Mounting device for a mobile device in a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a holding device (10) for the detachable attachment of a mobile device (12) to a storage surface (14) of the holding device (10) in the interior of a motor vehicle, on which the mobile device (12) can be clamped and thus attached between a first holding element (16) and a second holding element (18), wherein the second holding element (18) is arranged on the storage surface (14), which can be pivoted from an open position (O), in which the mobile device (12) can be removed, into a holding position (H) about an axis (A1), in which the mobile device (12) is clamped and thus attached to / against the storage surface (14) by the second holding element (18).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a holding device for the detachable attachment of a mobile device to a storage surface of the holding device in the interior of a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] The current customer requirement is to be able to conveniently store and access their mobile device, or smartphone, in the vehicle. Due to legal requirements, items stored in the vehicle must be securely stowed in the event of a crash or accident so that they cannot fly around and injure the customer. Retaining devices or storage areas with holders are already known from current technology.

[0003] From DE 20 2022 101 537 U1, a holding device for a mobile device, in particular a laptop or notebook, in a motor vehicle is known, comprising a base plate for receiving or supporting the mobile device, wherein the mobile device is arranged or can be arranged with its standing and / or lying surface on a top surface of the base plate, a locking element for fixing the mobile device to the base plate, wherein the locking element is arranged or can be arranged on the base plate, and wherein the locking element can be moved from an open position to a closed position and / or from the closed position to the open position, wherein in the open position of the locking element the mobile device can be positioned on or against the base plate and wherein in the closed position of the locking element movement of the mobile device relative to the base plate is prevented or can be prevented, one or more locking means,wherein the blocking element is releasably fixed or fixable in the closed position by means of the locking means or means.

[0004] DE 20 2004 008 423 U1 discloses a holding device for a mobile phone, comprising a holding surface, a head holding rail spaced apart from the holding surface and a pressure unit, wherein the pressure unit comprises an elastic pressure element suitable for exerting a holding force on a foot area of ​​the mobile phone parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mobile phone, so that a head area of ​​the mobile phone is pressed against the head holding rail, wherein the head holding rail and a foot holding rail are further provided to secure the mobile phone on the holding surface against a transversely directed force.

[0005] DE 10 2015 009 993 A1 discloses a holding device for holding a mobile device, in particular a tablet computer, on a motor vehicle, with a base carrier on which at least one fixed holding element and at least one rotatable lever element are provided for the detachable holding of the device, which is rotatable between a holding position in which the device can be fixed and a loose position in which the device can be moved relative to the base carrier.

[0006] Other relevant publications are DE 10 2014 224 049 A1, DE 10 2020 127 335 A1 and DE 100 63 190 A1.

[0007] German patent application DE 10 2015 215 018 A1 discloses a holder for the detachable fastening of a flat, approximately rectangular device such as a tablet computer or a smartphone to a component, in particular a component of a motor vehicle. The holder comprises a bracket that can be attached to the component and a retaining frame that can be detachably attached to the bracket for receiving the device. The bracket also comprises a support with first connecting elements, wherein the retaining frame has second connecting elements on two opposite edges, and wherein the first and second connecting elements are designed to be complementary to each other such that, when the retaining frame is inserted into the holder, the first connecting elements and the second connecting elements interlock to secure each other, so that the retaining frame cannot be moved out of the holder in the plane of the retaining frame and / or perpendicular to the plane of the retaining frame.

[0008] The object of the invention is to design a holding device for a mobile device by means of which the mobile device can be secured within the interior of a motor vehicle. This object is achieved by means of a holding device with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims.

[0009] One aspect of the invention relates to a holding device for the detachable attachment of a mobile device to a storage surface of the holding device in the interior of a motor vehicle. Mobile devices in this context refer in particular to smartphones, tablets, or similar devices that are used by a user and must be securely stowed in the vehicle's interior. Mobile devices are now essentially rectangular and flat, allowing them to be placed on a storage surface. For this purpose, the holding device includes a storage surface specifically designed to accommodate all mobile devices. Such a storage surface has a high coefficient of friction to prevent the mobile device from slipping. Furthermore, it is possible to design such a storage surface to be pivotable, allowing the user to at least partially access and use the stored mobile device.For this purpose, the entire holding device is designed to pivot, with the angle of inclination of the support surface being such that the mobile device does not slip off due to its weight, despite the coefficient of friction. The mobile device can thus be clamped and secured between a first and a second holding element in the holding device. Both holding elements are arranged at the respective ends of the holding device along its longitudinal axis, and according to the invention, the mobile device is positioned between the holding elements. This means that the support surface is located between the holding elements, and the mobile device is placed on this surface.The first retaining element is positioned on the front side of the holding device, in the longitudinal direction of the device. This element at least partially secures the front portion of the mobile device. The first retaining element features, for example, an undercut, which not only holds the mobile device forward in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle but also prevents movement in the vertical direction. This minimizes several degrees of freedom of movement for the mobile device in the event of a crash. To clamp the mobile device to the first retaining element, the second retaining element is attached. This second element is positioned at the rear of the mobile device in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is therefore located at the rear of the holding device.In other words, the mobile device is clamped or secured between the first front retaining element and the second rear retaining element.

