Container holder for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a container holder (10) for a vehicle, comprising a housing (15) open at least on one side and two opposing receiving elements (12), each of which is pivotably mounted about a horizontal axis of rotation (DA1, DA2) between a closed position and a receiving position, wherein the two receiving elements (12) in the closed position at least partially interlock and cover an opening in the housing (15) and form a flat surface, wherein the two receiving elements (12) in the receiving position form at least one receiving contour (14.1, 14.2) and / or at least one support contour (14.3, 14.4) for at least one inserted container (7) and are designed to adapt to inserted containers (7) with different dimensions, and a container holder arrangement (1) for a vehicle, comprising at least one such container holder (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a container holder for a vehicle. Furthermore, the invention relates to a container holder arrangement for a vehicle, comprising at least one such container holder.

[0002] Container holders and container holder assemblies for vehicles are known in numerous variations. Container holders, preferably for beverage containers, are known from the prior art, particularly for the center console area. These are generally designed to hold two containers and are constructed in a wide variety of ways. When designing container holders, a certain degree of variability regarding the containers to be accommodated is usually taken into account. Depending on the target market, a considerable range must be considered, from a narrow can with a capacity of a quarter liter to large fast-food cups with a capacity of one liter or more. Depending on their design and installation position, known container holders require installation space, which is generally scarce in the vehicle interior and is occupied by various other components.

[0003] From DE 195 19 602 C1, an armrest for a vehicle seat is known, comprising a drinking vessel holder arranged at the front end with a standing surface for a drinking vessel and a retaining bracket for clamping the drinking vessel. For the purpose of simple manufacturing and short assembly time, an insert, preferably made of plastic, is embedded in the armrest contour to create the drinking vessel holder. This insert has a base forming the standing surface for the drinking vessel and an approximately perpendicular, arc-shaped back wall. The retaining bracket is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis, fixed at the front end of the base opposite the back wall and oriented transversely to the armrest axis. The bracket is designed such that, under spring tension, when no drinking vessel is present, a section of the bracket furthest from the pivot axis folds against the back wall.

[0004] From GB 2511170 A, a beverage holder for a vehicle is known, comprising a base element designed to support a beverage container in a working position of the beverage holder. Two arms stabilize the beverage container in the working position of the beverage holder. Each of the two arms consists of at least two segments. A first segment is pivotably arranged about a first axis of rotation on a second segment. Each arm can be folded into a storage position of the beverage holder. The base element may include a lever connected to the second segment by a connecting element. The base element may rotate about a second axis of rotation parallel to the first axis of rotation. At least one of the arms may be mounted on a sliding element, which may include a rack. The sliding element is movable by rotation of a shaft that includes a pinion which engages with the rack.The shaft can be rotated by turning the base element via a pair of interlocking bevel gears.

[0005] From DE 10 2021 109 771 A1, a vehicle component is known with at least one receiving device that can be moved or pivoted like a drawer from a retracted position, in which it is arranged within the vehicle component, to an extended position, in which it projects at least partially into the area outside the vehicle component, and vice versa. Preferably, the receiving device includes a storage area for a beverage container. The storage area can have a recess, preferably circular or cylindrical. This recess allows beverage cans, coffee cups, or the like to be placed on or inserted into the extended receiving device, thus preventing the beverage from sliding sideways and falling out.Furthermore, a fastening device by means of which the beverage container can be attached to the receiving device, in particular by clamping, and / or an anti-slip coating of the storage area may be provided.

[0006] From DE 10 2012 208 275 A1, a receiving device for at least one bottle or cup container in a vehicle interior is known, comprising at least one receiving housing, at least one support frame arranged to be movable relative to the receiving housing and surrounding the at least one bottle or cup container, and at least one lid hinged to the receiving housing for closing and releasing the receiving housing. The at least one lid and the support frame are coupled to each other by means of a positive guide. Two lids movable in opposite directions are provided for simultaneously opening and closing the receiving housing. The positive guide also includes a synchronizing unit for the mirror-symmetrical movement of the two lids between their opening and closing positions.

[0007] From DE 199 35 144 A1, a holder for a beverage container is known, comprising two holding elements which are pivotable about two spaced-apart pivot axes from a substantially horizontal to a substantially upward-standing position and vice versa, and comprising a linkage mechanism which effects a counter-rotating pivoting movement of the two holding elements. In their substantially horizontal position, the two holding elements are spaced apart to allow a beverage container to be placed between them.

