Fastening system for the detachable mounting of electronic devices in a motor vehicle

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a fastening system for the detachable fastening of electronic devices in a motor vehicle, comprising a connecting section for connection to the motor vehicle, with a first holder connected to the connecting section, which has a first holding space and first holding sections for holding a first electronic device.

[0002] Such a mounting system is known – for example, from the car manufacturer BMW – as the "Travel & Comfort System, Universal Holder." This system allows for easy attachment of a tablet computer to the first holder, possibly using a protective frame or cover for the tablet computer.

[0003] From a catalogue of the Australian company National Products INC. (NPI) dated 1.As of January 2020, a fastening system is known in which a holding frame is provided, to which frames of different sizes can be arranged, which in turn serve to hold devices of different sizes. The frames each have electrical contacts that can be connected to mating contacts of the holding frame. Therefore, a frame is always required to hold a device.

[0004] The invention is based on the object of proposing a fastening system of the type mentioned at the beginning with even more diverse possible uses.

[0005] This object is achieved in a motor vehicle seat arrangement of the type mentioned above by the features of the patent claim 1.

[0006] The fastening system allows for either arranging a first electronic device in the first holding space or arranging a second holder having a second holding space for holding a second electronic device. In particular, the second electronic device has smaller dimensions than the first electronic device.

[0007] For fixing the second holder, those first holding sections are provided with which - when a first electronic device is arranged in the first holding space - the first electronic device is held on the first holder.

[0008] The fastening system has, as a connecting section, in particular a plug-in part which is at least indirectly connected to the first holder and which can be detachably fastened to a vehicle seat by inserting the plug-in part into a receiving socket arranged on the motor vehicle seat and fixing it there, for example by means of a locking device.

[0009] In the fastening system, the first holder can remain at its installation location in the motor vehicle if a second electronic device with dimensions different from the first electronic device is to be used instead of the first electronic device. In this case, the second electronic device is arranged on the second holder, and the second holder is releasably fixed in the first holding space of the first holder.

[0010] In particular, the first electronic device is a tablet computer, and the second electronic device is a smartphone. The second holder can also be referred to as an "adapter," which is, in particular, a smartphone adapter.

[0011] Preferably, the first holding sections are arranged on opposite sides of the first holding space in order to selectively fix a first electronic device or the second holder to the first holder. In this way, electronic devices, which typically have a rectangular shape, can be fixed on two opposite sides. For this purpose, it is preferred that the first holding sections are clamp-shaped and engage positively over an edge region of the front side of a first electronic device or the front side of the second holder.

[0012] The distance between the first holding sections is variable. This allows the height of the first holding space to be adjusted, allowing first electronic devices of different heights, second holders of different heights, or second holders with variable dimensions to be arranged and secured in the first holding space.

[0013] To secure the second holder in the first holding space, it is proposed that the second holder have at least one edge portion for placement in one of the first holding portions. This edge portion of the second holder is then accommodated in the first holding space of the first holder instead of a corresponding edge portion of a first electronic device and is fixed to one of the first holding portions, in particular, positively fixed in the removal direction.

[0014] To secure the second electronic device to the second holder, it is preferred if at least one second holding section of the two holding sections serves to secure a boundary edge of the second electronic device. This second holding section can also be designed in the shape of a clamp, i.e., it can overlap a front side of a second electronic device in an area adjacent to a side edge of the second electronic device.

[0015] It is further preferred that the at least one second holding section is spaced apart from the at least one edge section, whereby, when the second holder is arranged in the first holding space of the first holder, the at least one second holding section is spaced apart from the first holding section in which the edge section is held such that part of the first holding space is bridged by the distance between the at least one second holding section and the edge section. This allows a comparatively smaller second electronic device, which is held on the second holder, to be arranged in a larger first holding space.

[0016] According to the invention, the second holder has two second holding sections, which serve to secure opposing boundary edges of the second electronic device and which are arranged on opposite sides of the second holding space. In this way, the second holder can be used to secure a second electronic device in a manner that also allows a first electronic device to be fixed in the first holding space of the first holder.