[0010] To solve the problem of the invention, the second holding element of the holding device is arranged on the storage surface and is pivotable from an open position, in which the mobile device can be removed, to a holding position about an axis, in which the mobile device is clamped and thus secured to the storage surface by the second holding element. In other words, the second holding element is pivotable so that when the holding element is pivoted closed, the mobile device is clamped and secured by the holding device. When the second holding element swings open, the mobile device is released, allowing a user to remove it from the holding device. The geometric design of the holding element is variable, but according to the invention, it is designed to be pivotable.

[0011] Furthermore, the second retaining element is designed to have an L-profile with a first flange and a second flange. At one end of the first flange, it is pivotally attached to the shelf surface by means of a hinge element, allowing it to pivot around the axis. This means that the second retaining element, with its L-profile, is pivotable around the axis and attached to the shelf surface, and thus to the holding device, by means of the hinge element. The L-profile of the second retaining element thereby creates a clamp that extends along its length. When the element moves into the holding position around the axis, this clamp grips and secures the mobile device.In addition to the L-profile, other geometric configurations of the second retaining element are possible. For example, the second retaining element can also be circular and extend in an elongated direction. It is also possible to use several retaining elements, designed analogously to each other, which in turn clamp the mobile device at specific points, in particular against the support surface and against the first retaining element. The elongated direction of the second retaining element is, in particular, perpendicular to the elongated direction of the retaining device.

[0012] Furthermore, it is intended that the swiveling motion can be controlled by an actuator. Specifically, the actuator should control the adjustment from the open position to the holding position and back, thus ensuring the holding device is ergonomically sound and user-friendly. The actuator should, for example, be located on the hinge element, allowing the second holding element to be controlled between the open and holding positions by means of this hinge element and the actuator. Alternatively, one or more intermediate positions are also possible; however, this is subject to the OEM's discretion and depends on the design of the holding device.

[0013] The hinge element, and thus the second holding element along the storage surface, is designed to be movable relative to the first holding element and to be secured after being moved. Specifically, the movement should be possible in the longitudinal direction of the holding device, thereby improving the holding or clamping of mobile devices, particularly those of longer or shorter lengths, placed on the storage surface. The movement is intended to position the second holding element as close as possible to the mobile device, with the device already touching the first holding element. This allows the second and first holding elements to be used for clamping, with the pivoting of the second holding element providing an additional clamping method that prevents any movement of the mobile device upwards in the vehicle.

[0014] The displacement along the storage surface and relative to the first holding element can be controlled by a second actuator. Analogous to the first actuator, the second actuator can also be controlled, for example, by an electronic computing device. According to the invention, after the mobile device is placed on the storage surface, the holding device at least partially automatically clamps and thus secures the mobile device. This means that the adjustment into the holding position is at least partially automated, thereby also improving the conformity and ergonomics of the holding device.

[0015] Furthermore, a stop made of elastic material is provided on the second flanges for clamping and thus securing the mobile device. This stop is made of silicone or other elastic materials, for example, so that the clamping action of the second retaining element does not damage the sensitive screen of the mobile device. Likewise, scratches should be avoided when the second retaining element moves, shifts, or is clamped by the first actuator, and thus when the second retaining element pivots.

[0016] Furthermore, a wireless charging device for charging the mobile device is provided. Modern mobile devices are designed to be charged wirelessly via magnetism. The holder incorporates a wireless charging unit, located specifically beneath the storage surface, allowing the mobile device to be charged automatically when placed on the holder. This enhances the holder's overall design. Because the charging unit is positioned beneath the storage surface, it is not visible and therefore does not affect the holder's design. The charging unit is connected to the electronic device, for example, via a cable or other means, thus enabling the electronic device to be charged while the vehicle is in use.

