Storage device and vehicle

Abstract

Storage device (1) for a vehicle (17), comprising • at least one guide unit (2) that can be arranged on an interior vehicle component (18) • at least one hinge element (3) that can be guided on the guide unit (2) and that is guided along the guide unit (2) on a curved or angled movement path in a drawer-like manner, • wherein the hinge element (3) has a bearing surface (4) and at least one side wall (5) angled to it, • wherein the side wall (5) has a first end (100) at which the side wall (5) abuts the support surface (4) and a second end (200) opposite the first end (100), • wherein the side wall (5) has a plurality of folding areas (6) comprising a first folding line (7), a second folding line (8), a third folding line (9), a fourth folding line (22) and a fifth folding line (23), • wherein the first fold line (7) is placed between the second fold line (8) and the third fold line (9), such that a first hinge part (10) is formed between the first fold line (7) and the second fold line (8) and a second hinge part (11) is formed between the first fold line (7) and the third fold line (9), • wherein the second fold line (8) and the third fold line (9) are not parallel to each other and a first distance between the second fold line (8) and the third fold line (9) at the first end (100) is smaller than a second distance between the second fold line (8) and the third fold line (9) at the second end (200), • wherein the fourth fold line (22) extends between the first fold line (7) and the second fold line (8) from the second end (200) to the first fold line (7) and the fifth fold line (23) extends between the first fold line (7) and the third fold line (9) from the second end (200) to the intersection (24) of the first fold line (7) and the fourth fold line (22), • wherein a lever element (12) is attached to each first fold line (7) between the second end (200) and the intersection (24) with the fourth fold line (22) and the fifth fold line (23), and • wherein each lever element (12) can be rotated away from the associated first fold line (7) by the guide unit (2) in order to selectively transfer the first hinge part (10) and the second hinge part (11) to a mountain or valley folded state.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a storage device for a vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle with at least one interior vehicle component arranged in a passenger compartment and at least one storage device arranged on the interior vehicle component for the temporary storage and safekeeping of at least one object.

[0002] Vehicles offer various storage options in their passenger compartments for the temporary storage of items. These may include lockable or unlocked storage compartments, expandable pockets, or drawers. It is also common practice to provide at least one storage option, such as a cup holder, on the center console.

[0003] A disadvantage of conventional storage compartments is that items placed inside, such as a smartphone, keys, sunglasses, or similar items, can shift around within the compartment while the vehicle is in motion, causing disruptive noises and potentially damaging the item and / or the compartment itself. Furthermore, conventional storage compartments are often rather cluttered and difficult to navigate. They are also frequently designed and positioned in such a way that the driver cannot fully see or access the storage space provided.

[0004] One solution to these problems could be to create a storage option in the form of a drawer. However, this would require significant modifications to the installation space of the respective vehicle interior component that would house the storage option, such as the instrument panel or center console, which is usually not feasible due to other space requirements.

[0005] Other storage devices are known from the publications DE 10 2007 011 055 A1, DE 10 2012 013 013 A1, DE 696 03 063 T2, US 2004 / 0 020 956 A1 and KR 10 2018 0 125 913 A.

[0006] One object of the invention is to provide a space-saving storage option for items to be stored.

[0007] This problem is solved by the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent patent claims, the following description, and the figures, whereby these embodiments, either individually or in different combinations of at least two of them, can represent a further development or advantageous aspect of the invention.

[0008] The problem is thus solved by a storage device for a vehicle. This device comprises at least one guide unit that can be arranged on an interior vehicle component. The guide unit, in turn, can consist of several components and advantageously includes a rail. Furthermore, the storage device includes at least one hinge element that can be guided on the guide unit and is slidably guided along the guide unit on a curved or angled path, similar to a drawer. The hinge element has a bearing surface and at least one side wall angled relative to it. In particular, the side wall is guided in its own guide unit. It is provided that the hinge element can be moved between a storage position and a support position. In the support position, it is specifically provided that the hinge element has at least partially left the guide unit.In the support position, a user can place objects on the support surface, while in the storage position, the hinge element increases the user's freedom of movement.

