Holding device for accommodating containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a holding device for accommodating a container (50) in a vehicle interior (9), with an upper frame element (12) which, in a use position (2), surrounds an upper region (76) of the accommodated container (50), and with a lower holder (18) which, in the use position (2), supports a lower region (59) of the accommodated container (50), wherein at least one opening region (24) is formed between the frame element (12) and the holder (18), which faces the vehicle interior (9). In order to provide a holding device which appears to be structurally simple and weight-saving, which always ensures reliable insertion or removal of the container into the holding device in the case of a robust construction, it is provided that at least one guide device (28) extends rigidly between the frame element (12) and the holder (18) in the opening region (24), at least in the use position (2).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a holding device for accommodating a container in the interior space of a vehicle, having a frame member located at the upper part in the use position that surrounds the upper region of the container being accommodated, and having a bracket located at the lower part in the use position that supports the lower region of the container being accommodated, wherein at least one opening region is formed between the frame member and the bracket, facing the interior space of the vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] To improve the comfort of the driver and / or occupants, especially in the front seats and / or rear seats of a motor vehicle, and to keep desired or needed items readily accessible while the vehicle is in motion or stationary, retaining devices, also known as "cup holders," are used, particularly for beverage containers. The concept of "container" in this invention should be understood broadly and specifically includes cups, cans, and especially larger liquid containers, but also includes other outer shells, containers, or packaging for various objects.

[0003] According to DE 10 2007 057 547 A1, a holding device for a beverage container is disclosed, which, in its use position, extends downward through a bracket toward the bottom of the vehicle and rests on a surface disposed within the vehicle's interior space. If the device is not needed, it can be folded and flipped into a resting position.

[0004] DE 10 2009 017 296 A1 relates to a beverage container having a surrounding, enclosed, cylindrical, cup-shaped receiving unit for containing the beverage container. Holding or clamping protrusions (also referred to as "flip-doors") are evenly distributed around the periphery of the receiving unit. The clamping protrusions may have at least one luminescent surface in the upper region of the beverage container for illumination.

[0005] US 2015 / 0138798 A1 discloses a cup holder for housing beverage containers in the interior space of a vehicle, comprising two hollow cylindrical receiving units, wherein a plurality of clamping protrusions or fingers are symmetrically arranged at the inner periphery of the receiving units, thereby applying a radial clamping force to the inserted container. The bottom area and / or the fingers are constructed to be light-guiding and illuminated by a light source arranged in the bottom area.

[0006] Associated with shell-shaped beverage cup holders used in automobile seats to protect against damage from accidental foot loads, a type of retaining device of the type mentioned at the beginning is known from CN 104553926 B. CN 104553926 B describes a retaining device for accommodating one beverage container, or in another design, two beverage containers, within the interior space of a vehicle. The retaining device can be swung from its use position to a resting position (non-use position) and can be swung back. The retaining device includes an upper, spectacle-shaped frame member having one upper retaining area, and in another design having two upper retaining areas. The retaining area (correspondingly) surrounds the upper area of ​​the accommodated container, which, in the use position, is further supported by a bracket in the lower area of ​​the retaining device. A through-type free area or opening area facing the vehicle interior space is provided between the upper frame member and the lower bracket, or between these brackets. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to design a holding device of the type mentioned at the beginning in such a way that reliable insertion or removal of the container into the holding device is always ensured.

[0008] This objective is achieved according to the invention using a holding device for housing a container in the interior space of a vehicle.

[0009] Therefore, in the type of retaining device mentioned at the beginning, at least one guiding device is configured to rigidly extend between the frame member and the bracket in the opening area, at least in the use position.

[0010] This provides a holding device in a particularly easy manner, which, because it does not function solidly or in a blocky manner in the free area or open area on the outer periphery or outside, but is delicate and light (so-called "semi-open cup holder"), thus ensuring reliable insertion, introduction or removal of the container even for inexperienced or distracted users in the position of use.

[0011] Here, the guiding device, constructed as a rigid guide or guide(s), functions multifunctionally not only as an insertion and removal aid but also as a defined support for the container. Tilting or falling of the container beyond the angle permitted by the guiding device is reliably prevented. This minimizes the danger of the container's contents accidentally and uncontrollably leaking out, thereby damaging or even endangering the vehicle's interior or occupants.

