GB2629188A

GB2629188A - A system for charging a mobile device in a vehicle

Info

Publication number: GB2629188A
Application number: GB2305822.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Leker Adam; Rowe Mark; Krol Agnieszka
Original assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Current assignee: Jaguar Land Rover Ltd
Priority date: 2023-04-20
Filing date: 2023-04-20
Publication date: 2024-10-23
Also published as: GB202305822D0

Abstract

A system 100 for charging a mobile device inside a vehicle comprises a vehicle part 20 having an upright component 21. A wireless charging device (30, fig. 3B) is attached to a portion of the upright component and a cover 40 is attached to the upright component, defining a pocket 41. The cover comprises an inner surface facing the upright component and covers at least a portion of the upright component to define a wireless charging zone 50 in the pocket to receive a mobile device to be charged by the wireless charging device. The cover comprises elastically stretchable material to provide a force to bias the mobile device towards the upright component when the mobile device is within the wireless charging zone. A spacer may be connected to the inner surface of the cover to transmit the force provided by the elastically stretchable material of the cover. The upright component may be a back of a vehicle seat. The mobile device may be a mobile phone or a tablet computer.

Description

A SYSTEM FOR CHARGING A MOBILE DEVICE IN A VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a system for charging a mobile device in a vehicle. In particular, but not exclusively it relates to the system and to the vehicle.

BACKGROUND

The ability to charge a mobile device such as a mobile phone or tablet computer is possible in a vehicle, by for example, connecting the device to a dc power source, such as a cigarette lighter socket or a universal serial bus (USB) port comprised within the vehicle. Similarly, as wireless charging technology has been adopted, wireless charging pads have been incorporated into horizontal surfaces of vehicles such as vehicle centre consoles, so that mobile devices can be placed onto the surfaces.

It is an aim of the present invention to address one or more of the disadvantages associated with the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and embodiments of the invention provide a system and a vehicle as claimed in the appended claims.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for charging a mobile device inside a vehicle, the system comprising: a vehicle part comprising an upright component; a wireless charging device attached to a first portion of the upright component; a cover attached to the upright component, defining a pocket, the cover comprising an inner surface facing the upright component, the cover covering at least the first portion of the upright component to define a wireless charging zone in the pocket to receive a mobile device to be charged by the wireless charging device, and wherein the cover comprises elastically stretchable material to provide a force to bias the mobile device towards the upright component when the mobile device is within the wireless charging zone.

An advantage is that that uniform charging of the mobile device can be achieved, because the cover associated with the pocket generates a bias force biasing the mobile device towards the wireless charging device.

The system may further comprise a spacer connected to the inner surface of the cover, and wherein the spacer is configured to transmit the force, provided by the elastically stretchable material of the cover, to the mobile device when the mobile device is within the wireless charging zone.

The spacer may comprise an elongate biasing surface, the elongate biasing surface abuttable against the mobile device when the mobile device is within the wireless charging zone.

The cover may additionally cover a second portion of the upright component, to define a storage zone in the pocket that is positionally offset from the wireless charging zone to enable one or more items to be stored while the mobile device is in the wireless charging zone.

An advantage is that that uniform charging of the mobile device can be achieved without compromising vehicle storage space, because items can be stored without interfering with charging of the mobile device.

A perimeter of the wireless charging zone, separating the wireless charging zone from the storage zone, may be defined by a holder, the holder configured to locate the mobile device within the wireless charging zone. The upright component may comprise the holder.

A portion of the cover overlaying the first portion of the upright component may comprise an aperture. The system may comprise a covering material covering the aperture, and wherein the covering material is translucent or transparent. The covering material may comprise netting attached to the inner surface of the cover, the netting covering the aperture. The perimeter of the aperture may be rectangular. The cover may comprise, at a perimeter of the aperture, mechanical reinforcement. The spacer may extend from a first side of the perimeter of the aperture to a second side of the perimeter of the aperture.

The upright component may comprise a hole through which at least a portion of the wireless charging device can fit to minimise a separation of the mobile device from the wireless charging device, or wherein the upright component comprises an electrically transparent region to separate the wireless charging device from the mobile device.

The pocket may comprise at least one cooling hole, the at least one cooling hole being configured to admit air between the upright component and the cover when the mobile device is within the wireless charging zone.

