Support for modules for vehicles

Abstract

A cradle for a module of a vehicle includes a body and a pair of opposing rails. The body is configured to couple to the vehicle. The pair of opposing rails extend from the body. Each rail of the pair of opposing rails defines a channel configured to receive a respective mounting feature of the module. Each rail of the pair of opposing rails also includes a cutout that communicates with the channel at a location of the rail and is configured to receive the respective mounting feature from the channel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a bracket for a module used in a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] The statements in this section are provided only as background information in connection with this disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] A vehicle comprises multiple vehicle modules that can control the components of the vehicle. For example, a vehicle may include an engine control module that controls multiple systems of an internal combustion engine. In another example, a vehicle may include a suspension module that controls the suspension and adjusts the tension of each wheel. Vehicle modules can be attached to the vehicle in locations where there is limited space due to the presence of skid plates, brackets, body panels, and other vehicle parts in the area. This presents challenges in attaching vehicle modules to the vehicle.

[0004] This disclosure resolves these problems related to connecting vehicle modules to vehicles, as well as other problems related to connecting vehicle modules to vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This section provides a general overview of this disclosure and is not a full disclosure of its entire scope or all its features.

[0006] In one embodiment, this disclosure provides a bracket for a module in a vehicle. The bracket includes a body and a pair of opposing guide rails. The body is configured to be coupled to the vehicle. The pair of opposing guide rails extend from the body. Each of the pair of opposing guide rails defines a channel configured to receive a corresponding mounting feature of the module. Each of the pair of opposing guide rails further includes a first cutout communicating with the channel at a first location on the guide rail and configured to receive the corresponding mounting feature from the channel.

[0007] In a variation of the support structure described above, which can be implemented individually or in any combination: a pair of rail surfaces are configured to support the module, each of the pair of rail surfaces extending between the body and a corresponding rail of the pair of opposing guide rails; the first cut includes a first portion communicating with the channel and a second portion communicating with the first portion, the second portion being positioned closer to the rail surface than the first portion; the first cut includes a first portion communicating with the channel and a second portion communicating with the first portion, the second portion being positioned closer to the end of the guide rail than the first portion; each of the pair of opposing guide rails further includes a second cut, the second cut communicating with the channel at a second location on the guide rail and configured to receive the module from the channel. The system includes corresponding mounting features, wherein the second cut is spaced apart from the first position; the shape of the first cut is different from the shape of the second cut; each of the pair of opposing guide rails includes a flat portion and an arcuate portion, the arcuate portion defining the channel; the first cut is formed in the flat portion and the arcuate portion; a plurality of mounting features configured to connect the bracket to the module, at least one of the plurality of mounting features extending from the upper end of the body, and at least one of the plurality of mounting features extending from the lower end of the body; and a stop member extending from the upper end of the body above the pair of opposing guide rails.

[0008] In another embodiment, this disclosure provides a bracket for a module of a vehicle, the bracket including a body and a pair of opposing guide rails. The body is configured to be coupled to the vehicle. The pair of opposing guide rails extend from the body. Each of the pair of opposing guide rails includes a first portion, a second portion, a first cutout, and a second cutout. The second portion has a different shape from the first portion and defines a channel configured to receive a corresponding mounting feature of the module. The first cutout is formed in one of the pair of opposing guide rails. The first cutout communicates with the channel at a first position on the guide rail and is configured to receive the corresponding mounting feature from the channel. The second cutout is formed in one of the pair of opposing guide rails. The second cutout communicates with the channel at a second position on the guide rail and is configured to receive the corresponding mounting feature from the channel.

[0009] In a variation of the bracket that can be implemented individually or in any combination of the above sections: the first portion is flat and the second portion is arcuate; a first cut is formed in the flat first portion and the arcuate second portion of the guide rail, and a second cut is formed in the flat first portion and the arcuate second portion of the guide rail; a pair of track surfaces configured to support the module, each of the pair of track surfaces extending between the body and a corresponding guide rail in the pair of opposing guide rails; and each of the first cut and the second cut includes a first portion communicating with the channel and a second portion communicating with the first portion, the second portion being positioned closer to the track surface than the first portion.