[0009] The side wall comprises a first end and a second end. At the first end, the side wall rests against the support surface. The second end is opposite the first end. The side wall is designed to have multiple folding areas, comprising a first fold line, a second fold line, a third fold line, a fourth fold line, and a fifth fold line. The first fold line is positioned between the second and third fold lines, forming a first hinge section between the first and second fold lines and a second hinge section between the first and third fold lines. Furthermore, the second and third fold lines are not parallel to each other, and the first distance between the second and third fold lines at the first end is smaller than the second distance between the second and third fold lines at the second end.

[0010] This design ensures that when the folding section is folded, the first and second hinge sections form either a peak or a valley. Since the initial distance at the first end differs from the second distance at the second end, the side wall shortens more at the second end when the folding section is folded than at the first. This allows the side wall, along with the support surface, to move along a curved path. Alternatively, each folding section can be locked in place, so that the side wall acts as a stiffener for the support surface, thus providing a rigid surface that can be used as a shelf or tabletop.

[0011] The fourth fold line extends between the first and second fold lines, from the second end to the first fold line. The fifth fold line extends between the first and third fold lines, from the second end to the intersection of the first and fourth fold lines. Thus, the fourth and first fold lines define a third hinge part, while the fifth and first fold lines define a fourth hinge part. This allows for the opposite folding of the first and second hinge parts compared to the third and fourth hinge parts. In particular, the fourth and fifth fold lines enable a translation of the lever element's connection.The lever element can therefore be used to achieve a complete change between minimum folding and maximum folding by means of a slight pivoting, in particular by 90°.

[0012] Furthermore, it is provided that a lever element is attached to each first fold line, advantageously between the second end and the intersection with the fourth and fifth fold lines. The lever elements extend, in particular, in an area below the support surface. Since the lever elements are directly coupled to the first fold line, a movement of the lever elements, especially a rotation, can force the folding or unfolding of the fold sections. It is provided that each lever element can be pivoted by the guide unit in order to selectively fold the first and second hinge sections into either a mountain or valley state. The pivoting action is, in particular, a rotation of the lever element away from the corresponding first fold line. Simultaneously, the third and fourth hinge sections are folded in the opposite direction to the first and second hinge sections.Thus, a simple method of achieving different length changes occurs at the first and second ends when the folding sections are folded. Therefore, the guide unit can guide the hinge element along the curved path.

[0013] To place and store an object in the storage device according to the invention, the hinge element is first moved from a retracted storage position to an extended support position, whereby the hinge element is guided along a curved or angled path by means of the guide unit. This exposes the support surface, making it available for placing at least one object. In its extended support position, the hinge element essentially forms a table. For this purpose, the hinge element at least partially leaves the guide element. The hinge element can be moved from its support position back to its storage position, again being guided along the curved or angled path by means of the guide unit.The hinge element can remain in its storage position until the next use of the storage device, so as not to unnecessarily restrict the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The storage device according to the invention can be easily operated with one hand.

[0014] The control unit is preferably permanently mounted on an interior vehicle component, i.e., a vehicle component located in the passenger compartment. For this purpose, a suitable installation space or movement channel must be provided in the passenger compartment component.

[0015] The hinged element provides a relatively large, easily visible, and accessible surface compared to conventional storage options such as a cup holder. The hinged element can be moved between the storage position and the support position manually or automatically via a motor. The respective trapezoidal wall element of each side panel is connected at its base (i.e., the base of the side panel) to the web of the hinged element or the web section of the respective link.

[0016] Preferably, the second and third folding lines are arranged symmetrically to the first folding line. This ensures that the first hinge part is the same size as the second hinge part. This simplifies the kinematics of folding and unfolding. In particular, this allows for simple and reliable transfer of the storage device between the storage position and the support position.

