A device for securing an accessory, intended for use on a motor vehicle, allowing interchangeability between several accessories.

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for retaining an accessory, intended to equip a motor vehicle, allowing interchangeability between several accessories. The retaining device (2) comprises a base intended to be fixed to a motor vehicle and a connecting piece intended to be fixed to an accessory. The base comprises first means for retaining the accessory to a motor vehicle and second means for retaining it configured to cooperate reversibly with the connecting piece. The retaining device is notable in that the second means for retaining it comprise an appendage (6) extending along a main axis (8), and the connecting piece comprises at least two deformable arms (32) capable of spreading apart to allow the appendage (6) to pass between the ends of said deformable arms (32), and then tightening around said appendage (6) in order to retain the connecting piece to the appendage (6). Figure 6

Description

Title of the invention: Accessory retention device, intended for use in a motor vehicle, allowing interchangeability between several accessories. Technical field to which the invention relates.

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of interior equipment for motor vehicles. More particularly, the present invention relates to an electrified retaining device allowing the interchangeability of accessories in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. Technological background

[0002] The interior design of motor vehicles has evolved considerably over the years, aiming to improve comfort and practicality for users. However, despite the progress made, the solutions currently available on the market still have significant limitations, particularly in terms of modularity and adaptability.

[0003] Car manufacturers have developed various solutions to meet users' needs for storage and use of accessories. For example, vehicles commonly include storage compartments, fixed cup holders, integrated bag hooks, and specific holders for smartphones and tablets.

[0004] However, these solutions, while useful, suffer from a crucial lack of versatility. The accessories and attachment points offered are generally designed for a specific use and do not allow for easy adaptation to the changing needs of passengers. For example, a smartphone holder cannot easily be replaced by a bag hook or an additional cup holder. This rigidity in the passenger compartment configuration significantly limits the possibilities for personalized customization and fails to address the diverse situations that users may encounter on a daily basis.

[0005] Furthermore, existing systems do not allow for quick and intuitive modification of the passenger compartment configuration. Users are often constrained by the vehicle's initial design choices, without any real possibility of adapting the space to their specific needs at any given time. This limitation is particularly problematic in a context where vehicle uses are evolving rapidly, with a growing demand for more flexible and multifunctional spaces.

[0006] The invention aims to solve the problem of the lack of flexibility and adaptability of accessory attachment systems in motor vehicles, which currently limit passengers' ability to quickly and easily modify the passenger compartment configuration according to their changing needs during a journey. Object of the invention

[0007] To solve the technical problem mentioned above, the invention proposes a device for retaining an accessory, intended to equip a motor vehicle, allowing interchangeability between several accessories. The retaining device comprises a base intended to be fixed to a motor vehicle and a connecting piece intended to be fixed to an accessory. The base includes first means for retaining it to a motor vehicle and second means for retaining it; the second means for retaining it are configured to cooperate reversibly with the connecting piece.

[0008] The invention is remarkable in that the second retaining means comprise an appendage extending along a main axis, and in that the connecting piece comprises at least two deformable arms, and in that said deformable arms are capable of spreading apart to allow the passage of the appendage between the ends of said deformable arms, and then tightening around said appendage in order to retain the connecting piece to the appendage.

[0009] The invention thus provides a restraint device enabling a passenger in a motor vehicle to quickly and easily secure a connecting piece, as described above, to a base in the vehicle, by spreading the deformable arms of the connecting piece so that said arms can tighten around an appendage of said base. The connecting piece can also be quickly and easily detached from the base by spreading the deformable arms of the connecting piece.

[0010] Advantageously, a connecting piece described above can be associated with different accessories to allow a passenger to quickly and easily interchange a first accessory held to the base by means of a first connecting piece, with a second accessory attached to a second connecting piece.

[0011] The invention thus allows a passenger in a motor vehicle equipped with the restraint device according to the invention to quickly and easily interchange an accessory held in said restraint device with another accessory, in order to adapt the passenger compartment of the motor vehicle to his or her desires and needs.

