Connection system for a vehicle

Abstract

System for structurally anchoring an element (4, 6) to a vehicle (1), in particular in a passenger compartment of the vehicle (1), comprising: a male connector (12) comprising a plurality of protrusions (10), and a female connector (2) comprising: a plurality of holes (8) for housing respective protrusions (10) of the male connector (12), a movable element (7) configured for creating a shape constraint with the protrusions (10) in order to hold the protrusions (10) within the holes (8), a returning means (9) per moving the movable element (7) towards a locking position, in which the movable element (7) retains the protrusions (10) within the holes (8). The male connector (12) is intended to be mounted to the element to be anchored (4, 6), and the female connector (2) is intended to be mounted to the vehicle (1). The male and female connectors (2, 12) comprise : electric connectors which, when the male and female connectors (2, 12) are engaged, are configured to allow electric energy to flow and data to be transferred between a control unit and the element (4, 6) of the vehicle (1).

Description

[0001] TITLE: CONNECTION SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Technical field

[0004] The present invention relates to the automotive field, and more particularly to a system for the installation of elements (e.g. a seat) in the passenger compartment, or in specific areas, of a vehicle while also allowing electric current and data to flow to / from such elements.

[0005] Technical background

[0006] Modern cars are fixed products that do not allow any adaptation of the internal space to the user' s needs. The vehicle is in a solid state, i.e. everything is fixed and irremovable, and the internal components are not designed to allow the user to make any change. Such a "solid" architecture cannot respond to the specific requirements of today' s modes of transportation (e.g. shared or private) .

[0007] It is also necessary, because of the ever increasing time that users spend in their vehicles, to find a solution to optimize the use of such time at best. Thanks to advances in technology and to the development of self-driving cars and act ive / passive safety systems, it is now possible to entrust such technology with the task of moving the vehicle in full safety, so that the user can utilize the space and time spent inside the vehicle for working or leisure activities .

[0008] WO 2018 / 211468 Al has responded to this requirement by creating a connector for constraining some elements (e.g. a seat or a dashboard) to the vehicle, while at the same time allowing the transfer of data. However, the need is felt to improve such connection.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] It is one object of the present invention to provide a connector for vehicles which can overcome this and other drawbacks of the prior art.

[0011] In particular, it is a further object of the present invention to provide a vehicle which can be configured in accordance with the reference market and the user' s needs, thus being available in several versions having different technological levels.

[0012] Furthermore, the invention aims at simplifying the vehicles and lowering the costs incurred by vehicle manufacturers .

[0013] According to the present invention, this and other objects are achieved through a connector as set out in the appended independent claims.

[0014] It is understood that the appended claims are an integral part of the technical teachings provided in the following detailed description of the present invention. In particular, the appended dependent claims define some preferred embodiments of the present invention that include some optional technical features.

[0015] Brief description of the drawings

[0016] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in light of the following detailed description, provided merely as a non-limiting example with reference to the annexed drawings, wherein:

[0017] • Figure 1 is a perspective view of part of a vehicle where there are a plurality of female connectors according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0018] • Figures 2a, 2b are views of the vehicle shown in Fig. 1, wherein a seat is mounted in two different positions;

[0019] • Figure 3 schematically shows the floor of the vehicle shown in Fig. 1, whereon a seat and a dashboard are mounted;

[0020] • Figure 4a shows a dashboard of a vehicle with a plurality of connectors;

[0021] • Figure 4b shows the dashboard of Fig. 4a, in which several elements are mounted by means of the connectors;

[0022] • Figure 5 is a perspective view of mutually engaged male and female connectors according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0023] • Figure 6 is a perspective view of a male connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0024] • Figure 7 is a perspective view from below of the male connector of Fig. 6;

[0025] • Figure 8 is a view from below of the male connector of Fig. 6;

[0026] • Figure 9 is a perspective view of a female connector according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

[0027] • Figure 10 is a perspective view from above of the female connector of Figure 9;

[0028] • Figure 11 is an exploded view of the connectors of Fig. 5;

[0029] • Figures 12-14 are sectional views of a connector assembly sequence .