[0017] Advantageously, the first, second, and third fold lines meet at the first end. This results in triangular hinge components. This, in turn, simplifies the kinematics of folding and unfolding. Furthermore, the change in length between the first and second ends is maximized, since the first end remains unchanged while the second end shortens by the distance between the second and third fold lines when the fold area is folded. Thus, the contact surface at the first end is not affected during folding, but merely curved along the path of movement.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, both the first and second hinge parts are designed to have the shape of a right-angled triangle. Alternatively or additionally, it is preferably provided that the second and third fold lines, together with a portion of the second end, form an equiangular triangle. This again simplifies the folding kinematics and enables simple, effortless, safe, and reliable operation of the storage device.

[0019] Preferably, the lever elements are designed parallel to the side wall when the folding areas exhibit minimal folding. Conversely, the lever elements can be pivoted up to an angle of 90° relative to the side wall, thereby achieving maximum folding of the folding areas. Thus, the folding of the folding areas can be adjusted using the lever elements, and locking the lever elements in the position parallel to the side wall stiffens the hinge element. To move the hinge element along the curved path, the lever elements are pivoted to achieve maximum folding, as described above.

[0020] The lever elements are preferably or alternatively lockable to the side wall of the hinge element to block movement of the lever elements in at least one direction. This makes it possible, in particular, to leave the folding areas in an unfolded or only minimally folded state. In this way, the hinge element advantageously remains in its stiffened state independently when no external influences act on the lever element. Thus, the hinge element can leave the guide unit without abandoning its stiffened state.

[0021] It is particularly advantageous that the second and fourth fold lines, as well as the third and fifth fold lines, meet at their respective second ends. This allows for a simple folding kinematic structure, while simultaneously ensuring that the folded element has a minimal dimension at its second end.

[0022] The hinge element advantageously features two side walls. These side walls are designed to be parallel to each other. It is particularly advantageous that the side walls and the bearing surface form a U-shape. This design ensures optimal stiffening of the bearing surface in the bearing position. The bearing surface can also extend beyond one or both side walls. This extension can be achieved either by enlarging the bearing surface in one piece or by adding an additional element to it.

[0023] The storage device preferably has at least two parallel hinge elements. The bearing surfaces of the hinge elements are connected, in particular, to a support element. The support element can be provided, at least partially, with a friction-enhancing surface. This results in a drawer-like system that, especially at its edges, has hinge elements enabling movement along a curved path.

[0024] Preferably, the first and second hinge parts are lockable to prevent folding of the hinge area. This allows the section of the hinge element that has been pulled out of the vehicle interior component or automatically extended to stiffen due to the locking mechanism, enabling an object to be placed upon it. When the hinge element is moved into its support position, the locking mechanisms are progressively or sequentially released automatically to allow the corresponding hinge area to fold. This is achieved in particular by the lever elements guided in the guide unit.

[0025] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the storage device has at least one cover element arranged on the support surface of the hinge element and at least one stationary winding device for winding / unwinding the cover element, which defines a winding axis oriented transversely to a displacement direction of the hinge element, wherein the cover element is elastically designed, a free end section of the cover element facing away from the winding device is fixed to an end section of the support surface, which is opposite a support end section of the support surface for placing at least one object on the extended hinge element, and the guide unit is designed and arranged relative to the winding device in such a way that the support end section of the support surface can be moved away from the winding device by a predetermined amount.If several hinge elements are present, it is preferably provided that the cover element is arranged on the support part that connects the support surfaces of the hinge elements.

[0026] To place and store an object in the storage device according to this embodiment, the hinge element is first moved from a retracted storage position to an extended support position, with the hinge element being guided along the curved or angled path of movement by means of the guide unit. The cover element, due to its fixation to the hinge element, moves along with it and is wound up by the winding device. By moving the hinge element from its storage position to its support position, the end section of the support surface is moved away from the winding device by the predetermined amount, so that the support surface or support part is exposed and available for placing at least one object on it.