The system may comprise a switch comprising a first configuration in which the wireless charging device is connected to an electrical power supply, and a second configuration in which the wireless charging device is isolated from the electrical power supply.

The upright component may be a back of a vehicle seat.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for charging a mobile device inside a vehicle, the system comprising: a vehicle part comprising an upright component a wireless charging device attached to a first portion of the upright component; a cover attached to the upright component, defining a pocket, the cover comprising an inner surface facing the upright component, the cover covering the first portion of the upright component to define a wireless charging zone in the pocket to receive a mobile device to be charged by the wireless charging device, and the cover additionally covering a second portion of the upright component to define a storage zone in the pocket that is positionally offset from the wireless charging zone to enable one or more items to be stored while the mobile device is in the wireless charging zone.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for charging a mobile device inside a vehicle, the system comprising: a vehicle part comprising a component; a wireless charging device attached to a first portion of the component; a cover attached to the component, defining a pocket, the cover comprising an inner surface facing the component, the cover covering at least the first portion of the component to define a wireless charging zone in the pocket to receive a mobile device to be charged by the wireless charging device, and wherein the cover comprises elastically stretchable material to provide a force to bias the mobile device towards the component when the mobile device is within the wireless charging zone.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for charging a mobile device inside a vehicle, the system comprising: a vehicle part comprising a component a wireless charging device attached to a first portion of the component; a cover attached to the component, defining a pocket, the cover comprising an inner surface facing the component, the cover covering the first portion of the component to define a wireless charging zone in the pocket to receive a mobile device to be charged by the wireless charging device, and the cover additionally covering a second portion of the component to define a storage zone in the pocket that is positionally offset from the wireless charging zone to enable one or more items to be stored while the mobile device is in the wireless charging zone.

According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising the system.

Within the scope of this application it is expressly intended that the various aspects, embodiments, examples and alternatives set out in the preceding paragraphs, in the claims and/or in the following description and drawings, and in particular the individual features thereof, may be taken independently or in any combination that falls within the scope of the appended claims. That is, all embodiments and/or features of any embodiment can be combined in any way and/or combination that falls within the scope of the appended claims, unless such features are incompatible. The applicant reserves the right to change any originally filed claim or file any new claim accordingly, including the right to amend any originally filed claim to depend from and/or incorporate any feature of any other claim although not originally claimed in that manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

One or more embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a vehicle; FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a system for charging a mobile device in a vehicle; FIGS. 3A, 3B illustrate front and rear perspective views of the system for charging a mobile device in a vehicle; and FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded example of a system for charging a mobile device in a vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a vehicle in which embodiments of the invention can be implemented. In some, but not necessarily all examples, the vehicle is a passenger vehicle, also referred to as a passenger car or as an automobile. In other examples, embodiments of the invention can be implemented for other applications, such as commercial vehicles.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view and illustrates a longitudinal x-axis between the front and rear of the vehicle representing a centreline, an orthogonal lateral y-axis between left and right lateral sides of the vehicle, and a vertical z-axis. A forward/fore direction typically faced by a driver's seat is in the negative x-direction; rearward/aft is +x. A rightward direction as seen from the driver's seat is in the positive y-direction; leftward is -y. These are a first lateral direction and a second lateral direction.

Use of devices, such as mobile telephones and / or tablet computers is now widespread in many countries.

In recent years though, particularly following the adoption of smartphone type mobile phones, it has been observed that the time duration over which a mobile telephone may maintain charge, from a fully-charged state to a fully-discharged state, is often measured in hours. This compares with the ability to maintain charge over several days, for mobile telephones which do not incorporate "smart" features.

Some users may now wish or need to charge or top-up their mobile device more than once a day.

The ability to charge a mobile device such as a mobile phone or tablet computer is possible in a vehicle, by for example, connecting the device to a dc power source, such as a cigarette lighter socket or a universal serial (USB) port comprised within the vehicle.

Similarly, as wireless charging technology has become more commonplace, wireless charging devices have been incorporated into vehicles. For example, wireless charging devices in the form of charging pads may be located as part of a substantially horizontal, planar surface in a vehicle centre console area, within reach of a driver of the vehicle. Wireless charging devices may employ wireless inductive charging, for

example.

This may be convenient for the driver of a vehicle, as they may place their device on the wireless charging device, upon entry, and may remove the device once their journey has completed. This form of wireless charging may also be advantageous, if the device is consuming power due to interaction with vehicle systems such as a telephone system, or an in-vehicle assistant such as Apple CarPlay(TM) or Android Auto(TM).