[0008] From DE 10 2011 008 581 A1, a container holder for a vehicle interior for holding beverage containers is known, which can be recessed into a control surface and has at least one support arm for the beverage container connected at an angle to a support arm. The support arm is designed to fold out from a home position as part of the control surface. A first and second angled lever are provided, one leg of which forms a support arm and the other leg of which forms a support arm. The angled levers have retaining jaws that are arranged substantially perpendicular to the support arms.The angle levers are pivotably mounted in their corner area in the operating surface in such a way that the angle levers, which in the basic position lie against each other with their leg ends of the support arms, can be folded out as part of the operating surface into a working position, forming a container holding area between the support arms, so that when the beverage container is inserted into this container holding area, the support arms pivot into a holding position and together form an essentially horizontal base for the beverage container and the holding jaws clamp the beverage container firmly onto its circumference in this holding position.

[0009] The invention is based on the objective of providing a container holder for a vehicle and a container holder arrangement for a vehicle with at least one such container holder, which is simple and space-saving in design.

[0010] This problem is solved by a container holder for a vehicle with the features of claim 1 and by a container holder arrangement for a vehicle with the features of claim 9. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0011] To provide a container holder for a vehicle that is simple and space-saving in design, the container holder has a housing that is open on at least one side and two opposing receiving elements, each pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis between a closed position and a receiving position. In the closed position, the two receiving elements interlock at least partially, covering an opening in the housing and forming a flat surface. In the receiving position, the two receiving elements form at least one receiving contour and / or at least one support contour for at least one inserted container and are designed to adapt to inserted containers with different dimensions.

[0012] Furthermore, a container holder arrangement for a vehicle is proposed, comprising at least one vehicle component located in the interior of the vehicle, which has at least one support surface, and at least one such container holder, which is integrated into the at least one vehicle component in such a way that the flat surface formed by the two receiving elements in the closed position is aligned with the at least one support surface of the vehicle component.

[0013] Embodiments of the invention provide a low-profile container holder for installation on surfaces with limited depth. When not in use, the two opposing receiving elements, in their closed position, create a flat surface without any protrusions or contours. When in use, the two opposing receiving elements can accommodate and hold various beverage containers. The interlocking design of the two receiving elements in the closed position allows them to be sufficiently long to hold or support a container at a suitable height.

[0014] Embodiments of the invention exhibit a high degree of variability with regard to the beverage containers they can accommodate and possess excellent holding properties. Advantageously, embodiments of the invention allow for intuitive operation directly at the holding elements. The very low profile and the associated good packaging compatibility result in a high degree of flexibility in positioning the container holder within the vehicle interior.

[0015] The vehicle component can be designed, for example, as a center armrest of a seating arrangement, as a center console, or as a door panel.

[0016] This means that the at least one container holder can be located in the center console between the seats of a first row of seats or preferably in the center armrest of a second or third row of seats in a vehicle.

[0017] A fold-out center armrest, located in the middle of a rear seating arrangement, features a pass-through function, creating a pass-through opening for long items in the transition to the trunk; an armrest function, allowing a passenger to comfortably rest their forearm; and a container holder function, capable of holding up to two beverage containers. A table element can also be integrated into the center armrest. With or without the table, the primary objective is to provide the customer with a beverage holder that fully meets their expectations when in use, while also ensuring that no other comfort features are negatively impacted when not in use.In this specific case, it forms a flat, comfortable surface for resting the forearm and, when the center armrest is folded up, provides comfortable padding as a backrest without any painfully hard contours. Designed versions of the container holder are low-profile with a low height when closed, thus advantageously fulfilling these requirements while maintaining simplicity and robustness.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment of the container holder, the two receiving elements can be moved independently of each other. In a particularly simple embodiment, the two receiving elements can each be moved manually from the closed position to the receiving position and / or vice versa. This means that the two receiving elements can be positioned or placed down independently of each other in any sequence. Furthermore, friction elements can be provided to keep the receiving elements rattle-free in both the closed and receiving positions. Alternatively, the two receiving elements can each be locked in the closed position and, after the lock is released, automatically moved from the closed position to the receiving position with spring assistance. In this case, the placement of the two receiving elements can be done manually and independently of each other.In addition, friction elements can be provided which keep the receiving elements rattle-free in the closed position and in the receiving position.

