Fixing device for securing an object in a vehicle by means of at least one locking element adjustable via an adjustment mechanism

Description

[0001] The proposed solution relates to a fixing device for fixing an object to a fixing surface in a vehicle.

[0002] The fixing surface can, for example, be an interior surface of the vehicle, such as a loading area of ​​the vehicle interior, to which interior objects, e.g. in the form of vehicle seats, tables and / or center consoles, can be fixed. For example, from DE 10 2017 210 608 A1 it is known to design such interior objects so that they can be adjusted on the interior surface without being mechanically guided. In this context, DE 10 2017 210 608 A1 proposes, for example, enabling adjustment of an interior object via an air cushion or a rolling device. However, it remains unclear at which points the intended fixing of such an interior object should be enabled and how such a fixing position is specified, if applicable.

[0003] DE 10 2004 046 070 A1 also discloses a fixing device for fixing interior objects to a fixing surface defined by a floor panel in a vehicle. Pin-shaped fixing elements in the form of locking pins engage in holes in the fixing surface and can be locked thereto in order to fix the interior object to the fixing surface. The fixing elements are mounted on an interior object for longitudinal displacement and, after the interior object has been positioned, can be manually inserted into suitable holes and locked thereto. To position an interior object in different positions, a plurality of holes are provided as fixing openings for the fixing elements, wherein the holes are arranged in a grid on the floor panel.

[0004] A generic fixing device for fixing an object to an interior surface of a vehicle is further proposed in WO 2021 / 013730 A1.

[0005] Based on this, the proposed solution is based on the task of providing an improved possibility for fixing an object to a vehicle-side fixing surface.

[0006] This object is achieved with a fixing device of claim 1.

[0007] The proposed solution provides a fixing device for fixing an object to a fixing surface in a vehicle, comprising at least the following: at least one fixing element which is designed to fix the object with a fixing section which is provided for engagement in a fixing opening, wherein the fixing section can be inserted into the fixing opening along an insertion direction, and a locking device which is designed to lock the fixing element to the fixing opening in interaction with the fixing section inserted into the fixing opening.

[0008] For this purpose, the locking device comprises at least one locking element displaceable transversely to the insertion direction, which can be adjusted into a locking position in which the locking element blocks the fixing section against removal from the fixing opening in order to lock the fixing element to the fixing opening. Furthermore, the locking device comprises at least one connector with at least one contacting element, wherein the connector can be adjusted into a contacting position in order to electrically contact a contact section of the fixing element inserted into the fixing opening via the at least one contacting element. The locking element and the connector of the locking device are adjustable relative to one another in the present case.The locking device further comprises an adjustment mechanism, via which a drive force acting on the adjustment mechanism can be converted both into a first adjustment force for displacing the locking element into the locking position and into a second adjustment force for adjusting the connector relative to the locking element into the contacting position.

[0009] The proposed solution thus provides two separately adjustable elements (fixing element and locking element) and thus also two separate adjustment movements to ensure the fixation of an object to a fixation surface. Accordingly, the two different adjustment movements, of the fixing element with its fixing section on the one hand and the locking element on the other, can be coordinated with each other, but are fundamentally controllable independently of each other (manually or externally powered). The locking element is not adjustably mounted on the fixing element itself, but can only engage with the fixing section of the fixing element once the fixing section has been properly inserted into the fixation opening.In this case, it is fundamentally irrelevant whether the fixing element is provided on the object side or the fixing surface side and, conversely, whether the at least one locking element is provided on the fixing surface side or the object side.

[0010] Furthermore, the proposed solution is based on the basic idea of ​​enabling an electrical connection between the fixing element and a connector on the locking device side with the aid of the locking device. If the object is therefore fixed to a fixing surface as intended using a proposed fixing device, this can also automatically result in the object being connected to vehicle-side electronics and / or power supply, without, for example, the user having to connect an additional cable. In order to further simplify connection via the connector in this context and, if necessary, to ensure that the fixing element is already presented in a correct relative position to the connector before the connector is adjusted into a contacting position, the adjustment of the connector is not only integrated into the locking device.Rather, it is also provided that a common adjustment mechanism controls both the adjustment of the locking element and the adjustment of the connector. This can, for example, also ensure that a drive force only needs to be applied to a single drive element of the adjustment mechanism, with the drive force applied to the drive element being converted into adjustment movements of both the locking element and the connector via the adjustment mechanism.

[0011] The adjustment mechanism therefore converts a manually or motor-generated drive force into an adjustment movement of the locking element as well as an adjustment movement of the connector (relative to the locking element), so that at the end of a locking process implemented via the adjustment mechanism, the fixing element is locked to the fixing opening via the locking element, and a contact section of the locked fixing element is additionally electrically connected to the at least one contacting element of the connector. The locking element and the connector can be adjusted relative to one another sequentially or simultaneously using the adjustment mechanism in order to execute the required adjustment movement into the locking position on the one hand and the contacting position on the other.The respective adjustment movements can thus be coupled to one another, but can be specified variably depending on the design of the adjustment mechanism.

[0012] For example, the connector is designed as a plug-in connector. Accordingly, the at least one contacting element provided on the connector can be part of a plug or socket that can be connected to a corresponding counterpart on the fixing portion of the fixing element.

[0013] In one embodiment, the locking element and the connector can be driven to perform opposing adjustment movements via the adjustment mechanism under the effect of the drive force. This includes, for example, that the locking element can be adjusted from a release position to the locking position via the adjustment mechanism under the effect of the drive force, and that the connector can be adjusted in the opposite direction. a) is adjustable from an initial position to an intermediate position from which the connector can subsequently be adjusted to the contacting position, or b) is adjustable from an initial position to the contacting position. In such a variant, the locking element and the connector are therefore adjustable in opposite directions, for example, under the action of the drive force. A release position of the locking element is generally characterized in that the fixing section of the fixing element can be inserted into the fixing opening and removed from the fixing opening. The release position also includes the fixing section can be inserted into an insertion opening on the locking element and removed from this insertion opening again. The release position is therefore different from the locking position of the locking element, in which the fixation element is locked and prevented from being removed from the fixation opening.

[0014] If, according to the above variant a), the connector is first adjusted from an initial position to an intermediate position in the opposite direction to the locking element, only then, starting from this intermediate position, does the connector approach the contact section of the fixing element in order to electrically connect the connector and the fixing element. In a further development, an adjustment movement of the connector to its intermediate position can also be superimposed on the adjustment of the locking element to the locking position.

[0015] In variant b), in contrast, an adjustment of the connector along a single adjustment direction from the starting position to the contacting position is provided. From the starting position, the connector is consequently moved closer to the contact section of the fixing element along this adjustment direction until the contacting position is reached. In contrast, in variant a), an alternating adjustment of the connector can be realized, i.e., initially along a first adjustment direction from the starting position to the intermediate position and subsequently along a different, possibly opposite, adjustment direction from the intermediate position to the contacting position.

[0016] As already mentioned above, in one embodiment variant, the locking element can be displaceable along a longitudinal axis in a first adjustment direction under the action of the drive force with the aid of the adjustment mechanism, while - simultaneously or subsequently (but still under the action of the same drive force) - the connector can be displaced along the longitudinal axis in a second adjustment direction opposite to the first adjustment direction for an adjustment movement in the opposite direction thereto.

[0017] In principle, the connector can be mounted on the locking element in an adjustable, particularly slidable manner. This supports a compact, space-saving design of the locking device.

[0018] In particular, it can be provided that the locking element has a physical guide for the connector displaceably mounted on the locking element. In a further development based on this, the locking element can also additionally have a guide body with an opening opposite the contact section of the locked fixing element, from which the at least one contacting element of the connector can then be extended and retracted into the contact section on the fixing element side. A corresponding guide body can, for example, be constructed in the manner of a sleeve within which the connector is displaceably held.

[0019] A guide element can also be provided to guide the locking element. The locking element is, for example, displaceably mounted on such a guide element and, if necessary, also physically guided. Thus, the locking element can be displaceably mounted as a guide element, in particular along at least one guide rail extending transversely to the insertion direction of the fixing element. In particular, the locking element can comprise a displaceably mounted locking carriage, which is displaceably mounted on at least one guide rail.

