Means of transport, device and method for inductively charging a portable user terminal

Abstract

A means of transport (10), a device, and a method for inductively charging an energy storage device of a portable user terminal (2) by means of a means of transport (10) are proposed. The method comprises the following steps: determining the presence of the user terminal (2) on an outer side (4) of a disc (3) of the means of transport (10), and transmitting electrical energy to the energy storage device by means of a coil (6) arranged on an inner side (5) or within the disc (3).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a means of transportation, a device, and a method for inductively charging an energy storage device of a portable user terminal using a means of transportation. In particular, the present invention relates to providing the greatest possible mobility for portable wireless communication terminals.

[0002] Stationary charging stations are known for wirelessly charging portable devices (mobile phones, smartphones, and tablets). Inductive charging stations are also available in vehicle interiors (e.g., in a center console). Furthermore, modern vehicles have many USB ports through which portable devices can be charged conductively or inductively.

[0003] CN 107706989 A discloses a means of transport in which inductive charging coils are arranged in the disc root area in order to be able to supply mobile phones arranged in the passenger compartment with electrical energy.

[0004] In principle, several possibilities are known in the state of the art to supply portable user terminals in means of transport with electrical energy, provided that there is access to a passenger compartment.

[0005] The present invention seeks to increase the mobility of portable user terminals.

[0006] The above object is achieved according to the invention by a method having the features according to claim 1, a device having the features according to claim 10 and a means of transport having the features according to claim 11.

[0007] The subclaims show preferred developments of the invention.

[0008] The method is used for inductively charging an energy storage device of a portable user terminal using a means of transport. This can be, for example, a smartphone, mobile phone, tablet, smart wearable, or similar. The means of transport can be designed as a car, van, truck, motorcycle, aircraft and / or watercraft. The means of transport can be parked. In particular, the means of transport can be locked and prevent a user of the user terminal from accessing the passenger compartment. First, the presence of the user terminal on an outer side of a window of the means of transport is determined. In other words, the user terminal is placed on the window or attached to the window from the outside. In particular, such inclined windows orWindow areas that have a ledge or other projection by which the user terminal is held in a suitable position on the window surface can be considered for the arrangement of the user terminal. In particular, magnets, windshield wipers, sealing lips, or similar, can also be used to fix the user terminal to the window. Electrical energy is then transferred to the energy storage device of the user terminal by means of an (induction) coil arranged on an inner side or within the window. For this purpose, the user terminal can also have an induction coil by means of which the energy emitted by the means of transport can be received. Due to the aforementioned method, an energy storage device of a portable user terminal can be charged without the owner of the same having to have access to the means of transport.This can improve the mobility of the portable user device.

[0009] In order to check whether the user or the user terminal is authorized to draw electrical energy, a user of the means of transport can be requested to authorize the inductive charging process. For example, in response to the user terminal being placed on the vehicle window, a message can be automatically sent to the user of the means of transport (e.g., the keeper or owner of the means of transport), upon receipt of which message they can allow or deny inductive energy transfer. Optionally, the user can also have the means of transport configured for inductive energy transfer to a predefined group of users. In this way, the means of transport can independently compare itself with the user terminal and / or request additional identification from the user terminal. This can be done, for example, using an NFC communication process.Optionally, the user of the means of transport can receive a pop-up on the screen of a communication device to authorize inductive charging or be prompted to grant / deny consent. Alternatively or additionally, the user or the user device can initiate a request to the user of the means of transport in advance. In this way, they can avoid any wasted efforts to access the means of transport or can eliminate the need to handle the means of transport in the event that the user of the means of transport denies / will deny inductive energy transfer anyway. In particular, the user device can be used to scan a QR code assigned to the means of transport. The QR code can be used to identify the means of transport or the communication device used to communicate with the means of transport.In particular, by scanning the QR code, an app for communication with the user of the means of transport can be opened and / or a message can be automatically sent to the user of the means of transport. In this case, the user of the means of transport can be presented with various offers for compensation for the inductive energy transfer. For example, a payment or a credit note or, in return, permission to charge a means of transport belonging to the user of the user terminal can be issued. In response to scanning the QR code, the user of the user terminal can also be prompted to view or consume advertising content on their user terminal in order to finance the inductive energy transfer. In particular, advertising material can be presented or displayed continuously or in recurring intervals during the inductive charging period.In this way, costs during inductive energy transfer can be covered.