[0030] Detailed description of the invention

[0031] With reference to the drawings, a system for structurally anchoring an element 4, 6 to a vehicle 1, in particular in a passenger compartment of a vehicle 1, comprises :

[0032] - a male connector 12 comprising a plurality of protrusions ,

[0033] - a female connector 2 comprising: a plurality of holes 8 for housing respective protrusions 10 of male connector 12, a movable element 7 configured for creating a shape constraint with protrusions 10, in order to hold protrusions 10 within holes 8, a returning means 9 for moving movable element 7 towards a locking position, in which movable element 7 retains protrusions 10 within holes 8.

[0034] Male connector 12 is intended to be mounted to the element to be anchored 4, 6, and female connector 2 is intended to be mounted to vehicle 1, in particular to the passenger compartment thereof. Female connector 2 may also be installed outside the passenger compartment or to elements of the vehicle that may be already present in the passenger compartment .

[0035] Male and female connectors 2, 12 comprise electric connectors which, when male and female connectors 2, 12 are mutually engaged, are configured to allow electric energy to flow and data to be transferred between a control unit and element 4, 6 of vehicle 1.

[0036] Male and female connectors 2, 12 preferably comprise: electrically conductive portions 18, 20 configured to abut against each other, and USB connection portions 11, 13 which are mutually connected when male and female connectors 2, 12 are engaged; wherein electrically conductive portions 18, 20 and USB connection portions 11, 13 are configured to allow electric energy to flow and data to be transferred between a control unit and element 4, 6 of vehicle 1. Thus, the electric connectors of connectors 2, 12 include electrically conductive portions 18, 20 and USB connection portions 11, 13. According to some possible variants, the electric connectors of connectors 2, 12 include two or more different types of electric connectors.

[0037] Optionally, PCBs 33, 35 associated with electrically conductive portions 18, 20 and with USB connection portions 11, 13 may also include sensors, magnets, cameras, or the like, for recognizing element 4, 6 to be installed by means of connection 2, 12.

[0038] In particular, the control unit may be a control unit already present in vehicle 1 for controlling it, e.g. a vehicle' s ECU, and / or an additional electronic control unit configured to handle the transfer of data between one or more pairs of male and female connectors 12, 2.

[0039] Holes 8 are adapted to house and hold in position protrusions 10, so as to create a structural constraint between female connector 2 and male connector 12, thus constraining element 4, 6 to the passenger compartment, or to specific areas, of vehicle 1.

[0040] Male and female connectors 12, 2 can be moved along an insertion direction (e.g. vertically) to insert protrusions 10 into holes 8. The insertion direction is also used for separating the two connectors 2, 12 by sliding protrusions 10 out of holes 8. When movable element 7 is in the locking position, male and female connectors 2, 12 are constrained to each other, and any mutual rotation or movement is prevented. Male and female connectors 2, 12 can be separated, in particular by sliding along the insertion direction. In the example, when protrusions 10 are inserted in holes 8, they 8, 10 prevent any mutual rotation of connectors 2, 12 about the insertion direction.

[0041] Protrusions 10 and holes 8 can establish a reliable mechanical constraint between connectors 2, 12, thereby providing, advantageously, a low-cost, compact and light connection .

[0042] In particular, holes 8 are through holes, adapted to be crossed by protrusions 10. According to some possible variants, holes 8 are recesses (i.e. blind holes) . In the example, female connector 2 has a substantially circular shape when viewed from above. Male connector 12 has a substantially circular shape as well.

[0043] In particular, connectors 2, 12 can be engaged with a plurality of different orientations. For example, holes 8 and protrusions 10 are arranged in a polar-symmetrical fashion. In the example shown herein, holes 8 and protrusions 10 are disposed on a circumference and regularly spaced apart .

[0044] In the example there are two holes 8 and two protrusions 10, but their number may vary, e.g. three, four, five, etc. In the example, holes 8 are C-shaped, but they may alternatively be circular, elliptical, rectangular, square, etc. Protrusions 10 are C-shaped as well.

[0045] Preferably, movable element 7 is a sliding element, in particular adapted to slide along a straight trajectory. In particular, movable element 7 can slide in a plane perpendicular to the direction of insertion of connectors 2, 12.