[0027] Once the object has been placed on the support surface or support part, the hinge element can be moved from its support position back to its storage position, with the guide unit again guiding the hinge element. Due to its fixation to the hinge element, the cover element moves along with it and is unwound from the winding unit. The object also moves with the hinge element and, after passing the winding unit, is picked up between the hinge element and the cover element and continues to move with the hinge element until it reaches its storage position.

[0028] By placing the object between the support surface or support part and the cover element, the cover element is elastically deformed, thus clamping the object between the hinge element and the cover element. This reliably prevents the object from slipping within the storage device while the vehicle is in motion. Therefore, disruptive noise and damage to the object and the storage device caused by such slippage, such as scratches, are reliably prevented.

[0029] To remove an object from the storage device, the hinge element is first moved from its storage position back to its support position, so that the support surface of the hinge element and the object placed on it are exposed again. The object can then be removed from the support surface or support part. The hinge element can then be moved back to its storage position until the next use of the storage device, in order to avoid unnecessarily restricting the passenger compartment of the vehicle. The entire operation of the storage device according to the invention can be easily performed with a single hand.

[0030] The cover element can be formed partially or completely, for example, from a monolithic flexible element or a fabric. An elastic cover element can be formed partially or completely, for example, from a flat elastomer body or an elastic fabric. The side of the cover element facing the contact surface can be provided, at least partially, with a friction-enhancing surface. The free end section of the cover element, located away from the winding device, can be fixed to the end section of the hinge element, for example, by a material bond, at least one seam, or at least one mechanical connecting element.

[0031] The winding unit can be permanently mounted on the guide unit or the vehicle interior component. The winding unit has at least one winding reel for winding and unwinding the cover element. The winding unit also has at least one pre-tensioning element which is tensioned when the cover element is unwound from the winding reel, generating a restoring force. This restoring force is used to automatically wind the cover element back onto the winding reel. The winding reel is rotatably mounted about the winding axis. The winding axis preferably runs perpendicular to the direction of movement of the hinge element.

[0032] The folding area is particularly advantageous when designed as a film hinge. This allows for the simple and cost-effective production of individual fold lines, as described previously. It also ensures safe and reliable operation of the storage device. The hinge element can also be composed of several articulated links. Each link can be dimensionally stable or rigid.

[0033] According to a further advantageous embodiment, the storage device has at least one handle fixed to the hinge element. The handle can, for example, be designed as a grip, knob, strip, or the like, and serves for the manual handling of the storage device.

[0034] In a further advantageous embodiment, the storage device has at least one light source arranged on the hinge element. Alternatively, the hinge element itself can also be designed as a light source. This allows, for example, the positioning or edge of the support section of the support surface to be visually highlighted, enabling a person to place an object on the support surface without requiring a high degree of attention. This minimizes the driver's distraction from the road when placing an object on the support surface.

[0035] A vehicle according to the invention comprises at least one interior component arranged in a passenger compartment and at least one storage device arranged on the interior component for temporarily storing at least one object, wherein the storage device is configured according to one of the aforementioned embodiments or any combination of at least two of these embodiments. The advantages mentioned above with regard to the storage device are correspondingly associated with the vehicle. The vehicle can also have two or more such storage devices. According to an advantageous embodiment, the interior component is an instrument panel, a center console, or a vehicle seat.

[0036] According to an advantageous embodiment, the vehicle interior component is an instrument panel, a center console or a vehicle seat.

