Container holding device for a motor vehicle

Abstract

Container holding device for a motor vehicle, comprising a base holding element (2) and a circumferential holding element (4), wherein the base holding element (2) and the circumferential holding element (4) are designed to be stowed in a motor vehicle interior component (5) of the motor vehicle, wherein the base holding element (2) and the circumferential holding element (4) can be brought from a first end position, in which the base holding element (2) and the circumferential holding element (4) are stowed in the motor vehicle interior component (5), into a second end position in which a container (3) can be received by the container holding device (1), and wherein between the first end position and the second end position the circumferential holding element (4) and the base holding element (2) can be brought together into an intermediate position, wherein the intermediate position corresponds to the second end position of the circumferential holding element (4), and wherein the circumferential holding element (4) has a variable receiving cross-section (15),and wherein both an inner circumference of the circumferential holding element (4) and an outer circumference of the circumferential holding element (4) are variably designed to provide the variable receiving cross-section (15), at least in the intermediate position, characterized in that the bottom holding element is movably mounted on an inner side (10) of the circumferential holding element (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a vessel holding device for a motor vehicle of the type specified in the preamble of patent claim 1.

[0002] Vessel holding devices for motor vehicles are known. Vessel holding devices are generally housed more or less visibly in a vehicle interior component and can be moved into a useable position, i.e., into operation, as needed, so that the vessel holding device can accommodate a vessel. The vessel holding devices, comprising a base holding element for horizontally supporting the vessel and a peripheral holding element for vertically supporting the vessel, are designed to perform different movements depending on the complexity of their construction and often have different movements connected in series.

[0003] For example, US Patent No. 4,530,480 A discloses a vessel holding device whose base holding element and peripheral holding element are arranged together in a cassette. The base holding element is movably mounted on the peripheral holding element and executes a tilting movement following a translational movement shared with the peripheral holding element.

[0004] US Pat. No. 5,385,325 A discloses a vessel holding device whose peripheral holding element has an adjustable receiving cross-section. However, since the adjustable receiving cross-section is formed within a rigid frame of the peripheral holding element, the adjustable receiving cross-section has only a limited extent.

[0005] Published patent application WO 2009 / 101 342 A1 discloses a vessel holding device whose base holding element and peripheral holding element are also arranged together in a cassette. The base holding element is movably mounted on the peripheral holding element and executes a tilting movement following a translational movement shared with the peripheral holding element.

[0006] Published applications DE 199 08 959 A1 and DE 10 2004 006 409 A1, as well as patent US Pat. No. 7,648,114 B2, each disclose a container holding device for a motor vehicle, which has a peripheral holding element and a base holding element. To provide a variable receiving cross-section of the peripheral holding element, the peripheral holding element is designed such that its inner and outer circumferences are variable.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a vessel holding device for a motor vehicle with a secure accommodation of vessels of different vessel diameters.

[0008] This object is achieved according to the invention by a container holding device for a motor vehicle having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments with expedient and non-trivial further developments of the invention are specified in the respective subclaims.

[0009] A vessel holding device according to the invention for a motor vehicle has a base holding element and a peripheral holding element. The base holding element and the peripheral holding element are designed to be stowable in a motor vehicle interior component, wherein the base holding element and the peripheral holding element can be brought into a second end position from a first end position in which the base holding element and the peripheral holding element are stowed in the motor vehicle interior component. In the second end position, a vessel can be received by the vessel holding device. Between the first end position and the second end position, the peripheral holding element and the base holding element can be brought together into an intermediate position, wherein the intermediate position corresponds to the second end position of the peripheral holding element. The peripheral holding element has a variable receiving cross-section.In order to provide the variable receiving cross-section, both an inner circumference of the circumferential holding element and an outer circumference of the circumferential holding element are designed to be variable, at least in the intermediate layer.

[0010] Vessel holding devices are known which have a variable receiving cross-section, which is brought about by a change in the inner circumference of the circumferential holding element. However, the problem is that the outer circumference is constant, thus limiting the expansion of the circumferential holding element. In the vessel holding device according to the invention, the outer circumference and the inner circumference are variable, which, in contrast to the prior art, creates a significantly broader spectrum of vessels of different diameters that can be accommodated. In other words, vessels with a small diameter can be accommodated, as can vessels with a very large diameter compared to the vessel with a small diameter.

[0011] Since both the outer and inner circumferences of the peripheral holding element are variable, thus creating a flexible peripheral holding element, it is possible to replicate the peripheral contour of the vessel as closely as possible using the peripheral holding element, thus ensuring secure accommodation of the vessel. To save space, the bottom holding element is movably mounted on an inner side of the peripheral holding element.