[0010] Optionally, the user can be assigned to a predefined user group that is authorized in advance for (free) access to the inductive charging function of the means of transport. The predefined user group can, for example, be a non-closed user group, a user group predefined in the means of transport or the means of transport's on-board network (contact database), or be defined as belonging to the predefined user group in a data storage device located remotely from the means of transport (e.g., a communication device of the user of the means of transport). The user of the means of transport can adapt the user group as needed, adding new members, or removing existing members.

[0011] To avoid unnecessarily restricting the mobility of the means of transport, it can be checked before starting the inductive energy transfer to determine whether the energy reserves of the means of transport are unproblematic / sufficient for the intended charging process. Furthermore, it can be checked to what extent the use of the means of transport or the end of the parking period would represent an undesirably severe restriction on the inductive energy transfer to the user terminal. In other words, for example, an expected end of the parking period or standstill can be determined from a calendar assigned to the means of transport, and the charging process of the user terminal can be permitted or prevented based on this. An expected / desired / required charging time for the user terminal can also be taken into account.In other words, if the expected charging time of the user device exceeds the expected downtime of the means of transport, the inductive energy transfer may be thwarted.

[0012] To prevent the user terminal from changing position on the windshield during charging, the user terminal can be secured to the outside of the windshield. A windshield wiper, for example, can be used for this purpose. The user can lift the windshield wiper, slide the user terminal under the windshield wiper, and then place the wiper on the user terminal. If the coil of the vehicle is located near the windshield wiper's rest position, the windshield wiper can also be used as a ledge or clamp to hold the user terminal. If the coil is located away from the windshield wiper's rest position, the windshield wiper can also be automatically deflected - depending on the windshield wiper drive - so that the windshield wiper is positioned near the coil.The user of the user terminal can now lift the windshield wiper, clamp their user terminal underneath it, or (as described above) use the windshield wiper itself as a ledge. Particularly if the means of transport has multiple coils for the inductive energy transfer described above, it can be provided that one of the coils is selected by the user or based on the presence of the user terminal. If this coil is arranged at a position in the wiping area of the windshield wiper, the windshield wiper can be moved into the area of the coil in response to the selection of the coil in order to provide the aforementioned clamping or positioning aid. In particular, a coil can be arranged in the area of a sensor arrangement on the windshield.On the one hand, the coil in this position does not disturb the transparency of the window, and on the other hand, supplying the coil with electrical energy in this area is usually unproblematic, since the sensors already have cables that are led into the interior away from the window.

[0013] Preferably, the user terminal can be held by a magnetic field in the region of the coil during preparation for the inductive energy transfer. In particular, this magnetic field can penetrate the disc and preferably be generated by the coil. For this purpose, the user terminal can have a permanent magnet and / or a ferromagnetic counterpart by means of which the holding forces are generated. To facilitate removal of the user terminal (for example, after successful completion of the inductive charging process), the magnetic field can be automatically weakened in response to the user accessing the user terminal or towards the end of the charging process. The holding forces on the user terminal can thus be reduced. This improves user ergonomics when handling the user terminal on the disc.

[0014] To prevent unauthorized removal of the user device during inductive energy transfer, the user's identity can first be verified. This process can be performed using data technology, particularly by entering a PIN or unlocking the user device (e.g., using facial recognition, fingerprint verification, or similar). If an unauthorized person attempts to access the device, an alarm can be triggered by the vehicle and / or the user device. If the user device is successfully unlocked or authentication is successful, the removal is permitted.