[0019] In a further advantageous embodiment of the container holder, each of the two receiving elements can have at least one recess and at least one retaining element. The geometric shape of the retaining element of the first receiving element and the geometric shape of the recess of the second receiving element can be adapted to one another. Furthermore, the geometric shape of the retaining element of the second receiving element and the geometric shape of the recess of the first receiving element can be adapted to one another. This allows for the partial interlocking of the two receiving elements in the closed position, similar to a puzzle, and the formation of the flat surface to be easily achieved.

[0020] In a further advantageous embodiment of the container holder, the two receiving elements can be designed to hold at least two containers simultaneously.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment of the container holder, the first receiving element can be fixedly mounted in its receiving position, and the opposing second receiving element can be flexibly moved from a first receiving position to a maximum receiving position against a force exerted by at least one spring element. This means that the first receiving element is fully extended in its receiving position, regardless of the dimensions of the container being mounted, and preferably forms a fixed counter-bearing in the direction of travel. The constant spring preload allows for the compensation of different container diameters between the first receiving position and the maximum receiving position. Furthermore, the first receiving position of the second receiving element can be adapted to the dimensions of the smallest adjustable container.Furthermore, the maximum position of the second mounting element can be adapted to the dimensions of the largest adjustable container. Thanks to the aforementioned friction elements and the constant preload of at least one spring element, the mounting elements can be held rattle-free in all positions.

[0022] The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those subsequently mentioned 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 on their own, without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, embodiments that are not explicitly shown or explained in the figures, but which can be derived and generated from the explained embodiments by separate combinations of features, are also to be considered as encompassed and disclosed by the invention.

[0023] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and are explained in more detail in the following description. In the drawings, identical reference numerals denote components or elements that perform the same or analogous functions. Here, the following are shown: Fig. 1 a schematic and partial top view of an embodiment of a container holder arrangement according to the invention for a vehicle with an embodiment of a container holder according to the invention for a vehicle in a receiving position with two inserted containers; Fig. 2 a schematic top view of the container holder according to the invention for a vehicle made of Fig. 1 in a closed position; Fig. 3 a schematic side view of the container holder according to the invention for a vehicle made of Fig. 2 in the closed position; Fig. 4 a schematic sectional view along a second axis of rotation in Fig. 2; Fig. 5 a schematic top view of the container holder according to the invention for a vehicle made of Fig. 2 in the recording position without containers inserted; and Fig. 6 a schematic side view of the container holder according to the invention for a vehicle made of Fig. 5 in the receiving position.

[0024] As from Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6, the illustrated embodiment of a container holder 10 according to the invention for a vehicle comprises a housing 15 open at least on one side and two receiving elements 12 arranged opposite each other, each of which is located between a Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 shown closed position and one in Fig. 1, Fig. 5 and Fig. In the mounting position shown in Figure 6, the two mounting elements 12 are pivotally mounted about a horizontal axis of rotation DA1, DA2. In the closed position, the two mounting elements 12 interlock at least partially, covering an opening in the housing 15 and forming a flat surface. In the mounting position, the two mounting elements 12 form at least one mounting contour 14.1, 14.2 and / or at least one support contour 14.3, 14.4 for at least one inserted container 7 and are designed to adapt to inserted containers 7 with different dimensions.

[0025] As from Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 1, the illustrated embodiment of a container holder arrangement 1 according to the invention for a vehicle comprises at least one vehicle component 3 arranged in the interior 9 of the vehicle, which has at least one support surface 5, and at least one container holder 10 according to the invention, which is integrated into the at least one vehicle component 3 in such a way that the flat surface formed by the two receiving elements 12 in the closed position is aligned with the at least one support surface 5 of the vehicle component 3.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment of the container holder arrangement 1, the vehicle component 3 is designed as a center armrest 3A of a seating arrangement. As shown Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 1, a container holder 10 is integrated into the center armrest 3A and is designed to accommodate two containers 7 simultaneously.

[0027] In alternative embodiments of the container holder arrangement 1 not shown, the vehicle component 3 is designed as a center console or as a door panel.