[0012] By way of non-limiting example, a connecting piece may include means for reversible retention with an accessory, these means being able to designate: a system of permanent magnets offering quick and effortless fastening, electromagnets allowing electronically controlled adhesion, suction cups, etc.

[0013] By way of non-limiting example, a connecting piece can be attached to one of the following accessories: a cup holder, a clothes hanger, a bag holder, a glasses holder, a storage net, a multi-purpose hook, etc.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the deformable arms are elastic to allow a user to easily spread them apart so that they naturally return to their original positions when the user no longer exerts force on them. By way of non-limiting example, the deformable arms are made from a synthetic polymer.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the invention, the appendage includes at least one first stop, and the stop is configured to prevent slippage of the connecting piece along said appendage, when the deformable arms of the connecting piece clamp said appendage.

[0016] Preferably, the first stop forms an overthickness at one end of the appendage. According to an embodiment, the first stop, taking the form of a plate or a disc, delimits one end of the appendage and extends in a radial or substantially radial direction with respect to the main axis of the appendage.

[0017] According to another embodiment of the invention, the appendage includes at least a second stop, and the second stop is configured to prevent rotation of the connecting piece around the appendage, when the deformable arms of the connecting piece clamp said appendage.

[0018] Preferably, the second stop forms a rib extending parallel or substantially parallel to the main axis along which the appendage extends. Optionally, the rib extends over the outer surface of the appendage so as to cover between 5% and 30% of the circumference of the appendage, measured in a plane perpendicular to its main axis, preferably between 10% and 20%.

[0019] According to another embodiment of the invention, the appendage is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical in shape. The largest diameter of the appendage, measured along a radial direction to the main axis, is between 3 cm and 10 cm, preferably between 5 cm and 15 cm.

[0020] According to another embodiment of the invention, the deformable arms of the connecting piece define a main passage, the shape of which is complementary or substantially complementary to the cross-section of the appendage in a plane perpendicular to the main axis. Preferably, when no mechanical stress is exerted on the deformable arms, the main passage defined by said deformable arms is slightly smaller than the appendage in order to ensure better retention of the connecting piece on the appendage.

[0021] According to another embodiment of the invention, the ends of the deformable arms of the connecting piece define a secondary passage, and the passage The secondary passage opens into the main passage, and the secondary passage narrows towards the main passage. Advantageously, the free ends of the deformable arms converge to form a flared opening at the secondary passage, creating a funnel-shaped, conical structure that facilitates the insertion of the appendage into the secondary passage defined by these arms. This embodiment makes it easy to insert the appendage between the deformable arms of the connecting piece by simply translating the connecting piece into place on the appendage.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the invention, the connecting piece includes a cover, and the cover is configured to at least partially conceal one end of the appendage when the deformable arms of the connecting piece clamp said appendage. Preferably, the cover extends parallel or substantially parallel to the deformable arms so as to conceal the main passage and possibly the secondary passage, delimited by the deformable arms, when said deformable arms clamp the appendage.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the connecting piece is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical in shape. In this case, the deformable arms may define part of the contour of the connecting piece.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the connecting piece and / or the base have rounded and / or beveled edges, so that the restraint device according to the invention is less likely to injure a passenger in the event of a collision with said device.

[0025] According to another embodiment of the invention, the appendage includes first electrical terminals, and the connecting piece includes second electrical terminals, and an electric current is able to flow between the first electrical terminals and the second electrical terminals, when the deformable branches of the connecting piece squeeze the appendage.

[0026] This embodiment advantageously allows the connecting piece to act as an electrical interface between the base and the accessory associated with said connecting piece, so that said accessory can offer electrical functionalities.

[0027] By way of non-limiting example, the connecting piece may incorporate an induction electrical charging system.

[0028] By way of non-limiting example, a connecting piece may be attached to one of the following accessories: a wireless smartphone charger, a heated or cooled cup holder, a compact air purifier, a multimedia display screen, an LED ambient lighting system, a USB charging station, an electric fragrance diffuser, a self-regulating fan, a video capture system, etc.

