Apparatuses and methods for establishing contactless charging

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (10) for a mobile device (1) intended to trigger a safety-related function for a vehicle (2) by way of a vehicle communication, comprising: - an electronic processing apparatus (20) for providing at least one communication function for producing the vehicle communication, - at least one communication port (65) of the processing apparatus (20) in order to establish a charging communication with a charging apparatus (4) and thereby initiate a contactless transfer of energy from the charging apparatus (4) to the mobile device (1) to charge an energy store (35) of the mobile device (1), - at least one control output (64) of the processing apparatus (20) for controlling the charging of the energy store (35) of the mobile device (1).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Devices and methods for providing contactless charging

[0003] The present invention relates to a device, a mobile device, a processing device, a respective method, a computer program, a data processing device and a storage medium for providing contactless charging.

[0004] State of the art

[0005] It is known from the prior art that electronic keys are used as ID transmitters to trigger a security-relevant function in a vehicle, such as unlocking or opening a door. The ID transmitter can send a unique identification code to the vehicle to demonstrate authorization to trigger the function. For this purpose, authentication is often performed by the ID transmitter sending an encrypted message to the vehicle that can only be decrypted by a matching cryptographic key. The necessary communication can take place via Bluetooth, and in particular Bluetooth Low Energy. For this purpose, electronics with a microcontroller are often used in the ID transmitter to control the communication and, if necessary, to store the necessary key information.

[0006] Typically, the ID transmitter uses an energy storage device to power the electronics. The disadvantage of these solutions is that replacing the energy storage device when the charge level is low is often complex, which complicates the handling of the ID transmitter and entails additional costs.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially remedy the disadvantages described above. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a solution in which a charge level necessary to maintain the operating state can be restored more easily.

[0008] Disclosure of the invention

[0009] The problem is solved by the independent patent claims. The subject matter of the invention is thus a device, a mobile device, a processing device, a respective method, a computer program, a data processing device, and a storage medium according to the independent patent claims. Further features and details of the invention emerge from the respective subclaims, the description, and the drawings.Features and details that are described in connection with the device according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the mobile device according to the invention, the processing device according to the invention, the respective method according to the invention, the computer program according to the invention, the data processing device according to the invention and the storage medium according to the invention, and vice versa, so that with regard to the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention, reference is or can always be made to each other.

[0010] The subject matter of the invention is in particular a device, preferably an electronic device, for a mobile device, wherein the mobile device is preferably provided for triggering a safety-relevant function in a vehicle via vehicle communication.

[0011] The device according to the invention can have a, preferably electronic, processing device, in particular in the form of a Bluetooth controller, preferably a Bluetooth Low Energy controller, for providing at least one communication function for establishing vehicle communication.

[0012] The device according to the invention can further comprise at least one communication port of the processing device in order to provide charging communication with a charging device, in particular provided outside the mobile device, and thereby in particular to initiate a contactless energy transfer from the charging device to the mobile device for charging an energy storage device of the mobile device.

[0013] Furthermore, the device according to the invention can have at least one control output of the processing device for controlling the charging of the energy storage device of the mobile device.

[0014] This has the advantage that a complex replacement of the energy storage device is no longer necessary, or at least less frequently, to maintain the operational capability of the mobile device. Furthermore, this can have the advantage that a processing device already used for vehicle communication can be further developed to provide charging communication and / or control, thus eliminating the need for an additional, separate electronic component such as a Qi driver. This makes the mobile device less complex and significantly more compact.

[0015] According to a further development, the energy storage device on the mobile device can no longer be replaced at all, so that, for example, a corresponding opening and / or flap accessible from the outside and / or an opening mechanism on the housing of the mobile device can be dispensed with. This is the case, for example, with modern smartphones, which only provide for charging the battery but not for replacement during normal operation. Such an energy storage device can therefore also be referred to as a non-replaceable energy storage device, or the housing can be designed as a non-openable housing. Since replacement by a user is then not provided, possibly only for repair purposes, the energy storage device can also be embedded, integrated, or encapsulated, in particular completely, in the housing of the mobile device, so that a compact and protected accommodation of the energy storage device in the mobile device is possible.

[0016] Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, it can be provided that the processing device is designed as an integrated circuit and / or microcontroller for executing the at least one communication function in the form of one or more Bluetooth communication functions, preferably Bluetooth Low Energy communication functions. For this purpose, at least one Bluetooth protocol can be implemented in the processing device, preferably by a Bluetooth stack, in order to establish a Bluetooth, preferably Bluetooth Low Energy, connection with the vehicle for vehicle communication. The Bluetooth stack in conjunction with the processing device, which thus serves as a Bluetooth driver, can designate a software implementation of the Bluetooth protocol. This software implementation enables the processing device to realize Bluetooth communication functions by covering various layers of the protocol.The stack includes, for example, drivers for interacting with Bluetooth hardware and abstracts hardware details to ensure hardware-independent functionality. It can also include Bluetooth profiles and services that define how specific data types are transmitted. Additionally, application programming interfaces (APIs) can provide the ability to integrate Bluetooth functions into applications.

[0017] Furthermore, in addition to the one or more communication and preferably Bluetooth communication functions, the processing device can be designed to carry out charging communication functions for charging communication with the charging device. For this purpose, at least one protocol for contactless charging, preferably Qi protocol, can be implemented in the processing device, preferably by a Qi stack, in order to initiate and / or control the contactless energy transfer for charging. As already described for the Bluetooth stack, a stack for the protocol for contactless charging, preferably Qi protocol, can here also refer to a software implementation of this protocol. This software implementation enables the processing device to implement communication functions of this protocol, preferably Qi protocol, by covering various layers of the protocol. The stack includes, for example,Drivers for interacting with the charging hardware and abstracting hardware details to ensure hardware-independent functionality. It can also include Qi profiles and services that define how specific data types are transferred. Additionally, application programming interfaces (APIs) can provide the ability to integrate charging, and preferably Qi, functions into applications.

