Method for wirelessly charging a mobile device rechargeable by electromagnetic induction

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and device for wirelessly charging a rechargeable mobile device by electromagnetic induction. The method comprises the steps of detecting the presence of the mobile device on the receiving surface (SURF_RCPT) of the charging device (DISP_CHAR), the detection being carried out by the mobile device presence detection means; activating the charging of the mobile device by the charging device if the presence of the mobile device is confirmed; detecting contact of a part of a user's body with the charging device or the mobile device, or detecting the presence of this body part near the charging device or the mobile device; and stopping the charging of the mobile device by the charging device if the detection of contact or the presence of the user's body part is confirmed. Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Method for wirelessly charging a rechargeable mobile device by electromagnetic induction. Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention is in the field of vehicle electronic systems. The invention relates in particular to a method and a device for protecting a user from microcurrents induced by the electromagnetic induction charging of a mobile device. The invention is particularly applicable to motor vehicles. State of the art

[0002] The term “vehicle” means any type of vehicle such as a motor vehicle, a moped, a motorcycle, a warehouse storage robot, etc.

[0003] Electromagnetic induction refers to the physical phenomenon in which an electric current is induced to flow in a conductor placed near a changing magnetic field. Electromagnetic induction enables the wireless transmission of electrical energy.

[0004] There are mobile devices such as smartphones, mobile phones, tablets, or smartwatches, which operate using a battery. The user must regularly recharge the battery of their mobile device in order for it to function.

[0005] Among known charging methods are electromagnetic induction charging. Induction charging allows a mobile device to be recharged by placing it on a charging pad. A transmitting coil is integrated into the charging pad, and a receiving coil is integrated into the mobile device. The transmitting coil generates an alternating electromagnetic field. The alternating current flowing through the transmitting coil is transferred to the receiving coil, thus generating current. The current flowing through the receiving coil is converted into direct current to charge the battery of the mobile device.

[0006] Thus, to ensure the charging of his mobile device, the user places the latter on the charging support.

[0007] However, during charging, microcurrents are generated by the coils in the charging support and can be transmitted to the user if they come into contact with the charging support. These microcurrents are weak electrical currents that can pass through a human body.

[0008] These weak electrical currents have no impact on a healthy user. However, they can be particularly bothersome for people sensitive to these received microcurrents, especially people who wear a A pacemaker, also known as a cardiac pacemaker, is a device implanted, for example, under the collarbone. It monitors the patient's heart and helps it beat at a normal, regular rate by stimulating muscle contractions. It regulates the heartbeat by sending a current with an electrical impulse. Sending a weak electrical current through the charging device can alter the heart rate and cause irregular heartbeats.

[0009] There is a need to protect a user from low electrical currents during inductive charging of their mobile device. Summary of the invention

[0010] An object of the present invention is to remedy the aforementioned problem, in particular to protect a user from weak electric currents during an induction charging of his mobile device.

[0011] To this end, the invention relates to a method for wirelessly charging a rechargeable mobile device by electromagnetic induction using a charging device comprising: - a receiving surface for the mobile device, - a means of detecting the presence of the mobile device, - means of detecting contact or the presence of a part of a user's body with the charging device or the mobile device, said process being implemented by a processor and comprising the successive steps of: a. Detection of the presence of the mobile device on the receiving surface of the charging device, the detection being carried out by the means of detecting the presence of the mobile device; b. Activation of the inductive charging of the mobile device by the charging device if the presence of the mobile device is confirmed; c. Detection of contact of a part of a user's body with the charging device or mobile device, or detection of the presence of that part of the body in the vicinity of the charging device or mobile device; d. Inductive charging of the mobile device is interrupted by the charging device if contact or presence of a part of the user's body is detected.

[0012] Advantageously, the means for detecting contact with the user's body part are a sensor such as a weight sensor or a force sensor or a piezoelectric sensor.

[0013] Advantageously, the means for detecting the presence of the user's body part is a motion sensor.

[0014] Advantageously, the means for detecting the presence of the mobile device are a sensor such as an infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor or a Hall effect sensor.

[0015] Advantageously, the charging device includes a human-machine interface configured to allow or inhibit the step of detecting contact of a part of a user's body with the charging device or the mobile device, or the step of detecting the presence of this part of the body in the vicinity of the charging device or the mobile device.

[0016] Advantageously, the human-machine interface is a touch screen or a switch button.