[0020] In one embodiment, the adjustment mechanism has at least one pivotably mounted lever element for transmitting the first and / or second adjustment force. The respective adjustment force required to adjust the locking element or the connector is thus transmitted via a pivotably mounted lever element.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the adjustment mechanism comprises at least one adjustable component to which a drive element of the adjustment mechanism is coupled for generating the first and / or second adjustment force. The at least one further component can, for example, be part of a transmission assembly which is part of the adjustment mechanism and via which the drive force is divided into the two necessary adjustment forces and transmitted, on the one hand, to the locking element to be adjusted and, on the other hand, to the connector to be adjusted. The at least one further component can, for example, be connected to the drive element in an articulated manner. A component articulated to the drive element enables, for example, the conversion of a rotary movement of the drive element into a translatory adjustment movement of the locking element and / or the connector.

[0022] For example, the drive element is mounted so that it can rotate about a drive axis. In principle, the drive axis of the drive element and the pivot axis of a lever element hinged to the drive element can run parallel to each other.

[0023] However, a pivot axis of a lever element can be offset from the drive axis of the drive element.

[0024] For an electronically controllable locking mechanism, the locking device, in one embodiment, comprises at least one drive motor. This drive motor enables a drive element of the adjustment mechanism to be adjusted by external power, e.g., in response to a control signal that triggers fixation of the object to the fixation surface.

[0025] In one embodiment, the drive element of the adjustment mechanism has a slotted guide on which a coupling element connected to the locking element is slidably guided. The locking element thus interacts with the drive element via at least one slotted guide to control the adjustment movement of the locking element. The slotted guide extends, for example, along the drive element around a drive axis of the drive element.

[0026] In this context, for example, one embodiment provides that the slotted guide on the drive element defines a guide track for the coupling element connected to the locking element. By having such a guide track having at least two regions that are spaced at different distances from the drive axis of the drive element, an adjusting force on the coupling element caused by a rotation of the drive element can vary depending on a rotation angle of the drive element. Thus, a non-linear adjusting force on the locking element can be generated by the rotation of the drive element via a slotted guide designed in this way. This can be particularly advantageous for driving the locking element and the connector via the rotating drive element at different times and / or with different adjusting speeds.

[0027] For example, a first region of the guideway follows a first circular path with a first radius around the drive axis, while a second region of the guideway follows a second circular path with a second radius around the drive axis that is different from the first radius.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally, a lever element pivotably mounted on the connector can be provided, which is at least partially slidably received in a guide sleeve pivotably mounted on the drive element. Upon rotation of the drive element and thus depending on the rotational movement of the drive element about its drive axis, the lever element can be telescopically extended from the guide sleeve and, conversely, retracted in order to transmit the second adjustment force to the connector.

[0029] In another embodiment, the adjustment mechanism alternatively or additionally comprises a rotatably mounted transmission element for transmitting the first and / or second adjustment force. In particular, a rotatably mounted transmission element can thus be provided for transmitting the second adjustment force in order to adjust the connector relative to the locking element into its contacting position.

[0030] The transmission element can, in particular, be a further component of the fixing device to which a drive element is connected, in particular in a rotationally fixed manner. Thus, by driving the drive element, for example via a drive motor, the transmission element is also adjusted to control an adjustment movement of the connector.

[0031] As already explained above, in one embodiment the drive element can be rotatably mounted and in particular configured with a slotted guide. In a further development with a transmission element connected to the drive element in a rotationally fixed manner, the transmission element can also have a slotted guide that runs around the drive axis. A connecting element assigned to the connector is then displaceably mounted on a slotted guide on the transmission element side. The second adjusting force for adjusting the connector can then be applied via the connecting element upon rotation of the transmission element. In a design variant based on this, the adjusting mechanism thus has, for example, a transmission assembly with two slotted guides for adjusting the locking element and the connector.The courses of the respective links on the drive element and the transmission element around the common (drive) axis of rotation can be designed and coordinated in such a way that when both elements rotate around the common axis of rotation, opposing adjustment movements of the locking element and the connector are caused.

[0032] In principle, it can be advantageous if a gear mechanism is part of the locking device to transmit the drive force from a drive motor. For example, the gear mechanism is designed as a worm gear.

[0033] In an alternative embodiment, the drive element is coupled to the locking element and the connector via a lever arrangement with at least two transmission levers (a transmission assembly of the adjustment mechanism). The at least two transmission levers can each be connected to the drive element via a joint. The at least two transmission levers of the lever arrangement are thus articulated to the drive element and pivotably mounted on the drive element via the respective joint. In this way, for example, a rotational movement of the drive element can generate two translationally acting adjustment forces on the locking element on the one hand and the connector on the other hand at the transmission levers.

[0034] In order to be able to drive the locking element and the connector in such a variant when the drive element rotates (along a direction of rotation), for example offset in time from one another and / or in different adjustment directions, in one variant a first transmission lever which is articulated to the locking element and a second transmission lever which is articulated to the connector are connected to the drive element at different first and second regions of the drive element which are spaced radially from the drive axis of the drive element.The transmission levers are further arranged relative to one another and connected to the drive element in such a way that (starting from a defined rest position), a rotational movement of the drive element about its drive axis displaces the first region of the drive element connected to the first transmission lever away from the fixing element, and the second region of the drive element connected to the second transmission lever toward the fixing element. Thus, a rotational movement of the drive element in a rotational direction about the drive axis can generate two mutually opposing adjustment movements of the locking element, on the one hand, and of the connector, on the other hand, both relative to one another and relative to the fixing section.It is assumed here that the first and second regions of the drive element can be displaced away from the fixing element and toward the fixing element, respectively, by a rotational movement of the drive element when the drive element is in a rest position that corresponds to a release position of the locking element. Consequently, if the locking element is in its release position, in which the fixing section of the fixing element can be inserted into the fixing opening or removed from the fixing opening, the drive element is in the rest position, from which the opposing adjustment movements of the locking element and the connector can be generated - with the aid of the transmission levers - by rotating the drive element in one of two opposite directions of rotation about its drive axis.

[0035] Regardless of the design of the adjustment mechanism, for example, regardless of a design with at least one slotted guide and / or at least one lever arrangement, it can be provided that the locking element is positively connected to the fixing section in the locking position in order to fix the fixing element to the fixing surface. In particular, at least a portion of the locking element, viewed along the insertion direction, can be engaged behind by the fixing section when the locking element is in its locking position.

[0036] A proposed fixation device can be provided, in particular, for fixing an object to a body-mounted fixing surface in a vehicle, wherein the fixation device can be provided on the fixing surface or on the object itself. For example, a plurality of fixation elements is provided for symmetrical force distribution and crash-proof locking of the object. For example, one embodiment provides for four fixation elements to be arranged on the object side in order to fix the object at four fixation openings in an assumed fixation position.

[0037] In one embodiment, the fixing element itself is not adjustable. For example, the fixing element on the object is immobile and rigid. In order to insert the object-side fixing element into a fixing opening, the object, for example, is inserted into a suitable position on the fixing surface with the fixing element protruding on its underside. Alternatively, a motor-controlled or manual lowering of the object towards the fixing surface can be provided in order to bring the fixing element into engagement with a fixing opening. For example, the object is designed and provided to be able to assume two different positions with respect to the fixing surface. For example, in a first position, in which the fixing element is spaced from the fixing surface, the object can be adjustable on the fixing surface, in particular adjustable in a motor-controlled manner.Once a desired fixation position has been reached, the object can be lowered into a second position in the direction of the fixation surface, whereby the fixation element (and possibly further fixation elements provided on the object) is then inserted into a corresponding fixation opening on the fixation surface, which is then opposite the fixation element.

[0038] One embodiment provides that the at least one object is designed as an interior object and comprises at least one battery-operated motor drive device for non-mechanically guided movement of the interior object on an interior surface of the vehicle serving as a fixing surface. The at least one fixing element is then provided for fixing the at least one interior object in a fixing position on the interior surface, wherein the reaching of this fixing position can be detected by an electronic detection device of the vehicle.

