Electromechanical connection device

Abstract

Device (20) for making a connection between an electrical or electronic device (50) and an electrical connection (14) of a vehicle that can be connected to the device (50), wherein the device (20) comprises: - a housing (21) whose shape is adapted to a storage compartment (10) of a vehicle in such a way that the housing (21) can be detachably fastened in the storage compartment (10); - a first and a second contact element (24, 28) which are electrically connected to each other, wherein - the first contact element (24) is formed on a device receiving surface (22) of the housing (21) and can be connected to a corresponding first contact element (53) of the device (50); - the second contact element (28) is provided with first magnetic elements (30, 31) and can be connected to a corresponding second contact element (14) by magnetic force when the device (20) is arranged in the tray (10), wherein the corresponding second contact element (14) is provided with second magnetic elements (15, 16) and is arranged in a wall (12, 13) of the tray (10), characterized in that a switching element arranged in the corresponding second contact element (14) can be activated by the first magnetic elements (30, 31) of the second contact element (28), thereby establishing an electrical connection between the second contact element (28) and the corresponding second contact element (14).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an electromechanical connection device for establishing a connection between an electrical or electronic device, in particular a communication terminal device, such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, a mobile communication terminal device, or another consumer, and an electrical connection of a vehicle that can be connected to the device.

[0002] Such an electromechanical connection device is needed, for example, to charge the battery of a mobile phone. The term "mobile phone" used here is representative of any electrical or electronic device. There are so-called docking stations, which are factory-installed in vehicles and into which a mobile phone can be inserted for charging. Furthermore, these stations allow the mobile phone to be operated via the vehicle's controls, as well as enabling wired communication between the mobile phone and the vehicle. A disadvantage of such docking stations is that they are usually tailored to a specific model or type of mobile phone. Since mobile phones typically become obsolete after only a few years and are replaced by the user, the docking station may no longer be usable and is therefore inflexible.

[0003] Many mobile phone users therefore prefer to use an adapter cable to charge their device, which connects to a cigarette lighter socket or a special car socket. If the adapter cable remains permanently connected to the cigarette lighter socket or car socket, it remains unsightly and potentially bothersome near the socket or car socket and the mobile phone being charged. If the adapter cable is removed from the cigarette lighter socket or car socket when not in use, there is a risk of short circuits due to liquids or metal objects (such as coins). Another problem is the frequent occurrence of loose connections.

[0004] DE 102 18 505 A1 discloses a mounting structure for an electrical device used in a vehicle. An electrical device, arbitrarily selected from several electrical vehicle devices, can be attached to a mounting section. The mounting structure is arranged on an internal element within a passenger compartment and includes communication means for transmitting an electrical signal received by the vehicle to the selected electrical device.

[0005] DE 10 2007 047 329 A1 discloses a wireless battery charger that arranges a portable electronic device for efficient charging and at the same time provides a safe, stable and usable base for the portable electronic device.

[0006] US 7 016 709 B2 discloses a hands-free mobile communication system for vehicles, comprising an adapter base having a receiving area for adapter sleeves, wherein the adapter sleeves and the adapter base electronically connect mobile phones to a vehicle device integrated into the vehicle.

[0007] EP 2 193 959 A2 discloses an electronic interface device for connecting a digital file player to the audio system of a vehicle. The interface device comprises a support base, installable in the vehicle's interior, with at least one housing seat for receiving a digital file player. Electronic management and control means for the player are connected to the support base and can be connected to at least one car radio installed in the vehicle. The interface device further comprises at least one electronic connection port, arranged in the housing seat and suitable for the electronic connection of the digital file player to the electronic management and control means.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide an electromechanical connection device which is structurally and / or functionally improved.

[0009] This problem is solved by a device according to the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.

[0010] The invention proposes a device for establishing a connection between an electrical or electronic device and an electrical connection of a vehicle that can be connected to the device. The electrical or electronic device is, in particular, a communication terminal, such as a smartphone, a tablet computer, a mobile phone, or another consumer device, such as a lamp, a data storage medium, a coffee machine, etc.

[0011] The device comprises a housing whose shape is adapted to a vehicle storage compartment such that the housing can be detachably fastened in the compartment, and a first and a second contact element which are electrically connected to each other. The first contact element is formed on a device-receiving surface of the housing and can be connected to a corresponding first contact element of the device. The second contact element is provided with first magnetic elements and can be connected to a corresponding second contact element by magnetic force when the device is arranged in the storage compartment, the corresponding second contact element being provided with second magnetic elements and arranged in a wall of the storage compartment.According to the invention, the device is characterized in that a switching element arranged in the corresponding second contact element can be activated by the first magnetic elements of the second contact element, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the second contact element and the corresponding second contact element.