[0017] According to the invention, a distance between the two second holding sections is variable. This makes it possible to vary the size of the second holding space, in particular to be able to fix second electronic devices of different sizes to the second holder.

[0018] It is further preferred if the two second holding sections are prestressed in opposite directions. The prestress can serve to clamp a second electronic device under prestress. The prestress of the second holding sections can also serve to ensure that the second holder within the first holding space fills this first holding space under prestress.

[0019] To fix or hold the second electronic device to the second holder, it is proposed for an arrangement of the second holder in the first holding space that the second electronic device be held by at least a second holding section of the second holder. At the same time, the second electronic device can be held by another second holding section of the second holder and / or by one of the first holding sections of the first holder.

[0020] When the second electronic device is fixed to two second holding sections of the second holder, the second electronic device can also be fixed to the second holder if the second holder is not arranged in the first holding space of the first holder.

[0021] When the second electronic device is fixed to a second holding section of the second holder and to a first holding section of the first holder, the first holder takes over part of the holding function for holding the second electronic device to the second holder.

[0022] For reliable fixation of the second electronic device to the second holder, it is proposed that the second holding space be delimited by elastic form-fitting or frictional engagement elements that interact with boundary edges of the second electronic device and / or with a rear side of the second electronic device facing the first holder. In this way, even second electronic devices of different thicknesses can be reliably and rattle-freely fixed to the second holder.

[0023] For particularly flexible use of the fastening system, it is preferred that the first holding space be laterally open in the use position of the fastening system and / or that the second holding space be laterally open in the use position of the fastening system. This means that the respective holding spaces are only delimited at their upper and lower ends in the use position of the fastening system (for example, by holding sections or form-fitting or friction-locking elements).

[0024] For a compact construction of the fastening system, it is preferred that a width of the first holding space measured in the position of use of the fastening system corresponds to a width of the second holding space measured in the position of use of the fastening system.

[0025] For a compact construction of the fastening system, it is further preferred if, when the first electronic device in the form of a tablet computer is arranged on the first holder, the tablet computer projects beyond the first holding space on opposite sides of the first holding space.

[0026] Further features and advantages of the invention are the subject of the following description and the drawings of preferred embodiments.

[0027] The drawing shows Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a fastening system; Fig. 2 is a front view of the fastening system according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 a side view of the fastening system according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 4 a vertical section of the fastening system according to Fig. 1 along a Fig. 2 section line marked IV - IV; Fig. 5 a vertical section of the fastening system according to Fig. 1 along a Fig. 2section line marked V - V; Fig. 6 one of the Fig. 1 corresponding representation when arranging a comparatively larger electronic device; Fig. 7 a perspective view of another embodiment of a fastening system; Fig. 8 a front view of the fastening system according to Fig. 7 ; Fig. 9 a side view of the fastening system according to Fig. 7 ; Fig. 10 a vertical section of the fastening system according to Fig. 7 along a Fig. 8 section line marked X - X; Fig. 11 a vertical section of the fastening system according to Fig. 7 along a Fig. 8 section line marked XI - XI; and Fig. 12 one of the Fig. 7 corresponding representation when arranging a comparatively larger electronic device.

[0028] A fastening system illustrated in the drawing is designated overall by reference numeral 10. It comprises a connecting section 12 in the form of a plug-in part 14, which can be releasably secured, in particular by locking, in a receiving socket 16. The receiving socket 16 is, in particular, part of a motor vehicle seat arrangement and is arranged, for example, in the region of a backrest of a motor vehicle seat. To connect the plug-in part 14 and the receiving socket 16, it is sufficient to insert the plug-in part 14 into the receiving socket 16 according to an insertion direction 18 and to lock it there.

[0029] The fastening system 10 has at least one intermediate section 20, 22, wherein a first connecting section 20 is pivotable relative to the plug-in part 14 about a first pivot axis 24 and is articulated to the second intermediate section 22 via a second pivot axis 26.

