Charging robots

Abstract

The present invention lies in the field of chargers for mobile communication devices and relates to a device for simultaneously charging a plurality of mobile communication devices, in particular smartphones or tablet computers, with a corresponding plurality of charging points (12) for the communication devices. To improve the technical prerequisites for the use of smartphones in public buildings, a multi-device charging device (10) is proposed, which includes a battery storage unit (22) with sufficient charging capacity to charge the communication devices, wherein the charging points are each electrically connected to the battery storage unit and have an electrically effective charging interface for charging each individual communication device.

Description

[0001] The present invention is in the field of chargers for mobile communication terminals and relates to a device for simultaneously charging a plurality of mobile communication terminals, in particular smartphones or tablet computers, with a corresponding plurality of charging stations for the communication terminals. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] The use of mobile devices such as smartphones has long since become a habit in everyday life. However, with the increasing digitalization of business processes such as orders, reservations, booking flights, and tickets of all kinds, the use of a smartphone with a corresponding app is no longer merely an optional feature for these business transactions. Using a smartphone with the corresponding app to conduct a business transaction has become essential and often a necessary condition for completing the transaction with as little friction as possible.

[0003] There are places where large numbers of people gather in high density and are particularly dependent on the successful use of an app. Examples include airports, where there is often a need for quick and comprehensive information about delays or flight cancellations. Train stations are also worth mentioning, especially at times when train cancellations or delays are commonplace, at least in certain countries. Extensive shopping malls and government buildings are also examples.

[0004] In order to use a smartphone successfully in this context, two technical requirements are essentially necessary: Firstly, it must be sufficiently charged, and secondly, it must have access to the Internet, either via mobile network or Wi-Fi.

[0005] In the expansive passenger waiting areas at airports, for example, mobile phone reception is often limited. Wi-Fi with sufficient quality is often unavailable.

[0006] If your smartphone battery is too low at an airport, charging it becomes a serious problem, at least if you don't have a charged power bank with you. Now that power banks are

[0007] After a fire, many smartphone users prefer to go without a power bank. This forces the smartphone user to search for a power outlet, which is often difficult in the large passenger halls of airports. There are hardly any free outlets, and if there are any, they are only found in isolated locations along fixed walls, for example, for the use of floor cleaning machines such as vacuum cleaners, etc., or in restrooms. The smartphone user is then forced to stand next to the outlet – for example, in a restroom – and wait until their smartphone's charge level is somewhat replenished. This is unreasonable and inconsistent with the increasing digitalization of business processes.

[0008] In the German patent application DE 10 2019 001 228 A1, as Fig. 1, a multi-device charging device 10 is disclosed for simultaneously charging a plurality of charging stations 12 for mobile communication devices, in particular smartphones or tablet computers, wherein the mobile devices are each to be charged via an inductive interface. Power is supplied via a power strip 14 and an AC connection 16. Disadvantageously, the multi-device charging device shown there cannot be used within the wide areas of large halls, but only at their perimeter in conjunction with a wall socket or where floor sockets are available.

[0009] US patent application US 2019 / 0393709 A1 discloses a mobile, rollable multi-device charging device for simultaneously charging mobile communication devices, particularly smartphones, at separate charging stations. This charging device features a battery storage unit with the appropriate charging capacity. However, this charging device is hardly usable in public spaces because the charging stations cannot be locked.

[0010] German patent application DE 10 2021 118 699 A1 also discloses a mobile, rollable power supply unit with a battery storage system, which is intended to be universally applicable for electrical, household, AC-powered devices such as televisions, microwaves, etc., but also for mobile devices such as smartphones that are operated or charged with DC current. This power supply unit can be controlled via radio remote control. This power supply unit is primarily intended for private use and is hardly usable in public spaces because the number of charging stations for smartphones is too low and these charging stations cannot be locked.

[0011] US patent application US 2021 / 0265843 A1 discloses a multi-device charging device for the secure storage and, if necessary, simultaneous charging of mobile communication devices, in particular smartphones, at respective, spatially separated charging stations. The charging stations are each individually lockable. Access to a device is strictly restricted using conventional electronic locks such as codes, fingerprints, or photo-based authentication methods, etc. The use of this multi-device charging device in public spaces is not without disadvantages, because the smartphones being charged and stored in a locked location may ring when called.If a smartphone user has moved away from the charging station during the charging process, which is precisely what the locking mechanism is intended to enable, then the ringing cannot be turned off and, depending on the set volume of the ringtone, becomes a nuisance for people nearby.

[0012] The object of the present invention is therefore to improve the technical prerequisites for the use of smartphones in public buildings in such a way that the disadvantages described are at least reduced. ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The subject matter according to the invention with the features of claim 1 solves this problem.

