DE102020100115A1 - Inductive charger - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an inductive charging device (1) for electronic devices (3) with a mounting element (10) which is designed to hold the inductive charging device (1), preferably in a wall (2), and to close it with an electrical energy source connect, and with at least one foldable receiving element (13) which is designed to be folded between a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation with respect to the mounting element (10) and to receive the electronic device (3) to be charged in the horizontal orientation and to charge it inductively, wherein the holding element (10) has at least one plug receptacle (11). The inductive charging device (1) is characterized in that the foldable receiving element (13) is designed to be folded sideways past the plug receptacle (11) over the plug receptacle (11) between its horizontal orientation and its vertical orientation.

Description

The present invention relates to an inductive charging device according to the preamble of claim 1.

Electronic devices require electrical energy in order to be able to be operated as intended. For this purpose, such devices can be connected to a voltage source such as a power socket, i.e. a socket of an electrical supply network of a building such as a home, by means of an electrically conductive cable. This restricts the possibilities of operating the device, however, to the area that can be reached with the cable.

It has therefore been known for a long time for many such electronic devices to operate these devices with a rechargeable electrical energy store, which can be recharged, for example, at a mains socket. Depending on the device, this can be done by means of a cable of the device itself, the plug of which is inserted into the receptacle of the mains socket by a user. Alternatively, a separate charger of the device can also be used, which on the one hand has to be plugged into the receptacle of the mains socket by a user with its one plug and on the other hand has to be connected to the electronic device with its other plug. A conversion of the mains voltage to a lower voltage, which is usually required, can take place on the part of a corresponding converter of the electrical charger, which can also be referred to as a power supply unit.

The possibility of such an electrical charging of an electronic device by means of a separate power supply is used nowadays, especially in the private sector and in particular in the household, for many electronic devices such as e.g. . The number of such electronic devices, such as smartphones in particular, is increasing. Smartphones, in particular, are usually used very intensively, so that some of them have to be recharged electrically on a daily basis.

The disadvantage of using such electrical charging devices is that they are usually device-specific or manufacturer-specific. This can mean that a user has to use a separate electric charger for each electronic device. This not only leads to increased costs when purchasing the electronic devices, since the appropriate electrical charger must be purchased in each case, but also to an increased space requirement for the various electrical chargers during use and storage when not in use. In the area of mains sockets, which are usually wall sockets, there can also be a significant tangle of cables if several electrical chargers are used next to one another. This can be confusing for the user and an unsightly sight for the user as well as for other people such as guests.

To overcome these disadvantages, it is now known, in particular for the use of mobile devices, to electrically charge such electronic devices wirelessly. In this area, a proprietary standard of the Wireless Power Consortium for wireless energy transmission has been established under the name “Qi”, in which the electrical energy for charging the rechargeable electrical energy storage of a compatible electronic device is transmitted over a short distance by means of electromagnetic induction.

For example, a Qi induction-capable charger is known as the product "RAVPower Wireless Charger", which is to be set up on a surface, e.g. of a piece of furniture, and connected to a power socket with its cable. An electronic device capable of Qi induction, such as a smartphone, can then be placed on this charger and charged there.

The advantage here is that different electronic devices such as smartphones from different manufacturers can be inductively charged on the same single charger, which can reduce the number and variety of device-specific chargers that were previously required. The user can also simply and quickly place the electronic device to be charged on the charger without having to establish a cable connection, which can make the charging process easier, faster and / or more convenient for the user.

The disadvantage here, however, is that a wired connection to a mains socket is required for the Qi induction-capable charger itself, and thus at least this cable must continue to be used. The Qi induction charger is also a loose part that can fall off the furniture. Furthermore, the Qi induction charger takes up space on the surface, e.g. on furniture, when not in use.

Therefore, various products are known which can be plugged directly into a wall socket in order to offer a user the possibility of wireless charging, e.g. of a smartphone.

For example, the “WallJax EZ” product is plugged into a wall socket. On the one hand, the product "WallJax EZ" offers two power sockets arranged one above the other, allowing two power plugs to be plugged into the socket instead of the one used. On the other hand, a fixed horizontal support surface is provided above the two power sockets in order to place a mobile device in the form of a smartphone there and charge it wirelessly.