[0029] According to another embodiment of the invention, the appendage comprises a so-called contact face, extending radially or substantially radially with respect to the main axis, and the first electrical terminals are located on said contact face. Advantageously, when the base is installed in the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, this arrangement allows the electrical terminals to be naturally concealed behind a panel facing the passengers, thus preventing any accidental contact and significantly increasing safety by reducing the risk of electric shock or short circuit. This design also contributes to the overall aesthetics of the device, offering a cleaner appearance of the base alone. Furthermore, although concealed, the radial position of the terminals on the contact face ensures easy connection with compatible accessories, guaranteeing optimal functionality.

[0030] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first retaining means are configured to allow the base to be retained on a dashboard, a center console, a headrest, in a trunk, on a door, etc.

[0031] Of course, the different characteristics, variants and embodiments mentioned above can be combined with each other in various ways, provided that they are not incompatible or mutually exclusive.

[0032] The invention also relates to an accessory mentioned above, equipped with a connecting piece according to the invention.

[0033] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a base of a holding device according to the invention.

[0034] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle comprising a device for retaining an accessory as described above. Description of the figures

[0035] The invention will be better understood from the following description, which relates to preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples, and explained with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which:

[0036] [Fig-1] illustrates a schematic and perspective view of a base of a device maintenance according to the invention;

[0037] [Fig.2] illustrates a schematic and rear view of the base represented by [Fig.1];

[0038] [Fig.3] illustrates a schematic and perspective view of a connecting piece of a holding device according to the invention;

[0039] [Fig.4] ] illustrates a cross-section of a base represented by [Fig.1], fitting into a connecting piece represented by [Fig.3];

[0040] [Fig. 5] illustrates a cross-section of a base represented by [Fig. 1], present in a connecting piece represented by [Fig.3];

[0041] [Fig.6] illustrates a schematic and perspective view of a holding device according to the invention;

[0042] [Fig.7] illustrates a side view of the retaining device represented by [Fig.6]. Detailed description of the invention

[0043] The invention proposes a device for retaining an accessory, intended to equip a motor vehicle, allowing interchangeability between several accessories.

[0044] Interchangeability, in this context, refers to the ability to easily and quickly replace one accessory with another without requiring tools or modifications to the retaining device.

[0045] A non-limiting example of an embodiment of a holding device 2 according to the invention is illustrated by the attached figures 1 to 7.

[0046] The retaining device 2 comprises a base 4, visible in [Fig. 1]. In this example, the base 4 is a cylindrical appendage 6. The appendage 6 extends along a main axis 8, between a proximal end 10 and a distal end 12. The term "proximal" here refers to the end closest to the point of attachment to the vehicle, while "distal" refers to the end furthest from it. The diameter of the appendage 6, measured radially to the main axis 8, is between 2 cm and 15 cm, preferably on the order of 8 cm. These dimensions allow for comfortable use while ensuring adequate strength.

[0047] At its proximal end 10, the appendix 6 includes first retaining means 14 for attaching the base 4 to a motor vehicle. By way of non-limiting example, the first retaining means 14 may refer to screwing means visible in [Fig. 2], allowing the base 4 to be screwed onto a center console or a door pillar of a motor vehicle. Other fastening means could include clip systems, high-performance adhesives, or powerful magnetic systems, depending on the nature of the mounting surface in the vehicle.

[0048] At the distal end 12 of the appendix 6, the appendix is ​​extended by a disc 16. The disc 16 is arranged so that its largest faces are perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the main axis 8 along which the appendix 6 extends. The diameter of the disc 16 is greater than the diameter of the appendix 6, so that the disc 16 forms a first stop to prevent the sliding of a connecting piece 18 along said appendix 6. A large face of the disc 16, called the contact face 20, oriented towards the appendix 6, includes two first electrical terminals 22 visible in the accompanying [Fig. 2]. The first electrical terminals 22 are suitable for connection to a power supply, not shown in the figures, via concealed electrical conductors. in the base 4 and electrical connectors 23 located at the proximal end 10 of the appendix 6. This configuration allows the accessories to be electrically powered without visible wires, thus improving the aesthetics and safety of the support device 2.

