Table with variable diameter article holder

Abstract

The invention relates to a table (1) with a pivotable article holder (4) for use in a motor vehicle interior. The article holder (4) comprises a spring-loaded, arc-shaped, stepwise adjustable diameter compensation element (7). The article holder (4) can be placed in a position of use and a position of non-use. During pivoting of the article holder (4) from the position of use into the position of non-use, the diameter compensation element (7) automatically assumes a minimum clear width (W).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a table with an item holder, particularly a cup holder, according to the invention. The table has a base, wherein the item holder is fixed to the base in a manner pivotable about a first axis, wherein the item holder is pivotable from a non-use position to a use position, and wherein the item holder includes a diameter compensation element connected to an adjusting spring and pivotable about a second axis for changing the net width of the item holder. For example, such a table with an item holder is known from patent document US 5671877 A. The system described in that patent document has a back panel and a placement surface hinged to the back panel, which serves as a table or as a cup support. A pivotable, diameter-variable cup holder is arranged on the back panel. To change the diameter, the cup holder has a pivotable bow-shaped member, which is spring-loaded such that the bow-shaped member extends outward in the direction of the maximum diameter of the cup holder. To reduce the diameter, the user can manually press the bow-shaped member inward to match the diameter to the outer circumference of the cup to be held. The cup holder has three locking steps, in which the bow-shaped piece is securely held. This allows for adjustment of three different diameters. To place the table in a non-use position, where the cups are not needed, the table is pivoted with the placement surface facing the back panel. Here, the bow-shaped piece contacts the side wall of the back panel, slides along that side wall, and pivots inward from there. This prevents the bow-shaped piece from being caught between the placement surface and the back wall and being damaged when adjusting to the non-use position. Background Technology

[0002] However, a drawback of the solution described in this patent document is that the bow-shaped component may be damaged or at least scratched under frequent use due to its ability to slide along the sidewalls. This optical disadvantage is particularly undesirable in the premium segment of automobile manufacturing. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a table with an article holder of variable diameter, which bears the least possible mechanical load on the visible surface. According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features described in this disclosure. The present invention relates to a table with an article holder, particularly a cup holder, for use in the interior space of a vehicle. Both the table and the cup holder are particularly made of plastic. The article holder is particularly used to hold cups, mugs, bottles, or the like, which may have different diameters. However, the article holder can also be used to hold other items, such as smartphones. The table has a base, which is particularly designed as a rectangular plate with rounded edges. This design is merely exemplary. The base can, for example, be an integrated component of the back of a seat in a motor vehicle. This is the case when the table is securely attached to the seat. This is especially true when the table is manufactured together with the seat. However, the table can also be subsequently detachably mounted, for example, on the back of the seat. This can be achieved, for example, by mounting the base to the headrest strut of the seat by means of a fixing device. This fixing device is not part of the invention and is mentioned only for understanding. Generally, the table is not limited to use on seats. In particular, the RV offers multiple surfaces, and the table can be detachably mounted on these surfaces.

[0004] The item holder is pivotally fixed to the base about a first axis, wherein the base can pivot from a non-use position to a use position. In the non-use position, items cannot be introduced into the item holder, while in the use position, the item holder can accommodate items. In the non-use position, the item holder is oriented parallel to the base, thus occupying a relatively small space within the cabin. In the use position, the item holder forms an angle relative to the base. This angle must be large enough that the introduction of items, such as bottles, into the item holder is not obstructed by the base. Specifically, this angle is in the range of 70° to 90°.

