MOUNTING RAIL

Abstract

A mounting rail 10 is provided for mounting an electronic device 22 to an interior ceiling 30 of a recreational vehicle. The mounting rail 10 includes a central portion 12 configured to receive the electronic device 22 and side portions 14 configured to secure the mounting rail 10 to the interior ceiling 30. According to the present invention, the side portions 14 are inclined relative to the central portion 12 in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the mounting rail 10 and protrude at least partially from the central portion 12. The side portions 14 are configured to receive an additional electronic device 24.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a mounting rail for a recreational vehicle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a mounting rail for attaching an electronic device to an interior ceiling of a recreational vehicle.

[0002] The interior of a recreational vehicle such as a camper, caravan, or motorhome may be equipped with multiple electronic devices. For example, lighting devices may be provided to illuminate the interior of the recreational vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, charging devices may be provided to electrically charge mobile electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, or mobile computers. Another example of such an electronic device could be a heating or cooling device, such as a fan or electric heater, to heat and / or cool the interior of the recreational vehicle.

[0003] However, the space available for installing the aforementioned electronic devices in the interior of a recreational vehicle is limited. Therefore, it is advantageous to mount electronic devices on existing surfaces of the recreational vehicle. One option would be to mount the electronic device on an interior ceiling of the recreational vehicle. However, to prevent the electronic device from falling from the ceiling, for example, while the recreational vehicle is in motion, it is necessary to securely mount the electronic device to the ceiling.

[0004] On the other hand, mounting the electronic device on the interior ceiling of the recreational vehicle and supplying it with electrical power requires the user to work above their head for extended periods. Mounting the electronic device on the interior ceiling of the recreational vehicle therefore involves greater design effort.

[0005] Additionally, it may be necessary for the electronic device to function during the installation of the mounting rail to the interior ceiling of the recreational vehicle. For example, the electronic device may need to be mounted on the interior ceiling of the recreational vehicle at night, after the recreational vehicle has been parked after a day's driving. In this case, an additional light source may be required for mounting the electronic device on the interior ceiling of the recreational vehicle.

[0006] Document EP 1 561 645 B1 discloses a motor vehicle having at least one rigid foam trim element for at least partially covering a vehicle interior, and at least one rail to which at least one functional part can be attached at a plurality of locations. The rail is at least partially embedded in the rigid foam and held by the rigid foam.

[0007] Document JP 2008-105557 A discloses a ceiling trim base plate formed in a surface shape adapted to the ceiling surface of a motor vehicle, made of a synthetic resin, and detachably attached to a ceiling underside. A rail material is arranged on a bottom side of the ceiling trim base plate. An adapter is slidably mounted in a guide groove and attaches a fastener Q using the adapter.

[0008] From document DE 602 05 109 T2, a modular system for a vehicle is known, comprising one or more elongated elements designed to be coupled to an interior portion of a vehicle. One or more removable articles are configured for attachment to one or more of the elements, and a supply system supplies the articles with supplies. One or more holders are positioned to align with the elements and are coupled to the articles to secure the articles to one or more of the elements.

[0009] Document DE 102021 104 500 A1 shows a mounting rail for receiving and holding loads in the interior of a vehicle. The mounting rail comprises a support element with a recess extending in the longitudinal direction of the support element and a rail element. The rail element is arranged in the recess of the support element and is mechanically coupled to the support element. The rail element has a receiving space for receiving and holding loads. The mounting rail is divided into two parts, allowing different materials to be used for the support element and the rail element, each of which meets the respective individual requirements.

[0010] A flexible light strip for use in an aircraft cabin is known from document DE 10 2023 115 152 A1. The light strip has a minimum radius of curvature of no more than 40 mm and comprises: a guide track comprising a channel extending along the length of the guide track; and an inner component within the channel, wherein the inner component comprises light components arranged along the length of the inner component. The guide track comprises two inwardly directed projections extending from opposite sides of the channel, wherein each of the projections extends into the inner component and widens within the inner component. The inner component can be formed separately as an insertable insert or can be formed within the guide track. A kit for forming such a flexible light strip is also disclosed.

[0011] Against this background, the object of the present invention is to provide a flexible power supply function for an electronic device in the interior of a recreational vehicle, with the possibility of an integrated additional function.

[0012] This object is achieved by the fastening rail according to the invention according to claim 1. Preferred developments thereof are claimed in the dependent claims.

