CN102077438A - Inductively coupled consoles - Google Patents

Abstract

Inductively coupled consoles and vehicle consoles with integrated primary coils, and apparatuses for charging, supporting, and securing portable computers with integrated primary coils are provided. Power is inductively coupled from a primary coil to a device containing a secondary coil, such as a PDA, cellular phone, rechargeable flashlight, remote control, power tool, or laptop computer. Primary coils may be integrated into consoles to charge devices containing secondary coils placed in the consoles. Primary coils may similarly be integrated into vehicle consoles. Inductively coupled consoles may be configured to receive and hold devices containing secondary coils. Primary coils may also be integrated into an apparatus for charging, supporting, and securing a portable computer. Integrated primary coils may provide varying amounts of power.

Description

Inductive Coupling Console

Background technique

One problem associated with many electronic devices common in today's world is the necessary cords and cables associated with the various electronic devices. Rechargeable cordless devices are a common alternative. These devices still require charging and require associated wires and cables to provide this charging.

Technology has evolved to address these limitations by providing inductively coupled circuits. This circuit dynamically finds resonance and optimizes the power transfer from the primary coil to the secondary device with the secondary coil. This power transfer can occur under various, varying load conditions. Using this circuit, the primary supply circuit adapts its operation to the needs of the secondary equipment being powered. This circuit also allows the primary supply circuit to supply power to multiple secondary devices simultaneously.

Contents of the invention

Smart, inductively coupled power circuits have been developed to transfer power from a power source to a device without the need for a wired connection. The primary coil inductively couples power to a secondary coil integrated in devices such as laptops, PDAs, cell phones, and power tools. Embodiments of the present invention incorporate this inductive coupling technology into consoles and devices for charging, supporting and securing portable computers.

In one embodiment, the primary coil is integrated into the console. Low, medium and high power primary coils can be integrated in the console in any position, quantity and combination. Inductively coupled consoles may be installed in furniture seating.

In another embodiment, the primary coil is integrated in the vehicle console. Low, medium and high power primary coils can be integrated in the vehicle console in any position, number and combination. The vehicle console can be configured to house and hold devices including secondary coils, such as PDAs, cell phones, rechargeable flashlights. The vehicle console can be mounted between the seats, in the front dashboard control unit, or elsewhere in the vehicle.

In yet another embodiment, an apparatus for charging, supporting and securing a portable computer is provided. One or more primary coils are integrated in one or more mesas. Low, medium and high power primary coils can be integrated in the table in any position, quantity and combination. The apparatus includes means for securing the portable computer to the table and means for attaching the table to the interior of the vehicle.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This "Summary" is not intended to identify key features or substantive features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Description of drawings

The present invention is described in detail below with reference to accompanying drawing, in accompanying drawing:

1 is a perspective view of an inductively coupled vehicle console;

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an inductively coupled console installed in seating furniture;

3 is a perspective view of a laptop computer and an apparatus for securing and inductively charging the laptop computer;

4 is a perspective view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 3 for securing and inductively charging a laptop computer; and

5 is an exploded perspective view of the laptop computer of FIG. 3 and an apparatus for securing and inductively charging the laptop computer.

Detailed ways

Embodiments of the invention are described in detail herein to satisfy legal requirements. However, the description itself is not meant to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter could be practiced in other ways as well.

As mentioned in the background section, techniques have been developed to provide intelligent inductively coupled circuits. The circuit dynamically looks for resonance and optimizes the power transfer from the primary coil to the secondary coil in the secondary device. This circuit allows the primary coil to determine and supply the power needs of the secondary equipment. Using this circuit, the primary supply circuit adapts its operation to the needs of the secondary equipment being powered. This circuit also allows the primary supply circuit to supply power to multiple secondary devices simultaneously. Examples of this circuit and the operation of this circuit are contained in the following U.S. patents, all of which are hereby incorporated by reference: 6,436,299; 6,673,250; 6,731,071; 6,806,649;

Inductively coupled power circuits can be used to power and recharge wireless devices including cell phones, PDAs, flashlights, laptop computers and power tools. Each wireless device may have a secondary coil. The primary coils needed to create an inductively coupled circuit can be integrated in consoles, vehicle consoles or devices for holding, supporting and charging laptop computers. An inductively coupled console can be configured to house and hold equipment including a secondary coil. Alternatively, embodiments of the inductively coupled console may include a generally flat deck integrated into the furniture seat, the deck having an integrated primary coil. The console can generally be mounted next to any type of chair, or in an office or room environment. In a vehicle, the inductively coupled console may be installed between the seats, as a center console in the front dashboard control unit, or any other location in the vehicle.

Primary coils can be low, medium or high power. The low power primary coil provides power up to about 20 watts. Medium power primary coils provide between about 20 and 100 watts of power. High power primary coils provide power greater than about 100 watts. Any number and combination of primary coils can be integrated in an inductively coupled console or table top of a device for charging, holding and supporting a laptop computer.