[0015] Inductive energy transfer can be enabled, in particular, by an electrochemical energy storage device in the vehicle. In other words, a starter battery and / or a traction battery of the vehicle can be used to power the coil. Since switching to inductive energy transfer is known to be necessary, an electronic control unit can be used to generate alternating electrical quantities from the stored energy.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a device for inductively charging an energy storage device of a portable user terminal for carrying out the above-mentioned method is proposed. The device thus comprises at least one coil and a disk for a means of transport. The coil can be arranged on an inner side of the disk or inside the disk. The disk is not electromagnetically shielded, at least externally, so that alternating magnetic fields generated by the coil penetrate the disk and user terminals located outside the means of transport can be inductively charged. The features, combinations of features, and the resulting advantages of the device according to the invention are so evident from the above explanations that reference is made to them to avoid repetition.

[0017] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a means of transportation (e.g., a car, van, truck, motorcycle, aircraft, and / or watercraft) is proposed, which comprises a device according to the second aspect of the invention. The features, combinations of features, and advantages therefore also apply to the means of transportation in a corresponding manner.

[0018] Further details, features, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the figures. They show: Fig. 1 a perspective front view of a means of transport equipped according to the invention with an embodiment of a device according to the invention for inductively charging a portable user terminal; Fig. 2 is a sectional side view of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 3 a perspective view of a windshield usable according to the invention as a component of a device according to the invention; Fig. 4 is a front view of an embodiment of a windshield usable according to the invention as a component of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of different portable user terminals usable according to the invention and of a dashboard of an embodiment of a means of transport according to the invention, which is configured to request user consent; and Fig. 6 a flowchart illustrating steps of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for inductive energy transmission to an energy storage device of a portable user terminal.

[0019] Fig. 1 shows a car as a means of transport 10. A windshield as a pane 3 has an outer side 4 on which a smartphone as a user terminal 2 is arranged. The user terminal 2 is fixed by a windshield wiper 8 in the area of the coil 6. However, the coil 6 is arranged on an inner side of the pane 3, so that the magnetic fields penetrate the pane 3 during the inductive energy transfer. Next to the coil 6, a QR code 7 is also arranged, via which the user (not shown) of the smartphone can identify the means of transport 10 and contact its owner to obtain their consent to the inductive energy transfer. Furthermore, the majority of a sensor area 11, which is located centrally on an upper edge of the pane 3, is arranged in the wiping area 9 of the windshield wiper 8.The sensor area 11 usually contains a front camera, a rain sensor and other electrical devices, which makes it possible to arrange a coil for inductive energy transmission to the smartphone in the sensor area 11.

[0020] Fig. Figure 2 shows a sectional side view of a device designed according to the invention, in which a coil 6 is integrated into a windshield 3. In this way, the coil 6 cannot be damaged by external mechanical forces, such as those that can occur when scraping ice or removing vignettes. Furthermore, two alternative positions of a windshield wiper 8, 8' are shown: The windshield wiper 8 clamps the smartphone as the user terminal 2 according to the illustration in Fig. 1. In its resting position, the windshield wiper 8' is arranged as a ledge below the coil 6, in contact with the windshield 3, and serves as a support for the smartphone. This allows the smartphone to be inductively charged on the outer side 4 of the windshield 3 without the user needing access to the passenger compartment or the inner side 5 of the windshield 3.

[0021] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a windshield as a pane 3, which has two coils 6. The first coil 6 is located in the area of the windshield root on the passenger side. The second coil 6 is integrated into the sensor area 11. The windshield wiper 8 clamps a smartphone arranged in the sensor area 11 as the user terminal 2, which is clamped by a windshield wiper 8".

[0022] Fig. Figure 4 shows a frontal view of a windshield as a pane 3, which has a coil 6 only in the sensor area 11. The sensor area 11 is thereby configured to inductively supply a smartphone as a user terminal 2 with energy while it is held or clamped by the windshield wiper 8".

[0023] Fig. Figure 5 shows a smartphone 12 and a tablet 13 as examples of portable wireless communication terminals or user terminals 1 in a passenger compartment. Both the smartphone 12 and the tablet 13 can be used as the communication device 1 of the user of the means of transport. The dashboard of the means of transport 10 features a screen 14 in the form of a touchscreen, via which requests for enabling the inductive energy transfer can be presented to the user of the means of transport (e.g., an owner of the means of transport 10) and their response (enabling or denial) can be received.

