Arrangement for the installation of a portable electronic communication device

Abstract

Arrangement for the installation of a portable electronic communication device (100), in particular in a means of transport, comprising: an aperture (2) with an opening (3), a lifting device (4), wherein the arrangement is set up such that the communication device (100) can be inserted into and removed from the arrangement by a user, wherein the arrangement is set up to accommodate the communication device (100) at least approximately completely through the opening (3), wherein the lifting device (4) is further arranged to eject the communication device (100) at least partially through the opening (3).

Description

State of the art

[0001] The present invention relates to an arrangement for accommodating (or "mounting") a portable electronic communications device. In particular, the present invention relates to an arrangement for accommodating such a device in a means of transport, by means of which a mechanically secure mounting and convenient power and information technology connection of the communications device to existing peripherals can be achieved.

[0002] Many possibilities are known and presented in the prior art by means of which portable electronic communication devices (such as mobile phones, smartphones, personal digital assistants (PDAs)) can be mounted in means of transport, in particular passenger vehicles. The devices are secured in the interior of the means of transport by reversibly attachable clamping devices, which are permanently or reversibly attached to the vehicle. Electrical connections are often provided in the holders to enable an exchange of audio signals, electrical energy and / or information and control signals between the portable electronic device and the peripherals. A common feature of the known devices is that, due to the reversible connection, a crash-proof mounting of the portable devices cannot be satisfactorily guaranteed.In addition, users of the devices are tempted to perform operations on the portable electronic device while operating the vehicle, which distracts them from their primary task of controlling the vehicle. Furthermore, the known mounts must be adaptable to a variety of different vehicle and device designs, which means complex mechanics adversely affect the vulnerability of the mount and its design.

[0003] DE 41 28 663 A1 relates to a dashboard for a motor vehicle in which the driver is intended to be distracted as little as possible by the information system using a screen. To this end, the screen, which is permanently installed in the vehicle, is designed as a component that can be moved out from the contour of the dashboard by means of a servomotor. The vertical movement of the screen is achieved by a servomotor, which, via a pinion, moves a rack attached to the screen.

[0004] US 2012 / 0018473 A1 discloses a portable device arranged in a passenger compartment and held by a bracket, which, in the event of a collision, pivots together with its bracket into a retracted flat position.

[0005] The unpublished DE 10 2011 109 056 A1 relates to an arrangement of a holder for a mobile device in the interior of a vehicle, in which the mobile device, in an operating position, is intended to be clearly visible to a person sitting in a vehicle seat. In a rest position, the arrangement is intended to not impair the appearance of the vehicle interior or the safety of vehicle occupants. For this purpose, the mobile device is placed on a stationary base of the holder in a fully extended position and clamped into place (operating position). To return the extension device to the rest position, the mobile device must first be removed.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to eliminate the aforementioned disadvantages. Disclosure of the invention

[0007] The above-mentioned object is achieved according to the invention by an arrangement having the features according to claim 1 and a vehicle having the features according to claim 8. For this purpose, an arrangement for receiving a portable electronic communication device is proposed, which arrangement serves in particular for securing the communication device within a means of transport. For this purpose, the arrangement has a panel with an opening, behind which a lifting device is arranged. The arrangement is designed such that the communication device can be inserted into the arrangement and removed from the arrangement by a user, and the communication device can be received at least almost completely through the opening. The opening therefore has at least one cross-sectional area which enables a portable electronic communication device to be passed through in at least one orientation.According to the invention, the lifting device is configured to at least partially eject the communication device through the opening. In other words, the lifting device at least partially reverses the insertion of the portable electronic communication device into the arrangement, so that a user can remove the portable electronic communication device from the arrangement by grasping part of the communication device with their hands.

[0008] The subclaims relate to preferred developments of the invention.

[0009] Preferably, the cover of the arrangement is designed as a component of a visible interior surface of the means of transport. In other words, if the arrangement is arranged in a vehicle, for example, a passenger car, the cover can be designed as an integral part of the vehicle. This results in a particularly high-quality appearance, the possibility of a particularly strong connection to the vehicle structure, and thus the best possible crash safety, since the portable electronic communications device is arranged behind the cover during travel or during a potential impact.