[0012] In one embodiment, the circumferential holding element is designed in a band-like manner. This makes it easy to simultaneously change the outer and inner circumferences. Furthermore, due to its band-like shape, the circumferential holding element requires only a small amount of storage space.

[0013] To easily adjust the receiving cross-section, the peripheral holding element has a first end and a second end, wherein a distance formed between the first end and the second end can be changed by means of an adjusting device. To change the receiving cross-section, the first end and the second end can overlap each other to hold a vessel with a small diameter, whereas a large distance can be formed between the first end and the second end to accommodate a vessel with a large diameter. The adjusting device enables a locked adjustment of the receiving cross-section.

[0014] For ease of use, the adjustment device is designed as a twist lock. A twist lock advantageously requires minimal installation space. Another advantage of a twist lock is that simply rotating the twist lock around its rotational axis is sufficient to change the receiving cross-section.

[0015] If the rotary lock is designed to be form-fitting and force-fitting, a secure, locked setting is achieved.

[0016] So that the base holding element can be moved together with the peripheral holding element from the first end position into the intermediate position and then into its second end position, the base holding element is movably mounted on the peripheral holding element. This makes it possible to design simple kinematics for the vessel holding device. The movable mounting offers the option of positioning the base holding element in the peripheral holding element so that a space-saving receptacle is created in the motor vehicle interior component. From this position, the first end position, the vessel holding device can be moved into the intermediate position by means of a translational movement, wherein the intermediate position corresponds to the second end position of the peripheral holding element. So that a base of the vessel is supported, the base holding element rotates or folds out of the peripheral holding element by means of the mounting on the peripheral holding element, preferably by inserting the vessel into the peripheral holding element.Thus, only a translational and subsequent rotational movement of the vessel holding device must be formed.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the base support element is designed as a frame and has a support lug. The frame-like or bow-like design of the base support element allows for a very compact design. Since small vessels generally have a small vessel base, which is supported by the base support element, the frame-like design would be sufficient for this purpose. However, even larger vessels must be provided with sufficient support, which is achieved by the support lug.

[0018] To easily position the vessel holding device from the first end position to the intermediate position, the vessel holding device has a push-push locking mechanism. By applying pressure to the vessel holding device or a cassette in which the vessel holding device can be accommodated, the locking mechanism is released, and the vessel holding device is pushed toward the interior of the vehicle. If the vessel holding device needs to be returned to its first end position, the base holding element folds in, and the vessel holding device is pushed into the cassette or the vehicle interior component by pressure until the push-push locking mechanism engages.

[0019] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings. The features and feature combinations mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective combinations specified, but also in other combinations or on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. Identical or functionally equivalent elements are assigned identical reference numerals. For reasons of clarity, it is possible that the elements are not provided with their reference numerals in all figures, although this does not affect their assignment. The figures show: Fig. 1 in a perspective top view of a vessel holding device according to the invention for a motor vehicle in a first embodiment in an intermediate layer, Fig. 2 in a perspective rear view of the vessel holding device according to. Fig. 1 in an uninstalled state in a first end position, Fig. 3 in a front view a section of a peripheral holding element of the vessel holding device according to the invention, Fig. 4 in a perspective view the vessel holding device receiving a vessel, Fig. 5 in a perspective front view of the vessel holding device according to. Fig. 1 in the second end position in an unassembled state, Fig. 6 in a perspective top view of the vessel holding device according to. Fig. 1 in a second end position, Fig. 7 in a perspective view the vessel holding device according to. Fig. 1 in the second end position when installed in the vehicle, Fig. 8 in a perspective top view the vessel holding device in a second embodiment in an intermediate position, Fig. 9 in a perspective side view of the vessel holding device according to. Fig. 8 in an intermediate layer, and Fig. 10 in a perspective rear view of the vessel holding device according to. Fig. 8 in an unassembled state in another intermediate layer.

[0020] In Fig. 1 shows a container holding device 1 according to the invention for a motor vehicle (not shown in detail) in a perspective top view in a first exemplary embodiment in an intermediate position. The container holding device 1 has a base holding element 2 for horizontally supporting a container in Fig. 4, and a peripheral holding element 4 for vertically supporting the vessel 3. The peripheral holding element 4 and the base holding element 2 are designed independently of one another.

