Beverage carrier with fabric compensating element

Abstract

The invention relates to a beverage holder (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a first receiving area (2) with a side wall (5) which extends from a first surface (3) designed as a resting surface to an open second surface (4) arranged higher up, and at least one elastic compensation element (7) for holding drinking containers (6) of different sizes, characterized in that the side wall (5) comprises at least one recess (8), wherein an elastic cover (10) passes through the recess (8) as a result of its bias, thereby forming the elastic compensation element (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a beverage holder for motor vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Beverage holders are used in motor vehicles to store drinking containers while traveling. The diameter of a beverage holder is based on the size of common drinking containers (such as bottles, jars, or glasses), but varies depending on the volume of the container. For secure holding of the container, beverage holders also incorporate mechanical or, less commonly, fabric compensating elements internally. The receiving area is typically cylindrical and configured as a single or double cup holder. The compensating element usually has many individual parts and requires extensive installation. The compensating element typically has point contact surfaces on the drinking container, resulting in uneven force distribution.

[0003] A cup holder for a motor vehicle with an elastic insert is known from DE 10 2017 221 806 A1.

[0004] EP 1 262 363 B1 describes a bracket for a beverage holder in a vehicle, used to hold drinking containers with different outer diameters. The compensating element comprises a textile material. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The problem addressed by this invention is to optimize beverage holders with fabric compensation elements.

[0006] According to the present invention, this problem is solved by a beverage holder according to the present invention.

[0007] A beverage holder for a motor vehicle includes a first receiving area having sidewalls extending from a first surface to a second surface. The first surface is configured as a resting area, and the second surface is arranged above and configured to be open. The beverage holder includes at least one resilient compensating element for holding drinking containers of different sizes. The sidewalls include at least one opening. A resilient cover passes through the opening due to its bias, thereby forming the resilient compensating element. The beverage holder is arranged in a vehicle, preferably in the center console or a door. The first receiving area is configured to receive drinking containers of different sizes and shapes. Holding other objects (e.g., mobile phones or glasses cases) is possible and is implied below without further mention. The drinking container is placed on the first surface via the open second surface in the first receiving area. An insert / pad may be arranged above the first surface to cover, for example, the fastening points below. The drinking container is preferably a bottle, can, or glass. Slippage of the drinking container during driving can be prevented, with the resilient compensating element clamped in place. Furthermore, the beverage holder can hold drinking containers with shapes other than a typical circular shape. The beverage holder includes at least one resilient compensating element that can adapt to a specific shape of the drinking container. The inner diameter of the resilient cover is smaller than the outer diameter of the first receiving area. Due to its elastic properties, it can be pulled onto the outer area of ​​the first receiving area. The resilient cover is preferably made of elastic plastic. Biasing of the resilient cover causes it to pass through the opening, thereby forming the resilient compensating element.

[0008] The connection between the elastic cover and the first receiving area is preferably formed at the first and second and / or third areas. This eliminates the need for extensive assembly of typical mechanical compensation elements and attachment of these elements to the first receiving area. The elastic cover has uniform component / component properties, thus eliminating the need for complex manufacturing methods that partially alter component properties during production.

[0009] According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the beverage holder may include at least three resilient compensating elements. The weight of the first receiving area can be further reduced by additional clearances. For round drinking containers, a uniform distribution of force on the contact surface can be ensured. The retaining force applied to the drinking container can be adjusted through the selection and design of materials. The user-visible outer surface of the resilient compensating elements is preferably designed to be easy to manage in terms of texture and color. For drinking containers with a diameter slightly smaller than the second diameter, disruptive noises such as clicking sounds are avoided due to the properties of the resilient covering.

[0010] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the beverage holder includes an elliptical recess. The recess is preferably configured such that its radial extension is greater than its axial extension. Due to the advantageous ratio of the recess width to its height, the compensating element can be arranged higher in the receiving area. This increases the radially abutting surface on the drinking container, and the contact point of the compensating element can be arranged higher in the receiving area, thereby ensuring secure retention.

[0011] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the beverage holder includes an integrally formed first receiving area. The integral configuration of the first receiving area eliminates potential connection points, and therefore also eliminates additional weight and potential weak points.

