Holding device for a mobile device and motor vehicle

Abstract

Holding device for a mobile device, with a carrier element (20), and a suction cup unit (30) for holding a mobile device, which has at least one suction cup element (32) and is designed such that a negative pressure is generated in a chamber (33) delimited by the suction cup element (32) and a counter surface of a mobile device that can be placed on the suction cup element (32), wherein the suction cup unit (30) can be displaced by an adjusting device (39) between a holding position for holding a mobile device and a stowed position.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a holding device for a mobile device. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle with the holding device.

[0002] Such holding devices are generally known from the prior art and serve, for example, to fix objects, in particular electronic or mobile devices, in the interior of the motor vehicle and at the same time to allow easy access, in particular a view and / or operation, to the object held by the holding device.

[0003] Various designs of holding devices are known from the prior art. The holding device can be designed such that the mobile device is held by suction, whereby a vacuum is created in a chamber between the mobile device and a suction cup unit of the holding device, thereby fixing the mobile device to the suction cup unit. As soon as the vacuum is released, the holding device also releases the mobile device, and the mobile device can be removed. Such a holding device is disclosed, for example, in DE 20 2015 004 694 U1.

[0004] From US 7,850,133 B2, a holding device for a mobile device is known, wherein the holding device comprises a foot unit, an arm unit, and a holding unit. The foot unit and the holding unit are connected to each other via the arm unit. The foot unit serves to attach the holding device to a support structure, wherein the foot unit has a suction cup so that the foot unit can be attached to the support structure via the suction cup, i.e., via a vacuum created in a chamber between the suction cup and the support structure. The holding unit serves to accommodate a mobile device.

[0005] A disadvantage of such a holding device is that the suction cup unit protrudes permanently from an interior part of the vehicle, regardless of whether there is a need to hold a mobile device or not. This creates the risk that a vehicle occupant will get caught on the suction cup unit and damage the holding device, and also increases the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant in an accident.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a holding device which reduces the risk of damage to the holding device and the risk of injury to a vehicle occupant in an accident.

[0007] The problem is solved by the features of claim 1.

[0008] According to the invention, the suction cup unit can be moved between a holding position and a stowed position by means of an adjustment device. The holding position means that a mobile device can be picked up and held by the suction cup unit. In the stowed position, the suction cup unit is moved, in particular retracted, in such a way that it is no longer possible for a mobile device to be picked up by the suction cup unit.

[0009] By shifting the suction cup unit between the two positions, it can be extended from the stowed position to the holding position as needed, i.e., when there is actually a need to hold a mobile device. Only in the extended position, i.e., in the holding position, can the mobile device be placed on the suction cup unit and held by it. If there is no need to place or hold the mobile device, the suction cup unit is moved to the stowed position, in which it is recessed so that it does not form a bulky, protruding component.

[0010] Such a design of the holding device ensures that the mobile device is reliably held in place when the holding device is in use, and when the holding device is not in use, the risk of damage to the suction cup unit and the risk of injury in an accident are easily reduced.

[0011] Preferably, the adjusting device has an actuating element rotatable about an axis of rotation, which is rotationally fixed to the suction cup unit. The suction cup unit is guided on the support element by a cam guide such that, when the actuating element and the suction cup unit rotate, the suction cup unit moves along an axis of rotation of the actuating element. The cam guide converts a rotational movement of the actuating element and the suction cup unit, which is rotationally fixed to the actuating element, into a translational movement of the suction cup unit in the direction of the axis of rotation of the actuating element. Preferably, the actuating element does not perform a translational movement.

[0012] Preferably, the cam guide is formed by a groove provided on the support element, into which a cam pin provided on the suction cup unit engages, the groove having at least one section extending axially and tangentially in the direction of the axis of rotation of the actuating element. As the suction cup unit rotates, the cam pin slides within the groove, and due to the inclined profile of the groove in the axial and tangential directions, the suction cup unit is displaced axially, i.e., in the direction of the axis of rotation, during the rotation. This allows for a reliable and simple translational displacement of the suction cup unit.

[0013] Preferably, the support element has an opening in which the suction cup unit is arranged such that the suction cup unit is radially surrounded by the support element in the direction of the axis of rotation of the actuating element and is arranged axially, at least partially, within the support element. Thus, the support element and the suction cup unit are nested within each other. This allows the installation space of the holding device to be reduced.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the groove is designed as a through-opening in the support element, with the cam pin projecting through the groove and engaging with a section protruding from the support element in a groove of the actuating element aligned in the direction of the axis of rotation of the actuating element. Thus, the cam pin serves both to guide the suction cup unit and to connect the actuating element to the suction cup unit in the direction of rotation. To allow translational movement of the suction cup unit along the axis of rotation, the groove extends in the direction of the axis of rotation and thus in the direction of the translational movement of the suction cup unit.