[0005] To accommodate items of different diameters, the item holder has a diameter compensation element for changing the net width of the item holder. In the use position, the diameter compensation element is movable about a second axis, and in particular, pivotable about the second axis. Specifically, in the case of a pivotable diameter compensation element, the second axis is oriented orthogonal to the first axis, and precisely so that the pivoting movement of the diameter compensation element always occurs in the plane containing the first axis. To reduce the net width, the diameter compensation element pivots along the direction of the base and correspondingly pivots away from the base to increase it. The diameter compensation element can also translate to change the net width. To reduce the net width, the diameter compensation element moves particularly toward the base and particularly away from the base to increase the net width. In the case of translational movement, the diameter compensation element is particularly designed as a U-shaped bow, wherein the legs of this bow are oriented particularly orthogonal to the first axis. In other words, to change the net width, the ends of the U-shaped bow are close to or spaced apart from the base. The net width is essentially defined between the diameter compensation element and the abutment surfaces of the item holder opposite to the diameter compensation element. Therefore, the item to be held is held between the diameter compensation element and the contact surface, which in particular has an arcuate configuration. If the diameter compensation element thus moves at least partially away from the contact surface, the net width increases, while the net width decreases when it approaches.

[0006] In particular, the diameter compensation element is operatively connected to the adjusting spring, and more precisely, this operative connection ensures that the diameter compensation element always strives to achieve a minimum net width. In the case of translational movement of the diameter compensation element, the adjusting spring can be designed as one or more tension or compression springs, which apply force to the diameter compensation element in the direction of the base. In the case of rotational movement of the diameter compensation element about a second axis, the adjusting spring is particularly constructed as a torsion spring, thereby causing the diameter compensation element to pivot in the direction of the base.

[0007] The item holder also includes an operating mechanism with a locking mechanism having first and second fasteners, wherein the first and second fasteners are mutually force-loaded by at least one locking spring. The locking mechanism is used to fix the net width of the item holder adjusted by a user at a table. For this purpose, it is important that the strength of the adjusting spring is coordinated with the strength of the locking spring. The effect of the adjusting spring is particularly less than that of the locking spring. This ensures that the adjusted net width is locked. The locking mechanism is particularly designed as a snap-lock mechanism. In particular, the first fastener has equidistant protrusions and / or recesses, especially grooves, along its length, and the second fastener has corresponding protrusions and / or recesses, or typically corresponding wider brackets. The protrusions and / or recesses of the first and second fasteners engage with each other in a form-fitting manner and are locked together in this position by the locking spring. From a certain applied force, especially when the user moves the diameter compensation element translationally away from the base or pivots it rotationally away from the base to increase the net width, the interaction between the first and second fasteners is canceled, i.e., the fasteners are separated from each other by overcoming the force of the locking spring. Through the movement of the diameter compensation element, the first and second fasteners move relative to each other, whereby the protrusion and / or recess of the first fastener "jumps" into the adjacent protrusion and / or recess of the second fastener, and correspondingly locks the position of the diameter compensation element. Therefore, the adjustment of the net width is particularly performed in stages, where the number or width of the stages is related to the design of the protrusions and / or recesses of the first and second fasteners. Therefore, a relatively "fine locking" is preferred, thereby allowing for correspondingly fine adjustment of the net width. Furthermore, the locking spring can be the first and / or second fasteners themselves. For example, the first or second fastener can be designed to be spring-elastic.

[0008] The key feature of this invention is the design of the operating mechanism such that, during the transition from the use position to the non-use position, the first fastener and the second fastener disengage, thereby automatically or by means of an adjusting spring or by gravity, bringing the net width to its minimum. "Disengagement" should be understood in particular as the two fasteners disengaging from each other, and thus the adjusting spring automatically pulls the diameter compensation element to the minimum net width determined by the structure. Without the adjusting spring, the diameter compensation element could occupy this minimum value "alone" by gravity. This is especially possible when the item holder extends in a vertical direction. However, the solution using an adjusting spring is preferred. During the pivoting movement of the item holder from the use position to the non-use position, the first and second fasteners disengage, thus deactivating the locking mechanism and automatically bringing the diameter compensation element to its minimum value without the user actively manipulating (i.e., pressing) the diameter compensation element.