[0013] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a mounting rail is provided for attaching an electronic device to an interior ceiling of a recreational vehicle, such as a camper, caravan, or motorhome. The mounting rail may be strip-shaped or band-shaped. The mounting rail may extend primarily in its longitudinal direction. The transverse extent of the mounting rail may be substantially smaller than the longitudinal extent. The mounting rail may, for example, consist of an extruded plastic profile. Alternatively, the mounting rail may also consist of a bent metal profile. Alternative materials for the mounting rail are also subject of the present disclosure. The mounting rail may be provided with a fastening structure for attaching the mounting rail to the interior ceiling of the recreational vehicle.The mounting rail may be provided with a receiving structure for receiving at least part of the electronic device.

[0014] The mounting rail comprises a central portion configured to receive the electronic device and side portions configured to attach the mounting rail to the interior ceiling. The central portion may be arranged between the side portions and extend primarily along the longitudinal direction of the mounting rail. The central portion may be provided with a receiving structure to receive at least part of the electronic device. For example, a groove may be formed in the central portion into which a base or foot part of the electronic device can be inserted. In other words, the electronic device can be at least partially inserted into the central portion. Alternatively or additionally, the central portion may be provided with a fastening structure for mounting the electronic device.For example, the central section can be provided with through holes to which the electronic device can be attached using appropriate screws or bolts.

[0015] The central section may be arranged between the side sections such that at least two outer surfaces of the central section are attached to a respective side section. In particular, the side sections may be attached to two opposite surfaces of the central section. The side sections may be made of the same material as the central section. Alternatively, the side sections may be made of a different material than the central section. The side sections may be provided with a fastening element for attaching the fastening rail to the interior ceiling of the recreational vehicle. Alternatively, the side sections may be shaped according to a fastening element attached to the interior ceiling of the recreational vehicle.

[0016] Viewed in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the mounting rail, the side sections are inclined relative to the central section and, in the cross-sectional view, protrude at least partially from the central section. Thus, one end (i.e., the upper end) of the side sections directly abuts the central section, while the other end (i.e., the lower end) of the side sections is spaced from the central section. In other words, the central section and the side sections form a dovetail profile when viewed in cross-section.

[0017] According to the present invention, the side portions are also configured to accommodate an additional electronic device. The additional electronic device may be of the same type as the electronic device accommodated by the central portion (the first electronic device). For example, in a case where the electronic device is a lighting device, the additional electronic device (second electronic device) may also be a lighting device. Alternatively, the additional electronic device (second electronic device) may be of a different type than the electronic device (first electronic device) accommodated by the central portion. For example, if the electronic device is a charging device, the additional electronic device may be a heating or cooling device.

[0018] Because the side sections are sloped relative to and protrude from the central section, the side sections can be grasped at their lower ends and pushed together. Alternatively, the central section can be grasped and the side sections can be easily pushed apart. In either case, the mounting rail can be quickly and easily attached to the interior ceiling of the recreational vehicle due to the sloped and protruding side sections. Because the side sections are configured to accommodate an additional electronic device, the mounting rail can be used for multiple purposes depending on the types of electronic devices attached to it. This greatly increases the functionality of the mounting rail while greatly reducing the design complexity of the mounting rail.

[0019] Preferably, the side sections protrude at least partially from the central section such that a recess is formed between a distal end of the side sections and the central section. The distal end of the side sections is the end of the side sections that is spaced from the central section due to the inclination and protrusion of the side sections. The recess, i.e., the missing material, allows the side sections to be more easily pressed together or pushed apart. This further simplifies the attachment of the mounting rail to the interior ceiling of the recreational vehicle.

[0020] Preferably, the side sections are inclined relative to the central section such that the recess is triangular in cross-sectional view. In other words, the distal end of the side sections, a lower end of the central section, and an upper end of the central section, or a proximal end of the side sections, are spaced apart from one another such that a triangle is formed between them. The triangular recess facilitates the pressing together or pushing apart of the side sections. This further simplifies the attachment of the mounting rail to the interior ceiling of the recreational vehicle.

[0021] Preferably, a recess for receiving the additional electronic device is formed in at least one of the side sections. The recess can be formed over the entire length of the side section. Alternatively, the recess can be formed intermittently over the length of the side section. In other words, a plurality of recesses can be formed along the length of the side section and spaced from one another. The recess can be shaped such that a correspondingly shaped part of the electronic device can be securely inserted into the recess. Alternatively, the additional electronic device can also be completely accommodated in the recess. The recess makes it easier to accommodate the additional electronic device within the side sections.

[0022] Preferably, the side sections are shaped to correspond to a fastening element of the interior ceiling. The fastening element can be a recess or groove configured in the interior ceiling. Alternatively or additionally, the fastening element can be a clamping element or the like arranged on the interior ceiling. In one example, the side sections can be pressed together so that the fastening rail can be inserted into the fastening element of the interior ceiling. After inserting the fastening rail into the fastening element, the side sections can adapt to an inner contour of the fastening element. In an alternative example, the side sections can be slid apart so that the fastening rail can be slid over the fastening element of the interior ceiling.After sliding the mounting rail over the fastening element, the side sections can adapt to the outer contour of the fastening element. The appropriately shaped side sections securely fix the mounting rail inside the fastening element of the interior ceiling.