The disadvantage here is that the two power sockets or plug receptacles of the “WallJax EZ” product already take up a significantly larger area on the wall than the power socket itself Extends into the room, a considerable amount of space, so that the product "WallJax EZ" fills a significant volume in the room. This can be perceived by the user as bothersome due to the occupied or blocked space as well as visually.

The DE 10 2011 001 242 A1 describes a charging device for electrical devices which is provided with a connection to an AC voltage network, with a charging device connected to it and with a holder for an electrical device. The holder has a charging coil for inductive charging of the electrical device. The holder can hold the electrical device directly or indirectly by means of a device-specific adapter and charge it inductively. The holder and the adapter can be designed and arranged in such a way that the electrical device can be arranged or held with its two main surfaces running at right angles to the installation wall.

The disadvantage of this charging device is that the mains socket as a wall socket, which the charging device of the DE 10 2011 001 242 A1 absorbs, is thereby occupied and can no longer be used itself. The right-angled arrangement of the holder also extends clearly into the room, which on the one hand takes up a considerable amount of space in the room and on the other hand can be visually striking. Both can be perceived by a user as practical or as visually disturbing.

The DE 10 2012 015 000 A1 describes an electrical installation device with a charging station for a mobile device with a charging cradle arranged parallel to a wall surface, which contains at least one primary charging coil, which is connected to a network connection via a processing and control unit and for inductive energy transmission to at least one secondary charging coil Mobile device is used. The mobile radio device to be charged can firstly be inserted vertically by the user into a stationary receiving pocket of the charging cradle from above or placed horizontally on a hinged charging plate as a charging cradle from above. The loading plate can be folded down from the vertical to the horizontal.

The advantage of this electrical installation device is that the charging plate can be folded up vertically when not in use, in order to take up less space in the room and to visually disturb the user less. However, the disadvantage here is that the electrical installation device as well DE 10 2012 015 000 A1 the occupied mains socket cannot be used as a wall socket.

The DE 20 2008 006 884 U1 describes a carrier for a socket, which is attachable or attached to a socket main body and has an end plate which has a locking portion which can be connected or connected in a form-fitting manner to the socket main body. A support plate is located in front of the face plate in such a way that one side of the support plate is pivotably connected to the face plate by at least one joint element. The socket main body can have at least one electrical connection socket, past which the support plate can be folded up or down between a vertical and a horizontal orientation above or below. In the horizontally aligned state, an electronic device can be arranged horizontally from above on the support plate in order to be charged either by means of a power supply unit, which is plugged into the electrical connection socket of the socket main body, or inductively on the part of the support plate itself. Alternatively, the support plate can be folded up or down over the electrical connection socket between the vertical and the horizontal orientation in order to also receive an electronic device lying horizontally from above in the folded down horizontally oriented state on the support plate, which by means of a power supply unit via the electrical connection socket of the socket main body can be charged.

The carrier of the DE 20 2008 006 884 U1 thus enables the support plate to be folded up or down when not in use in a vertical orientation in order to take up less space in the room and to visually disturb the user less. The electrical connection socket of the carrier can also be used at any time, that is to say both in the vertical as well as in the horizontally aligned state of the support plate, since the support plate can be folded past the electrical connection socket above or below. This is the Support is made correspondingly large in height because the function of the connection socket and the foldable support plate are arranged next to one another in height.

Alternatively, the support plate can have a circular recess which corresponds to the contour of the electrical connection socket of the socket main body, so that the electrical connection socket is accessible and usable through the support plate even in the vertical alignment of the support plate. In this case, however, only charging via a separate power supply unit is possible, which must be removed by the user from the electrical connection socket of the socket main body in order to fold the support plate up and down in order to enable the support plate to be folded down.

One object of the present invention is to provide an inductive charging device of the type described at the outset, so that the possibilities of such inductive charging devices can be improved. In particular, the convenience and / or the appearance of such inductive charging devices for the user should be improved. Additionally or alternatively, the space required for such inductive charging devices should be reduced. At least one alternative to known inductive charging devices is to be created.

The object is achieved according to the invention by an inductive charging device with the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments are described in the subclaims.

Thus, the invention relates to an inductive charging device for electronic devices with a mounting element, which is designed to hold the inductive charging device, preferably in a wall, and to connect it to an electrical energy source, and with at least one foldable receiving element, which is designed between a perpendicular orientation and a horizontal orientation to be folded with respect to the mounting element and to receive the electronic device to be charged in the horizontal orientation and to charge it inductively, the mounting element having at least one connector receptacle.

