Holding device and motor vehicle with holding device

Abstract

Holding device (10) for at least one object (18), comprising a receiving area (12) for the at least one object (18), wherein the receiving area (12) comprises at least one holding element (14) made of a predetermined material, which can be brought from a rest configuration to a holding configuration for the at least one object (18) by applying an electric and / or magnetic field, wherein at least one internal material property of the holding element (14) changes when changing from the rest configuration to the holding configuration, characterized by a display unit (32) which is designed to display, depending on at least one control signal, information concerning at least one internal state variable of the at least one object (18), wherein that at least one control signal is output by a control unit based on at least one determined value of at least one internal state variable of the held object (18), which at least one value is determined by at least one sensor unit (22), and comprising at least one sensor unit (22) a charge state sensor for a rechargeable energy storage device of the at least one object (18).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a holding device for at least one object, comprising a receiving area for the at least one object. The receiving area comprises at least one holding element made of a predetermined material, which can be moved from a rest configuration into a holding configuration for the at least one object by applying an electric and / or magnetic field. At least one internal material property of the holding element changes when changing from the rest configuration to the holding configuration. Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle with such a holding device.

[0002] Motor vehicles are equipped with numerous storage compartments for items such as mobile phones, sunglasses, beverage cups, and the like. However, these compartments cannot always reliably hold the items placed therein, so they can fall out of the compartment and become damaged, especially during acceleration, braking, or cornering.

[0003] To prevent this, it is known to provide holding devices whose shape can adapt to the held object, as disclosed, for example, in the generic document DE 10 2011 115 562 A1. The known holding device comprises a so-called active material, which in particular comprises a magnetorheological fluid or a shape memory polymer, and whose material properties change under the influence of an external magnetic field. This property can be used, for example, to harden a magnetorheological fluid after inserting an object to be held, thus securing the object.

[0004] Although such holding devices serve the purpose of holding objects reliably, they require considerable space that is no longer available for other functions.

[0005] Also known from DE 10 2008 021 679 A1 is an object holder comprising a recess and a lid arranged over the recess. The lid comprises an active material, the active material being configured to deform into the recess when it comes into contact with an object. Furthermore, a switch is provided that is configured to cause the active material to maintain a deformed shape in the recess.

[0006] DE 202 15 882 U1 relates to a food storage, object holder, or cup holder for motor vehicles. A food item or object to be inserted can be either cooled or heated by diverting or redirecting tempered media flows from motor vehicle air conditioning units. The device is designed to be retractable into the interior paneling of a motor vehicle using guides. Suitable means can be activated immediately by extending and / or locking the device, thereby directing cold or warm media flows onto the object, the food storage, or the cup holder.

[0007] DE 197 49 366 B4 describes a device for holding beverage containers, comprising at least one support surface to which a temperature control device is assigned, comprising a heating and / or cooling device, a temperature sensor and a controller, wherein the temperature sensor detects an actual temperature of the beverage container and feeds it to the controller, which compares the actual temperature with a predeterminable target temperature and adjusts the heating and / or cooling device according to the difference.

[0008] DE 10 2011 115 562 A1 relates to a holding device operable to hold various pluralities of positioned objects having different geometric shapes, sizes and / or dimensions, comprising an element made of an active material configured to selectively enable, effect or retain the holding engagement and / or return the device to a standby state when not in use.

[0009] It is therefore the object of the present invention to further develop the known holding device in such a way that it not only enables a reliable fixation of held objects, but at the same time provides additional functions.

[0010] This object is achieved according to the invention by a display unit which is designed to display information relating to at least one internal state variable of the at least one object as a function of at least one control signal, wherein the at least one control signal is output by a control unit on the basis of at least one determined value of the at least one internal state variable of the held object, and the at least one value is determined by at least one sensor unit, and the at least one sensor unit comprises a charge level sensor for a rechargeable energy store of the at least one object. In this way, essential information about the held object can be transmitted to a user. For example, the temperature of a held beverage or the charge level of a held electronic device can be displayed.

[0011] On the one hand, such a holding device can reliably hold an object due to the transition to the holding configuration. On the other hand, the object can also be influenced in a desired manner based on the determined state variable, or information concerning the object can be transmitted to other functional elements. The holding device thus exhibits a particularly high level of functional integration and can perform additional tasks that go beyond simply holding the object. Furthermore, the charge level of electronic devices, such as mobile phones, held in the holding device can be monitored, thus eliminating the need for separate devices.

