Device with at least one charging device and vehicle with a device

Abstract

A device (1) with a charging unit (9, 14) for contactless charging of an electrical energy storage device (10, 15), in particular an electrical energy storage device (10, 15) of an electrical device (11, 16), preferably a mobile phone, is proposed. A flap unit (7) comprises a flap element (6) that is adjustable between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, a storage compartment (3) is covered by the flap element (6) relative to the surrounding area of ​​the storage compartment (3). In the open position, the flap element (6) is at least partially removed from the area covering the storage compartment (3). The flap element (6) is designed to be longitudinally displaceable. The charging unit (9) and a magnetic unit (19) are integrated into the flap element (6).The electrical energy storage device (10) is held by the magnetic field of the magnetic unit (19) during a charging process on an underside (12) of the flap element (6) facing the storage compartment (3). Additionally, a vehicle with the device (1) and a method for operating the device (1) are described.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device with at least one charging unit for contactless charging of an electrical energy storage device, in particular an electrical energy storage device of an electrical appliance, preferably a mobile phone, according to the type defined in more detail in the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a vehicle with such a device and to a method for operating the device.

[0002] From EP 3 952 055 A1, a vehicle with a surface for placing a mobile phone is known. A wireless charger is arranged under the surface and is designed to generate an electromagnetic field to charge the mobile phone placed on the surface.

[0003] A charging device for a vehicle is described in US Patent 2016 / 0365745 A1. The charging device allows energy receiving units and their electrical energy storage devices to be charged with electrical energy. The charging device comprises an outer cover that is rotatably coupled to a receiving device in the vehicle interior. A wireless charging circuit is located in the outer cover. An inner cover is also provided, which is connected to the outer cover and defines a receiving space. An energy receiving unit can be positioned within this receiving space relative to the wireless charging circuit during a charging process. The charging device also includes a buffer element and a magnetic unit in the area of ​​the inner cover.

[0004] The outer cover is a lid element of a beverage holder device, which is designed to pivot from an upright position to a horizontal closed position in order to close the cup holder device, for which a correspondingly large installation space must be provided.

[0005] CN 209521627 U also describes a wireless charging device with a magnetic element. A mobile phone is held in place by the magnetic element on the bottom of an open-topped charging device housing within a recess in the housing. This prevents noise that would reduce driving comfort and avoids interference with the charging process due to unwanted movement of the mobile phone relative to the housing.

[0006] The housing cover can be rotated relative to the housing around a pivot axis from a substantially horizontal closed position to an open position that is pivoted by approximately 90° and essentially vertically oriented. Therefore, the charging device inside a vehicle also requires a correspondingly large installation space.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a space-saving device with at least one charging device for contactless charging of an electrical energy storage device, as well as a vehicle equipped with it and a method for operating the device.

[0008] According to the invention, this problem is solved with a device, a vehicle and a method having the features of claims 1, 10 and 12.

[0009] The device according to the invention comprises at least one charging device for contactless charging of an electrical energy storage device, in particular an electrical energy storage device of an electrical appliance, preferably a mobile phone. Furthermore, a flap unit is provided with a flap element that is adjustable between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position of the flap element, a storage space below the charging device is covered by the flap element from the surrounding area. In the open position, the flap element is at least partially removed from the area of ​​overlap with the storage space.

[0010] According to the invention, the flap unit is designed to be longitudinally displaceable and therefore requires only a small amount of installation space inside a vehicle in the vertical direction. The space-saving charging device further comprises a magnetic unit that is integrated into the preferably plate-like flap element. During a charging process, the electrical energy storage device is held in a space-saving manner by the magnetic field of the magnetic unit on the underside of the flap element, which faces the storage compartment.

[0011] In other words, a wireless charging device is arranged in the area of ​​the underside of the flap element or a longitudinally sliding cover within the flap element. This design makes it possible, for example, to supply a mobile phone, such as a smartphone or similar device, which is itself characterized by a thin component, with electrical energy and to wirelessly charge its electrical storage device while requiring minimal installation space. During the charging process, the mobile phone is located beneath the sliding cover and is held there on the underside of the flap element by the magnetic unit. Due to its small installation space requirement, the device according to the invention can be implemented in existing vehicle designs in a structurally simple manner.

[0012] Additionally, if required, the storage space under the flap element can be used for storage, and a mobile phone can be charged above the storage space, which is held on the underside of the flap element by the magnetic unit.

[0013] In a further development of the device according to the invention, at least one additional charging device for contactless charging of an electrical energy storage device, in particular an electrical energy storage device of an electrical device, preferably a mobile phone, is integrated in a base area of ​​a housing that limits the storage space. This allows for particularly efficient use of the installation space available within existing vehicle systems, and at least two mobile phones, for example, can be charged simultaneously without requiring significant additional installation space.

