Energy and data communication device comprising a sheet of glass

Abstract

Device (1) for communicating with a second device (2), comprising: a coil (16) adapted to transfer energy to the second device (2) by inductive coupling, when the second device (2) is in a coupling position; an optoelectronic component (18) adapted to send to the second device (2) or receive from the second device (2) a light beam carrying data, when the second device (2) is in the coupling position; a glass sheet (6) adapted to allow the light beam to pass through, the glass sheet (6) having: an inner surface (8) facing the optoelectronic component (18), and an outer surface (10) opposite the inner surface, the outer surface (10) being adapted to bear against the second device (2) when the second device (2) is in the coupling position. Accompanying figure for the abstract: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Energy and data communication device comprising a sheet of glass. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for transferring energy and data to another device. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] With the increasing number of electronic devices, the need for efficient and reliable power and data transfer solutions is becoming increasingly critical.

[0003] In most applications, data and energy are transferred from one device to another using metallic wires.

[0004] Some devices include a sheet of glass, and the glass sheet is perforated to allow these metal wires to pass through it. The data is transferred through the glass sheet. For aesthetic reasons, a layer of opaque enamel can be deposited on the glass sheet to conceal the metal wires, which complicates the manufacturing of the glazing.

[0005] However, the drilling carried out has disadvantages: it reduces the mechanical resistance of the glass sheet and thus increases the risk of breakage of the glass sheet. Description of the invention

[0006] One object of the invention is to enable a device to transfer energy and data without degrading its mechanical resistance.

[0007] This goal is achieved by a device for communicating with a second device, the device comprising: a coil suitable for transferring energy to the second device by inductive coupling, when the second device is placed in a coupling position, an optoelectronic component suitable for sending to the second device or receiving from the second device a light beam carrying data, when the second device is in the coupling position, a sheet of glass adapted to be traversed by the light beam, the sheet of glass having an internal surface facing the optoelectronic component, and an external surface opposite the internal surface, the external surface being suitable for bearing on the second device when the second device is in the coupling position.

[0008] The device, which is the first subject of this disclosure, may also include the following optional features, taken alone or combined with each other whenever technically possible.

[0009] Preferably, the glass sheet is adapted to allow energy transfer through it, and the internal surface faces the coil.

[0010] Preferably, the device comprises laminated glazing, the laminated glazing comprising the glass sheet, a second glass sheet, the coil and the optoelectronic component, at least one of the coil and the optoelectronic component extending between the glass sheet and the second glass sheet.

[0011] Preferably, the laminated glazing comprises an interlayer sheet between the glass sheet and the second glass sheet, the interlayer sheet being made of a viscoelastic polymer.

[0012] Preferably, the optoelectronic component is surrounded by the coil.

[0013] Preferably, the device includes an optoelectronic transmitter for sending a light beam carrying data to the second device, when the second device is in the coupling position, and an optoelectronic receiver for receiving another light beam carrying data from the second device, when the second device is in the coupling position.

[0014] Preferably, the light beam is in the visible range.

[0015] A system is also proposed comprising the device constituting the first subject of this disclosure, and a second device adapted to be placed in a coupling position in which the second device is supported on the external surface, the second device comprising: a second coil adapted to receive the energy transferred by inductive coupling, when the second device is in the coupling position, and a second optoelectronic component adapted to communicate with the optoelectronic component, when the second device is in the coupling position.

[0016] Preferably, the second device is suitable for being placed in a decoupled position in which: the second device is at a distance from the device, the second coil is unsuitable for receiving the energy transferred by inductive coupling, and the second optoelectronic component is unsuitable for communicating with the electronic component.

[0017] Preferably, the second optoelectronic component is powered by the energy received by the second coil.

[0018] Preferably, the optoelectronic component is suitable for emitting a light beam carrying audio data, the second optoelectronic component is configured to receive the light beam carrying the audio data, and the second device includes an exciter configured to vibrate a vibrating element from the audio data, when the second device is in the coupling position, so that the vibrating element produces an acoustic wave restoring the audio data to a user.

[0019] Preferably, the vibrating element comprises the glass sheet.

[0020] Preferably, the exciter is powered by the energy received by the second coil.

[0021] Preferably, the second device includes a microphone powered by the energy received by the second coil, and the second optoelectronic component is configured to emit a light beam carrying audio data acquired by the microphone.

[0022] Preferably, the second device 2 comprises a camera powered by the energy received by the second coil, and the second optoelectronic component is configured to emit a light beam carrying images acquired by the camera. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0023] Other features, objectives and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which is purely illustrative and not limiting, and which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings on which:

[0024] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a system according to a first embodiment in a decoupled position.