[0009] Furthermore, a key feature of this invention is that, in the use position, the first and second fasteners are either functionally connected or can be positioned in a functionally connected manner, thereby allowing the net width to vary progressively, particularly depending on the design of the first and second fasteners, up to a maximum value determined by the structure. Therefore, when the article holder transitions to the use position, the first and second fasteners are engaged with each other or can be engaged, for example, by a short opening movement. In this state, the user can progressively or translationally space the diameter compensation element away from the base, or rotate the diameter compensation element away from the base. A combination of rotational and translational movements of the diameter compensation element to adjust the net width is also possible.

[0010] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the operating mechanism has a control element, particularly a control lever or control rod, which is operatively connected to the base and the first fastener such that, when the article holder transitions from the use position to the non-use position, the first and second fasteners can overcome the locking spring and be disengaged from each other via the control element. In other words, the control element is thus responsible for transmitting the pivoting movement of the article holder relative to the base to the first fastener in a loosening sense. Illustrated, as long as the article holder is in the non-use position, the control element overcomes the locking spring to press the first fastener away from the second fastener and keeps the two locking elements spaced apart. The control element can also be operatively connected to the second fastener. Conversely, especially when transitioning from the non-use position to the use position, the first and second fasteners can be operatively connected via the control element. Thus, if the article holder pivots from the non-use position to the use position, the control lever at least here releases the movement of the first locking element toward the second locking element, causing the two fasteners to re-enter operative connection.

[0011] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the control element has a first end and a second end and is rotatable about a pivot point arranged between the first and second ends. In particular, the control element is also designed as a control lever or control rod. The first end of the control element is operatively connected to an actuating element of the base, and the second end is operatively connected to a first fastener. The second end may also be operatively connected to a second fastener. If the article holder pivots about the base to a use position or a non-use position, the control element rotates about a pivot point of the control element through the operative connection between the first end and the actuating element of the base. By operatively connecting the second end to the first or second fastener, rotation is thus transmitted to the first fastener, thereby overcoming the action of the locking spring to move it away from the second or first fastener, or moving it towards the corresponding fastener under the action of the locking spring. Therefore, any element capable of transmitting the pivoting movement of the article holder about the base to the control element can be used as an actuating element. In particular, the actuating element can be designed as a stop, a ramp, a recess, or the like. Furthermore, the base itself can be the actuating element. Through a special design of the control element, the first or second fastener can be controlled simply and reliably, thereby ensuring reliable and simple adjustability of the net width of the diameter compensation element.

[0012] To ensure that the pivoting movement of the article holder about the base results in a precise spacing between the first and second fasteners, in another embodiment of the invention, the actuating element is designed as a recess in the base, particularly as a grooved guide. A first end of the control element engages specifically in the recess. The recess, particularly the grooved guide, has at least one inclined surface that forms an angle relative to a first axis. Depending on the angle of the inclined surface relative to the first axis, the control element rotates more or less about the point of rotation when the article holder pivots about the base. Therefore, steeper angles result in greater rotational movement, while relatively flat angles result in smaller rotational movement of the control element. The degree of rotational movement of the control element corresponds, arguably, to the “stroke movement” between the first and second fasteners. By designing the actuating element as a recess, particularly as a grooved guide, it is possible to precisely adjust the spacing between the first and second fasteners due to the rotational movement of the control element by adjusting the angle of the inclined surface. In particular, at steeper or flatter angles, the control element “presses” the first fastener more or less “away” from the second fastener.

[0013] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first base has a groove, the shape of which corresponds particularly to the shape of the item holder in its non-use position. Specifically, the item holder has an elliptical shape, at least in the non-use position, and therefore the groove also has an elliptical shape. The groove is used to accommodate the item holder in the non-use position. This is preferred, especially for visual reasons. By ensuring that the net width of the diameter compensation element automatically reaches its minimum value when transitioning from the use position to the non-use position, the diameter compensation element does not come into contact with the edge of the groove during the transition, which could therefore lead to damage to the operating mechanism and / or the diameter compensation element. Thus, the user can "store" the item holder in the groove without having to worry about whether the diameter compensation element is at a width greater than the minimum net width. The diameter compensation element is also not "pressed inward" by the edge of the groove to reach the minimum net width within which the item holder can be accommodated. This could potentially lead to scratches on the diameter compensation element with frequent use of the item holder.