[0012] An important aspect of functionality in the use position is that the guiding device causes rigid guidance between the frame and the support, particularly inelastic yielding and not swingable or elastically spring-back (except for a certain degree of material elasticity) in the use position. In the non-use position, the guiding device can be held in its fixed relative position with respect to the frame and the support. However, it can also be flipped open or swung into the non-use position during transitions (e.g., during the swinging movement of the entire holding device) to the non-use position.

[0013] The holding device may have only one receiving area for the container, but may also have multiple (preferably two) receiving areas for the respective multiple containers.

[0014] Another preferred embodiment of the invention is derived from the remaining features mentioned in the following description and shown in the figures, wherein each feature can, in principle, be implemented independently of each other and in any combination.

[0015] An advantageous improvement of the present invention, considering the rigid and always secure positioning of the guiding device relative to the frame and / or support, is that the frame has a recess facing the support, into which the end region of the guiding device is placed or inserted. This makes the invention particularly easy and cost-effective to implement in terms of manufacturing technology.

[0016] For the secure holding of an end region of the container holding and guiding device, which is not only for the stability of the container's position but also for acoustic optimization (avoiding rattling), it is preferable to have an inwardly pointing (i.e. towards the container housing) rubber element arranged at least partially in the region of the guiding device at the frame member.

[0017] Rubber components are preferably made of EPDM rubber. EPDM rubber stands for ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber, which defines a group of synthetic rubbers. The polymerization of propylene, ethylene, and diene produces so-called ternary polymers. EPDM is particularly stable relative to sunlight and weather effects.

[0018] The guiding device can preferably be designed as a single piece or an integral unit. Particularly preferred is that it is constructed as a U-shaped bow, along which the container slides with its bottom or outer periphery during insertion or removal movements. The connecting area of ​​the U-shaped legs (U-shaped bottom) preferably forms the end area of ​​the guiding device, which is inserted into or inserted into the frame member.

[0019] According to another preferred design of the retaining device according to the invention, the guiding device is constructed as a rigid slide rail or a rigid guide tab.

[0020] In another multifunctional design of the guiding device, a particularly preferred improvement according to the invention is configured such that the guiding device forms a support for a clamping force, with at least one clamping protrusion applying the clamping force radially from the outside onto the outer peripheral region of the contained container. Unlike the prior art shown previously, the guiding device here is configured as a support for the clamping force applied by the clamping protrusion that preferably operates continuously during the insertion or removal process, such that the force acting is approximately in a horizontal plane and thus reacts to the tilt.

[0021] According to a preferred further improvement of the invention, a plurality of clamping protrusions are provided, which act radially from the outside onto the outer peripheral region of the contained container, and the guiding device forms a support for the combined clamping force. Particularly preferably, the clamping protrusions are arranged symmetrically such that their clamping force produces a combined reaction force approximately perpendicular to the guiding device.

[0022] For a particularly appealing visual experience and to further enhance comfort in the dark, the guiding device is preferably configured such that at least part of it is made of a light-guiding material into which light from a light source is coupled.

[0023] The guiding device may be at least partially composed of luminescent material, thereby enabling it to emit light actively and thus contributing to the aesthetic appearance of the device according to the invention, which maintains a particularly high quality while also being functional.

[0024] In terms of design and / or for the purpose of prominently displaying prompts, signs or markings, according to another advantageous design of the invention, the guiding device has a lettered and / or colored surface facing the vehicle interior space, which may be provided with a colored coating, prompts, markings and / or signs. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 A first design of the retaining device according to the invention is shown in perspective view.

[0027] Figure 2 Showing along Figure 1 Details in the section of line II-II,

[0028] Figure 3 The container is schematically shown in cross-section to the figure. Figure 1 The insertion process in the holding device.

