WO2008055885A1

WO2008055885A1 - Adapter for consumer electronic devices

Info

Publication number: WO2008055885A1
Application number: PCT/EP2007/061899
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerhard Jakobs; Hans-Otto Geltsch; Thomas Bernhard Pabst
Original assignee: Fci
Priority date: 2006-11-08
Filing date: 2007-11-05
Publication date: 2008-05-15

Abstract

The invention relates in one aspect to an adapter for mechanically and electrically connecting a consumer electronic device, as e.g. a Personal Navigation Device, with a vehicle. The adapter comprises a holder provided with a first mechanical connection interface, which is fastenable to the interior of a vehicle, and a second mechanical connection interface, which is fastenable to a consumer electronic device and the holder further comprises a first electrical connection interface, which is connectable with the electronics of a vehicle and a second electrical connect ion interface, which is connectable with the electronics of a consumer electronic device.

Description

Adapter for consumer electronic devices

1. Field of the invention

The invention relates to an adapter for mechanically and electrically connecting an consumer electronic device, as e.g. a personal navigation device, with a vehicle.

2. Technical background

In the art, a growing demand exists to use consumer electronic devices (CED) in vehicles. Such consumer electronic devices include e.g. mp3-players, cell phones, dvd-players, in particular portable dvd-players, notebooks, sub-notebooks, PCs, personal digital assistants, TV-sets, in particular portable TV-sets, LCD-screens, CD-players; personal navigation devices etc.. In particular there is a growing demand to use personal navigation devices (PNDs) in a vehicle. PNDs are portable electronic products which combine a positioning capability, usually by means of GPS, and navigation functions. GPS is the abbreviation for Global Positioning System, which is a satellite based navigation system. PNDs use the GPS satellite network, to determine the geographic position of the device and use this information as navigation guide. PNDs are often also referred to as hand-held GPS (handheld global positioning systems). PND are often combined or integrated with PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants), cell phones, sub-notebooks and similar electronic devices. Therefore, the term "personal navigation device" as used herein is intended to comprise all kinds of hand-held GPS-based electronic devices intended to be used as navigation aid. Thus, a PND as referred to in this application may also include other technical functions, as e.g. cell-phone capabilities, MP3 music playing capabilities, or e.g. capabilities to receive and display TV or video signals.

Since several years, car manufacturers offer navigation systems as optional equipment, which are integrated in the dashboard of the cars. These navigation systems are usually customized for the respective car model in which they are used, which makes them relatively expensive. In the year 2006, the average price for an integrated navigation system with a color LCD screen and the capability to display maps cost in the range of 2,000 - 3,000 EUR. Hand-held personal navigation devices on the other hand are available from as low as a few hundred Euros. There- fore, a lot of customers refrain from buying integrated navigation systems provided by the car manufacturers and rather use considerably cheaper personal navigation devices. In the art, various holders were developed to fasten consumer electronic devices, as. e.g. PNDs in the passenger compartment of vehicles. One common approach is for example the usage of a suction cup by means of which a holder can be releasably fastened to the windscreen of a vehicle. However, this solution is not particularly secure, in particular in car crash situations. Additionally, the user of the CED has to trouble himself with various cables and wires hanging loose in the passenger compartment, as e.g. cables running from the cigarette lighter of the vehicle to the power input of the CED to provide the CED with additional electrical power. Further, many CEDs need additional GPS antennas and/or additional radio antennas to improve the reception of GPS signals and traffic information signals, like TMC- (Traffic Message Channel) signals.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the art. In particular, it is an object of the invention to provide a cost-effective adapter for mechanically and electrically connecting a CED as e.g. a PND with a vehicle without the need for separate wiring or cables. It is a further object of the invention to provide an adapter, which allows secure mounting of a CED in a vehicle with regard to crash requirements. It is another object of the invention to provide an adapter, which allows an easy and fast mounting and dismounting of a CED inside of a vehicle. Still another object of the invention is to provide a socket mountable in a vehicle which allows an easy and fast mechanical and electrical connection of a CED with a vehicle. A particular object of the invention is to provide an adapter, which allows an interaction between a CED and the electronic circuitry o f a vehicle . At least one of the above objects is solved by the present invention.