[0012] The second contact element and the corresponding second contact element form a magnetic electromechanical connection unit. This ensures that the contacts of the corresponding second contact element are only energized when the device is in the tray and the magnetic connection is established. If the device is not in the tray, there is no magnetic connection, and the contacts in the tray are de-energized. This eliminates the risk of short circuits caused by liquids and metal parts when the device is not in the tray.

[0013] Furthermore, in addition to providing a power supply, the device offers a defined holding option, positioning the device in a defined position via the connection to the first contact element. In the case of a communication terminal, it can be positioned within the device in a way that is easily visible and operable by the user.

[0014] The device offers high flexibility, as it can be easily removed from the storage compartment due to its detachable design. This allows the storage compartment to be used as usual, while, as described above, eliminating the risk of short circuits. The device, which can be sold independently of the vehicle, can be replaced with another device featuring a modified first contact element, for example, to supply power to a different electrical or electronic device in the vehicle.

[0015] The device thus represents an adapter adapted to a storage compartment in a vehicle, which allows the electrical connection of a wide variety of electrical or electronic devices.

[0016] In one embodiment, the housing is designed such that it at least partially fills the shelf when the device is positioned within it. If the device partially fills the shelf, the shelf can still be partially used for storing other items. If the device completely fills the shelf, it is held particularly securely. This is especially advantageous for smaller shelves.

[0017] The storage compartment can be, for example, a cupholder. It can also include several cupholders, especially those arranged side by side. The storage compartment can be a recess or molding, for example, on or near the dashboard and / or center console. It can also be a recess in a door.

[0018] The housing can be secured in the tray by positive locking and / or frictional locking. For example, the housing can be pressed into the tray. Alternatively, the housing can be held in place by clips, locking tabs, or locking hooks, which exert a spring force to create a holding force.

[0019] The magnetic connection can be established by the magnetic force of the first and second contact elements. In this configuration, no separate parts or shapes of the tray are required to securely hold the device. The magnetic force can also be used in addition to retaining elements (such as clips, locking tabs, or locking hooks) to secure the device in the tray.

[0020] The second contact element and the corresponding second contact element form an electromechanical connection unit, which includes at least two conductors for the transmission of current. This enables the supply of power to the electrical device. If the device includes an energy storage device (battery), the energy storage device can be charged via these conductors.

[0021] Additionally, the electromechanical connection device can have at least two further lines for data transmission. This enables data communication between the device and the vehicle. In the case of a communication terminal or a hard drive, data can be exchanged between the vehicle and the device. For example, audio and / or video data can be read from the device by the vehicle. Contact data, e.g., from an address database, can also be read from the device. It is also possible for the device to read data from the vehicle or transmit data to it for storage. This could include, for example, audio data, navigation data, contact data, or address data stored in the device.

[0022] The leads can be provided in addition to the first and second magnetic elements. The magnetic elements then generate the aforementioned holding force of the device in the tray. Furthermore, the magnetic elements ensure that the electrical connection between the second contact element and its corresponding second contact element is established automatically, i.e., without user intervention. The device finds the electrical connection itself via the magnetic elements.

[0023] The conductors can alternatively or additionally be formed by the magnetically connected first and second magnetic elements. This means that, in addition to their holding function, the magnetic elements are also used for the transmission of current and / or data.

[0024] In both variants, the magnetic elements also ensure that the electrical connection between the second contact element and the corresponding second contact element is correct, i.e., with correct polarity.

[0025] The second contact element can be flexibly mounted on the housing in at least one spatial direction. The joint can be flexible in all spatial directions. This enables the automatic "finding" of the corresponding second contact element, which is located in the housing wall. Unlike a conventional plug connection, the electrical connection between the second contact element and its corresponding second contact element does not need to be manually established before inserting the device into the housing.

[0026] The second contact element can be located on the base of the housing. This implies that the corresponding second contact element is then located on the base of the tray. The corresponding second contact element can be flush or substantially flush with the base of the tray. To prevent an electrical connection between the electrical contacts of the corresponding second contact element and an object present in the tray (e.g., a coin or a key), a raised area of ​​material can be provided between the contacts. The contacts can, for example, be contact surfaces.

[0027] The second contact element can be located on a side wall of the housing. This implies that the corresponding second contact element is then provided on a side wall of the tray. The corresponding second contact element can be flush or substantially flush with the side wall. To prevent an electrical connection between the electrical contacts of the corresponding second contact element and an object present in the tray (e.g., a coin or a key), a raised area of ​​material can be provided between the contacts. The contacts can, for example, be contact surfaces.