[0029] Figure 4 The diagram schematically shows, in cross-section, the basis of the container being fully inserted. Figure 1 The holding device,

[0030] Figure 5 The view is shown from above, based on... Figure 4 state,

[0031] Figure 6 Other embodiments of the retaining device according to the invention are shown, and

[0032] Figure 7 Showing Figure 6 Details B. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Figure 1 A perspective view shows the view from the upper left toward the retaining device 1, which is in... Figure 1 The middle part is shown in its use position 2. About the rotation axis 3, which is only schematically shown, the retaining device can be swung from use position 2 in the direction of arrow P1 to a rest position (not shown in detail) as needed in a known manner. In use position 2 (in this embodiment 2), the receiving parts 5 and 6 ( Figure 3 For each container, such as a beverage cup or ashtray, it can be accessed from above. In position 2, the rear area 8 of the holding device is directed rearward toward the vehicle interior space 9 in direction P2, i.e., facing the occupants inside the vehicle.

[0034] A spectacle-shaped component 10 forms the upper frame 12 in the use position, at least partially surrounding the upper region or periphery 76 of the container into which it is placed. Figure 4 The retaining device includes a lower bottom 14 oriented generally horizontally in the use position 2, the periphery of which is at least partially surrounded by an upwardly widening edge 15, preferably tapered in design. The bottom 14 and / or edge 15 form a resting area 16 for the container to be placed, which is generally referred to below as a support 18. The container being held rests on or on the support 18 with its lower area. Figure 4 ).

[0035] Even when with Figure 1 The accompanying illustration shows that when the retaining device 1 is a special design with two or more receiving portions 5 and 6, the retaining device can obviously also have only one unique receiving portion or more than two receiving portions. Because the receiving portions 5 and 6 are designed to be substantially the same (if also radially symmetrical about the longitudinal plane), the functionally identical elements of the receiving portions 5 and 6 are given the same reference numerals in the drawings, and the following description is based on the design of the receiving portion 6 representing the implementation of the receiving portion 5.

[0036] Between the frame member 12 and the bracket 18, a material recess or opening 22, hereinafter also referred to as an opening area 24, is provided on the outer peripheral surface 20 or at least 180 degrees of the periphery of each receiving portion 5, 6. The opening areas 24 of the two receiving portions 5, 6 transition into each other and terminate at a tab 25 when viewed in the peripheral direction of the respective receiving portion, separating the receiving portions 5, 6. The opening areas 24 face the vehicle interior space 9.

[0037] Between the frame member 12 and the bracket 18, a guide device 28 extends correspondingly in each receiving portion. The guide device 28 is also described below representatively only with respect to the receiving portion 6. The guide device 28 itself is rigidly constructed and made of a robust solid material such as plastic or metal. One upper end 29 of the guide device 28 is firmly and rigidly connected to the frame member 12, while the other lower end 30 is firmly and rigidly connected to the bracket 18. In this embodiment, the guide device 28 is configured as a tab in the form of a slide rail 31, which preferably has a sliding coating on the inside of the receiving portion.

[0038] Figure 2 A perspective view shows a section in region II-II (along the vehicle's longitudinal axis), further illustrating the arrangement and housing of the guide device 28 (slide rail 31). The upper frame member 12 has a recess, at least in the region of the slide rail 31, in the form of a downwardly opening, surrounding groove 32 with a (conversely) V-shaped cross-section 34. End 29 of the slide rail 31 is pushed into or inserted into this groove 32, and the other end 30 is rigidly connected to the edge 15 of the hollow structure. The slide rail 31 is slightly angled or inclined because it forms an angle α of less than 90° with the horizontal line. The slide rail 31 thus forms a downward sliding path oriented or extending towards the center of the housing.

[0039] An illumination unit 42, shown schematically only, is arranged in the cavity 40 below it. The guide device 28 is at least partially constructed of a light-guiding and / or light-illuminating (luminescent) material 41, which may optionally be colored to impart a desired color to the emitted light. The end 30 of the guide device 28 enters the cavity 40 through an opening 44 and is thus positioned relative to the illumination unit 42. The guide device 28 has a surface 48 pointing towards the vehicle interior space, which is printed or can be printed with a colored coating, prompt, marking, and / or sign 49.