[0010] In another form, this disclosure provides a method comprising: inserting a vehicle module into a bracket such that mounting features of the vehicle module are received in channels of a pair of opposing guide rails of the bracket; moving the vehicle module to a first position in which the mounting features move from the channels to a first cutout in the pair of opposing guide rails; and, while the vehicle module is in the first position, connecting a first set of electrical components to corresponding first terminals of the vehicle module.

[0011] In a variation of the method described in the above paragraphs, which can be implemented individually or in any combination: the method further includes moving the vehicle module from the first position after the first set of electrical components is coupled to the corresponding first terminal; moving the vehicle module to a second position in which the mounting feature moves from the channel to a second cutout in the pair of opposing guide rails; while the vehicle module is in the second position, coupling the second set of electrical components to the corresponding second terminal of the vehicle module; securing the vehicle module and the bracket to each other after the first set of electrical components is coupled to the corresponding first terminal and the second set of electrical components is coupled to the corresponding second terminal; and moving the vehicle module from the first position to the second position in a substantially vertical direction.

[0012] Further applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the descriptions and specific examples are intended for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0013] To better understand this disclosure, various forms of the disclosure will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle including a support frame, based on the principles of this disclosure;

[0015] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of a portion of the vehicle, including the support frame;

[0016] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the bracket;

[0017] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 Side view of the bracket;

[0018] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 End view of the bracket;

[0019] Figures 6A to 6F This is a view of the vehicle module moved to a first position, in which the mounting features of the vehicle module are received in the first pair of cutouts of the bracket;

[0020] Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the first set of electrical components electrically connected to the vehicle module when the vehicle module is in the first position;

[0021] Figures 8A to 8G This is a view of the vehicle module moved to a second position, in which the mounting features of the vehicle module are received in the second pair of cutouts of the bracket;

[0022] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the second set of electrical components electrically connected to the vehicle module when the vehicle module is in the second position; and

[0023] Figure 10 It is shown that the use is based on the principles of this disclosure. Figure 2 The flowchart shows the method of assembling vehicle modules into the vehicle using a bracket.

[0024] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or its uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate similar or corresponding parts and features.

[0026] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2The vehicle 10 is provided as an electric vehicle. In the provided example, the electric vehicle is a battery electric vehicle (BEV). In other examples, the electric vehicle may be a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), a plug-in electric vehicle (PHEV), or a fuel cell vehicle, etc. In other examples, the vehicle may be a vehicle driven by an internal combustion engine. In the provided example, vehicle 10 is a body-frame separated vehicle, but other types of vehicle architectures, such as unibody vehicle architectures, may be used.

[0027] In the provided example, vehicle 10 includes battery pack 12 ( Figure 1 ), frame 13 ( Figure 1 ), front-end structure assembly 16 ( Figure 2 ) and one or more supports 18 ( Figure 2 The battery pack 12 can be located at various positions on the vehicle 10 and can be mounted to the frame 13. In this way, the battery pack 12 is supported by the frame 13 and is located away from the passenger compartment (not shown) and cargo compartment (not shown) of the vehicle 10, thus not occupying space that would otherwise be available for passengers or cargo. The battery pack 12 powers a rear motor (not shown) to drive a set of rear wheels (not shown) and / or powers a front motor (not shown) to drive a set of front wheels (not shown).

[0028] The front-end structure assembly 16 is a support structure for vehicle components and panels, and specifically includes a pair of opposing upper tubes or longitudinal beams 22 and crossbars (not shown). A neck panel 24 spans the width of the vehicle 10 (i.e., extends laterally relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10) and is fixed to the upper tubes 22 of the front-end structure assembly 16. The neck panel 24 partially supports the vehicle windshield (not shown) and instrument panel (not shown). The neck panel 24 also covers the space between the vehicle hood panel (not shown) and the vehicle windshield (not shown), thereby preventing, for example, unwanted debris and fluids from entering vehicle systems such as the windshield wiper system.