Although a wireless charging device located in a forward area of a centre console of a vehicle may be convenient of a driver or front seat passenger of the vehicle sitting in a first row of seats, it is less convenient for a passenger sitting in a second row of seats, behind the first row of seats. This is because the rear seat passenger in the second row of seats must pass their device to a person in the first row of seats so that the device may be placed on the charging device.

This may be particularly inconvenient for a rear seat passenger in a luxury vehicle or limousine, as they may not wish to deprived of their device or indeed, to pass their device to their driver.

Although wired charging of a mobile device proximal to the rear row of seats is possible, for example, by connecting the device to a DC power source such as a cigarette lighter socket or USB in the vicinity of a rear portion of a vehicle centre console or rear seat, this may be inconvenient for the rear seat passenger due to the need to store the charging cable when not in use or because a charging cable may not be available.

Similarly, although a second wireless charging device could be provided, for example, to form part of a substantially horizontal and planar surface on an upper surface of a central armrest of the second (rear) row of seats, this may also be inconvenient because it requires the armrest to be deployed. Deployment of the armrest may not even be possible if a central seat associated with the central armrest is occupied. Furthermore, as the velocity of the vehicle changes, due at least one of acceleration, braking, or cornering, the device is liable to slide off the surface of the substantially horizontal planar charging device.

Although sidewalls could be provided that surround the perimeter of the wireless charging device, this may be undesirable from an aesthetic viewpoint, while the potential sliding of the device on the wireless charging device, though now constrained by the sidewalls, may be an irritant for a rear seat passenger.

Accordingly, there is provided a solution to these problems.

FIGS 2 -4 illustrate examples of a system 100 for charging a mobile device 10 inside a vehicle 1. The system 100 comprises a vehicle part 20 which comprises an upright component 21. In some examples, the vehicle part 20 is in the form of a vehicle seat back. In some examples, the upright component 21 is in the form of a panel defining at least a portion of the vehicle seat back. In other implementations, vehicle part is different and/or the component is generally horizontal.

As is subsequently disclosed, a wireless charging device 30 is attached to a first portion 25 of the upright component 21. The wireless charging device 30 is configured to wirelessly charge the device 10 when the device is proximal to the wireless charging device 30.

The vehicle part 20 may be a part of the interior trim of the vehicle that is visible to and accessible by a user such as an occupant of the vehicle.

In some examples, the vehicle part 20 may be the seat back of a vehicle 1. In particular, the vehicle part 20 may be the seat back of a seat that forms part of a first row of seats of the vehicle 1. The seat back of the first row of seats of the vehicle 1 is in front of a passenger, sitting in a second row of seats of the vehicle. The seat back is therefore visible to and accessible by the passenger.

In other examples, the vehicle part 20 may not be the seat back of a vehicle, but may be another part of the interior trim of a vehicle. For example, the vehicle part may be a door trim panel or a storage compartment incorporated within the door trim panel. The door trim panel may be a door trim panel of a front door or a rear door of the vehicle.

In other examples, the vehicle part 20 may be a rear portion of a centre console that is visible to and accessible by a user.

Other embodiments are also envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, although it has been disclosed that the vehicle part 20 may be a seat back for a first row of seats of a vehicle, the first row of seats being in front of (negative x-direction) a second row of seats, it may readily be appreciated that the invention is applicable to vehicles which comprise more than two rows of seats. For example, the invention is applicable to rows of seating within the fuselage of an aircraft or a train carriage. The invention is also applicable to non-vehicular applications in which rows of seats are present. For example, embodiments of the invention may be applied to rows of seats within a cinema or theatre.

As previously disclosed, the vehicle part 20 comprises an upright component 21.

In the context of this application, the word "upright" means that a surface of the vehicle part 20 is inclined at an angle to the vertical (+/-z direction), but is not necessarily vertical or substantially vertical. For example, in embodiments in which the vehicle part 20 is a seatback for a vehicle 1, it may be appreciated that for user comfort, the back portion of a vehicle seat may not be vertical, but may be inclined at an angle to the vertical. It may also be appreciated that the inclination of the seat back to the vertical may be adjusted according to the user preferences of the person sitting in the seat -for example, a driver of the vehicle, or a front seat passenger.