[0014] To stably hold items, especially beverage cans or the like, introduced into the shelf, in another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the table has a support element hinged to the base. The support element is particularly designed as a support plate. The support element substantially compensates for the weight of the items to be held, instead stabilizing the items within a particularly circular circumference between the compensating element and the surface of the shelf. Specifically, the support element is pivotable about a third axis oriented parallel to a first axis. In the non-use position, the support element is substantially parallel and surface-mounted against the base. In the use position, the shelf and the support element are substantially parallel to each other. If the user surfaces the support element against the base, which is equivalent to “folding” the table, the support element presses the shelf towards the base and thus presses the shelf into the non-use position, provided the shelf is not already in that position. Therefore, the shelf can be placed in the non-use position directly or via the support element, which simplifies the operation of the table.

[0015] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the diameter compensation element has a spring-loaded diameter compensation cover (Durchmesserausgleichsklappe) to additionally alter the net width of the article holder. The diameter compensation cover is rotatable and, particularly, supported within the diameter compensation element by a torsion spring. If no article is present in the article holder, the diameter compensation cover is oriented, primarily in a plane, relative to the article holder. If an article is introduced into the article holder, the diameter compensation cover moves downward, particularly in the direction of the supporting element, and applies a lateral force, particularly orthogonal to the first axis, to the article. The advantage is that it compensates for any possible gaps relative to the article to be held, given the adjusted net width. These gaps can occur if the net width between the diameter compensation elements is slightly larger than the diameter of the, particularly circular, article to be held. The diameter compensation cover can also be used to facilitate the insertion of the article to be held into the article holder. Thus, the diameter compensation cover can simultaneously serve as an insertion ramp.

[0016] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the diameter compensation element is arcuately designed and has first and second ends, wherein the diameter compensation element is pivotable about a second axis with respect to the first end. The arcuate design, especially in combination with an arcuate contact surface, ensures optimal contact with the circular object to be held, such as a bottle, cup, or the like.

[0017] To achieve the simplest possible mobility of the diameter compensation element within the item holder, in another advantageous design of the invention, the diameter compensation element is hinged at its second end to the drag bar (Schleppstange) of the operating mechanism, wherein the drag bar is hinged to a second fastener. Particularly in the usage position of the item holder, the diameter compensation element, the drag bar, and the contact surface form a closed loop independent of the net width. This specifically means that the item will not accidentally detach from the item holder in a direction parallel to the first axis.

[0018] In another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the second fastener is connected to the adjusting spring. Therefore, the adjusting spring, specifically designed as a torsion spring, pulls the diameter compensation element towards the minimum net width via the second fastener and, more specifically, via a drag bar connected to the diameter compensation element. This ensures the best possible adjustability of the diameter compensation element, or rather, its inner width. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The features and combinations of features, embodiments, and designs mentioned above in the specification, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned and / or shown in the following description and drawings, can be used not only in the combinations described or shown, but also in substantially any other combinations or individually. The various features of the claims can also be replaced by other disclosed features or combinations of features.

[0020] The invention will now be illustrated by way of an embodiment. Wherein it is shown that: Figure 1 A table with two article supports according to the invention is shown. Figure 2 Shown in first detail view Figure 1 One of the article holders according to the invention; and Figure 3 Shown in a second transparent detail view Figure 2 The article holder according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] exist Figure 1 The image shows a table 1 with two item holders 4 according to the invention. Here, the left item holder 4 is in a non-use position, while the right item holder 4 is in a use position, in which, for example, a cup can be inserted into the item holder 4 (not shown). The function of the item holder 4 will be described below only with reference to the left item holder 4, where the function is the same as that of the right item holder 4. For clarity, in all appendices... Figures 1 to 3 Not all figure labels are listed. Figure 2 and 3 The image shows different detailed views of the object support 4 on the left.