[0024] Fig.6 shows a flowchart illustrating steps of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for inductively charging an energy storage device of a portable user terminal using a means of transportation. In step 100, a request is issued to the user of the means of transportation to enable inductive charging. For example, a user who wishes to charge their portable user terminal using the means of transportation can initiate this request by using an app on their user terminal to contact the vehicle user. Alternatively, the means of transportation can also determine that a user terminal to be charged has been placed on a disc in the area of an induction coil. Such detection can also be initiated using NFC (near field communication) technology.In step 200, the presence of the user terminal on an outer side of a pane of the means of transport is then determined. This presence can also be communicated, for example, by a user input on the user terminal or on a second user terminal of the user associated with the user terminal. In step 300, the consent of the user of the means of transport is then received. In other words, it is determined that the user of the means of transport has declared their consent to the inductive energy transfer to the user terminal (either in advance or only in response to receipt of the request in step 100). Finally, in step 400, electrical energy is transferred to the energy storage device of the user terminal by means of a coil arranged on an inner side or within the pane.In this way, the mobility of the user terminal can be increased without requiring access to the passenger compartment of the vehicle. List of reference symbols: 1 communication device of the user of the means of transport 2 User terminal 3 slices 4 Outside 5 Inside 6 coil 7 QR code 8, 8', 8" windshield wipers 9 Wiping area 10 means of transport 11 Sensor area 12 smartphones 13 Tablet 14 screen 100 to 400 process steps QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] CN 107706989 A

[0003]

Claims

[1] Method for inductively charging an energy storage device of a portable user terminal (2) by means of a means of transport (10), comprising the steps: • Determining (200) a presence of the user terminal (2) on an outer side (4) of a window (3) of the means of transport (10), and • Transferring (400) electrical energy to the energy storage device by means of a coil (6) arranged on an inner side (5) or inside the disc (3). [2] Method according to claim 1 comprising the steps: • Requesting (100) a user of the means of transport (10) to enable inductive charging and / or • Automatic request for a release from the user of the means of transport for the transmission of electrical energy and in response to the release • Start the transmission of electrical energy. [3] Method according to one of claims 1 or 2 comprising the steps: • Determining a request from a user of the user terminal (2) for the transmission of electrical energy and in response thereto • Start the transmission of electrical energy. [4] The method according to claim 3 further comprising: Automatically checking a prerequisite for starting the transmission of electrical energy, where the prerequisite - membership in a predefined user group and / or - sufficient energy reserves of the means of transport (10) and / or - a payment of a predefined amount and / or - an expected duration of stay of the means of transport (10) at a current location, in particular in view of an energy requirement and / or an expected charging time of the user terminal (2). [5] Method according to one of the preceding claims comprising the steps: • Automatic positioning of a first windscreen wiper (8) of the means of transport (10) opposite the coil (6) in a rotational position different from a rest position of the first windscreen wiper (8). [6] Method according to one of the preceding claims comprising the steps: • Clamping the user terminal (2) by means of a second windscreen wiper (8) on the outside (4) of the windscreen (3) of the means of transport (10), or • Supporting the user terminal (2) by means of a third windscreen wiper (8) on the outer side (4) of the windscreen (3) of the means of transport (10). [7] Method according to one of the claims further comprising: • Holding the user terminal (2) by means of a magnetic field penetrating the disc (3), • Determine an upcoming withdrawal and • Weakening of the magnetic field before removing the user terminal (2). [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims comprising the steps: • Checking the identity of a user before removing the user terminal (2), and • Triggering an alarm if the user terminal is removed without authorization (2). [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims further comprising: • Feeding the coil (6) by an energy source, in particular an on-board network, of the means of transport (10). [10] Device for inductively charging an energy storage device of a portable user terminal (2) for carrying out the method of claim 1. [11] Means of transport (10) comprising a device according to claim 10.

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