[0039] The at least one battery-operated motor drive device does not allow the at least one interior object to be moved along the interior surface in a track-guided manner. Therefore, no guidance or pre-determined travel path for the interior object is provided by a rail, track, or gate. Rather, the interior object can be moved freely along the interior surface. Alternatively, the object to be fixed, in particular the interior object, can also be manually moved to a desired fixing position.

[0040] The fixing positions at which the interior object can be fixed to the interior surface using the at least one fixing element can be predefined on the interior surface. For example, a plurality of possible fixing positions on the interior surface are predefined. The at least one detection device can electronically detect when the interior object has reached one of the predefined fixing positions, then triggering an adjustment of the at least one fixing element to its fixing position and thereby fixing the interior object at the reached fixing position.

[0041] In one embodiment, the motorized drive device comprises at least one rolling element or a chain for contact with the interior surface and for moving the interior object along the interior surface. A rolling element is understood here, in particular, to be a roller, a wheel, or a tire. Using a corresponding drive device with at least one rolling element or a chain, the interior object can be moved along the interior surface using battery power, optionally remotely controlled and / or with the aid of the electronic detection device.

[0042] In one embodiment, the at least one motorized drive device has an omnidirectional drive. Such an omnidirectional drive allows the adjustment of the interior object along any direction within a spatial plane on the interior surface. For this purpose, an omnidirectional drive, for example, has at least one omnidirectional wheel.

[0043] The interior object can be secured to a floor anchorage of the interior surface via the at least one securing element, which is adjusted to its securing position at a securing position. With the aid of the at least one securing element in its securing position, the interior object is then anchored to the vehicle and locked in a crash-safe manner. This includes, in particular, one or more securing elements being designed and configured to securely anchor the interior object in a crash-safe manner at a securing position and thus to secure the interior object against displacement on the interior surface, even under the high acceleration forces that occur in the event of a crash.

[0044] In principle, the fixing element can be adjustably mounted on the interior object or on the interior surface. For example, in one embodiment, it is provided that the at least one fixing element is displaceably mounted on the interior object, wherein the fixing element is adjusted into its fixing position when the interior object has reached a predetermined fixing position. Alternatively or additionally, at least one fixing element can be arranged on the interior surface, which, in its fixing position, fixes the interior object in a properly assumed fixing position. In particular, the interior object can be fixed via a combination of fixing elements adjustably mounted on the interior surface and on the interior object.

[0045] A multitude of possible fixing positions can be predefined on the interior surface. In this way, several different fixing positions for one interior object or for several interior objects are predefined in the vehicle interior in order to specify a finite number of locations on the interior surface at which an interior object can be fixed as intended (crash-proof). Irrespective of this, the adjustment path for reaching a fixing position is not predefined via the battery-operated motor drive device and can be flexibly selected, in particular depending on the arrangement and / or desired position of one or more other interior objects as well as depending on any obstacles on the interior surface.

[0046] The electronic detection device, via which the position of the interior object can be detected, for example, even while the interior object is being moved along the interior surface, comprises, in one embodiment, at least one component provided on the interior object. This component can be a passive or active component, i.e., a (passive) component that can be detected by a sensor element of the detection device, or an (active) component that actively sends signals to one or more receivers of the electronic detection device and / or sensorily detects at least one measured variable representative of the environment of the interior object, via which at least the reaching of a predetermined fixing position on the interior surface of the vehicle interior can be determined.

[0047] The electronic detection device can in principle be set up to detect the position of the interior object during a movement on the interior surface optical (for example, using infrared) and / or magnetic and / or sound-based, in particular ultrasound-based and / or radio wave-based, in particular based on at least one UWB signal ("UWB": "ultra-wideband") and / or laser beam-based, in particular based on a lidar method ("lidar": "light detection and ranging") to detect.

[0048] A combination of different sensor elements may also be provided. Such a combination may, in particular, include a combination of the aforementioned measurement principles (optical, magnetic, sound-based, etc.), based on which the electronic detection device can detect a position of the interior object during the movement on the interior surface.

[0049] In one embodiment, it is provided that in the fixing position and when the fixing element is adjusted to the fixing position, an electrical connection is provided between a vehicle-side energy source and the interior object. In particular, an electrical connection can be provided via the fixing element, as explained above. For this purpose, for example, an object-side fixing element is electrically connected to a vehicle-side connector in its fixing position, or a vehicle-side fixing element is electrically connected to an object-side connector in its fixing position. A corresponding electrical connection serves, for example, to charge at least one energy storage device of the interior object, in particular a battery of the interior object, and / or to supply at least one consumer on or in the interior project.The at least one consumer can, for example, comprise a display or an additionally provided, electrically operated drive of the interior object, via which an adjustment part of the interior object can be adjusted by external power. If, for example, the interior object is a vehicle seat, an additional electrically operated drive for adjusting a headrest, a seat cushion and / or a backrest of the vehicle seat can be provided as an adjustment part. Alternatively or additionally, the electrical connection can be used for connection to a vehicle-side bus system, e.g. to transmit signals from a vehicle-side protection and / or restraint system, in particular an airbag system, to the interior object or to transmit signals from the interior object to such a system.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, the interior object can comprise at least one connection for coupling to an external, vehicle-independent energy source. Such a connection comprises, for example, a connector for coupling to an electrical energy source, so that the interior object can be connected to a power source outside the vehicle and, for example, an energy storage device of the interior object can be charged.

[0051] In principle, a proposed fixing device can also be used for a vehicle bicycle stand or a vehicle bicycle carrier. The bicycle stand or bicycle carrier is part of a holding device for at least one bicycle, which can be fixed as an object to an interior surface of the vehicle via the fixing device.

[0052] In a variant based on this, in which the fixing device also provides an electrical connection to a vehicle-mounted power source and / or vehicle-mounted control electronics, a holding device connected to the vehicle via the fixing device then offers the possibility of charging an e-bike held thereon. An electrically conductive connection to the power supply of the vehicle's electrical system is then established via the fixing device, while the holding device, in turn, provides an interface for the electrical connection to an electronic system of the e-bike. For example, a charging function can then be integrated into the holding device.Such an integrated charging function or a charger integrated into the holding device can also be provided, for example, for coupling with another bicycle carrier which is fixed, for example, via a trailer coupling of the vehicle.

[0053] The proposed solution includes, in particular, a vehicle with an object to be fixed, a fixing surface fixed to the body, and at least one embodiment of a proposed fixing device for fixing the object to the fixing surface.

[0054] The attached figures illustrate possible embodiments of the proposed solution.

[0055] Here we show: Figure 1 shows a sectioned top view of an interior surface of a vehicle interior of a variant embodiment of a proposed vehicle with several freely movable interior objects in the form of vehicle seats; Figures 2A to 2C show a side view of the interior surface of the Figure 1 with a vehicle seat in two different fixing positions and in different phases during a movement from a first fixing position to a second fixing position and a subsequent rotation of the vehicle seat; Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an omnidirectional wheel for use in the vehicle seat of the Figures 2A to 2C ; Figure 4 in plan view a further embodiment of an omnidirectional wheel for use in a vehicle seat of the Figures 2A to 2C Figure 5 schematically and in plan view the interior area of ​​the vehicle of the Figure 1illustrating an electronic detection device which has at least one component on the interior object in the form of the vehicle seat; Figure 6A shows a detail and perspective view of an embodiment variant of a proposed fixing device with a fixing element designed as a locking tongue before insertion into an insertion opening on the vehicle floor; Figure 6B in with the Figure 6AConsistent view of the fixing device with the fixing element inserted into the insertion opening as intended; Figures 7-10 show various views of the fixing device with the fixing element inserted into the insertion opening to its maximum extent in a (still) unlocked state; Figures 11-13 show various views of the fixing device comprising a locking device in a state in which the locking device has been actuated to lock the fixing element and the fixing element is already locked against removal from the fixing opening;Figures 14-17 show various views of the fixing device with the further adjusted locking device, via which the fixing element is now not only locked but also additionally electrically contacted via a connector on the locking device side, wherein the adjustment of the connector is controlled via an adjustment mechanism of the locking device equipped with a slotted guide, via which the fixing element is also locked; Figure 18Ain with the ; Figure 6A matching view of a further embodiment of a proposed fixing device with a locking device with an alternatively designed adjustment mechanism for adjusting a locking element and a connector; Figure 18Bin with the Figure 18A consistent view the fixing device of the Figure 18Awith the fixing element inserted into the fixing opening as intended; Figures 19-23 show various views of the fixing device with the fixing element still unlocked; Figures 24-26 show the fixing device of the Figures 18A to 23 with locking element and connector adjusted in opposite directions, whereby the fixing element is not only positively locked against removal from the fixing opening, but is also electrically contacted via the locking device-side connector; Figure 27 in perspective view, a further embodiment of a proposed fixing device, in which a fixing element designed as a locking tongue is not yet plugged into the locking device; Figure 27A the embodiment Figure 27 in section view; Figure 28in with the Figure 27matching view of the fixing device with the locking tongue inserted into the locking device; Figure 28A sectional view of the Figure 28 ; Figure 29 in a sectioned view rotated by 180° the fixing device of the Figures 27 to 28A in locked state and with the connector plugged onto the locking tongue; Figures 30A to 30Cperspective views of the fixing device according to the state of Figures 28 and 28A with a removed housing cover and thus a clear view of a transmission assembly of the locking device ( Figure 30A ), with an additional cut-out representation of a transmission element intended for adjusting the connector ( Figure 30B ) and with an additional cut-out representation of a drive element intended for adjusting the locking element ( Figure 30C ).