[0049] The appendix 6 includes a second stop. The second stop is a rib 24 projecting from the surface of the appendix 6 and extending parallel or substantially parallel to the main axis 8. According to the present example, the rib 24 extends over the outer surface of the appendix 6 so as to cover between 5% and 30% of the circumference of the appendix 6, measured in a plane perpendicular to the main axis 8, preferably between 10% and 20%. The height of the rib 24, measured in a radial direction to the main axis 8, is between 1 cm and 4 cm, preferably on the order of 2 cm.

[0050] The retaining device 2 according to the invention also includes a connecting piece 18. The connecting piece 18 is intended to cooperate with the appendage 6 described above, in order to allow reversible retaining of an accessory on said appendage 6. The term "reversible" here means that the accessory can be easily attached and detached, without damaging the retaining device 2.

[0051] To do this, the connecting piece 18 consists of the following elements, visible on [Fig.3]: a so-called retaining element 26, a cover 28 and a spacer 30.

[0052] The retaining element 26 comprises two deformable branches 32 contained in a plane normal to the main axis 8. The deformable branches 32 are arched so as to delimit a passage called main 34, extending along the main axis 8. More precisely, the main passage 34 is of complementary or substantially complementary shape to the section of the appendage 6, in a plane perpendicular to the main axis 8.

[0053] In other words, the main passage 34 delimited by the retaining element 26 is suitable for accommodating the appendage 6 described above. This complementary shape ensures a tight and secure fit between the appendage 6 and the retaining element 26.

[0054] To facilitate the insertion of the appendage 6 between the deformable arms 32, the ends 36 of the deformable arms 32 define a so-called secondary passage 38. The secondary passage 38 extends along the entire length of the retaining element 26, in order to allow the insertion of the appendage 6 between said arms 32, in a direction radial to the main axis 8, as illustrated in [Fig. 4]. This design allows for lateral insertion of the appendage 6 into the retaining element 26.

[0055] Advantageously, the free ends 36 of the deformable arms 32 converge to form a flared opening at the secondary passage 38, thus creating a conical, funnel-like structure that facilitates the insertion of the appendage 6 into the secondary passage 38. This funnel shape guides naturally the appendix 6 towards its correct position, making the use of device 2 more intuitive.

[0056] The deformable arms 32 are configured to spread apart when the appendage 6 is inserted into the secondary passage 38, and then tighten around said appendage 6 when it occupies the main passage 34, as illustrated in [Fig. 5]. This feature ensures a firm hold of the accessory while allowing easy detachment when necessary.

[0057] Preferably, when no mechanical stress is exerted on the deformable arms 32, the main passage 34 delimited by said arms is slightly smaller in size than the appendix 6 in order to ensure firm retention of the retaining element 26 in the main passage 34. This pre-existing tension improves the stability of the assembly.

[0058] It should be noted that the deformable arms 32 are configured to bear against the lateral edges of the rib 24, forming the second stop of the appendage 6, when said appendage 6 occupies the main passage 34 of the retaining element 26. Thus, the lateral arms 32 both maintain the appendage 6 in the main passage 34 delimited by the retaining piece 26, and prevent the pivoting of said appendage 6 around the main axis 8 when the appendage 6 is present in the main passage 34. This configuration prevents uncontrolled rotation of the accessory while maintaining its stability.

[0059] As illustrated in [Fig. 3], the connecting piece 18 also includes a cover 28 whose external shape and dimensions are similar to the retaining element 26. The cover 28 is held at a distance from the retaining element 26 by means of the spacer 30, so that the cover 28 is positioned opposite the main passage 34 and the secondary passage 38, delimited by the retaining element 26. In other words, the cover 28 is connected to the retaining element 26 by the spacer 30, so that said cover 28 conceals from an observer facing the cover 28 the passages delimited by the retaining element 26, preferably the retaining element 26 in its entirety. This configuration improves the aesthetics of the device 2.

[0060] It should be noted that the spacer 30 maintains a sufficient distance between the retaining element 26 and the cover 28, to allow the presence of the first stop 16 between the retaining element 26 and the cover 28, when the appendage 6 occupies the main passage 34 delimited by the retaining element 26 as illustrated by figures 6 and 7.

