Motor vehicle having a mounting device for a tray

Abstract

A motor vehicle has a mounting device for a tray for use on a steering wheel or a steering wheel rim arranged in a tray support position, in which the tray has at least one guide element on a mounting side arranged opposite a tray surface, and wherein the mounting device has a mating guide element corresponding to the at least one guide element.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a motor vehicle having a mounting arrangement for a tray designed to be placed on a steering wheel or a steering wheel rim disposed in its use position. Background Art

[0002] As is known, the steering wheel rim or the entire steering wheel of a motor vehicle can be designed to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis to be tilted between an inclined steering position and a tray support position, which can be slightly inclined or horizontal. The inclination angle of the steering wheel rim in the tray support position is smaller than the inclination angle in the steering position. Arranging the steering wheel rim or the steering wheel in the tray support position allows the steering wheel rim or the steering wheel to hold the tray to form a surface for placing objects, for example, in order to provide a surface for placing food or a laptop, tablet computer, etc. when the vehicle is stopped and in park.

[0003] For example, the steering wheel rim can have an annular design or can also be designed with a shape that differs from a circular ring, i.e. can also have a different radius. For example, the steering wheel rim can have an approximately straight section on its underside, which section is arranged at the bottom or the lowest point when the steering wheel rim is in the straight-ahead position. The steering wheel rim can be arranged on a steering wheel hub of the steering wheel in a manner that is pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis. Alternatively, the entire steering wheel can be arranged in a correspondingly pivotable manner. In the steering position, the steering wheel rim is usually arranged in a steeper inclined manner, and the user can use the steering wheel rim to steer the vehicle. In the tray support position, the steering wheel rim is usually slightly inclined or horizontally oriented.

[0004] The tray may be stored, for example, in a mounting arrangement, such as in the glove box of a motor vehicle or its trunk, when the steering wheel is in its steering position. In some cases, the tray may move during acceleration and may contact a wall or even rattle when the vehicle passes over irregularities in the road. It is desirable to provide mounting and storage of the tray within the motor vehicle to avoid or reduce such movement. Summary of the invention

[0005] According to a first aspect of the disclosure, a motor vehicle has a mounting device for a tray for use on a steering wheel or a steering wheel rim arranged in a supporting position of the tray, wherein the tray has at least one guide element on a mounting side arranged opposite a surface of the tray, and wherein the mounting device has a mating guide element corresponding to the at least one guide element.

[0006] Embodiments of the first aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or combination of the following features: The tray is adapted to the design of the steering wheel or the steering wheel rim and has different radii and a lower section extending in a straight line, wherein at least one guide element is embodied as a guide section of an annular projection and wherein an indicator arrow is provided on the mounting side; The mating guide element has a guide channel, a channel section and a bottom section, the guide channel has a funnel-shaped opening, the channel section is connected to the funnel-shaped opening and extends obliquely, and the bottom section is connected to the channel section, extends vertically along a straight line and terminates at an inner end stop, wherein the guide channel is formed by inner guide walls, each inner guide wall has an oblique extension section and a vertical extension section respectively; The guide channel has a nose stop on one of the inner guide walls; The mating guide element has two outer guide walls, the outer guide walls having an inclined extension section and a vertical extension section; The mating guide element has an end contact surface having a curved profile; The mounting device has positioning guide elements, wherein each positioning guide element has a curved abutment web and a retaining web, the abutment web matching the outer curvature of the tray, the retaining web being oriented in the direction of the mating guide element and being arranged vertically on the abutment web; Each positioning guide element also has an insertion opening surrounded by a lateral guide edge, wherein the lateral guide edge widens the insertion opening in a conical manner; The mounting device has hold-down elements of flexible design, each of which has a spring tongue with a curved back, wherein the respective hold-down element is initially straight starting from the fastening end and then bends into a circular arc segment in the direction of the free end; and The mounting device has a wall element.

[0007] According to a second aspect of the disclosure, a vehicle accessory has a tray, which is designed to be used on a steering wheel or a steering wheel rim arranged in a supporting position of the tray on a motor vehicle. The tray has at least one guide element on a mounting side arranged opposite to the tray surface. When the tray is not used on the steering wheel or the steering wheel rim, a mounting device fixes the tray. The mounting device has a mating guide element corresponding to the at least one guide element.

[0008] Embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure may include any one or combination of the following features: The tray is adapted to the design of the steering wheel or the steering wheel rim and has different radii and a lower section extending in a straight line, wherein at least one guide element is embodied as a guide section of an annular projection and wherein an indicator arrow is provided on the mounting side; The mating guide element has a guide channel, a channel section and a bottom section, the guide channel has a funnel-shaped opening, the channel section is connected to the funnel-shaped opening and extends obliquely, and the bottom section is connected to the channel section, extends vertically along a straight line and terminates at an inner end stop, wherein the guide channel is formed by inner guide walls, each inner guide wall has an oblique extension section and a vertical extension section respectively; The guide channel has a nose stop on one of the inner guide walls; The mating guide element has two outer guide walls, the outer guide walls having an inclined extension section and a vertical extension section; The mating guide element has an end contact surface having a curved profile; The mounting device has positioning guide elements, wherein each positioning guide element has a curved abutment web and a retaining web, the abutment web matching the outer curvature of the tray, the retaining web being oriented in the direction of the mating guide element and being arranged vertically on the abutment web; Each positioning guide element also has an insertion opening surrounded by a lateral guide edge, wherein the lateral guide edge widens the insertion opening in a conical manner; The mounting device has flexible pressure elements, each of which has a spring tongue with a curved back, wherein the respective pressure element is initially straight starting from the fastening end and then bends into a circular arc segment in the direction of the free end; and The mounting device has a wall element.