[0028] As already mentioned in the preceding description, the device is portable. This allows for easy replacement.

[0029] In summary, an adapter device is proposed in which a magnetic connection port (power transmitter) is attached to a wall, e.g., the base of a shelf such as a cupholder, and this is connected to suitable adapters for mobile phones, etc., which fit precisely into the shelf. Such magnetic connection ports or electromagnetic connection units are known, for example, from the company MagCode / Rosenberger and are described, for example, in DE 100 62 172 A1.

[0030] The adapter device has a number of advantages: Thanks to the special magnetic connection system, the contacts of the magnetic connection port are only live when the correct plug is inserted. A short circuit is therefore virtually impossible.

[0031] The adapter device "finds" the connection automatically based on the available magnetic forces.

[0032] The shape of the connection port and the polarity of the magnets allow the adapter to be designed in such a way that reliable protection against twisting is ensured. The adapter cannot be inserted incorrectly into the tray.

[0033] The adapter device enables the provision of a flexible docking station for a mobile device, in which it can always be positioned within easy view and readily accessible.

[0034] The adapter offers high flexibility, as it allows for the use of any housing shape (with regard to different devices to be connected) and enables easy exchange thanks to the magnetic mount. The adapter can be manufactured, for example, using 3D printing.

[0035] Storage compartments, such as cupholders, are no longer just there to hold a "cup", but can be adapted to the needs of customers through various adapter devices.

[0036] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a side view of a first embodiment of an electromechanical connection device according to the invention, which is fitted precisely into a storage compartment designed as a cupholder in a vehicle, Fig. 2 the electromechanical connecting device according to the invention Fig. 1 in expanded form, Fig. 3 a side view of a second embodiment of an electromechanical connection device according to the invention, which is fitted precisely into a larger storage compartment of a vehicle, and Fig. 4 An embodiment of an electromagnetic connection unit through which current and data can be transmitted.

[0037] The electromechanical connection device 20 according to the invention, hereinafter referred to as adapter device 20 (short: adapter), comprises a housing 21 whose shape is precisely adapted to a storage compartment 10 of a body component 11 of a vehicle. In the Fig. 1 and Fig. Storage compartment 2 is a cupholder, such as those often found in center consoles on the vehicle's transmission tunnel. Storage compartment 10 can also be a recess or molded area for storing small items, such as key cases, sunglasses, etc. Such storage trays are also frequently found in the center console on the vehicle's transmission tunnel. Fig. Figure 3 shows such an embodiment.

[0038] Referring to the in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the adapter device 20 is inserted into the cupholder 10 so that side walls 33 of the adapter device 20 abut the side walls 12 of the cupholder. The insertion is carried out according to... Fig. 2 in the direction of arrow B. The housing body 21 can, as shown in the example, be supported on the base of the shelf 10 by spacers 26, 27. The spacers 26, 27 can be formed in one piece and ring-shaped. The spacers 26, 27 can also be formed as two separate components. The spacers and the housing 21 are, for example, molded in one piece from a plastic. The spacer can also be omitted in the case of the conical shape of the side walls 12 of the cupholder and the correspondingly shaped side walls 33 of the housing shown.

[0039] In an alternative design, the support and fastening of the housing 21 could also be achieved via flexible plastic lugs that are distributed around the circumference of the side wall 12 and serve to securely hold cups of different diameters.

[0040] Between the spacers 26, 27, a contact element 28 is arranged on a base 25 of the housing. This contact element is flexibly movable via a joint 29 in at least one spatial direction (i.e., parallel to the plane of the blade and / or perpendicular to the plane of the blade). The joint can also be flexible in all spatial directions. It is sufficient if the movement is within an angular range of a maximum of ± 15°. The contact element 28 optionally comprises two magnetic elements 30, 31, which can be invisibly arranged beneath the surface of the contact element 28 if they do not constitute electrical contacts. Magnetic element 30 is arranged with its magnetic north pole (N) pointing towards the base 13 of the cupholder 10. Magnetic element 31 is arranged with its magnetic south pole (S) pointing towards the base 13 of the cupholder 10.

