Device for mounting an electronic device in a vehicle, system

Abstract

Device (11) for fastening an electronic device (10) in a vehicle, comprising a first fastening means (15) designed for detachable fastening to the vehicle (2), a second fastening means (16) designed for detachable fastening to the electronic device (10), and an elongated locking element (12) designed to be deformable and having a first end section (13) and a second end section (14), wherein the first fastening means (15) is arranged on the first end section (13), and wherein the second fastening means (16) is arranged on the second end section (14), characterized in that the second fastening means (16) has a plug-in element that can be inserted into a receptacle of the electronic device (10) for fastening the second fastening means (16) to the electronic device (10) and means for locking the plug-in element inserted into the receptacle.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device for fastening an electronic device in a vehicle, comprising a first fastening means designed for detachable fastening to the vehicle and a second fastening means designed for detachable fastening to the electronic device.

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a system comprising a vehicle and a device designed as described above.

[0003] Unsecured electronic devices located in the interior of a vehicle can become projectiles during an accident or emergency braking, potentially causing damage. Devices for securing electronic devices in vehicle interiors are known in the prior art, designed to prevent or at least reduce such damage. For example, German patent application DE 10 2008 053 ​​975 A1 discloses a device of the type mentioned above. This device comprises a first fastening element designed for detachable attachment to a vehicle. It also comprises a second fastening element designed for detachable attachment to an electronic device. This second fastening element is a holder with a support section for the electronic device.The bracket is rotatably mounted on the first fastening element about an axis of rotation oriented perpendicular to the support section.

[0004] The patent application WO 96 / 33632 A1 discloses a fastening strap by which an electronic device can be secured to a person's thigh.

[0005] A device for securing luggage or the like is known from patent application WO 2006 056 664 A1. The device comprises a securing strap to which a fastening element designed for attachment to a vehicle is attached. The securing strap has at least one slot-shaped recess dimensioned such that the fastening element can be passed through it. Passing the fastening element through the recess forms a loop that can be used to secure luggage. Once the fastening element is attached to the vehicle, luggage secured by the loop is protected from theft.

[0006] The invention is based on the objective of improving a device of the type mentioned above in such a way as to achieve increased flexibility with regard to the arrangement and orientation of an electronic device which is attached to a vehicle by means of the device.

[0007] To solve this problem, the device according to the invention, with the features of claim 1, is characterized by an elongated locking element that is deformable and has a first end section and a second end section, wherein the first fastening means is arranged on the first end section, wherein the second fastening means is arranged on the second end section, and wherein the second fastening means comprises a plug-in element that can be inserted into a receptacle of the electronic device, as well as means for locking the plug-in element inserted into the receptacle. Because the locking element is deformable, a user can change the orientation and arrangement of an electronic device attached to a vehicle by means of the device as desired. This is particularly convenient for the user.The inventive design of the second fastening element also ensures robust attachment of the second fastening element to the electronic device without significantly impairing the usability of the electronic device. According to the invention, the first fastening element is arranged on the first end section of the locking element. The first fastening element is preferably not formed by the elongated locking element itself, but by an additional component or assembly. Preferably, the first fastening element is attached to the first end section. According to the invention, the second fastening element is arranged on the second end section of the locking element. The second fastening element is preferably not formed by the elongated locking element itself, but by an additional component or assembly.Preferably, the second fastening element is attached to the second end section. According to the invention, the first fastening element is designed for attachment to a vehicle. In this respect, the structure of the first fastening element is adapted to the structure of a corresponding fastening element of the vehicle such that the first fastening element can be connected to the corresponding fastening element of the vehicle. Preferably, the second fastening element is arranged directly on the second end section. Alternatively, the second fastening element is preferably arranged indirectly on the second end section. The same applies to the first fastening element.

[0008] According to a preferred embodiment, the securing element is designed as a safety strap, safety rope, or safety wire. Such secured elements exhibit advantageous deformability and thus offer a high level of user comfort for the electronic device.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the locking element is designed to be elastically deformable. This further increases the user's flexibility with regard to the arrangement of the electronic device. Preferably, the elasticity of the elongated locking element is provided by manufacturing it from an elastically deformable material. Alternatively or additionally, the elasticity of the locking element is preferably provided by its shape. For example, the locking element is designed as a spirally shaped locking wire. According to an alternative embodiment, it is preferably provided that the locking element is flexible. This is particularly advantageous for electronic devices with low mass.In this case, an elastically deformable locking element could exert a tensile force on the electronic device, which the user might find bothersome.