[0046] In more detail, in the locking position, movable element 7 hinders the removal of protrusions 10 from holes 8, but allows such removal when a greater force is applied than the force necessary for inserting protrusions 10 into holes 8. Therefore, connectors 2, 12 are mutually engaged by means of a "push-pull" mechanism. Movable element 7 and protrusion 10 are so shaped as to generate a degree of resistance to the unthreading of connectors 2, 12 (which allows connectors 2, 12 to be disconnected) which is lower than the resistance that they 7, 10 generate during the insertion of such connectors 2, 12. The shapes of the surfaces of the movable portion and protrusion 10 that come into mutual contact determine the extent of the force necessary to insert / remove protrusions 10 into / from holes 10. Thus, movable element 7 and protrusion 10 create a snap mechanism. Preferably, returning means 9 is an elastic means such as a spring, in particular a coil spring.

[0047] According to some possible variants, the system has a locking device for holding movable elements 7 in the locking position, thereby preventing the separation of connectors 2, 12. For example, an actuator, e.g. an electric motor, is adapted to keep movable elements 7 in the locking position. The actuator can be connected to a control unit, which may be an electronic control unit of vehicle 1 or another control unit, for receiving a command signal. In addition or as an alternative, the system has a locking device adapted to bring movable elements 7 into an unlocking position, thereby allowing connectors 2, 12 to be easily separated. For example, the device includes an actuator adapted to hold movable elements 7 in the unlocking position. The actuator can be connected to a control unit, which may be an electronic control unit of vehicle 1 or another control unit, for receiving a command signal. Optionally, the actuator is controlled via a wireless system, e.g. NFC.

[0048] Male connector 12 has a first USB connection portion 11 (e.g. a male portion) , and female connector 2 has a second USB connection portion 13 (e.g. a female portion) . USB connection portions 11, 13 form a USB plug / socket system. USB connection portions 11, 13 may be of any USB type, preferably USB-C, Micro, or USB-A. In particular, the other electrically conductive portions 18, 20 are not USB connections .

[0049] The presence of electrically conductive portions 18, 20 and USB connections 11, 13 provides, advantageously, a compact, efficient and versatile structural connection for data / power transfer. No further connections, separate from the one of the invention, are needed to ensure structural installation, data transmission and power supply. Moreover, when element 4, 6 is not mounted to vehicle 1, and therefore female connector 2 is not engaged, the user can advantageously use USB connection portion 13 to connect a personal electronic device (e.g. a phone) to vehicle 1, e.g. in order to recharge it. In addition, when connectors 2, 12 are connected, it is possible to separate power and data between USB connection 11, 13 and the other connection 18, 20. For example, an ECU of vehicle 1 that controls the operation of vehicle 1, e.g. the steering of vehicle 1, is configured to exchange signals with element 4, 6 (e.g. a steering wheel, a control panel for an air distribution system, the vehicle' s HMI, etc. ) through electrically conductive portions 18, 20. On the other hand, USB connection portions 11, 13 are used to exchange signals with a control unit of vehicle 1 in order to provide element 4, 6 (e.g. a display) with entertaining contents (e.g. audio or video files, etc. ) . The type of data and signals that the various electric connectors can exchange through connectors 2, 12 can be configured at will.

[0050] In the example, male connector 12 has holes 29 intended to be crossed by screws engaging element 4, 6 to be secured to vehicle 1. In particular, male connector 12 has a substantially annular shape. As an alternative, male connector 12 may be directly incorporated (e.g. moulded) in the associated element 4, 6. In the example, female connector 2 has holes 31 intended to be crossed by screws engaging vehicle 1 or a component of the passenger compartment. According to one possible variant, female connector 2 is incorporated, e.g. moulded, in vehicle 1 or in a portion of vehicle 1 (e.g. a dashboard) .

[0051] Preferably, male connector 12 and female connector 2 are configured to be mutually engaged with a plurality of different orientations, in particular with different angular orientations .

[0052] Preferably, all holes 8 have the same shape, and all protrusions 10 have the same shape as well. This makes it possible to insert male connector 12 into female connector 2 with a plurality of different orientations. For example, since there are two holes 8 and two protrusions 10, it is possible to couple connectors 2, 12 at two different mutual angles. Thus, advantageously, the element (e.g. seat 4) can be mounted in the passenger compartment with different orientations (in the example, with two orientations) .

