FR3113630A1 - Attachment device, vehicle interior fittings and associated connection method - Google Patents

Abstract

TITLE: Attachment device, vehicle interior fittings and connection method thereof This securing device (20) for securing a piece of motor vehicle interior equipment (18) to a vehicle support (16) comprises: a first element (30), intended to be integral with the vehicle support (16) and comprising a first electrical component (36) intended to be connected to a first electrical circuit (24) of the vehicle support (16), a second element (32), intended to be integral with the interior piece of equipment (18) and comprising a second electrical component (44) intended to be connected to a second electrical circuit (26) of the interior piece of equipment (18). The first element (30) and the second element (32) are movable between a detached position and an engaged position. The first electrical component (36) is electrically and contactlessly connected to the second electrical component (44) by electromagnetic induction between the first electrical component (36) and the second electrical component (44). Figure for the abstract: Figure 2

Description

Fixing device, vehicle interior fittings and associated connection method

The present invention relates to a fixing device 20 intended to fix a piece of motor vehicle interior equipment to a vehicle support, the fixing device comprising:

- a first element, intended to be integral with the vehicle support and comprising a first electrical component intended to be connected to a first electrical circuit of the vehicle support,

- a second element, intended to be integral with the piece of interior equipment and comprising a second electrical component intended to be connected to a second electrical circuit of the piece of interior equipment,

the first element and the second element being movable between a detached position, in which the first element and the second element are disposed apart from each other, and an engaged position, in which the first element and the second elements are engaged in contact with each other.

Motor vehicles generally include parts of interior equipment that are removable from a fixed support of the vehicle. Such pieces of equipment are, for example, trim elements, such as vehicle carpets. It is particularly appreciated by vehicle users that such pieces of equipment are removable. This allows, for example, easy cleaning of said pieces of equipment. This also allows easy replacement of such pieces of equipment.

In order to ensure the comfort of vehicle passengers, an increasing number of electrical devices, such as lamps or entertainment devices, are placed in vehicles. Such devices are for example integrated into pieces of equipment as described above. It is then advantageous to supply electricity to such pieces of equipment, so that they supply said electrical devices.

To this end, document DE 10322407 A1 proposes supplying a piece of equipment with electricity from the vehicle support, using a contactor integrated in a fixing device. The fixing device then comprises a first electrical component and a second electrical component. When the piece of interior equipment is fixed on the vehicle support by means of the fixing device, the first electrical component and the second electrical component are in contact with each other and ensure the electrical connection by conduction between the interior equipment part and the vehicle carrier.

Such a fixing device does not, however, give complete satisfaction. Indeed, such a contactor can be dangerous in the event of water splashes. Insulation is then necessary to limit the dangers associated with splashing water, but such insulation complicates the fixing device, affects the reliability of the electrical connection and is unattractive.

An object of this invention is to provide a fixing device improving the safety of the electrical connection between the vehicle support and the interior piece of equipment while ensuring the aesthetics and simplicity of the fixing device.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a fixing device in which the first electrical component is connected electrically and without contact to the second electrical component by electromagnetic induction between the first electrical component and the second electrical component.

The use of electrical components connected electrically without contact by electromagnetic induction is particularly advantageous to improve the safety of the electrical connection, in particular by avoiding the use of potentially dangerous electrical contact surfaces. Such a connection by electromagnetic induction simplifies the system while improving its aesthetics.

According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the fixing device comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately or in any technically possible combination:

- the first electrical component is a first coil and the second electrical component is a second coil, the first coil being coaxial with the second coil when the first element and the second element are in an engaged position,

- the diameter of the first coil is substantially equal to the diameter of the second coil,

- the first element comprises a first electrically insulating shell placed around the first electrical component, the second element comprising a second electrically insulating shell placed around the second electrical component,

- one of the first element and of the second element is a male element and the other of the first element and of the second element is a female element, and

- the female element forms a toric element defining a central passage, the male element comprising a pin configured to be inserted into the central passage of the toric element.

The invention further relates to a motor vehicle interior fittings comprising:

- a vehicle support, comprising a first electrical circuit,

- a piece of interior equipment, movably mounted relative to the support, comprising a second electrical circuit, and

- at least one fixing device as described above,

the first element of the fixing device being fixed to the vehicle support and the second element of the fixing device being fixed to the piece of interior equipment, the piece of interior equipment and the vehicle support being movable between an installed position when the or each first element and the or each second element are in an engaged position, and an uninstalled position, when the or each first element and the or each second element are in a disengaged position.