[0010] Preferably, the device has a winding mechanism with a rotatably mounted belt reel, wherein the first end section of the securing element is attached to the belt reel. By attaching the first end section to the belt reel, the securing element can be wound onto or unwound from the belt reel by rotating the belt reel. This offers the advantage that the securing element can be stowed away by winding it onto the belt reel when needed, for example, when it is not required to secure an electronic device. According to this embodiment, the first fastening element is thus arranged on the first end section, and the first end section is attached to the belt reel. Preferably, this is achieved by rotatably mounting the belt reel in a housing, wherein the first fastening element is formed by the housing or arranged on the housing.Therefore, the first fastening element is indirectly arranged on the first end section of the securing element by means of the rotatably mounted belt reel. Preferably, the winding mechanism is designed as a spring-loaded winding mechanism. In this respect, the winding mechanism has a spring element that provides a spring force which must be overcome to unwind the securing element wound onto the belt reel from the belt reel.

[0011] Preferably, the retraction mechanism includes a controllable belt tensioner, a controllable belt locking device, and / or a belt force limiter. Belt tensioners, belt locking devices, and belt force limiters are generally known from the prior art and are used, for example, in the seat belts of motor vehicles. A controllable belt tensioner is a device which, when activated, rotates the belt reel in such a way that the elongated locking element is at least partially wound onto the belt reel. This reduces the free length of the locking element, i.e., the unwound part of the locking element, thereby restricting the movement of the attached electronic device. This is advantageous in the event of a vehicle accident or emergency braking.A seatbelt locking device is a device that blocks the rotation of the belt reel when a tensile force exceeding a threshold is applied to the elongated locking element. Such high tensile forces occur, for example, in an accident or during emergency braking. Accordingly, the seatbelt locking device prevents the locking element from being pulled off the belt reel in a vehicle accident or during emergency braking. This would increase the free length of the locking element, which is undesirable in an accident or during emergency braking. The belt force limiter prevents load peaks that could lead to damage to the device, particularly the second fastening element, and / or the electronic component.Preferably, the belt force limiter has a torsion bar and is designed to limit the tensile force acting on the securing element by twisting the torsion bar.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the first fastening element has a locking feature for attachment to the vehicle. This allows for quick attachment of the first fastening element to the vehicle by forming a snap-fit ​​connection. Preferably, the locking feature is designed as a locking tongue to engage in a seatbelt buckle of the vehicle. Alternatively, the locking feature is preferably designed as a locking pin to engage in an Isofix bracket of the vehicle seat. In both cases, the advantage is that the first fastening element uses components of the vehicle that are already present as standard.

[0013] Preferably, the first fastening element is attached to the vehicle by means of a screw. This also ensures a stable attachment of the first fastening element to the vehicle. Preferably, the first fastening element has a mounting plate with an opening or recess for the screw.

[0014] Preferably, the connector is designed as a Kensington lock. The mounting point for the electronic device is then a housing opening designed to accept a Kensington lock. The locking mechanism is a rotatably mounted locking bolt of the Kensington lock. If the connector is designed as a Kensington lock, a particularly robust attachment of the second mounting element to the electronic device is achieved. Alternatively, the connector is preferably designed as a USB connector, an HDMI connector, or a LAN connector. The mounting point for the electronic device is then, accordingly, a USB port, an HDMI port, or a LAN port of the electronic device.The locking means are then preferably formed by a locking element arranged on the plug-in element and / or by screw elements.

[0015] According to a preferred embodiment, the second fastening element comprises a casing for receiving the electronic device, with one side wall of the casing having a recess for the screen of the electronic device. Thus, in addition to the plug-in element and the locking means, the second fastening element includes the casing. Once the electronic device is received or positioned within the casing, it is positively connected to the casing. This results in a particularly stable fastening of the electronic device. This embodiment of the second fastening element is especially advantageous when the electronic device is a tablet. Due to the recess for the screen, the use of the tablet-type electronic device is only minimally affected.