[0018] Contactless charging can also be referred to as wireless charging. In the same way, contactless energy transfer can also be referred to as wireless energy transfer. This means that the transfer of energy between two devices (e.g. the mobile device and the vehicle's charging device) takes place without direct contact and / or without the use of charging cables or charging plugs. Instead, electromagnetic fields can be used to transfer the energy from one device to another. This enables convenient and efficient charging of devices without them having to be physically connected to a charger. A well-known standard for this type of charging is the Qi standard, which is defined in the Wireless Power Consortium specification. Contactless charging, preferably according to a Qi standard, differs from other communication technologies, e.g.using NFC in that it enables a greater range and higher performance. Accordingly, this can be referred to as charging, specifically a wireless transfer of energy. Contactless charging, for example using Qi technology, uses an electromagnetic field in particular to primarily transfer energy for charging, and only secondarily to carry out charging communication to initiate and control charging, whereas with NFC, for example, data is primarily transferred between two devices. In contrast to communication technologies such as NFC, contactless charging using charging technology such as Qi can therefore also implement a charging process in which a charging curve can be individually adjusted. This enables optimal charging performance and efficient energy transfer.

[0019] It is further conceivable that the processing device is designed to provide at least one charging communication function for charging communication with the charging device, in particular to initiate contactless energy transfer for charging via the at least one communication port. The charging communication preferably differs from vehicle communication such as Bluetooth and / or NFC in terms of the communication technology used. The communication technology of the charging communication is preferably designed according to a standard for contactless energy transfer such as the Qi standard, in order to provide contactless energy transfer for charging, particularly preferably via a resonant inductive coupling of the mobile device to the charging device. This can have the advantage of providing a quick and convenient way of charging the mobile device without the need for cables or plugs.Furthermore, the use of a standard such as the Qi standard can ensure high compatibility with a wide range of charging devices. It is also possible for the charging device to be equipped with an intelligent controller to optimize the charging process via charging communication and prevent overheating or overcharging of the device. This can increase the service life of the mobile device and ensure the safety of the charging process.

[0020] The processing device can be designed to provide at least one control function, preferably by means of pulse width modulation (PWM for short), in order to control the charging via the at least one control output, preferably by means of a predefined charging method by which a temporal profile of a charging current and / or a charging voltage is predetermined, preferably comprising a CC-CV method, particularly preferably by controlling electronic activation means, in particular MOSFETs. CC-CV is in particular a charging method in which the charging current (CC) is kept constant during the charging process until the energy storage voltage, in particular the battery voltage, has reached a certain threshold. Subsequently, the charging voltage (CV) is kept at a constant level, while the current gradually decreases until the battery is fully charged.The PWM modulation can be implemented as digital pulse width modulation to generate pulses with variable widths. Control of the charging can be enabled by the average value of the pulse width having a proportional effect on the output or charging voltage at the energy storage device. To electrically control the charging, activation means, in particular in the form of MOSFETs, can be provided on a circuit board of the device according to the invention. The activation means have the particular function of regulating the current flow for charging, in particular by switching the current flow on (when activated) and off (when deactivated). An activation means can also be provided to prevent overcharging and / or backflow of current. Examples of further activation means are bipolar transistors, field-effect transistors, or thyristors.

[0021] The energy storage device can be charged via an output voltage of the device according to the invention, also referred to as the charging voltage. Accordingly, the energy storage device can be designed as a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion battery, a lead-acid battery, or a nickel-metal hydride battery. Particularly when the energy storage device is to be compact, a flat battery is preferable. The energy storage device can, for example, be inserted into a corresponding compartment on a housing of the mobile device and / or be firmly integrated into the mobile device during manufacture. The compartment has, for example, a shape and dimensions to enable reliable attachment of the energy storage device. Electrical contact with the energy storage device can be achieved by electrically conductive contacts attached to the compartment. The mobile device itself can be a single piece and / or individually handleable and / or portable.

[0022] A further advantage can be achieved within the scope of the invention if the electronic processing device is designed to carry out processing for providing a radio connection, preferably a Bluetooth connection, preferably a Bluetooth Low Energy connection, for transmitting, preferably encrypted, data to the vehicle for vehicle communication, in order to carry out authentication on the vehicle based on the transmitted data in order to trigger the security-relevant function depending on the success of the authentication. This enables a user to authenticate themselves to the vehicle, in particular to a security system. The mobile device can also be referred to as an identification transmitter, since it provides the vehicle with the information necessary to identify the user or the mobile device.For example, the mobile device can provide a unique identifier that is recognized and verified by the vehicle to confirm the identity of the user or mobile device.