[0015] Preferably, the actuating element is shell-shaped and has a through-opening, with the suction cup unit arranged in an interior space bounded by the shell-shaped actuating element, such that in the stowed position, the suction cup unit is located within the actuating element in the direction of the actuating element's axis of rotation, and in the holding position, it projects beyond the actuating element in the direction of the actuating element's axis of rotation via the through-opening. The shell-shaped actuating element surrounds the support element and the suction cup unit at least partially radially in the axial direction. This allows the holding device to be designed compactly.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the through-opening can be closed by a locking device, wherein the through-opening is closed by the locking device in the stowed position and open by the locking device in the holding position. This allows the retracted suction cup unit to be covered, thus reliably preventing contamination of the suction cup unit. Furthermore, it prevents small parts from falling into the space in which the suction cup unit is located when not in use and potentially obstructing the extension or retraction mechanism.

[0017] Preferably, the locking device comprises several locking elements, preferably triangular locking elements, which are rotatably mounted on the support element about a locking element rotation axis and are connected to the actuating element. In a preferred embodiment, each locking element has a drive pin which engages in a drive groove on the actuating element, such that when the actuating element is rotated, the drive pins are guided along the drive groove in such a way that the locking elements rotate about the respective locking element rotation axis.

[0018] This allows the locking elements to be moved between an open and a closed position by rotating the actuating element. With this design of the holding device, the locking device can be adjusted between the closed and open positions, and the suction cup unit extended and retracted, solely by actuating the actuating element, i.e., by rotating it.

[0019] Preferably, the groove provided on the support element has a first section and a second section adjoining the first section and angled relative to the first section, wherein the second section extends axially and tangentially, and wherein, during a first rotation phase of the actuating element, the cam pin is guided along the first section, and during a second rotation phase of the actuating element, the cam pin is guided along the second section. The first section preferably extends substantially tangentially and serves to partially displace the locking elements from a closed position to the open position, with the suction cup unit remaining in the stowed position.Only when the cam pin moves through the second section of the groove is the suction cup unit moved into the holding position due to the vertical component of its path in the direction of the axis of rotation, with the locking elements continuing to move towards the open position. Preferably, the groove has a third section adjoining the second section, which extends essentially in the tangential direction. This positions the cam pin in the groove in such a way that it is positively locked in the direction of the axis of rotation of the actuating element, thus preventing movement of the suction cup unit in the direction of the axis of rotation of the actuating element when a load is applied to the suction cup unit.

[0020] Preferably, the suction cup unit includes an electrical vacuum unit that is fluidically connected to the chamber and is designed to generate a vacuum in the chamber to hold the mobile device. The electrical vacuum unit is, for example, a pump whose suction side is fluidically connected to the chamber. When a mobile device is placed on the suction cup unit, the pump is activated, creating a vacuum in the chamber and thus holding the mobile device in place. This ensures that the mobile device is reliably held on the mounting device and prevents the connection from detaching, even during high acceleration of the vehicle.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the suction cup unit includes an inductive charging device. In particular, an induction coil is provided. This allows the battery of the mobile device to be charged when the mobile device is placed on the holding device.

[0022] The problem is also solved by a motor vehicle with a holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 12. For the advantages, reference is made to the preceding paragraphs. Preferably, the holding device is attached to a center console or an instrument panel via the support element.

[0023] An embodiment of the invention is explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. Fig. Figure 1 shows a holding device in exploded view, Fig. Figure 2 shows a section of the holding device made of Fig. 1 in perspective view from below, and Fig. 3 shows the holding device Fig. 1 in perspective view from above.

[0024] Fig. 1, Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows a holding device 10, which is permanently arranged in a vehicle interior. The holding device 10 is arranged or attached to the center console or the instrument panel of the motor vehicle. The holding device 10 has a support element 20 and a suction cup unit 30.

[0025] The support element 20 is ring-shaped and has three projections 22 extending radially from the outer circumferential surface, each with a through-opening 24 through which the holding device 10 or the support element 20 can be screwed onto a component of the motor vehicle. A screw is inserted through each of the through-openings 24 and screwed to the component of the motor vehicle.