[0061] Thus, advantageously, the first stop 16 is clamped between the cover 28 and the retaining element 26, thereby preventing a translational movement of the appendage 6 along the main axis 8 when the latter occupies the main passage 34 delimited by the retaining element 26. This configuration ensures a more secure holding of the accessory in all directions.

[0062] Preferably, the retaining element 26 also includes second electrical terminals 22 visible in [Fig. 3], configured to cooperate with the first electrical terminals 22 of the base 4, visible in [Fig. 2]. Thus, advantageously, the retaining element 26 and therefore the connecting piece 18 can electrically supply an accessory associated with said connecting piece via the base connected to an electrical source of a motor vehicle.

[0063] The retaining device 2 described above and illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 advantageously allows a passenger in a motor vehicle to quickly and easily secure a connecting piece 18, as described above, to a base 4 in the motor vehicle, by spreading the deformable arms 32 of the connecting piece 18 so that said arms 32 can tighten around the appendage 6 of said base 4. The connecting piece 18 can also be quickly and easily detached from the base 4 by spreading the deformable arms 32 of the connecting piece 18. This ease of use is particularly valuable in a motor vehicle environment where safety and practicality are paramount.

[0064] Advantageously, a connecting piece 18 described above can be associated with different accessories to allow a passenger to quickly and easily interchange a first accessory held to the base 4 by means of a first connecting piece 18, with a second accessory attached to a second connecting piece 18. This interchangeability offers great flexibility of use, allowing passengers to adapt the vehicle's equipment to their specific needs. For example, a smartphone holder could be quickly replaced by a cup holder, or a tablet holder by a bag hook, without requiring tools or complex modifications.

Claims

Demands

1. A retaining device (2) for an accessory, intended to be fitted to a motor vehicle, allowing interchangeability between several accessories, the retaining device (2) comprising a base (4) intended to be integral with a motor vehicle and a connecting piece (18) intended to be integral with an accessory, the base (4) comprising first retaining means (14) to a motor vehicle and second retaining means configured to cooperate reversibly with the connecting piece (18), characterized in that the second retaining means comprise an appendage (6) extending along a main axis (8), and in that the connecting piece (18) comprises at least two deformable arms (32), and in that said deformable arms (32) are capable of spreading apart to allow the passage of the appendage (6) between the ends (36) of said deformable arms (32),then tighten around said appendage (6) in order to hold the connecting piece (18) to the appendage (6).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the appendage (6) comprises at least one first stop (16), and in that the stop (16) is configured to prevent a slippage of the connecting piece (18) along said appendage (6), when the deformable arms (32) of the connecting piece (18) clamp said appendage (6).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the appendage (6) comprises at least one second stop (24), and in that the second stop (24) is configured to prevent rotation of the connecting piece (18) around the appendage (6), when the deformable arms (32) of the connecting piece (18) clamp said appendage (6).

4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the appendage (6) is cylindrical or substantially cylindrical in shape.

5. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the deformable arms (32) of the connecting piece (18) delimit a main passage (34), of complementary or substantially complementary shape to the section of the appendage (6) in a plane perpendicular to the main axis (8).

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the ends (36) of the deformable arms (32) of the connecting piece (18) delimit a secondary passage (38), and in that the secondary passage (38) opens onto the main passage (34), and in that the secondary passage (38) narrows towards the main passage (34).

7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the connecting piece (18) includes a cover (28), and in that the cover (28) is configured to at least partially conceal one end of the appendage (6), when the deformable arms (32) of the connecting piece (18) clamp said appendage (6).

8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the appendage (6) comprises first electrical terminals (22), and in that the connecting piece (18) comprises second electrical terminals (22), and in that an electric current is able to flow between the first electrical terminals and the second electrical terminals, when the deformable arms (32) of the connecting piece (18) clamp the appendage (6).

9. Device according to claim 8, characterized in that the appendage (6) comprises a contact face (20) extending radially or substantially radially with respect to the main axis (8), and in that the first electrical terminals (22) are present on said contact face (20).

10. Motor vehicle comprising a device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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