[0012] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first surface of the first receiving area of ​​the beverage holder has a circular, rectangular, or trapezoidal cross-section. The first surface of the first receiving area is decisive for the shape of the beverage holder. This can be designed according to the desired application. To accommodate a drinking container, the first surface can be configured to correspond to its base surface. In the case where the first receiving area is used to store a tablet computer or mobile phone, the first surface can be designed to have a rectangular cross-section.

[0013] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first receiving area and / or the resilient cover has a tapered / conical shape. Manufacturing specifications must be followed when selecting the manufacturing method. The first receiving area is preferably produced by injection molding. It can have a conical shape to facilitate better demolding of the first receiving area from the injection molding tool. To ensure uniform biasing of the resilient cover in a conical shape, the resilient cover should also have a taper.

[0014] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the first receiving area and the resilient cover have connectors formed by hot riveting / thermal welding and / or form-locking connections and / or cable ties in the first, second, and / or third areas. For securing the resilient cover, it is preferably secured in both sections, requiring at least one connector in the first area. In particular, the hot riveting connection design has the advantage of not requiring additional connecting elements, and this can be easily automated.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the elastic covering is formed of a textile fabric. The textile fabric can be formed from different materials and produced by various methods, making the properties of the elastic covering easily adjustable. Unlike elastic plastics, textile fabrics have more appealing tactile and mechanical properties. Textile fabrics are easy to join, so that the elastic covering can be produced in a simple manner. Joining is preferably achieved by sewing. Preferably, the textile fabric is configured such that elongation in the radial direction is substantially possible.

[0016] Furthermore, a method for assembling a resilient cover for a beverage holder is claimed. According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the resilient cover is pulled onto a tube of variable diameter. In the next step, the resilient cover is secured in a first region of a first receiving area. Then, the resilient cover is peeled off the tube and pressed / pushed into an opening in the resilient cover. Finally, the resilient cover is secured in a second and / or third region of the first receiving area.

[0017] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the beverage holder can also be configured to accommodate multiple drinking containers. The beverage holders can be arranged independently of each other, or designed as a double beverage holder configured in an open figure-eight shape in a top plan view. A recess (Absenkung) can be arranged between the two beverage holders. This recess allows for the accommodation of drinking containers with handles or grips, such as mugs. In the arrangement of additional connection points between the receiving area and the resilient cover (preferably in the area of ​​the recess), the resilient cover can also be integrally formed. Attached Figure Description

[0018] The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to several accompanying drawings. The drawings show: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the beverage tray according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Top view of the beverage tray. Figure 3 The beverage tray passes through Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the cutting plane AA depicted in the figure. Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A side view of a beverage holder containing a drinking container. Figure 5 The beverage tray passes through Figure 4 The cross-sectional view of the cutting plane BB depicted in the figure. Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the beverage tray. Figure 7 This is a perspective view of the beverage tray according to the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Figures 1 to 3A beverage holder (1) is shown having a first receiving area (2) for drinking containers (6), the beverage holder being configured to receive drinking containers (6) of various sizes and shapes. The first receiving area (2) is produced as a single piece by plastic injection molding and has a downwardly tapered shape. The first receiving area (2) is formed by sidewalls (5) extending from a first surface (3) to a second surface (4). In addition, the first receiving area (2) includes three elliptical openings (8). The openings (8) are defined by edge areas (9). The first receiving area (2) includes an elastic cover (10) on its outer side, the cover having a second inner diameter (30) smaller than the outer diameter (13) of the first receiving area (2). Due to its elastic properties, the elastic cover (10) can be pulled onto the outer area of ​​the first receiving area (2). The elastic cover (10) is formed of elastomeric plastic or textile fabric and is arranged on the outer side of the first receiving area (2). The elastic cover (10) is fixed to the first receiving area (2) using a first connector (19) in the first area (16) and a second connector (20) in the second area (17). Due to the bias of the elastic cover (10), it passes through the void (8). The elastic cover (10) turns at the edge area (9) of the void (8) and forms an elastic compensation element (7). The elastic compensation element (7) has the form of a cylindrical cutout. The drinking container (6) is placed on the first surface (3) in the first receiving area (2) via the open second surface (4).