[0021] The vessel holding device 1 is accommodated in a motor vehicle interior component 5 of the motor vehicle in a stowable manner. The term "stowable" refers to an at least partial or complete accommodation of the vessel holding device 1 in the motor vehicle interior component 5 in a first end position. Starting from this first end position, the vessel holding device 1 can be brought into a second end position in which it can or has already accommodated the vessel 3. In other words, the vessel holding device 1 is retracted into the motor vehicle interior component 5 in the first end position and extended in the second end position. In the second end position, the vessel holding device 1 is thus in operation.

[0022] In the present embodiment, in order to receive the vessel 3, the vessel holding device 1 is moved from the first end position into the intermediate position, in which the peripheral holding element 4 and the floor holding element 2 are extended from the motor vehicle interior component 5 to such an extent that the floor holding element 2 can be moved into the second end position by adjusting the vessel 3.

[0023] For positioning the base holding element 2 and the peripheral holding element 4, the vessel holding device 1 has a movement mechanism 6.

[0024] The movement mechanism 6 comprises a so-called push-push locking mechanism 7, a tilting bearing 8, and an adjustment device 9. The push-push locking mechanism 7 is intended to release the vessel holding device 1 from its first end position, whereby positioning in the intermediate position should be realized after release from the first end position. Likewise, the vessel holding device 1 could also be manually moved into the intermediate position.

[0025] The tilting bearing 8 enables a rotational movement of the floor holding element 2 about a bearing axis 26 of the tilting bearing 8. The adjusting device 9 serves to change a receiving cross-section 15 of the peripheral holding element 4.

[0026] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the floor retaining element 2 is mounted horizontally on the peripheral retaining element 4 on an inner side 10 of the peripheral retaining element 4 by means of the tilting bearing 8. It could also be mounted on an outer side 11 of the peripheral retaining element 4, facing away from the inner side 10. The advantage of the mounting on the inner side 10 is a compact design, since this allows the floor retaining element 2 to be completely accommodated in the peripheral retaining element 4.

[0027] The peripheral holding element 4 is formed from a flexible material in a band-like manner, with a first end 12 of the peripheral holding element 4 and a second end 13 of the peripheral holding element 4 positioned opposite one another in the circumferential direction. A distance 14 formed between the ends 12, 13 is adjustable or variable.

[0028] The adjustment of the distance 14 or the change of the distance 14 is carried out by means of the adjustment device 9. The adjustment device 9 is designed in the form of a rotary closure, which is designed to be positively and non-positively locked.

[0029] Due to the variable distance 14, the receiving cross-section 15 of the peripheral holding element 4 is variable. The two ends 12, 13 of the peripheral holding element 4 each have a tooth-shaped contour 16, which is arranged opposite a gear 17 of the adjusting device 9, such that teeth 18 of the contour 16 can engage with the gear 17, see. Fig. 3.

[0030] The distance 14 is adjusted by rotating the gear 17 about its rotational axis 19. The contour 16 of the first end 12 is arranged opposite the contour 16 of the second end 13, with the gear 17 positioned between the two ends 12, 13. The contour 16 is formed transversely to the rotational axis 19, so that upon rotation of the gear 17, the ends 12, 13 are displaced in the opposite direction, resulting in either an enlargement or a reduction of the receiving cross-section 15. In the illustrated embodiment, a clockwise rotation according to the illustrated arrows 20 causes a reduction of the receiving cross-section 15.

[0031] With the rotation of the gear 17, the distance 14 between the ends 12, 13 is changed, whereby both an inner circumference of the circumferential holding element 4 and an outer circumference of the circumferential holding element 4 are changed to provide the variable receiving cross-section 15. This means that both the inner circumference of the circumferential holding element 4 and the outer circumference of the circumferential holding element 4 are variable.

[0032] Due to the simple band-like structure of the circumferential holding element 4, an outer circumference of the circumferential holding element 4 is variable in order to achieve a wide spectrum of vessel diameters of the vessels 3 to be accommodated.

[0033] The adjusting device 9 comprises a flexible plate 21, which rotatably receives the gear 17. The peripheral holding element 4 and the adjusting device 9 can be made of the same or different materials. Likewise, the peripheral holding element 4 can be formed from three element sections: a first element section 22, a second element section 23, and a third element section 24, which are made of different materials. In particular, the first element section 22 facing the motor vehicle interior component 5, by means of which the peripheral holding element 4 is preferably directly or indirectly connected to the motor vehicle interior component 5, is made of a non-elastic material, whereby sufficient stability for holding the vessel holding device 1 can be achieved.

[0034] The push-push locking mechanism 7 can be integrated into the adjusting device 9, but can also be designed independently thereof.