[0056] The Figure 1shows, by way of example, a vehicle F which defines a flat interior surface I of length L and width B, extending from a dashboard of the vehicle F to a rear loading edge LF. The length L is, for example, in the range of 5 to 7.5 m and the width B is in the range of 1.5 to 2 m. Several anchor points A1 are provided on the interior surface I, which serve as fixing positions for fixing various interior objects. The anchor points A1 are provided as corner points of a virtual grid distributed over the interior surface I.

[0057] In the present case, for example, different vehicle seats 1, 1a to 1c can be fixed as interior objects at the anchor points A1. The vehicle seats 1, 1a to 1c are designed as freely adjustable units that cannot be moved mechanically, in particular not mechanically track-guided, on the interior surface I. If a vehicle seat 1, 1a to 1c is arranged as intended at an anchor point A1 and connected to a base 12 of the seat 1, 1a to 1c (cf. in particular Figures 2A to 2C), the respective vehicle seat 1, 1a to 1c can be secured to the interior surface I in a crash-safe manner. For example, a vehicle seat 1, 1a to 1c can be placed onto the interior surface I via a rear loading sill LF (with the tailgate of the vehicle F open) and then, electronically controlled by a user, moved to a desired anchor point A1 on the interior surface I and secured there. The arrangement of various interior objects such as the vehicle seats 1, 1a to 1c is thus extremely variable and can be designed almost arbitrarily by a user.

[0058] In the side views of the Figures 2A , 2B and 2CA vehicle seat 1 is illustrated in more detail by way of example. The vehicle seat 1 has a base 12 with a battery-operated motor drive device 12A. The base 12, which can be moved via the motor drive device 12A, supports a seat part 11 and a backrest 10 of the vehicle seat 1. The backrest 10 can be adjustable in its inclination relative to the seat part 11. Alternatively or additionally, the seat depth can be adjusted by adjusting the seat part 11 on the base 12.

[0059] The base 12 is freely movable on the interior surface I via one or more omnidirectional wheels 2.1, 2.2. A torque for moving the vehicle seat is applied via a drive motor 120, which is housed within the base 12. This drive motor 120 is supplied with power via a battery 121, which serves as an energy storage device and is housed within the base 12. The battery 121 can be charged independently of the vehicle via a connection provided by a connector 122 on the base 12. The vehicle seat 1 can thus be charged separately from the vehicle F using an electrical power supply. For this purpose, a vehicle-independent charging station is provided, for example.

[0060] If the vehicle seat 1 is attached to one of the Figures 2A , 2B and 2COnce positioned at the anchor points A1, A2 shown, the vehicle seat 1 can be secured via a vehicle-side fixing element 31, e.g. in the form of a fixing bolt or a locking tongue. For this purpose, the fixing element 31 engages upwards at the anchor point A1 into a coupling section 123 of the base 12, which defines a fixing opening for fixing elements 31, 32. In addition to the fixing element 31 shown as an example, further fixing elements can be provided in order to fix the base 12 and thus the vehicle seat 1 in a crash-safe manner at the anchor point A1 of the interior surface I.

[0061] In this case, a connection to a vehicle-mounted energy source, i.e., a vehicle-mounted battery, can also be provided via the fixing element 31, which engages with the base 12 and is thus in a fixed position. The electrical connection can then be used, for example, to charge the battery 121 (particularly when the vehicle is moving).

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, at least one additional electric motor drive of the vehicle seat 1 can be supplied with power via the connection to the electrical power supply of the vehicle F, for example to adjust the backrest 10 or the seat part 11 by external power. For example, the seat part 11 can be externally rotatable on the base 12 about a vertical axis running parallel to a spatial direction z by more than 90°, in particular by up to 180° or even by 360°, at least if the base 12 is intended to be anchored to an anchor point A1 (or A2; cf. Figure 2C) is fixed.

[0063] In response to a user-initiated operation, the vehicle seat 1 can be moved from the anchor point A1 to another anchor point A2 along the interior surface I. For this purpose, the fixing element 31 is first retracted into a starting position on the interior surface I, thereby releasing the base 12. The vehicle seat 1 can then be moved by motor means using the omnidirectional wheels 2.1, 2.2 along a travel direction R from the anchor point A1 to the anchor point A2. This externally powered movement of the vehicle seat 1 is controlled via an electronic detection device D, which in this case includes a detection element 4 provided on the base 12. For example, this is a tag 4, which, in interaction with at least one vehicle-mounted sensor element of the detection device D, enables electronic detection of the position of the seat 1 on the interior surface I.

[0064] In this way, it is then possible, for example, to electronically detect when the vehicle seat 1 has reached the (second) anchor point A2, in such a way that a vehicle-side fixing bolt 32 can engage the coupling section 123 of the base 12 at this (second) anchor point A2 in order to fix the vehicle seat 1 at the anchor point A2. After this, the vehicle seat 1 can be rotated 180° around its vertical axis, for example.

[0065] The Figures 3 and 4 illustrate exemplary possible design variants for an omnidirectional wheel 2.1, 2.2 on the base 12 of the vehicle seat 1. The Figure 3 shows, for example, in a perspective view, an omnidirectional wheel 2.1, 2.2 with a disc-shaped roller carrier 20, on which a plurality of rollers 21 are rotatably mounted on the circumference. In the variant of an omnidirectional wheel 2.1, 2.2 of the Figure 4On a disc-shaped roller carrier 20, only four rollers 21 are arranged, each offset by 90° from one another around a center point of the roller carrier 20, so that they can rotate. Over each of the roller carriers of the Figures 3 and 4 Adjustment in any spatial direction along a plane is possible.

[0066] The Figure 5 illustrates, in plan view, an example of a possible design of a detection device D, via which the position of a vehicle seat 1 can be detected during a movement on the interior surface I. In the embodiment variant shown, four sensor elements 5.1-5.4 are provided at defined positions in the vehicle interior and, if applicable, on the interior surface I of the vehicle F (e.g., at its corner points).

[0067] The vehicle seat 1 further comprises a tag 4 and, if appropriate, an additional tag 4a. The tags 4, 4a can be detected via the sensor elements 5.1-5.4, for example, by the tags 4, 4a actively emitting signals that can be received by the sensor elements 5.1-5.4 or by the sensor elements 5.1-5.4 being read out in the manner of an RFID label. In this way, for example, a position of the vehicle seat 1 within a spatial detection field on the interior surface I spanned or monitored by the sensor elements 5.1-5.4 can be detected by means of the detection device D. A position of the vehicle seat 1 can then be determined from generated sensor signals on the interior surface I, e.g., by means of triangulation, via evaluation electronics AE of the detection device D coupled to the sensor elements 5.1-5.4.