3. Summary of the invention

According to one embodiment, an adapter for mechanically and electrically con- necting a consumer electronic device (CED), as e.g. a personal navigation device, with a vehicle is provided, which comprises a holder provided with a first mechanical connection interface, which interface is fastenable to the interior of a vehicle, as e.g. a passenger car, and a second mechanical connection interface, which is fastenable to a CED. The holder further comprises a first electrical con- nection interface, which is connectible with the electrical circuitry of a vehicle and the holder comprises a second electrical connection interface, which is connectible with the electrical circuitry of the CED. The adapter further comprises transmission means for transmitting power and/or electrical signals between the first and the second electrical connection interfaces, whereby the transmission means and the first and second connection interfaces are incorporated respectively integrated with the holder. The transmission means preferably are also capable of converting power and/or electrical signals. In the simplest form, the transmission means are merely one or more cables or wires electrically connecting the first and second electrical interfaces with each other. In preferred embodiments, the transmission means includes however more sophisticated electronic components, like e.g. audio switches, DC converters, a GPS antenna or microprocessors, which allow communication between CEDs and the car electronics etc. Thus, in its simplest embodiment, the adapter is basically a holder which incorporates electrical interfaces and corresponding electrical or electronic transmission means. In this way, e.g. the disadvantage of separate and loose wires or cables in the passenger compartment is avoided.

In one embodiment, the first electrical connection interface is connectible with the power system of a vehicle, to supply the second electrical connection interface with a source of electrical power. In this way, it is possible to use the power system of the vehicle as a power source for a CED, without the need for additional and separate cables running e.g. from the cigarette lighter of the vehicle to the power input of the CED. In its simplest form the transmission means could be a cable electrically connecting first and second electrical interfaces. In a preferred embodiment, the transmission means comprises a DC converter to convert the power supplied from the first electrical connection interface to a desired power level. Usually, the power systems of passenger vehicles work on a 12 Volt basis, whereas e.g. personal navigation devices (PNDs) usually require 5 Volts. The DC converter thus e.g. converts the 12 Volts of the vehicle power system to the required 5 Volts for the PND.

In one embodiment, the transmission means comprises a traffic information signal (as e.g. TMC) receiver, to provide traffic information signals to the second electrical connection interface. By integrating a receiver into the transmission means, the need for a separate receiver for the CED (as e.g. a PNA) is eliminated. This means that a separate traffic information signal receiver, which very often is provided with a separate cable for a PND, is thus not necessary. In a preferred embodiment, the adapter is further provided with an integrated radio antenna. In this way, additional or separate radio antennas, which are e.g. needed to receive traffic information signals, can be omitted. In one embodiment, the adapter is provided with an integrated GPS antenna. Further, the different antennas or receivers used in the adapter are preferably more sophisticated or offer a better performance as the antennas and receivers used in the average CED or PND.

In a further embodiment, the transmission means are adapted to transmit speed indicator signals from a vehicle to the second electrical connection interface. The speed indicator signals help a PND to provide an accurate navigation, in particular in tunnels, where the reception of GPS signals is impossible.

In a further embodiment, the transmission means are adapted to transmit audio signals from the second electrical connection interface to the first electrical interface, to allow e.g. audio information from a PND to be output by an audio system of a vehicle. In another preferred embodiments, the second mechanical connection interface is connected to the holder by means of a ball-and-socket joint. In this way, the user can adjust the position of the CED more freely, to allow a better view of the display of the CED. In a further preferred embodiment, the second mechanical connection interface is connected to the holder by means of a cardan joint for the same purposes as above.