[0009] These and other features, advantages and objects of the present disclosure will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by referring to the following description, claims and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] In the attached picture: Figure 1A is a schematic diagram of a surface of the pallet mounted in the mounting device looking toward the pallet; Figure 1B yes Figure 1A A perspective schematic diagram showing the tray mounted in the mounting device looking toward the surface of the tray; Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a pallet, where Figure 2 A is Figure 1A and 1B Detailed schematic diagram of the mounting side of the tray shown, Figure 2 B is shown Figure 2 A is an enlarged view of the cross section of the detail of the tray; Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the installation device in Figure 1; Figure 4 Figure 1 and Figure 3 A schematic perspective view of a mounting device in FIG. Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the mating guide element; Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of a clamping element; and Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary motor vehicle having a steering wheel and a mounting device for holding a tray. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present disclosure, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever feasible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. In the drawings, the depicted structural elements are not drawn to scale, and certain components are enlarged relative to other components for the purpose of emphasis and understanding.

[0012] As required, detailed embodiments of the present disclosure are disclosed herein; however, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the present disclosure that may be embodied in various alternative forms. These drawings are not necessarily detailed designs; some schematic diagrams may be exaggerated or reduced to show functional overviews. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to use the present disclosure in various ways.

[0013] For the description herein, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "rear", "front", "vertical", "horizontal" and their derivatives shall be used in conjunction with Figure 1A and Figure 7 The present invention is related to the concepts shown in the drawings. However, it should be understood that these concepts can take various alternative orientations unless expressly stated to the contrary. It should also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the drawings and described in the following description are merely exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Therefore, unless the claims expressly state otherwise, the specific dimensions and other physical characteristics related to the embodiments disclosed herein should not be considered as limiting.

[0014] The presently illustrated embodiments are primarily embodied in a combination of method steps and apparatus components associated with a motor vehicle having a mounting device for a tray that can be used for a steering wheel. Therefore, where appropriate, apparatus components and method steps are represented by conventional symbols in the drawings, and only those specific details relevant to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure are shown, so as to avoid obscuring the present disclosure by details that are readily understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein. In addition, the same reference numerals in the specification and drawings represent the same elements.

[0015] As used herein, the term "and / or" when used in a list of two or more items means that any one of the listed items can be used alone, or any combination of two or more of the listed items can be used. For example, if a composition is described as containing components A, B, and / or C, the composition can contain only A; only B; only C; a combination of A and B; a combination of A and C; a combination of B and C; or a combination of A, B, and C.

[0016] In this document, relational terms such as first and second, top and bottom, etc. are used only to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship or order between these entities or actions. The term "comprises" or any other variation thereof is intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements includes not only these elements, but may also include other elements that are not explicitly listed or inherent to the process, method, article, or apparatus. In the absence of more constraints, the element preceding "comprises..." does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes the element.

[0017] The present application mentions quantities and numbers. Unless otherwise expressly stated, such quantities and numbers should not be considered as limitations, but rather as examples of possible quantities or numbers in the context of the present application. In this case, the present application may also use the phrase "plurality" to refer to quantities or numbers. In this case, the phrase "plurality" should be any number greater than one, such as two, three, four, five, etc. The terms "approximately," "approximately," "close to," etc. refer to plus or minus 5% of a specified value.

[0018] As used herein, the terms "substantially," "substantially," and variations thereof are intended to indicate that the feature being described is equal to or approximately equal to a value or description. For example, a "substantially planar" surface is intended to mean a planar or approximately planar surface. Additionally, "substantially" is intended to mean that two values ​​are equal or approximately equal. In some embodiments, "substantially" can mean values ​​that are within about 10% of each other, such as values ​​that are within about 5% of each other, or values ​​that are within about 2% of each other.

[0019] As used herein, the terms "the," "a," or "an" mean "at least one" and should not be limited to "only one" unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a component" includes embodiments having two or more such components unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0020] Reference Figure 7, generally showing a motor vehicle 100 having a vehicle accessory according to one example. The motor vehicle 100 is shown as a wheeled motor vehicle having a steering wheel 102, the steering wheel 102 having a steering wheel rim 104 and a steering wheel column 106. The steering wheel 102 can be configured in a tilted use position to allow a driver of the motor vehicle 100 to steer the motor vehicle 100 during a driving operation. When the vehicle is stopped and in a parking state, the steering wheel 102 can be moved to a tray support position. According to some examples, in the tray support position, the steering wheel 102 can be configured to receive a tray 2, the tray 2 being used to hold one or more items (such as food and beverages for eating and drinking) or work objects (such as computers, laptops, and writing tools). For example, the tray 2 can be substantially planar, can have a contoured shape, and can have side walls. When the tray 2 is not in use on the steering wheel 102, the tray 2 can be stored in the mounting device 1. The mounting device 1 may be located in any of a number of locations in the motor vehicle 100, such as in the footwell of the front passenger seat, in the trunk or rear storage area of ​​the vehicle, in the center console or in the glove box. The tray 2 and mounting device 1 are provided as vehicle accessories for the motor vehicle 100.

