Switchable wireless charging device

Abstract

The invention relates to a charging device (10), in particular for a motor vehicle, for wirelessly charging mobile devices, comprising: a charging housing (20) with a charging surface (22), wherein at least one charging coil (50) is arranged inside the charging housing (20), a charging control device (80) coupled to the at least one charging coil (50) for controlling the at least one charging coil (50), wherein the charging control device (80) is designed to carry out wireless charging alternatively according to at least one of two different charging profiles, a magnetic holding and aligning device (40) aligned relative to the at least one charging coil (50) for aligning and holding a corresponding mobile device magnetic device, wherein the magnet holding and aligning device (40) is integrated into a movable plateau (30) which is displaceable between a projecting position (36) and a flush position (37), and a switching device (70) is coupled to the movable plateau (30), via which switching takes place between the charging profiles used by the charging control device (80).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a charging device, in particular for a motor vehicle, for wirelessly charging mobile devices, in particular mobile phones, which can charge the mobile device according to different charging profiles.

[0002] For example, various charging profiles are known from the state of the art, allowing a mobile device to be charged wirelessly. Various charging profiles are standardized by the "wireless power constituency" (WPC). Charging with low power up to 5 W can be performed according to the so-called "baseline power profile" (BPP). There is also an "extended power profile" (EPP) for charging with up to 15 W. Even higher charging power can be achieved in the future with the so-called "magnetic power profile" (MPP).

[0003] For charging according to the MPP standard, it is necessary that the charging device and the mobile device are correctly aligned in terms of both position and orientation. For this purpose, the charging device has a magnetic holding and alignment device. The mobile device has a corresponding magnetic unit, which is referred to here as the mobile device magnetic device for ease of differentiation. The magnetic holding and alignment device and the corresponding mobile device magnetic device can be coupled together in a precise orientation, so that the mobile device is held optimally aligned on the charging device due to magnetic attraction forces.

[0004] CN 214204993 U describes a wireless charging device with a groove into which a magnetic array can optionally be inserted. It automatically detects whether the magnetic array is inserted or not, and adjusts the charging profile accordingly.

[0005] WO 2023 / 282548 A1 describes a method for receiving wireless power performed by a wireless power receiver supporting the magnetic power profile MPP in a wireless power transmission system, and a device using the same, the method comprising: transmitting a first identification (ID) packet to a wireless power transmitter on a first operating frequency, the first ID packet containing information indicating the presence or absence of a first extended ID (XID) packet; transmitting the first XID packet to the wireless power transmitter on the first operating frequency, the first XID packet containing information indicating that the first XID packet is a packet related to the MPP; and after transmitting the first XID packet, detecting whether the wireless power transmitter is operating on the first operating frequency or on a second operating frequency.

[0006] CN 114362384 A describes a wireless charger with strong magnetic attraction, comprising a housing and a power input module, a wireless charging module, a voltage reduction module, a wireless charging controller, and an electromagnet arranged on the housing. The power input module supplies power to the wireless charging module and the voltage reduction module. The wireless charging module wirelessly charges the device to be charged. The voltage reduction module converts the input voltage into the supply voltage of the electromagnet. The wireless charging controller controls whether the power input module supplies power to the wireless charging module and the voltage reduction module and controls the supply voltage. An electromagnet is used to provide magnetic attraction to a device to be charged.A strong attraction force and a controllable attraction force are achieved by controlling the current of the electromagnet. Furthermore, a control method for magnetic attraction wireless charging is described, which is applied to wireless chargers with strong magnetic attraction force.

[0007] In order to enable optimal coupling even with mobile devices designed as mobile phones, on the underside of which camera lenses protrude, the magnetic holding and alignment device preferably protrudes relative to a charging surface of the charging device and forms a so-called plateau.

[0008] If a mobile device that does not support the MPP profile is to be charged on such a charging device, the protruding magnetic holding and alignment device is a hindrance.

[0009] The invention is based on the technical problem of creating an improved charging device, in particular for vehicles, in which mobile devices to be charged according to different charging profiles can be charged wirelessly.

[0010] The object is achieved according to the invention by a charging device having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims.

[0011] The basic idea is to design the platform with the magnetic holding and alignment device so that it can be retracted, so that it can be moved, preferably locked, into a protruding position (also called a raised position) or into a flush position. In the protruding position, charging takes place according to the magnetic power profile MPP profile. If, on the other hand, the platform with the magnetic holding and alignment device is retracted into the charging area and thus moved, preferably locked, into the flush position, charging takes place according to one of the other profiles, for example the baseline power profile BPP profile or the extended power profile EPP profile. Switching between the different charging profiles takes place in conjunction with moving (e.g. locking) into the two different positions, the protruding position and the flush position.