[0016] According to an alternative embodiment, the device according to the invention, comprising the features of claim 1, is characterized by an elongated locking element which is deformable and has a first end section and a second end section, wherein the first fastening means is arranged on the first end section, wherein the second fastening means is arranged on the second end section, wherein the second fastening means has a casing for receiving the electronic device, and wherein a side wall of the casing has a recess for a screen of the electronic device.

[0017] It is then preferably provided that the second fastening means has a plug-in element that can be inserted into a receptacle of the electronic device and means for locking the plug-in element inserted into the receptacle.

[0018] The system according to the invention, comprising the features of claim 10, includes a vehicle and the device according to the invention, wherein the first fastening means of the device is attached to / can be attached to the vehicle. The advantages already mentioned also result from this. Further preferred features and combinations of features will become apparent from the description and the claims. Preferably, the system includes an electronic device, wherein the second fastening means of the device is attached to / can be attached to the electronic device.

[0019] Preferably, the system comprises a control unit for controlling a seat belt tensioner and / or a seat belt locking device, in particular the device according to the invention, wherein the control unit is connected to a vehicle crash sensor via communication technology and is configured to control the seat belt tensioner and / or the seat belt locking device depending on a sensor signal from the crash sensor. Depending on the sensor signal from the crash sensor, a time at which controlling the seat belt tensioner or the seat belt locking device offers a desired advantage can be precisely determined. For example, the control unit is configured to control the seat belt tensioner and / or the seat belt locking mechanism when, depending on the sensor signal from the crash sensor, a vehicle crash or emergency braking of the vehicle is detected.Preferably, the accident sensor is an acceleration sensor that is fixed to the body.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit is connected via communication technology to an interior sensor of the vehicle that monitors the passenger compartment and is configured to control the seat belt tensioner and / or the seat belt locking device depending on a sensor signal from the interior sensor. A particularly advantageous control of the seat belt tensioner and / or the seat belt locking device can also be achieved depending on the sensor signal from the interior sensor. For example, the seat belt tensioner is controlled depending on the sensor signal from the interior sensor in such a way that the electronic device is drawn into an area of ​​the passenger compartment where it does not obstruct the safe deployment of the vehicle's airbags. Preferably, the interior sensor is a camera sensor.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the vehicle comprises a first seating arrangement and a second seating arrangement, wherein the first seating arrangement is oriented in the forward direction of travel, and wherein the second seating arrangement is arranged in front of the first seating arrangement and oriented in the opposite direction of travel, wherein the first fastening element is attached to / can be attached to a counter-fastening element of the first seating arrangement, and / or wherein the first fastening element is attached to / can be attached to a counter-fastening element that is fixed to the vehicle body adjacent to the first seating arrangement. The seating arrangements are thus arranged and oriented such that a person sitting in a vehicle seat of the first seating arrangement faces a person sitting in a vehicle seat of the second seating arrangement. Seating arrangements of this kind are common, for example, in rail vehicles.Furthermore, such seating arrangements are expected to be used more frequently in semi-autonomous or fully autonomous vehicles in the future. Because the counter-fastening device is located on or adjacent to the first seating arrangement, the device can be used by the person sitting in the first seating arrangement. This is particularly advantageous because the person sitting in the second seating arrangement would otherwise be especially vulnerable in the event of an accident or emergency braking.

[0022] Further advantages and preferred features and combinations of features will become apparent in particular from the description and the claims. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment. For this purpose, we will show... Fig. 1A a first representation of a passenger compartment of a vehicle, and Fig. 1B a second representation of the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

[0023] The Fig. 1A and Fig. Figure 1B shows a representation of a passenger compartment 1 of a vehicle 2 that is not shown in detail. The following will first refer to Fig. 1A received. It is assumed that vehicle 2 is in the Fig. 1A shows the representation moving in the forward direction 4.

[0024] Vehicle 2 has a first seating arrangement 3 with a vehicle seat 5. The first seating arrangement 3 is oriented in the forward direction 4 of the vehicle 2. A first person 6 sitting in vehicle seat 5 therefore faces in the forward direction 4. Vehicle 2 also has a second seating arrangement 7 with a vehicle seat 8. The second seating arrangement 7 is oriented opposite the forward direction 4. Furthermore, the second seating arrangement 7 is positioned in the forward direction 4 in front of the first seating arrangement 3.