In this context, it may therefore be understood that without the provision of a means of restraint, an item, such as a mobile device 10 to be charged, that is proximal to the upright component 21 will, under the action of gravity, either slide away or fall away from the upright component 21.

The upright component 21 comprise a plurality of portions. These include a first portion 25 and a second portion 26. The first portion 25 may be a first area of the upright component 21 and the second portion 26 may be a second area of the upright component 21. As previously disclosed, a wireless charging device 30 is attached to the first portion 25.

In embodiments in which the vehicle part 20 is a piece of vehicle trim, such as a seat back or a door card, the upright component 21 has a first surface 22 (A surface) that faces the interior of the passenger compartment, and a second surface 23 (B surface), opposite the first surface 22, that faces away from the passenger compartment. In these embodiments, it is appreciated that the first surface 22, as it faces towards the interior of the passenger compartment, may be visible to a person within the passenger compartment.

Whether the first surface 22 is visible to a person within the passenger compartment may be determined by the relative location of the person and first surface 22, and / or whether a further vehicle part blocks the vehicle part 21 from the view of the person.

Conversely, the second surface 23 will not be visible to a person in the passenger compartment.

The wireless charging device 30 may be attached to either the first surface 22 or the second surface 23 of the first portion 25 of the upright component 21.

In embodiments in which the wireless charging device 30 is attached to the second surface 23 of the upright component 21, the wireless charging device 30 is not in direct contact with the device 10 to be charged during charging, but is separated from it by a distance corresponding to the thickness of the upright component 21, i.e., a distance between the first surface 22 and the second surface 23. Alternatively, the first portion 25 of the upright component 21 comprises a hole (not visible) through which at least a portion of the wireless charging device 30 fits. This brings the wireless charging device 30 into close proximity or contact with the mobile device 10.

Alternatively, the hole may be replaced with an electrically transparent region defined by a region of reduced local thickness of the upright component, and/or an altered material composition of the upright component having different electrical properties. This allows electrical power transmission from the wireless charging device 30 through the thickness of the upright component 21 to the mobile device 10.

To achieve satisfactory charging, the maximum separation distance between the wireless charging device 30 and the device 10 to be charged is based at least in part on the magnitude of the electromagnetic field generated by the wireless charging device 30, the separation distance between the wireless charging device 30 and the device to be charged 10, and the material properties of the material from which the upright component 21 that separates devices 30, 10 is made.

In some but not necessarily all embodiments, the first surface 22 and second surface 23 of the vehicle component 21 proximal to the wireless charging pad 30 may be both planar or substantially planar, and parallel. This has the advantage that a more uniform charging of a mobile telephone or tablet computer 10 may be achieved, irrespective of which portion of the wireless charging device, the device 10 to be charged is proximal to. This is because to ensure that the wireless charging device 30 is suitable for charging a range of different-sized mobile devices 10, the area and dimensions of the wireless charging device 30 may be larger than the comparable typical dimensions of the device 10, meaning that the device 10 may be charged in different portions of the wireless charging device 30 on different occasions. In these circumstances, it is desirable that a repeatable charging performance is achieved. This favours a constant separation distance of the device 10 to be charged from all portions of the wireless charging device 30.

The wireless charging device 30 may use any suitable form of wireless charger. For example, the wireless charging device 30 may be in the form of a wireless charging pad. The wireless charging device 30 may have any suitable shape. For example, the wireless charging device 30 may have a rectangular or circular charging surface. The wireless charging device 30 may be configured to charge a mobile device that utilises a compatible wireless charging standard. For example, the wireless charging device 30 may be compatible with the Qi standard, and hence, is configured for charging a mobile device 10 that is also compatible with the Qi standard.

As the wireless charging device 30 is attached to the upright component 21 of the vehicle part 20, a charging surface of the wireless charging device 30 that is attached to the upright component 21 is also upright.

Without a means of restraint, the device 10 to be charged will not remain proximal to the wireless charging device 30, but will fall or slide away from the wireless charging device due to gravity.

For example, in embodiments in which the vehicle part 20 comprising upright component 21 is the back of a vehicle seat, without a means of restraint the device 10 to be charged may likely fall into a passenger footwell between the first row of seats and the second row of seats.

An exemplary means of restraint is now disclosed.