[0012] A mobile device is any portable device that can be charged wirelessly. This includes, in particular, mobile phones, tablets, but also headphones, headsets, in-ear headphones, etc.

[0013] Wirelessly rechargeable mobile devices are mobile devices whose energy storage can be charged via magnetic induction without the use of a cable connection between the charger and the mobile device.

[0014] In particular, a charging device, in particular for a motor vehicle, for wireless charging of mobile devices is proposed, which comprises: a charging case with a charging surface, wherein at least one charging coil is arranged inside the charging case, a charging control device coupled to the at least one charging coil for controlling the charging coil, wherein the at least one charging control device is designed to carry out wireless charging alternatively according to at least one of two different charging profiles, a magnet holding and aligning device aligned relative to the at least one charging coil for aligning and holding a corresponding mobile device magnet device, wherein the magnet holding and aligning device is integrated into a movable plateau which is displaceable between a projecting position and a flush position, and a switching device is coupled to the movable plateau, via which switching takes place between the charging profiles used by the charging control device.

[0015] In order to ensure that, particularly in the flush position, no magnetic fields are active which could damage other objects such as credit or bank cards which are inadvertently placed on the then flush loading surface, one embodiment provides that the magnetic properties of the magnetic holding and alignment device are switchable.

[0016] Particularly preferably, the magnetic fields generated by the magnetic holding and alignment device for holding and aligning a mobile device in the flush position of the platform are switched off or reduced. This also reduces interference with charging mobile devices in charging profiles that do not require the mobile device to be optimally aligned with the charging device.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic holding and alignment device comprises a plurality of magnetic elements, wherein the magnetic field of at least one magnetic element is controllable or switchable. This allows at least a reduction in the overall magnetic field strength to be achieved.

[0018] Particularly preferably, all magnetic elements of the magnetic holding and alignment device are adjustable or switchable. This makes it possible to completely deactivate the magnetic holding and alignment device in the flush position or to reduce its magnetic field.

[0019] The ability to switch or control individual or all magnetic elements also offers the advantage of adapting the magnetic attraction to the current situation when aligning and holding the charging device. If high vibrations occur due to uneven road surfaces and increased vehicle speed, the holding forces can be increased accordingly. On smooth roads and at low speeds, however, the magnetic attraction force can be reduced. This saves energy overall.

[0020] Particularly preferred is a platform designed as a latching switch. This latches into the flush position and deactivates charging in the charging control unit according to the magnetic power profile (MPP). If the user pushes the platform back into the charging area, the spring-loaded platform is released from the latched flush position and moved into the protruding or raised position, where it is preferably latched. In some designs, the platform can also be held in this position solely by spring force, which prevents it from returning to the flush position.

[0021] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to a drawing. Herein: Fig. 1 a schematic view from above of a loading surface with projecting magnetic holding and alignment device; Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view of a loading device in the projecting position; and Fig. 3 a schematic sectional view of the invention according to Fig. 2 in the flush position.

[0022] In Fig. 1 schematically shows a top view of a loading surface 22 of a loading device 10, in particular of a vehicle (not shown). A plateau 30 protrudes from a substantially flat remainder 24 of the loading surface 22. A magnetic holding and alignment device 40 is integrated into the plateau 30. Positions at which magnetic elements 42, 44 of the magnetic holding and alignment device 40 are formed are marked by markings 32, 34. The magnetic holding and alignment device 40 comprises an annular arrangement 52 and an alignment arrangement 54 offset therefrom. The annular arrangement 52 preferably has a plurality of identical magnetic elements 42 that have alternating magnetic polarity. However, such an arrangement has a multiple rotational symmetry.A corresponding magnetic device of a mobile device to be coupled can be placed in different rotational orientations. The alignment arrangement 54, which preferably comprises only one magnetic element 44, ensures that the coupling is optimal only in one orientation.

[0023] Preferably concentric to the annular arrangement 52, at least one charging coil 50 is formed in the interior of the charging device 10, which is controlled by a charging control device 80 according to a charging profile with high charging power, for example according to the magnetic power profile MPP profile.

[0024] In Fig. Figure 2 shows a sectional view through the loading device 10 with the platform 30 in a projecting or raised position 36. An upper side 31 of the platform 30, into which the magnetic holding and aligning device 40 is integrated, projects relative to the remainder 24 of the upper side 21 of the loading surface 22. The platform 30 is designed to be movable relative to the remainder 24 of the loading surface 22. Preferably, the platform 30 has two locking positions, the projecting position 36, which in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, and a flush position 37, which is shown schematically in Fig.3. In the flush position 37, an upper side 31 of the plateau 30 is flush with the remainder 24 of the upper side 21 of the charging surface 22. This results in a single, essentially flat charging surface 22. In this flush position 37, the charging surface 22 is suitable for charging mobile devices with a lower-performance charging profile, for example, the baseline power profile (BPP), in which the alignment of the charging coils, charging device, and mobile device does not necessarily have to be optimal.