[0029] The upper tube 22 extends from the upper portion of the corresponding front pillar (not shown) to the crossbeam (not shown). The upper tube 22 is located above the corresponding front wheel well and extends along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10. (Reference) Figure 2Each upper tube 22 includes a longitudinal portion 28, a riser portion 30, and a transition portion 32. The longitudinal portion 28 extends along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10. The riser portion 30 is located at the front end of the vehicle 10 and serves as the mounting location for a crossbeam. In other words, the riser portion 30 is located further forward of the vehicle 10 relative to the longitudinal portion 28 and the transition portion 32. The riser portion 30 extends in the vertical direction of the vehicle 10 and has a lower end located below the longitudinal portion 28 and the transition portion 32 of the upper tube 22. The transition portion 32 extends inward from the longitudinal portion 28 to the riser portion 30, and may also extend inward and downward at an angle to the riser portion 30. In other words, the riser portion 30 of the upper tube 22 is closer to each other than the longitudinal portion 28 of the upper tube 22.

[0030] Continue to refer to Figure 2 Each bracket 18 is secured to a corresponding tube 22 of the vehicle 10 and configured to connect a corresponding vehicle module 34 to the tube 22. The bracket 18 provides the benefit of supporting the vehicle module 34 while allowing electrical components (e.g., wiring harnesses) to be electrically connected to the vehicle module 34, particularly in confined spaces. For example, the vehicle module 34 may be connected to the vehicle 10 in locations where there is limited space due to the presence of skid plates, brackets, body panels, and other vehicle parts in that area. The bracket 18 of this disclosure facilitates the connection of the vehicle module 34 to the vehicle 10 and also facilitates the electrical connection of electrical components 21 to the vehicle module 34.

[0031] In the example shown, bracket 18 is connected to the transition portion 32 of tube 22. In some forms, bracket 18 may be connected to the longitudinal portion 28 and / or the riser portion 30 of tube 22. However, in other forms, bracket 18 may be connected to the frame 13 or other parts of the vehicle 10, where there is not much space due to the location of the vehicle parts.

[0032] refer to Figures 3 to 5 Each bracket 18 extends in a substantially vertical direction (relative to vehicle 10) and includes a body 36 and a pair of opposing guide rails 38. In the example shown, the body 36 is mechanically coupled to the transition portion 32 of the tube 22 using a connection such as welding or fasteners such as bolts, screws, rivets, etc. In some forms, the body 36 may be coupled to the longitudinal portion 28 and / or the riser portion 30 of the tube 22. In the example shown, the body 36 is a plate structure that includes a plurality of openings formed therein. Figure 3 ) and / or slots ( Figure 3The plurality of openings and / or slots facilitate attachment to the tube 22. The body 36 also includes a stamped ridge 41, which increases the strength of the support 18. The portion of the body 36 between the pair of opposing guide rails 38 is recessed at an angle toward the tube 22 to facilitate engagement of the support 18 with the tube 22. In other words, the portion of the body 36 between the pair of opposing guide rails 38 has a recess to facilitate engagement of the support 18 with the tube 22.

[0033] refer to Figure 3 Multiple mounting features 42a, 42b extend from the body 36 and connect the bracket 18 to the vehicle module 34, as will be described in more detail below. At least one mounting feature 42a extends from the upper end of the body 36 above the pair of opposing guide rails 38, and at least one mounting feature 42b extends from the lower end of the body 36 below the pair of opposing guide rails 38. An alignment feature 43 may extend outward (i.e., away from the tube 22) from one of the mounting features 42b and may facilitate alignment of the vehicle control module 34 with the pair of opposing guide rails 38 when the vehicle control module 34 is vertically inserted into the pair of opposing guide rails 38. A stop member 44 extends from the upper end of the body 36 above the pair of opposing guide rails 38 and restricts upward movement of the vehicle control module 34 beyond the position of the stop member 44.

[0034] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 5 A pair of track surfaces 46 extend between corresponding sides of the body 36 and corresponding guide rails 38 of the pair of opposing guide rails 38, and are configured to support the vehicle module 34 when the electrical component 21 is connected. In this way, movement of the vehicle module 34 in the lateral direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10 is prevented. In the example shown, the pair of track surfaces 46 are spaced apart from each other and spaced apart from the surface 47 of the body 36 (extending further outward from the tube 22 relative to the surface 47 of the body 36).