[0021] Figure 1A and 1B A mounting device 1 for a tray 2 is shown, the tray 2 being intended to be placed on and used on a steering wheel or a steering wheel rim of a motor vehicle 100 arranged in a tray supporting position. On a mounting side 4 arranged opposite a tray surface 3, the tray 2 has at least one guide element, wherein the mounting device 1 has a mating guide element corresponding to the guide element. Due to the interaction between the guide element and the mating guide element, the tray 2 is mounted in a stable position and aligned in the mounting device 1. Figure 1A The view in shows a view of the tray surface 3 of the tray 2 . Figure 1B A perspective view of the tray surface 3 is also shown.

[0022] In an ideal configuration, the tray 2 matches the design of the steering wheel or steering wheel rim. In particular, the tray 2 has different radii and also has a lower section 6 extending in a straight line. Furthermore, the tray 2 has a tray surface 3 which faces the driver when the tray 2 is located on the steering wheel or steering wheel rim in the tray support position. The tray 2 rests on the steering wheel or steering wheel rim with a mounting side 4 opposite the tray surface 3, wherein an edge protection rubber 7 can be provided to protect the steering wheel or steering wheel rim. At least one guide element is provided on the mounting side 4.

[0023] like Figure 2A and 2B, the guide element is provided as a raised guide portion 8 in the region of the rectilinear lower section 6 of the tray 2, in particular, as an annular rib-shaped raised portion, which Figure 2 B is the easiest to determine. Figure 2 In the drawing plane of FIG. A, an indicator arrow 9 is arranged above the raised guide portion 8. In particular, the indicator arrow 9 can specify the movement direction, in particular the insertion direction of the tray 2 into the mounting device 1, for which the indicator arrow 9 is arranged above the raised guide portion 8 on the mounting side 4 near the center of the raised guide portion 8 and is arranged to be consistent with the center line X of the tray 2.

[0024] like Figure 2 As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , the tray 2 has a flat edge portion 11 ( Figure 2 B), the flat part has thickened edge portions 12 on both sides ( Figure 2 B), and adjoining the thickened edge portion 12 is an end piece having a thickened edge portion 13 ( Figure 2 A), and adjacent to the thickened edge portion 13 is a mating surface 14 of the thickened edge portion ( Figure 2 A). The respective end piece with the thickened edge section 13 can be regarded as an additional guide element.

[0025] Figure 3-5 Each of the embodiments shows in detail the mounting device 1. Figure 3-5 As shown, the mating guide element has a guide channel 16, a channel section 18 and a bottom section 19, the guide channel 16 has a funnel-shaped opening 17, the channel section 18 is connected to the opening and extends obliquely, the bottom section 19 is connected to the channel section, extends along a straight line, in particular extends vertically, and ends at an inner end stop 21, wherein the guide channel 16 is formed by inner guide walls 22, 23, each inner guide wall having an oblique extension section and a vertical extension section 24, 26 to 29 and 31 respectively.

[0026] Figure 5 An enlarged view of the mating guide element is shown, and Figure 4 Its rib-type construction is most clearly shown. In particular, the guide channel 16 has two inner guide walls 22, 23, which are arranged opposite each other and terminate in an inner end stop 21. When the mounting device 2 is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle 100, the inner guide walls 22, 23 can be referred to as a first front inner guide wall 22 and a second rear inner guide wall 23. In particular, the front inner guide wall 22 has three sections 24, 26, 27. In this arrangement, the first section 24 of the front inner guide wall 22 is arranged from the insertion opening 32 of the mounting device 1 along the center line X1 ( Figure 5) and the bottom 33 of the mounting device 1, and merges into a connected second section 26, which merges into a third section 27 of an arched structure while extending vertically, wherein the arched shape is arched outwardly relative to the centerline X1 of the mounting device 1. The rear inner guide wall 23 also has three sections 28, 29 and 31. The first section 28 of the rear inner guide wall 23 extends obliquely from the insertion opening 32 in the direction of the centerline X1 and the bottom 33 of the mounting device 1, and merges into a second section 29, which has a curvature oriented away from the centerline X1. As shown in the figure, the mating guide element (i.e., the guide channel 16) has a nose-shaped stop 34, wherein, in particular, the transition from the first section 28 to the second section 29 of the rear inner guide wall 23 extends beyond the centerline X1 of the mounting device 1, thereby forming a nose-shaped stop 34, which can prevent the tray 2 from accidentally moving out of the mounting device 1. The second section 29 merges into a connected third section 31 which is designed to extend vertically and terminate at the inner end stop 21. The first section 24 of the front inner guide wall 22 is longer than the first section 28 of the rear inner guide wall 23. The first part of the first section 24 of the front inner guide wall 22 forms together with the first section 28 of the rear inner guide wall 23 the funnel-shaped opening 17 of the guide channel 16. The second part of the first section 24 of the front inner guide wall 22 forms together with the second section 29 of the rear inner guide wall 23 the obliquely extending channel section 18 of the guide channel 16. The second section 26 and the third section 27 of the front inner guide wall 22 form together with the third section 31 of the rear inner guide wall 23 the bottom section 19 of the guide channel 16.

