Configuration of support components suitable for maintaining mobile multimedia devices in vehicles and corresponding vehicles.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a configuration suitable for maintaining a mobile multimedia device in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, the support (1) being fixed to an arm (2) extending from a conduit (3) for guiding a steering column (4). The invention also relates to a vehicle including the configuration suitable for maintaining a mobile multimedia device in the passenger compartment of the vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention claims priority to French application 2002036, filed on February 28, 2020, the contents of which (text, drawings and claims) are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] This invention relates to a configuration for a multi-socket support that also allows a mobile multimedia device to be held in a vehicle. The multimedia device may be a smartphone or a tablet. Background Technology

[0003] In the prior art, known document US5180089 describes a configuration for a visual display screen, which is mounted to be slidable relative to a horizontal guide rail, and the screen is supported by a pivot perpendicular to the direction of the guide rail. This visual display screen is movable only in the horizontal plane, and therefore, it cannot even be adapted to the different field of vision of passengers or drivers of different heights, nor can it prevent glare on the screen through proper orientation. Document FR2829979 describes a configuration for a display element mounted movable relative to a vehicle's dashboard, located within the driver's field of vision. The display element is supported by a support rod, the base of which is mounted slidably in a generally horizontal guide rail integral with the dashboard. The support rod includes at least one link embedded between the display element and the base, with a first end of the link deflected toward the base and a second end deflected toward the display element. The at least one link includes respective first and second bearings, the axes of which are parallel to the axis of the guide rail to allow tilting of the display element and movement of the display element in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the guide rail.

[0004] This configuration indicates that the display element is mounted in a cantilevered state, and has the disadvantage of being sensitive to vibration and unstable when the user touches the touchscreen. These configurations also indicate that the screen is positioned relatively far from the user. The user must stare at the screen to read it properly, which is detrimental to vehicle driving and safety. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an ergonomic solution for securing the device in all situations.

[0006] Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a configuration suitable for maintaining a mobile multimedia device in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, the support being fixed to an arm extending from a conduit for guiding the steering column.

[0007] Preferably, the support member is fixed to the arm by a snap fastener.

[0008] Advantageously, the support includes a series of USB-type or other power supply sockets.

[0009] According to its features, the support includes a cavity formed from its own upper wall.

[0010] According to another advantageous feature, the cavity includes a transversely inclined front wall and a transversely inclined rear wall.

[0011] Advantageously, the cavity includes a channel passing through the front inclined wall in its bottom.

[0012] Preferably, the plates are assembled to be pivotable, such that when in the open position the plates adhere to the rear inclined wall of the cavity, and when in the closed position the plates close the cavity.

[0013] According to a variant, the cavity includes a channel passing through the front inclined wall in its bottom.

[0014] According to the second variation, the plate includes a forward-oriented extension in the form of a rectangular plate that is arranged to project radially.

[0015] According to another variation, the extension extends into a generally cylindrical bulge at its free end.

[0016] In addition, the present invention also aims to provide a vehicle including a support member configured according to the above features, the support member being fixed to an arm extending from a conduit for guiding the steering column. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings, which are given as illustrative examples:

[0018] - Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the configuration of the support members of the multimedia device according to the present invention;

[0019] - Figure 2 and Figure 3 These are, respectively, an enlarged view of the support member on which the multimedia device is supported according to the present invention and a cross-sectional view of the support member on which the multimedia device is supported.