[0035] The pair of opposing guide rails 38 extend from the pair of rail surfaces 46. Each guide rail 38 includes a first part or portion 48, a second part or portion 50, and a first cutout 52. Figure 3 and Figure 4 ) and second incision 54 ( Figure 3 and Figure 4The first portion 48 extends perpendicularly from the corresponding track surface 46 and has a planar shape. The second portion 50 extends from the first portion 48 and defines a channel 51 extending through the guide rail 38. In the example shown, the second portion 50 has an arcuate or U-shaped shape defining the channel 51. In some forms, the second portion 50 may include a square shape or any other shape defining the channel 51. It should be understood that the first portion 48 is positioned closer to the track surface 46 than the second portion 50. The channel 51 extends along the entire length of the guide rail 38 and is configured to receive a corresponding mounting feature 34a of the vehicle module 34, as will be described in more detail below.

[0036] refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 A first cutout 52 is formed in the guide rail 38 and communicates with the channel 51 at a first position on the guide rail 38. The first cutout 52 is configured to receive a corresponding mounting feature 34a of the vehicle module 34. In the example shown, the first cutout 52 is generally L-shaped and is formed in a first portion 48 and a second portion 50 of the guide rail 38. The first cutout 52 includes a first portion 52a and a second portion 52b. The first portion 52a of the first cutout 52 communicates with the channel 51 and is formed in the second portion 50 of the guide rail 38. The second portion 52b communicates with the first portion 52a and is positioned closer to the track surface 46 than the first portion 52a (i.e., positioned more inwardly toward the body 36 than the first portion 52a). The second portion 52b of the first cutout 52 is closer to the lower end of the body than the first portion 52a and is defined by a lower surface 56a, an opposing side surface 56b, and an upper chamfered surface 56c.

[0037] When the corresponding mounting feature 34a is received in the second portion 52b of the first cut 52, the vehicle module 34 can be abutted against or supported by the pair of track surfaces 46. When the corresponding mounting feature 34a is received in the second portion 52b of the first cut 52, it is supported on the lower surface 56a to prevent downward movement of the vehicle module 34. The lower surface 56a is aligned with the mounting feature 34c of the vehicle module 34 and the mounting feature 42a of the bracket 18, respectively. The lower surface 56a of the cut 54 also provides a hands-free connection between the module 34 and the bracket 18 (i.e., preventing the module 34 from sliding in the opposite direction of loading) when the operator grasps a tool (not shown) to secure the module 34 to the bracket 18. When the corresponding mounting feature 34a is received in the second portion 52b of the first cut 52, the opposing side surfaces 56b of the second portion 52b of the first cut 52 further prevent movement of the vehicle module 34 in the lateral direction (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10). Due to its vertical orientation, once fully received in the second portion 52b of the first cut 52, the side surface 56b prevents the vehicle module 34 from rotating or engaging the guide rail 38. The upper chamfered surface 56c of the second portion 52b facilitates guiding the mounting feature 34a between the channel 51 and the second portion 52b of the first cut 52.

[0038] Continue to refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 The second cut 54 is formed in the guide rail 38 and communicates with the channel 51 at a second position on the guide rail 38. That is, the first cut 52 communicates with the channel 51 closer to the lower end of the body 36, and the second cut 54 may communicate with the channel 51 closer to the upper end of the body 36. In the example shown, the second cut 54 has a different profile or style than the first cut 52. In some forms, the second cut 54 and the first cut 52 may have the same profile or style.

[0039] The second cutout 54 is configured to receive a corresponding mounting feature 34a of the vehicle module 34. In the example shown, the second cutout 54 is generally L-shaped and formed in a first portion 48 and a second portion 50 of the guide rail 38. The second cutout 54 includes a first portion 54a and a second portion 54b. The first portion 54a of the second cutout 54 communicates with the channel 51 and is formed in the second portion 50 of the guide rail 38. The second portion 54b communicates with the first portion 54a and is positioned closer to the track surface 46 than the first portion 54a (i.e., positioned more inwardly toward the body 36 than the first portion 54a). The second portion 54b of the second cutout 54 is closer to the lower end of the body 36 than the first portion 54a and is defined by a lower surface 58a, an opposing side surface 58b, and an upper surface 58c.