[0026] The suction cup unit 30 is arranged in a space 26 radially bounded by the inner circumferential surface of the support element 20. The suction cup unit 30 comprises a vacuum unit 34, a suction cup element 32 arranged on the vacuum unit 34, an inductive charging device 36 in the form of an induction coil, and a cover 38 for covering the inductive charging device 36.

[0027] The suction cup unit 30 is adjustable between a storage position and a holding position via an adjusting device 39. To adjust the suction cup unit 30 between these two positions, the adjusting device 39 has an actuating element 50, which is rotated about a pivot axis D to adjust the suction cup unit 30 between the two positions. The actuating element 50 is shell-shaped and has a central through-opening 52. Within an interior space 53 formed by the shell-shaped design of the actuating element 50, the support element 20 and the suction cup unit 30 are arranged such that the actuating element 50 radially surrounds the support element 20 and the suction cup unit 30. This results in the support element 20, the suction cup unit 30, and the actuating element 50 being nested within one another.

[0028] At passageway 52 there is a Fig.3. A locking device 60 is arranged, which is adjustable between a closed position that closes the passage opening 52 and an open position that releases the passage opening 52. The locking device 60 has six triangular locking elements 62, which in the closed position of the locking device 60 are arranged such that a hexagon is formed and the passage opening 52 is closed. In the open position of the locking device 60, the locking elements 62 are arranged such that a hexagonal opening is radially limited by the locking elements 62, thus releasing the passage opening 52.

[0029] In a holding position of the suction cup unit 30, with the locking device 60 in the open position, the suction cup unit 30 or the suction cup element 32 projects beyond the actuating element 50 such that a mobile device can be placed and secured to the suction cup element 32. In the stowed position of the suction cup unit 30, the suction cup element 32 is retracted inwards, with the through-opening 52 being closed by the locking device 60.

[0030] The adjusting device 39 has several cam pins 40 provided on the suction cup unit 30 or on the vacuum unit 34 for adjusting the suction cup unit 30 between positions. These cam pins engage in a groove 42 forming a cam guide 41. Each cam pin 40 projects through the groove 42 and engages with its projecting section in a groove 44 of the actuating element 50 extending in the direction of the axis of rotation D. The groove 42 has a first section A1, a second section A2 adjoining the first section A1, and a third section A3 adjoining the second section A2. The first section A1 runs essentially tangentially to the axis of rotation D. The second section A2 runs tangentially and axially to the axis of rotation D. The third section A3 runs essentially exclusively tangentially to the axis of rotation D.

[0031] With this design, when the actuating element 50 is rotated, the cam pin 40 is driven along in the direction of rotation by engaging the groove 44. The cam pin 40 moves along the groove 42. The second section A2, in addition to rotating the cam pin 40, also axially displaces the suction cup unit 30, and thus the suction cup unit 30 connected to it, in the direction of the axis of rotation D, thereby moving the suction cup unit 30 between the stowed position and the holding position. The cam pin 40 also moves along the groove 44 of the actuating element 50. The third section A3 serves, in particular, to prevent the suction cup unit 30 from being moved into the stowed position by an axial load when it is in the holding position. Thus, the third section A3 forms a locking mechanism for the suction cup unit 30 in the holding position.The suction cup unit 30 can only be adjusted from the holding position to the stowed position by rotating the actuating element 50.

[0032] During the entire rotation of the actuating element 50, i.e., during the movement of the cam pins 40 through all sections A1, A2, A3, the locking elements 62 of the locking device 60 are moved along with it, and the locking device 60 is adjusted between the open and closed positions. The locking elements 62 are rotatably mounted on the support element 20 about a locking element pivot axis VD and are connected to the actuating element 50 via a drive pin 64. The drive pins 64 engage in a drive groove 66 formed on the actuating element 50. When the actuating element 50 rotates, the drive pins 64 move along the drive groove 66, and the locking elements 62 rotate about the locking element pivot axis VD.