[0030] The second intermediate section 22 defines a rotation axis 28 for a first holder 30 rotatably mounted on the second intermediate section 22, see in particular Figures 1 , 3 and 4 . When arranged in a motor vehicle, the pivot axes 24 and 26 and the rotation axis 28 extend substantially horizontally, wherein the pivot axes 24 and 26 usually extend in a transverse direction of the vehicle and the rotation axis 28 extends in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle.

[0031] The second holder 30 has a base part 32 and a cover part 34, the distance between which can be changed, see Figures 1 and 6 . For this purpose, the cover part 34 is guided on the base part 32 by means of a linear guide known per se. The base part 32 and cover part 34 can be locked relative to each other and optionally by means of a spring 36, see Figure 5 , prestressed in mutually facing directions.

[0032] The base part 32 has a rear section 38 and a foot section 40, on which a first holding section 42 is formed, see Figure 1 .

[0033] The cover part 34 has a head section 44 with a further first holding section 46.

[0034] A first holding space 48 of the first holder 30 is defined between the foot section 40 and the head section 44. This first holding space 48 serves, for example, to accommodate a first electronic device 50, which is Figure 1 is schematically indicated by a rectangular outline and is designed, for example, as a tablet computer.

[0035] Instead of the first electronic device 50, a second holder 52 can be arranged in the first holding space 48, which has a second holding space 54 for holding a second electronic device 56.

[0036] The second holder 52 has an edge portion 58 which serves to be arranged in a first holding portion 42 of the first holder 30, i.e. can be received there instead of an edge region of a first electronic device 50.

[0037] The second holder 52 further comprises a second holding portion 60 for fastening a boundary edge 62 of the second electronic device 56.

[0038] The second holding portion 60 and the edge portion 58 are spaced apart from each other and are immovable relative to each other.

[0039] The edge section 58 and the second holding section 60 are arranged on a lower part of the second holder 52, designated overall by the reference numeral 64, wherein an upper part 66 of the second holder 52 is movable relative to the lower part 64, so that a distance of the upper part 66 to the lower part 64 is adjustable, compare Figures 1 and 6 .

[0040] The lower part 64 has a first material portion 68 for forming the edge portion 58 and for spacing the second holding portion 60 from the edge portion 58. The lower part 64 further has a second material portion 70, which serves to support the upper part 66.

[0041] The upper part 66 has a further second holding section 72 which covers a boundary edge 74 of the second electronic device 56, but does not overlap.

[0042] The lower part 64 and the upper part 66 are prestressed in mutually opposite and mutually averting directions, so that the second holding sections 60 and 72 of the second holder 52 strive to assume a maximum distance relative to each other. This ensures that the second holder 52 is arranged under prestress in the first holding space 48 of the first holder 30.

[0043] In the fastening system 10 according to Figures 1 to 6a first holding section, here the (upper) first holding section 46, of the first holder 30 takes over part of the holding function for the second electronic device 56, which is positively clamped by both the (upper) first holding section 46 and the second holding section 60 of the second holder 52.

[0044] For a precise hold of the second electronic device 56 in the receiving space 54 of the second holder 52, frictional engagement elements 74, 76 can be provided, which can be designed in the form of tabs and interact with a rear side of the electronic device 56 facing the first holder 30, see Figures 4 and 5 (in Figure 5 shown in a relaxed resting state). Further form-fitting or frictional engagement elements 78, 80 can be arranged adjacent to the boundary edges 62 and 74 of the electronic device 56, see Figures 1 and 4 ,for example in the form of elastomer lips or splints.

[0045] To use the fastening system 10, an initial state is assumed in which the first holding space 48 of the first holder 30 is not occupied. Starting from this state, a first electronic device 50 can be arranged in the first holding space 48, wherein a distance between the base part 32 and the base part 34 is selected to be large enough for the electronic device 50 to be insertable into the first holding space 48. By moving the cover part 34 toward the base part 32, the first electronic device 50 can then be fixed, wherein the first holding sections 42 and 46 clamp around the first electronic device 50.