In one preferred embodiment, the first mechanical connection interface and the first electrical connection interface are standardized. By means of these standard- ized connection interfaces, it is possible to use the adapter in any kind of vehicle, which is provided with a corresponding socket, irrespective of the model or the manufacturer of the vehicle. The socket is provided preferably in the dashboard of the vehicle.

In a further preferred embodiment, the first mechanical connection interface and/or the second mechanical connection interface are provided with a bayonet- type face plate, which allows a fastening by means of a rotating motion. In this way, a fast and easy mounting of the adapter inside of a vehicle is possible. At the same time, a bayonet-type face plate allows a fastening, which is safe even in car crashes and which allows a fast and easy dismounting of the CED.

In one embodiment, the transmission means are provided with electronic means adapted to change and convert digital signals between a CED (as e.g. a PND) and the electronics of a vehicle. In this way, it is possible to integrate the CED with the electronic circuitry of the vehicle and to e.g. control the volume of the vehicle's audio system to e.g. reduce the volume, when e.g. navigation instructions are presented by a PND. In a preferred embodiment the transmission means enable the usage of a multifunctional steering wheel of the vehicle for control of certain functions of the CED, like e.g. the volume of navigation instructions of a PND. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a socket mountable in a vehicle for mechanically and electrically connecting a CED (as e.g. a PND) with a vehicle. The socket comprises a mechanical connection interface adapted to mechanically couple a CED directly or by means of an adapter with the vehicle. The socket is further provided with an electrical connection interface adapted to electrically couple to a CED directly or by means of an adapter with the vehicle. In a preferred embodiment, the mechanical connection interface is provided with a bayonet-type face plate, to allow fast and secure fastening of a CED or an adapter with the vehicle.

In a further preferred embodiment, the electrical connection interface is a separate part from the mechanical connection interface, and is fastened to the mechanical connection interface e.g. by means of a bayonet-type mount.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a CED, which is provided with a plug adapted to be coupled to a socket as was disclosed above.

Adapter and socket described herein are particularly well suited for connecting a personal navigation system/device.

4. Description of preferred embodiments

In the following, preferred embodiments are exemplarily described with reference to the enclosed figures, wherein

Figs. IA and IB are exploded schematic views of an adapter and its arrangement with a PND and the dashboard of a vehicle;

Figs. 1C and ID are schematic views of an assembled adapter;

Fig. 2 is a schematic sectional view of an adapter when installed in a vehicle; Fig. 3 is another schematic view of an example of an adapter being mounted in a vehicle;

Figs. 4 A and 4B are schematic views of another exemplary adapter;

Fig. 5 is a block diagram showing different functions provided by the adapter;

Fig. 6 is a schematic view of an electrical connection interface of a socket;

Fig. 7 is a schematic view of a mechanical connection interface of a socket being provided in the dashboard of a vehicle;

Fig. 8 is a schematic view of the mechanical connection interface of

Fig. 7, with the electrical connection interface of Fig. 6 inserted therein;

Figs. 9 A and 9B show different schematic views of the connection interface of

Fig. 8;

Fig. 10 shows a schematic view of an adapter being mounted onto the socket of Fig. 7.

Figs. IA - ID are schematic illustrations of one embodiment of an adapter and its arrangement in a vehicle, to connect a PND 110 with the vehicle (not shown). Although in the figures a personal navigation device is depicted it should be understood that also any other kind of consumer electronic device could be used. The adapter 100 comprises a transmission means 103, for transmitting power and/or electrical signals between the PND 110 and the electrical circuitry of a ve- hide. The adapter 100 further comprises a first mechanical connection interface 101 and a second mechanical connection interface 105. Reference number 102 denotes a fastening pin as e.g. a fastening screw, which secures PND 110 with connection interface 101. Element 104 interconnects interfaces 101 and 105 to- gether. Reference numeral 120 denotes a part of a dashboard of a passenger car. The dashboard 120 is provided with an integrated socket 121, which serves for a mechanical and electrical connection of adapter 100 with the vehicle. Figs. IA and IB are exploded views of the adapter 100. The assembled condition of adapter 100 is shown in figs. 1C and ID in two different perspectives. In fig. 1C, it can be seen how PND 110 is fastened to the second mechanical connection interface 101 of adapter 100.