[0068] To improve the detection of the position of the vehicle seat 1 and avoid false detections, different measurement principles are combined, for example, so that the position of the vehicle seat 1 on the interior surface I is monitored via sensor elements 5.1-5.4 using different measurement principles. For example, a lidar system, radio-based tracking based on electromagnetic waves, such as radar waves, UWB, Bluetooth, a search wire in the floor or on the ceiling, or detection based on infrared signals and / or ultrasonic signals can be provided.

[0069] The detection device D has in the variant of the Figure 5additionally has a transmitter unit 65, which sends control signals to the motor drive device 12 of the vehicle seat 1 based on the position of the vehicle seat 1 on the interior surface I determined by the evaluation electronics AE. The vehicle seat 1 has, for example also on the base 12, a receiver unit 61 which is configured to receive the control signals from the transmitter unit 65. The receiver unit 61 is coupled to the drive motor 120 of the base 12 in order to move the vehicle seat 1 to a desired anchor point A1 or A2 in accordance with the control signals 65 and thus in particular depending on the detected position of the vehicle seat 1 on the interior surface I.

[0070] The movement of the vehicle seat 1 can, for example, be controllable by a user using a control application, in particular a control application installed on a mobile phone. Alternatively or additionally, a specific position of a vehicle seat 1 on the interior surface I can be preconfigured, if necessary also in combination with predetermined positions for other interior objects, such as a center arm console or a table. In this way, a user can, for example, select a specific preconfiguration and, via the detection device D, have the vehicle seat 1 - and, if necessary, other interior objects - automatically moved into position. A corresponding control for the movement of a vehicle seat 1 (or other interior objects) on the interior surface I can, alternatively or additionally, be integrated into the vehicle F.This includes in particular the setting and subsequent execution of one or more preconfigurations on a vehicle-side control unit for the arrangement of one or more interior objects.

[0071] In an exemplary method for moving a vehicle seat 1 using the detection device D, the latter is, for example, first switched on. This can then be followed by the sensor elements 5.1-5.4 first synchronizing and testing for functionality. Then, one of the tags 4, 4a, for example a first tag 4, is queried using one of the sensor elements 5.1. This first tag 4 sends a response signal that is received by all sensor elements 5.1-5.4. The evaluation electronics AE then evaluates the propagation time differences that result from the query of the tag 4 and the (response) signal of the tag 4 received in response to this at the individual sensor elements 5.1-5.4. From this, a position value representative of the position of the tag 4 and thus of the vehicle seat 1 can be calculated.

[0072] Using an analogous procedure for the further tag 4a, a further position value is obtained for the vehicle seat 1. This further position value can be used to (plausibility) check the position value determined using the first tag 4 and / or to determine an orientation of the vehicle seat 1 with respect to the sensor elements 5.1-5.4 on the interior surface I. Thus, the position of two tags 4, 4a, which are arranged in a specific, fixed relative position to one another on the vehicle seat 1, can be used to determine not only the location of the vehicle seat 1, but also how the vehicle seat 1 or its base 12 is oriented on the interior surface I.Based on the determined position(s) of the vehicle seat 1, the vehicle seat 1 is then moved until it has reached a desired fixing position at which the vehicle seat 1 can be fixed and thus secured in its achieved fixing position at an anchor point A1 or A2.

[0073] The Figures 6A to 26 show further details of embodiments of a proposed fixing device, as they are particularly suitable for a vehicle seat 1 of the Figures 2A to 2C can be used. In principle, a variant of a proposed fixing device can also be used for other objects, in particular for objects that are manually transferred to a desired fixing position, for example, objects that are placed in a fixing position by a user.

[0074] The Figures 6A to 26illustrate in different views a power-operated fixation using a movable locking element in the form of a locking slide 7 of the fixation device.

[0075] In the Figures 6A to 26 In each of the embodiments shown, a fixing element 31 can be formed, for example, rigidly protruding from an underside of the vehicle seat 1. In order to insert the fixing element, which here is designed as a locking tongue 31, into a fixing opening on the interior surface I, the vehicle seat 1 or at least a component of the vehicle seat 1 carrying the fixing element 31, such as the base 12, must be lowered far enough that a fixing section 311 of the fixing element 31 can enter the fixing opening O1. This can be achieved, for example, by means of lowerable wheels of the vehicle seat 1.

[0076] For fixing the locking tongue 31 of the Figures 6A to 26 In this case, the locking slide 7 is provided on the interior surface I as part of a locking device V of the fixing device. The locking slide 7—with a locking plate on its upper side—is displaceable below the interior surface I via at least one guide rail S along a longitudinal axis LA in opposite adjustment directions V1 and V2. The adjustment directions V1 and V2 each run transversely to an insertion direction E, along which the locking tongue 31 can be inserted into a respective fixing opening O1 on the interior surface I.

[0077] The Figures 6A to 17 show a first embodiment of a proposed fixing device.

[0078] In the Figure 6AThe fixing element configured as a locking tongue 31 is still arranged above the fixing opening O1 in the interior space area I, but is already positioned as intended above the fixing opening O1, so that the locking tongue 31 can be lowered as intended along the insertion direction E. In this case, the locking tongue 31 has a shaft section 310, at the end of which the fixing section 311 with transversely projecting retaining lugs 311.1, 311.2 for the positive locking with the locking slide 7 is connected. To improve the insertability of the fixing section 311 into the fixing opening O1, the fixing section 311 has a wedge-shaped or conical insertion area 3110 at the end. In addition, a contact section 315 is provided on the locking tongue 31.This contact section 315 contains contacting areas, for example in the form of sockets, to which a vehicle-side (plug-in) connector 5 can be plugged in order to establish an electrically conductive connection and, for example, to connect the vehicle seat 1 (or another interior object) to an electrical power supply and / or control electronics of the vehicle F when the vehicle seat 1 is fixed as intended to the interior surface I. In the present case, the contacting section 315 extends, for example, along a longitudinal extension direction of the locking tongue 31 and both in the region of the shaft section 310 and the fixing section 311.

[0079] The connector 5 for electrically contacting the properly locked locking tongue 31 is in this case part of the locking device V of the fixing device. The connector 5 is adjustable via an adjustment mechanism 6 of the locking device V in order to be connected to the contact section 315 of the locking tongue 31 after it has been inserted into the fixing opening O1. The connector 5, which in this case is designed with a plurality of contact pins 55 arranged in a row, is displaceable relative to the locking slide 7 via the adjustment mechanism 6 of the locking device V. The locking slide 7 is first adjusted into a locking position via the adjustment mechanism, in which the locking tongue 31 is locked to the locking slide 7, before the connector 5 is subsequently connected to the contact section 315 of the locking tongue 31.

[0080] In this case, the adjustment mechanism 6 converts a drive force generated by a rotatable drive element in the form of a link plate 60 into two adjustment forces, via which both the locking carriage 7 and the connector 5 are sequentially adjusted. The locking carriage 7 and the connector 5, which is displaceably mounted on the locking carriage 7, can be adjusted in opposite directions along the longitudinal axis LA using the link plate 60 in order, on the one hand, to lock the locking tongue 31 to the locking carriage 7 and, on the other hand, to insert the contact pins 55 of the connector 5 into the contact section 315 of the locking tongue 31. The drive force for rotating the link plate 60 is applied in this case by a drive motor M of the locking device 1, which is fixed to the guide rail S.

[0081] When the locking tongue 31 is moved along the insertion direction E according to the Figure 6Ais inserted into the fixing opening O1, the locking slide 7 with the connector 5 slidably held thereon is in a release position. An insertion opening 70 provided on the locking slide 7 is thus located below the interior surface I opposite the fixing opening O1, so that the fixing section 311 of the locking tongue 31 can also engage in the insertion opening 70 of the locking slide 7. If the locking tongue 31 is then in accordance with the Figure 6B lowered so far that the fixing section 311 engages with its retaining lugs 311.1 and 311.2 in the insertion opening 70 of the locking carriage 7, the locking and contacting of the locking tongue 31 takes place driven by the drive motor M.