[0025] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a system according to the first mode of realization in a coupling position.

[0026] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a system according to a second mode of realization in a coupling position.

[0027] Throughout the figures, similar elements bear identical reference numerals. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS 1) System (first embodiment)

[0028] A system according to a first embodiment is shown in [Fig. 1]. The system comprises a first device 1 and a second device 2 intended to communicate with each other.

[0029] The first device 1 comprises a glazing 4. The term "glazing" in this text refers to a structure comprising at least one sheet of organic or mineral glass. The glazing 4 can be adapted for mounting in a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle.

[0030] Glazing 4 is laminated glazing, that is to say, glazing 4 comprises a plurality of sheets superimposed and assembled together, so as to form a stack of sheets.

[0031] The glazing 4 comprises a first sheet of glass 6 (or outer sheet of glass), the first sheet of glass 6 having an inner surface 8 and an outer surface 10 opposite the inner surface 6. The outer surface 10 is an external surface of the glazing 3, which gives an exterior view of the first device 1. It will be seen later that This external surface 10 can be used as a support surface for the second device 2, that is to say that the second device 2 is suitable for being placed in a coupling position in which the second device 2 is supported on the external surface 10. Moreover, in the case where the sheet of glass forms a glazing of a vehicle, the terms "internal" or "external" are independent, in this text, of the position of the surface with respect to the inside or outside of the passenger compartment: the external surface 10 can be arranged inside as well as outside the passenger compartment.

[0032] The external surface 10 is for example a flat surface, and the internal surface 8 can be parallel to the external surface 10.

[0033] The first sheet of glass 6 can have a thickness between 0.3 mm and 2.1 mm.

[0034] The glazing 4 may also include a second sheet of glass 12.

[0035] The second sheet of glass 12 may have a thickness between 0.3 mm and 2.1 mm.

[0036] The first glass sheet 6 and the second glass sheet 12 can be formed from organic glass or mineral glass.

[0037] Organic glass may be made of a compound comprising acrylates, preferably polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Organic glass may also comprise polycarbonates.

[0038] The glazing 4 may also include at least one interlayer sheet 14 extending between the first sheet of glass 6 and the second sheet of glass 12.

[0039] The glazing 4 may include a single interlayer sheet 14 extending between the first sheet of glass 6 and the second sheet of glass 12.

[0040] The interlayer sheet 14 is formed from an adhesive material allowing the glass sheets to be joined together, visually transparent and electrically insulating.

[0041] The interlayer sheet 14 may be made of plastic, for example, a viscoelastic polymer such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer. The interlayer sheet 14 is preferably made of standard PVB or acoustic PVB (such as single-layer or three-layer acoustic PVB). Acoustic PVB may comprise three layers: two outer layers of standard PVB and an inner layer of PVB with added plasticizer to make it less rigid than the outer layers. In one embodiment, the interlayer sheet 14 is made of polyvinyl butyral (PVB).

[0042] The interlayer sheet 14 may have a thickness between 0.10 mm and 2 mm, for example 0.38 mm. The interlayer sheet 14 may be an acoustic interlayer sheet, comprising, for example, two superimposed outer PVB layers and one inner PVB layer, the inner PVB layer having a rate in hydroxyl group lower than the hydroxyl group content of the outer layers.

[0043] Alternatively, the glazing 4 may include several interlayer sheets 14. For example, the glazing 4 may include two interlayer sheets 14 including a first interlayer sheet made of PVB and a second interlayer sheet made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0044] The glazing 4 further includes a first coil 16 suitable for transferring energy to the second device 2 by inductive coupling, when the second device 2 is placed in the coupling position (in which the second device 2 is in contact with the external surface 10 of the first sheet of glass 6).

[0045] The first coil 16 is arranged between the first sheet of glass 6 and the second sheet of glass 12. The first coil 16 can be embedded in the interlayer 14, or extend into a space delimited by the interlayer 14, this space being formed in the interlayer 14 before the coil is placed in this space, during the manufacture of the glazing 4.

[0046] The first coil 16 comprises at least one turn wound around a winding axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the winding axis is normal to the inner surface 8 of the first glass sheet 6. This allows a first coil 16 with a relatively high number of turns to be arranged in a relatively narrow space between the two glass sheets 8, 10.

[0047] The glazing 4 further comprises an optoelectronic component 18, referred to as the first optoelectronic component 18. The optoelectronic component 18 is capable of emitting a light beam carrying data to the second device 2, or receiving such a light beam.