The system 100 additionally comprises a cover 40. The cover 40 defines a pocket 41 and comprises an inner surface 42 that is facing the upright component 21. The cover 40 additionally comprises an outer surface 43. The outer surface 43 is opposite the inner surface 42. The outer surface 43 faces the interior of the passenger compartment of the vehicle 1.

The cover 40 can comprise an elastically stretchable material such as a sheet textile fabric or netting. Optionally, the cover 40 can further comprise an elastic casing along its top edge.

The cover 40 covers the first portion 25 of the upright component 21, to define a wireless charging zone 50 in the pocket 41. Thus, if a mobile device 10, such as a mobile telephone, is placed by a user into the pocket 41, the device is held proximal to the wireless charging device 30, enabling charging of the device 10.

The cover 40 additionally covers the second portion 26 of the upright component 21. Coverage of the second portion 26 by the cover 40 defines a storage zone 60.

The storage zone 60 is different to the wireless charging zone 50 and is positionally offset from the wireless charging zone 50. One or more items (not shown) may be stored in the storage zone 60, while a mobile device 10 is in the wireless charging zone 50. For example, the storage zone 60 may be used for storing books, such as map books, while the mobile device is in the wireless charging zone 50. The storage zone may have a width greater than 210mm which is the width of a sheet of A4 paper in portrait orientation, or greater than 297mm for landscape orientation.

Various arrangements of the storage zone 60 and wireless charging zone 50 may be envisaged.

In some embodiments, the storage zone 60 and wireless charging zone 50 are adjacent, both overlaying first surface 22 of vehicle part 20. In other embodiments, the storage zone 60 and wireless charging zone 50 may form a stack. In these embodiments the storage zone 60 may at least in part overlay the wireless charging zone 50, the storage zone 60 being between the wireless charging zone 50 and the cover 40. In these embodiments, the wireless charging zone 50 may be formed within a recess in vehicle part 20/component 21.

An example of one possible arrangement of the storage zone 60 and wireless charging zone 50 is illustrated in FIG.2, in which dashed lines are used to show the locations of the zones, which are otherwise obscured by cover 40. The zones 50, 60 are shown in the overlaying arrangement, and the storage zone 60 is larger in area than the wireless charging zone 50. As shown, the storage zone 60 can be wider than the wireless charging zone 50. A bottom edge of the storage zone 60 can be below a bottom edge of the wireless charging zone 50.

A portion of perimeter 51 of the wireless charging zone 50 may define a holder 51. The holder 51 separates the wireless charging zone 50 from the storage zone 60. The holder 51 may comprise a change in profile of the first surface 22 of the upright component 21. The change in profile may be in the form of a wall or in the form of a recess. Thus, when an article is placed within either of the charging zone 50 or the storage zone 60, the holder 51 is configured to prevent the article from moving between these zones 50, 60.

FIG 4 illustrates an example of the holder 51, in the form of a wall, that separates the first portion 25, associated with the wireless charging zone 50 from second portion 26, associated with the storage zone 60. In FIG.4, a mobile device 10 is illustrated to be within the wireless charging zone 50, occupying the entirety of the wireless charging zone 50. As previously disclosed, smaller devices 10 may alternatively be charged within the wireless charging zone 50.

The cover 40 may be of any suitable form. For example, in some but not necessarily all embodiments, the cover may be rigid or semi-rigid. The cover may comprise a plastic material. The cover may comprise a coating, such as a leather or leather effect coating. In other embodiments, the cover may comprise fabric.

In these embodiments, the cover may be flexible and / or deformable.

The cover 40 may be connected to the vehicle part 20 by at least one hinge 44 or flexural hinge. The hinge or flexural hinge is located at an intersection between the vehicle part 20 and the cover 40. By way of example, the intersection may be at a lower edge of the cover such that the cover may pivot about this edge, relative to the upright component.

At least one bias 70 is provided. The at least one bias 70 provides a force to bias the cover 40 against at least the first portion 25 and second portion 26 of the vehicle part 20.

Different forms of bias are envisaged. For example, in embodiments in which the vehicle part 20 and cover 40 are rigid, the bias 70 may be a coiled spring. Alternatively, or additionally, the bias may comprise an elastic fabric or an elastomeric material, the elastic fabric or elastomeric material being connected to both the cover 40 and vehicle part 20. By way of example, the elastic fabric or elastomeric material may be connected to the cover 40 at or proximal to an upper edge of the cover 40, that is opposite the lower edge of the cover 40, about which the cover may rotate. In the example illustrated in FIGS 2 -4, the bias comprises an elasticated band of material that is connected at opposing sides of the cover 40, passing through adjacent slots in vehicle part 20.