According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the interior fittings of a motor vehicle comprise one or more of the following characteristics, taken separately or in any technically possible combination:

- the piece of interior equipment includes an electrical device supplied with electricity via the fixing device(s);

- the piece of interior equipment forms a carpet, a mat or a tray, the vehicle support forming a vehicle floor, a vehicle door, a vehicle shelf, a central console.

The invention also relates to a method for connecting a first electrical circuit of a vehicle support to a second electrical circuit of a piece of interior equipment comprising the following steps:

- supply of a vehicle interior fittings as defined above, the piece of interior equipment and the vehicle support of the interior fittings being supplied in an uninstalled position; And

- placing the piece of interior equipment and the vehicle support in an installed position by bringing the or each first element and the or each second element into an engaged position, to connect the first electrical circuit to the second electrical circuit.

According to other advantageous aspects of the invention, the connection method comprises one or more of the following characteristics, taken in isolation or in any technically possible combination:

- one of the first element and of the second element is a male element and the other of the first element and of the second element is a female element, the installation of the piece of interior equipment and of the vehicle support in a position installed comprising inserting the male element into the female element; And

- the connection method comprises a step of electrical supply of the second electrical circuit by the first electrical circuit, the second electrical circuit being supplied with electricity by induction between the first electrical component of the first element and the second electrical component of the second element.

The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example and made with reference to the drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation in perspective of an interior arrangement according to a particular example of the invention comprising four fastening devices; And

Figure 2 is a schematic representation of one of the fixing devices of Figure 1, shown in section along a plane containing a central axis of the fixing device.

Figure 1 illustrates an interior layout 12 of a motor vehicle 10.

The vehicle 10 defines a cabin 14 adapted to receive users of the vehicle 10.

The interior fittings 12 are for example arranged in the passenger compartment 14.

The interior fittings 12 comprise a support 16 of the vehicle, a piece of interior equipment 18 intended to be removably mounted in the vehicle and at least one device 20 for fixing the part 18 to the support 16. In the example Shown in FIG. 1, the interior arrangement 12 comprises four fastening devices 20. The interior arrangement 12 further comprises an electrical power source 22.

The electrical power source 22 is for example a battery of the vehicle 10 and/or an alternator of the vehicle 10.

The electrical power source 22 is configured to deliver a current of intensity between 10 mA and 100 mA. The electrical power source 22 is configured to generate a voltage between 3 V and 48 V between its terminals. The electrical power source 22 is for example configured to generate an alternating current whose frequency is between 50 Hz and 100 Hz.

The support 16 is integral with the vehicle 10. The support 16 is for example formed by, and/or is connected to, a structural element of the vehicle 10 delimiting the passenger compartment 14 of the vehicle 10.

The support 16 forms for example a vehicle floor, a vehicle door, a vehicle shelf, a central console.

Support 16 includes a first electrical circuit 24.

The first electric circuit 24 is made of a conductive material. The first electric circuit 24 is connected, preferably by conduction, to the electric power source 22 on the one hand, and to the fixing device 20 on the other hand. The first electrical circuit 24 is then configured to connect the electrical power source 22 to the fixing device 20.

The first electrical circuit 24 extends for example in a body of the support 16.

The piece of interior equipment 18 is mounted to move relative to the support 16, between an installed position and an uninstalled position. The piece of interior equipment 18 extends for example bearing on the support 16 when it is in an installed position and extends away from the support 16 when it is in an uninstalled position.

The piece of interior equipment 18 forms, for example, a carpet or a tray. In particular, the piece of interior equipment 18 forms an overlay, intended to equip the foot cellars of the passenger compartment 14 and intended to extend above a coating of the passenger compartment.

Mats are commonly used to prevent premature wear of the passenger compartment coverings 14 and are removably attached to the passenger compartment covering 14.

The interior piece of equipment 18 includes a second electrical circuit 26 and preferably includes an electrical device 28.

The second electrical circuit 26 is made of a conductive material. The second electric circuit 26 is preferably electrically connected, on the one hand, to the fixing device 20, and on the other hand, to the electric device 28. The second electric circuit 26 is thus configured to connect the fixing device 20 to the device electrical 28. In a variant not shown, the second electrical circuit 26 is configured to connect the fixing device 20 to a third electrical circuit.