Fig. 2 shows a detailed sectional view of the arrangement shown in fig. ID. As can be seen from fig. 2, the socket 121 in dashboard 120 comprises a mechanical connection interface 124 as well as contact pins 123, to allow electrical connection between the electronics of the vehicle and the adapter 100. The contact pins 123 belong to wires 122 of the vehicle electronics and/or electrical circuitry. The wires 122 may e.g. provide electrical signals or supply power from the vehicle's power system. In the embodiment shown in fig. 2, transmission means 103 is pro- vided with first electrical connection interface 106, which establishes a contact with pins 123 of socket 121. Thus, in the embodiment shown, first electrical connection interface 106 is directly mounted in transmission means 103. However, the transmission means could also be separate from the electrical connection interfaces and be in electrical contact with the same by means of e.g. suitable wiring.

Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of an adapter 300. The adapter 300 comprises a holder 330, which comprises a first mechanical connection interface 334, which is fastened to the dashboard 320 of a vehicle. The holder 330 further comprises a second mechanical connection interface 331, which is fastenable to a PND 310. As can be seen from fig. 3, the second mechanical connection interface 331 is provided with a ball-and-socket joint denoted with the reference numeral 332. The second mechanical connection interface 331 is releasably integrated with the holder 330 by means of a fastening screw 333. As is shown in fig. 3 all the necessary electrical equipment, like the transmission means and the electrical interface means are encapsulated or incorporated in holder 330, so that no separate or addi- tional wiring, cables or antennas are necessary for PND 310.

Figs. 4A and 4B show two different schematic views of another embodiment of an adapter 400. The adapter 400 comprises a first mechanical connection interface 404 and a first electrical connection interface 405, which are fastenable to the in- terior of a vehicle. Preferably, the vehicle is provided with a corresponding socket, which is integrated with the dashboard of the vehicle in a suitable location. The interface 404 is provided with a bayonet mount 408, so that a fast and easy fastening of adapter 400 with the interior of a vehicle is easily possible, by turning the first mechanical connection interface 404 until the bayonet mount 408 is se- cured. The adapter 400 is further provided with a ball-and-socket joint 407, which allows a relatively free movement of second mechanical connection interface 401. As can best be seen from fig. 4B, the adapter 400 is also provided with a second electrical connection interface 406, which is integrally formed with the second mechanical connection interface 401. The second electrical and mechanical con- nection interfaces 401, 406 are adapted to be connected to a PND. In a preferred embodiment, the first mechanical and electrical connection interfaces 404 and 405 are standardized, such that they may be fitted into a standardized socket, which is provided in e.g. the dashboard of a vehicle. In this way, the first mechanical and electrical interfaces 404, 405 of the adapter may always be the same, irrespective of the vehicle model, in which they are intended to be used. The second mechanical and electrical interfaces 401, 406 are preferably customized to the different interconnecting means provided on different PNDs.

The adapter according to the invention may be provided with an electronic circuit which provided several functions. Fig. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the various functions, which might be integrated into the adapter. The transmission means of the adapter comprises e.g. a DC converter to convert the 12/24 Volts supplied from the vehicle to e.g. 5 Volts, which are then supplied to the PND. Further, the adapter allows to send audio signals from the PND to the vehicle, in order to use the vehicle's stereo system respectively the speakers of the vehicle to allow audio information from a PND to be output by the speakers or stereo system of the vehicle. Such audio signals could e.g. be spoken navigation instructions or music, as e.g. MP3 files, which might be stored in the PND. Further, the adapter allows to mute the stereo system of the vehicle, during the output of for example navigation instruction by the PND. Further, the adapter allows the transmittance of GPS sig- nals from a GPS antenna which may be provided with the vehicle to the PND. Still even further, the adapter allows for a grounding (GND) of the PND and for example the reception of radio signals from the radio antenna of the vehicle by the PND. For example, the radio antenna of the vehicle could be used to receive TMC signals instead of e.g. the integrated radio antenna of the PND, which usually has a lower reception quality compared to the radio antenna of a common passenger vehicle.