[0048] The light beam is for example in the visible range, that is to say that its wavelength is in the range from 375 nanometers to 780 nanometers; we then speak of communication in visible light, or "Visual Light Communication" (VLC) in English.

[0049] The optoelectronic component 18 is for example surrounded by the first coil 16; in particular, it can be traversed by the winding axis of the first coil 16.

[0050] The first glass sheet 6 discussed previously has the following properties: it can be traversed by the light ray emitted by the first optoelectronic component 18 or by a light ray coming from outside and directed towards the first optoelectronic component 18, when the second device 2 is in the coupling position. Furthermore, the first glass sheet 6 allows energy transfer by inductive coupling through it, from the first coil 16 to the second device 2.

[0051] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1], the optoelectronic component 16 is an optoelectronic emitter: it is designed to convert an electrical signal carrying data into a light beam carrying the same data. The optoelectronic emitter is, for example, a light-emitting diode.

[0052] The glazing 4 can be obtained by a lamination process.

[0053] The first device 1 also includes a power supply 18 for supplying the first coil 16 with electrical current. This power supply 18 includes, for example, a battery.

[0054] The first device 1 further comprises an encoder 20 configured to produce the electrical signal that carries the data, which will then be converted into a light beam by the optoelectronic emitter. The encoder 20 uses a modulation scheme for this data transmission.

[0055] The second device 2 comprises a housing 22 having an external surface 24 suitable for bearing against the external surface 10 of the first device 1, and thus being placed in the coupling position described previously.

[0056] The external surface 24 is preferably complementary to the external surface 10 of the glazing 4.

[0057] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1], the external surface of the housing 22 is flat. However, the two external surfaces may not be flat. In this regard, complementary shape elements may be provided in the external surfaces to stabilize the second device 2 in the coupling position. Furthermore, the external surface 10 and / or the external surface of the housing 22 may have a curvature equal to a local curvature of the glazing 4.

[0058] The system may further include a marker or indicator to help a user identify the coupling position. The marker or indicator may be part of the first device 1, the second device 2, or markers or indicators may be provided on both devices.

[0059] The second device 2 includes a second coil 26 designed to be coupled with the first coil 16 when the second device 2 is in the coupling position. Thus, energy can be transferred from the first coil 16 to the second coil 26 in this coupling position. When the second coil 26 receives this energy, it generates an electric current used to power other components of the second device 2.

[0060] The second coil 26 is for example inside the housing 22. In this case, the housing 22 is made of a material which allows energy transfer from outside the housing 22 to inside the housing 22.

[0061] The second device 2 further includes a second optoelectronic component 28 suitable for communicating with the first optoelectronic component 18, when the second device 2 is in the coupling position.

[0062] The housing 22 can be opaque to the light beam, in which case an opening can be provided in the housing 22 to allow the light beam from the first device 1 to reach the second optoelectronic component 28. Alternatively, the housing 22 can be made of a material that can be traversed by the light beam.

[0063] In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1], the second optoelectronic component 28 is an optoelectronic receiver. More precisely, the second optoelectronic component 28 is a photodetector, which, by definition, is configured to convert the light beam carrying the data into an electrical signal carrying the data. For example, the optoelectronic receiver is of the photovoltaic type.

[0064] The second device 2 also includes a decoder 30 configured to receive the electrical signal generated by the photoelectric receiver and to extract the data carried therefrom.

[0065] In addition, the second device 2 includes an electronic output component 32 configured to exploit the data obtained by the decoder 30.

[0066] All or part of the components of the second device 2 described above can be powered by the second coil 26. This is the case in particular for the second optoelectronic component 28, the decoder 30 and the output electronic component 32.

[0067] The second device 2 can be a passive device, in the sense that it is devoid of an autonomous power source, and that all the aforementioned components are powered only by the second coil 26, when the latter receives energy by inductive coupling (in particular supplied by the first device 1).

[0068] In a particular application of the system, the data transmitted from the first device 1 to the second device 2 is audio data, and the output electronic component 32 is an exciter configured to vibrate a vibrating element in response to the electrical signal, so that the vibrating element produces an acoustic wave that reproduces the audio data for a user. It is understood that, in this application, the system acts as a loudspeaker. Several variations of this application are conceivable.

[0069] In a first embodiment of this application, the vibrating element is constituted by all or part of the glazing 4 of the first device 1. This implies that the vibration generated by the exciter 32 is transmitted to the vibrating element by the intermediary of the housing 22 brought into contact with the glazing 4, when the second device 2 is in the coupling position.