[0053] Protrusions 10 have a longitudinal extension aligned with the insertion direction. With reference to the example shown herein, at least one of protrusions 10 (in particular, all protrusions 10) has a respective lateral recess 36 into which a part of movable element 7, in particular a tip thereof, is intended to be inserted to hinder the extraction of protrusions 10 from holes 8. When movable element 7 is inserted in lateral recess 36, movable element 7 is in the locking position. When movable element 7 is removed from lateral recess 36, movable element 7 allows protrusions 10 to be extracted from holes 8. In the example, each protrusion 10 has two lateral recesses 36 into which respective movable elements 7 are intended to be inserted. Therefore, there are a total of four lateral recesses 36 and four movable elements 7.

[0054] In particular, female connector 2 is configured for anchoring at least one of the following elements: a seat 4, a dashboard 6, a coffee-making machine 42, a display 44, a steering wheel 46, a control panel for an air distribution system 48, a cup holder 50, a smartphone holder 52, an instrument panel 53, or a table. Display 44, which is preferably a touch-sensitive one, may also serve to display or control some functions of vehicle 1. In particular, air distribution system 48 may include one or more of the following devices to control and / or adjust air delivery into the passenger compartment: air outlets, analogue adjustment knobs, touch-sensitive control panel (e.g. touchscreen) . In the example of Fig. 4b, some female connectors 2 may be left available. In addition, female connector 2 may be used for mounting an armrest or a control panel 55, e.g. for automatic transmission, or a button panel for controlling the windows. As clearly shown in Fig. 4b, some items may be mounted to dashboard 6 through the invention. It is also possible to anchor a control panel or another specially-developed component. Dashboard 6 may comprise, as is known, the instrument panel for the driver and indicators indicating the state of the vehicle. Dashboard 6 may be either digital or analogue. The steering wheel can be mounted onto female connector 2 located in the dashboard area. Furthermore, the connection system of the invention can be mounted on the outside of vehicle 1, e.g. for the installation of headlights of vehicle 1, sensors, radar devices, Lidar devices, and other functional devices to be added to vehicle 1 (e.g. offroad kit, wheels, food-delivery systems, etc. ) .

[0055] Female connector 2 and / or male connector 12 may preferably comprise sensor means, such as a proximity or contact sensor, for determining if male connector 12 has been correctly inserted in female connector 2. Such sensor may be an infrared sensor, a photocell, a switch, a capacitive sensor, a magnetic sensor, etc. Optionally, a combination of several different sensors may be used. Conveniently, the sensor means are located in proximity to holes 8 of female connector 2, e.g. on the bottom of a cavity facing such holes 8. The sensor means are adapted to detect the presence or contact of a portion of male connector 12. The sensor means are so configured that, when the presence or contact of a portion of male connector 12 is detected, it means that male connector 12 and female connector 2 have been correctly constrained to each other.

[0056] Optionally, male connector 12 comprises a plurality of magnets for detecting the correct mechanical connection and / or mutual orientation of male and female connectors 12, 2. In more detail, the magnet is associated with a respective protrusion 10, and, in particular, the magnet is located at a distal end of protrusion 10.

[0057] The sensor means are configured to be operatively connected to the control unit of the vehicle. Preferably, the control unit is configured to allow electric current and / or data to flow between male and female connectors 2, 12 when the sensor means detect a correct engagement between such connectors. This improves the user' s safety, in that electric voltage will be blocked in the event that connectors 2, 12 have not been engaged correctly.

[0058] Optionally, the control unit is configured to issue a warning signal if connectors 2, 12 have not been engaged correctly .

[0059] Conveniently, the control unit is configured to receive from the user (e.g. via control means, such as a button, a screen, a portable electronic device like a smartphone or a tablet, etc. ) a signal to deactivate any flow of current between connectors 2, 12, in view of removing protrusions 10 from holes 8 and disengaging male and female connectors 2,

[0060] 12.

[0061] Conveniently, female connector 2 is adapted to be mounted to vehicle 1, in particular in the passenger compartment, e.g. on a floor 16 of the passenger compartment or in the area of dashboard 6. Preferably, a plurality of female connectors 2 are mounted to vehicle 1; for example, there are a plurality of female connectors 2 mounted to floor 16 and / or in the area of dashboard 6. Male connector 12 is adapted to be mounted to the element to be installed in vehicle 1 (e.g. seat 4, dashboard 6, table) . Through connectors 2, 12 of the invention it is possible to removably mount various elements to the vehicle quickly and reliably, ensuring a perfect mechanical anchorage and providing power and data connections. This connection permits electricity to flow, so that the system can provide a power supply for any components that may be present on the element to be anchored. Conveniently, when a plurality of female connectors 2 are available, they are operatively connected to the control unit. A plurality of elements of the vehicle (e.g. seat 4, dashboard 6, table) can thus be connected to the control unit at the same time.