An occupant of the vehicle may pull the upper edge of cover 40 towards them and away from the vehicle part 20, with a resistive force provided by the bias 70. By pulling the edge of the cover 40 towards them, the pocket 41 defined by the cover 40 is enlarged, and a mobile device such as a mobile telephone 10 may be placed in the wireless charging zone 50. As the bias 70 is configured to provide a force to bias the cover against the vehicle part 20, once the user releases the edge of the cover, the bias 70 holds the device to be charged proximal to the wireless charging device 30 of the charging zone 50. Charging may then begin.

It may be appreciated that in some circumstances -for example, if the wireless charging zone 50 is recessed within the vehicle part 20 with a recess depth that is similar to or greater than a thickness of the device 10 to be charged, and/or the cover 40 is semi-rigid and/or the cover 40 comprises an elastic material, the force holding the device 10 proximal to the wireless charging device 30 in the wireless charging zone 50 may be reduced relative to the force generated by the at least one bias 70, biasing the cover 40 against the vehicle part 20. This may have a detrimental effect on the wireless charging of the device in the wireless charging zone.

A solution to this potential problem is now disclosed.

In some but not necessarily all embodiments, the cover 40 may comprise a spacer 45. The spacer 45 may be connected to the inner surface 42 of the cover 40, the spacer 45 being configured to transmit force generated by the bias 70 from the cover 40 to the device10 when the device 10 is within the wireless charging zone 50. Furthermore, as the spacer 45 increases the separation between the upright component 21 and the cover 40, the spacer also increases the elastic deformation of the bias 70, thereby increasing the biasing force.

The exploded view of FIG. 4 provides an illustrative example of the system 100 comprising the spacer 45. In the example of FIG. 4, the spacer 45 comprises an elongate biasing surface 46, the elongate biasing surface 46 being abuttable against the device 10 when the device is within the wireless charging zone 50.

A mobile device 10, such as a smartphone, may typically be substantially cuboid, having a thickness that is substantially smaller than either the length or width of the device 10. One surface of the device, defined by the length and breadth of the device, typically comprises a screen. The screen may comprise all or a significant proportion of this surface. The screen may be a touch screen. The touch screen may be a capacitive touch screen display, The screen may be substantially planar.

It may be appreciated that materials of components of the system 100 may be selected such that they do not interfere with the operation of the capacitive touch screen of a mobile device 10. For example, the material from which spacer 45 is made, may be selected to have a dielectric constant such that the touch screen of device 10 does not register a touch input if the spacer 45 is in contact with the touch screen.

A mobile device 10 that is configured for wireless charging is typically configured to be wirelessly charged by placing it on a wireless charging device 30 such that a surface of the device 10 that is also defined by the length and breadth of the device 10, but is an opposite side to the surface comprising the screen is placed on a charging surface of the wireless charging device 30. In common terminology, this may be referred to as placing the device "face up" on the charging device 30.

Within the context of this application, a mobile device 10 is wirelessly charged by placing the surface of the device that is opposite the screen of the device on the first surface 22 of the upright component 21 in the wireless charging zone 50. This means that when the device is within the pocket 41 defined by the cover 40, the screen of the device 10 is facing the inner surface of the cover 40 and is facing away from the vehicle part 20. As the spacer 45 may be connected to the inner surface 42 of the cover 40, this means that when a mobile device 10 is within the pocket 41, the spacer is in contact with the surface comprising the screen of the device.

To improve location of the device 10 proximal to the wireless charging device 30 in the wireless charging zone 50, the elongate spacer 45 may be configured to provide a frictional force between the spacer 45 and the screen of the device.

For example, the surface of the elongate biasing surface 46 that abuts against the screen of the device may have a shape (for example, a curvature in at least one direction) that is compatible with the shape of the screen. For example, the surface of the elongate biasing surface 46 that abuts the screen of the device may be substantially planar, and coplanar with the screen of the device. The elongate biasing surface 46 may protrude inwardly from a plane of the aperture 47/cover 40. The elongate biasing surface 46 may have a concave shape.