[0082] According to the perspective view of the Figure 7 , the front view of the Figure 8 , the enlarged perspective view of the Figure 9and the longitudinal section of the Figure 10The connector 5 is located on a contacting carriage 8 of the locking device V with its contacting pins 55 initially spaced apart from the contact section 315 of the locking tongue 31. At the same time, in this initial position, locking webs 71.1 and 71.2 formed on the locking carriage 7 or its locking plate are also spaced apart from the retaining lugs 311.1 and 311.2 of the locking tongue 31 along the longitudinal axis LA. However, the fixing section 311 is already inserted so far into the insertion opening 70 of the locking carriage 7 that the locking webs 71.1, 71.2 can be moved over the retaining lugs 311.1, 311.2 by longitudinal displacement of the locking carriage 7 along the adjustment direction V1. In this way, viewed along the insertion direction E, the retaining lugs 311.1 and 311.2 are covered by the locking webs 71.1 and 71.2 on the locking slide side, or the locking webs 71.1, 71.2 is engaged behind by the retaining lugs 311.1, 311.2.

[0083] The displacement of the locking carriage 7 along the longitudinal axis LA in the adjustment direction V1 is driven by the link plate 60 when it is rotated about a disk rotation axis 60A by means of the drive motor M. The link plate 60 thus forms a link 600 extending about the disk rotation axis 60A, into which a coupling element in the form of a coupling pin 76 of the locking carriage 7 engages and is slidably guided. Via the link guide provided in this way, a rotational movement of the link plate 60 is converted into a longitudinal movement of the locking carriage 7 along the longitudinal axis LA. The link plate 60 thus translates a drive torque generated by the drive motor M and an associated drive force into a first adjustment force F1 on the locking carriage 7 in order to move the locking carriage 7 from the release position into a locking position according to the Figures 11 , 12 and 13to adjust.

[0084] In the locking position of the locking slide, the fixing section 311 of the locking tongue 31 is located in a locking gap 710 formed between the locking webs 71.1 and 71.2. Via a ramp-shaped clamping surface provided on the upper sides of the retaining lugs 311.1 and 311.2, the fixing section 311 of the locking tongue 31 is not only positively locked at the locking gap 710 when the locking slide 7 is moved into its locking position, but is also clamped in the insertion E.

[0085] The connector 5 is initially still axially spaced (relative to the longitudinal axis LA) from the locking tongue 31 already locked to the locking slide 7. Thus, the adjustment mechanism 6 ensures that upon rotation of the link plate 60, initially only the locking slide 7 is displaced in the adjustment direction V1 toward the locking tongue 31, while the connector 5 is initially displaced in the opposite direction from an initial position into an intermediate position away from the locking tongue 31. In this case, an adjustment force F2 is exerted via the adjustment mechanism 6 on the contacting slide 8, which displaceably supports the connector 5 on the locking slide 7, in order to adjust the contacting slide 8 with the connector 5 in a first phase of the locking along the longitudinal axis LA relative to the locking means 7 in the opposite adjustment direction V2 (compare in particular Figures 11 and 13). The connector 5 can in principle be fixed to the contacting carriage 8 as a separate component or formed integrally therewith.

[0086] For coupling the link plate 60 to the contacting carriage 8, the adjustment mechanism 6 additionally has a transmission assembly 61. Part of the transmission assembly 61 is, in particular, a guide sleeve 610 hinged to the link plate 60. The guide sleeve 610 is pivotally mounted on the link plate 60 about a pivot axis 610B. The pivot axis 610B of the guide sleeve 610 is radially offset from the plate rotation axis 60A.

[0087] A transmission lever 611 of the transmission assembly 61 is movably mounted on the guide sleeve 610. The transmission lever 611 has a guide pin 611A at one lever end, which is movable in an elongated guide slot 610A of the guide sleeve 610. Via the slot guide thus provided between the guide sleeve 610 and the transmission lever 611, the rotational movement of the slotted disc 60 can be translated into a translational adjustment movement of the contacting carriage 8. For this purpose, a lever end of the transmission lever 611 protruding from the guide sleeve 610 is articulated to a connecting pin 860 of the contacting carriage 8.

[0088] As shown by the Figures 11 , 12 and 13As is illustrated in more detail, in the present case the link guide provided via the link plate 60 and the coupling pin 76 on the locking slide side and the transmission assembly 61 hinged to the link plate 60 are coordinated with one another in such a way that a rotational movement of the link plate 60 about the disk rotation axis 60A - in a first locking phase and thus a first rotational range of the link plate 60 - leads to mutually opposing adjustment movements of the locking slide 7 and the connector 5. If the link plate 60 is then rotated further (in the same direction of rotation about the disk rotation axis 60A), an adjustment force F2 is exerted on the contacting slide 8 via the adjustment mechanism 6 and the transmission assembly 61 in order to move it in the adjustment direction V1 from a previously assumed intermediate position into a contacting position. This can be seen from the Figures 14 to 17 illustrated in more detail.

[0089] Thus, through the further rotation of the link plate 60 and the interaction of the guide sleeve 610 with the transmission lever 611, the adjustment force F2 acting in the adjustment direction V1 is applied to the connecting pin 86 on the contacting slide side. As a result, the contacting slide 8 with the connector 5 provided thereon is adjusted along a guide 75 of the locking slide 7 (relative to the locking slide 7) on the contact section 315 of the locking tongue 31 until the contacting pins 55 of the connector 5 are inserted into the sockets on the contact section 315.

[0090] In order to coordinate the adjustment movements and the adjustment forces F1 and F2 that cause them on the locking slide 7 on the one hand and the connector 5 or its contacting slide 8 on the other hand for the different locking phases and the associated rotation angle ranges of the link plate 60, the link 600 of the link plate 60 in this case has at least two regions with different degrees of curvature and possibly following different circular paths. The different regions of the link 600 are characterized in particular by different radii r1, r2 and thus distances from the disk rotation axis 60A.In this way, for example, when the link plate is rotated in the second locking phase and thus in a second rotation angle range, it is possible to avoid the locking slide 7 being further subjected to an adjusting force in the direction of the locking tongue 31 while the connector 5 is being adjusted into its contacting position.

[0091] The Figures 18A to 26 show a further design variant with an alternatively designed locking device V.

[0092] This design variant also features a locking slide 7 which is movably mounted on a guide rail S below the interior surface I. In contrast to the design variant of the Figures 6A to 17 However, in this embodiment, an alternatively designed adjustment mechanism 6 is provided for the externally powered adjustment of the locking slide 7 on the one hand and a connector 5 on the other hand.

[0093] The Figure 18A shows again the release position of the locking slide 7, in which the locking tongue 31, still positioned above the fixing opening O1, can be inserted with its fixing section 311 along the insertion direction E through the fixing opening O1 into the insertion opening 70 of the locking slide 7. If the locking tongue 31 engages according to the Figure 18B with its fixing section 311 into the fixing opening 70 of the locking carriage 7 as intended, the locking can be carried out - controlled by the drive motor M of the locking device V.

[0094] Based on the Figures 19 to 23In the initial position shown in different views, the locking device V pulls the locking carriage 7 into a locking position along the adjustment direction V2 and at the same time, in the opposite direction, the connector 5 is pushed into its contacting position along the adjustment direction V1. Thus, in the embodiment of the Figures 18A to 26 The locking webs 71.1, 71.2 of the locking slide 7, which border a locking gap 70, are provided, relative to the insertion opening 70, in a section of the locking slide 7 located in the adjustment direction V1. Accordingly, the locking slide 7 must be displaced along the guide rail S in the adjustment direction V2 along the longitudinal axis LA in order to lock the locking tongue 31 to the interior surface I as intended.

[0095] The adjustment mechanism 6 provided for this purpose again has a single drive element, here in the form of a drive lever 6.1. This drive lever 6.1 can be pivoted by the drive motor M about a lever pivot axis 6.1A under external power. The adjustment mechanism 6 further comprises a lever arrangement with two transmission levers 6.5 and 6.7, each of which is articulated to the drive lever 6.1. A first transmission lever 6.7 is articulated with its lever end via a joint G2 to a (first) lever end of the drive lever 6.1. The other lever end of the first transmission lever 6.7 is articulated with its other lever end via a joint G7 to the locking slide 7. By rotating the drive lever 6.1 about the lever pivot axis 6.1A, an adjustment force F1 can be exerted on the locking slide 7 in order to move the locking slide 7 translationally along the guide rail S.