[0017] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is one in which a user's hand movement is detected by means of a sensor device. This sensor device comprises at least two sensors arranged on either side of the storage surface. The sensor device is designed to detect a user's hand movement, enabling the storage device to recognize whether a user is placing a mobile device on the device or not. Weight sensors or similar devices can also be arranged with the sensor device, allowing the mobile device to be detected or the hand movement to be confirmed.If the user makes a further hand movement towards the holding device in the holding position, the holding device can detect via the sensor device that the mobile device is to be removed from the storage surface, thereby notifying the electronic computing unit by means of a signal, which in turn controls the first actuator and thus commands the adjustment to the open position.

[0018] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention is one in which, upon detection of the user's hand movement, an adjustment between the open position and the holding position can be controlled. For example, when the mobile device is placed down, the sensor device sends a signal to the electronic computing unit, which then commands the adjustment to the holding position.

[0019] Finally, a further advantageous embodiment of the invention includes a display device by which the holding device can transmit the charging status of the mobile device and other information to the customer. The display device can also indicate both the holding and open positions, thus informing the customer that the mobile device cannot be removed when in the holding position. The display device can also be configured to automatically switch between the holding and open positions without requiring hand movement detection.

[0020] In other words, the invention describes a method for the secure storage of mobile devices, specifically smartphones, and offers additional features and assistance. The mobile device is placed in a designated area, namely the storage surface. This storage surface can have a slight incline to improve visibility of the mobile device. Furthermore, the incline can be used to guide the mobile device into a predetermined position. The device is placed on the storage surface and then held by a kinematic holding device. By moving the holding device, or rather the second holding element, the mobile device can be moved into the intended position. The second holding element clamps the mobile device against a fixed surface, namely the storage surface.The second holding element features a stop made of an elastic / flexible material, which also helps to dampen noise. The holding device and the movable second holding element partially compensate for size differences in mobile devices. The drive for the second holding element, or the drives for the holding device itself, can be powered, for example, by stepper motors that drive the device's axis of rotation. These stepper motors can be equipped with slip clutches to limit the applied torque, thus compensating for the current or torque limitations of the stepper motor. The holding device can be locked in an end position, ensuring sufficient holding force in the event of a crash.The storage surface must be designed so that all sizes of mobile devices are suitable for the holder and misuse is prevented. The holder can have variable geometric designs, for example, it can be rectangular or round. For increased safety, the second holding element can be shaped as a stop with an undercut, so that the mobile device is held even more securely in the event of a crash. The mobile device is inserted / positioned under the undercut by the customer or by closing or adjusting the holder. A wireless charging station can also be integrated into the holder and thus under the storage surface. Communication between the charging station and the mobile device can be used to activate the closing of the holder.The mobile device is placed on the charging station, it is recognized, the holder is adjusted to the holding position, and wireless charging can begin. This also ensures that the mobile device is in the optimal position for wireless charging.

[0021] If the customer wishes to remove their mobile device, this can be done using a sensor device with capacitive sensors located on or below the storage surface. These sensors detect an approaching hand or parts of the hand already resting on the device and open or adjust the holder to the open position. The mobile device can then be removed. The capacitive sensors of the sensor device can be integrated into the side areas where contact with the hand occurs during removal. Alternatively, the detection of a desired removal can be achieved via cameras already present in the vehicle, which recognize the gesture and inform the holder via signals. Finally, in addition to its holding function, the holder can also be used as a display and input element. For example, the battery charge level and incoming calls / messages can be displayed.In addition, lighting effects are conceivable, for example, pulsating light during charging. The display unit can handle input and display via a small screen or LEDs and capacitive touch sensors.

[0022] 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 combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below in the figure description and / or shown in the figures alone, can be used not only in the combinations specified, but also in other combinations or individually, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0023] This shows: Fig. 1 a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a holding device according to the invention with a holding element in an open position, Fig. 2 a further schematic sectional view of the embodiment of the holding device with the holding element in the holding position; and Fig. 3 a top view of the embodiment of the holding device according to the invention.