[0017] The invention also relates to a first charging device comprising: - a receiving surface for a mobile device rechargeable by electromagnetic induction, - a means of detecting the presence of the mobile device, - means of detecting contact or the presence of a part of a user's body with the charging device or mobile device, - a memory associated with at least one processor configured to implement the process according to the variants described above.

[0018] The invention also relates to a second charging device comprising: - a receiving surface for a mobile device rechargeable by electromagnetic induction, - a means for detecting the presence of the mobile device, - means for detecting contact or the presence of a part of a user's body with the charging device or the mobile device, - a human-machine interface, - a memory associated with at least one processor configured to implement the process according to the variants described above.

[0019] The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising one of the charging devices described above.

[0020] The invention also relates to a computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by the first charging device, lead the latter to implement the process according to the variants previously described without the human machine interface or when the program is executed by the second charging device, lead the latter to implement the process according to the variants previously described with the human machine interface. Brief description of the figures

[0021] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description of the following non-limiting embodiments of the invention, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0022] [Fig.1] schematically illustrates a charging device, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a charging device, according to a second example particular implementation of the present invention. Detailed description of the invention

[0024] Fig. 1 represents an example of a DISP_CHAR charging device according to the invention.

[0025] The DISP_CHAR charging device enables charging by electromagnetic induction. It can take the form of a box and be located in a shared space or a public place, such as a train station, a metro station, an airport, a cafe, a shopping center or a library, or in a motor vehicle.

[0026] The DISP_CHAR charging device is a device or installation designed to provide wireless power to a compatible electronic device such as a mobile device rechargeable by electromagnetic induction.

[0027] The term "mobile device" means a portable device designed to connect to a wireless network. For example, a mobile device could be a smartphone, a mobile phone, a smartwatch, or a tablet.

[0028] The DISP_CHAR charging device contains a transmitting coil that generates an alternating electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic field induces an electric current in the receiving coil located in the mobile device, thus enabling the mobile device's battery to be recharged.

[0029] The DISP_CHAR load device includes random access memory for storing instructions for implementation by a processor of the process as described below. The DISP_CHAR load device also includes mass storage for storing data intended to be retained after the implementation of the process.

[0030] The DISP_CHAR charging device includes a control unit UC. The control unit UC is an electronic system that manages and controls the operation of other components or sensors by executing predetermined instructions. It receives input signals, processes them according to algorithms, and generates output signals to direct the behavior of the components connected to it.

[0031] The control unit UC can receive input data from the sensors of the DISP_CHAR charging device and send output instructions to the various sensors of the DISP_CHAR charging device to perform actions specific. The control unit UC is connected to a means of supplying electrical power, such as an electrical grid or a battery or a solar panel.

[0032] The DISP_CHAR charging device includes a SURF_RCPT receiving surface for the mobile device, which is rechargeable by electromagnetic induction. The SURF_RCPT receiving surface is a specific area of ​​the DISP_CHAR charging device where electromagnetic energy is emitted and where a receiving device, such as the mobile device, equipped with a compatible coil, must be placed to efficiently receive this energy. This surface is generally designed to optimize the magnetic coupling between the charger's emitting coil and the device's receiving coil, thus enabling efficient inductive energy transfer.

[0033] The SURF_RCPT receiving surface can be physically marked or delimited and is made of non-conductive materials to minimize interference with the electromagnetic field. Visual or tactile indicators can be used to help align the receiving device correctly. The dimensions and shape of the SURF_RCPT receiving surface are adapted to the size of the mobile device. The SURF_RCPT receiving surface is generally a flat area on top of the DISP_CHAR charging device.

[0034] The DISP_CHAR charging device includes a means for detecting the presence of the mobile device. This detection means detects the presence of the mobile device when it is placed on the SURF_RCPT receiving surface. This means for detecting the presence of the mobile device can be a sensor C. This sensor C can be a proximity sensor, for example, an infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor, or a Hall effect sensor, enabling the detection of the presence of the mobile device. This sensor C can be placed, for example, in the DISP_CHAR charging device under the SURF_RCPT receiving surface.

[0035] For example, sensor C may be an infrared sensor which includes an infrared emitter which sends out a beam of infrared light and an infrared receiver which detects the light reflected by an object in the vicinity, such as a moving device.

[0036] For example, sensor C may be an ultrasonic sensor that emits high-frequency sound waves and measures the time it takes for the waves to bounce off an object in the vicinity, such as a moving device.