Alternatively, or additionally, the surface of the elongate biasing surface 46 may have a high coefficient of friction. For example, the surface may comprise an outer elastomeric layer, or alternatively, the spacer 45 may comprise an elastomeric material. This may be advantageous because the elastomeric material not only increases the frictional force between the spacer 45 and device 10, but may also be less hard than the screen of the device 10, making the screen less likely to be scratched by contact with the spacer 45.

Other shapes of spacer attached to the inner surface 42 of the cover 40 are also possible.

For example, a plurality of identical spacers 45, may be provided providing contact over a greater proportion of the surface of the device comprising the screen. Similarly, the surface of the at least one spacer may not be elongate or rectangular, but may, for example, be oval or circular. The surface of these spacers may be a high-friction surface, for example, formed from an elastomer, as previously disclosed. A screen edge spacer arrangement may be provided, with the or each spacer 45 extending proximal to a perimeter of the screen. Additionally, or alternatively, a screen-covering spacer thinner than the screen may cover a portion of the screen.

The spacer 45 has an additional advantage in that the spacer 45 enables the creation of an air gap between a portion of the inner surface 42 of the cover 40 and the device to be charged. This may be beneficial because heat may be generated when charging the device 10, increasing the temperature of the device 10 within the pocket 41. By introducing an air gap between a portion of the inner surface 42 of the cover 40 and the device 10, cooling of the device 10 is therefore promoted.

In some, but not necessarily all embodiments which comprise a spacer 45, at least one additional cooling hole may be comprised within the pocket 41. For example, at least one cooling hole may be comprised within the cover 40. A location of the at least one cooling hole (not shown) may be selected such that when the system comprising the upright component 21 is installed in a vehicle, the at least one cooling hole is lower (-z direction) than the airgap formed by the spacer 45 and device 10, but is in fluidic connection with the air gap. Thus, when the device is charging and heat is generated, a chimney effect may be established, in which air is admitted into the pocket 41 by the at least one cooling hole, the air rising and flowing over the device, before exiting the pocket 41.

Further optional embodiments are also be envisaged. For example, if the cover 40 is opaque, when a mobile device 10 is within the wireless charging zone 50, it will not be visible to an individual from either within the passenger compartment or through a window of the vehicle, from a viewpoint outside of the vehicle.

Although this may be desirable in some circumstances -for example, as a potential thief may not be able to see that a mobile device 10 is within the vehicle 1 when the vehicle 1 is left unattended, it may be undesirable in other circumstances, for example, when the owner or user of the device 10 has forgotten that they are charging the device 10 within the wireless charging zone 50, and cannot find their device 10.

Accordingly, in some but not necessarily all embodiments, a portion of the cover 40 overlaying the first portion 25 of the upright component 21 may comprise an aperture 47. The aperture 47 may be any suitable shape. For example, the aperture 47 may be substantially rectangular, oval or circular. A characteristic dimension (for example, a length or radius, depending upon the shape of the aperture) may be such that the aperture 47 is small enough that the device 10 cannot fall through the aperture, but is large enough that the device within the pocket is readily visible. The aperture 47 may further function as a cooling hole as described above.

In some embodiments, the characteristic dimension may be at least 2 cm. In these embodiments, the aperture 47 is located in the cover 40, such that when a mobile device 10 is within the wireless charging zone 50, the device 10 is visible from within the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Incorporation of an aperture 47 into the cover 40 has the advantage that the user of the device 10 being charged may be able to view a portion of the device's screen while it is being charged. This has the advantage that the user can check their device 10 for any notifications sent to it, without removing the device 10 from the wireless charging zone 50.

In some embodiments which comprise both an elongate spacer 45 and an aperture 47, the elongate spacer 45 extends from a first side of the perimeter of the aperture 47 to a second side of the perimeter of the aperture 47. The first and second sides may be opposite sides. The first and second sides may be left and right sides, or top and bottom sides. Alternatively, the first and second sides may be adjacent sides such as a left side and a top side, respectively.

In some embodiments the aperture 47 may be surrounded by a plurality of spacers 45.

In some embodiments, the perimeter of the aperture 47 may be mechanically-reinforced.

It may be appreciated that although the aperture 47 is small enough that a mobile device 10 such as smartphone cannot fall through the aperture, other items that are smaller than the device 10 may fall through the aperture. Embodiments which comprise an aperture 47 may therefore additionally comprise a covering material (not shown) within the aperture 47, the covering material being substantially translucent or transparent. This covering material may be attached to inner surface 42 of the cover 40 surrounding the aperture 47. Use of a covering material may obviate the need for an elongate spacer 45. The covering material may wholly or substantially cover the aperture 47.