[0070] In a second embodiment of this application, the second device 2 comprises a membrane constituting the vibrating element. The membrane is a conventional loudspeaker diaphragm. The second device 2 then produces the acoustic wave on its own, reproducing the audio data to a user, and, as such, the second device 2 can be considered a loudspeaker.

[0071] A process implemented by the system according to the first embodiment comprises the following steps.

[0072] The second device 2 is initially in a decoupled position (see [Fig. 1]), in which the second device 2 is at a distance from the device, the second coil 26 is unsuitable for receiving energy transferred by the first coil, and in which the second optoelectronic component 28 is unsuitable for communicating with the first electronic component 18.

[0073] The second device 2 is placed in the coupling position (see [Fig.2]).

[0074] The second device 2 can be attached to the first device 1 by means of appropriate fixings, so as to be held in the coupling position.

[0075] In the coupled position, the housing 22 rests on the external surface 10. It may also be provided that, in this coupled position: • the winding axes of coils 16, 26 are coincident, • the optoelectronic components 18, 28 are crossed by an axis normal to the external surface 10 (this normal axis can in particular be confused with the respective winding axes of the coils 16, 26).

[0076] The power supply 18 transmits an electric current to the first coil 16. This electric current is converted by the first coil 16 into an energy-carrying magnetic field. The magnetic field is captured by the second coil 26 by inductive coupling, which generates an electric current at its base to power the components of the second device 2.

[0077] Simultaneously, the encoder 20 generates an electrical signal carrying data. This electrical signal is transmitted to the first optoelectronic component 18. Based on the electrical signal, the first optoelectronic component 16 (acting as an optoelectronic transmitter) generates a light beam. The light beam enters the first glass sheet 6 through its inner surface 8 and exits through its outer surface 10. The light beam then reaches the second optoelectronic component 28. In [Fig. 2], the path of the light beam is represented by an upward-pointing black arrow. The second optoelectronic component 28 (acting as a photoelectric receiver) generates an electrical signal from the received light beam. The electrical signal is transmitted to the decoder 30, which extracts the carried data.

[0078] Next, the output electronic component 32 processes the data thus obtained. When the output electronic component 32 is an exciter and the data is audio data, according to the application described above, the exciter 32 generates a vibration from the audio data. The vibration propagates to the vibrating element described above, which can be a membrane or the glazing 4 of the first device 1, according to the two embodiments of this application described above. The vibrating element then generates an acoustic wave perceptible to a user, thus providing them with the audio data.

[0079] The system can be used in any environment involving the use of a glazing 4. For example, the first device 1 can be integrated into a vehicle, and the glazing 4 can form part of the roof of that vehicle. In this case, the second device 2 can be a removable element that can be placed on or removed from the glazing 4. Alternatively, the glazing 4 can be selected from a windshield and a side window of a motor vehicle. 2) System (second embodiment)

[0080] Figure 3 shows a system according to a second embodiment, in the coupling position.

[0081] The system according to the second embodiment differs from the system according to the first embodiment by the characteristics set out below (all other things being equal).

[0082] In the second embodiment, the second device 2 comprises the encoder 20, and the second optoelectronic component 28 is the optoelectronic emitter that emits the light beam carrying the data encoded by the encoder 20. Furthermore, the first optoelectronic component 18 is the optoelectronic receiver that receives the light beam, and the first device comprises the decoder 30 that decodes its content. Thus, the light beam travels from the second device 2 to the first device 1 (which is reflected in [Fig. 3] by a downward black arrow), whereas it was the reverse in the first embodiment.

[0083] Furthermore, the output electronic component 32 is replaced in the second device 2 by an input electronic component 31 which provides the encoder with the data to be encoded before their optical transmission via the optoelectronic components 18,28.

[0084] In an application of this second embodiment, the input electronic component 31 is a camera that acquires images; these images are part of the data carried by the light beam.

[0085] In another application of this second embodiment, the input electronic component 31 is a microphone that acquires an acoustic wave and that generates audio data on its base; this audio data is part of the data carried by the light beam.

[0086] A method implemented by the system according to the second embodiment comprises the following steps, while the second device 2 is in the coupling position (shown in [Fig. 3]). The first coil 16 transfers energy to the second coil 26 by inductive coupling, as in the first embodiment. The electric current generated by the second coil 26 is used to power all or part of the components of the second device 2. The input electronic component 31 produces data (image in the case of the camera, audio data in the case of the microphone); the data is encoded by the encoder 20, and the second optoelectronic component (acting as an optoelectronic emitter) emits a light beam carrying the data. The light beam enters the first glass sheet 6 through the outer surface 10 and exits through the inner surface 8.The first optoelectronic component (acting as an optoelectronic receiver) receives the light beam and converts it into an electrical signal which is transmitted to the decoder 30, and the decoder 30 decodes its contents so as to obtain the data initially provided by the input electronic component 31. 3) Other embodiments

[0087] Other systems than those shown in the figures and discussed previously may be considered.