[0037] For example, sensor C can be a Hall effect sensor that generates a voltage proportional to the intensity of the perpendicular magnetic field passing through it. The presence of a metallic object near the Hall effect sensor, such as a moving device, alters the magnetic field, which is detected by sensor C.

[0038] Sensor C is electrically connected to the control unit UC.

[0039] In one embodiment, the charging device DISP_CHAR includes a means for detecting contact between a part of a user's body and the charging device DISP_CHAR or the mobile device. This contact detection means may be a sensor Cl. This sensor Cl may be a weight sensor, a force sensor, or a piezoelectric sensor. The sensor Cl is electrically connected to the control unit UC. The sensor Cl converts an exerted physical force into an electrical signal, which can then be read and interpreted by a measurement system integrated into the control unit UC.

[0040] The sensor Cl can be located in the charging device DISP_CHAR, under the receiving surface SURF_RCPT.

[0041] When a user places their mobile device on the SURF_RCPT receiving surface, the measurement system integrated into the control unit UC records a reference force from the electrical signal transmitted by the sensor CL

[0042] When the measurement system integrated into the control unit UC records a force greater than the reference force for a determined time, from the electrical signal transmitted by the sensor Cl, the inductive charging of the mobile device by the charging device is cut off.

[0043] For example, the measured force is 0.1 to 1 Newton greater than the reference force. The determined time period can be a minimum of 1 second.

[0044] In another embodiment, the DISP_CHAR charging device includes a means for detecting the presence of a part of a user's body with the DISP_CHAR charging device or the mobile device. This presence detection means may be a motion sensor C2 that replaces the sensor Cl illustrated in [Fig. 1] with dashed lines. This motion sensor C2 detects movements in a specific area and converts this detection into an electrical signal.

[0045] For example, the motion sensor C2 can be a passive infrared sensor, which detects variations in infrared radiation emitted by warm objects, such as a part of the human body.

[0046] The motion sensor C2 is electrically connected to the control unit UC. The motion sensor C2 converts the detected motion into an electrical signal, which can then be read and interpreted by a measurement system integrated into the control unit UC.

[0047] In an alternative embodiment, represented in [Fig.1], the motion sensor C2 is located at the periphery of the SURF_RCPT receiving surface.

[0048] Thus, when the motion sensor C2 detects movement in a nearby area, between a minimum distance and a maximum distance determined, the inductive charging of the mobile device by the DISP_CHAR charging device is cut off.

[0049] For example, when the motion sensor C2 detects movement at a distance between 1 and 5 cm, the inductive charging of the mobile device by the charging device DISP_CHAR is cut off.

[0050] In an alternative embodiment, shown in [Fig.2], the motion sensor C2 is arranged above the receiving surface SURF_RCPT.

[0051] For example, when the motion sensor C2 detects movement at a distance of between 5 and 10 cm from the motion sensor C2, the inductive charging of the mobile device by the charging device is cut off.

[0052] Advantageously, the DISP_CHAR charging device includes a human-machine interface configured to allow or inhibit the step of detecting contact of a part of a user's body with the DISP_CHAR charging device or the mobile device, or to allow or inhibit the step of detecting the presence of this part of the body in the vicinity of the DISP_CHAR charging device or the mobile device.

[0053] Thus, a healthy user will be able to inhibit the step of detecting contact of a part of a user's body with the DISP_CHAR charging device or the mobile device, or inhibit the step of detecting the presence of this part of the body near the DISP_CHAR charging device or the mobile device.

[0054] Thus, a user wearing a pacemaker may authorize the step of detecting contact of a part of the user's body with the DISP_CHAR charging device or the mobile device, or authorize the step of detecting the presence of this part of the body near the DISP_CHAR charging device or the mobile device.

[0055] Advantageously, the human-machine interface is a touch screen or a switch button.

[0056] The invention will now be described in its implementation with reference to Figures 1 and 2.

[0057] In the following non-limiting example, firstly, when a user wishes to charge the battery of his mobile device by electromagnetic induction, he positions it on the SURF_RCPT receiving surface of the DISP_CHAR charging device.

[0058] Sensor C, connected to the control unit UC, detects the presence of the mobile device on the receiving surface SURF_RCPT of the charging device DISP_CHAR. If the presence of the mobile device is confirmed, inductive charging of the mobile device by the charging device DISP_CHAR is activated. The control unit UC sends then an instruction to the charging device DISP_CHAR to activate charging by electromagnetic induction.