[0023] Optionally, it can be provided that the processing device is designed to control the charging via the at least one control output and to automatically stop the charging when a charging limit of the energy storage device is reached, in particular by deactivating an activation means, preferably MOSFETs, wherein the charging limit is preferably specified in the range of 50% to 95%, particularly preferably 70% to 90% of the maximum charging capacity of the energy storage device. This can have the advantage of optimally utilizing the energy storage device and, at the same time, avoiding overcharging, which could lead to damage to the energy storage device. It is also possible for the processing device to be designed to provide a charging current limit in order to avoid overloading the charging infrastructure.The combination of charging current limitation and automatic charging control can ensure efficient and safe charging of the energy storage device. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the mobile device is configured to use vehicle communication to trigger the security-relevant function, such as unlocking and / or opening the vehicle door. This can have the advantage that the user of the mobile device can open the vehicle conveniently and without using a physical key. Furthermore, vehicle communication can help facilitate access to the vehicle for authorized users while simultaneously preventing unauthorized access. Furthermore, it is possible that the mobile device is capable of locating the vehicle and informing the user of its location. This can be particularly useful if the vehicle is stolen or lost.Furthermore, it is possible for an activation function to trigger vehicle communication and thus the security-relevant function and / or authentication to be automatically activated when the mobile device approaches the vehicle. This allows a quick and easy connection between the mobile device and the vehicle to be established without the user having to manually establish a connection. Furthermore, the security-relevant function can be designed to be activated only for authorized mobile devices to ensure vehicle security.

[0024] Furthermore, it is conceivable for the mobile device to be designed as a mobile radio device or as a mobile identification transmitter, whereby the mobile identification transmitter, in contrast to the mobile radio device, is primarily and dedicated to initiating the security-relevant function and therefore preferably dispenses with a mobile radio interface. This can have the advantage of increasing the security of data transmission, since the mobile identification transmitter is designed specifically for this purpose and thus has a higher level of security. Furthermore, by dispensing with a mobile radio interface, the size of the device can be reduced, which is particularly advantageous for mobile applications. It is also possible for the mobile device to be equipped with biometric authentication to ensure even greater security.The combination of mobile identification and biometric authentication ensures particularly secure and reliable data transmission via vehicle communication.

[0025] Preferably, at least one measuring input of the processing device can be provided to monitor a charging voltage during charging and / or to detect an undervoltage and / or overvoltage at the energy storage device. The processing device is designed to control an activation means, in particular a MOSFET, to interrupt charging depending on the monitoring and / or detection. This can have the advantage of preventing overcharging of the energy storage device and thus increasing its service life.

[0026] The invention also relates to a mobile device, preferably in the form of a mobile identification transmitter (ID transmitter for short), in particular for triggering a security-relevant function on a vehicle via vehicle communication, preferably for unlocking the vehicle. The mobile device can have a device, preferably a device according to the invention and / or a processing device according to the invention. Thus, the mobile device according to the invention offers the same advantages as have been described in detail with reference to the other aspects of the invention, such as a device according to the invention, a processing device according to the invention, and a method according to the invention.

[0027] According to a further advantage, it can be provided that the mobile device further comprises at least one of the following, preferably electronic, components, preferably as part of an electronics system of the mobile device: a coupling arrangement which is electrically connected to the at least one communication port of the processing device and is preferably designed to provide an inductive coupling to the charging device for charging communication, and preferably forms a resonant circuit, a transmission arrangement to connect the coupling arrangement to the energy storage device for energy transmission, preferably comprising an (electronic) driver means and / or at least one activation means connected thereto, wherein the transmission arrangement is preferably electrically connected to the at least one control output of the processing device,to be controlled by the processing device by a sequence of control signals for influencing the energy transfer for charging the energy storage device, preferably by means of pulse width modulation, an activation and / or operating means for manually and / or automatically controlling an activation function, preferably to trigger the safety-relevant function on the vehicle, a display means for displaying an indication for charging, preferably a charge level of the energy storage device and / or a request for inductive charging. The display means on the mobile device is designed, for example, as a touchscreen. This can have the advantage of making operation of the mobile device more intuitive and easier for the user. By simply touching the screen, the user can, for example, trigger the activation function. It is also possible,The display also includes additional functions such as gesture control or voice control to make operating the mobile device even more convenient. In another embodiment, the display on the mobile device is configured as a touch-sensitive display to enable a robust display of relevant information.

[0028] It is also conceivable for the mobile device to monitor the charge level of the energy storage device. For this purpose, the monitored energy storage device can be connected to a monitoring device on the mobile device, which provides the monitoring. Furthermore, depending on the monitoring, an output - hereinafter also referred to as monitoring output - can be initiated, in particular by the monitoring device. The output can serve to issue a notification for charging and / or to indicate an insufficient charge level and / or to quantitatively indicate the charge level of the energy storage device and / or to issue a request for inductive charging. The output can be visual and / or acoustic, for example. For monitoring purposes, a threshold value can be set which indicates the charge level of the energy storage device at which a corresponding output should be made.The threshold value is preferably repeated and, in particular, regularly compared with the current charge level of the energy storage device to determine whether a discharge should be initiated. The monitored energy storage device can accordingly be designed as a rechargeable battery. The discharge can be initiated by the mobile device itself and / or externally from the mobile device. The latter can be enabled, for example, by the mobile device establishing a wireless connection to an output device external to the mobile device.

[0029] It is conceivable that several mobile devices - in particular those according to the invention - are provided which are designed the same or differently. For example, a first of the mobile devices is designed as a smartphone and a second of the mobile devices, in contrast, only as an electronic vehicle key. Often, a user mainly uses one of the devices and keeps the other only as a reserve and is therefore used less frequently. It can therefore happen that the recharging of the energy storage device in one of the devices is neglected. There is then a risk of the energy storage device becoming deeply discharged. It is therefore conceivable that the monitoring output is not carried out, or not only carried out, on the mobile device with the monitored energy storage device itself, but is also initiated outside the mobile device in order to issue a notification for charging. For example.For this purpose, the monitoring output can be provided via an output device on the vehicle and / or on a smartphone and / or another mobile device. To enable the monitoring output outside of the mobile device with the monitored energy storage device, a radio and preferably Bluetooth connection can be established between the mobile device and the vehicle / smartphone / device / output device. The output device can be, for example, a display device such as a vehicle dashboard, preferably in the center console and / or instrument panel.