[0014] In the direction the flap element opens, a cup holder can be provided next to the storage space. The opening for the cup holder is covered when the flap element is closed and exposed when it is open. This allows the cup holder to be opened or closed in a space-saving manner, while in the closed position, for example, a large surface area for an armrest for vehicle occupants can be provided.

[0015] The beverage holder device can be equipped with a temperature control unit, via which the charging device and the electrical energy storage device held magnetically on the underside of the flap element can be temperature controlled, preferably cooled.

[0016] Furthermore, it is possible that the additional charging device and the electrical energy storage device that can be charged via it can also be temperature-controlled, preferably cooled, by the temperature control unit of the beverage holder device. In this case, the device according to the invention is characterized by a high degree of functional integration.

[0017] A temperature control medium, such as air or the like, can be routed to the further charging equipment via lines from the temperature control unit of the beverage holder device, which are arranged in a space-saving manner in the floor area of ​​the storage space.

[0018] Furthermore, the flap element can be designed with an actuating unit that allows the holding force of the magnetic unit to be reduced. This allows the functional connection between the electrical energy storage device and the flap element to be easily disconnected.

[0019] Depending on the specific application, it is possible for the operable unit to be controlled by an operator via any vehicle-side control element.

[0020] If the magnetic unit is designed as an electromagnet, the actuable unit can be designed as an electronic component by means of which the current to the electromagnet can be switched on and off.

[0021] The upper surface of the cup holder assembly can be designed as a support surface on which the electrical energy storage device can be placed when the flap unit is in the open position. The electrical energy storage device can then be brought into contact with the underside of the flap element by sliding the flap element in its closing direction via the magnetic unit, provided the flap element is in a position where the magnetic unit and the electrical energy storage device are in overlapping position.

[0022] Additionally, it is possible for the flap element to be arranged in an intermediate position between the closed and open positions, in which the flap element exposes the drink holder mechanism and covers the storage space from above.

[0023] A vehicle according to the invention is equipped with a device as described above and thus provides a high level of functionality and a large space for movement for vehicle occupants in the interior of the vehicle.

[0024] The device can be part of a center console, in particular a central armrest between seats in a row of seats in the vehicle.

[0025] Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating the device described above or a method for wirelessly charging an electrical energy storage device comprising the following process steps: - Adjusting the flap element towards its open position until at least the contact surface of the drink holder device is exposed by the flap element; - Placing the electrical energy storage device on the support surface of the cup holder unit; - Adjusting the flap element towards the closed position; - Activating the magnetic field of the magnetic unit, preferably designed as an electromagnet, when the flap element is in overlap with the electrical energy storage device; - Starting the contactless charging process of the electrical energy storage device by the charging unit when the electrical energy storage device is in contact with the underside of the flap element;

[0026] In one variant of the method according to the invention, the magnetic field of the magnetic unit is deactivated or weakened when the electrical storage device with the flap element is arranged above the support surface of the beverage holder device and there is a request to remove the electrical energy storage device.

[0027] In one variant of the method, the charging device and the electrical energy storage unit are cooled by the temperature control unit of the beverage holder device if the operating temperature of the device, particularly in the area of ​​the charging device and / or the other charging device, exceeds a predefined limit.

[0028] Further advantages and beneficial developments of the invention result from the patent claims and the exemplary embodiment described in principle with reference to the drawing.

[0029] It shows: Fig. 1 a top view of a possible embodiment of the device according to the invention, wherein a flap element of a flap unit is shown in an intermediate position between an open position and a closed position of the flap element; Fig. 2 a highly schematic longitudinal sectional view of the device according to Fig. 1, wherein the flap element is arranged in its open position; Fig. 3 one Fig. 2. Corresponding representation of the device, wherein the flap element is arranged in its closed position; Fig. 4 one Fig. 2. A corresponding representation of the device, wherein a mobile phone is held by a magnetic unit on an underside of the flap element; and Fig. 5 a Fig. 2. Corresponding representation of the device, wherein the flap element is arranged together with the mobile phone in the intermediate position.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 shows a device 1 comprising a beverage holder 2 and a storage compartment 3. The beverage holder 2 is arranged in an upwardly open, bowl-shaped housing part 4, which defines the storage compartment 3. An open top 5 of the housing part 4 can be closed or opened by means of a flap element 6 of a flap unit 7. For this purpose, the flap element 6 is guided longitudinally X along a linear guide 8 of the flap unit 7, which comprises corresponding elements in the area of ​​the top of the housing part 4 and the bottom of the flap element 6. Fig. 2 to Fig. 5. In the manner shown in more detail, each can be adjusted translationally between an open position and a closed position in a space-saving manner.