[0096] While a first lever end of the drive lever 6.1 is connected to the first transmission lever 6.7 for the locking slide 7, a second transmission lever 6.5 of the lever arrangement is articulated to the other, second lever end of the drive lever 6.1. The second transmission lever 6.5 is thus articulated to the drive lever 6.1 via a joint G1. Furthermore, the second transmission lever 6.5 is articulated to the connector 5 via a joint G5. The connector 5 is again displaceably held in a guide 75 of the locking slide 7. By rotating the drive lever 6.1, a (second) adjusting force F2 can be exerted on the connector 5 via the second transmission lever 6.5 in order to adjust it translationally relative to the locking means 7 along the guide 75.

[0097] In the present case, the connector 5 is additionally held in a sleeve-shaped guide body 9 provided on the locking slide 7. This guide body 9 has an opening opposite the locking tongue 31 engaging in the locking slide 7 and from which the connector 5 can be extended in order to insert the connector 5 into the contact section 315 of the locking tongue 31.

[0098] In order to pull the locking carriage 7 into its locking position in the adjustment direction V2 by rotating the drive lever 6.1 in a single direction about the lever pivot axis 6.1A and also to push the connector 5 in the opposite direction and relative to the locking carriage 7 into its contacting position, the transmission levers 6.7 and 6.5 are connected to different lever ends of the drive lever 6.1. By rotating the drive lever 6.1 about its lever pivot axis 6.1A, one lever end, to which the first transmission lever 6.7 is hinged, can be moved away from the locking tongue 31 and the other lever end, connected to the second transmission lever 6.5, can be moved towards the locking tongue 31. In this context, in order to achieve the desired locking position resulting from a rotating movement of the drive lever 6.1.1 resulting adjustment paths of the locking slide 7 and the connector 5 can be designed differently, distances d2, d1 of the respective joints G2, G1 from the lever pivot axis 6.1A can also be different.

[0099] When the drive lever 6.1 is rotated by the drive motor M, it is achieved that, according to the illustrations of the Figures 24 , 25 and 26 in the area of ​​the joints G7 and G5, first and second adjusting forces F1 and F2 act on the locking slide 7 and the connector 5, via which the locking slide 7 is pulled along the longitudinal axis LA in the adjusting direction V2 into its locking position and at the same time the connector 5 is pressed along the longitudinal axis LA relative to the locking slide 7 in the opposite adjusting direction V1 into its contacting position.

[0100] The Figures 27 to 30Cshow a further embodiment of a proposed fixing device with a locking device V, in which the connector 5 and the locking slide for locking the locking tongue 31 can be moved in opposite directions to each other by an externally powered adjustment. In order to convert a drive force applied by the drive motor M into two opposing adjustment movements of the locking slide 7 and the connector 5 in this embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 6 is provided with a transmission assembly 61 comprising two non-rotatably coupled link discs 60, 62.

[0101] The drive motor M is flanged to a housing of the locking device V, which comprises a (lower) housing part 6G and a housing cover 6D. The transmission assembly 61 and a gear mechanism are housed in a housing space defined between the housing part 6G and the housing cover 6G. In this case, the gear mechanism is formed by a worm 63.1, which is non-rotatably connected to a motor shaft of the drive motor M, and a worm gear 63.2 meshing therewith. The worm gear 63.2 is non-rotatably connected to a rotary shaft 64, to which the link plates 60 and 62 are non-rotatably fixed. Via the worm gear 63.1, 63.2, a rotational axis 63a of the motor shaft of the drive motor M can run rotated by 90° to the (drive) rotational axis 60A, which is defined by the rotary shaft 64 and about which the link plates 60 and 62 can rotate.

[0102] The one (first) link plate 60 forms in the design variant of the Figures 27 to 30Canalogous to the version of the Figures 6A to 17 the drive element of the locking device V, via which the locking carriage 7 can be driven for an adjustment movement along the rail S. Accordingly, a coupling pin 76, to which the locking carriage 7 is articulated, is again slidably guided on a guide slot 600 of the (first) link plate 60, which guide slot runs around the drive rotation axis 60A. Thus, upon rotation of the first link plate 60 in a first direction of rotation, the locking carriage 7 is driven in the one adjustment direction V2 in order to lock the locking tongue 61 with the locking carriage 7 when it is inserted.

[0103] The further link plate 62 is coupled to a contacting carriage 8 of the connector via a connecting element in the form of a connecting pin 86. The connecting pin 86 engages slidingly in a guide slot 620 of the second link plate 621, which functions as a transmission element. The path of the guide slot 620 is coordinated with the guide slot 610 of the other link plate 60 such that upon rotation along the same first direction of rotation about the drive rotation axis 6A, the contacting carriage 8 is adjusted. The connecting pin 86 is carried along the guide slot 620 such that the contacting carriage 8 is adjusted along the adjustment direction V1 toward the inserted locking tongue 31.

[0104] The locking device V of the Figures 27 to 30Cis comparatively compact and allows an externally powered adjustment of both the locking means 7 and the connector 5 by means of two link guides which are formed on two link discs 60 and 62 which are connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the rotary shaft 64.

[0105] The Figures 27 and 27A illustrate a state in which the locking tongue 31 is not yet inserted into the locking device V. The locking tongue 31 is therefore still outside the locking opening O and thus in the embodiment of the Figures 27 to 30C outside a guide frame FR, which is provided above the rail S for specifying the insertion direction.

[0106] If the locking tongue 31 is positioned according to the Figures 28 and 28Afully inserted into the locking device V, the locking of the locking carriage 7 and the contacting via the connector 5 can take place. In this case, the complete insertion of the locking tongue 31 can be detected by sensors, i.e. with the help of at least one sensor of the fixing device. A corresponding sensor signal then triggers the actuation of the drive motor M. If the drive motor M is actuated, the worm 63.1 is rotated about a motor rotation axis 63A. This leads to a rotational movement of the worm wheel 63.2 and thus of the rotary shaft 64 about the drive rotation axis 60A running perpendicular to the motor rotation axis 63A. The rotational movement of the rotary shaft 64, which is rotatably mounted on the housing part 6G and the housing cover 6D, in turn leads to rotational movements of the link plates 60 and 62 along the same direction of rotation. As shown in the sectional view of the Figure 29As is obvious, these rotary movements and the corresponding link guides cause, on the one hand, an adjustment of the locking slide 7 for locking the locking tongue 31 and, on the other hand, an adjustment of the connector 5 for contacting the locking tongue 31.

[0107] In the Figure 30A is a perspective view of the locking device V without the housing cover 6D in conjunction with the Figures 28 and 28Ashown in a matching state. Here, the locking tongue 31 is therefore already plugged onto the locking device V via the guide frame FR, but locking via the locking carriage 7 and contact via the connector 5 have not yet taken place. With the housing cover 6D removed, the transmission assembly 61 of the adjustment mechanism 6 with the two link plates 60 and 62 is more clearly visible. In particular, the second link plate 62 arranged above the (first) link plate 60 acting as the drive element and via which the adjustment movement of the connector 5 is controlled is visible. The guide link 620 of the second link plate 62 acting as a transmission element for adjusting the connector 5 extends around the common drive rotation axis 62A and specifies a desired guide path for the connecting pin 86 engaging in the guide link 620.

[0108] In the Figure 30Bis in the Figure 30A In a corresponding view, the second link plate 62 for adjusting the connector 5 is cut out so that the first link plate 60 arranged underneath for the locking slide 7 is more clearly visible. Figure 30B In particular, the course of the guide link 600 of the first link plate 60, which differs from the guide link 620 of the second link plate 62, can then be seen again, which guide link 600 specifies the desired guide path for the coupling pin 76 on the locking slide side.