[0062] According to some possible variants, female connector 2 is adapted to be mounted to specific areas anywhere in the three-dimensional space of vehicle 1, in particular inside the passenger compartment and / or outside the passenger compartment .

[0063] Female connector 2 illustrated herein comprises a plurality of electrically conductive portions 18 to allow a flow of electric current between male connector and female connector 2, 12. In the example, particularly with reference to a plan view as shown in Fig. 10, electrically conductive portions 18 are located within respective holes 8. In the example, electrically conductive portions 18 form the bottom of holes 8. In other words, electrically conductive portions 18 are housed in cavities defined by holes 8. Likewise, male connector 12 comprises a plurality of electrically conductive portions 20 adapted to contact respective electrically conductive portions 18 of female connector 2. According to the present embodiment, electrically conductive portions 18, 20 are pins, in particular "pogo" pins, suitable to come into mutual contact.

[0064] According to some possible variants, electrically conductive portions 18, 20, or just some of them, are configured to allow the transfer of data via optical fiber, Ethernet, or a Can-BUS or LIN communication protocol or system. In such a case, vehicle 1 includes optical fiber cables that can be connected to electrically conductive portions 18, 20. Through the optical fiber, the control unit, or ECU, of the vehicle can exchange signals with elements 4, 6 mounted in vehicle 1 via connectors 2, 12 of the invention. Alternatively, the cables that connect connectors 2, 12 to the control unit of vehicle 1 may be metal, e.g. copper, wires .

[0065] In particular, conductive portions 18, 20 of female and male connectors 2, 12 are incorporated into respective printed circuit boards, or PCBs, 33, 35. Optionally, there is a returning means, e.g. an elastic means like a spring, for pushing electrically conductive portions 18, 20 in contact with each other. In the example, such elastic means act upon either one or both PCBs 33, 35.

[0066] In the example, male connector 12 has an annular shape and includes a central hole 39. In particular, PCB 35 is arranged in central hole 39.

[0067] For example, electrically conductive portions 18, 20 may be powered with 120VAC to 240VAC, or higher alternating voltage, or with 9VDC to 48VDC. According to some possible variants, some of the electrically conductive portions 18, 20 included in each connector 2, 12 are adapted to be connected to a first power supply system (e.g. 12V) , and the other ones are adapted to be connected to a second power supply system (e.g. 220V) , such power supply systems differing from each other, for example, in voltage.

[0068] Without being limited thereto, electrically conductive portions 18, 20 of male connector 12 and / or of female connector 2 include spring-loaded pins and / or plates. For example, pogo pins (in particular, there are 12 pogo pins, but their number may vary) are associated with female connector 2.

[0069] The various female connectors 2 of vehicle 1 may be electrically connected in series with each other.

[0070] In the example, one or more of male connector 12, female connector 2, and movable element 7 are made of steel or aluminium, in particular Ergal (Series 7000 alloy) , e.g. 7075-type alloy. According to some possible variants, one or more of said elements may be made of polymeric or composite material .

[0071] With reference to the drawings, male connector 12 comprises a contact surface 32 adapted to abut on a base surface 28 of female connector 2. In the example, base surface 28 and contact surface 32 are substantially flat. According to some possible variants, base surface 28 and contact surface 32 can accommodate solutions ensuring good resistance to water and dust. In the example, base surface 28 and contact surface 32 are prevalently annular in shape when viewed from above. Protrusions 10 protrude from contact surface 32. Holes 8 are formed on base surface 28. Such surfaces 28, 32 exchange force to support element 4, 6 anchored to vehicle 1. In general, the transmission of data and / or electricity to / from connectors 2, 12 (e.g. from / to the control unit of vehicle 1) may occur by means of Ethernet cables, in particular connectable to electrically conductive portions 18, 20.

[0072] Preferably, male connector 12 comprises a column 54 adapted to be inserted into a complementary recess of female connector 2. This facilitates the mutual centering of connectors 2, 12 during the installation process. In particular, column 54 has a cylindrical shape that extends along insertion axis x-x of connectors 2, 12. Preferably, column 54 has a circular outer surface.