[0024] In the figures, identical elements and elements with the same function are provided with the same reference symbols.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of the holding device 10 for the detachable attachment of a mobile device 12 to a storage surface 14 of the holding device 10 in the interior of a motor vehicle. The mobile device 12 can be clamped and thus attached to the holding device 10 between a first holding element 16 and a second holding element 18. The second holding element 18 is arranged on the storage surface 14 and is shown in an open position in which the mobile device 12 can be removed. The second holding element 18 has an L-profile with a first flange 20 and a second flange 22. At one end 24 of the first flange 20, the second holding element 18 is pivotably attached to the storage surface 14 by means of a hinge element 26, extending along the longitudinal direction of the second holding element 18. The first flange 20 and the end 24 point upwards in the direction of the vehicle.

[0026] Fig. Figure 2 shows another sectional view of the embodiment of the holding device 10, in which the second holding element 18 is also arranged on the storage surface 14, but is shown in a holding position H in which the second holding element 18 can pivot about an axis A1. In holding position H, the mobile device 12 is clamped to or against the storage surface 14 by the second holding element and thus secured. The pivoting about the axis A1 can be controlled by means of a first actuator 28. The hinge element 26, and thus the second holding element 16, is designed to be displaceable along the storage surface 14 relative to the first holding element 16 and to be secured after displacement. The displacement along the storage surface 14 and relative to the first holding element 16 can be controlled by means of a second actuator 30.A stop 32, made of an elastic material, in particular silicone, is arranged on the second flange 22 for clamping and thus securing the mobile device 12. A wireless charging device 38 for charging the mobile device 12 is arranged under the storage surface 14 of the holding device 10.

[0027] Fig. Figure 3 shows a top view of an embodiment of the holding device 10 according to the invention, in which sensors of a sensor device 34 are arranged on both sides, which are designed to detect a hand movement of a user of the holding device 10. Upon detection of the user's hand movement, an adjustment between the open position and the holding position H can be controlled. The holding device 10 also has a display device 36, by means of which, in particular, a charging status of the mobile device 12 and other information can be displayed for the user.

[0028] In particular, the sensor device 34 has at least two sensors arranged on either side of the storage surface 14. Thus, the holding device 10 detects whether a user places a mobile device 12 on the device or not. Furthermore, weight sensors or similar devices can also be arranged with the sensor device 34, which can also detect the mobile device 12 or confirm the hand movement. If the user moves their hand further towards the holding device 10 in the holding position H, the holding device 10 can detect via the sensor device 34 that the mobile device 12 is to be removed from the storage surface 14. This triggers a signal to notify an electronic processing unit, which in turn controls the first actuator 28 and thus commands the adjustment to the open position O.The electronic computing device can be an electronic computing device already present in the vehicle or a separate one designed to control the holding device 10.

[0029] When the user's hand movement is detected, the adjustment between the open position O and the holding position H can be controlled, at least by the electronic processing unit. For example, when the mobile device 12 is placed down, the sensor device 34 sends a signal to the electronic processing unit, which then commands the device to move into the holding position H. The display device 36 is also electronically connected to the electronic processing unit, by means of which the holding device 10 transmits all information from the mobile device 12 to the user.

Claims

[1] Holding device (10) for detachably attaching a mobile device (12) to a storage surface (14) of the holding device (10) in an interior of a motor vehicle, on which the mobile device (12) can be clamped between a first holding element (16) and a second holding element (18), wherein the second retaining element (18) is arranged on the storage surface (14), and which can be pivoted from an open position (O), in which the mobile device (12) can be removed, into a holding position (H) about an axis (A1), in which the mobile device (12) can be clamped against the storage surface (14) by the second retaining element (18), wherein the second retaining element (18) has an L-profile with a first flange (20) and a second flange (22) and is pivotably attached at one end (24) of the first flange (20) in the longitudinal extension direction of the second retaining element (18) to the storage surface (14) by means of a hinge element (26) about the axis (A1), characterized by , that The pivoting about the axis (A1) can be controlled by means of a first actuator (28), wherein the hinge element (26) and thus the second retaining element (18) is designed to be displaceable along the storage surface (14) relative to the first retaining element (16) and to be fixed after a displacement, wherein the displacement along the storage surface (14) and relative to the first retaining element (16) can be controlled by means of a second actuator (30), and wherein a stop (32) for clamping and thus fixing the mobile device (12) is arranged on the second flange (22) made of an elastic material, wherein a wireless charging device (38) is arranged for charging the mobile device (12). [2] Holding device (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that a hand movement of a user of the holding device (10) can be detected by means of a sensor device (34). [3] Holding device (10) according to claim 2, characterized by, that upon detection of the user's hand movement, an adjustment between the open position (O) and the holding position (H) can be controlled. [4] Holding device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a display device (36) is arranged.

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