[0027] Also like Figure 3-5As shown, the mating guide element has two outer guide walls 36, 37, which have oblique extension sections and vertical extension sections 38, 39, 41 to 44, 46 and 47. When the mounting device 1 is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle 100, the outer guide walls 36, 37 can be referred to as a first front outer guide wall 36 and a second rear outer guide wall 37. In particular, the first front outer guide wall 36 can have four sections 38, 39, 41 and 42. In particular, the first section 38 of the first front outer guide wall 36 starts from the first section 24 of the first front guide wall 22 and extends obliquely in the direction of the bottom 33 of the mounting device 1 in a manner away from the insertion opening 32 of the mounting device 1 and its center line X1. The first section 38 merges into a connected second section 39, which extends vertically parallel to the center line X1 in the direction of the bottom 33 of the mounting device 1. The second section 39 merges into a connected third section 41, which has an arched shape in the direction of the center line X1 and merges into a fourth section 42, which has a vertical profile like the second section 39 of the first front outer guide wall 36. In particular, the second rear outer guide wall 77 can also have four sections 43, 44, 46, 47. In particular, the first section 43 of the rear outer guide wall 37 starts from the first section 28 of the rear front guide wall 23 and extends obliquely from the insertion opening 32 in the direction of the bottom 33 of the mounting device 1 in a manner away from the center line X1 of the mounting device 1. The first section 43 merges into an s-shaped second section 44, which is connected to a third section 46, which, like the first section 43, extends obliquely from the insertion opening 32 in the direction of the bottom 33 in a manner away from the center line X1 of the mounting device. The third section 46 is longer than the first section 43, but both have the same orientation. The third section 46 is connected to a fourth section 47, which is vertically oriented parallel to the center line X1.

[0028] The outer guide walls 36 , 37 of the cooperating guide elements interact with the associated end pieces of the tray 2 , which have thickened edge portions 13 , to ensure that the tray 2 remains oriented centrally when it is inserted into the mounting device 1 .

[0029] Also like Figure 3-5As shown, the mating guide element has end contact surfaces 48, 49, which have a curved profile. When the mounting device 1 is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle 100, the end contact surfaces 48, 49 can be referred to as a first front end contact surface 48 and a second rear end contact surface 49. In particular, the end contact surfaces 48, 49 form a transition between the respective outer guide walls 36, 37 and the bottom element 51 of the mating guide element. As shown, the end contact surfaces 48, 49 are in particular of a curved design. The bottom element 51 in particular has a bottom web 52, which extends horizontally between the two end contact surfaces 48, 49 relative to the bottom 33 of the mounting device 1. A thickened bottom 53 is in particular arranged in the center of the bottom web 51, the thickened portion forming the inner end stop 21, to which the front inner guide wall 22 and the rear inner guide wall 23 are connected in particular via their respective third sections 27, 31.

[0030] Also like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the mounting device 1 has positioning guide elements 54, 56. Part of the circumference of the tray 2 can be accommodated in the positioning guide elements 54, 56. Figure 1A . When the mounting device 1 is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle 100, the positioning guide elements 54, 56 can be referred to as the first front positioning guide element 54 and the second rear positioning guide element 56. Both have in particular the same design and are mirror-set relative to the center line X1. However, this does not mean that there is a restrictive effect, and the individual configuration of the two positioning guide elements 54, 56 ideally depends on the profile of the steering wheel rim. In particular, each positioning guide element 54, 56 has a curved abutment web 57 and a retaining web 58, the abutment web 57 matches the outer curvature of the tray 2, and the retaining web 58 is oriented in the direction of the mating guide element and is vertically arranged on the abutment web 57. The abutment web 57 is also provided with reinforcing ribs. In particular, each of the positioning guide elements 54, 56 opens in the direction of the mating guide element, in particular in the direction of the corresponding outer guide walls 36, 37, thereby forming an open receiving channel. In particular, each positioning guide element 54, 56 also has an insertion opening 59, which is surrounded by a transverse guide edge 61, 62, respectively. When the mounting device 1 is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle 100, the transverse guide edges 61, 62 can be referred to as a first front transverse guide edge 61 and a second rear transverse guide edge 62. In particular, the transverse guide edges 61, 62 are respectively realized in such a way that the insertion opening 59 widens in a conical manner, making it easier to push in or insert the tray 2.