The inductive charging device according to the invention is characterized in that the foldable receiving element is designed to be folded laterally past the plug receptacle over the plug receptacle between its horizontal orientation and its vertical orientation.

The invention is based on the knowledge that in previously known charging devices such as the DE 20 2008 006 884 U1 on the one hand, a support plate for inductive charging can be arranged below a plug receptacle and folded down in order to inductively charge an electronic device there. The plug receptacle is not covered by the foldable support plate either in its horizontal or in its vertical orientation and can always be used, but folding the support plate past the plug receptacle underneath requires a correspondingly large space. The size of this charging device can therefore be perceived as visually disruptive by the user. On the other hand, the support plate can be folded over the plug receptacle and have a central round opening in order to be able to use the plug receptacle through the support plate even in the vertical orientation. In this case, however, no inductive charging is provided. In addition, a plug must be pulled out of the plug receptacle in order to be able to fold the support plate down horizontally.

According to the invention, the foldable receiving element is therefore designed to be folded laterally past the plug receptacle over the plug receptacle, ie to pass the plug receptacle laterally when folding from the horizontal to the vertical and vice versa. Likewise, in the vertical alignment, the foldable receiving element can rest on the mounting element laterally to the plug receptacle and thereby release the plug receptacle in this state. In particular, the foldable receiving element can pivot laterally past the plug receptacle during the movement between the vertical and the horizontal orientation. In this way, the plug receptacle can be used continuously without having to remove the plug from the plug receptacle and extend it again in order to be able to fold the foldable receptacle element. This can increase the convenience for the user, for example compared to the charging device DE 20 2008 006 884 U1 increase. At the same time, this enables a compact arrangement.

Providing an inductive charging option in the charging device according to the invention can further increase the convenience for the user, since a separate charging device can be dispensed with as a result. For this purpose, a corresponding induction element can be arranged in the foldable receiving element, so that an electronic device resting on the horizontally oriented, foldable receiving element can be inductively charged. The corresponding energy conversion and supply of the electrical energy can be arranged within the mounting element. The mounting element can for this purpose, for example, as Formed mains socket and electrically conductively connected to an electrical power supply, for example within a wall, as will be described in more detail below. Alternatively, the mounting element can be designed as a plug-in element, plugged into a mains socket and thereby connected to an electrical power supply, as will also be described in more detail below.

The horizontal folding can be done both up and down. Folding it up may be preferable in order to arrange the horizontally aligned, foldable receiving element above the plug receptacle so that the electronic device placed there is not disturbed during charging by a plug that is inserted into the plug receptacle, and vice versa.

In any case, the holding element is designed to hold in the inductive charging device according to the invention on a further object and thereby enable the intended use. As already mentioned above, the further object can in particular be a wall or a wall socket. Alternatively, the holding element can also hold the inductive charging device according to the invention on a column, on a device, on a piece of furniture, on a built-in element of a kitchen and the like and enable use there. In any case, the inductive charging device according to the invention is held by the holding element on the further object so that the foldable receiving element can be folded between the vertical and the horizontal and can hold the electronic device to be charged horizontally in the horizontal orientation.

According to the invention, a folding of the foldable receiving element with respect to the holding element can be implemented in a mechanically simple, robust, compact and / or inexpensive manner, for example by at least one corresponding joint, hinge or the like. The vertical position can be assumed and maintained solely on the basis of alignment and gravity. The horizontal position of the foldable receiving element can be held by latching, clamping and the like, as is known, for example, from furniture and in particular from kitchen furniture or elements of kitchen units. This, too, can enable a simple, robust, compact and / or inexpensive implementation of this function.

In any case, a horizontal alignment of the foldable receiving element is to be understood as an alignment in Cartesian coordinates which allows an electronic device loosely placed on the foldable receiving element to be held there. This can possibly be supported by a surface facing the placed electronic device with comparatively high static friction and / or a device holder such as in particular an edge on the edge, as will be described in more detail below. In this respect, inclinations relative to the horizontal in the sense of the present invention are also comprised of a horizontal alignment of the foldable receiving element, insofar as the electronic device to be charged can also be held on the upper side of the foldable receiving element with this inclination. This can also include significant inclinations of up to 45 ° and more, provided that the present invention can be implemented. At least inclinations of up to 10 °, possibly even up to 20 °, can be viewed as the horizontal alignment of the foldable receiving element, since in these cases, with the inductive charging device according to the invention having a compact design, the plug receptacle even with the horizontal alignment of the foldable receiving element and the electronic device to be charged Device can be accessible and usable for the user.