[0041] A contact element 14 corresponding to the contact element 28 is arranged on the base 13 of the cupholder 10. The contact element 14 is flush with the base 13 and optionally has one (or more) protrusion(s) 19, which, due to the artificially created unevenness, prevents an electrical connection of the electrical contacts of the contact element 14 via a metal part (e.g., a coin). The protrusion is in Fig. 2. The contact element 14 has two magnetic elements 15, 16 which – if not used as electrical contacts – can be invisibly arranged beneath the surface of the contact element 28. The magnetic element 15 is arranged with its magnetic south pole (S) towards the base 13 of the housing 21. The magnetic element 16 is arranged with its magnetic north pole (N) towards the base 13 of the housing 21. When the adapter device 20 is correctly positioned in the cupholder 10, the magnetic elements 15 and 30 as well as 16 and 31 come to lie adjacent to each other due to the magnetic force then acting upon them (see Fig. 1) The magnetic force is sufficiently large so that, if necessary, regardless of any force-fit and / or form-fit connection provided by the housing shape and / or cupholder design, a force-fit connection exists which securely holds the adapter device 20 in the cupholder.

[0042] In the contact element 14, which represents the current transmitter, a switching element (not shown) is arranged. This switching element can be activated by the first magnetic elements 30, 31 of the contact element 28, thereby establishing an electrical connection between the second contact element 28 and the corresponding second contact element 14. For this purpose, contact surfaces can be formed on the surfaces of the contact elements 28 and 14, or the magnetic elements 15, 16, 30, 31 themselves can be used. If the magnetic elements 30, 31 are not correctly arranged relative to the magnetic elements 15, 16, or if the adapter device 20 is not inserted into the cupholder 10, the switching element is deactivated due to the lack of magnetic force, so that the contacts of the current transmitter are de-energized. In this case, there is no risk of a short circuit caused by a metal part.

[0043] Together, contact elements 14 and 28 form an electromechanical connection unit, which can be described as a magnetic connection port. Its design and function are known in principle from the prior art and are therefore not described in detail. Such magnetic connection ports or electromagnetic connection units are known, for example, from the company MagCode / Rosenberger. Their function is described, for example, in DE 100 62 172 A1.

[0044] On a device receiving surface 22, i.e., on a top surface of the housing 21, a contact element 24, e.g., a contact strip for connection to a mobile communication device 50, is formed in a merely optional recess 23. The contact element 24 is specifically designed for the mobile communication device 50 to be connected. The mobile communication device 50, which has a display 51 and an operating unit 52, can be inserted into the recess 23 (arrow A in Fig. 2), whereby a contact element 53, e.g., a contact plug, comes into electrical and mechanical contact with the contact element 24. A connection to the vehicle's electronics 17 is then established via lines 32 routed within the housing 21, which electrically connect the contact element 24 to the contact element 28. The electronics 17 are in turn connected to the contact element 14 in the base of the cupholder via a line or bundle of lines 18. This connects the mobile communication device 50, which is connected to the contact element 24, to the vehicle's electronics 17. The electronics 17 may, for example, comprise a vehicle head unit and / or an energy storage device.

[0045] Depending on the configuration of the electronics 17, the line(s) 18, the number of magnetic contact elements 14, 18 and the contact elements 24, 53, the mobile communication device 50 can be supplied with power or even additionally exchange data with the electronics 17. In the first case, it is sufficient if the magnetic contact elements 14, 28 provide two lines; in the latter case, at least two further lines must be provided for data transmission.

[0046] The mobility of the contact element 28, due to the "joint" 29 or a corresponding material design of the transition area between the contact element 28 and the housing base 25, ensures that the electromechanical connection between the contact element 28 and the contact element 24 is reliably established when the adapter device 20 is inserted into the cupholder and the magnetic forces are applied. The magnetic forces automatically align the two contact elements 14 and 28 without requiring a separate electrical connection from the user.

[0047] Fig. Figure 3 shows a second embodiment in an expanded view, which differs from the one shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. The embodiment described in Figure 2 differs in that the magnetic contact element 14 is arranged in the side wall 12 of a storage tray 10. The storage tray 10 is, for example, larger than the adapter device 20, so that part of the tray remains available for other parts. Corresponding to the arrangement of the contact element 14 in the side wall 12, the magnetic contact element 28 of the adapter device 20 is also arranged on the side wall 33. To prevent damage to the contact element 28 due to its movable mounting when the adapter device is not in its intended position, the contact element 28 is laterally limited by the spacers 26, 27.

[0048] In the described case, where the storage tray 10 is larger than the adapter device 20, the adapter device can abut one or more of the side walls 33. Additional measures may be implemented that, besides magnetic force, enable the adapter device 20 to be fixed in the storage tray. These may include, for example, projections that engage in recesses, or locking hooks or lugs.