Figure 1 shows a center console 10 for use in a vehicle and preferably located in the front seat between the passenger side and the driver's side of the vehicle. The console 10 typically has a dedicated communication device 12, which may be a radio, CB, navigation device, cassette player or CD player. Below the communication device 12 is a receiving area 14 for devices containing the secondary coil, such as a mobile phone or PDA 16 and a flashlight 18 . Other equipment can of course also be accommodated in the housing area 14, limited only by the physical dimensions of the housing area 14 and the equipment to be accommodated.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , the containment area 14 has one or more primary coils mounted behind, below, above or below that inductively couple power to secondary coils contained within the device. The console 10 has a small indicator light 19 that lights up when the device is receiving power inductively coupled from the primary coil. In embodiments where multiple primary coils are installed, all of said multiple primary coils may be controlled by one control circuit. Due to the inductive nature of the circuit, the containment area 14 can be completely sealed and can then be used instead as a general purpose containment area or cup holder when not being used as a charging area.

With continued reference to FIG. 1 , the console 10 is configured to accommodate and hold a PDA 16 and a flashlight 18. This may be accomplished by a friction fit, strap restraint, clasps, spacers, clips or other means of securing the device in the receiving area 14 . For embodiments installed in vehicles, this will ensure that the device remains in place during transport. Additionally, in the vehicle console embodiment, the primary coil may draw power from the vehicle's battery.

FIG. 2 shows a theater-style seat 20 with a primary coil mounted in a center console 22 . Individual seats in theater style seating 20 are slightly sloped toward center console 22 . A person sitting in the theater-style seat 20 can charge the device by placing a cell phone, PDA, or other handheld electronic device on the top surface of the center console 22 . In addition, the remote control 24 can be charged through the primary coil so that an individual seated and using the remote control is not inconvenienced by the remote control running out of power. Although Figure 2 provides an example where the inductively coupled console is installed in theater seating, the inductively coupled console can also be installed in other seating furniture, including but not limited to recliners, couches, sofas, loveseats and office chairs. In embodiments incorporating a plurality of primary coils, all of said plurality of primary coils may be controlled by one control circuit.

To facilitate proper placement, an outline of each charging area is preferably provided on the console deck, along with a logo, picture or other indicia. The outlines can be illuminated with LEDs, for example. Indicator lights may be located in the console deck for each primary coil position. More specifically, the indicator lights may be embedded under the console deck and covered with a material that allows light to pass through, such as Plexiglas. The indicator light may turn on when a device including a secondary coil is placed on the corresponding primary coil and charged.

Inductively coupled consoles installed in seating furniture may contain one or more depressions or compartments rather than an essentially flat surface upon which equipment rests placed or fixed. Such recesses or gaps can be concealed by the armrest or center armrest. For example, the armrests of a chair could be opened via hinges or other mechanism to reveal an inductively coupled console. The inductive coupling console may have a compartment for equipment containing the secondary coil.

Referring again to FIG. 2 , power may be provided to console 22 by batteries or a cord plugged into a power outlet. Console 22 provides the user with the ability to power and recharge any number of devices equipped with appropriate secondary coils. Power is provided unobtrusively by a primary coil located under the console deck. Likewise, it will be appreciated that any number of recharging zones may be provided with corresponding primary coils located thereunder. It should also be understood that the recharging devices shown are exemplary only and that a virtually unlimited number and variety of devices equipped with appropriate secondary coils could be charged by the primary coil located in the console 22 .

3-5 illustrate a portable computer mount 32 . Computer mount 22 may be attached to any structure including, but not limited to, a vehicle, a building interior or exterior wall, desk, lectern, or dining table. Preferably, the computer mount is attached to the interior of the vehicle. FIG. 3 shows laptop computer 30 held within computer mount 32 . For simplicity, computer mount 32 is not shown attached to a structure. It should be appreciated that mount 32 is typically located inside a vehicle, such as a police car, to provide the driver with access to laptop computer 30 . Mount 32 may be positioned such that the driver can see and use laptop 30 while sitting in the driver's seat. Mount 32 is a universal mount that fits laptop computers of different sizes and shapes.

FIG. 4 provides a more detailed view of the base 34 of the mount 32 and is more fully described in US Patent 7,032,872, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The base 34 provides a secure computer mount that secures the laptop computer in place within the vehicle. The base 34 also provides a number of different adjustability features to accommodate a variety of laptop computers. Base 34 also has a lock and release feature that allows easy removal of the laptop. As can be seen in FIG. 5 , a primary coil charging deck 36 is coupled to the base 34 . The primary coil is positioned to correspond with the battery location of the laptop and provides power to the secondary coil in the laptop. Mount base 34 and table top 36 provide a charging station and a universal mount for laptop computer 30 . The primary coil could also be embedded in the base 34 instead of being integrated in the charging table 36 . Further primary coils can also be integrated in the table 36 or base 34 . These additional primary coils may be configured to charge a PDA, cell phone, or other electronic device that, along with the laptop computer 30 , may also be secured to the mount 32 . In embodiments where a plurality of primary coils are installed, a plurality of said primary coils may be controlled by one control circuit.