[0022] Table 1 has a plate-like base 2, which may be, for example, part of the rear seat of a motor vehicle, or may be fixed to such a rear seat (not shown). On the base 2, an item holder 4, configured as a cup holder 5, is pivotally arranged about a first axis A1. In the non-use position, the item holder 4 is arranged in a recess 6 in the base 2. The item holder 4 has an arcuate diameter compensation element 7, which has a first end 8 and a second end 9. The diameter compensation element 7 is pivotable about a second axis A2 about the first end 8. The item holder 4 has a curved abutment surface 11, which, together with the arcuate diameter compensation element 7, forms a circular receiving portion for a cup (not shown) to be held. A diameter compensation movable cover 10 is additionally arranged on the diameter compensation element 7 so that the cup to be held can be held with as little clearance as possible. Thus, the cup to be held is held between the diameter compensation element 7, the diameter compensation movable cover 10, and the abutment surface 11. An adjustable net width W is constructed between the contact surface 11 and the diameter compensation element 7. The net width W has a minimum value in the non-use position. Conversely, if the item holder 4 is in the use position, the net width W can increase up to its maximum value. The table 1 has a support element 3 that serves as a support for cups. The support element 3 is hinged to the base 2 and can pivot relative to the base 2 about a third axis A3. The third axis A3 is oriented parallel to the first axis A1. If the support element 3 pivots while in contact with the base 2, the support element 3 will necessarily contact the item holder 4 and move the item holder into the groove 6. If the net width W has a value greater than the minimum value, it automatically returns to the minimum value during the pivoting movement of the item holder 4 into the groove 6 of the item holder 4, or the diameter compensation element 7.

[0023] The mechanism for automatically adjusting the minimum value of the net width W is referenced. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Please provide an explanation. Figure 2 The item holder 4 is shown separately, and Figure 3The image shows an item holder 4 together with a base 2 in its use position. The base 2 has an actuating element 12 designed as a recess 13 or a groove guide 14. The groove guide 14 has a ramp 15. As already described, the item holder 4 is pivotable about the base 2 about a first axis A1. The item holder 4 has a control element 16 constructed as a control lever 17. The control element 16 has a first end 18 and a second end 19. The control element 16 is rotatably supported about a rotation point D between the first end 18 and the second end 19. If the item holder 4 is pivoted to either the use position or the non-use position, the first end 18 slides along the ramp 15, thereby rotating the control element 16 about the rotation point D. The rotated second end 19 of the control element 16 is connected to a first fastener 22. The first fastener 22 has five recesses 23. The first fastener 22 is operatively connected to a second fastener 24, particularly to a support 25 of the second fastener 24. Two locking springs 26 and 26a forcefully load the first fastener 22 toward the second fastener 24. By giving the first fastener 22 five recesses 23, the net width W can occupy five positions when cooperating with the support 25. The first fastener 22, the second fastener 24, and the locking springs 26 and 26a form a locking mechanism. The locking spring 20, configured as a torsion spring 21, is connected to the second fastener 24 and forcefully loads the second fastener toward the base 2. The second fastener 24 is hinged to the drag bar 27, which in turn is hinged to the second end 9 of the diameter compensation element 7. Through this connection, the adjusting spring 21 always applies force to the diameter compensation element 7 in the direction of the minimum net width W.

[0024] If item holder 4 is as follows Figure 2 and 3 When the item holder 4 is in the use position as shown, the support 25 is operatively connected to the recess 23. This locks the net width W. The user of the item holder 4 can now gradually change the net width W by pulling the diameter compensation element 7 away from the base 2, thereby causing the support 25 to "jump" into the adjacent recess 23. If the item holder 4 is pivoted to the non-use position, the first fastener 22 is removed from the support 25 of the second fastener 24 due to the control element 16, overcoming the action of the locking springs 26, 26a, thereby canceling the locking action of the locking mechanism, wherein the first end 18 of the control element slides along the ramp 15. Therefore, the adjusting spring 20 pulls the diameter compensation element 7 to the minimum net width W. The minimum net width W is reached as long as the second end 9 of the diameter compensation element 7 comes into contact with the abutment surface 11. In the non-use position, the item holder 4 can therefore be stored in the recess.