[0014] The subclaims contain advantageous developments and improvements of the respective subject matter of the invention.

[0015] According to the present invention, a multi-device charging device for simultaneously charging a plurality of mobile communication terminals, in particular smartphones or tablet computers, is disclosed, comprising a corresponding plurality of charging locations for the communication terminals, which is characterized in that the device contains a battery storage device with sufficient charging capacity so that the communication terminals can be charged, wherein the charging locations are each electrically connected to the battery storage device and have an electrically effective charging interface for charging a respective communication terminal.

[0016] The multi-device charging device according to the invention can advantageously have a tower-like shape or be constructed in the manner of a human figure, wherein the charging battery or a battery system comprising several batteries is preferably accommodated in a closed compartment in the lower area. Charging compartments, into which a terminal device can each be placed, are preferably provided from a height of approximately 40 cm above the floor. Advantageously, the charging compartments for larger devices such as tablet computers are provided further down, and smaller charging compartments for smartphones are provided further up. Advantageously, the charging compartments are arranged in a star shape in several levels one above the other, so that users approaching from all sides can see and use an open, unused charging compartment.The user simply places their device in an open, unused charging compartment, grabs the charging cable provided in each compartment that matches their device, and plugs the cable into their device's charging socket. The charging compartments can be numbered to help the user remember "their" charging compartment.

[0017] The user charges directly without their own AC-DC charging adapter using standardized charging plugs such as USB-C or Lightning charging cables. Optionally, an inductively effective electrical interface can also be provided, into which the user can insert their device in such a way that it cannot slip, allowing inductive energy transfer to occur efficiently. The user keeps an eye on their smartphone so that it cannot be taken away. The existence of the sufficiently large battery storage unit has the advantage that the charging station can be located anywhere in a public area, particularly far away from walls, because it is not dependent on power from a wall or floor socket. The multi-device charging device according to the invention can be charged after business hours or overnight using a long cable.

[0018] If the multi-device charging device according to the invention is movable on casters, this offers the advantage of being easily transported from one location to another where there is currently a high demand for charging devices. For example, at airports, this could be a concourse area near an airline information desk, where many customers are gathered, all waiting for a delayed flight and consequently having to make a lot of phone calls. In this case, the mobile, multi-device charging device according to the invention will likely be well received by customers.

[0019] If the rollers or at least one of the rollers of the multi-device charging device according to the invention can be locked with an electrically operated mechanism, then improper removal of the charging device or theft is not so easy, since the device is quite heavy due to a battery weight that can be assumed to be relatively high.

[0020] In a particularly advantageous manner, the multi-device charging device according to the invention has a WLAN transmitting and receiving device which acts as an amplifier for the WLAN field present in the building and improves the connection quality between the terminal device and the building WLAN.

[0021] A charging station is advantageously designed to be lockable so that the communications terminal is secured against unauthorized removal. For this purpose, a charging compartment has a sliding door located in a vertical plane and movable within this plane. This door closes the charging compartment at the front towards the user. To lock it, a 4-digit PIN must be entered twice on a small touch display located on the front edge of the charging compartment. After the second entry, the sliding door closes using a motor and can be opened again by entering the PIN again on the touch display, which is always accessible even when the sliding door is locked, in order to remove the terminal device. In an emergency, the sliding door can be opened by staff by entering a general PIN if the user has forgotten their PIN. The sliding door is preferably made of Plexiglas so that the user can see their terminal device.

[0022] According to claim 1, the multi-device charging device according to the invention includes a locking device comprising a grid that encloses the communications terminal, but wherein the grid openings are large enough to allow operation of the terminal. This creates an alternative to the aforementioned sliding door, allowing the user to still operate their device in an emergency during the charging process, while still protecting the terminal from unauthorized removal. The grid can be designed as a flat, vertical element, like the sliding door. Alternatively, however, it can also be designed as a 3-dimensional structure, moving from top to bottom and enclosing the terminal on all sides down to the floor. In both cases, the grid is anchored to the floor by an electric motor-driven locking mechanism.

[0023] If the locking device can be locked and unlocked using a fingerprint sensor and fingerprint recognition logic, the advantage is that the user does not have to remember the PIN.