The electronic device can in particular be a mobile device such as a smartphone, a tablet, a smartwatch or the like. Such electronic devices are widespread nowadays, are usually used on a daily basis and accordingly have to be charged frequently, which can advantageously be carried out for the user using an inductive charging device according to the invention for the reasons described above.

According to one aspect of the invention, the foldable receiving element is designed to be open at the distal end. In other words, the end of the foldable receiving element, which points away from the mounting element in the horizontal orientation of the foldable receiving element, is designed to be open, so that an opening is created between the lateral edges of the foldable receiving element in the width of the foldable receiving element. This opening extends in depth towards the holding element and is designed in such a way that the foldable receiving element, as described above, laterally past the plug receptacle over the Plug-in receptacle can be folded over it. This can enable or facilitate the implementation of these features according to the invention.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the foldable receiving element is designed to be fork-shaped and open at the distal end. In other words, a gap or opening is formed in the width between the lateral edges of the foldable receiving element which corresponds to the plug receptacle to be kept free in such a way that the foldable receptacle element can be folded sideways past the plug receptacle over the plug receptacle as described above. This can enable or facilitate the implementation of these features according to the invention.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the foldable receiving element has at least one pair of webs which are arranged parallel to one another and, preferably together, are designed to be foldable, the plug receptacle being arranged laterally between the webs in the vertical alignment of the webs. In this way, the properties and advantages described above can be further specified.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the foldable receiving element can be held in its vertical orientation by means of a push-to-open mechanism and moved into its horizontal orientation. A push-to-open mechanism is to be understood as a mechanical mechanism which can be activated by lightly pressing a user in order to at least trigger a movement, here a folding or pivoting movement, preferably upwards, counter to the user's direction of pressure . The horizontal folding or swiveling movement can also be carried out using the push-to-open mechanism or an additional mechanism, e.g. by means of an additional spring element. In the opposite direction, the foldable receiving element can be pushed into the vertical orientation by the user and locked there by means of the push-to-open mechanism so that it can be actuated again. Such a push-to-open mechanism can be implemented, for example, by means of a magnetic pressure snap, as is known from furniture, in order to enable doors or drawers with a smooth front without handles, which can be opened by the user as described above by lightly pressing .

According to a further aspect of the invention, the inductive charging device is designed to activate an induction element of the foldable receiving element when the foldable receiving element is folded into its horizontal orientation. This can make it possible to start inductive charging by moving the foldable receiving element, so that the user does not have to perform any additional operations for this. This can make inductive charging by means of the inductive charging device according to the invention even easier and / or more convenient for the user. Charging can also be accelerated because this function is already activated and is available as soon as the foldable receiving element is brought into the horizontal and is therefore already available before the user places the electronic device to be charged on the foldable receiving element.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the inductive charging device is designed to be plugged into a mains socket. As a result, the inductive charging device according to the invention can be used flexibly by the user as an additional device and, if necessary, plugged into a mains socket and in particular a wall socket where the user would like to use its properties and advantages. If necessary, this variant of the inductive charging device according to the invention can also be removed again and, if necessary, used at a different mains socket or stored when not in use. This can enable flexible use for the user. This can also enable retrofitting.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the inductive charging device is designed as a mains socket. In other words, this variant of the inductive charging device according to the invention is itself a mains socket with an additional function in the form of the flap receiving element. This can enable a fixed and thus captive use of the properties and advantages of the inductive charging device according to the invention. The overall depth can also be kept small as a result.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the foldable receiving element has a surface receiving the electronic device to be charged with increased static friction, preferably a rubberized surface, which is designed to hold the electronic device to be charged securely in the horizontal orientation of the foldable receiving element. This aspect of the invention is based on the knowledge that for mains sockets and for the charging devices known from the prior art, plastics or metals are usually used, the usually smooth surfaces of which have a comparatively low static friction. This can favor the fact that the electronic device to be charged can inadvertently slip off the corresponding support plate or the like or be pushed off by the user.