[0030] The described monitoring output can have the advantage that the user does not have to keep an eye on the mobile device to monitor the charge level of the energy storage device. It is also possible for the output means on the vehicle or on the user's smartphone to provide additional information, such as the expected remaining operating time of the mobile device with the monitored energy storage device or the charging time required to charge the energy storage device. To ensure that the monitoring output functions reliably, the mobile device can regularly check the radio connection and automatically restore it if necessary. The output means can also comprise an app, preferably a smartphone app, to provide the output. Furthermore, the output means can be designed to output the output in the form of an alarm.

[0031] It is further conceivable that the processing device is designed to generate a Qi protocol via a coupling arrangement, wherein the coupling arrangement is preferably designed as a resonator circuit for this purpose, wherein the processing device is preferably designed to transmit messages at the communication port using a modulation method, and in particular an ASK and FSK modulation method. This can have the advantage of enabling wireless transmission of data and information between the processing device and a Qi-capable charging device. It is also possible for the processing device to be configured to automatically detect Qi-capable charging devices and establish a connection when a Qi protocol is detected.

[0032] Optionally, it is conceivable for the processing device to have an energy connection which is intended to be electrically connected to the energy storage device, preferably a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, in order to supply energy to the processing device, wherein the processing device can be designed accordingly to maintain the provision of an activation function and in particular also an operability of the processing device by initiating the energy transfer and / or controlling the charging and the associated maintenance of a sufficient charge state of the energy storage device, preferably after reaching a predefined charge limit of the energy storage device for a further at least 10 or at least 100 or at least 1000 activations of the activation function without further charging of the energy storage device.This can have the advantage of keeping the processing device operational, thus enabling continuous use. It is also possible for the activation function to be adjusted depending on the charge level and the remaining charge capacity of the energy storage device to ensure optimal use. For example, an energy-saving mode can be activated, in which energy consumption is reduced, for example, by reducing the range. This can achieve a longer operating time for the mobile device, which is particularly advantageous in applications with limited charging options.

[0033] Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, it can be advantageous for the mobile device to be designed for contactless charging, preferably according to a Qi standard. This can have the advantage that the mobile device can be charged without the use of cables or plugs, which increases ease of use and reduces the risk of damage to the charging cable or the charging port of the device. It is also possible for the mobile device to be equipped with a special housing that enables improved heat dissipation and thus ensures efficient and rapid charging of the device. For this purpose, a heat dissipation device can be provided on the housing, which is particularly advantageous when charging according to a Qi standard. For this purpose, the heat dissipation device has, for example, at least one heat conducting plate.

[0034] The invention also relates to a processing device, in particular in the form of a microcontroller. Further possible embodiments and extensions of the processing device include Bluetooth modules and Bluetooth SoCs (System-on-Chips), which provide Bluetooth connectivity and can either be connected directly to a microcontroller or provided as an integrated circuit with other functions on a circuit board. It is also possible for the processing device to be designed as a data processing device according to the invention.

[0035] The processing device can have at least one of the following components: at least one communication port to provide charging communication with a charging device and thereby initiate contactless energy transfer from the charging device to the mobile device for charging an energy storage device of the mobile device, at least one control output to control the charging of the energy storage device of the mobile device, wherein the processing device is preferably designed to carry out the charging communication according to a communication technology for inductive energy transfer, namely in particular according to a Qi standard.

[0036] Thus, the processing device according to the invention brings with it the same advantages as have been described in detail with reference to the further aspects of the invention, such as a device according to the invention, a data processing device according to the invention and a respective method according to the invention.

[0037] The invention also relates to a method for charging a mobile device, wherein the mobile device can be provided for triggering a safety-relevant function in a vehicle via vehicle communication, comprising the following steps, which are carried out by an electronic processing device of the mobile device, preferably consecutively and / or repeatedly:

[0038] Providing at least one communication function for vehicle communication,

[0039] Providing at least one charging communication function for charging communication with a charging device, in order to initiate a contactless energy transfer from the charging device to the mobile device for charging an energy storage device of the mobile device,

[0040] Initiating control of the charging of the mobile device's energy storage.

[0041] Advantageously, a device according to the invention and / or a mobile device according to the invention and / or a processing device according to the invention can be provided for carrying out the method. Thus, the method according to the invention provides the same advantages as those described in detail with reference to these further aspects of the invention.

[0042] Furthermore, within the scope of the invention, it is optionally possible and / or also protected as a method for the mobile device to be dedicated to triggering a safety-relevant function in a vehicle via vehicle communication, wherein a notification regarding charging the mobile device is preferably displayed when a charge level of a rechargeable energy storage device of the mobile device fulfills a charging condition, wherein the notification is preferably displayed on the mobile device itself and / or on a display device of the vehicle. This can have the advantage that the operator / driver of the vehicle is always informed about the charge level of their mobile device and can thus take timely measures to charge the device if necessary.It is also possible for the vehicle to automatically establish a wireless connection with the mobile device to exchange the charging status and other information, such as the vehicle's location and the battery level of the mobile device or the vehicle itself. This allows the vehicle to alert the driver in advance of an impending low-discharge of the mobile device and, if necessary, initiate automatic charging to ensure the device is ready for use at all times.