[0031] Also like Figure 3-5As shown, the mounting device 1 has a flexible designed clamping element 63, 64. When the mounting device 1 is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, the clamping elements 63, 64 can be referred to as a first front clamping element 63 and a second rear clamping element 64. In particular, the clamping elements 63, 64 are arranged adjacent to the respective outer guide wall 36, 37 of the mating guide element at the height of the respective fourth section 42, 47 of the guide wall. In particular, the front clamping element 63 is arranged higher than the rear clamping element 64 relative to the bottom 33 of the mounting device 1. The respective clamping elements 63, 64 can also be referred to as spring elements, and in ... Figure 6 64 for interaction with the tray 2. In particular, the respective pressing element 63, 64 has a spring tongue 66 with a curved back. The pressing element 63, 64 initially extends in a straight line from its fastening end 67 and then bends in the manner of a circle segment in the direction of its free end 68. In this case, when the tray 2 is mounted in the mounting device 1, due to the spring force, the free end 68 of the respective pressing element 63, 64 rests on the matching surface 14 of the thickened edge portion. Figure 6 The curved arrow 71 in FIG. 7 shows the possibility of the spring tongue 66 moving. The insertion force of the tray 2 is Figure 6 An arrow 72 pointing downwards in the plane of the drawing is shown.

[0032] Also like Figure 3-5 As shown, the mounting device 1 has a wall element 69 on which a mating guide element as a rib-type raised portion, a positioning guide element 54, 56 with its lateral guide edges 61, 62 and a pressing element 63, 64 are provided. In particular, this allows the wall element 69 to be fixed in a suitable position inside the motor vehicle 100. In particular, the elements of the mounting device 1 are implemented to match each other and to match the elements of the tray 2, so that the tray 2 can be stored in a stable position in the mounting device 1, even in the event of unexpected acceleration, without rattling, but can be easily removed. Overall, the mating guide element is implemented as a rib-type raised portion, which means that the gap between the outer guide wall 22, 36 and the inner guide wall 23, 37 remains free of material, which has the effect of reducing weight. Overall, the mounting device 1 can be made of a suitable material, such as plastic. In an ideal configuration, the mounting device 1 is manufactured in one piece, that is, in a single process, for example by injection molding or by additive manufacturing. The mounting device 1 also has a laterally protruding flange 73 on the upper side, which is bent into a hook shape and can be used for fastening.

[0033] The tray 2 can be inserted or plugged into the mounting device 1 as follows. First, the tray 2 is oriented vertically. In this process, the indicator arrow 9 is helpful, which defines the lower side of the tray 2 and is intended to point downwards in the plane of the drawing sheet. Therefore, the straight section 6 of the tray 2 is oriented parallel to the bottom 33 of the mounting device 1. Any other orientation will not match, because the thickened edge portion 12 will always collide with the mating guide element. Only the flat edge portion 11 can pass over the mating guide element. The lateral guide edges 61, 62 on the positioning guide elements 54, 56 prevent the tray 2 from being installed in an incorrect lateral position due to the forced contact of the raised guide portion 8 (i.e. the rib-type circular raised guide portion) with the mating guide element.

[0034] Only when the raised guide portion 8 is located above the funnel-shaped opening 17 of the guide channel 16 and the flat edge portion 11 is aligned with the mating guide element, the tray 2 can be moved downwards, i.e. in the direction of the bottom 33 of the mounting device 1, while the rib-shaped raised guide portion 8 slides along the inner guide walls 22, 23. Starting from this position, therefore, the rib-shaped raised guide portion 8 of the tray 2 can be moved downwards along the guide channel 16 of the mating guide element, while the two outer guide walls 36, 37 hold the tray 2 in a defined orientation by forming a boundary for the two end pieces with the thickened edge portion 13. In particular, the outer guide walls 36, 37 with the segments 38, 39, 41, 42, 43, 44, 46, 47 of different and mutually matching design are ideally suited to the functions of alignment and guidance. Furthermore, it can be seen from the figure that by using corresponding mutually adjacent first sections 24, 38 and 28, 43 at the corresponding inner guide walls 22, 36 and outer guide walls 23, 37, the mating guide element is closed in the direction of the insertion opening 32, which can be regarded as another measure to avoid incorrect insertion.

[0035] When the rib-shaped raised guide portion 8 stops moving downward by contacting the inner end stop 21, the tray 2 is in the final position. At the same time, the two end pieces with thickened edge portions 13 are guided to the end contact surfaces 48, 49 by the outer guide walls 36, 37 to achieve the final orientation. Figure 1B As can be seen in the figure, the rib-shaped raised guide portion 8 is held in the center of the bottom section 19 with a certain clearance relative to the corresponding inner guide walls 22, 23, without being clamped there. This configuration makes manual disassembly easier.

[0036] During the downward movement, the corresponding thickened edge portion 12 must overcome the spring force of the two pressing elements 63, 64. As described above, the two pressing elements 63, 64 are flexibly fixed to the mounting device 1, so that when the thickened edge portion 12 of the tray 2 moves through (i.e., is inserted or pressed into) the gap between the pressing elements 63, 64 and the inner side of the external positioning guide elements 54, 56, they are allowed to move during the insertion movement ( Figure 6 The free ends 68 of the pressing elements 54, 56 generate a downward force (arrow 71 in FIG. 1 ) on the mating surface 14 of the thickened edge portion 12. Figure 6 ). This prevents vertical movements and improves the squeak and rattle behavior of the tray 2 mounted in the mounting device 1 .