[0037] Further details, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the figures. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 a schematic view of a storage device according to an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 3 a schematic side view of the storage device according to the embodiment of the invention in a partially extended position, Fig. 4 a schematic side view of the storage device according to the embodiment of the invention in a retracted position, Fig. 5 a schematic representation of a hinge element of the storage device according to the embodiment of the invention, Fig. 6 a first schematic representation of the guide unit of the storage device according to the embodiment of the invention, Fig. 7 a second schematic representation of the guide unit of the storage device according to the embodiment of the invention, Fig. 8 a third schematic representation of the guide unit of the storage device according to the embodiment of the invention, Fig. 9 a fourth schematic representation of the guide unit of the storage device according to the embodiment of the invention, Fig. 10 a schematic detail view of the hinge element of the storage device according to the embodiment of the invention, Fig. 11 a first schematic representation of the functional principle of the hinge element according to the embodiment of the invention, Fig. 12 a second schematic representation of the operating principle of the hinge element according to the embodiment of the invention, and Fig. 13 a third schematic representation of the operating principle of the hinge element according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0038] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a vehicle 17 according to an embodiment of the invention. The vehicle 17 comprises several interior vehicle components 18, wherein in Fig. Figure 1 shows, by way of example, a vehicle seat as a vehicle interior component 18. A storage device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention is arranged on the vehicle interior component 18. At least a part of the storage device 1 is guided in a drawer-like manner, wherein a curved or angled movement path is provided in order to realize, on the one hand, a table-like support position, and on the other hand, to transfer the storage device 1 into a space-saving storage position.

[0039] Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of the storage device 1 according to an embodiment of the invention, which is as shown in Fig. 1 shown on an interior vehicle component 18 of the vehicle 17. In particular, the storage device is at least partially brought into the support position.

[0040] Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a sectional view of the storage device 1 as in Fig. Figure 2 shows that the storage device 1 is therefore at least partially in the support position. Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic sectional view of the storage device 1 in its storage state. The storage state results from the support state by the fact that the hinge elements 3 have been moved manually or automatically.

[0041] The storage device 1 has a guide unit 2 that can be arranged on the vehicle interior component 18. Two hinge elements 3 of the storage device 1 are arranged on the guide unit 2 and are guided by the guide unit 2 so that they can be moved like drawers. The two hinge elements 3 are connected to each other via a support element 13. The support element 13 serves a user, in particular, for placing objects on or for use as a table-like surface.

[0042] Furthermore, the storage device 1 comprises a flexibly designed cover element 20 and a stationary winding device 21 for winding and unwinding the cover element 20. A displacement direction of the hinge elements 3 is indicated by double arrows, with a winding axis of the winding device 21 being oriented transversely to said displacement direction of the hinge elements 3. The cover element 20 is elastically designed. The cover element 20 and the winding device 21 are optional and can be omitted.

[0043] A free end section of the cover element 20, arranged facing away from the winding device 21, is fixed to an end section of the support part 13, which is connected to a Fig. The end section of the support part 13, shown on the right, is opposite the end section for manually actuating the hinge element 3. A handle 14 is fixed to this end section. The handle 14 is used to manually actuate the storage device 1. Alternatively, the hinge elements 3 can also be moved relative to the guide unit by an actuator. In this case, the handle 14 can be omitted.

[0044] The guide unit 2 is designed and arranged relative to the winding device 21 such that the end support section of the support part 13 can be moved away from the winding device 21 by a predetermined amount, as shown in Fig. Figures 2 to 4 show that this allows the hinge element 3 to be moved into the support position, so that objects, for example a pair of glasses 15 and an apple 16, can be placed on the hinge element 3 (see Figure 2). Fig. 3) Furthermore, the guide unit 2 is designed such that the hinge elements 3, and thus the support part 13, are guided by the guide unit 2 along an angled path of movement in a drawer-like manner. In the illustrated embodiment, this allows the hinge elements 3 to be moved into their respective positions during movement. Fig. 4. Bearing delivery shown is deflected downwards.

[0045] The guide unit 2 has, in particular, its own guide device at each edge region of the hinge elements 3 (not shown) with respect to the direction of movement of the hinge elements 3. The respective guide device is, in particular, a stationary guide rail in which parts of the hinge elements 3 are slidably guided. The guide rails run parallel to each other.

[0046] In the storage position of the storage device 1, the cover element 20 has been unwound from the winding device 21. Furthermore, the objects, for example the glasses 15 and the apple 16, have been positioned between the hinge element 3 and the cover element 20, causing the cover element 20 to be elastically deformed as shown. By reversing this kinematic process, the storage device 1 can be returned to its supported position.

