Device for communicating power and data comprising a glass sheet

Abstract

Disclosed is a device (1) for communicating with a second device (2), comprising: a coil (16) suitable for transferring energy to the second device (2) via inductive coupling, when the second device (2) is placed in a coupling position; an optoelectronic component (18) suitable for sending to the second device (2) or receiving from the second device (2) a data-carrying light ray, when the second device (2) is in the coupling position; a glass sheet (6) configured to be passed through by the light ray, 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 suitable for being placed in abutment against the second device (2) when the second device (2) is in the coupling position.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] TITLE: Energy and data communication device comprising a sheet of glass

[0003] FIELD OF INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to a device for transferring energy and data to another device.

[0005] STATE OF THE ART

[0006] With the increasing number of electronic devices, the need for efficient and reliable power and data transfer solutions is becoming increasingly critical.

[0007] In most applications, data and power are transferred from one device to another using metallic wires.

[0008] Some devices consist of a sheet of glass, which is perforated to allow these metal wires to pass through. Data is transferred via this glass. For aesthetic reasons, a layer of opaque enamel can be applied to the glass to conceal the metal wires, which complicates the manufacturing process.

[0009] However, the drilling process has disadvantages: it reduces the mechanical resistance of the glass sheet and thus increases the risk of the glass sheet breaking.

[0010] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] One aim of the invention is to enable a device to transfer energy and data without degrading its mechanical strength.

[0012] 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.The device, which is a primary object of this disclosure, may also include the following optional features, taken alone or in combination with each other whenever technically possible.

[0013] Preferably, the glass sheet is adapted to allow energy transfer through it, and the inner surface faces the coil.

[0014] 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.

[0015] Preferably, laminated glazing includes an interlayer sheet between the glass sheet and the second glass sheet, the interlayer sheet being made of a viscoelastic polymer.

[0016] Preferably, the optoelectronic component is surrounded by the coil.

[0017] Preferably, the device includes an optoelectronic transmitter to send a data-carrying light beam to the second device when the second device is in the coupling position, and an optoelectronic receiver to receive another data-carrying light beam from the second device when the second device is in the coupling position.

[0018] Preferably, the light beam is in the visible range.

[0019] Also proposed is a system comprising the device which is the first subject of this disclosure, and a second device suitable for being placed in a coupling position in which the second device is supported on the external surface, the second device comprising: a second coil suitable for receiving the energy transferred by inductive coupling, when the second device is in the coupling position, and a second optoelectronic component suitable for communicating with the optoelectronic component, when the second device is in the decoupling position.

[0020] Preferably, the second device is suitable for placement in a decoupled position in which: the second device is at a distance from the device, the second coil is unsuitable for receiving energy transferred by inductive coupling, and the second optoelectronic component is unsuitable for communicating with the electronic component.

[0021] Preferably, the second optoelectronic component is powered by the energy received by the second coil. 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 reproducing the audio data to a user.

[0022] Preferably, the vibrating element includes the glass sheet.

[0023] Preferably, the exciter is powered by the energy received by the second coil.

[0024] 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.

[0025] Preferably, the second device 2 includes 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.

[0026] DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0027] Other features, purposes 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:

[0028] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a system according to a first embodiment in a decoupled position.

[0029] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a system according to the first embodiment in a coupling position.

[0030] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a system according to a second embodiment in a coupling position.

[0031] Across all figures, similar elements bear identical references.

[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF IMPLEMENTATION METHODS

[0033] 1) System (first embodiment)

[0034] Qi has represented in Figure 1 a system according to a first embodiment. The system comprises a first device 1 and a second device 2 intended to communicate with each other. The first device 1 includes 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 installation in a vehicle, in particular a motor vehicle.

[0035] Glazing 4 is laminated glazing, meaning that glazing 4 comprises a plurality of sheets superimposed and assembled together, so as to form a stack of sheets.

[0036] 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 to the outside of the first device 1. Qi will see later that this outer 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 by the outer surface 10. Moreover, in the case where the sheet of glass forms a glazing of a vehicle, the terms "inner" or "outer" are independent, in this text, of the position of the surface with respect to the inside or outside of the passenger compartment: the outer surface 10 can be arranged inside as well as outside the passenger compartment.

[0037] The external surface 10 is, for example, a flat surface, and the internal surface 8 can be parallel to the external surface 10.

[0038] The first sheet of glass 6 can have a thickness between 0.3 mm and 2.1 mm.

[0039] The glazing 4 may also include a second sheet of glass 12.

[0040] The second sheet of glass 12 can have a thickness between 0.3 mm and 2.1 mm.

[0041] The first sheet of glass 6 and the second sheet of glass 12 can be formed from organic glass or mineral glass.

[0042] Organic glass can be made from a compound containing acrylates, preferably polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Organic glass can also contain polycarbonates.

[0043] The glazing 4 may also include at least one interlayer sheet 14 extending between the first glass sheet 6 and the second glass sheet 12. The glazing 4 may include a single interlayer sheet 14 extending between the first glass sheet 6 and the second glass sheet 12.

[0044] The interlayer sheet 14 is made of an adhesive material that allows the glass sheets to be joined together, is visually transparent and electrically insulating.

[0045] 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).