[0037] In this way, the tray 2 is mounted in a stable position in the motor vehicle 100 and without troublesome rattling noises, wherein the tray 2 is clamped in the mounting device 1 .

[0038] In the case of acceleration, despite the arched bottom section 19, the rib-shaped raised guide section 8 of the tray 2 cannot move forwards or backwards in its final position and the tray 2 is held in the inserted position. Of course, if there is an unexpectedly high acceleration, the tray 2 can be released from the hold-down elements 63, 64. However, in this case, the only possible path for the tray 2 is vertically upwards through the guide channel 16. In the process, a large part of the kinetic energy is lost, for example due to the alternating impact on the inner guide walls 22, 23, but it remains in the mounting device 1. When the rib-shaped raised guide section 8 hits the nose stop 34 of the guide channel 16, the kinetic energy is significantly reduced and the upward movement stops. This is designed so that the tray 2 moves in the opposite direction while the tray 2 remains in the mounting device 1. After the unexpectedly high acceleration has ended, the tray can simply be moved back backwards again (i.e. pushed back or inserted back) to the final position.

[0039] The present disclosure provides a motor vehicle in which a tray can be positioned in a stable position in a simple manner. Thus, rattling or sliding forward and backward in the motor vehicle is avoided. In addition, the tray has a fixed and unchanging position in the motor vehicle, which makes it particularly simple to find it and grab it, because the designated storage location can be provided in a favorable position for the driver of the motor vehicle. In particular, the mounting device can be positioned in the motor vehicle so that the tray is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. This saves space in particular. For example, the mounting device can be arranged in the footwell of the vehicle, in particular in the footwell of the front passenger near the center console or adjacent to the center console. In this case, at least one guide element of the tray interacts with a matching guide element of the mounting device so that a positioning with the same orientation is always obtained, and in addition, a stable positioning can be maintained even in the event of unexpected accelerations involving high forces. Ribs, grooves, thickness variations, spring irregularities, guide surfaces and matching surfaces can be combined to form a system that solves the problem.

[0040] In an ideal configuration, the tray can be matched to the design of the steering wheel or the steering wheel rim. The tray preferably has different radii and also has a lower section extending in a straight line. Furthermore, the tray has a tray surface which faces the driver when the tray is located on the steering wheel or the steering wheel rim in the tray supporting position. The tray rests on the steering wheel or the steering wheel rim with a mounting side opposite the tray surface, wherein edge protection rubber can be provided to protect the steering wheel or the steering wheel rim. At least one guide element is arranged on the mounting side.

[0041] In particular, at least one guide element is embodied as an annular raised guide portion and is arranged in the region of the lower section of the tray extending in a straight line. Of course, the raised guide portion can have any other suitable configuration that allows guidance on a mating surface. The raised guide portion can be embodied as a rib-type raised portion, in particular an annular raised portion, thereby saving material and weight. An indicator arrow can be arranged above the relevant raised guide portion. In particular, the indicator arrow can specify the movement direction, in particular the insertion direction of the tray into the mounting device, for which the indicator arrow is arranged centrally above the raised guide portion on the mounting side, close to the raised guide portion.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the pallet has a flat edge portion in the section of the rectilinear design portion, the flat portion having a thickened edge portion on both sides, an end piece having a thickened edge portion adjacent to the thickened edge portion, and a matching surface of the thickened edge portion opposite the thickened edge portion. At least the end piece having the thickened edge portion can also interact as a guide element with a mating guide element, thereby improving the centering and additional positional stability of the pallet when the pallet is mounted on the mounting device. In contrast, the thickened edge portion and the matching surface of the thickened edge portion each interact with a different element of the mounting device, further details of which will be given below.

[0043] In one embodiment, the mating guide element has a guide channel, a channel section and a bottom section, the guide channel has a funnel-shaped opening, the channel section is connected to the opening and extends obliquely, the bottom section is connected to the channel section, extends along a straight line, in particular extends vertically, and terminates at an inner end stop, wherein the guide channel is formed by inner guide walls, each of which has an inclined extension section and a vertical extension section.