[0012] The internal material property of the holding element that changes between the resting configuration and the holding configuration can be any physical property that supports the holding function in the holding configuration. Examples include the viscosity of a fluid or the molecular conformation of a polymer.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the at least one sensor unit comprises a temperature sensor. Detecting the temperature of the held object is particularly advantageous when the object is a container for beverages, such as a bottle, a can, or a cup. This information allows the user to determine whether the beverage contained in the container is still at a comfortable drinking temperature, or to take measures to temper the object.

[0014] The invention proposes the use of a temperature control unit designed to heat and / or cool the at least one object depending on the at least one control signal, preferably to maintain a constant temperature of the object or a part thereof. The holding device thus simultaneously functions as a temperature control device, which can, for example, keep a held beverage container at a predetermined target temperature. This eliminates the need to provide separate devices for heating or cooling the object, so that particularly little installation space is required.

[0015] Preferably, a charging unit is provided for charging the rechargeable energy storage device of the at least one object in response to the at least one control signal, preferably for charging or maintaining the charge level of the energy storage device of the at least one object. This ensures that a held electronic device can always be brought to the desired charge level without the need for separate chargers or the like.

[0016] The charging unit can comprise an inductive charging unit. This allows an electronic device held in the holder to be charged directly without the need for a cable connection. This is particularly user-friendly.

[0017] In particularly advantageous holding devices according to the invention, the display of at least one internal state variable of the held object can be realized via lighting, an alphanumeric display, progress bars, and / or diagrams. The display can be numeric, in the form of a bar chart, through color-coded lighting, or the like.

[0018] The at least one retaining element can comprise a magnetorheological and / or electrorheological fluid as a predetermined material. Such fluids change their flow properties under the influence of a magnetic or electric field. Typically, this fluid hardens when a field is applied. In the field-free state, i.e., in the resting configuration, the material is liquid, allowing the object to be inserted into the receptacle. When an electric or magnetic field is applied, the fluid hardens precisely around the inserted object and reliably holds it in place.

[0019] However, the at least one holding element can also comprise an electroactive polymer and / or electroactive gel as a predetermined material. Such polymers or gels can change their molecular configuration, i.e., their three-dimensional structure, when exposed to an electric or magnetic field. For example, it is possible for a holding element designed in this way to contract around an object inserted into the receiving space when a field is applied, i.e., when transitioning to the holding configuration, thus securely fixing it.

[0020] Particularly preferred according to the invention is the use of at least one cover element for covering the receiving space, preferably for delimiting the predetermined material. This measure allows the receiving space to be closed, for example, when not in use, in order to achieve a pleasing aesthetic appearance. However, the cover element can also be present when the holding device is in use. In this case, a flexible film, for example, can be used as the cover element, which deforms when an object is inserted into the receiving space. Such a film can also serve decorative purposes; it also protects the at least one holding element from dirt and the like.

[0021] Advantageous holding devices according to the invention can further be characterized by at least one support element which is movably arranged in the receiving space, preferably at least also in the region of the specific material, as a function of a weight force exerted by the at least one object. This allows an object held in the receiving space to be additionally supported and secured, resulting in particularly good support. Furthermore, the at least one support element can also support other functions of the holding device. For example, support elements with particularly good thermal conductivity can be used to support a heating and / or cooling function of the holding device. Inductive energy transmission can also be improved by suitably designed holding elements.

[0022] The at least one support element can be rod-shaped and / or made of a metal, and / or a plurality of support elements can be provided. In particular, it is advantageous to provide a plurality of such support elements in order to achieve reliable support of a held object. Metallic rods are particularly good thermal conductors and can also serve as antenna elements for an inductive charging process.

[0023] According to the invention, at least one actuator, in particular a piezoelectric, pneumatic, hydraulic, magnetic, or spring-driven actuator, can also be provided for moving the at least one support element, preferably from its holding configuration to its rest configuration. Such an actuator can, in particular, assist a return movement of the at least one support element, so that it quickly and reliably returns to a rest position when a held object is removed from the holding device.

[0024] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the holding device further comprises a communication unit, in particular a Bluetooth communication unit. This makes it possible to query the status of held electronic devices through direct communication or to integrate functions of such devices into a control or entertainment system, for example, of a motor vehicle.

[0025] According to the invention, it is particularly advantageous that the temperature control unit is supported by the support element(s) or is at least partially integrated into the support element(s), and / or the charging unit is supported by the support element(s) or is at least partially integrated into the support element(s). This serves to reduce the number of components.

[0026] It also serves to reduce the number of components and thus also the installation space if the display unit and the at least one cover element are at least partially designed together, in particular if the display unit is integrated into the cover element.

[0027] The invention further relates to a motor vehicle with a holding device according to the invention. The aforementioned advantages also apply here.

[0028] The communication device can exchange data with a control unit of the motor vehicle. The control unit can be a control or entertainment system of the motor vehicle.