[0010] Further preferably, a dust guard can be provided in the area of ​​the opening to protect the assembly from the penetration of foreign bodies into the assembly. The dust guard can be configured, for example, as a bristle arrangement, as is known, for example, from gear selector levers and / or CD player trays. Alternatively or additionally, the dust guard can comprise a cover that reversibly covers the opening and can be slidably and / or pivotably closed off the opening of the assembly.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally, a cleaning device for cleaning the portable electronic communications device can be provided, which, in particular, removes dust and dirt from the surface of the communications device when inserting or ejecting the communications device. For example, a textile lip, a rotating brush, or a structure covered with a microfiber cloth can be provided for this purpose. Preferably, both the dust protection and the cleaning device are arranged elastically to accommodate communications devices of different designs and thicknesses.

[0012] More preferably, the lifting device can comprise an energy storage device, which can be represented, for example, as a spiral spring, torsion spring or by rubber-elastic components. The energy storage device can preferably be supplemented by a damping device in order to ensure a particularly pleasant feel and controlled ejection of the communication device. Alternatively or additionally, the arrangement can comprise an electric motor drive so that the communication device can be ejected using electrical energy. If an electric motor drive is provided, retraction of the communication device into the arrangement can of course also be assisted by the drive. Otherwise, it is preferable that the energy storage device is supplied with the energy required for the ejection process (e.g. by tensioning a spring element) when the communication device is inserted into the arrangement according to the invention.

[0013] Further preferably, the arrangement according to the invention can comprise a communication interface by means of which control signals can be exchanged between the portable electronic communication device and a peripheral of the arrangement (e.g., vehicle electrical system). It can preferably be provided that audio signals from the communication device can be sent to the arrangement, and control signals for influencing the operating behavior of the communication device can be forwarded from the arrangement to the communication device. Of course, control signals generated, for example, by means of corresponding programs or applications of the communication device can also be forwarded by the arrangement in order to influence the operating behavior of a vehicle surrounding the arrangement (e.g., with regard to audio playback, climate control settings, navigation, etc.).

[0014] Alternatively or additionally, an interface for delivering electrical energy to the communication device can be provided in the arrangement, in particular in the lifting device, which can, for example, comprise an electrical connector. Of course, an interface for delivering electrical energy can also be implemented in the form of an inductive charging device comprising a coil that transmits electromagnetic energy.

[0015] Preferably, the lifting device can comprise an adhesive surface through which a reversible, material-to-material connection can be established between the lifting device and the communication device. Such adhesive surfaces are also known as "nanocoatings" and are widely used for mounting communication devices in vehicle interiors. Alternatively or additionally, the lifting device can comprise a support section that supports the portable electronic communication device on its underside and thus carries it. The support section can additionally comprise the aforementioned contacts and plug connections, by means of which contact with the communication device can be provided for the purpose of transmitting information and energy.

[0016] Further preferably, the arrangement, in particular the lifting device, comprises a pivotable element configured to hold the communication device in an at least partially ejected position, in particular pivoted relative to a lifting direction. The communication device can be arranged on the pivotable element, wherein, in an at least partially extended position of the lifting device, the latter assumes a position such that the user interface (display) of the communication device assumes an angle relative to the lifting direction that enables convenient reading, operation, and / or removal of the communication device from the arrangement according to the invention.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a vehicle is proposed which comprises an arrangement according to the invention as described in detail above.

[0018] The vehicle preferably comprises an actuating device for ejecting the communication device from the arrangement according to the invention. This can, for example, be a purely mechanically functioning button which unlocks the energy storage device. In other words, upon actuation of the actuating device, the energy storage device of the lifting device is caused to at least partially eject the lifting device together with the communication device from the opening, so that the communication device can be removed from the arrangement according to the invention. Alternatively, the lifting device can be brought into a position with a pivotable element such that the operation of the communication device and the reading of a display of the communication device can be carried out comfortably. Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle can comprise a button for activating a communication connection between the arrangement according to the invention and the communication device.The communication connection between the device and the communication device can be established via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or another suitable standard, for example, and used to exchange information. Of course, the button can also be displayed as a display element on a vehicle's touchscreen using software-implemented code, making it available for user operation.