[0035] The Fig. 5 to 7 show the vessel holding device 1 in different views, with the base holding element 2 fully extended. The illustrated position corresponds to the second end position in which the vessel 3 is accommodated in the vessel holding device 1. In this embodiment, the base holding element 2 is movably mounted on the plate 21 by means of the tilting bearing 8.

[0036] Furthermore, the base holding element 2 is designed like a frame and has a support lug 25 for stabilizing the position of the vessel 3. The support lug 25 is formed in the central region of the base holding element 2, which in the second end position is a lowest point or a lowest region of the vessel holding device 1.

[0037] To stow the vessel holding device 1 or to position the vessel holding device 1 from the second end position to the first end position, the base holding element 2 must be folded in so that it is completely accommodated within the peripheral holding element 4. The peripheral holding element 4 and the base holding element 2 are then pushed together into the motor vehicle interior component 5.

[0038] The Fig. Figures 8 to 10 show the vessel holding device 1 according to the invention in a second exemplary embodiment. In this exemplary embodiment, the tilting bearing 8 is configured on the first element section 22.

[0039] In both embodiments, the tilting bearing 8 is preferably formed horizontally on the inner side 10 of the peripheral holding element 4. By inserting or adjusting the vessel 3, the base holding element 2 folds away from the peripheral holding element 4 and provides the vessel with a secure footing. To position the vessel holding device 1 from the second end position to the first end position, simply pushing the vessel holding device 1 in is sufficient, since the base holding element 2 folds in automatically due to its mounting on the first element section 22.

[0040] Furthermore, the vessel holding device 1 according to the invention has a simple movement mechanism due to its simple design. Starting from the first end position, the vessel holding device 1 moves translationally into the intermediate position. Once the intermediate position in which the vessel 3 can be accommodated is reached, it is inserted into the peripheral holding element 4 and presses against the base holding element 2. Due to the pressure exerted by the vessel 3, the base holding element 2 is rotated or tilted downwards until it reaches the second end position. In other words, two movements, a translational and a rotational movement, are sufficient to move the vessel holding device 1 from the first end position to the second end position and vice versa.

[0041] The initiation of movement of the base holding element 2 and the peripheral holding element 4 is simultaneous, with the base holding element 2 and the peripheral holding element 4 being operatively connected due to the tilting bearing 8. In other words, this means that if the movement of the peripheral holding element 4 is initiated, the movement of the base holding element 2 is triggered simultaneously. The advantage is a short deployment time of the vessel holding device 1, so that the provision of a receiving function of the vessel holding device 1 occurs quickly.

Claims

[1] A vessel holding device for a motor vehicle, comprising a floor holding element (2) and a peripheral holding element (4), wherein the floor holding element (2) and the peripheral holding element (4) are designed to be stowable in a motor vehicle interior component (5) of the motor vehicle, wherein the floor holding element (2) and the peripheral holding element (4) can be brought from a first end position, in which the floor holding element (2) and the peripheral holding element (4) are stowed in the motor vehicle interior component (5), into a second end position, in which a vessel (3) can be received by the vessel holding device (1), and wherein between the first end position and the second end position, the peripheral holding element (4) and the floor holding element (2) can be brought together into an intermediate position, wherein the intermediate position corresponds to the second end position of the peripheral holding element (4), and wherein the peripheral holding element (4) has a variable receiving cross-section (15),and wherein both an inner circumference of the circumferential holding element (4) and an outer circumference of the circumferential holding element (4) are designed to be variable at least in the intermediate layer in order to provide the variable receiving cross-section (15), , characterized by that the floor holding element is movably mounted on an inner side (10) of the peripheral holding element (4). [2] Vessel holding device according to claim 1, characterized by that the circumferential holding element (4) is band-like. [3] Vessel holding device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by in that the circumferential holding element (4) has a first end (12) and a second end (13), wherein a distance (14) formed between the first end (12) and the second end (13) can be changed by means of an adjusting device (9). [4] Vessel holding device according to claim 3, characterized by that the adjusting device (9) is designed in the form of a rotary closure. [5] Vessel holding device according to claim 4, characterized by that the rotary closure (9) is designed to be positively and non-positively connected. [6] Vessel holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that starting from the intermediate layer, the floor holding element (2) is designed to perform a rotational movement. [7] Vessel holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the floor holding element (2) is movably mounted on the peripheral holding element (4). [8] Vessel holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the floor holding element (2) is frame-like and has a support nose (25). [9] Vessel holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that for positioning the vessel holding device (1) from the first end position into the intermediate position, the vessel holding device (1) has a pressure-pressure locking mechanism (7).

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