[0028] As from Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 6, the housing 15 of the container holder 10 in the illustrated embodiment is designed as a receiving tray 15A with a circumferential collar 15.1 and a tray base 15.2 on which a container 7 is placed. The two receiving elements 12 are independently movable about their corresponding axes of rotation DA1 and DA2. In the illustrated embodiment, a first receiving element 12A can be moved manually about a first axis of rotation DA1 from the closed position to the receiving position and from the receiving position to the closed position. A second receiving element 12B can also be moved manually about a second axis of rotation DA2, which runs parallel to the first axis of rotation DA1, from the closed position to the receiving position and from the receiving position to the closed position.

[0029] As especially from Fig. 1, Fig. 5 and Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 6, the first receiving element 12A is fixedly mounted in its upright receiving position. In the illustrated embodiment, the first receiving element 12A has an angle of 90° in its upright receiving position. The opposite second receiving element 12B has, in its Fig. 5 and Fig. In the first recording position shown in section 6, the device is set at an angle of approximately 60° and is subjected to a force of at least one in Fig. The spring element 18 shown in Figure 4 is flexibly movable from the first receiving position to a maximum receiving position (not shown in detail). The two receiving elements 12 can be positioned or removed independently of each other in any sequence. Furthermore, friction elements designed as stop and friction cams 18 are arranged at the ends of the two axes of rotation DA1 and DA2, which, in combination with stop and friction contours 17 formed on the housing 15, hold the receiving elements 12 rattle-free in the closed position and in the receiving position.

[0030] As from Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 6, a first stop and friction cam 18A is arranged at the end of the first axis of rotation DA1, and a second stop and friction cam 18B is arranged at the end of the second axis of rotation DA2. The first stop and friction cam 18A, in combination with a first stop and friction contour 17A, holds the first receiving element 12A in the closed position by means of a frictional engagement. This engagement is overcome during manual setup, allowing the first receiving element 12A to be positioned in the receiving position until it reaches the stop of the first stop and friction cam 18A. The first receiving element 12A is held in the receiving position by a frictional engagement.The second stop and friction cam 18B, in combination with a second stop and friction contour 17B, holds the second receiving element 12B in the closed position by means of a frictional engagement, analogous to the first receiving element 12A. This frictional engagement is overcome during manual setup, allowing the second receiving element 12B to be positioned in the first receiving position until the second stop cam 18B reaches its stop. Against the force of the spring element 18, the second receiving element 12B can be moved flexibly from the first receiving position to its maximum receiving position.

[0031] In an alternative embodiment of the container holder 10 (not shown), the two receiving elements 12 are each locked in the closed position and, after the lock is released, are automatically moved from the closed position to the corresponding receiving position by spring assistance. Analogous to the illustrated embodiment, the second receiving element 12B can be flexibly moved from its initial receiving position to its maximum receiving position against the force of at least one spring element 18.

[0032] As from Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 5 and Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 6, the two receiving elements 12 each have at least one recess 13 and at least one retaining element 14. Here, the geometric shape of the at least one retaining element 14 of the first receiving element 12A and the geometric shape of the at least one recess 13 of the second receiving element 12B are adapted to each other. Similarly, the geometric shape of the at least one retaining element 14 of the second receiving element 12B and the geometric shape of the at least one recess 13 of the first receiving element 12A are adapted to each other.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment of the container holder 10, the first receiving element 12A has a centrally arranged T-shaped first recess 13A and two uniform, mirror-symmetrical second recesses 13B arranged at the edge, each having the geometric shape of half a trapezoid. This results in two uniform, mirror-symmetrical first retaining elements 14A. The second receiving element 12B has two third recesses 13C, which are designed such that a centrally arranged T-shaped second retaining element 14B and two uniform, mirror-symmetrical third retaining elements 14C arranged at the edge are formed, each having the geometric shape of half a trapezoid.By adapting the geometric shapes of the two first retaining elements 14A of the first receiving element 12A to the geometric shape of the two third recesses 13C of the second receiving element 12B and the geometric shapes of the second retaining element 14B and the two third retaining elements 14C of the second receiving element 12B to the geometric shapes of the first recess 13A and the two second recesses 13B of the first receiving element, the two receiving elements 12 partially interlock in the closed position in the manner of a "puzzle" and form the flat surface which is aligned with the support surface 5 of the vehicle component 3.

[0034] In the illustrated embodiment of the container holder 10, the two receiving elements 12A are designed to hold at least two containers 7 simultaneously.