[0019] The vehicle according to the invention further preferably comprises a processing device for receiving and processing control signals from a communication device mounted in the arrangement. The processing device can comprise a receiving device and a microprocessor configured to receive signals originating from the communication device for controlling the audio system, the air conditioning system, the navigation system, and other electronically operable vehicle functions. Short description of the drawings

[0020] Embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of a section of a passenger compartment comprising an arrangement according to the invention; Fig. 2 a detailed view of an embodiment of an arrangement according to the invention; Fig. 3 a detailed view of an embodiment of a lifting device as could be used in an arrangement according to the invention; Fig. 4 a detailed view of an alternative embodiment of a lifting device of an arrangement according to the invention; Fig. 5a a detailed view of a lifting device according to an embodiment of the present invention in a lowered position; Fig. 5b a detailed view of a lifting device according to an embodiment of the present invention in an extended position; and Fig. 6 a detailed view of an alternative embodiment of a lifting device of an arrangement according to the invention. Embodiments of the invention

[0021] Fig. Figure 1 shows a section of a passenger compartment 30, as known from production cars. An arrangement 1 according to the invention is arranged in a center console 31 as a panel 2 behind a gear selector 20. An opening 3 is arranged in a surface of the center console 31. Toward the rear of the vehicle behind the opening 3, an eject button 11 as an actuating device and a Bluetooth button 12 as a button for activating a communication connection are provided.

[0022] Fig. Figure 2 shows a detailed view of an arrangement 1 according to the invention, in which the insertion of a portable electronic communication device 100, which of course is not itself a component of the invention, into an opening 3 in a panel 2 is illustrated. A sensor 21 is provided to detect a communication device 100 inserted into the arrangement 1 and to ensure that an eject button 11 is marked as "activated." In addition to the eject button 11, a Bluetooth button 12 is provided for establishing a communication connection with the communication device 100. Furthermore, a navigation button is provided for activating a navigation application of the communication device 100. A "Play" button 34 is provided to start or pause audio playback of the communication device 100.

[0023] Fig. 3 shows a detailed view of a lifting device 4 arranged below a panel 2 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The opening 3 in the panel 2 is provided with bristles arranged on both sides as dust protection 5. A wiper lip 6 is arranged below the opening 3 as a cleaning device, which removes contaminants from the surface of the communication device 100 when the communication device 100 is inserted or ejected from the arrangement 1 according to the invention. The lifting device 4 itself comprises a support section 18 in an upper region, in the center of which electrical contacts 9, 10 are provided as a communication interface and an interface for delivering electrical energy to the communication device 100. The support section 18 is held by a guided piston 35, which in turn is surrounded by a spiral spring 7 as an energy storage device.In an unlocked state, the coil spring 7 ensures that the support section 18 is raised relative to a base 36 of the lifting device 4. A damping device (not shown) is arranged within the piston, in conjunction with which the coil spring 7 conveys a visually and haptically high-quality impression when the lifting device is actuated.

[0024] Fig. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of a lifting device 4, such as could be used in an arrangement 1 according to the invention. According to this embodiment, a blind belt 13 is pretensioned via two horizontal shafts 14, 15 arranged essentially vertically one above the other. In a lower region, the blind belt 13 has a support section 18. The support section 18 is designed to hold a communication device 100 inserted into the arrangement 1 according to the invention from below. The lower shaft 15 has an electric motor 8 as an electric motor drive, which enables a portable electronic communication device 100 to be retracted or ejected in response to a respective control signal.A guide device 19 is provided, spaced horizontally from the blind strip 13 and substantially parallel to the surface of the blind strip 13, which guide device causes a pretension of a communication device 100 inserted into the arrangement 1 according to the invention relative to the blind strip 13. For example, the guide 19 can be designed as a soft surface having a low coefficient of friction with a surface of an inserted communication device 100. Alternatively, the guide 19 itself can be designed as a blind. To create a pretension of the blind strip 13 relative to the guide 19, both the upper and lower shafts 14, 15 are pretensioned in a respective horizontal guide 16, 17 in the direction of the guide 19, as illustrated by an arrow P. This can be achieved, for example, by imparting spring force or other elastic elements.A sensor (not shown) detects that a user in an upper region of the assembly 1 is attempting to insert a portable electronic communication device 100 into the assembly 1. In response, the electric motor 8 actuates the blind belt 13, thereby retracting the communication device 100 between the blind belt 13 and the guide 19. In response to an opposite control signal (for example, by actuating a button (not shown)), the electric motor 8 is caused to rotate in an opposite direction, whereupon the support portion 18 ejects the communication device 100 through the opening 3.

