System for fastening an electrically powered device inside a motor vehicle

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of motor vehicle equipment, and more specifically concerns the fixing to a motor vehicle dashboard of various elements which must be electrically powered, such as an electrical outlet, a telephone charger, a refrigerated cup holder, etc.

[0002] The invention is based on the observation that it is now necessary to offer the occupants of a motor vehicle flexibility and ease in the use of various portable or mobile accessories that they have and which require an electrical power supply.

[0003] Document DE102006045323 discloses a fixing system for fixing an adapter module in a motor vehicle interior.

[0004] The invention thus aims to propose a fixing system allowing the fixing of accessories and modules which must be electrically powered.

[0005] For this purpose, the invention relates to a fixing system for fixing an adapter module in a motor vehicle passenger compartment, the fixing system comprising: a fixing rail, of elongated shape, intended to be fixed to a trim element of a motor vehicle, such as a dashboard, the fixing rail comprising a front face intended to accommodate an adapter module, the fixing rail comprising two electrical conductors arranged respectively along an upper end and a lower end of the fixing rail, each conductor being arranged at the bottom of a cavity formed in a corresponding edge of the fixing rail and open towards the rear of the fixing rail;at least one adapter module, the adapter module being configured to be removably attached to the mounting rail, the adapter module comprising a body and two movable contacts, movable relative to the body between an engagement position, in which they allow the adapter module to be attached to the mounting rail, the movable contacts then being arranged on either side of the edges of the mounting rail, and a fixing position, in which a front part forming a hook of each movable contact is engaged with the corresponding edge, a free end of the front part of each movable contact comprising a contact face, the contact face then being electrically connected to the corresponding conductor, thus allowing the body and the mounting rail to be electrically connected. ;

[0006] By means of a fixing rail that can be integrated into a trim element of a motor vehicle interior, the fixing system according to the invention offers vehicle occupants great flexibility for fixing one or more accessories that must be both fixed and electrically connected, such as an electrical outlet, a portable electronic device charger, etc. By providing that the fixing to the fixing rail and the electrical connection are carried out by means of the same elements, namely the movable contacts, the invention makes it possible to fix and electrically connect an accessory simply and quickly. By providing that the conductors of the fixing rail are arranged within cavities open towards the rear, the conductors are difficult to access and are protected. The system according to the invention thus has a very high level of safety.

[0007] In one embodiment, each movable contact is movable in translation relative to the body along a first axis and along a second axis, the first and second axes being intersecting and preferably perpendicular, such that the movable contacts are movable along the first axis between an advanced position and a retracted position, and are movable along the second axis between a low position and a high position, the high and advanced position of the movable contacts corresponding to the engagement position, the low and retracted position of the movable contacts corresponding to the fixing position.

[0008] In one embodiment, each movable contact is secured to a respective plate, each plate sliding in a respective groove provided in the body of the adapter module.

[0009] In one embodiment, each movable contact is mounted in translation on the corresponding plate, each plate comprising a barrel sliding in a housing of complementary shape provided in the corresponding movable contact.

[0010] In one embodiment, the barrel of each plate comprises an elastic return device, such as a spring, urging the movable contact towards its high position.

[0011] In one embodiment, each movable contact comprises an end portion, the end portion being, in the fixing position of the movable contact, housed in a cavity of complementary shape provided in the body of the adapter module.

[0012] In one embodiment, each movable contact comprises an internal conductor, electrically connected to the contact face of the front part of the movable contact on the one hand, and to a contact face of a rear part of the movable contact on the other hand.

[0013] In one embodiment, the internal conductor of each movable contact is electrically connected to a respective internal conductor of the body when the movable contact is in the fixing position.

[0014] In one embodiment, when the adapter module forms an electrical outlet base, each internal conductor of the body is electrically connected to a respective terminal.

[0015] In one embodiment, the fixing rail comprises a groove for positioning the adapter module, the adapter module comprising a tab of complementary shape to the groove, the tab being inserted into the groove when the adapter module is fixed to the fixing rail.

[0016] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a fixing system conforming to that defined above, the fixing rail being fixed in a vehicle interior trim element, such as a dashboard, a door panel or a console, the conductors of the fixing rail being connected to an on-board electrical network of the vehicle.