According to the invention, the surface of the foldable receiving element receiving the electronic device to be charged can therefore have increased static friction due to the choice of material and / or its nature, such as a rough surface or the like, in order to accommodate the electronic device to be charged relatively safely and hold it horizontally to be able to. This can be advantageous especially when the foldable receiving element is, for example, fork-shaped or comparatively narrower by means of two Web is formed and has a correspondingly small surface. This applies in particular when the foldable receiving element is inclined to a certain extent in the horizontal orientation relative to the horizontal and the electronic device to be charged can nevertheless be held on the foldable receiving element due to the increased static friction.

Such a surface can be implemented comparatively easily and reliably by means of a rubberized surface.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the foldable receiving element has at least one device holder, preferably an at least partially edge-side edge, which is designed to hold the electronic device to be charged in the horizontal orientation of the foldable receiving element, at least from its side, horizontally. In addition to or as an alternative to the above-described increased static friction of the surface of the foldable receiving element, this can enable or facilitate securely holding the electronic device to be charged on the horizontally arranged foldable receiving element. This applies in particular when the foldable receiving element is inclined to a certain extent in the horizontal orientation relative to the horizontal and the electronic device to be charged can nevertheless be held on the foldable receiving element due to the device holder.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the inductive charging device is designed to receive a charge status wirelessly from the electronic device to be charged, the inductive charging device also being designed to notify a user of the charge status of the electronic device to be charged. This information can for example be transmitted from the electronic device by means of Bluetooth, NFC (Near Field Communication) or the like to the inductive charging device according to the invention and received and processed there. The information on a charge status can then be communicated to the user, e.g. optically, acoustically and / or haptically. Haptically, this can be done, for example, by vibrating the electronic device, e.g. in the form of a smartphone. Acoustically, this can take place, for example, on the part of the electronic device, e.g. in the form of a smartphone, by outputting e.g. voice information. Visually, this can be done, for example, on the part of the inductive charging device through colored and / or displayed information, e.g. in the form of a charging bar, a numerical value or the like, as will be described in more detail below. In each case of an optical or acoustic message, the charge status can be communicated, e.g. as a percentage. This can make it possible in each case to inform the user about the current charging status of the electronic device and thus about the charging progress of the electronic device, which can increase the convenience for the user.

The information received from the electronic device to be charged about its state of charge can also be used by the inductive charging device to start the inductive charging process, if necessary, and to end it as soon as the electronic device or its rechargeable electrical energy storage device is fully charged. This can limit inductive charging to when it is actually required.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the inductive charging device has a display element which is designed to display the charge status of the electronic device to be charged to a user. This can enable the implementation of the corresponding properties and advantages described above on the part of the inductive charging device according to the invention. In particular, these properties and advantages can be used without changes on the part of the electronic device being required. This can make the use of these features and advantages regardless of the electronic device being charged.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the display element is designed to backlight the mounting element in sections. In other words, the information on the charge status of the electronic device can be visually displayed by throwing lighting from the inductive charging device or its mounting element onto a background, such as a wall, for example. This can enable a display that is particularly visually appealing for the user, in particular by means of a changing color tone, e.g. from red for a low state of charge to yellow to green for a fully charged electronic device.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the inductive charging device has a projection element which is designed to display the charge status of the electronic device to be charged to a user as a projection onto a surface. This can also be done using different color tones as described above, but also using symbols such as a loading bar or specific information such as a percentage of the state of charge of the electronic device. The subsurface can be, for example, a wall in which the inductive charging device according to the invention is held or a Floor, a countertop of a kitchen unit, the top of a piece of furniture and the like below the inductive charging device according to the invention. This can make it possible to provide the user with the information about the charge status of the electronic device in a more concrete manner than merely, for example, by means of variable color tones.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the display of the state of charge can be done optically by different colors, by different intensities, by pictorial information, by numerical values, by symbols and / or and by geometric information. This can make it possible to implement the options for the optical display of this information, which were already described by way of example. Depending on the application and / or preferences of the user, which can be set by the user on the inductive charging device according to the invention, preferably through wireless communication and the use of a corresponding app, these possibilities can be used.

