for supplying the terminal device (34) with electrical energy, at least one inlet opening (26) that can be connected to an air conditioning system for supplying cooling air to the terminal device (34), at least one outlet opening (36) for the discharge of cooling air heated at the terminal (34) and a locking device (22) for enclosing the terminal device (34) in the receiving tray (14), wherein, in the closed state of the closing device (22), a receiving volume (32) limited by the receiving tray (14) and the closing device (22) is accessible exclusively via the inlet opening (26) and the outlet opening (36) and the charging device (42) is arranged downstream of the outlet opening (36) in the airflow (40) of the cooling air. [2] Loading compartment arrangement (10) according to claim 1, wherein in the closed state of the closing device (22) an airflow (40) of cooling air is forced between the inlet opening (26) and the outlet opening (36) such that at least 40%, in particular at least 50%, preferably at least 75% and particularly preferably at least 90% of an upwardly facing surface of the terminal device (34) and / or an upwardly facing top surface of a base (16) of the receiving tray (14) is swept over by the cooling air. [3] Loading compartment arrangement (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a rigid supply channel or a flexible supply hose communicating with the air conditioning system is connected to the inlet opening (26) and is mounted in a manner that prevents movement. [4] Loading compartment arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a rigid discharge channel or a flexible discharge hose communicating with an environment or a vehicle interior is connected to the outlet opening (36) and is mounted in a manner that prevents movement. [5] Loading compartment arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the receiving tray (14) has a base (16) and side walls (18) extending from the base (16) with a portion in a vertical direction, wherein the side walls (18) define an access opening (20) that can be closed by the closing device (22). [6] Loading compartment arrangement (10) according to claim 5, wherein the inlet opening (26) is provided at least partially, in particular completely, in the side wall (18). [7] Loading compartment arrangement (10) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the outlet opening (36) is provided in the base (16) and / or in the closing device (22) and / or in a cover (44) reducing the access opening (20). [8] Charging compartment arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a fan (38) is provided downstream of the outlet opening (36) for the removal of the cooling air. [9] Charging compartment arrangement (10) according to claim 8, wherein the charging device (42) is arranged downstream of the fan (38). [10] Motor vehicle with an air conditioning system for climate control of a vehicle interior, a center console (12) accessible from the vehicle interior for arranging instruments and a storage compartment arrangement (10) provided in the center console (12) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the air conditioning system has an outlet for climate control air for climate control of the vehicle interior and the outlet is fluidically connected to the inlet opening (26) of the storage compartment arrangement (10).

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