[0047] Preferably, the storage device 1 can have at least one light source (not shown) arranged on the hinge elements 3 or the support part 13. This makes the hinge elements 3 and the support part 13 easily visible even in darkness. In particular, the current position of the storage device 1 can be quickly and easily determined.

[0048] Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows a sectional view of one of the hinge elements 3 of the storage device 1. The two hinge elements 3 are designed in a mirror-image fashion.

[0049] The hinge element 3 has a U-shaped cross-section with a bearing surface 4 and, in particular, side walls 5 extending perpendicular to the bearing surface 4. In particular, the hinge element 3 is in Fig. Figure 5 shows a section cut in the middle between the two side walls 5. Each side wall extends from a first end 100, where the side walls are connected to the support surface 4, to a second end 200, which is a free end. Each side wall 5 has several folding areas 6 arranged in a row along the longitudinal direction of the hinge element 3. The folding areas allow the hinge element 3 to be moved along the curved or angled path of movement. In particular, each side wall can be curved or stiffened by means of the folding areas 6. The latter is particularly useful for using the storage device as a table-like base.

[0050] Each folding area 6 comprises a first fold line 7, a second fold line 8, and a third fold line 9. The first fold line 7 is located between the second fold line 8 and the third fold line 9. All fold lines 7, 8, and 9 extend between the first end 100 and the second end 200. The fold lines 7, 8, and 9 allow the folding area 6 to be folded such that the second end 200 is shortened relative to the first end 100. This enables the hinge element 3 to be guided along the curved or angled path of movement.

[0051] In the example shown, the first fold line 8 extends perpendicularly to the first end 100 and the second end 200. The second fold line 8 and the third fold line 9 are arranged symmetrically to the first fold line 7 and intersect the first fold line 7 at the first end 100. This defines a first hinge part 10 and a second hinge part 11, with the first hinge part 10 being formed between the first fold line 7 and the second fold line 8, and the second hinge part 11 being formed between the first fold line 7 and the third fold line 9. The hinge parts 10 and 11 are thus triangular in shape and are bounded by the fold lines 7, 8, and 9 and the second end 200. In particular, each hinge part 10 and 11 is a right-angled triangle, with the entire folding area 6, bounded by the second end 200, the second fold line 8, and the third fold line 9, forming an equiangular triangle.

[0052] The folding area 6 also has a fourth fold line 22 and a fifth fold line 23. The fourth fold line 22 and the fifth fold line 23 extend from the second end 200 to a common intersection point 24 on the first fold line 7. The fourth fold line 22 and the fifth fold line 23 extend from the same points on the second end 200 as the second fold line 8 and the third fold line 9. Thus, the fourth fold line 22 delineates a third hinge part 25 from the first hinge part 10, while the fifth fold line 23 delineates a fourth hinge part 26 from the second hinge part 11.

[0053] The folding areas 6 of the hinge element 3 are specifically designed as film hinges. This enables simple and cost-effective manufacturing of the hinge elements 3. In particular, the hinge elements 3 are made of a plastic, for example by injection molding.

[0054] To guide the hinge element 3 along a curved or angled path of movement, the folding sections 6 are at least partially folded. This means that the first hinge section 10 and the second hinge section 11 are folded into a peak or a valley, while simultaneously the third hinge section 25 and the fourth hinge section 26 are also folded into a peak or a valley. The folding of the first hinge section 10 and the second hinge section 11, as well as the third hinge section 25 and the fourth hinge section 26, is opposite. Thus, the first fold line 7 represents both a highest and a lowest area, with the intersection point 24 forming a boundary between the highest and lowest areas. The folding process shortens the second end 200 relative to the first end 100, thereby curving the hinge element 3.The degree of folding determines the radius of curvature.

[0055] The folding of the folding areas 6 is particularly accelerated by the guide unit 2. The guide unit 2 thus preferably serves, on the one hand, to guide the movement of the hinge elements 3, and on the other hand, to fold in and / or unfold the folding areas 6 of the hinge elements 3 and to enable the curved or angled movement of the hinge elements 3. Additionally, the guide unit 2 can transfer the folding areas 6 into a state that stiffens the side walls 5, so that the hinge elements 3 can leave the guide unit 2 to serve as a rigid, table-like base.