[0025] A second person 9 sitting on the vehicle seat 8 therefore faces the opposite direction of travel 4 and sits opposite the first person 6.

[0026] Vehicle 2 is part of a system 19. System 19 also includes an electronic device 10, which in this case is a laptop 10. Alternatively, the electronic device 10 could be, for example, a tablet. As shown from Fig. As can be seen in 1A, the electronic device 10 is used by the first person 6.

[0027] System 19 also includes a device 11 for attaching the electronic device 10 to the vehicle 2. The device 11 has an elongated securing element 12, which is deformable. In this case, the securing element 12 is a securing strap 12. Alternatively, the securing element 12 is preferably a securing cable or a securing wire. The securing element 12 has a first end section 13 and a second end section 14. A first fastening element 15 is arranged on the first end section 13. A second fastening element 16 is arranged on the second end section 14.

[0028] According to the in Fig. In the illustration shown in Figure 1A, the securing element 12 can be used by way of example such that, when used as intended, particularly in a taut or slack state, it runs above or outside a hand or arm of the first person 6. Of course, the securing element can alternatively also be used such that, particularly in a taut or slack state, it runs below the hand or arm, i.e., between the hand / arm and the body of the first person 6.

[0029] The first fastening element 15 is attached to a first counter-fastening element (not shown), which in this case is arranged on the first seating arrangement 3. The device 11 and the locking element 12 are thus attached to the first seating arrangement 3 by means of the first fastening element 15. The first fastening element 15 is detachably attached to the first counter-fastening element. When the first fastening element 15 is detached from the first counter-fastening element, it can be attached to the first seating arrangement 3 or to the first counter-fastening element.

[0030] In this case, the first counter-fastening element is an eyelet arranged on the first seating arrangement 3. To achieve advantageous attachment to the eyelet, the first fastening element 15, for example, has a carabiner or a locking mechanism. Alternatively, further advantageous embodiments of the first counter-fastening element and the first fastening element 15 are provided. For example, the first counter-fastening element is not arranged on the first seating arrangement 3, but is fixed to the vehicle body and adjacent to the first seating arrangement 3. According to a further preferred embodiment, the first counter-fastening element is an Isofix bracket of a vehicle seat of the first seating arrangement 3. The first fastening element 15 then preferably has a locking mechanism designed to engage with the Isofix bracket.According to a further preferred embodiment, the first counter-fastening means is a seat belt buckle of an unoccupied vehicle seat of the first seating arrangement 3. The first fastening means 15 then preferably has a locking tongue which is designed to engage in the seat belt buckle.

[0031] The second fastening element 16 is attached to a second counter-fastening element (not shown) of the electronic device 10. The device 11, or the locking element 12, is thus attached to the electronic device 10 by means of the second fastening element 16. The second fastening element 16 is detachably attached to the second counter-fastening element of the electronic device 10. When the second fastening element 16 is detached from the second counter-fastening element, it can be attached to the electronic device 10 or to the second counter-fastening element of the electronic device 10.

[0032] In this case, the second counter-fastening element is a housing opening of the electronic device 10, designed to receive a Kensington lock. The second fastening element 16 accordingly has a plug-in element designed as a Kensington lock, which is inserted into the housing opening and locked in place. Alternatively, further advantageous embodiments of the second counter-fastening element and the second fastening element 16 are provided. For example, according to another embodiment, the second counter-fastening element is a connector of the electronic device 10, such as a USB connector, an HDMI connector, or a LAN connector. The aforementioned connectors are particularly suitable as counter-fastening elements because they often offer a means of mechanical locking.The second fastening element 16 then accordingly has a plug-in element designed as a USB connector, HDMI connector, or LAN connector, which is inserted into the port of the electronic device 10 and locked in the port or adjacent to the port on the housing of the electronic device 10. Alternatively or additionally to the plug-in element and means for locking the plug-in element, the second fastening element 16 preferably has a housing for receiving the electronic device 10, wherein one side wall of the housing has a recess for a screen of the electronic device 10. This embodiment of the second fastening element 16 is particularly preferred if the electronic device 10 is a tablet.