[0073] In the example, column 54 prevents any relative movement of connectors 2, 12 along a plane perpendicular to insertion axis x-x, while it conveniently permits relative rotations of connectors 2, 12 about such axis x-x.

[0074] In particular, column 54 defines central hole 39. Therefore, column 54 is at least partially hollow. In the example, the recess into which column 54 is inserted is a central hole 27 of female connector 2. Central hole 27 is located at a central position of female connector 2. Central hole 27 is defined by a wall 56, in particular circular in shape .

[0075] The illustrated column 54 is in a radially internal position relative to protrusions 10. In particular, column 54 is positioned centrally in male connector 12.

[0076] In particular, column 54 protrudes from contact surface 32. Column 54 and protrusions 10 protrude from the same face of male connector 12.

[0077] Optionally, column 54 protrudes from male connector 12 farther than protrusions 10. In other words, column 54 is longer than protrusions 10. Thus, one can first center connectors 2, 12, and then easily introduce protrusions 10 into holes 8.

[0078] In the example, female connector 2 has cavities 38, wherein a respective movable element 7 is adapted to guidedly slide in each cavity 38, in particular in a radial direction, more specifically in a plane perpendicular to insertion axis x-x. In particular, returning means 9 is at least partly housed in cavity 38. In the example, a removable plate 40 allows access to cavity 38 from the outside (in particular, from a radially outer surface of female connector 2) , and may be useful for installation or maintenance purposes. In particular, cavities 38 face holes 8.

[0079] The following will describe an operating sequence for connecting the system of the invention. Starting from Fig. 12, connectors 2, 12 are separate and distant from each other, and movable elements 7 are held in the extracted position through the effect of returning means 9. As connectors 2, 12 are moved closer to each other (Fig. 13) , protrusions 10 starts entering holes 8 and pushing movable elements 7 towards a retracted position against the action of returning means 9, i.e. compressing the springs in this example. When insertion is complete (Fig. 14) , movable elements 7 return into the extracted position under the action of returning means 9 and enter lateral recesses 36, so that movable elements 7 are in the locking position and counter the extraction of male connector 12 from female connector 2. In this position, USB connection portions 11, 13 and electrically conductive portions 18, 20 are properly connected. In the example shown herein, lateral recesses 36 have a shape which is complementary to that of movable elements 7.

[0080] In particular, movable element 7 has first, second and third faces 71, 72, 73, which are preferably flat. Second face 72 is substantially parallel to insertion axis x-x (which is vertical in Figures 12-14) . First and third faces 71, 73 are inclined relative to insertion axis x-x. First face 71 has an angle relative to insertion axis x-x which is smaller than the angle of third face 73 relative to said insertion axis x-x.

[0081] The invention also relates to a male connector 12 or a female connector 2 configured for engaging with, respectively, a female connector 2 or a male connector 12 according to any embodiment.

[0082] Furthermore, the invention concerns a vehicle 1 comprising such connection system.

[0083] The invention also concerns a vehicle 1 comprising at least one female connector 2 or one male connector 12. Female connector 2 or male connector 12 is fastened, preferably in a removable manner, to vehicle 1, particularly in the passenger compartment. Preferably, at least one female connector 2 is mounted to vehicle 1, and male connector 12 is mounted (preferably in a removable manner) to element 4, 6 to be anchored to vehicle 1.

[0084] The invention also concerns a system comprising male connector 12 and / or female connector 2, and a control unit operatively connected to said connector 2, 12.

[0085] Preferably, vehicle 1 has a power supply system for supplying power to female connectors 2. The vehicle has a frame or chassis performing a structural function.

[0086] In addition to acting as a structural anchoring means, male or female connector 2, 12 also ensures transmission of electricity and transfer of data, including, for example, audio and / or video signals and command signals, between the control unit and the element engaged with the connector. Vehicle 1 according to the invention may be a motor vehicle (which may be an internal combustion vehicle, a hybrid vehicle or a fully electric vehicle) , such as a car, a train, a boat, or an aircraft, etc.