[0024] The multi-device charging device according to the invention can also be designed as a charging robot, with a drive that allows the device to move independently within a specific area, similar to what is known from the prior art for lawnmowers or robot vacuum cleaners. Its function can also be advantageously combined with other service products, such as small mini snacks, which can be offered to users free of charge or for a fee on a service platform located on the robot. DRAWINGS

[0025] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description. Fig. 1 shows a schematic structural diagram of a prior art multi-device charging device. Fig. 2 shows a schematic structural diagram of a multi-device charging device according to the invention, which is movable on rollers. Fig. 3 shows a schematic structural diagram of a multi-device charging device according to the invention, which is movable on motor-driven rollers, with a robot function and WLAN amplifier. Fig. 4 shows a schematic structural diagram of a locking device attached to a charging compartment of a multi-device charging device according to the invention. Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a charging robot according to the invention in a simplified form with three levels for storing three smartphones each and one storage level for tablet computers, with two of the three charging positions being occupied. Fig. 6 shows, according to a further embodiment, a section of a charging robot according to the invention with a lockable charging compartment with a touch display for entering a PIN with an unlocked, wide-open sliding door, wherein the charging robot is provided with a plurality of such charging compartments. Fig. 7 shows the section of Fig. 6 with sliding door closed. Fig. 8 shows a figure analogous to the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, but with a grid as a locking device and a storage device for a smartphone, which allows the smartphone to be placed close to the grid. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0026] In the figures, the same reference symbols denote the same or functionally identical components.

[0027] Fig. 2 shows a schematic structural diagram of a multi-device charging device 10 according to the invention, which is movable on rollers.

[0028] In the lower area of ​​the multi-device charging device 10 according to the invention there is a battery system 22 consisting of four batteries - in Fig. Figure 2 shows the battery system—with a usable capacity of 75 Ah each, providing a usable capacity of approximately 300 Ah. The battery system 22 can be charged from the power grid as needed, for example, overnight or during a break in operation, using a charging device (not shown). If necessary, a voltage regulator can be connected downstream of the battery system 22 to provide the appropriate charging voltage for the smartphones. A distribution bar 24 distributes the direct charging current drawn from the battery 22 to the plurality of charging compartments 12. The electrical charging interface therefore contains, as essential elements, a voltage adapter and the physical distribution cables for the plurality of end devices, each with the device-specific charging cables and charging plugs.

[0029] Once the battery system 22 is charged, the multi-device charging device 10 according to the invention is ready to be moved to any location in a large hall, far away from wall sockets or floor sockets, in order to serve as a “mobile charging socket station” for several users simultaneously.

[0030] Fig. 3 shows a schematic structural diagram of a multi-device charging device according to the invention similar to that of Fig. 2, which is movable on motor-driven rollers, with a robot function implemented by a hardware and software combination 32, including a state-of-the-art sensor system 36 and a WLAN amplifier 34. All electrical components, including a drive motor 38 for the wheels, are powered by the battery system 22. The "robot function" comprises all essential software and hardware components as well as functional interfaces to sensors of the sensor system 36, which are necessary for autonomous movement of the charging robot, for example, when encountering material obstacles or people or animals. This is known from the prior art. Such a charging robot 10 can move independently or, if necessary, remotely controlled by a corresponding radio module through a large hall and stop where many potential users are standing close together, possibly amplifying the existing WLAN there.

[0031] Fig. 4 shows a schematic structural diagram of a locking device 40 attached to a charging compartment of a multi-device charging device according to the invention. The acceptance of the multi-device charging device 10 according to the invention will probably be further increased if an anti-theft device is provided on each charging compartment 12 so that a terminal device stored there cannot be easily stolen.

[0032] For this purpose, a charging compartment 12 is provided with a cuboid-shaped usable volume and is bounded by solid walls on five of its six sides. The sixth side faces the user. It can be closed by a motor-driven grid 41 to the extent that the terminal device cannot be pushed through the mesh of the grid 41. Such a charging compartment 40 is also available in Fig. 8. The locking device 40 contains a microcontroller-controlled circuit 42 that is functionally connected to a fingerprint sensor 44 and a motor 46 for opening or closing the movement of the grille 41. By default, the grille 41 is open. When the terminal device is to be charged, the user places it in an open charging compartment and plugs the charging plug into the terminal device's socket. A weight sensor beneath a storage area for the terminal device detects this and activates a flashing LED located near the fingerprint sensor 44. The user can now simply place a finger on the grille, whereby the fingerprint pattern is recognized and stored. The grille then closes automatically, thus securing the terminal device against theft. The user can now spend some time away from their terminal device with a clear conscience.To reopen the grille 41, the user simply needs to place their finger on the sensor 44. If the read fingerprint pattern is recognized as correct, the grille 41 opens automatically. The grille 41 has the advantage that the user can also control their device in an emergency by reaching through the openings of the grille 41 and activating the touchscreen controls, the "volume down" or "volume up" or "airplane mode" or "do not disturb" controls, or other controls as needed.

