Charging multiple mobile devices in a vehicle's center console

Abstract

Center console for a vehicle, comprising a recess formed in a visible surface of the center console and a support surface arranged in the recess for at least one mobile device and a charging coil for inductively charging a device arranged on the support surface, as well as vehicle and method for inductively charging a mobile device in a vehicle.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a center console for a vehicle, comprising a recess formed in a visible surface of the center console and a support surface arranged in the recess for at least one mobile device and a charging coil for inductively charging a mobile device arranged on the support surface. The invention further relates to a vehicle and a method for inductively charging a mobile device in a vehicle.

[0002] Center consoles, in various designs, represent the state of the art and provide, for example, surfaces and open or flap-closable cavities in vehicles on or in which vehicle occupants can place or store everyday items.

[0003] Mobile devices are frequently carried by vehicle occupants. Simply placing a mobile device on a surface of the center console is impractical. While the screen of the mobile device is visible to the occupant if the back of the device is in contact with the surface, the device can shift during travel due to longitudinal or lateral acceleration and fall into the footwell.

[0004] Storing the mobile device in a cavity in the center console is also impractical. While the cavity prevents the device from falling into the footwell while the vehicle is in motion, the screen is difficult or impossible for the passenger to see.

[0005] In many designs, the center console includes at least one holder for a drink, specifically for a cup or a bottle containing a beverage. When no drink is in the holder, it is available for other uses.

[0006] DE 10 2010 056 291 A1 discloses a holder separate from the center console of a vehicle and which can be inserted into a cup holder of the center console for a maximum of two mobile devices of different sizes arranged one behind the other.

[0007] WO 01 / 19646 A1 discloses a portable charging device, separate from the center console of a vehicle, with a holder for up to two different mobile devices. The portable charging device is also designed to be inserted into a cup holder in the center console.

[0008] In contrast, DE 10 2015 222 685 A1 discloses a vehicle center console with a support surface inclined relative to a viewing surface of the center console for a maximum of two mobile devices arranged side by side. The center console includes a retaining bracket for fixing the mobile devices to the support surface and is designed to wirelessly charge a mobile device placed on the support surface.

[0009] However, multiple vehicle occupants can each carry one mobile device. Furthermore, one vehicle occupant can carry multiple mobile devices. The solutions described above prove unsuitable or require too much space if more than two mobile devices are to be charged simultaneously and their screens need to be visible during charging.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a center console for a vehicle that is suitable for the secure storage of more than two mobile devices, enables the simultaneous charging of the stored mobile devices, ensures the visibility of a display screen of each stored mobile device during charging, and results in a compact arrangement of the stored mobile devices. Further objects of the invention are to provide a vehicle and to propose a method for charging a mobile device in a vehicle's center console.

[0011] One object of the invention is a center console for a vehicle, comprising a recess formed in a visible surface of the center console and a support surface arranged in the recess for at least one mobile device and a charging coil for inductively charging a mobile device arranged on the support surface. A mobile device arranged on the support surface is positioned in the recess. The recess prevents the mobile device from falling into the footwell of the vehicle. The invention also includes an armrest of a vehicle door or a surface of a vehicle instrument panel, each with the same features as the center console.

[0012] According to the invention, the center console comprises at least two support surfaces arranged in the recess and extending at least substantially parallel to each other, each for at least one mobile device, and a projection defining a support surface, an overlap area of ​​the at least two support surfaces, and a distance between the at least two support surfaces, in which the charging coil is arranged. "At least substantially" means parallel or inclined relative to each other by at most 10°, preferably at most 5°. The projection is arranged between the at least two mobile devices when the at least two mobile devices are arranged on the support surfaces and also provides a space for the charging coil, resulting in a compact arrangement of the at least two mobile devices.Thanks to the overlap area, the screen of a mobile device positioned on an overlapping support surface is at most partially obscured by the protrusion and / or another mobile device positioned on the overlapping support surface. This ensures at least partial visibility of the screens of all mobile devices located in the center console.

[0013] The at least two support surfaces can be inclined at a positive or negative angle relative to the viewing surface, or they can extend parallel to the viewing surface. This inclination angle improves the visibility of the display screen of a mobile device positioned on the support surface for a vehicle occupant.

[0014] It goes without saying that, thanks to the compact design, the center console can accommodate more than two storage surfaces and allow for the simultaneous storage and charging of more than three mobile devices. In this case, the center console will have correspondingly more protrusions.

[0015] Preferably, the center console includes an electronics unit located outside the overlap area beneath a support surface. The electronics unit can readily occupy a larger installation space than the charging coil without compromising the compactness of the arrangement.

[0016] In one embodiment, the electronic unit comprises charging electronics functionally connected to the charging coil. The electronic unit may also include communication electronics to provide a wireless connection between a mobile device positioned on a support surface and the vehicle. The communication electronics may be configured to provide a wireless connection for the mobile device on the support surface, such as a Near Field Communication (NFC) connection, a Bluetooth connection, or a Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) connection.