[0040] Figure 3 and Figure 4A slightly perspective cross-sectional view shows the insertion (in insertion direction P3) or removal (in removal direction P4) of the container 50 with the outer peripheral region 51 into the receiving portion 6. Two clamping protrusions 52, 53, symmetrically arranged in the longitudinal plane, extend into the receiving portion accordingly, and the clamping protrusions are respectively swung into the receiving portion 5 or 6 through openings 54, 55 (see...). Figure 5 ; Figure 3 and 4 Since the cross-sectional view only shows one clamping protrusion 52 or one opening 54, if the container 50 is inserted in the insertion direction P3, the lower region 59 of the container first comes into contact with the contact surface 60 of the clamping protrusion 52 and overcomes the spring force, causing the clamping protrusion to swing outward in the swing direction S1. Due to the spring force loading of the clamping protrusion 52, a force F is generated through the container 50 acting on the guide device 28 or its sliding coating 63. The guide device 28 thus acts as a (continuously functioning) support 69, at which the lower region 59 or the container edge 70 is definedly guided and slides down comfortably.

[0041] Figure 3 and Figure 4 A slightly perspective cross-sectional view shows the insertion (in insertion direction P3) or removal (in removal direction P4) of the container 50 with the outer peripheral region 51 into the receiving portion 6. Correspondingly, two clamping protrusions 52, 53, arranged symmetrically to the longitudinal plane, extend into the receiving portion, and the clamping protrusions are respectively swung into the receiving portion 5 or 6 through openings 54, 55 (see...). Figure 5 ; Figure 3 and 4 Since the cross-sectional diagram only shows one of the clamping protrusions 52 or one of the openings 54, if the container 50 is inserted in the insertion direction P3, the lower region 59 of the container first reaches the contact surface 60 of the clamping protrusion 52 and swings it outward in the swing direction S1 against the spring force. Due to the spring force loading of the clamping protrusion 52, a force F is generated through the container 50 acting on the guide device 28 or its sliding coating 63. The guide device 28 thus acts as a (continuously acting) support 69, where the lower region 59 or the edge 70 of the container is defined and smoothly slid down.

[0042] In the case of a guided movement without the guide device 28 or without the support 69, the container edge 70 or the container bottom 71 will, in the worst case, impact the edge or step 73 formed by the edge 15, which may cause the container to tip or tilt. This is because, without the guide device 28, the frame member 12 essentially acts as a support for the forces applied by the clamping protrusions 52, 53. However, this results in the clamping protrusions 52, 53 abutting against the container 50, and the contact between the container 50 and the frame member 12 not being in a (nearly) horizontal plane, potentially creating the previously described undesirable tilting position or tipping of the container 50.

[0043] Figure 4 The container 50 is shown inserted completely or until it forms a stop that makes contact between the bottom 71 of the container and the bottom 14 or the support 18. One can see the container 50 is oriented generally vertically, which is advantageously supported by the rubber element 75. Figure 2 Protected from unwanted vibrations or rattling, the rubber element abuts against the outer peripheral region 51 of the container 50 in its upper region 76. Simultaneously, a rubber element 75, also extending radially outward into the V-shaped cross-section 34 of the groove 32, serves for a securely defined fastening of the upper end 29 of the guide device 28. Figure 2 To remove container 50, grasp the upper region of container 50 and lift it upward in the direction of arrow P4 while releasing the spring-loaded protrusions 52, 53, wherein the bottom 71 or edge 70 of the container slides upward along the guide device 28.

[0044] Figure 5 A top view of a holding device 1 with an unoccupied receiving portion 5 and a container 50 housed within the receiving portion 6 is shown. The clamping protrusions 52 and 53 are visible, arranged accordingly in a mirror-symmetrical configuration relative to the longitudinal plane. The resultant force F exerted by the clamping protrusions 52 and 53 on the inserted container 50 is received by a guide device 28 acting as a support 69, as described.

[0045] Figure 6 An alternative design of the retaining device 1' according to the invention is shown, in which the previously described guide device, designed as a tab or slide rail, is replaced by a guide bow 90 with a generally U-shaped design.