[0035] As especially from Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the first receiving position of the second receiving element 12B is adapted to the dimensions of a smallest adjustable container 7. This smallest adjustable container 7 can be inserted into a first receiving contour 14.1, which is formed centrally on the first receiving element 12A, and held by a first support contour 14.3, which is formed on the second retaining element 14B of the second receiving element 12B. The maximum receiving position of the second receiving element 12B is adapted to the dimensions of a largest adjustable container 7. In the illustrated embodiment of the container holder 10, the maximum receiving position corresponds to an installation angle of 90°.

[0036] As from Fig.As can be seen further in Figure 1, two containers 7 designed as beverage cans 7A are placed in the container holder 10. The two beverage cans 7A are of medium size and are each inserted into a second receiving contour 14.2, which is formed on the two first retaining elements 14A of the first receiving element 12A, and are each held by the first support contour 14.3, which is formed on the second retaining element 14B of the second receiving element 12B, and by a second support contour 14.4, which are each formed on the third retaining elements 14C of the second receiving element 12B. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 Container holder arrangement 3 Vehicle component 3A Center armrest 5 Support surface 7 containers 7A socket 9 Interior 10 container holders 12 Recording element 12A fixed receiving element 12B flexible mounting element 13, 13A, 13B, 13C recess 14, 14A, 14B, 14C holding element 14.1, 14.2 Recording contour 14.3, 14.4 Support contour 15 cases 15A Receiving tray 15.1 all-around collar 15.2 Bathtub floor 16, 16A, 16B Stop and friction cams 17, 17A, 17B Stop and friction contour 18 spring element DA1, DA2 horizontal axis of rotation

Claims

[1] Container holder (10) for a vehicle, comprising a housing (15) open at least on one side and two receiving elements (12) arranged opposite each other, each of which is pivotably mounted about a horizontal axis of rotation (DA1, DA2) between a closed position and a receiving position, wherein the two receiving elements (12) in the closed position at least partially interlock and cover an opening in the housing (15) and form a flat surface, wherein the two receiving elements (12) in the receiving position form at least one receiving contour (14.1, 14.2) and / or at least one support contour (14.3, 14.4) for at least one inserted container (7) and are designed to adapt to inserted containers (7) with different dimensions. [2] Container holder (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the two receiving elements (12) are movable independently of each other. [3] Container holder (10) according to claim 2, characterized by , that the two receiving elements (12) can each be moved manually from the closed position to the receiving position and / or from the receiving position to the closed position. [4] Container holder (10) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by , that the two receiving elements (12) are each locked in the closed position and, after releasing the lock, can be moved automatically from the closed position to the receiving position with spring assistance. [5] Container holder (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by, that the two receiving elements (12) each have at least one recess (13) and at least one retaining element (14), wherein a geometric shape of the at least one retaining element (14) of a first receiving element (12A) and a geometric shape of the at least one recess (13) of a second receiving element (12B) are adapted to each other, and a geometric shape of the at least one retaining element (14) of the second receiving element (12B) and a geometric shape of the at least one recess (13) of the first receiving element (12A) are adapted to each other. [6] Container holder (10) according to claim 5, characterized by that the two receiving elements (12) are designed to receive at least two containers (7) simultaneously. [7] Container holder (10) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by, that the first receiving element (12A) is fixedly mounted in its receiving position, and the opposite second receiving element (12B) is flexibly movable from a first receiving position to a maximum receiving position against a force of at least one spring element (18). [8] Container holder (10) according to claim 7, characterized by , that the first receiving position of the second receiving element (12B) is adapted to the dimensions of a smallest adjustable container (7), and the maximum receiving position of the second receiving element (12B) is adapted to the dimensions of a largest adjustable container (7). [9] Container holder arrangement (1) for a vehicle, comprising at least one vehicle component (3) arranged in the interior (7) of the vehicle, which has at least one support surface (5), and at least one container holder (10) which is designed according to one of claims 1 to 8 and is integrated into the at least one vehicle component (3) in such a way that the flat surface formed by the two receiving elements (12) in the closed position is aligned with the at least one support surface (5) of the vehicle component (3). [10] Container holder arrangement (1) according to claim 9, characterized by that the vehicle component (3) is designed as a center armrest (3A) of a seating arrangement or as a center console or as a door trim panel.

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