[0043] The vehicle can be configured, for example, as a motor vehicle and / or passenger vehicle and / or truck and / or electric vehicle and / or an at least partially automated vehicle. Furthermore, the vehicle can have a charging device, preferably in the center console. It is also possible for the vehicle to be equipped with a plurality of sensors and cameras to enable precise environmental detection and navigation. The charging device in the center console allows the user to charge their mobile and / or other electronic devices such as smartphones and tablets while driving.

[0044] The invention also provides a data processing device, in particular in the form of a processing device according to the invention or a processing device according to a device according to the invention or according to a respective method according to the invention, comprising means for executing the steps of the method according to the invention. Thus, the data processing device according to the invention provides the same advantages as have been described in detail with reference to a device according to the invention, a processing device according to the invention, or a respective method according to the invention.

[0045] The invention also relates to a computer program, in particular a computer program product, comprising instructions which, when the computer program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out at least one or the respective method according to the invention. The computer program according to the invention thus brings with it the same advantages as have been described in detail with reference to a respective method according to the invention. The computer can be a data processing device, in particular according to the invention, for example the device according to the invention, which executes the computer program. The computer can have at least one processor for executing the computer program. A non-volatile data memory can also be provided, in which the computer program is stored and from which the computer program can be read out by the processor for execution.

[0046] It is also conceivable for the processing device and / or the computer to comprise at least one integrated circuit such as a microprocessor or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or an application-specific standard product (ASSP) or a digital signal processor (DSP) or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or the like. The processing device or the computer can furthermore have at least one interface for data exchange, e.g. an Ethernet interface or an interface for LAN (Local Area Network) or WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) or System-on-a-Chip (SoC) or another radio interface such as Bluetooth or Near Field Communication (NFC). Furthermore, the processing device or the computer can be designed as part of one or more control units, ie also as a system of control units.It is also possible that the computer is designed as a mobile device, such as a smartphone.

[0047] The invention may also provide a computer-readable storage medium comprising the computer program according to the invention. The storage medium is designed, for example, as a data storage device such as a hard disk and / or a non-volatile memory and / or a memory card. The storage medium can, for example, be integrated into the computer.

[0048] Furthermore, the respective method according to the invention can also be implemented as a computer-implemented method.

[0049] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, which describes embodiments of the invention in detail with reference to the drawings. The features mentioned in the claims and in the description may be essential to the invention individually or in any combination. They show:

[0050] Fig. 1 is a schematic circuit diagram of embodiments of the invention.

[0051] Fig. 2 further schematic representations of embodiments of the invention.

[0052] Fig. 3 shows further schematic representations of embodiments of the invention. Fig. 4 shows a schematic visualization of a method according to embodiments of the invention.

[0053] In the following figures, identical reference numerals are used for the same technical features, even in different embodiments.

[0054] Fig. 1 illustrates, according to embodiments of the invention, a device 10 for a mobile device 1. The mobile device 1 can be provided for triggering a safety-relevant function in a vehicle 2 via vehicle communication. Such mobile devices 1 are, for example, electronic vehicle keys or a smartphone. As an electronic device, the mobile device 1 has an energy storage device 35 for operating the electronics, which, according to embodiments of the invention, can be designed as a rechargeable battery.

[0055] As part of the electronics, device 10 can include an electronic processing device 20. Processing device 20 is embodied, for example, as a microcontroller and can be primarily intended to provide at least one communication function for establishing vehicle communication. Vehicle communication is, for example, radio communication, via which, in particular, data for authentication on vehicle 2 is transmitted.

[0056] Furthermore, the device 10 has at least one communication port 65 of the processing device 20 in order to provide charging communication with a charging device 4 provided outside the mobile device and illustrated in Fig. 2. This allows contactless energy transfer from the charging device 4 to the mobile device 1 to charge an energy storage device 35 of the mobile device 1. In other words, in addition to the communication function for vehicle communication, the processing device 20 can also provide at least one charging communication function for charging communication. This makes it possible to make a charging system, and preferably a Qi charging system, available for charging the mobile device 1. Charging can accordingly take place through contactless energy transfer using a low-frequency electromagnetic field, in particular in the frequency range from 87 kHz to 205 kHz, preferably 180 kHz.Vehicle communication, however, can take place via Bluetooth and in particular Bluetooth Low Energy, preferably in the frequency range from 2.4 GHz to 2.4835 GHz. Due to its primary focus on vehicle communication, the processing device 20 can then also be referred to as a Bluetooth Low Energy controller. Expanding the programming of the processing device 20 for charging communication, i.e., expanding it to include at least one charging communication function, can have the advantage that a separate Qi charging IC can be dispensed with. By using the processing device 20 already present in the mobile device 1, preferably in the form of an IC (integrated circuit), for charging communication and possibly also charging control, installation space can be saved and the technical effort required for production can be reduced.

[0057] The device 10 can have at least one control output 64 of the processing device 20 for controlling the charging (i.e., charge control) of the energy storage device 35 of the mobile device 1. This enables—also by the processing device 20—a control and / or monitoring and / or regulation of the charge state of the energy storage device 35. A further advantage of the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 1 is that a very low quiescent current can be achieved.

[0058] The processing device 20 can be designed as an IC and in particular a microcontroller 20 for executing the at least one communication function in the form of one or more Bluetooth communication functions, preferably Bluetooth Low Energy communication functions. Furthermore, in addition to the one or more Bluetooth communication functions, the processing device 20 can be designed to execute charging communication functions for charging communication with the charging device 4. For this purpose, at least one protocol for contactless charging, preferably a Qi protocol, preferably using a Qi stack, can additionally be implemented in the processing device 20. In other words, the processing device 20 can be further developed to initiate and / or control the contactless energy transfer for charging.This has the advantage of eliminating the need for an additional, separate electronic component such as a Qi driver. This makes the mobile device more compact and less complex to manufacture.