[0025] In addition to the at least one charging coil 50, which is preferably concentric with the annular arrangement 52 and preferably moves with the plateau 30, on or at the inside of which the at least one charging coil 50 is arranged and / or formed, further charging coils 55 are preferably formed inside the charging device 10. In particular, if charging is carried out according to one of the lower-performance charging profiles, in which exact alignment of the mobile device and one of the charging coils 50, 55 is not necessarily ensured, the charging control device preferably operates the charging coil 50, 55 that delivers the best charging efficiency.

[0026] To switch between the charging profiles, a switching device 70 is coupled to the plateau 30, which switches a charging control device 80 between the different charging profiles. When the plateau 30 is in the protruding or raised position 36, the switching device 70 is in a first switching state, and when the plateau 30 is in the flush position 37, it is in a different switching state.

[0027] Once the plateau 30 has been locked into the flush position 37, a user can press down the plateau 30 or an actuating element (not shown) of the plateau 30 against a spring force. This releases the plateau 30 from its locking position, e.g., a lower locking hook 61 with a lower catch 65, and is pressed by a spring device 67, e.g., a spring 68, into the projecting position 36, in which the plateau preferably locks. For example, an upper locking hook 62 engages an upper catch 66. The upper locking hook 62 and the lower locking hook 61 are each released from the respective locking position by pressing an actuating element 63 against a spring 64. After the actuating element 63 has been pressed in so far that the locking hooks 61, 62 are released from the locking positions, the plateau 30 is moved as the actuating element 63 is pressed down further.Even from this protruding position 36, a user can release the locking mechanism by pressing on the plateau 30 or the actuating element 60 and move it against the spring force of the spring device 67 into the flush position 37, in which the plateau 30 then engages. The switching device 70 changes its switching state accordingly with the change of positions 36, 37.

[0028] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the locking device 60 is shown only schematically here.

[0029] The charging control device 80 is preferably configured to deactivate the magnetic elements 42, 44 of the magnetic holding and alignment device 40, which are configured as electromagnets or by means of electromagnets, or at least reduce their magnetic field when the plateau 30 is in the flush position 37. However, if the plateau 30 is moved into the projecting position 36, the electromagnets are energized, so that the magnetic holding and alignment device 40 can hold and correctly align a mobile device for a charging process. List of reference symbols 10 Charging device 20 charging cases 21 Top 22 loading area 24 Rest of the loading area 30 Plateau 31 Top 32, 34 marking 36 protruding position 37 flush position 40 Magnetic holding and alignment device 42, 44 magnetic elements 50 charging coil 52 ring-shaped arrangement 54 Alignment arrangement 55 Charging coil 60 locking device 61 lower locking hook 62 upper locking hook 63 Actuating element 64 spring 65 lower lock 66 upper lock 67 Spring device 68 spring 70 Switching device 80 Charging control device 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 214204993 U

[0004] WO 2023 / 282548 A1

[0005] CN 114362384 A

[0006]

Claims

[1] Charging device (10), in particular for a motor vehicle, for wireless charging of mobile devices, comprising: a charging housing (20) with a charging surface (22), wherein at least one charging coil (50) is arranged inside the charging housing (20), a charging control device (80) coupled to the at least one charging coil (50) for controlling the at least one charging coil (50), wherein the charging control device (80) is designed to carry out wireless charging alternatively according to at least one of two different charging profiles, a magnetic holding and aligning device (40) aligned relative to the at least one charging coil (50) for aligning and holding a corresponding mobile device magnetic device, characterized by , that the magnet holding and aligning device (40) is integrated into a movable plateau (30) which is displaceable between a projecting position (36) and a flush position (37), and a switching device (70) is coupled to the movable plateau (30), via which switching takes place between the charging profiles used by the charging control device (80). [2] Charging device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the magnetic properties of the magnetic holding and alignment device (40) are switchable. [3] Charging device (10) according to claim 2, characterized by that magnetic fields generated by the magnetic holding and aligning device (40) for holding and aligning a mobile device in the flush position (37) of the plateau (30) are switched off or reduced. [4] Charging device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized bythat the magnet holding and aligning device (40) comprises a plurality of magnet elements (42, 44), and the magnetic field of at least one magnet element (42, 44) is controllable or switchable. [5] Charging device (10) according to claim 4, characterized by that at least one magnetic element (42, 44) of the magnetic holding and aligning device (40) comprises an energizable coil. [6] Charging device (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by that all magnetic elements (42, 44) of the magnetic holding and alignment device (40) are adjustable or switchable. [7] Charging device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the plateau (30) is designed as a latching switch.

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