[0109] In the perspective with the Figures 30A and 30B unanimous view of the Figure 30C In addition, the first link plate 60, which acts as a drive element, is cut out, thus allowing a view of the worm gear 63.1, 63.2 of the locking device V.

[0110] If the link plate 60 of the design variant of the Figures 6A to 17 or 27 to 30Cor the drive lever 6.1 of the variant of the Figures 18 to 26 rotated in an opposite direction of rotation, not only are the connector 5 and the locking tongue 31 separated from each other again via the respective adjustment mechanism 6, but the locking of the locking tongue 31 is also released from the locking carriage 7. The locking device V thus allows a simple, motor-controlled, crash-safe locking of the locking tongue 31 and its electrical contacting as well as its release. List of reference symbols

[0111] 1, 1a, 1b, 1c Vehicle seat (interior object) 10 Backrest (adjustment part) 11 Seat part (adjustment part) 12 Base 120 Drive motor 121 Battery 122 Connector 123 Coupling section 12A Drive device 2.1, 2.2 Omnidirectional wheel 20 Roller carrier 21 Roller 31 Locking tongue (fixing element) 310 Shaft section 311 Fixing section 311.1, 311.2 Retaining lug 3110 Insertion area 315 Contact section 32 Fixing element 4, 4a Tag (detection element) 5 Connector 5.1 - 5.4 Sensor element 55 Contact pin (contacting element) 6 Adjustment mechanism 6.1 Drive lever (drive element) 6.1A Lever pivot axis (Drive axis) 6.5Second transmission lever (lever element) 6.7First transmission lever (lever element) 60Link plate (drive element) 600Link plate 60ADisc rotation axis (drive axis) 61Transmission assembly 610Guide sleeve 610AGuide plate 610BSwivel axis 611Transmission lever (lever element) 611AGuide pin 62Second link plate (transmission element) 620Guide plate 63.1Screw 63.2 Worm gear 63A Motor rotation axis 64 Rotating shaft 65 Transmitter unit 6D Housing cover 6GG Housing part 7 Locking slide (locking element) 70 Insertion opening 71.1, 71.2 Locking web 710 Locking gap 75 Guide 76 Coupling pin (coupling element) 8 Contacting slide 86 Connecting pin (connecting element) 9 Guide body A1, A2 Anchor point (fixing position) AEEvaluation electronics BWidth DDetection device d1, d2 Distance E Insertion direction F Vehicle F1, F2 Adjustment force FR Guide frame G1, G2, G5, G7 Joint I Interior surface (fixing surface) L Length LA Longitudinal axis L F Loading edge M Drive motor O1 Fixing opening R Travel direction r1, r2 Radius / distance S Guide rail (Guide element) VLocking device V1, V2Adjustment direction.

Claims

1. A fixing device for fixing an object (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) on a fixing surface (I) in a vehicle (F), comprising - at least one fixing element (31), which for fixing the object (1) is formed with a fixing portion (311) that is provided for an engagement into a fixing opening (O1), wherein the fixing portion (311) can be introduced into the fixing opening (O1) along an introduction direction (E), and - a locking device (V), which is adapted to lock the fixing element (31) at the fixing opening (O1) in interaction with the fixing portion (311) introduced into the fixing opening (O1), wherein the locking device (V) comprises at least one locking element (7) shiftable transversely to the introduction direction (E), which, for locking the fixing element (31) at the fixing opening (O1), can be adjusted into a locking position in which the locking element (7) blocks the fixing portion (311) against a removal from the fixing opening (O1), and wherein the locking device (V) comprises at least one connector (5) with at least one contacting element (55), and the connector (5), for electrically contacting a contact portion (315) of the fixing element (31) introduced into the fixing opening (O1), can be adjusted into a contacting position by the at least one contacting element (55), characterized in that the locking element (7) and the connector (5) are adjustable relative to each other and the locking device (V) comprises an adjusting mechanism (6) via which a driving force acting on the adjusting mechanism (6) can be converted both into a first adjusting force (F1) for shifting the locking element (7) into the locking position and into a second adjusting force (F2) for adjusting the connector (5) relative to the locking element (7) into the contacting position.

2. The fixing device according to claim 1, characterized in that via the adjusting mechanism (6) by action of the driving force the locking element (7) and the connector (5) can be driven to perform two mutually opposite adjusting movements, in particular wherein - via the adjusting mechanism (6) by action of the driving force the locking element (7) on the one hand can be adjusted from a release position into the locking position and on the other hand the connector (5) can be adjusted in the opposite direction a) from a starting position into an intermediate position, from which the connector (5) subsequently can be adjusted into the contacting position, or b) from a starting position into the contacting position, and / or - via the adjusting mechanism (6) the locking element (7) is shiftable along a longitudinal axis (LA) in a first adjustment direction (V1; V2) by action of the driving force, while the connector (5) is shiftable in a second adjustment direction (V2) opposite to the first adjustment direction (V1) to perform an oppositely directed adjusting movement along the longitudinal axis (LA).

3. The fixing device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connector (5) is adjustably mounted on the locking element (7), in particular wherein the locking element (7) has a physical guide (75) for the connector (5) shiftably mounted on the locking element (7).

4. The fixing device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the locking device (V) comprises a guide element (S) on which the locking element (7) is shiftably mounted, in particular wherein the locking element (7) is shiftably mounted along a guide rail (S) extending transversely to the introduction direction (E).

5. The fixing device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting mechanism (6) comprises at least one pivotally mounted lever element (611; 6.5, 6.7) and / or a rotatably mounted transmission element (62) for transmitting the first and / or second adjusting force (F1, F2).

6. The fixing device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjusting mechanism (6) comprises a drive element (60, 6.1) which can be adjusted by action of the driving force and is coupled with at least one further adjustable component (61; 6.5, 6.7; 62) of the adjusting mechanism (6) for generating the first and / or second adjusting force (F1, F2), in particular wherein the at least one further component (61; 6.5, 6.7) is pivotally or non-rotatably connected to the drive element (60, 6.1).

7. The fixing device according to claim 6, characterized in that the drive element (60, 6.1) is rotatably mounted about a drive axle (60A, 6.1A).

8. The fixing device according to claims 5 and 7, characterized in that the transmission element (62) is non-rotatably connected to the drive element (60) and is rotatable about the drive axle (60A) or a swivel axle of the lever element (611; 6.5, 6.7) is offset from the drive axle (60A, 6.1A).

9. The fixing device according to any of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the drive element (60) includes a slotted link (600) on which a coupling element (76) connected to the locking element (7) is shiftably guided.

10. The fixing device according to claim 7 or 8 and according to claim 9, characterized in that the slotted link (600) on the drive element (60) extends around the drive axle (60A), in particular wherein the slotted link (600) of the drive element (60) defines a guideway for the coupling element (76), in which at least two areas have different distances (r1, r2) to the drive axle (60A).

11. The fixing device according to claim 8 and any of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the transmission element (62) likewise includes a slotted link (620) which extends around the drive axle (60A), in particular wherein on the slotted link (620) of the transmission element (62) a connecting element (86) associated to the connector (5) is shiftably mounted, via which during a rotation of the transmission element (62) the second adjusting force (F2) can be applied for adjusting the connector (5).

12. The fixing device according to claim 5 and any of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the drive element (6.1) is coupled with the locking element (7) and the connector (5) via a lever arrangement with at least two transmission levers (6.5, 6.7), in particular wherein the at least two transmission levers (6.5, 6.7) each are connected to the drive element (6.1) via a joint (G1, G2).

13. A vehicle, comprising - an object (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) to be fixed, - a body-mounted fixing surface (I) and - at least one fixing device (3) according to any of claims 1 to 12 for fixing the object (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) on the fixing surface (I).

14. The vehicle according to claim 13, characterized in that the locking device (V) of the fixing device is provided on a body-mounted vehicle component or on the object (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) and / or the object comprises a vehicle seat (1, 1a, 1b, 1c), a table and / or a console.

15. A vehicle seat comprising a fixing device according to any of claims 1 to 12 for fixing the vehicle seat (1, 1a, 1b, 1c) on an interior surface (I) of the vehicle (F).