[0020] In particular, Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A top view of the beverage holder (1). The first receiving area (2) has a first diameter (11) and a second diameter (12). The beverage holder can receive drinking containers (6) with a diameter smaller than the first diameter (11). Tilting of the drinking containers (6) can be avoided, wherein at the height (28) of the elastic compensating element (7), the diameter (29) of the drinking containers is located between the first diameter (11) and the second diameter (12).

[0021] Figure 3 The beverage tray (1) is shown. Figure 2 The cross-sectional view of the cutting plane AA depicted in the figure. The first surface (3) includes a fastening point (26) for attaching the beverage holder (1) to the center console of the vehicle. To cover the fastening point (26), an insert (23) is arranged above the first surface (3). An elastic cover (10) is connected to the first receiving area (2) via a first connector (19) in the first area (16), a second connector (20) in the second area (17), and a third connector (21) in the third area (18).

[0022] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1A side view of a beverage holder (1) in which a drinking container (6) is placed. The drinking container (6) is located on a first surface (3) and has a drinking container diameter (29) smaller than a first diameter (11) but larger than a second diameter (12). An elastic compensating element (7) conforms to the shape of the drinking container (6). The drinking container (6) is held firmly and there is a uniform force distribution in the area of ​​the adjacent / abutting surface (22). An elastic cover (10) is connected to a first receiving area (2) via a first connector (19) in a first area (16) and a second connector (20) in a second area (17). A recess (8) is radially oriented and has an elliptical shape. The recess has a recess width (14) greater than the recess height (15).

[0023] Figure 5 The beverage tray is shown through Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the cut plane BB. The elastic compensating element (7) is adjacent to the placed drinking container (6).

[0024] Figure 6 An exploded perspective view of a beverage holder (2) is shown. The beverage holder includes a receiving area (2), an elastic cover (10), an insert (23), and connectors (19, 20). The first receiving area (2) includes ribs (24) in a second area (17) for reinforcing the beverage holder (2). In the first surface (3), fastening points (26) are arranged in the form of through holes, which are covered by the insert (23). The side surface (5) has three openings (8). These openings are defined by an edge area (9). The edge area (9) is rounded so that the elastic cover (10) is not damaged.

[0025] Figure 7 A perspective view of a beverage holder (1) according to a second embodiment is shown. The beverage holder (1) is configured as a double beverage holder in the form of a reclining number 8. In addition to a first receiving area (2), the double beverage holder also includes a second receiving area (25). The two receiving areas (2, 25) are connected to each other and have a recess (27) in the middle.

[0026] List of reference numerals

Claims

1. A beverage holder (1) for a motor vehicle, the beverage holder comprising a first receiving area (2) having a sidewall (5) extending from a first surface (3) designed as a resting surface to an open second surface (4) arranged above, characterized in that, The sidewall (5) includes at least one opening (8), and the beverage holder includes an elastic cover (10) that is pulled to the outside of the first receiving area (2) and passes through the opening (8) due to its bias, thereby forming at least one elastic compensation element (7) for holding drinking containers (6) of different sizes. The elastic cover (10) is fixed to the first receiving area (2) by means of a first connector (19) in the first area (16) and a second connector (20) in the second area (17), wherein the first connector (19) is arranged below the second surface (4) and above the opening (8), while the second connector (20) is arranged below the opening (8).

2. The beverage holder (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The empty space (8) is configured as an ellipse.

3. The beverage holder (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first receiving area (2) is formed integrally.

4. The beverage holder (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first surface (3) of the first receiving area (2) has a circular, square or trapezoidal cross-section.

5. The beverage holder (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first receiving area (2) and / or the elastic cover (10) have a tapered shape.

6. The beverage holder (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first receiving area (2) and the connectors (18, 19, 20) of the elastic cover (10) are formed by thermal riveting and / or shaped locking.

7. The beverage holder (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that, The connectors (18, 19, 20) are configured in the first region (16), the second region (17), and / or the third region (18).

8. The beverage holder (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The elastic covering (10) is formed of textile fabric.

9. A method for assembling an elastic cover (10) for a beverage holder (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the steps of: - Pull the elastic cover (10) onto the tube of variable diameter, - Secure the elastic cover (10) in the first region (16) of the first receiving region (2), - Peel the elastic cover (10) off the tube and press the elastic cover (10) into the void (8). - Secure the elastic cover (10) in the second region (17) and / or the third region (18) of the first receiving region (2).

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