The second electrical circuit 26 extends for example mainly in a body of the interior piece of equipment 18. Alternatively, the second electrical circuit 26 extends mainly on one face of said body of the interior piece of equipment 18, arranged next to support 16.

The electrical device 28 is configured to be supplied with electricity by the electrical power source 22, via the first electrical circuit 24, the fixing device 20 and the second electrical circuit 26.

As shown schematically in Figure 1, the electrical device 28 is for example integrated into the body of the interior piece of equipment 18, for example so as to be flush with the body of the piece of equipment.

The electrical device 28 comprises for example a lamp and is configured to illuminate at least one region of the passenger compartment 14 of the vehicle.

In a particular variant not shown, the electrical device 28 comprises an information processing unit. The electrical device 28 is advantageously configured to be connected, preferably wirelessly, to a control unit placed in the vehicle and is configured to exchange information with said control unit.

The fixing device 20 comprises a first element 30, here secured to the support 16, and a second element 32, here secured to the part 20, intended to engage on the first element 30.

The first element 30 comprises a first electrical component 36 and preferably comprises a first electrically insulating shell 38, also called first insulating shell 38.

The first element 30 is secured to the support 16. The first element 30 comprises for example, as illustrated in Figure 2, a first patch of glue 40, securing the first element 30 to the support 16. The first element 30 alternatively comprises a slot in which the support 16 is engaged.

The first electrical component 36 is electrically connected to the first electrical circuit 24.

As illustrated in Figure 2, the first electrical component 36 is for example a first coil. The first coil then preferably comprises between 5 and 30 turns, its outside diameter is between 10 mm and 50 mm, its inside diameter is between 5 mm and 30 mm, its thickness is between is between 1 mm and 5 mm .

When supplied with electricity by the first electrical circuit 24, the first electrical component 36 is configured to generate an electromagnetic field.

The first insulating shell 38 is electrically insulating. The first insulating shell 38 is for example formed from a plastic material such as polypropylene or polyethylene.

The first insulating shell 38 is placed around the first electrical component 36. The first insulating shell 38 defines, for example, an isolated volume in which the first electrical component 36 is placed. The protection index of the first insulating shell 38, according to the standard IEC 60529, is for example superior to IP 65.

The first insulating shell 38 advantageously delimits only a single first connection orifice 42, through which the first electrical component 36 is connected to the first electrical circuit 24.

The second element 32 includes a second electrical component 44 and preferably includes a second electrically insulating shell 46.

The second element 32 is secured to the piece of interior equipment 18. The second element 32 comprises for example, as illustrated in Figure 2, a second patch of glue 47, securing the second element 32 to the piece of interior equipment 18 The second element 32 alternatively comprises a slot in which the piece of interior equipment 18 is engaged.

The second electrical component 44 is electrically connected to the second electrical circuit 26.

As illustrated in Figure 2, the second electrical component 44 is for example a second coil. The second coil then preferably has between 5 and 30 turns, its outside diameter is between 10 mm and 50 mm, its inside diameter is between 5 mm and 30 mm, its thickness is between is between 1 mm and 5 mm.

When placed in an electromagnetic field, the second electric component 44 is configured to generate an electric current by induction in the second electric circuit 26.

The second insulating shell 46 is electrically insulating. The second insulating shell 46 is for example formed from a plastic material such as polypropylene or polyethylene.

The second insulating shell 46 is placed around the second electrical component 44. The second insulating shell 46 defines for example an isolated volume in which the second electrical component 44 is placed. The protection index of the second insulating shell 46 according to the IEC standard 60529 is for example higher than IP 65.

The second insulating shell 46 advantageously only delimits a single second connection orifice 48, through which the second electrical component 36 is connected to the second electrical circuit 26.

The first element 30 and the second element 32 are movable between a detached position and an engaged position.

In the detached position, the first element 30 and the second element 32 are arranged away from each other, the piece of interior equipment 18 then being in its uninstalled position

In the engaged position, the first element 30 and the second element 32 are engaged in contact with each other, the piece of interior equipment 18 then being in its installed position.

In the engaged position, the first electrical component 36 and the second electrical component 44 extend opposite each other and are, for example, separated from each other by the first insulating shell 38 and the second insulating shell 46 extending between them. When the first electrical component 36 is a first coil and the second electrical component 44 is a second coil, the first coil and the second coil are then preferably coaxial, of axis C-C', and offset from one another. another with a gap between 1 mm and 5 mm. The diameter of the first coil is for example equal to the diameter of the second coil.