[0033] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic of another embodiment of a charging robot 10 according to the invention mounted on casters in a simplified form with three storage levels 52 for open storage of three smartphones each and one storage level 54 for tablet computers, with two of the three charging spaces occupied there. A Wi-Fi amplifier unit 56 is located in the stylized "head" of the charging robot, which improves Wi-Fi reception within large halls. Cameras are visible and preferably barely visible or not at all on the charging robot in order to be able to investigate misuse if necessary. The battery system is located in the base area 58. Due to the human-like shape, one would assume at first glance that the robot is offering a service.

[0034] Fig. 6 shows, according to a further embodiment, a section of a charging robot according to the invention with a lockable charging compartment 62 with a small touch display 64 for entering a PIN with an unlocked, widely open sliding door 66 that moves backwards around the left front edge, wherein the charging robot is provided with a plurality of such charging compartments.

[0035] Fig. 7 shows the section of Fig. 6 with sliding door closed.

[0036] With common reference to the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, a support surface 63 for the mobile terminal 65 - in this case a smartphone - is provided on the bottom of the charging compartment 62. A weight sensor according to the prior art is arranged beneath the support surface 63, which registers when a terminal has been placed there at rest after the user has inserted the charging plug - not shown - provided in the charging compartment 62 into the socket of the terminal - not shown. The sliding door 66 consists of flexibly interconnected, connected vertical individual elements (not shown for improved clarity) and can therefore be moved past a first strut 67 of the charging compartment located inside the compartment and shown on the left. The sliding door 66 moves by means of a motor drive in rails (not shown), as is known from the prior art.It is initially open and then closes to a locked stop on a second strut 68 when the user has successfully entered a PIN on a touch display 64 twice in succession. In this respect, reference can be made to the description of . Fig. 4. However, when the sliding door is closed, in contrast to the grille 41 made of Fig. 4 and Fig. 8 no manual operation possible.

[0037] Fig. 8 shows a figure analogous to the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, but with a grille 41 as a locking device and a slanted storage device 63 for a smartphone 65, which allows the smartphone to be placed close to the grille. The locking device is operated as described above. Fig.4, be it with a fingerprint or with PIN entry at the input element 64. The grille 41 consists of vertically and horizontally aligned, flexibly interconnected elements and can also be moved by motor in a rail around the struts 67 and locked at the strut 68.

[0038] Although the present invention has been described above using preferred embodiments, it is not limited thereto but can be modified in many ways.

[0039] For example, the multitude of charging compartments can also be segmented according to manufacturer-specific electrical requirements and electrically equipped with correspondingly specific charging voltage regulators if this is appropriate for charging-related reasons, for example if Apple requires a different charging voltage than Samsung, to name just one example, or if it is not desirable to provide a plurality of charging plugs for the various manufacturers of end devices in each charging compartment.

[0040] To prevent misuse, the charging robot according to the invention can be equipped with various cameras that continuously film the surroundings.

[0041] Furthermore, the charging device according to the invention can comprise additional hardware and software components that are useful for the respective location and intended use. For example, screens can be provided at its upper end section, facing in different directions and displaying information relevant to the respective situation. The information is provided by the operator via WLAN or a dedicated secure radio connection.

[0042] The charging compartments can also be designed as a slot-like space into which the device is placed upright, with the charging cable conveniently connected from above. In this case, the locking mechanism can simply be a latch that is swung over the slot so that it lies across the open slot. The sides of the slot-shaped charging compartments can have larger holes arranged vertically one above the other, so that the device does not have to be pulled out by the connected charging cable, but can be pushed out with your fingers at least far enough upwards until you can grasp it above the slot.

[0043] Finally, the features of the subclaims may be combined essentially freely with each other and not by the order in the claims, provided that they are independent of each other.

Claims

[1] Device (10) for simultaneously charging a plurality of mobile communication terminals (65), in particular smartphones or tablet computers, with a corresponding plurality of charging stations (12) for the communication terminals (65), characterized by that the device contains a battery storage device (22) with sufficient charging capacity so that the communication terminals (65) can be charged, wherein the charging stations (12) are each electrically connected to the battery storage device (22) and have an electrically effective charging interface for charging a respective communication terminal (65), characterized by that a locking device (40) is provided which has a grille (41) which encloses the communication terminal (65), but the grille openings are large enough to be able to operate the communication terminal (65). [2] Device according to the preceding claim, wherein it is movable on rollers. [3] Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the rollers are lockable. [4] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein it contains a WLAN transmitting and receiving device (56). [5] Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a charging station is lockable by a charging compartment (62) and a locking device (40) such that the communication terminal (65) is secured against unauthorized removal. [6] Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the locking device (40) can be locked and opened again by a fingerprint sensor (44) and a logic (42) for recognizing fingerprints.

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