[0029] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained with reference to schematic drawings. Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a first embodiment of a holding device according to the invention with a holding element in the form of a magnetorheological fluid in its rest configuration; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of the holding device according to Fig. 1 with the holding element in holding configuration; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of a second embodiment of a holding device according to the invention with a holding element in the form of a magnetorheological fluid in its rest configuration; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of a third embodiment of a holding device according to the invention with a holding element in the form of a dielectric plastic in its rest configuration; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of the holding device according to Fig. 4 with the holding element in holding configuration; Fig. 6 a schematic representation of a fourth embodiment of a holding device according to the invention with support elements, a temperature control unit and with a holding element in the form of a magnetorheological fluid in its rest configuration; Fig. 7 a schematic representation of the holding device according to Fig. 6 with the holding element in holding configuration; Fig. 8 a schematic representation of a fifth embodiment of a holding device according to the invention with support elements, a loading unit, and with a holding element in the form of a magnetorheological fluid in its rest configuration; Fig. 9 a schematic representation of the holding device according to Fig. 8 with the holding element in holding configuration; Fig. 10 is a schematic representation of a receiving space of a sixth embodiment of a holding device according to the invention with a plurality of received objects; Fig. 11 is a schematic representation of a seventh embodiment of a holding device according to the invention with a display unit and with a holding element in the form of a magnetorheological fluid in its holding configuration; and Fig. 12 a schematic plan view of the holding device according to Fig. 11.

[0030] A holding device for objects according to the invention, designated as a whole by 10, as can be used, for example, in a motor vehicle, comprises a receiving space 12 in which a holding element 14 is provided.

[0031] In a first embodiment of the invention according to Fig. 1, the holding element 14 comprises a magnetorheological fluid, and the receiving space 12 is closed at the top by a flexible cover 16. This can, for example, comprise or be a decorative film or the like. If an object 18 in which Fig. 1, a beverage cup is inserted into the holding device 10, the cover 16 can deform, since the magnetorheological fluid of the holding element 14 is flowable in the rest configuration of the holding device 10. The object 18 can therefore penetrate into the fluid and partially displace it. As soon as the object 18 is inserted into the receiving space 12, a magnetic coil 20 is activated. Under the influence of the magnetic field generated, the holding element 14 hardens, so that the object, as shown in Fig. 2 shown, is held securely.

[0032] The holding device 10 further comprises a sensor 20, by means of which an internal state variable of the object 18 can be determined. Fig. 1 and Fig. The example shown in Figure 2 is a temperature sensor by means of which the temperature of the object 18 can be monitored.

[0033] Fig. Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of the invention, in which the holding element 14, i.e. the magnetorheological fluid, does not completely fill the receiving space 12. It is also the Fig. 3, the annular arrangement of the holding element 14 is conceivable.

[0034] The Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 shows a third embodiment of the invention, in which the holding element 14 comprises a film made of a dielectric plastic. If the magnetic coil 20 is activated after the object 18 has been inserted into the receiving space 12, the film of the holding element 14 contracts under the influence of the magnetic field and thus also securely holds the object 18 in the receiving space 12.

[0035] In a fourth embodiment of the invention according to the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, additional support elements 24 are provided in the receiving space 12. These are in the form of thin metallic rods and secure the object 18 in addition to the holding element 14. If the object 18 is inserted into the receiving space 12, the support elements 24 move, as can be seen from Fig. 7, the support elements 24 downwards and provide a flat surface on which the object 18 can be held.

[0036] An actuator 26 can also exert a counterforce on the support elements 24 that is opposite to the weight of the object 18 or can return them to the position shown in Fig. 6. In this way, for example, the immersion depth of an object into the receiving space can be controlled based on its weight. The actuator can be pneumatic, hydraulic, piezoelectric, spring-actuated, or similar.

[0037] Furthermore, the holding device 10 of the fourth embodiment also comprises a temperature control unit 28. This allows temperature control to be carried out depending on the temperature of the object 18 determined by the sensor 22, for example to keep the beverage cup shown and its contents at a desired drinking temperature. This temperature control can be assisted by the support elements 24, for example by using support elements 24 made of a material with good thermal conductivity, so that particularly good heat transfer is achieved between the object 18 and the temperature control unit 28. The temperature control unit 28 can be a Peltier element.

[0038] In a fifth embodiment of the invention, the held object 18 is a mobile phone. The sensor 22 serves to determine the charge level of a battery of the object 18. Furthermore, an inductively acting charging unit 30 is provided so that the mobile phone can be maintained at a desired target charge level.

[0039] Of course, the holding device 10 can also comprise several sensors 22. The temperature control unit 28 can also be provided together with the charging unit 30, so that the holding device can perform both functions.