[0040] When the corresponding mounting feature 34a is received in the second portion 54b of the second cut 54, the vehicle module 34 may abut against or be supported by the pair of track surfaces 46. When the corresponding mounting feature 34a is received in the second portion 54b of the second cut 54, the corresponding mounting feature 34a is supported on the lower surface 58a to prevent downward movement of the vehicle module 34. When the corresponding mounting feature 34a is received in the second portion 54b of the second cut 54, the opposing side surfaces 58b of the second portion 54b of the second cut 54 prevent movement of the vehicle module 34 in the lateral direction (i.e., the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 10). Due to the vertical orientation, once fully received in the second portion 54b of the second cut 54, the side surfaces 58b prevent the vehicle module 34 from rotating or engaging the guide rail 38.

[0041] Each vehicle module 34 is connected to a corresponding bracket 18. In one example, the vehicle module 34 may be an engine control module that controls multiple systems of an internal combustion engine. In another example, the vehicle module 34 may be a suspension module that controls the suspension and independently adjusts the tension of each wheel.

[0042] refer to Figure 6A The vehicle module 34 includes a body 34b, a pair of opposing mounting features 34a (only one is shown in the figure), and a plurality of mounting features 34c, 34d. The body 34a includes a plurality of terminals 70 configured to mate with electrical components 21, as will be described in more detail below. The pair of opposing mounting features 34a extends from a first side and a second side of the vehicle module 34 and is configured to be received in the pair of opposing guide rails 38, as will be described in more detail below. In the example shown, the mounting features 34a have a cylindrical shape. In some forms, the mounting features 34a may include a square shape or any other suitable shape. The plurality of mounting features 34c, 34d extend from the body 34b and connect the vehicle module 34 to a bracket 18, as will be described in more detail below. At least one mounting feature 34c extends from the upper end of the body 34b, and at least one mounting feature 34d extends from the lower end of the body 34b.

[0043] refer to Figures 6A to 6F , Figure 7 , Figures 8A to 8G and Figure 9 The method for assembling the vehicle control module 34 to the vehicle 10 using the bracket 18 will be described in detail. At 204, the bracket 18 is coupled to the vehicle 10. In the example shown, the bracket 18 is coupled to the tube 22 of the vehicle 10. At 208, the vehicle module 34 is vertically inserted into the bracket 18 such that the mounting feature 34a of the vehicle module 34 is received in the channel 51 of a pair of opposing guide rails 38 of the bracket 18. Figures 6A to 6C In channel 51, movement of vehicle module 34 in the longitudinal and lateral directions of vehicle 10 is prevented. At 212, vehicle module 34 moves to a first position, in which mounting feature 34a of vehicle module 34 moves from channel 51 into the second portion 52b of the first cutout 52 of the pair of opposing guide rails 38. Figures 6D to 6F At 216, in the first position, the first set of electrical components 21 can be electrically connected to the first set of terminals 70 of the vehicle module 34. Figure 7 When the vehicle module 34 is in the first position, it can abut a pair of track surfaces 46 and mounting features 42b to prevent rotation of the vehicle module 34 and further prevent lateral movement of the vehicle module 34. This, in turn, facilitates the connection of the first set of electrical components 21 to the first set of terminals 70.