[0046] 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 lower hydroxyl group content than the outer layers.

[0047] 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 of PVB and a second interlayer sheet of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).

[0048] The glazing 4 also 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).

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] The glazing 4 also includes an optoelectronic component 18, called the first optoelectronic component 18. The optoelectronic component 18 is capable of emitting a light beam carrying data destined for the second device 2, or receiving such a light beam.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] The first glass sheet 6 discussed previously has the following properties: it can be traversed by the light beam emitted by the first optoelectronic component 18 or by a light beam coming from outside and destined for 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.

[0055] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 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 (LED).

[0056] Glazing 4 can be obtained by a lamination process.

[0057] The first device 1 also includes a power supply 18 to supply the first coil 16 with electrical current. This power supply 18 includes, for example, a battery.

[0058] The first device 1 further includes 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 transmitter. The encoder 20 uses a modulation scheme for this data transmission.

[0059] The second device 2 comprises a housing 22 having an external surface 24 adapted to bear against the external surface 10 of the first device 1, and thus be placed in the coupling position described previously. The external surface 24 is preferably complementary to the external surface 10 of the glazing 4.

[0060] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 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.

[0061] The system may also 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.

[0062] 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 coupled position. Thus, energy can be transferred from the first coil 16 to the second coil 26 in this coupled position. When the second coil 26 receives this energy, it generates an electric current used to power other components of the second device 2.

[0063] 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.

[0064] The second device 2 also includes a second optoelectronic component 28 capable of communicating with the first optoelectronic component 18, when the second device 2 is in the coupling position.

[0065] 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.

[0066] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 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. The second device 2 also includes a decoder 30 configured to receive the electrical signal generated by the photoelectric receiver and to extract the transmitted data.

[0067] In addition, the second device 2 includes an electronic output component 32 configured to exploit the data obtained by the decoder 30.

[0068] 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 of the second optoelectronic component 28, the decoder 30 and the output electronic component 32.

[0069] The second device 2 can be a passive device, in the sense that it lacks an autonomous power source, and all the aforementioned components are powered only by the second coil 26, when it receives energy by inductive coupling (in particular supplied by the first device 1).

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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 via the housing 22 in contact with the glazing 4, when the second device 2 is in the coupling position.

[0072] 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.

[0073] A process implemented by the system according to the first embodiment comprises the following steps.

[0074] The second device 2 is initially in a decoupled position (see figure 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.

[0075] The second device 2 is placed in the coupling position (see figure 2).

[0076] The second device 2 can be fixed to the first device 1 by appropriate fixing means, so as to be held in the coupling position.

[0077] In the coupled position, the housing 22 rests on the external surface 10. It may also be provided that, in this coupled position:

[0078] • the winding axes of coils 16, 26 are coincident,

[0079] • 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).

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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 plate 6 through its inner surface 8 and exits through its outer surface 10. The light beam then reaches the second optoelectronic component 28. In Figure 2, the trajectory 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.

[0082] 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, as described in the application 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 reproducing the audio data.

[0083] The system can be used in any environment involving the use of a glazing unit 4. For example, the first device 1 can be integrated into a vehicle, and the glazing unit 4 can form part of the vehicle's roof. In this case, the second device 2 can be a removable element that can be placed on or removed from the glazing unit 4. Alternatively, the glazing unit 4 can be selected from a windshield and a side window of a motor vehicle.

[0084] 2) 9 / st è me (second embodiment)

[0085] Qi has represented in figure 3 a system according to a second embodiment, in the coupling position.

[0086] 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).

[0087] 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 Figure 3 by a downward black arrow), whereas it was the reverse in the first embodiment.

[0088] 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.

[0089] 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.

[0090] In another application of this second embodiment, the input electronic component 31 is a microphone which acquires an acoustic wave and generates audio data on its basis; this audio data is part of the data carried by the light beam.

[0091] A process 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 Figure 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 its outer surface 10 and exits through its 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.

[0092] 3) Other embodiments

[0093] Other systems than those shown in the figures and discussed previously can be considered.

[0094] 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 source 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.

[0095] In a two-way communication embodiment:

[0096] • the first device 1 comprises at least one first optoelectronic transmitter and at least one first optoelectronic receiver, and

[0097] • 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) suitable for transferring energy to the second device (2) by inductive coupling, when the second device (2) is placed in a coupling position, • an optoelectronic component (18) suitable for sending to the second device (2) or receiving from the second device (2) a light beam carrying data, when the second device (2) is in the coupling position, • a sheet of glass (6) adapted to allow the light ray to pass through it, the sheet of glass (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 suitable for bearing on 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, in which 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 to send to the second device (2) a light beam carrying data, when the second device (2) is in the coupling position, and • an optoelectronic receiver to receive 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) suitable for receiving the energy transferred by inductive coupling, when the second device (2) is in the coupling position, • a second optoelectronic component (28) suitable for communicating with the optoelectronic component, when the second device (2) is in the coupling position.

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

10. Subsystem 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. Subsystem according to any one of claims 8 to 10, in which • The optoelectronic component (18) is designed 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. A system according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein: • the second device (2) includes 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. A 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 reel (26), • the second optoelectronic component (28) is configured to emit a light beam carrying images acquired by the camera (31).

Images