[0049] Fig.Figure 4 shows an embodiment of an electromagnetic connection unit consisting of contact elements 14 and 28, through which current and data can be transmitted. Five magnetic elements 15a, 15b, 15c, 15d, 15e and 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e are shown. The magnetic elements 15b, 15e, 30a, 30c, 30d, shown in light colors, face each other with their south pole (S), while the magnetic elements 15a, 15c, 15d, 30b, 30e, shown in dark colors, face each other with their north pole (N). Current and data transmission takes place via the interconnected pairs of magnetic poles 15a, 30a; 15b, 30b; 15c, 30c; 15d, 30d and 15e, 30e themselves. The arrangement of magnetic elements shown ensures that a magnetic force is generated only when the contact elements 14, 28 are arranged relative to each other in the manner shown, which activates the switching element contained in the current transmitter.A 180° rotation around an axis running vertically in the direction of the blade would result in a repulsive magnetic force that could not activate the switching element in the current generator, thus preventing current flow. The arrangement of the magnetic elements therefore provides reverse polarity protection. Reference symbol list 10 Storage compartments, e.g. cupholders 11 Body component 12 Side wall of the shelf 10 13 Bottom of the shelf 10 14 corresponding second contact element in a wall of the shelf 10 15 Magnetic element (S) of the corresponding second contact element 14 15a Magnetic element (S) of the corresponding second contact element 14 15b Magnetic element (N) of the corresponding second contact element 14 15c Magnetic element (S) of the corresponding second contact element 14 15d Magnetic element (S) of the corresponding second contact element 14 15e Magnetic element (N) of the corresponding second contact element 14 16 Magnetic element (N) of the corresponding second contact element 14 17 Electronics 18 Management 19 Survey 20 (adapter) device 21 cases 22 Device mounting surface (top) 23 Recess / Cutout 24 first contact element of the housing 25 Bottom of the case 21 26 spacers (housing part) 27 spacers (housing part) 28 second contact element of the housing 29 joint 30 Magnetic element (N) of the second contact element 28 30a Magnetic element (N) of the second contact element 28 30b Magnetic element (S) of the contact element 28 30c Magnetic element (N) of the contact element 28 30d Magnetic element (S) of the contact element 28 30e magnetic element (S) of the contact element 28 31 Magnetic element (S) of the contact element 28 32 Line between contact elements 24 and 28 33 Side wall of the housing 21 50 electrical or electronic device, e.g. communication device 51 Display 52 Control unit 53 corresponding first contact element to contact element 24

Claims

[1] Device (20) for making a connection between an electrical or electronic device (50) and an electrical connection (14) of a vehicle that can be connected to the device (50), wherein the device (20) comprises: - a housing (21) whose shape is adapted to a storage compartment (10) of a vehicle in such a way that the housing (21) can be detachably fastened in the storage compartment (10); - a first and a second contact element (24, 28) which are electrically connected to each other, wherein - the first contact element (24) is formed on a device receiving surface (22) of the housing (21) and can be connected to a corresponding first contact element (53) of the device (50); - the second contact element (28) is provided with first magnetic elements (30, 31) and can be connected to a corresponding second contact element (14) by magnetic force when the device (20) is arranged in the tray (10), wherein the corresponding second contact element (14) is provided with second magnetic elements (15, 16) and is arranged in a wall (12, 13) of the tray (10), characterized by , that a switching element arranged in the corresponding second contact element (14) can be activated by the first magnetic elements (30, 31) of the second contact element (28), thereby establishing an electrical connection between the second contact element (28) and the corresponding second contact element (14). [2] Device (20) according to claim 1, wherein the housing (21) is designed such that it at least partially fills the tray (10) when the device (20) is arranged in the tray (10). [3] Device (20) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the storage compartment (10) is a cupholder. [4] Device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the fastening of the housing (21) in the tray (10) is positive-locking and / or force-locking. [5] Device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the force transmission is established by the magnetic force of the first and second contact elements (15, 30). [6] Device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second contact element (28) and the corresponding second contact element (14) form an electromechanical connection unit comprising at least two conductors for the transmission of current. [7] Device (20) according to claim 6, wherein the electromechanical connection device has at least two further lines for the transmission of data. [8] Device (20) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the conductors are provided in addition to the first and second magnetic elements (15, 16; 30, 31). [9] Device (20) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the conductors are formed by the magnetically connected first and second magnetic elements (15, 30; 16, 31). [10] Device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second contact element (28) is flexibly mounted on the housing (21) at least in one spatial direction. [11] Device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second contact element (28) is arranged on a base (25) of the housing (21). [12] Device (20) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second contact element (28) is arranged on a side wall (33) of the housing (21). [13] Device (20) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device (20) is portable.

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