• 1 eine perspektivische schematische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen induktiven Ladevorrichtung gemäß eines ersten Ausführungsbeispiels in einer vertikalen Ausrichtung eines klappbaren Aufnahmeelements;
• 2 die Darstellung der 1 mit horizontaler Ausrichtung des klappbaren Aufnahmeelements;
• 3 die Darstellung der 2 mit aufgelegtem aufzuladendem elektronischem Gerät;
• 4 eine Detailansicht der 3 gemäß einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 5 eine Detailansicht der 3 gemäß einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel;
• 6 eine Schnittdarstellung der 3 des ersten Ausführungsbeispiels; und
• 7 eine Schnittdarstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen induktiven Ladevorrichtung gemäß eines vierten Ausführungsbeispiels mit aufgelegtem aufzuladendem elektronischen Gerät.

Several exemplary embodiments and further advantages of the invention are illustrated and explained in more detail below in connection with the following figures. It shows:

• 1 a perspective schematic representation of an inductive charging device according to the invention according to a first embodiment in a vertical orientation of a foldable receiving element;
• 2 the representation of the 1 with horizontal alignment of the foldable receiving element;
• 3 the representation of the 2 with the electronic device to be charged;
• 4th a detailed view of the 3 according to a second embodiment;
• 5 a detailed view of the 3 according to a third embodiment;
• 6th a sectional view of the 3 of the first embodiment; and
• 7th a sectional view of an inductive charging device according to the invention according to a fourth exemplary embodiment with the electronic device to be charged in place.

The above figures are viewed in Cartesian coordinates. It extends in a longitudinal direction X which also called depth X or as length X can be designated. Perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X extends in a transverse direction Y which also called width Y can be designated. Perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction X as well as to the transverse direction Y extends in a vertical direction Z which also called height Z can be designated. The longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y together form the horizontal X , Y which is also called the horizontal plane X , Y can be designated. The cross direction Y and the vertical direction Z together form the vertical Y , Z .

1 shows a perspective schematic representation of an inductive charging device according to the invention 1 according to a first embodiment in a vertical orientation of a foldable receiving element 13th . 2 shows the representation of the 1 with horizontal alignment of the foldable receiving element 13th . 3 shows the representation of the 2 with the electronic device to be charged 3 . 6th shows a sectional view of 3 of the first embodiment.

The inductive charging device according to the invention 1 has a support element 10 on, which is also called the housing 10 can be designated. The support element 10 holds the inductive charger 1 in a wall 2 . In the support element 10 is a plug socket 11 designed comparable to a mains socket, which has electrical conductors 12th with an electrical connection cable 20th inside the wall 2 is connected in an electrically conductive manner, see 6th . The inductive charging device 1 according to the first exemplary embodiment thus essentially represents a mains socket in the form of a wall socket. Inside the mounting element 10 all electrical or electronic components can be arranged, which are necessary in order to get from the electrical supply voltage of the electrical connection line 20th to generate an electrical voltage for inductive charging, as will be described in more detail below.

At the front of the support element 10 is the already mentioned foldable receiving element 13th on the upper transverse edge of the support element 10 arranged. The foldable receiving element 13th is opposite the support element 10 between one vertically, ie in height Z , pointing downwards and one horizontal, ie in depth X , from the support element 10 Orientation pointing away can be folded or swiveled. The folding or pivoting between the vertical Y , Z and the horizontal X , Y can be implemented using a hinge mechanism. The folding from the vertical Y , Z in the horizontal X , Y can be effected by means of a push-to-open mechanism if a user appropriately steps on the foldable receiving element 13th presses. In the horizontal X , Y can the foldable receiving element 13th then be held by a mechanical locking mechanism. The user can release this mechanism by lifting it slightly in height Z respectively.

The foldable receiving element 13th is fork-shaped and has two webs 14th on which is in the horizontal X , Y in the deep X from the support element 13th extend away to the front, see e.g. 2 and 3 . In at least one of the two bars 14th is an induction element 15th arranged, see 6th to the electronic device mentioned earlier 3 in the form of a smartphone 3 as a mobile device 3 to be able to charge inductively. The two bridges 14th of the foldable receiving element 13th are arranged parallel to each other and in width Y the inductive charging device 1 spaced from one another in such a way that the webs 14th when folding or pivoting from the vertical Y , Z in the horizontal X , Y and back always on the side of the connector receptacle 11 move past. The connector receptacle can accordingly 11 can be used by a plug regardless of whether the foldable receiving element 13th straight in the vertical Y , Z , in the horizontal X , Y or in a folding movement between these two positions or orientations.