Figs. 6 - 10 show in detail an embodiment of a socket, which is mountable in a vehicle for mechanically and electrically connecting PNDs with the vehicle. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the socket is integrated in the dashboard of the vehicle and adapted to receive an adapter, like e.g. an adapter as was described in the above embodiments. The socket consists of an electrical connection interface which is fastened to a mechanical connection interface as will be explained in the following.

Fig. 6 is a schematic view of an electrical connection interface 600, which is a part of a socket integrated in the dashboard of a passenger vehicle (not shown). The interface 600 is provided with wires 605 which are connectible with the electronics and/or electrical circuits of the vehicle and which end in electrical contacts 604. The interface 600 is further provided with locking projections 601, 602 and 603. Fig. 7 shows a mechanical connection interface 700, which is integrated into the dashboard of a passenger vehicle (not shown) in the form of a bayonet-type face plate. The mechanical connection interface 700 is provided with a circular aper- ture 701, adapted to receive the electrical connection interface 600, and with four locking apertures 702, which are arranged symmetrically around circular aperture

701. The locking apertures 702 form an element of a bayonet-type fastening.

Around the circumference of aperture 700, three cutouts 703, 704, and 705 are provided. The cutouts are shaped corresponding to the locking projections 601, 602 and 603 provided on the electrical connection interface 600.

Figs. 8 - 9 show a mounting of the electrical connection interface 600 with the mechanical connection interface 700. In fig. 8, the electrical connection interface 600 is inserted from behind into the circular aperture 701. As can be seen from fig. 8, the locking projections 601, 602 and 603 fit into the cutouts 703, 704 and 705 of circular aperture 701. In the position shown in fig. 8, the locking projections 601, 602, 603 are not in one plane with the face of mechanical interface 700 but the electrical connection interface 600 is pushed so far through the circular aperture 701, that the locking projections are no longer blocked by the walls of cutouts 703, 704 and 705, so that electrical interface 600 can be rotated. In fig. 9A, the electrical interface 600 has been rotated clockwise to some extent compared to fig. 8, such that locking projections 601, 602, 603 are no longer aligned with the cutouts 703, 704 and 705. In the position shown in fig. 9A, the locking projections 601, 602, 603 rest on the face of mechanical interface 700, so that electrical connection interface can no longer be pushed into circular aperture 701. The mechanical interface 700 is further provided with a stop 706, which prevents a further rotating of interface 600 in clockwise direction. The function of stop 706 can best be understood by referring to the detail shown in fig. 9B. From fig. 9B It can be seen that stop 706 is provided at the end of a resilient spring arm 707 and that locking projection 602 abuts stop 706. When mounting a corresponding plug into the socket, the resilient spring arm 707 is pressed in the insertion direction of the plug, and the stop 706 is moved away from locking projection 602, such that electrical interface 600 may be rotated further in clockwise direction.