[0046] Instead of arranging a first electronic device 50, it is also possible to initially arrange only the second holder 52 in the first receiving space 48. For this purpose, it is possible to initially arrange only the edge section 58 of the second holder 52 within the (lower) first holding section 42 of the first holder 30 and to press the upper part 66 and the lower part 64 against each other until the first holder 52 can be inserted into the first holding space 48 of the first holder 30. From there, the upper part 66 is moved, preferably by spring preload, such that the upper part 66 assumes a greater distance from the lower part 64 and so that the upper part 66, with its second holding section 72, engages the (upper) first holding section 46 of the first holder 30.

[0047] For subsequent positioning of the second electronic device 56 in the second holding space 54 of the second holder 52, the second electronic device 56 can first be brought with the lower boundary edge 62 into the engagement area of ​​the (lower) second holding section 60 and then brought with the upper boundary edge 74 from an area outside the (upper) first holding section 46 into the engagement area of ​​the (upper) first holding section 46 by pressing the second electronic device 56 with its upper boundary edge 74 against the outside of the (upper) first holding section 46. As a result, the cover part 34 deflects upward against the action of the spring 36; the second electronic device 56 moves completely into the first receiving space 54 of the second holder 52, and then the cover part 34 moves back towards the base part 32 due to the spring 36.In this state, the second electronic device 56 is fixed to the second holder 52, while the second holder 52 is in turn fixed to the first holder 30.

[0048] To remove the second electronic device 56, it is possible to move the cover part 34 upwards against the action of the spring 36 and to remove the second electronic device 56 from the second holding space 54.

[0049] In the case of the above-mentioned Figures 1 to 6 In the embodiment described below, one of the first holding sections of the first holder 30, here the (upper) first holding section 46, assumes a holding function for the second electronic device 56. In a configuration described below with reference to Figures 7 to 12In the described embodiment of a fastening system 10, a holding function on the upper boundary edge 74 of the second electronic device 56 is realized by a second holding portion 72 of the second holder 52, which is provided independently of the (upper) first holding portion 46 of the first holder 30.

[0050] For the construction and functioning of the fastening system 10 according to Figures 7 to 12 will refer to the above description Figures 1 to 6 Reference is made to the special features of the fastening system 10 according to Figures 7 to 12 received.

[0051] The first material section 68 of the lower part 64 of the second holder 52 has only a small overall height; in contrast, the second material section 70 of the lower part 64 has a length which is greater than a maximum height of the electronic device 56. The second material section 70 extends up to a stop 82, see Figure 7 .The stop 82 is received in the (upper) first holding section 46 of the first holder 30. The distance between the edge section 58 and the stop 82 is fixed. The first holding section 46 is movably / flexibly mounted on the cover part 34.

[0052] A guide 84 for the (upper) second holding section 72 of the second holder 52 is provided on the second material section 70 of the second holder 52. By changing the positions of the second holding section 72 relative to the lower part 64, a distance between the two second holding sections 60 and 72 of the second holder 52 can be adjusted, so that second electronic devices 56 of different sizes can be accommodated and secured in the second holding space 54 of the second holder 52.

[0053] The two second holding sections 60 and 62 are prestressed towards each other, so that the two second holding sections 60 and 72 strive to occupy the smallest possible distance relative to each other.

[0054] Starting from a state in which the first holding space 48 of the first holder 30 is not occupied and in which a certain distance between the base part 32 and the cover part 34 is set, a first electronic device 50 (cf. Figure 1 ) in the first holding space 48. In this regard, reference is made to the above description.