[0017] The present invention will be better understood from the following detailed description, given with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [ Fig. 1 ] There figure 1 is a partial view of a motor vehicle interior comprising, the vehicle being equipped with a fixing system in accordance with the invention. Fig. 2 ] There figure 2 is a perspective view of an adapter module and a portion of mounting rail, the connectable module being coupled with the rail. Fig. 3 ] There figure 3 is a sectional view of the adapter module of the figure 1 before coupling with the fixing rail. [ Fig. 4 ] There figure 4 is a sectional view of the adapter module of the figure 1 in a first phase of coupling with the fixing rail. Fig. 5 ] There figure 5 is a sectional view of the adapter module of the figure 1 in a second coupling phase with the fixing rail. Fig. 6 ] There figure 6 is a sectional view of the adapter module of the figure 1 after coupling with the fixing rail. [ Fig. 7 ] There figure 7 is a perspective view of a moving contact of the adapter module of the figure 1 . [ Fig. 8 ] There figure 8 is a partial perspective view of the adapter module of the figure 1 showing the arrangement of electrical connections within this module.

[0018] There figure 1 partially represents a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 comprises a dashboard 10. The dashboard 10 is equipped with a fixing system 2 according to the invention, making it possible to simultaneously fix, on a fixing rail 3, one or more adapter modules 4, such as an adapter module forming an electrical socket for powering a portable or nomadic electronic device, such as a laptop computer.

[0019] The following is described in relation to the figures 2 à 8 , the operation of the fixing system according to the invention.

[0020] There figure 2 is a perspective view of the adapter module 4 of the figure 1 coupled to the fixing rail 3, of which only a section is shown. The adapter module 4 is in this configuration both fixed and electrically connected to the fixing rail 3.

[0021] The fixing rail 3 has an elongated shape. It comprises a rear face intended to be fixed to a motor vehicle trim element, such as the dashboard 10 of the figure 1 , and a front face, intended to receive one or more adapter modules such as the adapter module 4 of the figures.

[0022] The adapter module 4 comprises a body 40. The body 40 comprises a first part, or fixing part 40a and a second part, or functional part 40b, the functional part 40b forming in the example of the figures an electrical socket base.

[0023] The fixing part 40a of the body 40 comprises a tab 42, making it possible to ensure the positioning of the adapter module on the fixing rail 3, the latter comprising on its front face a positioning groove 30 configured to receive the tab 42.

[0024] When the adapter module 4 is fixed to the fixing rail 3, the adapter module is retained by means of two movable contacts 44, namely a lower movable contact and an upper movable contact. Each of these movable contacts 44 also provides the electrical connection between the fixing rail 3 and the adapter module 4. Each movable contact 44 is movable between an engagement position, allowing the engagement and disengagement of the adapter module with the fixing rail 3, and a fixing position, ensuring the fixing of the adapter module 4 on the fixing rail 3, as well as an electrical connection between these two elements.

[0025] As visible in particular on the figures 3 à 8 , each movable contact 44 has a hook-shaped front portion 440, configured to be, in the fixing position of the movable contact 44, engaged with a respective rim 32 of the fixing rail 3. The fixing rail 3 thus comprises a rim 32 at an upper end 30a and a rim 32 at a lower end 30b. Each rim 32 comprises a return 320, so as to delimit a cavity 322 open towards the rear of the fixing rail. Each cavity 322 accommodates a respective electrical conductor 36, 38, arranged at the bottom of the corresponding cavity. The free end 442 of the front part 440 of each movable contact 44 constitutes the end of a return 444, and comprises a contact face (front) electrically connected to an internal conductor 446 integrated into the movable contact 44. The internal conductor 446 is arranged so as to connect the front part 440 of the movable contact 44 corresponding to a rear part 448 opposite the front part 440.At the free end 450 of the rear part, the conductor 426 is electrically connected to a contact face (rear). The contact face of the rear part (448) is, as seen in particular in the . figure 8 , electrically connected to one of two internal conductors 46, 48 arranged within the body 40, when the movable contact 44 is in the fixing position. In the example of the figures, in which the adapter module 4 forms an electrical socket base, each internal conductor 46, 48 is respectively electrically connected to one of two electrical terminals 50, 52. Each internal conductor 46, 48 comprises for this purpose a contact part 460, 480 forming a flexible strip and configured to come into contact with the connecting conductor 426 when the corresponding movable contact 44 is in the fixing position.