Examples of this covering material including netting, such as a fabric netting. Netting additionally permits greater flow of air into and out of the airgap surrounding a mobile device 10 as air may flow through the netting and the aperture. This increases the air flow exit area relative to embodiments which do no incorporate an aperture, enhancing the chimney effect cooling previously disclosed.

Alternative examples of the covering material include a translucent or transparent panel that sits within a frame formed by the aperture. The translucent of transparent panel may comprise a plastic material such as polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or nylon. However, such materials may not accommodate the cooling function.

Electrical energy may be provided to the wireless charging device 30 in a variety of different ways.

For example, in some embodiments, the wireless charging device 30 is directly connected to an on-vehicle electrical power supply such as an electrical storage device. In these embodiments, whilst there is sufficient charge in the electrical storage device, a mobile device 10 may be charged by the system 100. In these embodiments, it is therefore possible to leave a mobile device 10 charging whilst the vehicle 1 is not in use.

In other embodiments, the system 100 may comprise at least one switch, the switch comprising a first configuration in which the wireless charging device is connected to the electrical power supply and a second configuration in which the wireless charging device 30 is isolated from the electrical power supply. The at least one switch may be user-activated. Alternatively, or additionally, activation of the at least one switch may be based upon the power mode of the vehicle, the power mode indicating a level of electrical power availability to the vehicle.

It will be appreciated that various changes and modifications can be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the present application.

It will also be appreciated that components of the system 100 may be provided in the form of a module. As used here 'module' refers to a unit or apparatus that excludes certain parts/components that would be added by an end manufacturer or a user.

For example, the vehicle part 20 comprising the upright component 21 and, optionally wireless charging device 30 may be provide by one component supplier, while other components of the system 100, such as cover 40 may be provided by a different supplier. The system 100 is therefore formed by an end manufacturer or user, when the different components provided by separate suppliers are assembled. Is a definition of module required? Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in the preceding paragraphs with reference to various examples, it should be appreciated that modifications to the examples given can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.

Features described in the preceding description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described.

Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those features may also be present in other embodiments whether described or not.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system for charging a mobile device inside a vehicle, the system comprising: a vehicle part comprising an upright component; a wireless charging device attached to a first portion of the upright component; a cover attached to the upright component, defining a pocket, the cover comprising an inner surface facing the upright component, the cover covering at least the first portion of the upright component to define a wireless charging zone in the pocket to receive a mobile device to be charged by the wireless charging device, and wherein the cover comprises elastically stretchable material to provide a force to bias the mobile device towards the upright component when the mobile device is within the wireless charging zone.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a spacer connected to the inner surface of the cover, and wherein the spacer is configured to transmit the force, provided by the elastically stretchable material of the cover, to the mobile device when the mobile device is within the wireless charging zone.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the spacer comprises an elongate biasing surface, the elongate biasing surface abuttable against the mobile device when the mobile device is within the wireless charging zone.
4. The system of claim 1, 2, or 3, the cover additionally covering a second portion of the upright component, to define a storage zone in the pocket that is positionally offset from the wireless charging zone to enable one or more items to be stored while the mobile device is in the wireless charging zone.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein a perimeter of the wireless charging zone, separating the wireless charging zone from the storage zone, is defined by a holder, the holder configured to locate the mobile device within the wireless charging zone.
The system of claim 5, wherein the upright component comprises the holder.
7. The system of any preceding claim, wherein a portion of the cover overlaying the first portion of the upright component comprises an aperture.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein the system comprises a covering material covering the aperture, and wherein the covering material is translucent or transparent.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein the covering material comprises netting attached to the inner surface of the cover, the netting covering the aperture.
10. The system of claim 7, 8, or 9, wherein the perimeter of the aperture is rectangular.
11. The system of any one of claims 7 to 10, dependent through claim 2, wherein the spacer extends from a first side of the perimeter of the aperture to a second side of the perimeter of the aperture.
12. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the upright component comprises a hole through which at least a portion of the wireless charging device can fit to minimise a separation of the mobile device from the wireless charging device, or wherein the upright component comprises an electrically transparent region to separate the wireless charging device from the mobile device.
13. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the upright component is a back of a vehicle seat.
14. A vehicle comprising the system as claimed in any preceding claim.