[0055] To arrange the second holder 52, the edge portion 48 of the second holder 52 is brought into engagement with the (lower) first holding portion 42 of the first holder 30, with the stop 82 initially still disengaged from the (upper) first holding portion 46 of the first holder 30. By tilting the second material portion 70 into the receiving space 48, the (upper) first holding portion 46 springs out, so that the stop 82 can be arranged in the clasping area of ​​the (upper) first holding portion 46 and is fixed there, wherein a distance between the base part 32 and the cover part 34 of the first holder 30 depends exclusively on the size of the second holder 52 and not on the size or height of a second electronic device 56 to be held, see Figures 7 and 12 .

[0056] To arrange a second electronic device 56 on the second holder 52, the second electronic device 56 can first be brought into engagement with the (upper) second holding section 72 by its upper boundary edge 54 in order to displace the latter, together with the second electronic device 56, in the direction of the (upper) first holding section 46 of the first holder 30, specifically until the lower boundary edge 62 of the second electronic device 56 can be inserted into the effective range of the (lower) second holding section 60. The subsequent fixing of the second electronic device 56 is achieved by spring force, which urges the (upper) second holding section 72 in the direction of the (lower) second holding section 60.

[0057] To remove the second electronic device 56, it can be moved upwards together with the (upper) second holding section 72 until the lower boundary edge 72 disengages from the (lower) second holding section 60 and the second electronic device 56 can be removed from the second holding space 54 of the first holder 52.

Claims

1. A mounting system (10) for detachably mounting electronic devices in a motor vehicle, comprising a connecting section (12) for connection to the motor vehicle, with a first holder (30) connected to connecting section (12), which first holder (30) has a first holding space (48) and first holding sections (42, 46) for holding a first electronic device (50), further comprising a second holder (52) with a second holding space (54) for holding a second electronic device (56), wherein second holder (52) can be arranged or is arranged in first holding space (48) and can be detachably fixed or is detachably fixed to first holding sections (42, 46), wherein a gap between first holding sections (42, 46) can be modified, characterized in that second holder (52) comprises two second holding sections (60, 72), which serve to mount boundary edges (62, 74) opposite one another of second electronic device (56) and which are arranged on sides opposite one another of second holding space (54), wherein a gap between two second holding sections (60, 72) can be modified.

2. The mounting system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first electronic device (50) is a tablet computer and that the second electronic device (56) is a smartphone.

3. The mounting system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first holding sections (42, 46) are arranged on sides opposite one another of the first holding space (48).

4. The mounting system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second holder (52) comprises at least one edge section (58) for an arrangement in one of the first holding sections (42).

5. The mounting system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one second holding section (60) of the two second holding sections (60, 72) serves for mounting a boundary edge of the second electronic device (56).

6. The mounting system (10) according to claim 5, with reference back to claim 4, characterized in that the at least one second holding section (60) is spaced apart from the at least one edge section (58).

7. The mounting system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the two second holding sections (60, 72) are preloaded in directions opposite to one another.

8. The mounting system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - when the second holder (52) is arranged in the first holding space (48) and when the second electronic device (56) is arranged in the second holding space (54) - the second electronic device (56) is held: a) By a second holding section (60) of the second holder (52) and b) By an additional second holding section (72) of the second holder (52) and / or by one of the first holding sections (42, 46) of the first holder (30).

9. The mounting system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second holding space (54) is delimited by elastic positive-locking or frictional locking elements (79, 76, 78, 80), which cooperate with boundary edges (62, 74) of the second electronic device (56) and / or with a rear side of the second electronic device (56) facing the first holder (30).

10. The mounting system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first holding space (48) is laterally open in the position of use of the mounting system (10) and / or that the second holding space (54) is laterally open in the position of use of the mounting system (10).

11. The mounting system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a width of the first holding space (48) measured in the position of use of the mounting system (10) corresponds to a width of the second holding space (54) measured in the position of use of the mounting system (10).

12. The mounting system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, when the first electronic device (50) in the form of a tablet computer is arranged at the first holder (30), the tablet computer overhangs the first holding space (48) on sides of the first holding space (48) facing away from each other.