[0046] Guide bow-shaped component 90 as in Figure 7 According to the data shown in the document Figure 6To illustrate in detail A, its free ends 91, 92 are inserted into the edge 15 of the support 18, and the connecting region 94 of the free ends 91, 92 is placed into the recess 95 of the frame member 12 in a similar manner to that previously described. Thus, the U-shaped bow member 90 fulfills the previously described function as a guide device 28' in a similar manner, particularly for the sliding guidance and orientation of the container to be inserted or removed.

[0047] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0048] 1,1' Holding device

[0049] 2. Location of Use

[0050] 3. Rotation axis

[0051] 5,6 Reception Section

[0052] 8 Rear Area

[0053] 9. Vehicle interior space

[0054] 10. Parts shaped like eyeglasses

[0055] 12 Frame Components

[0056] 14 Bottom

[0057] 15 Edge

[0058] 16 Storage Area

[0059] 18 brackets

[0060] 20 Outer Peripheral Surface

[0061] 22. Empty space

[0062] 24 Opening area

[0063] 25 stitched images

[0064] 28. Guiding equipment

[0065] 28' guiding equipment

[0066] 29 Upper end

[0067] 30 Lower end

[0068] 31 Slide rail

[0069] 32 slots

[0070] 34 V-shaped cross-section

[0071] 40 Cavity

[0072] 41 Materials

[0073] 42 lighting units

[0074] 44 Opening

[0075] 48 sides

[0076] 49 marks

[0077] 50 containers

[0078] 51 Peripheral area

[0079] 52. Pressing protrusion

[0080] 53. Pressing the protrusion

[0081] 54 Opening

[0082] 55 Opening

[0083] 59. Lower area of ​​the container

[0084] 60 pressing protrusion 55 contact surface

[0085] 63 Sliding Coating

[0086] 69 supports

[0087] 70. Lower edge of the container

[0088] 71 Bottom of the container

[0089] 73 Steps

[0090] 75 Rubber Components

[0091] 76 Upper Area

[0092] 90 Guide bow-shaped component

[0093] 91, 92 Free ends

[0094] 94 Connecting Area

[0095] 95 recess

[0096] A detail

[0097] F force

[0098] P1 Arrow direction

[0099] P2 direction

[0100] P3 Insertion Direction

[0101] P4 Removal Direction

[0102] S1 Swing direction

Claims

1. A holding device for accommodating a container (50) within a vehicle interior space (9); - It has a frame member (12) located at the upper part in the use position (2), which surrounds the upper area of ​​the container (50) being housed, and - Includes a support (18) located at the lower part in the use position (2), which supports the lower region (59) of the container (50) being contained. - in, At least one opening region (24) is formed between the frame member (12) and the bracket (18), facing the vehicle interior space (9), characterized in that, - At least one guide device (28) in the opening area (24) at least in the usage position (2) extends rigidly between the frame member (12) and the bracket (18). - The guiding device (28) forms a support (69) for the clamping force (F), and at least one clamping protrusion applies the clamping force from the outside to the outer peripheral area (51) of the contained container (50).

2. The holding device according to claim 1, characterized in that, - The frame member (12) has a groove (32) facing the bracket (18), and the end (29) of the guiding device (28) is placed or inserted into the groove.

3. The holding device according to claim 1, characterized in that... - An inwardly pointing rubber element (75) is arranged at least partially in the area of ​​the guide device (28) at the frame member (12).

4. The holding device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that - The guiding device (28) is configured as a U-shaped bow (90).

5. The holding device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that... - The guiding device (28) is configured as a slide rail (31).

6. The holding device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that... - A plurality of clamping protrusions (52, 53) are provided, which act from the outside on the outer peripheral area (51) of the contained container (50), and the guiding device (28) forms a support (69) for the clamping force (F) thus generated.

7. The holding device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that... - The guiding device (28) is at least partially composed of a light-guiding material (41) and the lighting unit (42) couples light into the material (41).

8. The holding device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that - The guiding device (28) is at least partially composed of luminescent material.

9. The holding device according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that... - The guiding device (28) has a surface (48) facing the interior space of the vehicle, which is provided with a colored coating, indication, marking and / or sign.

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