[0017] The center console can include a sensor functionally connected to the electronics unit. Each sensor is assigned to an overlapping contact surface and provides a signal to the electronics unit when a mobile device is placed on that surface. The sensor can be mechanical, for example, a push button, or optical, for example, a light barrier.

[0018] Each electronic unit assigned to an overlapping support surface is configured to detect a mobile device positioned on the overlapping support surface based on received signals or a wireless connection.

[0019] Ideally, the center console includes an application installable on a mobile device, configured to position a popup output displayed by the mobile device in an area of ​​the mobile device's screen outside the overlap area, and / or to transmit a popup output displayed by the mobile device to another mobile device positioned on an overlapping surface, if the mobile devices are positioned on an overlapping surface. The application places the popup on the mobile device's screen in such a way that the displayed popup output is not obscured and is visible to the occupant. Alternatively or additionally, the popup output transmitted by the mobile device is displayed on the screen of the other mobile device.

[0020] The transmitted popup output advantageously includes a graphical assignment (Graphical User Interface, GUI) to the mobile device positioned on the overlapped surface.

[0021] The popup output to be displayed can be transmitted directly or via the electronic unit via a wireless connection, such as Near Field Communication (NFC), Bluetooth, or Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). The popup output can also be transmitted directly via a cellular connection.

[0022] The application can be configured to work with the electronics unit to determine the surface on which the mobile device is positioned. This allows the mobile device to recognize whether it is on a non-overlapping or overlapping surface. Adjusting the popup output is only necessary for a mobile device positioned on an overlapping surface.

[0023] Advantageously, each charging surface has a width sufficient for two mobile devices placed side by side. This further increases the number of mobile devices that can be simultaneously positioned and charged in the center console.

[0024] Another aspect of the invention is a vehicle with a center console. Such vehicles are widespread. Consequently, the invention has diverse application possibilities.

[0025] According to the invention, the center console is designed according to one embodiment of the invention. Thanks to the center console according to the invention, the vehicle is suitable for occupants who carry more than two mobile devices in total during a journey.

[0026] Another aspect of the invention is a method for inductively charging a mobile device in a vehicle, in which a mobile device is arranged on a support surface of a vehicle's center console according to one embodiment of the invention and charged by means of the center console's charging coil. Such inductive charging methods are widespread. Consequently, the invention has diverse application possibilities.

[0027] According to the invention, an application installed in the mobile device positions a popup output displayed by the mobile device in an area of ​​the mobile device's display screen outside the overlap area when the mobile device is positioned on an overlapping support surface. This prevents the displayed popup output from being covered and ensures its visibility to vehicle occupants.

[0028] Preferably, the application, in conjunction with the center console's electronics unit, determines the surface on which the mobile device is positioned. The application detects whether the mobile device is on a non-overlapping or overlapping surface and positions the popup output outside the overlap area if the mobile device is on an overlapping surface. The placement of a popup output from a mobile device on a non-overlapping surface does not need to be affected.

[0029] Advantageously, one mobile device is placed on each charging surface, and / or two mobile devices are placed side by side on one charging surface. This increases the efficiency of the charging process, i.e., it increases the number of mobile devices that can be stored and charged simultaneously.

[0030] A key advantage of the center console according to the invention is that it is suitable for safely storing more than two mobile devices, enables simultaneous charging of the stored mobile devices, ensures visibility of a display screen of each stored mobile device during charging, and results in a compact arrangement of the stored mobile devices.

[0031] The invention is schematically illustrated in the drawings with reference to one embodiment and is further described with reference to the drawings. It shows: Fig. 1 in a perspective partial view of a center console according to an embodiment of the invention for a vehicle; Fig. 2 in a cutaway partial view which in Fig. 1 center console shown.

[0032] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective partial view of a center console 1 according to an embodiment of the invention for a vehicle known per se (not shown) which is designed with the center console 1 according to the invention.

[0033] The center console 1 comprises a recess 12 formed in a viewing surface 10 of the center console 1, and at least two support surfaces 12 arranged in the recess 12 and extending at least substantially parallel to each other, each for at least one mobile device 2. The at least two support surfaces 12 can be inclined at a positive or negative angle 120 relative to the viewing surface 10 or extend parallel to the viewing surface 10. Two mobile devices 2 are arranged on each support surface 12 for illustrative purposes only and not as a limitation.

[0034] The center console 1 further comprises a projection 13, which defines a support surface 12, an overlap area 15 of the at least two support surfaces 12, and a distance 121 between the at least two support surfaces 12. The center console also includes a charging coil 14 arranged in the projection 13 for inductively charging a terminal device 2 arranged on a support surface 12.