[0026] Each movable contact is movable in translation relative to the body 40, along a first axis perpendicular to the surface of the fixing rail 3 when the adapter module 40 is attached to it, between an advanced position, visible on the figures 3 And 4 , and a withdrawn position, visible on the figures 2 And 6 . To allow this translational movement, each movable contact 44 is in the example secured to a respective plate 54 mounted in translation in the body 40 of the adapter module 4, and sliding in an internal groove 56 formed in the body 40, in the example a T-shaped groove. For this purpose, each plate 54 comprises in the lower part a tongue 540 of adapted shape, for example of complementary shape to the internal groove 56.

[0027] Each movable contact 44 is furthermore movable in translation relative to the body 40 along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis and perpendicular to the axis of elongation of the fixing rail 30. Each movable contact 44 is thus movable between a low position, visible on the figures 2 , 5 , And 6 , and a high position, visible on the figures 3 And 4. For this purpose, each movable contact is mounted in translation on the corresponding plate 54. In the example of the figures, each plate 54 comprises a barrel 542 sliding in a complementary shaped housing 452 formed in the corresponding movable contact 44. The barrel 542 of each plate 54 accommodates an elastic return device, such as a spring 544, urging the corresponding movable contact 44 towards its high position. The high and forward position of the movable contacts 44 corresponds to the engagement position, while the low and retracted position of the movable contacts 44 corresponds to the fixing position.

[0028] The following is described in relation to the figures 3 à 6 , the steps for fixing the adapter module 4 on the fixing rail 3.

[0029] As visible on the figure 3 , it is necessary, in order to fix an adapter module 4 on the fixing rail 3, that the movable contacts 44 are in their engagement position, i.e. their high and advanced position. In this position, the spacing between the front parts 440 (and more precisely between the returns 444) of the two movable contacts 44 is greater than the spacing between the edges 32 of the fixing rail 3 (and more precisely between the returns 320). As can be seen in the figure 4 , this configuration makes it possible, during a first step, to bring the adapter module 4 closer to the fixing rail 3 and to insert the tab 42 of the body 40 into the groove 30 of the fixing rail 3, so that the front parts 440 of the two movable contacts 44 are arranged on either side of the fixing rail 30, and in particular behind the edges 32 and the returns 320.

[0030] When the adapter module 4 is correctly positioned and attached to the fixing rail 3, the movable contacts 44 are pressed in a second step so that they move from their high (and advanced) position to their low (and advanced) position, as seen in the figure. figure 5 .

[0031] In a third stage, visible on the figure 6 , the movable contacts 44 are moved again, so that they move from their advanced (and low) position to their retracted position, or fixing position. This final movement has the effect of interlocking the front part 440 of each movable contact 44 with the corresponding rim 32, thus allowing the adapter module 4 to be fixed to the fixing rail. In the fixing position, the free end 442 of the front part 440 of each movable contact 44 is in contact with the corresponding conductor 36, 38 of the fixing rail 3, which has the effect of electrically connecting each of these conductors 36, 38 to the corresponding internal conductor 446, as seen in the figure 8 .

[0032] Advantageously, each movable contact 44 comprises an end portion 454 configured to be housed in a cavity 58 of complementary shape provided in the body 40 when the corresponding movable contact 44 is in its fixing position, as visible in the figure 6 This configuration makes it possible to ensure locking of the movable contacts 44 in the fixing position, under the antagonistic action of the spring 544 on the one hand (which forces the corresponding movable contact 44 towards its high position) and the cavity 58 and the rim 320 on the other hand.

[0033] To remove the adapter module 4 from the fixing rail 3, the steps described above will be reversed. Thus, the first step will consist of moving the movable contacts from their fixing position to their low and forward position ( figure 5 ), knowing that in this position, the action of the springs 544 will have the effect of automatically moving the movable contacts to their advanced and high position, position in which the adapter module 4 can be removed from the fixing rail 3.