[0056] To enable the folding of the folding sections 6, lever elements 12 are provided. One lever element 12 is attached to a first folding line 7 between the second end 200 and the intersection point 24. The lever element 12 is thus attached to the folding section 6 on one side and has a free lever end 28 on the other. By pivoting the lever element 12, the corresponding folding section 6 can be folded, whereby the third hinge part 25 and the fourth hinge part 26 are initially folded by the lever element 12, and this folding then causes the first hinge part 10 and the second hinge part 11 to fold.

[0057] Fig. Figure 6 schematically shows a spatial representation of a first movement path 300 of the lever end 28 and a second movement path 400 of the first end 100 of the hinge element 3. Fig. Figures 7 to 9 show a schematic two-dimensional representation of the two movement paths 300, 400 and from one spatial direction each.

[0058] The guide unit 2 causes the lever element 12 to perform a pivoting movement, resulting in the lever element 12 pivoting from a position parallel to the side wall 5 to a position perpendicular to the side wall 5. To achieve this pivoting, it is particularly necessary to move the lever end 28 away from the side wall 5. This results in, in particular, the following: Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 shows the path of the first movement 300, which moves away from the second movement 400 in the y-direction. By pivoting the lever element 12, the lever end 28 also executes a movement that lies radially inside the second movement 400 with respect to the xz-plane. The first movement can be adjusted by appropriately arranging the guide unit.

[0059] Fig. Figure 10 schematically shows a detailed view of a side wall 5 of the hinge element 3 with several folding areas 6, all of which have different folds. Fig. Figures 11 to 13 schematically illustrate the folding process.

[0060] To stiffen the hinge element 3 at a folding area 6, the associated lever element 12 is aligned parallel to the side wall 5 and locked to the side wall 5. A locking mechanism 27 is provided for this purpose. This condition is particularly relevant in Fig. Figure 11 shows that if the folding area 6 is stiffened, it is not folded or almost not folded. This allows the hinge element 3 to leave the guide unit 2 and serve as a table-like base.

[0061] The Fig. 12 and Fig.Figure 13 schematically illustrates the principle of the folding process of the folding section 6 to bend the hinge element 3. This is achieved by pivoting the lever element 12, which initiates the folding of the third hinge part 25 and the fourth hinge part 26 into a peak. This, in turn, causes the first hinge part 10 and the second hinge part 11 to fold into a valley. The third hinge part 25 and the fourth hinge part 26 are pivoted together with the lever element 12 and, in the fully folded position of the folding section 6, are rotated at an angle of 90° with respect to the intersection point 24 compared to the unfolded position. The fourth folding line 22 and the fifth folding line 23 therefore primarily serve to translate the pivoting of the lever element 12 from the position parallel to the side wall 5 to the position perpendicular to the side wall 5 into the folding of the folding section 6.The second fold line 8 and the third fold line 9, together with the first fold line 7, serve to shorten the second end 200 relative to the first end 100, so that the curvature of the hinge element 3 is achieved.

[0062] The guide unit 2 allows each lever element 12 to be guided in such a way that a curved or angled movement path of the storage device 1, in particular the support part 13, is enabled. Furthermore, the locking mechanisms 27 allow the lever elements 12 to be locked in place to stiffen the hinge elements 3, so that the storage device 1, in particular the support part 13, can be used as a table-like base. Reference symbol list: 1 storage device 2 Command Unit 3 hinge element 4 Support surface 5 side wall 6 folding area 7 first fold line 8 second fold line 9 third fold line 10 first hinge part 11 second hinge part 12 Lever element 13th edition 14. Handling 15 Item (glasses) 16. Item (apple) 17 vehicles 18 Vehicle interior component 20 cover element 21 Changing unit 22 fourth fold line 23 fifth fold line 24 Intersection 25 third hinge part 26 fourth hinge part 27 Locking 28 Lever end 100 first end 200 second end