[0023] Preferably, the additional electronic device is a lighting device, in particular an LED strip. A lighting device is an electronically operated device that generates light. An LED strip is a strip made of plastic or a resin material on which a plurality of LED units are arranged. The LED strip makes it possible to illuminate the area surrounding the mounting rail, particularly during installation of the mounting rail. This simplifies the attachment of the mounting rail to the interior ceiling of the recreational vehicle.

[0024] Preferably, the electronic device is a lighting device, a charging device, a cooling device, a heating device, and / or a ventilation device. A lighting device is an electronically operated device that generates light. A charging device is an electronically operated device that supplies electrical power to other electronic devices. A cooling device is an electronically operated device that lowers the temperature of its surroundings, such as a fan or an evaporator. A heating device is an electronically operated device that raises the temperature of its surroundings, such as a heater fan or a heating coil. A ventilation device is an electronically operated device that circulates the air in its surroundings, such as a fan.These electronic devices are particularly useful in recreational vehicles, such as campers, caravans, or motorhomes. Thanks to the mounting rail, these electronic devices can be operated inside the recreational vehicle.

[0025] Preferably, a groove for receiving the electronic device is formed in the central portion. The groove extends along the longitudinal direction of the central portion. The groove may be formed continuously in the central portion. Alternatively, the groove may be formed intermittently in the central portion, i.e., a plurality of spaced-apart grooves may be formed in the central portion. The groove may be configured such that a base or foot part of the electronic device can be inserted into the groove to attach the electronic device to the mounting rail. The groove provides a simple means for attaching the electronic device to the mounting rail.

[0026] Preferably, electrical lines for supplying the electronic device with electrical power are provided in the groove formed in the central portion. For example, copper lines extending along the edges of the groove may be used. Other forms of electrical lines are also encompassed by the present disclosure. The electronic device may be provided with corresponding contacts for electrically connecting a circuit of the electronic device to the electrical lines. The electrical lines located in the groove allow the electronic device accommodated in the groove to be easily supplied with electrical power.

[0027] The above and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred, non-limiting, exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a mounting rail for mounting an electronic device to an interior ceiling of a recreational vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 2 a cross-sectional view of the mounting rail of Fig. 1 is in use;

[0028] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows a fastening rail 10 according to the present invention. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 show a cross-sectional view of the fastening rail 10 perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the fastening rail 10. In Fig. 1, the mounting rail 10 is shown “out of use,” that is, without an electronic device housed therein and not attached to an interior ceiling of a recreational vehicle. Fig. 2, the mounting rail 10 is shown “in use,” that is, for attaching an electronic device 22 to an interior ceiling 30 of a recreational vehicle (not shown).

[0029] As in Fig. 1, the fastening rail 10 comprises a central section 12 and side sections 14. The central section 12 is arranged (i.e., wedged) between the side sections 14. The side sections 14 are inclined relative to the central section 12. Furthermore, the side sections 14 protrude at least partially from the central section 12. That is, the side sections 14 are connected to the central section 12 at a certain angle. A distal end 16 of the side sections 14 is spaced from the central section 12 due to the angle. The distal end 16 of the side sections 14 is spaced from the central section 12 such that a recess 18 is formed between the distal end 16 of the side sections 14 and an outer surface of the central section 12. In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the recess 18 is triangular.

[0030] As can be seen from the cross-sectional view of the Fig. 1, the side sections 14 are shaped such that the mounting rail 10 has a dovetail profile. The dovetail profile of the mounting rail 10 simplifies the gripping of the mounting rail 10, in particular an outer surface of the side sections 14, by a user and the pushing of the side sections 14 towards the central section 12. Alternatively or additionally, the dovetail profile of the mounting rail 10 simplifies the gripping of the mounting rail 10, in particular an inner surface of the side sections 14, by a user and the pushing of the side sections 14 away from the central section 12. This simplifies the installation of the mounting rail 10 to the interior ceiling 30 of the recreational vehicle.

[0031] As in Fig. 1, a recess 20 is formed in one of the side sections 14 of the fastening rail 10. The recess 20 is configured to receive an additional electronic device 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the additional electronic device 24 is a lighting device, in particular an LED strip 24. The LED strip 24 consists of a strip or band 24a made of a plastic material. An LED unit (light emitting diode) 24b is mounted on the strip or band 24a. It is to be assumed that several LED units 24b are mounted on the strip 24a, even if in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, only one LED unit 24b is shown. The LED strip 24 can be used to illuminate the area surrounding the mounting rail 10, even if the mounting rail 10 is not mounted on the interior ceiling 30 of the recreational vehicle.