[0059] In the case where the charging device has means for detecting contact with a part of the user's body, if the user comes into contact with the charging device, for example, if they wish to retrieve their mobile device and their hand comes into contact with it in order to grasp it, the sensor Cl detects that a force or weight is being applied to it and communicates this to the control unit UC. Thus, if the detection of contact between a part of the user's body and the mobile device is confirmed, the inductive charging of the mobile device by the charging device DISP_CHAR is cut off. For example, in the case of a force sensor Cl, based on the electrical signal transmitted by the sensor Cl, the measurement system integrated into the control unit UC determines that a force greater than 0.5 N than the reference force is applied for 3 seconds, and the inductive charging of the mobile device by the charging device DISP_CHAR is cut off.

[0060] If the charging device has means for detecting the presence of a part of the user's body, and the user approaches the charging device—for example, if the user wants to retrieve their mobile device and brings their hand near the SURF_RCPT receiving surface—sensor C2 detects movement and communicates this information to the control unit UC. Thus, if the detection of the presence of a part of the user's body with the mobile device by motion sensor C2 is confirmed, the inductive charging of the mobile device by the charging device DISP_CHAR is interrupted.

[0061] For example, in the case of a motion sensor C2 by infrared radiation in an area close to the motion sensor C2, at a distance of between 1 and 5 cm from the motion sensor C2, the detection of the presence of the part of the user's body near the charging device DISP_CHAR is confirmed, and the inductive charging of the mobile device by the charging device DISP_CHAR is cut off.

[0062] The DISP_CHAR charging devices described above can be fitted to a vehicle. For example, the DISP_CHAR charging device can be integrated into the center console of a motor vehicle.

Claims

Demands

1. A method for wirelessly charging a rechargeable mobile device by electromagnetic induction using a charging device (DISP_CHAR) comprising: - a receiving surface (SURF_RCPT) of the mobile device, - a means for detecting the presence of the mobile device, - means for detecting contact or the presence of a part of a user's body with the charging device (DISP_CHAR) or the mobile device, said method being implemented by a processor and comprising the successive steps of: a. Detecting the presence of the mobile device on the receiving surface (SURF_RCPT) of the charging device (DISP_CHAR), the detection being carried out by the means for detecting the presence of the mobile device; b. Activating the inductive charging of the mobile device by the charging device (DISP_CHAR) if the presence of the mobile device is confirmed; c.Detection of contact of a part of a user's body with the charging device (DISP_CHAR) or the mobile device, or detection of the presence of this part of the body near the charging device (DISP_CHAR) or the mobile device; d. Interruption of the inductive charging of the mobile device by the charging device (DISP_CHAR) if the detection of contact or the presence of the part of the user's body is confirmed.

2. Method according to claim 1, the means for detecting contact of the user's body part being a sensor (Cl) such as a weight sensor or a force sensor or a piezoelectric sensor.

3. Method according to claim 1, the means for detecting the presence of the user's body part being a motion sensor (C2).

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, the means for detecting the presence of the mobile device being a sensor (C) such than an infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor or a Hall effect sensor.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the charging device (DISP_CHAR) includes a human-machine interface configured to enable or inhibit step c).

6. Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the human-machine interface is a touch screen or a switch button.

7. Charging device (DISP_CHAR) comprising: - a receiving surface (SURF_RCPT) of a mobile device rechargeable by electromagnetic induction, - a means for detecting the presence of the mobile device, - means for detecting contact or the presence of a part of the body of a user with the charging device or the mobile device, - a memory associated with at least one processor configured to implement the method according to one of claims 1 to 4.

8. Charging device (DISP_CHAR) comprising: - a receiving surface (SURF_RCPT) of a mobile device rechargeable by electromagnetic induction, - a means for detecting the presence of the mobile device, - means for detecting contact or the presence of a part of the body of a user with the charging device or the mobile device, - a human-machine interface, - a memory associated with at least one processor configured to implement the method according to one of claims 5 or 6.

9. Vehicle comprising a charging device (DISP_CHAR) according to claim 7 or claim 8.

10. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by the device of claim 7, cause the device to carry out the method according to one of claims 1 to 4, or when the program is executed by the device of claim 8, cause the device to carry out the method according to one of claims 5 or 6.

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