[0044] In particular, the guide channel has two inner guide walls, which are arranged opposite to each other and terminate at an inner end stop. When the mounting device is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, the two inner guide walls can be referred to as a first front inner guide wall and a second rear inner guide wall. Of course, the mounting device can be arranged in any direction relative to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, that is to say, it can also be arranged at an angle. In particular, the front inner guide wall has three sections. In this arrangement, the first section of the front inner guide wall extends obliquely from the insertion opening of the mounting device in the direction of the center line and the bottom of the mounting device, and merges into a connected second section, which is incorporated into a third section of an arched structure while extending vertically, wherein the arched shape is arched outwardly relative to the center line of the mounting device. The rear inner guide wall also has three sections. The first section of the rear inner guide wall extends obliquely from the insertion opening in the direction of the center line and the bottom of the mounting device, and merges into a second section, which has a curvature away from the center line. In one embodiment, the mating guide element, i.e. the guide channel, has a nose-shaped stop, wherein, in particular, the transition from the first section of the rear inner guide wall to its second section extends beyond the center line of the mounting device, thereby forming a nose-shaped stop, which can prevent the tray from being accidentally moved out of the mounting device. The second section merges into a connected third section, which is designed to extend vertically and terminate at an inner end stop. The first section of the front inner guide wall is longer than the first section of the rear inner guide wall. The first part of the first section of the front inner guide wall forms a funnel-shaped opening of the guide channel together with the first section of the rear inner guide wall. The second part of the first section of the front guide wall forms an obliquely extending channel section of the guide channel together with the second section of the rear inner guide wall. The second and third sections of the front inner guide wall form a bottom section of the guide channel together with the third section of the rear inner guide wall.

[0045] In another embodiment, the mating guide element has two outer guide walls, which have an oblique extension and a vertical extension. When the mounting device is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, the two outer guide walls can be referred to as a first front outer guide wall and a second rear outer guide wall. In particular, the first front outer guide wall can have four sections. In particular, the first section of the first front outer guide wall starts from the first section of the first front guide wall and extends obliquely in the direction of the bottom of the mounting device in a manner away from the insertion opening of the mounting device and its centerline. The first section merges into a connected second section, which extends vertically parallel to the centerline in the direction of the bottom of the mounting device. The second section merges into a connected third section, which is arched in the direction of the centerline and merges into a fourth section, which has a vertical profile like the second section of the front outer guide wall. In particular, the second rear outer guide wall can also have four sections. In particular, the first section of the rear outer guide wall starts from the first section of the rear front guide wall and extends obliquely from the insertion opening in the direction of the bottom of the mounting device in a manner away from the centerline of the mounting device. The first section merges into the s-shaped second section, which is connected to the third section, which, like the first section, extends obliquely from the insertion opening in the direction of the bottom in a manner away from the centerline of the mounting device. The third section is longer than the first section, but in the same direction. The third section is connected to the fourth section, which is oriented vertically and parallel to the centerline.

[0046] The outer guide walls of the cooperating guide elements interact with associated end pieces of the tray, which have thickened edge portions, thereby ensuring that a central orientation is maintained when the tray is inserted into the mounting device.

[0047] In another embodiment, the mating guide element has an end contact surface, which has a curved profile. When the mounting device is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, the end contact surfaces can be referred to as a first front end contact surface and a second rear end contact surface. In particular, the end contact surfaces form a transition between the corresponding outer guide wall and the bottom element of the mating guide element. In this case, in particular, the end contact surface can have a curved design, thereby enabling a transition from the outer guide wall to the bottom element of the mating guide element that is as non-notched as possible. The bottom guide element in particular has a bottom web, which extends horizontally relative to the bottom of the mounting device between the two end contact surfaces. In particular, in the center of the bottom web, a thickened bottom is provided, which thickened portion forms an inner end stop, and the front inner guide wall and the rear inner guide wall are connected to this thickened portion in particular by their respective third sections.

[0048] In another embodiment, the mounting device has a positioning guide element. A portion of the circumference of the tray can be accommodated in the positioning guide element. This means that each positioning guide element only partially surrounds a portion of the circumference of the tray. When the mounting device is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, the positioning guide element can be referred to as a first front positioning guide element and a second rear positioning guide element. However, both have the same design and are mirror-imaged relative to the center line. In particular, each positioning guide element has a curved abutment web and a retaining web, the abutment web matches the outer curvature of the tray, and the retaining web is oriented in the direction of the mating guide element and is vertically arranged on the abutment web. In particular, each of the positioning guide elements is open in the direction of the mating guide element, thereby forming an open receiving channel. As a preferred embodiment, each positioning guide element also has an insertion opening, which is surrounded by a transverse guide edge respectively. When the mounting device is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, the transverse guide edges can be referred to as a first front transverse guide edge and a second rear transverse guide edge. In particular, the lateral guide edges are in each case realized in such a way that the insertion opening widens in a conical manner in the region of the respective lateral guide edge, making it easier to push in or insert the tray.

[0049] In another embodiment, the mounting device has a clamping element of flexible design. When the mounting device is arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the motor vehicle, the clamping elements can be referred to as a first front clamping element and a second rear clamping element. In particular, the clamping element is arranged adjacent to the corresponding outer guide wall of the mating guide element at the height of the corresponding fourth section of the guide wall. In particular, the front clamping element is arranged higher than the rear clamping element relative to the bottom of the mounting device. The corresponding clamping element can also be referred to as a spring element. In particular, the corresponding clamping element has a spring tongue with a curved back. The clamping element is initially straight from its fastening end and then bends in the direction of its free end in the manner of a circular arc segment. In this case, when the pallet is mounted in the mounting device, the free end of the corresponding clamping element rests on the matching surface of the thickened edge portion due to the spring force.