[0087] For example, the elements mounted to the vehicle by means of the male and female connectors may be interconnected through the control unit, so that they can communicate with one another. For example, an element (e.g. the seat 4) is conveniently equipped with an interface, such as a screen (conveniently, a touchscreen) , or with integrated controls to be able to exchange signals with the control unit. For example, through the interface the user can interact with the other users of the vehicle (e.g. via other interface- equipped elements, or by means of electronic devices such as smartphones, personal computers, etc. ) . Optionally, the user can, through the interface, access electronic mail, browse the Internet, etc. Moreover, the screen may optionally be able to send information about the state of vehicle 1, the journey, the traffic, etc. to the control unit. The element (e.g. the seat) may comprise an electronic device configured to operate as described above.

[0088] Conveniently, the control unit may be able to interact with other electronic units of the vehicle. Optionally, the control unit can operatively connect to a remote storage unit or a remote server (e.g. a "cloud") , e.g. by means of a dedicated application for electronic devices (e.g. smartphones or tablets) . Optionally, the element (e.g. the seat 4) is adapted to connect, e.g. in wireless mode, the control unit to at least one portable electronic device of a user (e.g. PC, smartphone, tablet) and / or to mutually connect portable electronic devices of several users. For example, the control unit may send information to the portable electronic device in order to show such information to the user, or may receive commands from said portable device in order to control vehicle 1 (e.g. operating the windows or the seats, adjusting the air conditioning system, tuning the radio, setting a destination to be reached, etc. ) .

[0089] Of course, without prejudice to the principle of the invention, the forms of embodiment and the implementation details may be extensively varied from those described and illustrated herein by way of non-limiting example, without however departing from the scope of the invention as set out in the appended claims.

[0090] Barzand & Zanardo Milano S.p.A.

[0091] / LT

Claims

CLAIMS1. System for structurally anchoring an element (4, 6) to a vehicle (1) , in particular in a passenger compartment of the vehicle (1) , comprising:- a male connector (12) comprising a plurality of protrusions (10) ,- a female connector (2) comprising: a plurality of holes (8) for housing respective protrusions (10) of the male connector (12) , a movable element (7) configured for creating a shape constraint with the protrusions (10) , in order to hold the protrusions (10) within the holes (8) , a returning means (9) for moving the movable element (7) towards a locking position, in which the movable element (7) retains the protrusions (10) within the holes (8) ; wherein the male connector (12) is intended to be mounted to the element to be anchored (4, 6) , and the female connector (2) is intended to be mounted to the vehicle (1) ; wherein the male and female connectors (2, 12) comprise: electric connectors which, when the male and female connectors (2, 12) are mutually engaged, are configured to allow electric energy to flow and data to be transferred between a control unit and the element (4, 6) of the vehicle (1) •2. System according to claim 1, wherein the female connector (2) is configured for anchoring at least one of the following elements: a seat (4) , a dashboard (6) , a coffee-making machine, or a table, a display (44) , a steering wheel (46) , an air distribution system (48) , a cup holder (50) , a smartphone holder (52) , an instrument panel (53) , a control panel (55) , or a table.

3. System according to any one of the preceding claims,wherein the protrusions (10) have a respective lateral recess (36) , into which part of the movable element (7) is intended to be inserted in order to hinder the extraction of the protrusions (10) from the holes (8) .

4. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the locking position, the movable element (7) hinders the removal of the protrusions (10) from the holes (8) , but allows such removal when a greater force is applied than the force necessary for inserting the protrusions (10) into the holes (8) .

5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the returning means (9) is an elastic means.

6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the male connector (12) and the female connector (2) are configured to be mutually engaged with a plurality of different orientations.

7. System according to claim 6, wherein the female connector (2) has cavities (38) , and wherein a respective movable element (7) is adapted to guidedly slide in each cavity (38) .

8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the male and female connectors (2, 12) comprise: electrically conductive portions (18, 20) configured to abut against each other, and USB connection portions (11, 13) which are mutually connected when the male and female connectors (2, 12) are engaged; wherein the electrically conductive portions (18, 20) and the USB connection portions (11, 13) are configured to allow electric energy to flow and data to be transferred between a control unit and the element (4, 6) of the vehicle (1) .

9. System according claim 8, wherein the conductive portions (18, 20) of the female and male connectors (2, 12)are incorporated into two respective printed circuit boards or PCBs (33, 35) .

10. System according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the USB connection portions (11, 13) are radially internal to the protrusions (10) and the holes (8) .

11. Vehicle (1) comprising a system according to any one of the preceding claims.Barzand & Zanardo Milano S.p.A. / LT

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