[0044] At position 220, the vehicle module 34 moves to a second position, in which the mounting feature 34 moves from channel 51 into the second portion 54b of the second cutout 54 of the pair of opposing guide rails 38. Figures 8A to 8G That is, after the first set of electrical components 21 is connected to the first set of terminals 70 (lower terminals), the vehicle module 34 moves from the first position into the channel 52. The vehicle module moves from the first position to the second position in a substantially vertical direction. At 224, in the second position, the second set of electrical components 21 can be electrically connected to the second set of terminals 70 of the vehicle module 34 (…). Figure 9 It should be understood that vehicle module 34 is prevented from moving laterally until it reaches the first cut 52 and the second cut 54. When vehicle module 34 is in the second position, vehicle module 34 can abut a pair of track surfaces 46 to prevent vehicle module 34 from rotating and further prevent vehicle module 34 from moving laterally. This, in turn, facilitates the connection of the second set of electrical components 21 to the second set of terminals 70. Cut 54 also provides hands-free connection and positioning of module 34 relative to bracket 18 (i.e., preventing module 34 from sliding in the opposite direction of loading) when the operator grasps tools and parts (not shown) to secure module 34 to bracket 18. Lower surface 56a is aligned with mounting features 34c of vehicle module 34 and mounting features 42a of bracket 18, respectively, while allowing line of sight to mounting features 34c, 42a to secure bracket 18 and module 34 around bracket, parts and other obstructions.

[0045] At point 228, after the first set of electrical components 21 is connected to the first set of terminals 70 and the second set of electrical components 21 is connected to the second set of terminals 70, the vehicle module 34 is secured to the bracket 18. That is, mechanical fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets) extend through the mounting feature 34c of the vehicle module 34 and the mounting feature 42a of the bracket 18, respectively. Similarly, mechanical fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets) extend through the mounting feature 34d of the vehicle module 34 and the mounting feature 42b of the bracket 18, respectively.

[0046] The bracket 18 of this disclosure provides the benefit of supporting the vehicle module 34 while allowing electrical components (e.g., wiring harnesses) to be electrically connected to the vehicle module 34, particularly in confined spaces. For example, the vehicle module 34 may be connected to the vehicle 10 in locations where there is limited space due to the presence of skid plates, brackets, body panels, and other vehicle parts in that area. The bracket 18 of this disclosure facilitates the connection of the vehicle module 34 to the vehicle 10 and also facilitates the electrical connection of electrical components to the vehicle module 34. The bracket 18 can also be used in mechanical / electrical systems in other industries outside the automotive industry, including those involving confined spaces.

[0047] Unless otherwise expressly indicated herein, all numerical values ​​indicating mechanical / thermal properties, percentage of composition, dimensions and / or tolerances or other characteristics should be understood as being modified by the words “about” or “approximately” when describing the scope of this disclosure. Such modification is desired for various reasons, including: industrial practice; material, manufacturing and assembly tolerances; and testing capabilities.

[0048] As used herein, the phrases A, B, and C at least one should be interpreted as representing logic (A or B or C) using the non-exclusive logic "or", and should not be interpreted as representing "at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C".

[0049] In this application, the terms “controller” and / or “module” may refer to, be part of, or include the following: application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; composable logic circuit; field-programmable gate array (FPGA); processor circuitry (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that executes code; memory circuitry (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that stores code executed by the processor circuitry; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or combinations of some or all of the foregoing, such as in a system-on-a-chip.

[0050] The term memory is a subset of the term computer-readable medium. As used herein, the term computer-readable medium does not cover transient electrical or electromagnetic signals propagated through a medium (such as on a carrier wave); therefore, the term computer-readable medium can be considered tangible and non-transient. Non-limiting examples of non-transient tangible computer-readable media include non-volatile memory circuits (such as flash memory circuits, erasable programmable read-only memory circuits, or mask read-only circuits), volatile memory circuits (such as static random access memory circuits or dynamic random access memory circuits), magnetic storage media (such as analog magnetic tape or digital magnetic tape or hard disk drives), and optical storage media (such as CDs, DVDs, or Blu-ray discs).

[0051] The apparatus and methods described in this application can be implemented, in part or in whole, by a dedicated computer created by configuring a general-purpose computer to perform one or more specific functions embodied in a computer program. Function blocks, flowchart components, and other elements described above serve as software specifications that can be translated into computer programs through the routine work of a technician or programmer.