It should be understood that other means of securing and supporting the portable computer are conceivable, such as different mounts or frictional joints. Means for attaching the laptop computer and mount to a vehicle or other structure are also contemplated. These devices include mounting brackets and support arms that may be bolted, screwed, or otherwise attached to the vehicle or structure.

Referring again to FIG. 5 , preferably, the charging area for the primary coil for charging the laptop computer 30 may be outlined on the table top 36 along with a logo, picture or other indicia. The outline can be illuminated with LEDs, for example. For each primary coil location, indicator lights may be located in the control panel. More specifically, the indicator lights may be embedded under the console top and covered with a material that allows light to pass through, such as Plexiglas. When a computer including a secondary coil is placed on the corresponding primary coil and charged, the indicator light may be turned on. Similar indicators may exist for other devices that include secondary coils, such as PDAs or cell phones, that receive power inductively coupled from other primary coils integrated in table 36 .

If the equipment for charging, securing and supporting the portable computer is installed in the vehicle, the primary coil may be powered by the vehicle's battery or engine. If the device is mounted on or in a structure that has access to an electrical outlet, such as an office building lobby wall or a lectern, the device may be powered by a battery or a cord plugged into the electrical outlet.

The invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments. These examples are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. Alternative embodiments will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains without departing from the scope of the invention.

It will thus be apparent that the present invention is well adapted to attain all of the objects and objects set forth above, as well as other advantages which are apparent and inherent in the system and method. It will be appreciated that certain features and subcombinations have utility and can be used without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is conceivable by the claims and is included within the scope of the claims.

Claims (20)

1. an inductive couplings control desk comprises: control desk; One or more than a primary winding that is integrated in the control desk, wherein, each primary winding is connected to power supply, and wherein, each primary winding can be coupled to power inductance the equipment that comprises secondary coil.

2. according to the inductive couplings control desk of claim 1, also comprise the indicating device that shows the charging zone for each primary winding.

3. according to the inductive couplings control desk of claim 1, wherein, described one or be the combination that is selected from the primary winding of low-power primary winding, middle power primary winding, high power primary winding more than one primary winding.

4. according to the inductive couplings control desk of claim 1, wherein, described control desk is installed in the chair.

5. according to the inductive couplings control desk of claim 4, wherein, described control desk is configured to one or more than one remote controller charging.

6. according to the inductive couplings control desk of claim 1, wherein, described control desk is configured to hold and keep one or more than one the equipment that comprises secondary coil.

7. according to the inductive couplings control desk of claim 1, wherein, a plurality of primary windings are integrated in the control desk, and wherein, described a plurality of primary windings are controlled by a circuit.

8. inductive couplings vehicle control desk comprises: can store one or comprise one or more than the vehicle control desk of the equipment of a secondary coil more than one; Be integrated in the vehicle control desk one or more than one primary winding, wherein, each primary winding is connected to power supply, and wherein, each primary winding can carry out inductively-powered to the equipment that comprises secondary coil.

9. inductive couplings vehicle control desk according to Claim 8 also comprises the indicating device that shows the charging zone for each primary winding.

10. inductive couplings vehicle control desk according to Claim 8, wherein, described one or be the combination that is selected from the primary winding of low-power primary winding, middle power primary winding, high power primary winding more than one primary winding.

11. inductive couplings vehicle control desk according to Claim 8, wherein, control desk is installed between the seat in the vehicle.

12. inductive couplings vehicle control desk according to Claim 8, wherein, control desk is installed in the preceding control unit of vehicle.

13. inductive couplings vehicle control desk according to Claim 8, wherein, described control desk is configured to hold and keep one or more than one the equipment that comprises secondary coil.

14. inductive couplings vehicle control desk according to Claim 8 comprises that also the equipment that is used for comprising secondary coil is fixed to the device of control desk.

15. inductive couplings vehicle control desk according to Claim 8, wherein, a plurality of primary windings are integrated in the vehicle control desk, and wherein, described a plurality of primary windings are controlled by a circuit.

16. one kind be used for to portable computer charge, the fixing and device that supports, comprising: one or more than one the table top that can support portable computer; One or more than one the primary winding in the table top of being integrated in, wherein, each primary winding is connected to power supply, and wherein, each primary winding can be coupled to power inductance the portable computer that comprises secondary coil; Be used for portable computer is fixed to described one or more than the device of one table top; Be used for described one or be attached to the device of a structure more than one table top.

17. according to the device of claim 16, wherein, described structure is a vehicle.

18. according to the device of claim 17, wherein, this device is configured to make that calculating function is used by the people who is sitting in vehicle driver's seat.

19. according to the device of claim 16, also comprise one or more than an other primary winding that is integrated in the table top, wherein, described other primary winding is configured to the outer equipment charge that comprises secondary coil of portable computer.

20. according to the device of claim 16, wherein, a plurality of primary windings are integrated in described one or more than in one the table top, and wherein, described a plurality of primary windings are controlled by a circuit.

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