[0059] The processing device 20 can further be designed to provide at least one control function. This can make it possible to control the charging via the at least one control output 64, preferably by means of a predefined charging method. The charging method can specify a temporal profile of a charging current and / or a charging voltage. An example of this is a CC-CV method, in which the charging process is initially carried out with a constant current (CC) until the final charging voltage is reached. Subsequently, the final charging voltage is kept constant (CV), and the charging current gradually decreases until the charging process is completed. To implement the charging method, a plurality of electronic activation means, in particular MOSFETs 41, 42, 43, can be provided.The activation means can be used to control the charging currents and can be controlled by the processing device 20 via a suitable control mechanism. The control mechanism can be provided by the control function. Various control mechanisms, such as PWM signals, can be considered to ensure precise control of the charging currents. Furthermore, by using the MOSFETs as activation means, high switching frequencies can be achieved, leading to fast and efficient charging of the energy storage device. The control function, and in particular the control mechanism, can be used to generate a DC voltage and / or transform a voltage to thereby provide the charging voltage.

[0060] Furthermore, the processing device 20 can be designed to control the charging via the at least one control output 64 and to automatically stop the charging when a charging limit of the energy storage device 35 is reached, in particular by deactivating one of the activation means, preferably the MOSFET 43.

[0061] Furthermore, at least one measuring input 62 of the processing device 20 can be provided in order to monitor a charging voltage during charging and / or to detect an undervoltage and / or overvoltage at the energy storage device 35.

[0062] The device 10 shown in detail in Fig. 1 or the mobile device 1 shown in Fig. 2 can, according to embodiments of the invention, further comprise a coupling arrangement LR, CR, CP, which is electrically connected to the at least one communication port 65 of the processing device 20. The coupling arrangement can be designed to provide an inductive coupling with the charging device 4 for charging communication. For this purpose, the coupling arrangement is designed, for example, as a resonant circuit, through which a charging protocol, preferably a Qi protocol, can be generated. This enables the processing device 20 to communicate with an existing charging device 4, in particular a base charging station, via the communication ports 65 using ASK (Amplitude Shift Keying, for transmitting) and FSK (Frequency Shift Keying, for receiving).

[0063] Furthermore, the mobile device 1 can have a transmission arrangement 34 for connecting the coupling arrangement LR, CR, CP to the energy storage device 35 for energy transmission, preferably comprising a driver means 33 and / or at least one activation means 41, 42 connected thereto. The transmission arrangement 34 can be electrically connected to the at least one control output 64 of the processing device 20 in order to be controlled by the processing device 20 via a sequence of control signals (such as PWM) for influencing the energy transmission for charging the energy storage device 35. For charging, the charging voltage can first be rectified by a rectifier 36, smoothed, and then brought to the final charging voltage for the energy storage device 35, in particular a Li-Ion battery, e.g., 4.2 V / 1 A battery, via a step-down regulator. The final charging voltage (e.g.,100% or 80%) of the energy storage device 35 can be defined by the user in order to extend the service life of the energy storage device 35.

[0064] Furthermore, Fig. 2 also shows an activation and / or operating means 5 of the mobile device 1 for manually and / or automatically controlling an activation function to trigger the safety-relevant function on the vehicle 2. A display means 6 can also be part of the mobile device 1 to display an indication for charging, preferably a charge state of the energy storage device 35 and / or a request for inductive charging.

[0065] The processing device 20, shown in further detail in Fig. 1, can be designed to generate a Qi protocol via a coupling arrangement LR, GR, CP. For this purpose, the coupling arrangement LR, CR, CP can be designed as a resonator oscillating circuit. This is excited, for example, by the charging device 4. Through this energy transfer, the charging protocol, such as a Qi protocol, is modulated (modulated data signal). The data signal can thus be forwarded to the processing device 20 using a modulation method. For example, information regarding the charging current and / or final charging voltage and / or charging time and / or battery type is exchanged via the data signal. Furthermore, it is possible to transmit data to the charging device 4 using the or another modulation method. Modulation methods used include, for example, FSK and ASK, FSK in particular for sending and ASK for replying.

[0066] Furthermore, the processing device 20 can be configured to transmit messages using a modulation method, in particular an ASK and FSK modulation method, at the at least one communication port 65. For this purpose, the at least one communication port 65 can be configured as an IO port.

[0067] The processing device 20 may have a power connection 66, which is intended to be electrically connected to the energy storage device 35 for supplying power to the processing device 20.

[0068] As part of the processing device 20, a communication interface 21 can be provided to control the coupling arrangement LR, CR, CP according to a charging communication protocol such as Qi. Furthermore, a Qi stack 22 can be implemented to provide the charging communication function. A protection means 23 can enable monitoring of the charging process in the form of a software function. A charging means 24 can measure an input voltage Vin, an input current lin, and an output voltage Vout to control the charging process. Furthermore, a modulation means can be provided, for example, to provide the PWM 25.