[0025] List of reference numerals 1. Table 2. Matrix 3 Support elements 4. Item rack 5 cup holders 6 grooves 7. Diameter compensation element 8. First end of diameter compensation element 7 9. The second end of the diameter compensation element 7 10 Diameter Compensation Movable Cover 11. Attach to the surface 12 Control elements 13 recess 14. Slide guide section 15 bevel 16 Control Elements 17. Control lever 18 The first end of the control element 17 19 The second end of control element 17 20 Adjusting spring 21 Torsion Spring 22 First Fastener 23 The recessed portion in the first fastener 22 24 Second Fastener 25 Support for the second fastener 25 26, 26a Locking springs 27. Pull-out lever W net width D Rotation point of control element 16 A1 First Axis A2 Second Axis A3 Third Axis.

Claims

1. A table (1) with an item holder (4) for use in the interior space of a car, the table having a base (2), wherein, The item holder (4) is fixed to the base (2) in a manner that allows it to pivot about a first axis (A1), wherein the item holder (4) is pivotable from a non-use position to a use position, wherein the item holder (4) includes a diameter compensation element (7) that is pivotable about a second axis (A2) and is connected to an adjusting spring (20) to change the net width (W) of the item holder (4). The item holder (4) further includes an operating mechanism with a locking mechanism having first and second fasteners (22, 24), wherein the first and second fasteners (22, 24) are loaded with mutual force by locking springs (26, 26a). The operating mechanism is characterized in that, when transitioning from the use position to the non-use position, the first fastener (22) and the second fastener (24) are disengaged, thereby allowing the net width (W) to be automatically, or by means of the adjusting spring (20), or by gravity, to be placed at its minimum value. In the use position, the first and second fasteners (22, 24) are engaged or can be engaged, thereby allowing the net width (W) to gradually change until it reaches its maximum value.

2. The table (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating mechanism has a control element (16) that is operatively connected to the base (2) and the first fastener (22) such that when the article holder (4) transitions from the use position to the non-use position, the first and second fasteners (22, 24) are disengaged from each other by the control element (16) over the action of the locking springs (26, 26a).

3. The table (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, When transitioning from a non-use position to a use position, the first and second fasteners (22, 24) can be placed in an active connection via the control element (16).

4. The table (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that, The control element (16) has a first end and a second end and is rotatable about a rotation point (D) arranged between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end is operatively connected to the actuating element (12) of the base (2) and the second end is operatively connected to the first fastener (22).

5. The table (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The manipulation element (12) is designed as a recess (13) in the base (2).

6. The table (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The item holder (4) is a cup holder (5).

7. The table (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that, The control element (16) is a control lever (17).

8. The table (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The actuating element (12) is designed as a groove guide (14) in the base (2).

9. The table (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The item holder (4) includes a diameter compensation element (7) that is pivotable about a second axis (A2) and connected to an adjusting spring (20) to change the net width (W) of the item holder (4).

10. The table (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The substrate (2) has a groove (6).

11. The table (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The shape of the groove (6) corresponds to that of the item holder (4) in the non-use position, so as to accommodate the item holder (4) in the non-use position.

12. The table (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The table (1) has a support element (3) which is hinged to the base (2) and substantially parallel to and in contact with the base (2) in a non-use position.

13. The table (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The diameter compensation element (7) has a spring-loaded diameter compensation cover (10) to additionally change the net width (W) of the article holder (4).

14. The table (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The diameter compensation element (7) is designed to be arc-shaped and has first and second ends, wherein the diameter compensation element (7) is pivotable about the second axis (A2) with the first end.

15. The table (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The diameter compensation element (7) is hinged to the second end of the drag bar (27) of the operating mechanism, wherein the drag bar (27) is connected to the second fastener (24).

16. The table (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The second fastener (24) is connected to the adjusting spring (20).

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