[0050] In one embodiment, the mounting device has a wall element on which a matching guide element as a rib-like raised portion, a positioning guide element with its transverse guide edge and a hold-down element are provided. In particular, this enables the wall element to be fixed in a suitable position inside a motor vehicle. In particular, the said elements of the mounting device are embodied and matched to one another in such a way that the tray remains in a stable position in the mounting device without rattling even in the event of unintentional acceleration, but can be easily removed and removed manually without problems along the guide channel, past the nose stop and along the outer guide wall and against the spring force of the hold-down element.

[0051] The mounting device 1 advantageously holds nonlinear objects with different curvatures in a stable position, orients and holds nonlinear objects in place in the event of unexpected acceleration, avoids situations where loose objects can move in the cab, and significantly improves the functionality of the motor vehicle 100 for the driver.

[0052] It will be appreciated that changes and modifications may be made to the above-described structures without departing from the concepts of the present disclosure, and it will be further appreciated that these concepts are intended to be covered by the following claims unless the language of these claims explicitly dictates otherwise.

Claims

1. A motor vehicle comprising: A mounting device for a pallet for use on a steering wheel or a steering wheel rim disposed at a support location for the pallet; wherein the tray has at least one guide element on a mounting side arranged opposite to a surface of the tray; and Therein, the mounting device has a matching guide element corresponding to the at least one guide element.

2. A motor vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: The tray is adapted to the design of the steering wheel or the steering wheel rim and has different radii and a lower section extending in a straight line, wherein the at least one guide element is embodied as a guide section of an annular projection and wherein an indicator arrow is provided on the mounting side.

3. The motor vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The mating guide element comprises a guide channel, a channel section and a bottom section, wherein the guide channel has a funnel-shaped opening, the channel section is connected to the funnel-shaped opening and extends obliquely, the bottom section is connected to the channel section, extends vertically along a straight line and terminates at an inner end stop, wherein the guide channel is formed by inner guide walls, each of which has an inclined extension section and a vertical extension section respectively.

4. A motor vehicle according to claim 3, wherein: The guide channel has a nose stop on one of the inner guide walls.

5. The motor vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The mating guide element has two outer guide walls with an inclined extension and a vertical extension.

6. The motor vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The mating guide element has an end contact surface having a curved profile.

7. The motor vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The mounting device has positioning guide elements, each of which has a curved abutment web that matches the outer curvature of the tray and a retaining web that is oriented in the direction of the mating guide element and is arranged vertically on the abutment web.

8. A motor vehicle according to claim 7, wherein: Each positioning guide element also has an insertion opening which is surrounded by a lateral guide edge, wherein the lateral guide edge widens the insertion opening in a conical manner.

9. The motor vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The mounting device has flexible pressure elements, each of which has a spring tongue with a curved back, wherein the respective pressure element is initially straight starting from the fastening end and then bends into a circular arc segment in the direction of the free end.

10. The motor vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The mounting device has a wall element.

11. A vehicle accessory, comprising: A tray designed for use on a steering wheel or a steering wheel rim arranged in a supporting position of the tray on a motor vehicle, the tray comprising at least one guide element on a mounting side arranged opposite a surface of the tray; as well as Mounting means for securing the tray when the tray is not in use on the steering wheel or the steering wheel rim, wherein the mounting means comprises a mating guide element corresponding to the at least one guide element.

12. The vehicle accessory according to claim 11, wherein: The tray is adapted to the design of the steering wheel or the steering wheel rim and has different radii and a lower section extending in a straight line, wherein the at least one guide element is embodied as a guide section of an annular projection and wherein an indicator arrow is provided on the mounting side.

13. The vehicle accessory according to claim 11, wherein: The mating guide element comprises a guide channel, a channel section and a bottom section, wherein the guide channel has a funnel-shaped opening, the channel section is connected to the funnel-shaped opening and extends obliquely, the bottom section is connected to the channel section, extends vertically along a straight line and terminates at an inner end stop, wherein the guide channel is formed by inner guide walls, each of which has an inclined extension section and a vertical extension section respectively.

14. The vehicle accessory according to claim 13, wherein: The guide channel has a nose stop on one of the inner guide walls.

15. The vehicle accessory according to claim 11, wherein: The mating guide element has two outer guide walls with an inclined extension and a vertical extension.

16. The vehicle accessory according to claim 11, wherein: The mating guide element has an end contact surface having a curved profile.

17. The vehicle accessory according to claim 11, wherein: The mounting device has positioning guide elements, each of which has a curved abutment web that matches the outer curvature of the tray and a retaining web that is oriented in the direction of the mating guide element and is arranged vertically on the abutment web.

18. The vehicle accessory of claim 17, wherein: Each positioning guide element also has an insertion opening which is surrounded by a lateral guide edge, wherein the lateral guide edge widens the insertion opening in a conical manner.

19. The vehicle accessory of claim 11, wherein: The mounting device has flexible pressure elements, each of which has a spring tongue with a curved back, wherein the respective pressure element is initially straight starting from the fastening end and then bends into a circular arc segment in the direction of the free end.

20. The vehicle accessory of claim 11, wherein: The mounting device has a wall element.

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