[0020] - Figure 3 This is a view of the support member according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] - Figure 4It is a cross-sectional view of the support member on which the multimedia device is fixed by the clamping portion of the support element on the small wing of the support member. Detailed Implementation

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of the configuration of a support member 1 for a multimedia device according to the invention. The support member 1 is mounted on an arm 2 extending from a conduit 3 of a steering column 4 of the vehicle. The steering column 4 is actuated by a steering wheel 5, which is guided from outside the dashboard 6 to the vicinity of the steering wheel 5 by the conduit 3, the outer side of which may have a square, circular, or any other cross-section. The support member 1 has a substantially parallelepiped form and includes a series of USB-type or other type of sockets 8 on its front surface for connecting cables to recharge the batteries of the multimedia device and / or control buttons (e.g., control buttons for controlling the heating and ventilation system). The layout included in the upper wall 9 is for receiving a multimedia device (e.g., a smartphone). This layout is represented by a substantially rectangular cavity 10, which includes a plate 11 mounted rotatably and tilted rearward, and equipped with a rectangular extension 16. (The text continues with further details about the 10th anniversary of the invention.) Figure 2 and Figure 3 A more detailed description of support component 1 will be provided.

[0023] Figure 2 and Figure 3 These are, respectively, an enlarged view of the support member 1 on which a multimedia device (not shown) is held, and a cross-sectional view of the support member on which the multimedia device 15 is located, according to the present invention. More specifically, Figure 2 A support member 1 with a partial arm 2 is shown. The base 12 of a plate 11 fits against the inclined rear boundary 13 of a rectangular cavity 10. The plate 11 includes an extension 16 that projects radially onto the front surface of the plate. Figure 3As shown more specifically above, the rectangular extension 16 includes a raised portion 17 along its free end. It is understood that the back of the smartphone 15 rests on the extension 16, while the lower end stop of the smartphone 15 abuts against the slightly inclined front wall 18 of the cavity 10. Furthermore, a through-hole 19 is provided in the bottom wall 20 of the cavity 10 and is sized to allow the power cable 21 to pass through. Advantageously, the USB male connector 22 of the cable can connect to the USB female connector 23 on the front surface of the support 1, thereby significantly reducing the length of the power cable 21. When the smartphone 15 is not present, the plate 11 is hinged at its base by a pivot connector 24, and the plate can be folded along arrow 27 onto the upper wall of the support 1 to form a uniform surface providing good perceived quality. For this purpose, during the closure of the plate 11, the extension 16 freely engages in a channel 25 arranged for the cable 21 (which is configured to power the smartphone 15) to pass through. Usefully, the power supply cable 21 can be held in place by the snap fastener 26 installed on the front of the lower wall of the support member 1.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the support member 1, on which the multimedia device 15 is fixed by an alligator-mouth type clamping portion 31, independent of the support member 1. The support member 30 is fixed on one hand by a protrusion 17 at its free end to an extension 16 protruding from the plate 11, and on the other hand by a system 32 having claws (which move closer together under the action of elastic members) to the lateral edge of the smartphone 15. Thus, the smartphone 15 is integrally fixed to the support member 1, eliminating the risk of it accidentally falling off during vehicle operation.

Claims

1. A configuration for a support (1) suitable for maintaining a mobile multimedia device (15) in the passenger compartment of a vehicle, characterized in that, The support member (1) is fixed to the arm (2), which extends from the conduit (3) for guiding the steering column (4). The support member (1) includes a cavity (10) formed from its upper wall. The cavity (10) includes a transverse front inclined wall (18) and a transverse rear inclined wall (13). The cavity (10) includes a channel (19) passing through the vicinity of the front inclined wall (18) in its bottom. A plate (11) is assembled to be pivotable. When in the open position, the plate (11) is attached to the rear inclined wall (13) of the cavity (10). When in the closed position, the plate (11) closes the cavity (10).

2. The configuration of the support member (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support member (1) is fixed to the arm (2) by a snap fastener.

3. The configuration of the support member (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The support (1) includes a series of USB type or other power supply type sockets (8).

4. The configuration of the support member (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The plate (11) includes a rectangular plate-shaped extension (16) that is oriented forward and arranged to project radially.

5. The configuration of the support member (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The extension (16) extends into a basically cylindrical bulge (17) at its free end.

6. A vehicle comprising a support (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the support being fixed to an arm extending from a conduit (3) for guiding a steering column (4).

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