[0069] Furthermore, Fig. 1 shows an operational amplifier 31, which can be connected between the measurement port 62 of the processing device 20 and the output of the rectifier 36. The rectifier 36, also shown, can rectify the voltage across the capacitor CP, which is then smoothed by a smoothing capacitor 37. A voltage regulator 32 can be provided to operate the driver 33. The driver 33 can be embodied as an integrated circuit and / or be part of a transmission arrangement 34. This may also include a smoothing coil 45 to provide the charging voltage. The input voltage can be monitored via analog ports 61 of the processing device 20, and the charging process and / or the charging voltage can be monitored via corresponding analog ports 63 of the processing device 20. In this way, it can be determined, for example, whether the output voltage is correctly set by the PWM signal.

[0070] The processing device 20 shown in Figs. 1 to 3 can, according to embodiments of the invention, be provided in the form of a microcontroller 20 for a mobile device 1. A communication port 65 can be used to establish charging communication with a charging device 4 and thereby initiate contactless energy transfer from the charging device 4 to the mobile device 1 for charging an energy storage device 35 of the mobile device 1. Furthermore, at least one control output 64 can be provided for controlling the charging of the energy storage device 35 of the mobile device 1. The processing device 20 can be designed to carry out the charging communication according to a communication technology for inductive energy transfer, namely in particular according to a Qi standard.

[0071] Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a method 100 for charging a mobile device 1. According to a first method step 101, at least one communication function for vehicle communication can be provided. According to a second method step 102, at least one charging communication function for charging communication with a charging device 4 can be provided, in order to initiate a contactless energy transfer from the charging device 4 to the mobile device 1 for charging an energy storage device 35 of the mobile device 1. Furthermore, according to a third method step 103, initiation of a control of the charging of the energy storage device 35 of the mobile device 1 can be provided.

[0072] Also shown in Fig. 3 is a computer program 200, a storage medium 15 and a data processing device 10 according to embodiments of the invention.

[0073] The above explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively by way of examples. Of course, individual features of the embodiments can be freely combined with one another, provided they are technically feasible, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0074] List of reference symbols

[0075] 1 mobile device

[0076] 2 vehicles

[0077] 3 door handle

[0078] 4 Charging device, Qi charging device

[0079] 5 Controls

[0080] 6 Display means

[0081] 7 Display device

[0082] 10 Device

[0083] 15 Storage medium

[0084] 20 processing device, microcontroller

[0085] 21 Communications interface, Communications

[0086] 22 Qi program, Qi stack

[0087] 23 Protections

[0088] 24 charging devices, charge algorithm

[0089] 25 modulation means, PWM

[0090] 31 operational amplifiers

[0091] 32 Voltage regulator, power supply

[0092] 33 Drivers, MOSFET Driver

[0093] 34 Buck Power Train, transmission arrangement

[0094] 35 rechargeable battery, energy storage

[0095] 36 Rectifiers, full-wave or half-wave rectifiers

[0096] 37 smoothing capacitor

[0097] 41 MOSFET

[0098] 42 MOSFET

[0099] 43 MOSFET

[0100] 45 smoothing coil

[0101] 61 analog ports input

[0102] 62 measurement ports

[0103] 63 analog ports output

[0104] 64 Control output

[0105] 65 communication ports

[0106] 66 Energy connection

[0107] 100 procedures

[0108] 200 computer programs

[0109] CP second input capacitor

[0110] CR first input capacitor

[0111] ASK.FSK communication lines

[0112] LR charging coil

Claims

Claims 1. Device (10) for a mobile device (1) which is provided for triggering a safety-relevant function in a vehicle (2) via vehicle communication, comprising: an electronic processing device (20) for providing at least one communication function for establishing the vehicle communication, - at least one communication port (65) of the processing device (20) to provide charging communication with a charging device (4) and thereby initiate contactless energy transfer from the charging device (4) to the mobile device (1) for charging an energy storage device (35) of the mobile device (1), - at least one control output (64) of the processing device (20) for controlling the charging of the energy storage device (35) of the mobile device (1).

2. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processing device (20) is designed as a microcontroller (20) for executing the at least one communication function in the form of one or more Bluetooth communication functions, preferably Bluetooth low energy communication functions, wherein for this purpose at least one Bluetooth protocol is implemented in the processing device (20), preferably by a Bluetooth stack, in order to establish a Bluetooth, preferably Bluetooth low energy, connection with the vehicle (2) for vehicle communication, wherein the processing device (20) is designed in addition to the one or more Bluetooth communication functions for executing charging communication functions for charging communication with the charging device (4), wherein for this purpose at least one protocol for contactless charging,preferably Qi protocol, preferably by a Qi stack, is implemented to initiate and / or control the contactless energy transfer for charging., 3. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processing device (20) is designed to provide at least one charging communication function for the charging communication with the charging device (4) in order to initiate the contactless energy transfer for charging via the at least one communication port (65), wherein the charging communication differs from the vehicle communication with regard to the communication technology used, wherein the communication technology of the charging communication is preferably designed according to a standard for contactless energy transfer in order to provide the contactless energy transfer for charging via a resonant inductive coupling of the mobile device (1) with the charging device (4), wherein the processing device (20) is designed to provide at least one control function, preferably by means of PWM modulation,to control the charging via the at least one control output (64), preferably by means of a predefined charging method by which a temporal profile of a charging current and / or a charging voltage is predetermined, preferably comprising a CC-CV method, particularly preferably by controlling electronic activation means, in particular MOSFETS (41, 42, 43).

4. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic processing device (20) is designed to carry out processing for providing a radio connection, preferably a Bluetooth connection, preferably a Bluetooth low energy connection, for transmitting, preferably encrypted, data to the vehicle (2) for vehicle communication, in order to carry out authentication on the vehicle (2) based on the transmitted data in order to trigger the security-relevant function depending on the success of the authentication.

5. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the processing device (20) is designed to control the charging via the at least one control output (64) and to stop the charging automatically when a charging limit of the energy storage device (35) is reached, in particular by deactivating an activation means (43), preferably MOSFETs (43), wherein the charging limit is preferably predetermined in the range from 50% to 95%, particularly preferably 70% to 90% of the maximum charging capacity of the energy storage device (35).

6. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the mobile device (1) is designed to trigger the security-relevant function in the form of unlocking and / or door opening on the vehicle (2) through the vehicle communication, wherein the mobile device (1) is designed as a mobile radio device or as a mobile identification transmitter (1), wherein the mobile identification transmitter (1), in contrast to the mobile radio device, is primarily and dedicatedly designed to initiate the security-relevant function and therefore preferably dispenses with a mobile radio interface.

7. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one measuring input (62) of the processing device (20) is provided in order to monitor a charging voltage during charging and / or to detect an undervoltage and / or overvoltage at the energy storage device (35), wherein the processing device (20) is designed to control an activation means (43), in particular MOSFET (43), to interrupt the charging as a function of the monitoring and / or detection.

8. Mobile device (1), preferably in the form of a mobile ID transmitter, for triggering a security-relevant function on a vehicle (2) via vehicle communication, preferably for unlocking the vehicle (2), comprising a device (10) according to one of the preceding claims. Mobile device (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the mobile device (1) further comprises: a coupling arrangement (LR, GR, CP) which is electrically connected to the at least one communication port (65) of the processing device (20) and is designed to provide an inductive coupling to the charging device (4) for charging communication, a transmission arrangement (34) for connecting the coupling arrangement (LR, CR, CP) to the energy storage device (35) for energy transmission, preferably comprising a driver means (33) and / or at least one activation means (41, 42) connected thereto, wherein the transmission arrangement (34) is electrically connected to the at least one control output (64) of the processing device (20) in order to be controlled by the processing device (20) by a sequence of control signals for influencing the energy transmission for charging the energy storage device (35),preferably by means of pulse width modulation, an activation and / or operating means (5) for manually and / or automatically controlling an activation function in order to trigger the safety-relevant function on the vehicle (2), a display means (6) for displaying an indication for charging, preferably a charge state of the energy storage device (35) and / or a request for inductive charging.

10. Mobile device (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the processing device (20) is designed to generate a Qi protocol via a coupling arrangement (LR, GR, CP), wherein the coupling arrangement (LR, CR, CP) is designed for this purpose as a resonator oscillating circuit, wherein the processing device (20) is designed to carry out a message transmission at the communication connection (65) by means of a modulation method and in particular an ASK and FSK modulation method.

11. Mobile device (1) according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the processing device (20) has a power connection (66) which is intended to be electrically connected to the energy storage device (35), preferably a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, for supplying power to the processing device (20), wherein the processing device (20) is designed accordingly to maintain the provision of an activation function and in particular also an operability of the processing device (20) by initiating the energy transfer and / or controlling the charging and the associated maintenance of a sufficient charge state of the energy storage device (35),preferably after reaching a predefined charging limit of the energy storage device for a further at least 10 or at least 100 or at least 1000 activations of the activation function without further charging of the energy storage device (35)., 12. Mobile device (1) in the form of a mobile ID transmitter, preferably in the form of an electronic vehicle key, which is primarily and dedicatedly designed to initiate a security-relevant function in a vehicle (2), wherein the mobile device (1) is designed to be charged contactlessly, preferably according to a Qi standard.

13. Processing device (20) in the form of a microcontroller (20) for a mobile device (1), comprising: - at least one communication port (65) to provide charging communication with a charging device (4) and thereby initiate contactless energy transfer from the charging device (4) to the mobile device (1) for charging an energy storage device (35) of the mobile device (1), - at least one control output (64) for controlling the charging of the energy storage device (35) of the mobile device (1), characterized in that the processing device (20) is designed to carry out the charging communication according to a communication technology for inductive energy transmission, namely according to a Qi standard.

14. A method (100) for charging a mobile device (1), wherein the mobile device (1) is provided for triggering a safety-relevant function in a vehicle (2) via vehicle communication, comprising the following steps, which are carried out by an electronic processing device (20) of the mobile device (1): Providing (101) at least one communication function for vehicle communication, Providing (102) at least one charging communication function for charging communication with a charging device (4) in order to initiate a contactless energy transfer from the charging device (4) to the mobile device (1) for charging an energy storage device (35) of the mobile device (1), Initiating (103) a control of the charging of the energy storage device (35) of the mobile device (1).

15. Method (100) according to claim 14, characterized in that a device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7 and / or a mobile device (1) according to one of claims 8 to 12 and / or a processing device (20) according to claim 13 is provided for carrying out the method (100).

16. Method for charging a mobile device (1), preferably according to one of claims 14 to 15, characterized in that the mobile device (1) is dedicated to triggering a safety-relevant function in a vehicle (2) via vehicle communication, wherein an indication for charging the mobile device (1) is displayed when a charge state of a rechargeable energy store (35) of the mobile device (1) fulfills a charging condition, wherein the indication is preferably displayed on the mobile device (1) itself and / or on a display device (7) of the vehicle (2).

17. A computer program (200) comprising instructions which, when the computer program (200) is executed by a computer (10), cause the computer (10) to carry out the method according to one of claims 14 to 16.

18. Data processing device (10) which is arranged to carry out the method according to one of claims 14 to 16.

19. A storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a processing device (20), cause the processing device (20) to carry out the method according to any one of claims 14 to 16.

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