[0034] The fixing system described above makes it possible to easily and simply ensure the fixing and electrical connection of an adapter module to the fixing rail. By providing that the electrical contacts 36, 38 of the fixing rail 3 are concealed by the edges 32, and thus arranged at the bottom of a cavity oriented towards the rear of the rail, these conductors are made difficult to access by a user. Advantageously, the cavities 322 will be configured so that their dimensions do not allow a user to insert a finger therein. The system according to the invention therefore has both great flexibility and great ease of use, while ensuring a high degree of safety for users.

Claims

1. Fastening system (2) for fastening an adapter module in a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle (1), the fastening system (2) comprising: - a fastening rail (3), of elongated shape, intended to be fastened to a trim element of a motor vehicle (1), such as a dashboard (10), the fastening rail (3) comprising a front face intended to accommodate an adapter module (4), the fastening rail (3) comprising two electrical conductors (36, 38) arranged respectively along an upper end (30a) and a lower end (30b) of the fastening rail (3), each conductor (36, 38) being arranged at the bottom of a cavity (322) formed in a corresponding rim (32) of the fastening rail (3) and open towards the rear of the fastening rail (3); - at least one adapter module (4), the adapter module (4) being configured to be removably attached to the fixing rail (3), the adapter module (4) comprising a body (40) and two movable contacts (44), movable relative to the body (40) between an engagement position, in which they allow the adapter module (4) to be attached to the fixing rail (3), the movable contacts then being arranged on either side of the edges (32) of the fixing rail (3), and a fixing position, in which a front part (440) forming a hook of each movable contact (44) is engaged with the corresponding edge (32), a free end (442) of the front part (440) of each movable contact (44) comprising a contact face, the contact face then being electrically connected to the corresponding conductor (36, 38), thus allowing the adapter module (4) and the fixing rail (3) to be electrically connected.

2. Fastening system (2) according to the preceding claim, in which each movable contact (44) is movable in translation relative to the body (40) along a first axis and along a second axis, the first and second axes being perpendicular, such that the movable contacts are movable along the first axis between an advanced position and a retracted position, and are movable along the second axis between a low position and a high position, the high and advanced position of the movable contacts corresponding to the engagement position, the low and retracted position of the movable contacts corresponding to the fixing position.

3. Fastening system (2) according to the preceding claim, in which each movable contact is integral with a respective plate (54), each plate (54) sliding in a respective groove (56) formed in the body (40) of the adapter module (4).

4. Fixing system (2) according to the preceding claim, in which each movable contact (44) is mounted in translation on the corresponding plate (54), each plate (54) comprising a barrel (542) sliding in a housing (452) of complementary shape provided in the corresponding movable contact (44), and, preferably, the barrel (542) of each plate (54) comprises an elastic return device, such as a spring (544), urging the movable contact (44) towards its high position.

5. Fixing system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, in which each movable contact (44) comprises an end portion (454), the end portion (454) being, in the fixing position of the movable contact (44), housed in a cavity (58) of complementary shape provided in the body (40) of the adapter module (4).

6. Fixing system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each movable contact (44) comprises an internal conductor (446), electrically connected to the contact face of the front part (440) of the movable contact (44) on the one hand, and to a contact face of a rear part (450) of the movable contact (44) on the other hand.

7. Fixing system (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein the internal conductor (446) of each movable contact (44) is electrically connected to a respective internal conductor (46, 48) of the body (40) when the corresponding movable contact (44) is in the fixing position.

8. Fixing system (2) according to the preceding claim, wherein, when the adapter module forms an electrical socket base, each internal conductor (46, 48) of the body (40) is electrically connected to a respective terminal (50, 52).

9. Fastening system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the fastening rail (3) comprises a groove (30) for positioning the adapter module (4), the adapter module comprising a tab (42) of a shape complementary to the groove (30), the tab (42) being inserted into the groove (30) when the adapter module (4) is fixed to the fastening rail (3).

10. Motor vehicle (1) comprising a fixing system (2) according to one of the preceding claims, the fixing rail (3) being fixed in a trim element (10) of the passenger compartment of the vehicle (1), such as a dashboard, a door panel or a console, the conductors (36, 38) of the fixing rail (3) being connected to an on-board electrical network of the vehicle (1).