[0033] Fig. Figure 1B shows the passenger compartment 1 during a strong deceleration, such as can occur in an accident where the vehicle 2 collides with an obstacle 17 in the forward direction or head-on. As shown Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1B, a force 18, in particular an inertial force, acts on the electronic device 10, which is directed at least substantially in the forward direction 4. The force 18 displaces the electronic device 10 in the forward direction 4.

[0034] The extent of the electronic device 10's displacement in the forward direction 4 is limited by the device 11. In this case, the elongated securing element 12 is dimensioned such that, in the event of an accident, the electronic device 10 is prevented from striking the second person 9 due to its length. Therefore, the electronic device 10 is secured to the first seating arrangement 3, and thus to the vehicle 2, by the device 11. Reference symbol list 1 passenger compartment 2 vehicles 3 first seating arrangement 4 Forward direction 5 Vehicle seat of the first seating arrangement 6 first person 7 second seating arrangement 8 Vehicle seat of the second seating arrangement 9 second person 10 Electronic device 11 Device 12 safety element 13 first final section 14 second final section 15 first fastening device 16 second fastening device 17th obstacle 18 Force 19 System QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 102008053975 A1

[0003] WO 96 / 33632 A1

[0004] WO 2006056664 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Device (11) for fastening an electronic device (10) in a vehicle, comprising a first fastening means (15) designed for detachable fastening to the vehicle (2) and a second fastening means (16) designed for detachable fastening to the electronic device (10), characterized by an elongated locking element (12) which is deformable and has a first end section (13) and a second end section (14), wherein the first fastening means (15) is arranged on the first end section (13), wherein the second fastening means (16) is arranged on the second end section (14), and wherein the second fastening means (16) has a plug-in element that can be inserted into a receptacle of the electronic device (10) and means for locking the plug-in element inserted into the receptacle. [2] Device according to the preceding claim, characterized by, that the safety element (12) is designed as a safety strap, safety rope or safety wire. [3] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the locking element (12) is designed to be elastically deformable, and / or that the locking element (12) is designed to be flexible. [4] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a winding mechanism with a rotatably mounted belt roller, wherein the first end section (13) of the securing element (12) is attached to the belt roller. [5] Device according to claim 4, characterized by that the retraction mechanism has a controllable belt tensioner, a controllable belt locking device and / or a belt force limiter. [6] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first fastening element (15) has a locking element for fastening to the vehicle (2). [7] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first fastening element (15) is attached / can be attached to the vehicle (2) by means of a screw element. [8] Device according to one of the preceding connections, characterized by that the plug element is designed as a Kensington lock, as a USB plug, as an HDMI plug or as a LAN plug. [9] Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the second fastening means (16) has a casing for receiving the electronic device (10), wherein a side wall of the casing has a recess for a screen of the electronic device (10). [10] System (19), comprising a device (11) according to one of the preceding claims, and a vehicle (2), wherein the first fastening means (15) of the device (11) is attached / can be attached to the vehicle (2). [11] System according to claim 10, characterized bya control unit for controlling a belt tensioner and / or a belt locking device, wherein the control unit is connected to a vehicle accident sensor (2) via communication technology and is designed to control the belt tensioner and / or the belt locking device depending on a sensor signal from the accident sensor. [12] System according to claim 11, characterized by , that the control unit is connected via communication technology to an interior sensor of the vehicle (2) which monitors a passenger compartment (1) of the vehicle (2) and is designed to control the belt tensioner and / or the belt locking device depending on a sensor signal from the interior sensor. [13] System according to any one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by, that the vehicle (2) has a first seating arrangement (3) and a second seating arrangement (7), wherein the first seating arrangement (3) is oriented in the forward direction (4) of the vehicle (2), wherein the second seating arrangement (7) is arranged in the forward direction (4) in front of the first seating arrangement (3) and is oriented opposite to the forward direction (4), wherein the first fastening means (15) is attached / can be attached to a counter fastening means of the first seating arrangement (3), and / or wherein the first fastening means (15) is attached / can be attached to a counter fastening means arranged adjacent to the first seating arrangement (3) and fixed to the body.

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