At the same time are the bridges 14th or is the foldable receiving element 13th in width Y so narrow that the webs 14th or the foldable receiving element 13th does not exceed the dimensions of the mounting element 10 go out or goes out, which correspond to the dimensions of a conventional mains socket as a wall socket. This allows the inductive charging device according to the invention 1 can be used like a standard wall socket and gives the user the additional option of inductive charging of the electronic device 3 without limiting or forfeiting the possibilities of a wall socket.

So can in the horizontal alignment of the foldable receiving element 13th inductive charging of the electronic device 3 be done, which this by the user in the amount Z from above onto the jetties 14th of the foldable receiving element 13th can be placed, see 3 . The inductive charging process can be carried out by the inductive charging device 1 are automatically activated when the folding or pivoting of the foldable receiving element 13th in the horizontal X , Y he follows. The folding down of the foldable receiving element can accordingly 13th back to the vertical Y , Z also deactivate the inductive charging function again by the user.

To the electronic device being charged 3 better on the horizontally aligned bars 14th of the foldable receiving element 13th can hold the top of the webs 14th be rubberized. This can increase the static friction accordingly and ensure a secure hold, ie a movement of the picked-up electronic device 3 in the horizontal X , Y counteract. Additionally or alternatively, the webs 14th of the foldable receiving element 13th in the deep X at the edge in height Z upwardly protruding edges 16 have, see 6th , which are used as device holders 16 act and the electronic device 3 in the deep X can hold from the front. This too can prevent the electronic device from working 3 in the deep X from the jetties 14th of the foldable receiving element 13th can slide down.

Furthermore, there is the inductive charging device 1 designed by the electronic device by means of an NFC component 3 wirelessly to receive information about the current state of charge of the electronic device 3 represents. This information can now be provided by the inductive charging device 1 are visually displayed to the user, which according to the first embodiment by means of a projection element 18th which can be done in depth X on the edge at the front and in height Z below one of the two bridges 14th of the foldable mounting element 13th arranged and in height Z is aligned downwards on a surface such as on a floor or on a surface of a piece of furniture. The current charge level of the electronic device 3 can for example be displayed as a percentage as a numerical value.

In this case, it may also be possible that the inductive charging is carried out by the inductive charging device 1 is only started automatically when the electronic device to be charged is hung up 3 detected through successful pairing of the wireless communication and the electronic device 3 has a need for charging, that is, the state of charge of the electronic device 3 is not "fully loaded". Correspondingly, inductive charging can also be carried out by the inductive charging device 1 automatically terminated when the electronic device 3 the inductive charging device 1 that it is fully charged. This can cause unnecessary operation of the induction element 15th of the foldable receiving element 13th avoid.

4th shows a detailed view of the 3 according to a second embodiment. In this case, the charging status of the electronic device to be charged can be communicated 3 done to the user in such a way that the mounting element 13th in height Z below the connector receptacle 11 one horizontal in width Y running arrangement of LEDs as display element 17th having. For example, the LEDs of the display element 17th simulate a charging bar, which is increasingly filled in the course of the charging process, for example from left to right, until the fully charged state of the electronic device 3 is reached and by a completely illuminated bar of the display element 17th can be displayed. This can be done in one color, for example, but also in multiple colors with changing colors, for example from red to green, in order to additionally symbolize the state of charge with different shades of color.

5 shows a detailed view of the 3 according to a third embodiment. In this case the indicator is 17th in the form of LEDs on both sides of the connector receptacle 11 on the mounting element 10 designed as backlighting. The two in width Y lateral edges of the support element 10 each have an undercut for this purpose, on the rear side of which there are LEDs in depth X to the wall 2 aligned towards and in height Z are arranged one above the other. This enables colored information on the charge status of the electronic device 3 take place in the form of indirect lighting, which can be optically particularly appealing for the user.

7th shows a sectional view of an inductive charging device according to the invention 1 according to a fourth exemplary embodiment with the electronic device to be charged in place 3 . In this case the inductive charging device according to the invention is 1 designed as a separate device, into an existing mains socket 4th in the form of a wall socket 4th as a flush-mounted socket 4th to be plugged. The power socket 4th has a mounting element itself 40 in the form of a housing 40 on which the power socket 4th in the deep X closes towards the front. The support element 40 the mains socket 4th accordingly has at least one connector receptacle 41 with two electrical conductors 42 on, which in turn with an electrical connection cable 20th the wall 2 are electrically connected.