[0025] Fig. 5a shows an embodiment of a lifting device 4 of an arrangement 1 according to the invention, which realizes an additional comfort function. A pivotable element 23 is provided, which is firmly connected to a support section 18 for receiving the portable electronic communication device 100. The support section 18 is guided on two sides in a guide 25 of a structure 24 surrounding the arrangement 1. In an upper region of the guide, the distance between two blind bands 13, to which the support section 18 is coupled, and the guide 25 increases. While an upper region of the pivotable element 23 remains firmly connected to the blind bands 13, the support section 18 is held by the guide 25 in an extended position (in Fig. 5b) away from the blind bands 13. This results in a pivoting movement of the pivotable element 23 about the upper shaft 14. A communication device 100 located on the pivotable element 23 is pivoted in this way in the direction of a horizontal, so that a comfortable viewing of the display of the communication device 100 is possible (in Fig. 5b).

[0026] Fig. 6 shows an alternative embodiment of a lifting device 4 with a pivotable element 23. Compared to the embodiment shown in connection with the Fig.In the arrangement shown in Figures 5a and b, the pivotable element 23 has an adhesive surface 22, which is connected to the pivotable element 23 by means of a positive connection similar to snap fasteners. This positive connection consists of recesses 37a arranged in the pivotable element 23, which correspond to structures 37b provided in the adhesive surface 22. When the structures 37b are inserted into the structures 37a, a positive connection results, which represents a reversible fastening between the pivotable element 23 and the adhesive surface 22. A reversible connection to a communication device 100 to be inserted into the arrangement according to the invention is possible via the adhesive surface 22.

[0027] A core concept of the present invention is to provide a holder for a portable electronic communications device that allows for (almost) complete accommodation or enclosure of the portable electronic communications device, while preventing access to the display and operating elements of the communications device. Particularly when using an arrangement according to the invention in a means of transport, this facilitates the user's concentration on driving the vehicle and also improves the vehicle's crash safety. A lifting device is proposed for removing the communications device from the arrangement, which in special embodiments can be designed as a lifting / lowering device.Since the lifting device can be configured to elastically clamp communication devices inserted into the arrangement between their front and rear sides, a universal holder for communication devices is provided.

[0028] Even though the aspects and advantageous embodiments of the invention have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawing figures, modifications and combinations of features of the illustrated embodiments are possible for those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention, the scope of protection of which is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

[1] Arrangement for accommodating a portable electronic communication device (100), in particular in a means of transport, comprising: a diaphragm (2) with an opening (3), a lifting device (4), wherein the arrangement is arranged such that the communication device (100) can be inserted into the arrangement and removed from the arrangement by a user, wherein the arrangement is designed to receive the communication device (100) at least approximately completely through the opening (3), wherein the lifting device (4) is further configured to eject the communication device (100) at least partially through the opening (3). [2] Arrangement according to the preceding claim, wherein the panel (2) is designed as a component of a visible interior surface of the means of transport, in particular a passenger car. [3] Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a dust protection (5) for protecting the arrangement against the ingress of foreign bodies and / or a cleaning device (6) for cleaning the portable electronic communication device (100) is / are arranged in the region of the opening (3). [4] Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting device comprises an energy storage device (7) and / or an electric motor drive (8). [5] Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the arrangement comprises a communication interface (9) and / or an interface (10) for supplying electrical energy to the communication device (100), in particular in the form of an electrical connector. [6] Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting device comprises an adhesive surface (22) and / or a support portion (18). [7] Arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lifting device (4) comprises a pivotable element (23) which is designed to hold the communication device (100) in a partially ejected position pivoted relative to a lifting direction (H). [8] Means of transport comprising an arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims. [9] Means of transport according to claim 8, further comprising an actuating device (11) for ejecting the communication device (100) and / or a button (12) for activating a communication connection between the means of transport and the communication device (100). [10] Means of transport according to claim 8 or 9, further comprising a processing device for receiving and processing control signals of a communication device (100) accommodated in the arrangement (1).

Images