[0040] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 10, in a sixth embodiment of the invention, several objects 18 can be held together in the holding device 10. The support elements 24 then ensure that each of the objects 18 assumes an optimal immersion depth in the receiving space 12 depending on its weight.

[0041] In addition, in a seventh embodiment of the invention, as shown in the Fig. 11 and Fig. 12, a display unit 32 may be provided. In the illustrated embodiment, this is integrated into the cover 16 and surrounds the receiving space 12 to achieve a particularly appealing visual appearance, namely through illumination. The display unit 32 can provide information about the internal state variable of the object 18 determined by the sensor 22. This can be achieved, for example, by changing the color of the lighting. For example, a blue color can convey that a cold beverage cup is being held, while a red color indicates a hot beverage cup.

[0042] Alternatively or additionally, a green color can indicate that a mobile phone or similar electronic device has reached its target charge level.

[0043] Of course, other display modes such as alphanumeric displays, progress bars, diagrams or the like are also possible.

[0044] Overall, a holding device 10 is created which helps to save installation space by integrating a large number of functions in a motor vehicle or the like.

[0045] The features disclosed in the foregoing description, the claims and the drawings may be essential both individually and in any combination for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments. List of reference symbols 10 Holding device 12 Recording room 14 Holding element 16 Cover 18 Item 20 solenoid coil 22 Sensor 24 Support element 26 Actuator 28 Temperature control unit 30 loading units 32 display unit

Claims

[1] Holding device (10) for at least one object (18), comprising a receiving area (12) for the at least one object (18), wherein the receiving area (12) comprises at least one holding element (14) made of a predetermined material, which can be brought from a rest configuration into a holding configuration for the at least one object (18) by applying an electric and / or magnetic field, wherein at least one internal material property of the holding element (14) changes when changing from the rest configuration to the holding configuration, characterized by a display unit (32) which is designed to display information relating to at least one internal state variable of the at least one object (18) as a function of at least one control signal, wherein the at least one control signal is output by a control unit on the basis of at least one determined value of the at least one internal state variable of the held object (18), the at least one value is determined by at least one sensor unit (22), and the at least one sensor unit (22) comprises a charge state sensor for a rechargeable energy store of the at least one object (18). [2] Holding device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the at least one sensor unit (22) comprises a temperature sensor. [3] Holding device (10) according to claim 2, characterized by a temperature control unit (28) which is designed to heat and / or cool the at least one object (16) in dependence on the at least one control signal, preferably to keep a temperature of the object (18) or a part thereof constant. [4] Holding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a charging unit (30) for charging the rechargeable energy storage device of the at least one object (18) in dependence on the at least one control signal, preferably for charging or maintaining constant the charge state of the energy storage device of the at least one object (18). [5] Holding device (10) according to claim 4, characterized by that the charging unit (30) comprises an inductively acting charging unit. [6] Holding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the display of the at least one internal state variable of the held object (18) is realized via lighting, an alphanumeric display, progress bars and / or diagrams. [7] Holding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the at least one holding element (14) comprises a magnetorheological and / or electrorheological fluid as predetermined material. [8] Holding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one holding element (14) comprises an electroactive polymer and / or electroactive gel as a predetermined material. [9] Holding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one cover element (16) for covering the receiving space (12), preferably for delimiting the predetermined material. [10] Holding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one support element (24) which is movably arranged in the receiving space (12) as a function of a weight force exerted by the at least one object (18), preferably at least also in the region of the specific material. [11] Holding device (10) according to claim 10, characterized by, that the at least one support element (24) is rod-shaped and / or made of a metal, and / or a plurality of support elements (24) is provided. [12] Holding device (10) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by at least one actuator (26), in particular a piezoelectric, pneumatic, hydraulic, magnetic or spring-driven actuator, for moving the at least one support element (24), preferably from its holding configuration to its rest configuration. [13] Holding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a communication unit, in particular a Bluetooth communication unit. [14] Holding device (10) according to one of claims 3 to 13, characterized bythat the temperature control unit (28) is supported by the support element(s) (24) or is at least partially integrated into the support element(s) (24), and / or the loading unit (30) is supported by the support element(s) (24) or is at least partially integrated into the support element(s) (24). [15] Holding device (10) according to one of claims 6 to 14, characterized by that the display unit (32) and the at least one cover element (16) are at least partially designed together, in particular the display unit (32) is integrated into the cover element (16). [16] Motor vehicle with a holding device (10) according to one of the preceding claims. [17] Motor vehicle according to claim 16, characterized bythat the communication device exchanges data with a control unit of the motor vehicle, wherein the control unit is preferably included in a control or entertainment system of the motor vehicle.

Images