The inductive charging device 1 According to the fourth exemplary embodiment, a plug (not shown) which is inserted into the plug receptacle 41 the mains socket 4th is plugged in to the electrical conductor 12th the inductive charging device 1 about the electrical conductors 42 the mains socket 4th with the electrical connection cable 20th the wall 2 to connect electrically conductive. In this way, an exchangeable or relocatable inductive charging device 1 which can be created in different mains sockets 4th can be used. This can also enable simple retrofitting.

List of reference symbols

X

Longitudinal direction; Depth; length

Y

Transverse direction; width

Z

vertical direction; height

X, Y

Horizontal; horizontal plane

Y Z

vertical

1

inductive charger

10

Retaining element; casing

11

Connector receptacle

12th

electrical conductors

13th

foldable receiving element

14th

Web of the foldable receiving element 13

15th

Induction element of the foldable receiving element 13

16

Device support or edge of the foldable receiving element 13

17th

Display element of the foldable receiving element 13

18th

Projection element of the foldable receiving element 13

2

wall

20th

electrical connection cable

3

electronic device; Mobile device; Smartphone

4th

Power socket; Wall socket; Flush-mounted socket

40

Retaining element; casing

41

Connector receptacle

42

electrical conductors

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 102011001242 A1 [0013, 0014]
• DE 102012015000 A1 [0015, 0016]
• DE 202008006884 U1 [0017, 0018, 0024, 0025]

Claims (15)

Inductive charging device (1) for electronic devices (3) with a holding element (10) which is designed to hold the inductive charging device (1), preferably in a wall (2), and to connect it to an electrical energy source, and at least a foldable receiving element (13) which is designed to be folded between a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation with respect to the holding element (10) and to receive the electronic device (3) to be charged in the horizontal orientation and to charge it inductively, the holding element (10 ) has at least one plug receptacle (11), characterized in that the foldable receptacle element (13) is designed to be folded over laterally over the plug receptacle (11) between its horizontal orientation and its vertical orientation on the plug receptacle (11). Inductive charging device (1) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the foldable receiving element (13) is designed to be open at the distal end. Inductive charging device (1) according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the foldable receiving element (13) is fork-shaped and is open at the distal end. Inductive charging device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foldable receiving element (13) has at least one pair of webs (14) which are arranged parallel to one another and, preferably together, are foldable, the plug receptacle (11) in the vertical alignment of the webs (14) is arranged laterally between the webs (14). Inductive charging device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foldable receiving element (13) can be held in its vertical orientation and moved into its horizontal orientation by means of a push-to-open mechanism. Inductive charging device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inductive charging device (1) is designed to activate an induction element (15) of the foldable receiving element (13) when the foldable receiving element (13) folds into its horizontal orientation becomes. Inductive charging device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inductive charging device (1) is designed to be plugged into a mains socket (4). Inductive charging device (1) according to one of the Claims 1 to 6th , characterized in that the inductive charging device (1) is designed as a mains socket. Inductive charging device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foldable receiving element (13) has a surface receiving the electronic device (3) to be charged with increased static friction, preferably a rubberized surface, which is designed to accommodate the electronic device to be charged (3) to keep the foldable receiving element (13) securely horizontal in the horizontal alignment. Inductive charging device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the foldable receiving element (13) has at least one device holder (16), preferably an edge (16) at least in sections, which is designed to hold the electronic device (3 ) to hold horizontally at least from its side in the horizontal alignment of the foldable receiving element (13) on the edge side. Inductive charging device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inductive charging device (1) is designed to wirelessly receive a charge state from the electronic device (3) to be charged, the inductive charging device (1) further being designed to To notify a user of the charge status of the electronic device (3) to be charged. Inductive charging device (1) according to Claim 11 , characterized in that the inductive charging device (1) has a display element (17) which is designed to display the charge status of the electronic device (3) to be charged to a user. Inductive charging device (1) according to Claim 12 , characterized in that the display element (17) is designed to backlight the mounting element (10) in sections. Inductive charging device (1) according to one of the Claims 11 to 13th , characterized in that the inductive charging device (1) has a projection element (18) which is designed to display the charge status of the electronic device (3) to be charged to a user as a projection onto a surface. Inductive charging device (1) according to one of the Claims 12 to 14th , characterized in that the display of the state of charge can be done optically by different colors, by different intensities, by pictorial information, by numerical values, by symbols and / or by geometric information.

Images