[0035] Fig. Figure 2 shows a cutaway partial view of the Fig.1. Center console 1 shown. The center console can include an electronic unit 16, which is arranged outside the overlap area 15 under a support surface 12. The electronic unit 16 can also include charging electronics functionally connected to the charging coil 14. Furthermore, the center console 1 can include a sensor 123 functionally connected to the electronic unit 16, which is assigned to an overlapping support surface 12 and is designed, for example, as a mechanical push button or a light barrier.

[0036] Preferably, the center console 1 includes an application 17, installable on a mobile device 2, which is configured to position a popup output 200 displayed by the mobile device 2 in an area of ​​a display screen 20 of the mobile device 2 outside the overlap area 15 when the mobile device 2 is positioned on an overlapping support surface 12. The application 17 can be configured, in conjunction with the electronic unit 16, to determine a support surface 12 on which the mobile device 2 is positioned. The application 17 can be installed on any mobile device 2.

[0037] In particular, each support surface 12 has a width 122 for two mobile devices 2 arranged side by side.

[0038] A mobile device 2 is charged in the vehicle using a method for inductive charging of a mobile device 2 in a vehicle described below.

[0039] The mobile device 20 is placed on a support surface 12 of the vehicle's center console 1 and charged by means of the charging coil 14 of the center console 1. In particular, one mobile device 2 and / or two mobile devices 2 are placed side by side on each support surface 12.

[0040] An application 17 installed in each mobile device 2 of the center console 1 arranges a popup output 200 of the mobile device 2 displayed by the mobile device 2 in an area of ​​a display screen 20 of the mobile device 2 outside the overlap area 15 and / or transmits a popup output 200 of the mobile device 2 to be displayed by the mobile device 2 to another mobile device 2 arranged on an overlapping support surface 12, if the mobile device 2 is arranged on an overlapping support surface 12.

[0041] The application 17, in conjunction with the electronic unit 16 of the center console 1, can determine a support surface 12 on which the mobile device 2 is positioned. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS: 1 Center console 10 Visible area 11 In-depth study 12 contact surfaces 120° tilt angle 121 distance 122 width 123 Sensor 13 lead 14 Charging coil 15 Overlap area 16 Electronic unit 17 Application 2 mobile devices 20 Display screen 200 Popup Edition QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102010056291 A1

[0006] WO 0119646 A1

[0007] DE 102015222685 A1

[0008]

Claims

[1] Center console (1) for a vehicle, comprising a recess (12) formed in a visible surface (10) of the center console (1), at least two support surfaces (12) arranged in the recess (12) and extending at least substantially parallel to one another, each for at least one mobile terminal device (2), a projection (13) defining a support surface (12), an overlapping region (15) of the at least two support surfaces (12) and a distance (121) between the at least two support surfaces (12), and a charging coil (14) arranged in the projection (13) for inductively charging a mobile terminal device (2) arranged on a support surface (12). [2] Center console according to claim 1, comprising an electronic unit (16) arranged outside the overlapping area (15) under a support surface (12). [3] Center console according to claim 2, wherein the electronic unit (16) comprises charging electronics functionally connected to the charging coil (14). [4] Center console according to one of claims 1 to 3, with an application (17) that can be installed in a mobile terminal (2) and that is configured to arrange a pop-up output (200) displayed by the mobile terminal (2) in an area of ​​a display screen (20) of the mobile terminal (2) outside the overlap area (15) when the mobile terminal (2) is arranged on an overlapped support surface (12). [5] Center console according to claim 4, wherein the application (17) is configured to determine, in cooperation with the electronic unit (16), a support surface (12) on which the mobile terminal (2) is arranged. [6] Center console according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each support surface (12) has a width (122) for two mobile terminals (2) arranged side by side. [7] Vehicle comprising a center console (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6. [8] Method for inductively charging a mobile terminal (2) in a vehicle, in which - a mobile terminal (20) is arranged on a support surface (12) of a center console (1) of a vehicle according to claim 7 and is charged by means of the charging coil (14) of the center console (1); - an application (17) of the center console (1) installed in the mobile terminal (2) arranges a pop-up output (200) of the mobile terminal (2) displayed by the mobile terminal (2) in an area of ​​a display screen (20) of the mobile terminal (2) outside the overlap area (15) and / or transmits a pop-up output (200) of the mobile terminal (2) to be displayed by the mobile terminal (2) to a further mobile terminal (2) arranged on an overlapping support surface (12) if the mobile terminal (2) is arranged on an overlapped support surface (12). [9] Method according to claim 8, wherein the application (17) in cooperation with the electronic unit (16) of the center console (1) determines a support surface (12) on which the mobile terminal (2) is arranged. [10] Method according to claim 8 or 9, in which a mobile terminal (2) is arranged on each support surface (12) and / or in which two mobile terminals (2) are arranged next to one another on a support surface (12).

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