The first coil and the second coil are always maintained without contact with each other, in particular without direct electrical contact with each other, by the interposition of the insulating shells 38, 46.

In the engaged position, the first electrical component 36 is then connected electrically and without contact to the second electrical component 44 by electromagnetic induction between the first electrical component 36 and the second electrical component 44. In particular, the electromagnetic field generated by the first electrical component 36 induces an electric current in the second electrical component 44.

According to an advantageous variant, one of the first element 30 and of the second element 32 is a male element 50 and the other of the first element 30 and of the second element 32 is a female element 52. In particular, in the variant illustrated on the Figures 1 and 2, the first element 30 is a male element 50 and the second element 32 is a female element 52.

The male element 50 preferably comprises a base 54 and a pin 56.

Base 54 is substantially annular and hollow in shape. The base 54 extends for example around the axis C-C'. In the variant of Figure 2, the base 54 accommodates the first electrical component 36 in an interior volume that it defines.

The pin 56 is preferably made in one piece with the base 54. The pin 56 extends for example around the axis C-C'. As illustrated in Figure 2, pin 56 protrudes from base 54. The pin is preferably wider at its free end than at its end connected to base 54.

It is preferably solid, or if it is hollow, it does not contain an electrical element.

The female element 52 is substantially annular in shape and hollow and forms a toroidal element. The female element 52 extends for example around the axis C-C'. In the variant of Figure 2, the female element 52 accommodates the second electrical component 44 in an interior volume that it defines.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the toroidal element formed by the female element 52 defines a central passage 58. The pin 56 of the male element 50 is configured to be inserted into the central passage 58 of the toroidal element.

The first element 30 and the second element 32 are then in an engaged position when the male element 50 is engaged in the female element 52 and more particularly when the pin 56 is inserted in the central passage 58.

The male element 50 and/or the female element 52 are preferably configured to deform, so as to maintain the male element 50 in the female element 52 when the male element 50 is engaged in the female element 52 .

The operation of a vehicle layout 12 as described previously and more particularly of a method for connecting a first electrical circuit 24 to a second electrical circuit 26 as presented above, will now be presented.

Initially, a vehicle interior arrangement 12 as previously described is provided. The piece of interior equipment 18 and the support 16 of the interior fittings 12 are supplied in an uninstalled position, that is to say away from each other.

The interior piece of equipment 18 and the support 16 are then put in place in an installed position, bringing the or each first element 30 and the or each second element 32 into an engaged position.

In the variant in which one of the first element 30 and of the second element 32 is a male element 50 and the other of the first element 30 and of the second element 32 is a female element 52, the positioning of the part of interior equipment 18 and of the vehicle support 16 in an installed position comprises the insertion of the male element 50 into the female element 52.

Following the positioning of the or each first element 30 and of the or each second element 32 in an engaged position, the first electric circuit 24, of the support 16, is electrically connected to the second electric circuit 26, of the part of interior equipment 18 by inductive transmission without contact between the first electrical circuit 24 and the second electrical circuit 26.

Advantageously, the second electrical circuit 26, of the interior piece of equipment 18, is then supplied with electricity by the first electrical circuit 24, of the support 16 of the vehicle.

The second electric circuit 26 is supplied with electricity by induction between the first electric component 36 of the first element 30 and the second electric component 44 of the second element 32.

In particular, the first electrical component 36 is supplied with electricity by the first electrical circuit 24 and generates a variable electromagnetic field. The second component is then bathed in the electromagnetic field generated by the first electrical component 36 and a current is induced by said electromagnetic field in the second electrical component 44. The current thus induced is subsequently conducted by the second electrical circuit 26, by example to electrically power the electrical device 28.

As seen above, the connection by electromagnetic induction is particularly advantageous for improving safety while limiting the complexity associated with the isolation of the electrical connection.

The use of coaxial coils, and in particular of the same diameter, increases the efficiency of the electrical connection.

A device 20 comprising insulating shells 38, 46 arranged around the electrical components 36, 44 improves the safety of use of the electrical connection formed by the fixing device 20.

According to a particular variant, the electrical insulation of the electrical components 36, 44 is ensured by an insulating varnish applied directly to the electrical components 36, 44.

The use of a male element 50 and a female element 52 is particularly advantageous for facilitating the positioning of the first element 30 and the second element 32 in an engaged position.