[0033] If a mobile device is to be held by the holding device 10, with the holding device 10 in a rest position (i.e., the suction cup unit 30 is in the stowed position and the through-opening 52 is closed by the locking device 60), only the actuating element 50 needs to be rotated. This rotation initially moves the locking device 60 partially into the open position, causing the drive pins 64 to slide within the drive groove 66 and the cam pin 40 to move through section A1. Because section A1 is essentially tangential to the axis of rotation D, no translational displacement of the suction cup unit 30 occurs at this stage. Subsequently, the cam pin 40 moves through the second section A2 of the groove 42, further moving the locking device 60 into the open position and, through its axial portion, displacing the suction cup unit 30 into the holding position.Because the first section A1 is positioned upstream, the through-opening 52 is already open to allow the suction cup unit 30 to extend. Finally, the cam pin 40 is located in the third section A3. To retract the suction cup unit 30, the actuating element 50 is rotated in the opposite direction, retracting the suction cup unit 30 and moving the locking device into the closed position.

[0034] To fix the mobile device to the suction cup unit 30 in the holding position, the mobile device must be placed on the suction cup element 32 and the vacuum unit 34 activated. Activating the vacuum unit 34 creates a vacuum in a chamber 33 defined by the mobile device and the suction cup element 32, thus holding the mobile device in place. Simultaneously, the inductive charging device 36 can be activated, charging the mobile device's battery.

Claims

[1] Holding device for a mobile device, with a support element (20), and a suction cup unit (30) for holding a mobile device, which has at least one suction cup element (32) and is designed in such a way that a negative pressure is generated in a chamber (33) bounded by the suction cup element (32) and a counter surface of a mobile device that can be placed on the suction cup element (32), characterized by , that the suction cup unit (30) can be moved by an adjusting device (39) between a holding position for holding a mobile device and a storage position, such that in the storage position the suction cup unit (30) is moved in such a way that it is not possible for the suction cup unit (30) to hold a mobile device. [2] Holding device according to claim 1, characterized by, wherein the adjusting device (39) has an actuating element (50) rotatable about a rotational axis (D) which is connected to the suction cup unit (30) in a rotationally fixed manner, wherein the suction cup unit (30) is guided on the support element (20) via a cam guide (41) during a rotation such that the suction cup unit (30) is displaced along a rotational axis (D) of the actuating element (50) when the actuating element (50) and the suction cup unit (30) rotate together. [3] Holding device according to claim 2, characterized by , that the cam guide (41) is formed by a groove (42) provided on the support element (20), into which a cam pin (40) provided on the suction cup unit (30) engages, wherein the groove (42) has at least one section (A2) which has a profile extending axially and tangentially in the direction of the axis of rotation (D) of the actuating element (50). [4] Holding device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that the support element (20) has an opening (26) in which the suction cup unit (30) is arranged such that the suction cup unit (30) is radially surrounded by the support element (20) in the direction of the axis of rotation (D) of the actuating element (50) and is arranged axially at least sectionally within the support element (20). [5] Holding device according to claims 3 and 4, characterized by , that the groove (42) is designed as a through-opening on the support element (20), wherein the cam pin (40) extends through the groove (42) and engages with a section projecting from the support element (20) in a groove (44) of the actuating element (50) oriented in the direction of the axis of rotation (D) of the actuating element (50). [6] Holding device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by, that the actuating element (50) is designed in a shell-like manner and has a through-opening (52), wherein the suction cup unit (30) is arranged in an interior space (53) bounded by the actuating element (50), such that the suction cup unit (30) protrudes at least sectionally from the actuating element (50) in the direction of the axis of rotation (D) of the actuating element (50) in the stowed position within the actuating element (50) and in the holding position. [7] Holding device according to claim 6, characterized by that the through-opening (52) can be closed by a closing device (60). [8] Holding device according to claim 7, characterized by , that the locking device (60) has several locking elements (62) which are rotatably mounted on the carrier element (20) about a locking element rotation axis (VD) and are connected to the actuating element (50). [9] Holding device according to claim 8, characterized by, that each locking element (62) has a drive pin (64) which engages in a drive groove (66) on the actuating element (50) such that when the actuating element (50) is rotated, the drive pins (64) are guided along the drive groove (66) in such a way that the locking elements (62) rotate about the locking element rotation axis (VD). [10] Holding device according to claims 8 and 9, characterized by , that the locking elements (62) each have a triangular shape. [11] Holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the suction cup unit (30) has an electrical vacuum unit (34) which is fluidically connected to the chamber (33) and is designed in such a way that a vacuum is generated in the chamber (33) to hold the mobile device. [12] Holding device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the suction cup unit (30) has an inductive charging device (36). [13] Motor vehicle with a holding device according to any one of claims 1 to 12. [14] Motor vehicle according to claim 13, characterized by that the holding device is attached to a center console or instrument panel via the support element.

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