The function of this locking mechanism is best explained by referring to fig. 10. In fig. 10, it can be seen that an adapter 1000 is provided with a first electrical connection interface 1001, which has four bayonet-type fastening elements 1002, and which is adapted to correspond to the socket consisting of interfaces 700 and 600. The four bayonet-type fastening elements 1002 can be inserted into the corresponding locking apertures 702 provided in the mechanical interface 700. In a first step, adapter 1000 is pressed against the mechanical connection interface 700, and the resilient spring arm 707 is pushed inwardly, such that step 706 is pushed away from locking projection 602. At the same time, an electrical connection is established with the contacts 604 and correspondingly shaped contacts (not shown) provided with the first mechanical connection interface 1001. In the posi- tion of electrical connection interface 600 shown in fig. 10, interface 600 cannot be pushed out of circular aperture 701, i.e. in plug-in direction of adapter 1000, because locking projections 601, 602, 603 rest on the face of interface 700 surrounding circular aperture 701, so that the electrical connection between adapter 1000 and interface 600 can be securely established. In a second step, adapter 1000 is rotated clockwise in fig. 10, until the bayonet-type mounting - provided by locking apertures 702 and correspondingly shaped elements 1002 - is fully established. This means, that adapter 1000 is rotated together with the electrical interface 600 only after the electrical connection is established. In this way, a fast and secure fastening and detaching of the adapter to the socket is possible, and me- chanical and electrical connection and disconnection between adapter and socket can be established in a single step. In an alternative solution a PND is provided with a plug corresponding to the described socket.

Claims

1. Adapter (400) for mechanically and electrically connecting a consumer electronic device, as e.g. a personal navigation device, with a vehicle; comprising

- a holder provided with a first mechanical connection interface (404), which is fastenable to the interior of a vehicle, and a second mechanical connection interface (401), which is fastenable to a consumer electronic device, characterized in that the holder further comprises

- a first electrical connection interface (405), which is connect- able with the electrical circuitry of a vehicle and

- a second electrical connection interface (406), which is con- nectable with the electrical circuitry of a consumer electronic device, and whereby the adapter further comprises

- transmission means for transmitting power and/or electrical signals between the first and the second electrical connection interfaces; whereby the transmission means and the first and second electrical connec- tion interfaces (405, 406) are integrated in the holder.

2. Adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that the first electrical connection interface (405) is connectable to the power system of a vehicle, to supply the second electrical connection interface with a source of electrical power.

3. Adapter according to claim 2, characterized in that the transmission means (103) comprise a DC converter to convert the power supplied from the first electrical connection interface to a desired power level.

4. Adapter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission means (103) comprise a traffic information receiver, to provide traffic information signals to the second electrical connection interface.

5. Adapter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter is provided with an integrated radio antenna.

6. Adapter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adapter is provided with an integrated GPS antenna.

7. Adapter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission means (103) are adapted to transmit speed indicator signals from a vehicle to the second electrical connection interface.

8. Adapter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission means (103) are adapted to transmit audio signals from the second electrical connection interface to the first electrical interface, to allow audio information from a consumer electronic device to be output by an audio system of a vehicle.

9. Adapter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second mechanical connection interface is provided with a ball-and- socket joint (407).

10. Adapter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second mechanical connection interface is provided with a cardan joint.

11. Adapter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first mechanical connection interface (404) and the first electrical connection interface (405) are standardized.

12. Adapter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first mechanical connection interface (404) and / or the second mechanical connection interface are provided with a bayonet-type mount (408), which allows a fastening by means of a turning motion.

13. Adapter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmission means (103) are provided with electronic means adapted to exchange and convert digital signals between a consumer electronic de- vice and the electrical circuitry of a vehicle.

14. Adapter according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the consumer electronic device is a Personal Navigation Device.

15. Socket mountable in a vehicle, for mechanically and electrically connecting a consumer electronic device, as e.g. a Personal Navigation Device, with a vehicle, comprising a mechanical connection interface (700) adapted to mechanically couple a consumer electronic device directly or by means of an adapter (1000) with the vehicle, and an electrical connec- tion interface (600) adapted to electrically couple a consumer electronic device directly or by means of an adapter (1000) with the vehicle.

16. Socket according to claim 15, characterized in that the mechanical connection interface (700) is provided with a bayonet-type face plate.

17. Socket according to claim 15, characterized in that the electrical connection interface (600) is a separate part from the mechanical connection interface (700) and is fastened to the mechanical connection interface by means of a bayonet-type mount (601, 602, 603; 703, 704, 705).

18. Personal Navigation Device provided with a plug adapted to be coupled to a socket according to any of claims 15 to 17.