[0031] The flap element 6 is in Fig. Figure 2 shows the flap element 6 in its open position, in which the flap element 6 exposes both the cup holder 2 and the storage compartment 3 from above, allowing an operator access to the cup holder 2 and the storage compartment 3. The flap element 6 is equipped with a charging device 9, via which an electrical energy storage device 10 of an electrical device 11, in this case a mobile phone, can be charged with electrical energy without contact. The charging device 9 is arranged in the area of ​​an underside 12 of the flap element 6 in a front area of ​​the flap element 6, which faces the cup holder 2.

[0032] Additionally, a further charging device 14 for contactless charging of an electrical energy storage device 15 of another electrical device 16 is arranged in a base area 13 of the housing part 4, which borders the storage space 3 from below. The further charging device 14 is arranged near a top surface 17 of the base area 13. In order to bring the other electrical device 16 into operative contact with the further charging device 14 and the electrical device 11 into operative contact with the charging device 9 of the flap element 6, the flap element 6 is inserted longitudinally X into the Fig. The flap element 6 can be moved to the open position shown in section 2. This can be done either by an operator by simply manually moving the flap element 6 along the linear guide 8. Depending on the specific application, it is also possible to move the flap element 6 into the open position by motor in the longitudinal direction X when the operator requests it, for example by pressing a button or similar.

[0033] The electrical device 11 is then placed on a support surface or top 18 of the cup holder unit 2, and the other electrical device 16 is placed in the storage compartment 3 on the base 13, whereby the charging process of the other electrical device 16 can then begin immediately. In order to also be able to charge the electrical device 11 by the charging unit 9, the flap element 6 must first be moved into the closed position.

[0034] In the closed position of the flap element 6, a magnetic field of a magnetic unit 19, which in this case is designed as an electromagnet 19, is activated. This occurs in this case by energizing the electromagnet 19 accordingly. The magnetic field generated when the electromagnet 19 is energized causes the electrical device 11 to be lifted by the magnetic force of the electromagnet 19 from the top 18 of the cup holder assembly 2 and placed against the underside 12 of the flap element 6. This state of the electrical device 11 is described in Fig. Figure 4 shows that the electrical energy storage device 10 of the electrical device 11 can then be effectively charged with electrical energy by the charging device 9.

[0035] If the cup holder 2 is to be used while the electrical devices 11 and 16 are being loaded, the flap element 6 must be moved longitudinally X from the closed position at least to the position shown. Fig.The intermediate position shown in section 5 can be adjusted. In this intermediate position, the flap element 6 opens the upper surface 5 of the housing part 4 longitudinally at least to the extent that beverage containers can be inserted into the cup holder 2 from above in the vertical direction Z, while the storage compartment 3 remains covered by the flap element 6. This allows the upper surface 20 of the flap element 6 to still be used ergonomically by vehicle occupants as an armrest, for example, when the flap element 6 is part of a center console between two seats in a row.

[0036] The beverage holder assembly 2 is additionally equipped with a temperature control unit 21, via which an interior space 22 of the beverage holder assembly 2 can be temperature-controlled or cooled to the desired extent. The electrical device 11 and the charging unit 9 can be cooled via the temperature control unit 21, thus enabling highly efficient charging of the electrical energy storage device 10. The temperature control unit 21 also extends into the base area 13 to cool the additional charging unit 14 and the electrical device 16 with its electrical energy storage device 15 during the charging process of the electrical energy storage device 15.

[0037] For this purpose, the temperature control unit 21 includes lines 23 through which the temperature control medium can be guided from the beverage holder device 2 to the base area 13 in order to cool the further charging device 14 and the electrical device 16 with its electrical energy storage 15 accordingly.

[0038] If an operator wishes to remove the electrical device 11 from the device 1, the electromagnet 19 must first be switched off while the flap element 6 is in the closed position. As soon as the magnetic field of the electromagnet 19 is switched off, the electrical device 11 detaches from the underside 12 of the flap element 6 and, due to gravity, moves towards the top 18 of the cup holder 2, where it rests. The electrical device 11 can then be removed by moving the flap element 6 towards the intermediate or open position.