[0088] In one embodiment, the first coil 16 is not located opposite the inner surface 8 of the first layer of glass 6, but is rather fixed to its outer surface 10. In this embodiment, the first coil 16 is electrically connected to the power supply by an electrical connection which bypasses the glazing 4, in particular the first sheet of glass 6, so as to avoid having to drill it, as described in the introductory part.

[0089] In a bidirectional communication embodiment: • the first device 1 comprises at least one first optoelectronic transmitter and at least one first optoelectronic receiver, and • the second device 2 includes at least one second optoelectronic receiver suitable for communicating optically with the first optoelectronic emitter in the switching position, and at least one second optoelectronic emitter suitable for communicating optically with the first optoelectronic receiver in the coupling position.

Claims

Demands

1. Device (1) for communicating with a second device (2), the device comprising: • a coil (16) adapted to transfer energy to the second device (2) by inductive coupling, when the second device (2) is placed in a coupling position, • an optoelectronic component (18) adapted to send to the second device (2) or receive from the second device (2) a light beam carrying data, when the second device (2) is in the coupling position, • a glass sheet (6) adapted to be traversed by the light beam, the glass sheet (6) having: • an internal surface (8) facing the optoelectronic component (18), and • an external surface (10) opposite the internal surface, the external surface (10) being adapted to be in contact with the second device (2) when the second device (2) is in the coupling position.

2. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the glass sheet (6) is adapted to permit energy transfer through it, and the internal surface is opposite the coil (16).

3. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a laminated glazing (4), the laminated glazing (4) comprising the glass sheet (6), a second glass sheet (12), the coil (16) and the optoelectronic component (18), at least one of the coil (16) and the optoelectronic component (18) extending between the glass sheet (6) and the second glass sheet (12).

4. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the laminated glazing (4) comprises an interlayer sheet (14) between the glass sheet and the second glass sheet (12), the interlayer sheet (14) being made of a viscoelastic polymer.

5. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the optoelectronic component (18) is surrounded by the coil (16).

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: • an optoelectronic transmitter for sending to the second device (2) a light beam carrying data, when the second device (2) is in the coupling position, and • an optoelectronic receiver for receiving from the second device (2) another light beam carrying data, when the second device (2) is in the coupling position.

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the light beam is in the visible range.

8. System comprising: • a device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, and • a second device (2) adapted to be placed in a coupling position in which the second device (2) is supported on the external surface (10), the second device (2) comprising: • a second coil (26) adapted to receive the energy transferred by inductive coupling, when the second device (2) is in the coupling position, • a second optoelectronic component (28) adapted to communicate with the optoelectronic component, when the second device (2) is in the coupling position.

9. System according to claim 8, wherein the second device (2) is suitable for being placed in a decoupled position in which: • the second device (2) is at a distance from the device (1), • the second coil (26) is unsuitable for receiving energy transferred by inductive coupling, and • the second optoelectronic component (28) is unsuitable for communicating with the electronic component (18).

10. System according to any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein the second optoelectronic component (28) is powered by the energy received by the second coil (26).

11. A system according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein • the optoelectronic component (18) is adapted to emit a light beam carrying audio data, • the second optoelectronic component (28) is configured to receive the light beam carrying the audio data, • the second device (2) includes an exciter (32) configured to vibrate a vibrating element (4) from the audio data, when the second device (2) is in the coupling position, so that the vibrating element (4) produces an acoustic wave restoring the audio data to a user.

12. System according to the preceding claim, wherein the vibrating element (4) comprises the glass sheet (6).

13. System according to any one of claims 10 and 11, wherein the exciter (32) is powered by the energy received by the second coil (26).

14. System according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein: • the second device (2) comprises a microphone (31) powered by the energy received by the second coil (26), • the second optoelectronic component (28) is configured to emit a light beam carrying audio data acquired by the microphone (31).

15. System according to any one of claims 7 to 13, wherein: • the second device 2 comprises a camera (31) powered by the energy received by the second coil (26), • the second optoelectronic component (28) is configured to emit a light beam carrying images acquired by the camera (31).

Images