[0052] The description in this disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and therefore, variations without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure are intended to be made within its scope. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0053] According to the present invention, a bracket for a module for a vehicle is provided, the bracket having: a body configured to be coupled to the vehicle; and a pair of opposing guide rails extending from the body, each of the pair of opposing guide rails including a first portion, a second portion, a first cutout, and a second cutout, the second portion having a different shape from the first portion and defining a channel configured to receive a corresponding mounting feature of the module, the first cutout being formed in one of the pair of opposing guide rails, the first cutout communicating with the channel at a first position on the guide rail and being configured to receive the corresponding mounting feature from the channel, and the second cutout being formed in one of the pair of opposing guide rails, the second cutout communicating with the channel at a second position on the guide rail and being configured to receive the corresponding mounting feature from the channel.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the first portion is flat, and the second portion is arc-shaped.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the first cut is formed in a flat first portion and an arcuate second portion of the guide rail, and wherein the second cut is formed in the flat first portion and the arcuate second portion of the guide rail.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a pair of track surfaces configured to support the module, each of the pair of track surfaces extending between the body and a corresponding guide rail in the pair of opposing guide rails.

[0057] According to one embodiment, each of the first cut and the second cut includes a first portion communicating with the channel and a second portion communicating with the first portion, wherein the second portion is positioned closer to the track surface than the first portion.

Claims

1. A bracket for a module in a vehicle, the bracket comprising: A main body configured to be connected to the vehicle; as well as A pair of opposing guide rails extending from the body, each of the pair of opposing guide rails defining a channel configured to receive a corresponding mounting feature of the module, each of the pair of opposing guide rails further comprising a first cut that communicates with the channel at a first position on the guide rail and is configured to receive the corresponding mounting feature from the channel.

2. The bracket of claim 1, further comprising a pair of track surfaces configured to support the module, each of the pair of track surfaces extending between the body and a corresponding guide rail of the pair of opposing guide rails.

3. The bracket according to claim 2, wherein the first cut includes a first portion communicating with the channel and a second portion communicating with the first portion, and wherein the second portion is positioned closer to the track surface than the first portion.

4. The bracket according to claim 2, wherein the first cut includes a first portion communicating with the channel and a second portion communicating with the first portion, and wherein the second portion is positioned closer to the end of the guide rail than the first portion.

5. The bracket of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of opposing guide rails further comprises a second cut, the second cut communicating with the channel at a second position on the guide rail and configured to receive the corresponding mounting feature from the channel, the second cut being spaced apart from the first position.

6. The bracket according to claim 5, wherein the shape of the first cut is different from the shape of the second cut.

7. The bracket of claim 1, wherein each of the pair of opposing guide rails includes a flat portion and an arcuate portion, and wherein the arcuate portion defines the channel.

8. The bracket according to claim 7, wherein the first cut is formed in the flat portion and the arcuate portion.

9. The bracket of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of mounting features configured to connect the bracket to the module, at least one of the plurality of mounting features extending from the upper end of the body and at least one of the plurality of mounting features extending from the lower end of the body.

10. The bracket of claim 9, further comprising a stop member extending from the upper end of the body above the pair of opposing guide rails.

11. The bracket according to claim 1, further comprising a stop member extending from the upper end of the body above the pair of opposing guide rails.

12. A method comprising: The vehicle module is inserted into the bracket such that the mounting features of the vehicle module are received in the channels of a pair of opposing guide rails of the bracket. The vehicle module is moved to a first position, in which the mounting feature moves from the channel to a first cut in the pair of opposing guide rails; as well as When the vehicle module is in the first position, the first set of electrical components is connected to the corresponding first terminal of the vehicle module.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: After the first set of electrical components is connected to the corresponding first terminal, the vehicle module is moved from the first position; The vehicle module is moved to a second position, in which the mounting feature moves from the channel to a second cut in the pair of opposing guide rails; as well as When the vehicle module is in the second position, the second set of electrical components is connected to the corresponding second terminal of the vehicle module.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the vehicle module moves from the first position to the second position in a substantially vertical direction.

15. The method of claim 13, further comprising securing the vehicle module and the bracket to each other after the first set of electrical components are connected to the corresponding first terminal and the second set of electrical components are connected to the corresponding second terminal.

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