[0039] The magnetic field of the additional wireless charging device 14 is designed such that the electrical device 16 is held on the upper side 17 of the base part 13 during the operation of a vehicle equipped with the device 1, and relative movements between the base part 13 and the electrical device 16 as well as noises disturbing driving comfort are prevented. Reference symbol list 1 Device 2 cup holders 3 storage spaces 4 Housing part 5 Top of the housing part 6 flap elements 7 flap unit 8 linear guides 9 Charging device 10 electrical energy storage of the electrical device 11 11 electrical appliance 12 Underside of the flap element 13 Bottom part of the housing part 14 additional charging stations 15 electrical energy storage of the electrical device 16 16 electrical appliance 17 Top of the base part 18 Top of the cup holder assembly 19 Electromagnet 20 Top of the flap element 21 Temperature control unit 22 Interior of the cup holder assembly 23 Management X Longitudinal direction Z Upward direction 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] EP 3 952 055 A1

[0002] US 2016 / 0365745 A1

[0003] CN 209521627 U

[0005]

Claims

[1] Device (1) with at least one charging device (9, 14) for contactless charging of an electrical energy storage device (10, 15), in particular an electrical energy storage device (10, 15) of an electrical device (11, 16), preferably a mobile telephone, wherein a flap unit (7) comprises a flap element (6) which is adjustable between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the closed position of the flap element (6) a storage space (3) is covered by the flap element (6) from an environment of the storage space (3) and the flap element (6) is adjusted in the open position at least partially out of the area of ​​overlap with the storage space (3), characterized byin that the flap element (6) is designed to be longitudinally displaceable and the charging device (9) and a magnetic unit (19) are integrated into the flap element (6), wherein the electrical energy store (10) is held by the magnetic field of the magnetic unit (19) during a charging process on an underside (12) of the flap element, which faces the storage space (3). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized by in that at least one further charging device (14) for contactless charging of an electrical energy store (15), in particular an electrical energy store (15) of an electrical device (16), preferably a mobile phone, is integrated into a base part (13) of a housing (4) which delimits the storage space (3). [3] Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat in the direction of adjustment of the flap element (6) next to the storage space (3) a cup holder device (2) is provided, the insertion opening of which is covered by the flap element (6) in the closed position and is released by the flap element (6) in the open position. [4] Device according to claim 3, characterized by that the cup holder device (2) is designed with a temperature control unit (21) via which the charging device (9) and the electrical energy store (10) arranged on the underside (12) of the flap element (6) on the magnetic field side can be temperature-controlled, preferably cooled. [5] Device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized by that the further charging device (14) and the electrical energy storage device (15) which can be charged via it can be tempered, preferably cooled, by the tempering unit (21). [6] Device according to one of claims 3 to 5, characterized bythat the temperature control unit (21) comprises lines (23) which are arranged in the base area (13) and through which the temperature control medium can be guided to the further charging device (14). [7] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the flap element (6) is formed with an actuatable unit by means of which the holding force of the magnetic unit (19) can be reduced. [8] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that an upper side (18) of the cup holder device (2) is designed as a support surface on which the electrical energy store (10) can be placed in the open position of the flap element (6), wherein the electrical energy store (10) can be brought into contact with the underside (12) of the flap element (6) by displacing the flap element (6) in its closing direction by the magnetic unit (19) when the flap element (6) is arranged in a position in which the magnetic unit and the electrical energy store (10) are in overlap. [9] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the flap element (6) can be arranged in an intermediate position between the closed position and the open position, in which the flap element (6) releases the cup holder device (2) and covers the storage space (3). [10] Vehicle equipped with a device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9. [11] Vehicle according to claim 10, characterized by that the device (1) is part of a center console, in particular a central armrest between seats in a row of seats. [12] Method for operating a device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9 with the following method steps: - Adjusting the flap element (6) in the direction of its open position until at least the support surface (18) of the cup holder device (2) is released by the flap element (6); - placing the electrical energy storage device (10) on the support surface (18) of the cup holder device (2); - Adjusting the flap element (6) towards the closed position; - activating the magnetic field of the magnetic unit (19), which is preferably designed as an electromagnet, when the flap element (6) is in overlap with the electrical energy store (10); - starting the contactless charging process of the electrical energy storage device (10) by the charging device (9) when the electrical energy storage device (10) rests against the underside (12) of the flap element (6); [13] Method according to claim 12, characterized by that the magnetic field of the magnetic unit (19) is deactivated or at least weakened when the electrical energy store (10) with the flap element (6) is arranged above the support surface (18) of the cup holder device (2) and there is a request to remove the electrical energy store (10). [14] Method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized bythat the charging device (9) and the electrical energy storage device (10) are cooled by the temperature control unit (21) of the cup holder device (2) when an operating temperature of the device (1), in particular in the area of ​​the charging device (9) and / or the further charging device (14), exceeds a predefined limit value.

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