The shape of these male 50 and female 52 elements is also very effective in ensuring positioning of the first electrical component 36 and of the second electrical component 44 improving the efficiency of the electrical connection by electromagnetic induction.

Thus, for example, the fact of attaching a mat to a floor covering of the vehicle 10 with the connection device 20 not only makes it possible to fix the mat to the floor covering but also makes it possible to supply the mat in electricity, allowing the carpet to combine an electrical device supply function with a floor covering protection function.

Claims (12)

Fastening device (20) for fastening a piece of interior equipment (18) of a motor vehicle (10) to a vehicle support (16), the fastening device (20) comprising:

• a first element (30), intended to be integral with the vehicle support (16) and comprising a first electrical component (36) intended to be connected to a first electrical circuit (24) of the vehicle support (16),
• a second element (32), intended to be integral with the interior piece of equipment (18) and comprising a second electrical component (44) intended to be connected to a second electrical circuit (26) of the interior piece of equipment ( 18),

the first element (30) and the second element (32) being movable between a detached position, in which the first element (30) and the second element (32) are disposed apart from each other, and an engaged position, in which the first element (30) and the second element (32) are engaged in contact with each other,
characterized in that the first electrical component (36) is electrically and contactlessly connected to the second electrical component (44) by electromagnetic induction between the first electrical component (36) and the second electrical component (44). A fixation device (20) according to claim 1, wherein the first electrical component (36) is a first coil and the second electrical component (44) is a second coil, the first coil being coaxial with the second coil when the first element (30) and the second element (32) are in an engaged position. A fixture (20) according to claim 2, wherein the diameter of the first coil is substantially equal to the diameter of the second coil. A fixing device (20) according to any preceding claim, wherein the first element (30) comprises a first electrically insulating shell (38) disposed around the first electrical component (36), the second element (32) comprising a second electrically insulating shell (46) disposed around the second electrical component (44). A fastening device (20) according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the first element (30) and the second element (32) is a male element (50) and the other of the first element (30) and of the second element (32) is a female element (52). Fastening device (20) according to claim 5, in which the female element (52) forms a toroidal element defining a central passage (58), the male element (50) comprising a peg (56) configured to be inserted into the central passage (58) of the toric element. Interior fittings (12) of a motor vehicle (10) comprising:

• a vehicle support (16), comprising a first electrical circuit (24),
• a piece of interior equipment (18), movably mounted relative to the support (16), comprising a second electrical circuit (26), and
• at least one fixing device (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 6,

the first element (30) of the fixing device (20) being fixed to the vehicle support (16) and the second element (32) of the fixing device (20) being fixed to the piece of interior equipment (18), the piece of interior equipment (18) and the vehicle support (16) being movable between an installed position when the or each first element (30) and the or each second element (32) are in an engaged position, and an uninstalled position , when the or each first element (30) and the or each second element (32) are in a detached position. A vehicle interior (12) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the piece of interior fittings (18) includes an electrical device (28) supplied with electricity through the securing device(s) (20). Vehicle interior fittings (12) according to Claim 7 or 8, in which the piece of interior equipment (18) forms a carpet, an overlay or a tray, the vehicle support (16) forming a vehicle floor, a vehicle door, a vehicle shelf, a center console. A method of connecting a first electrical circuit (24) of a vehicle carrier (16) to a second electrical circuit (26) of a piece of interior equipment (18) comprising the following steps:

• provision of a vehicle interior arrangement (12) according to any one of claims 7 to 9, the interior fitting part (18) and the vehicle support (16) of the interior arrangement (12) being provided in an uninstalled position,
• placing the piece of interior equipment (18) and the vehicle support (16) in an installed position by bringing the or each first element (30) and the or each second element (32) into an engaged position, for connecting the first electrical circuit (24) to the second electrical circuit (26).

Connection method according to claim 10, in which one of the first element (30) and the second element (32) is a male element (50) and the other of the first element (30) and the second element (32) is a female member (52), placing the interior trim piece (18) and vehicle mount (16) in an installed position including inserting the male member (50) into the member female (52). Connection method according to one of Claims 10 or 11, comprising a step of supplying electricity to the second electric circuit (26) by the first electric circuit (24), the second electric circuit (26) being supplied with electricity by induction between the first electrical component (36) of the first element (30) and the second electrical component (44) of the second element (32).