Claims

[1] Storage device (1) for a vehicle (17), comprising • at least one guide unit (2) that can be arranged on an interior vehicle component (18) • at least one hinge element (3) that can be guided on the guide unit (2) and that is guided along the guide unit (2) on a curved or angled movement path in a drawer-like manner, • wherein the hinge element (3) has a bearing surface (4) and at least one side wall (5) angled to it, • wherein the side wall (5) has a first end (100) at which the side wall (5) abuts the support surface (4) and a second end (200) opposite the first end (100), • wherein the side wall (5) has a plurality of folding areas (6) comprising a first folding line (7), a second folding line (8), a third folding line (9), a fourth folding line (22) and a fifth folding line (23), • wherein the first fold line (7) is placed between the second fold line (8) and the third fold line (9), such that a first hinge part (10) is formed between the first fold line (7) and the second fold line (8) and a second hinge part (11) is formed between the first fold line (7) and the third fold line (9), • wherein the second fold line (8) and the third fold line (9) are not parallel to each other and a first distance between the second fold line (8) and the third fold line (9) at the first end (100) is smaller than a second distance between the second fold line (8) and the third fold line (9) at the second end (200), • wherein the fourth fold line (22) extends between the first fold line (7) and the second fold line (8) from the second end (200) to the first fold line (7) and the fifth fold line (23) extends between the first fold line (7) and the third fold line (9) from the second end (200) to the intersection (24) of the first fold line (7) and the fourth fold line (22), • wherein a lever element (12) is attached to each first fold line (7) between the second end (200) and the intersection (24) with the fourth fold line (22) and the fifth fold line (23), and • wherein each lever element (12) can be rotated away from the associated first fold line (7) by the guide unit (2) in order to selectively transfer the first hinge part (10) and the second hinge part (11) to a mountain or valley folded state. [2] Storage device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the second fold line (8) and the third fold line (9) are arranged symmetrically to the first fold line (7). [3] Storage device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the first fold line (7), the second fold line (8) and the third fold line (9) meet at the first end (100). [4] Storage device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that both the first hinge part (10) and the second hinge part (11) have the shape of a right-angled triangle. [5] Storage device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the second fold line (8) and the third fold line (9) together with a part of the second end (200) form an equiangular triangle. [6] Storage device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the lever elements (12) are arranged parallel to the side wall (5) when the folding areas (6) have a minimal fold. [7] Storage device (1) according to claim 6, characterized by , that the lever elements (12) can be locked on the side wall (5). [8] Storage device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the second fold line (8) and the fourth fold line (22) as well as the third fold line (9) and the fifth fold line (23) each meet at the second end (200). [9] Storage device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the hinge element (3) has two side walls (5), wherein the side walls (5) are parallel to each other and in particular form a U-shape with the bearing surface (4). [10] Storage device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized byat least two parallel hinge elements (3) whose bearing surfaces (4) are connected to a bearing part (13). [11] Storage device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by • at least one flexibly designed cover element (20) arranged on the bearing surface (4) of the hinge element (3) and • at least one stationary winding device (21) for winding / unwinding the cover element (20), which defines a winding axis oriented transversely to a displacement direction of the hinge element (3), wherein • the cover element (20) is designed to be elastic, • a free end section of the cover element (20) arranged away from the winding device (21) is fixed to an end section of the support surface (4) which is opposite a support end section of the support surface (4) for placing at least one object (15, 16) on the extended hinge element (3) and • the guide unit (2) is designed and arranged relative to the winding device (21) in such a way that the end section of the support surface (4) can be moved away from the winding device (21) by a predetermined amount. [12] Storage device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the folding area (6) is designed as a film hinge. [13] Vehicle (17) with at least one interior vehicle component (18) arranged in a passenger compartment, in particular an instrument panel and / or a center console and / or a vehicle seat, and at least one storage device (1) arranged on the interior vehicle component (18) according to one of the preceding claims for temporarily storing and storing at least one object (15, 16).

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