[0032] How best in Fig. 1, a groove 26 is formed in the central portion 12 of the mounting rail 10. The groove 26 extends along a longitudinal direction of the central portion 12. The groove 26 is configured to receive at least a portion of the electronic device, as described below with reference to Fig. 2. Within the groove 26, electrical lines 28 are provided for supplying the electronic device 22 with electrical energy. In the illustrated embodiment, two copper lines 28 are arranged on each edge of the groove 26. The supply of the electronic device 22 with electrical energy via the electrical lines 28 will be explained below with reference to Fig. 2 described.

[0033] In Fig. 2, the mounting rail 10 is shown in use. More specifically, an electronic device 22 is mounted via the mounting rail 10 to an interior ceiling 30 of a recreational vehicle, such as a camper, caravan, or motorhome.

[0034] The electronic device 22 is received with its base or foot portion 22a in the groove 26 of the central portion 12. An operating portion 22b of the electronic device 22 protrudes from the groove 26 and is configured to perform the specific task of the electronic device 22, such as lighting, charging, cooling, or heating. Electrical contacts 34 are located on the base portion 22a of the electronic device 22. When the electronic device 22 is received in the groove 26 of the central portion 12, the electrical contacts 34 contact the electrical leads 28. In this way, the electronic device 22 is supplied with electrical energy.

[0035] As in Fig. 2, the side sections 14 of the mounting rail 10 are received in a fastening element 32. The fastening element 32 is in turn attached to the interior ceiling 30 of the recreational vehicle. In this way, the mounting rail 10 is attached to the interior ceiling 30 when the side sections 14 are received in the fastening element 32. As described above with reference to Fig. As described in Figure 1, the dovetail profile of the side sections 14 simplifies the insertion of the mounting rail 10 into the fastening element 32. In particular, an outer surface of the side sections 14 can be grasped by a user, and the side sections 14 can be pushed toward the central section 12. In this way, the mounting rail 10 can be easily inserted into the fastening element 32.

[0036] Once the mounting rail 10 is received in the mounting element 32, illumination of the area surrounding the mounting rail 10 by the LED strip 24 is no longer required. Since the LED strip 24 is received within the side section 14, the LED strip 24 is consequently also covered by the mounting element 32. In this way, damage to the additional electronic device 24 can be prevented.

[0037] The above-described embodiments are preferred, but merely represent exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the described embodiments of the present invention do not limit the achieved scope of protection, as defined by the appended set of claims. Those skilled in the art will be able to conceive various modifications to the above-described configurations without violating the basic concept of the present invention and / or departing from the scope of protection defined by the appended claims. REFERENCE SYMBOL 10 Mounting rail 12 Central Section 14 page sections 16 distal end 18 recess 20 recess 22 electronic device 22a Base section, foot section 22b operating section 24 additional electronic devices; LED strips 24a stripes, band 24b LED unit 26 grooves 28 electrical cables 30 Interior ceiling of a recreational vehicle 32 Fastening element 34 electrical contacts

Claims

[1] Mounting rail (10) for mounting an electronic device (22) to an interior ceiling (30) of a recreational vehicle, the mounting rail (10) comprising: a central portion (12) configured to receive the electronic device (22); and Side sections (14) configured to attach the mounting rail (10) to the interior ceiling (30), characterized by , that in a cross-sectional view perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the mounting rail (10), the side sections (14) are inclined relative to the central section (12) and protrude at least partially from the central section (12); and that the side sections (14) are configured to accommodate an additional electronic device (24). [2] Fastening rail (10) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the side sections (14) protrude at least partially from the central section (12) such that a recess (18) is formed between a distal end (16) of the side sections (14) and the central section (12). [3] Fastening rail (10) according to claim 2, characterized by that the side sections (14) are inclined relative to the central section (12) such that the recess (18) is triangular in cross-sectional view. [4] Fastening rail (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a recess (20) for receiving the additional electronic device (24) is formed in at least one of the side sections (14). [5] Fastening rail (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the side sections (14) are shaped according to a fastening element (32) of the inner ceiling (30). [6] Fastening rail (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the additional electronic device (24) is a lighting device, in particular an LED strip. [7] Fastening rail (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the electronic device (22) is one of a lighting device, a charging device, a cooling device, a heating device and / or a ventilation device. [8] Fastening rail (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that a groove (26) for receiving the electronic device (22) is configured in the central portion (12), the groove (26) extending along the longitudinal direction of the central portion (12). [9] Fastening rail (10) according to claim 8, characterized bythat electrical lines (28) for supplying the electronic device (22) with electrical energy are provided in the groove (26).

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