Cup holders, console and motor vehicle

Abstract

A beverage holder (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a receiving space (A) for a beverage container, the receiving space having a central axis (3) extending perpendicular to a floor (2) of the receiving space (2), wherein the beverage holder (1) comprises two wall elements (4, 7) curved in a bowl shape around the central axis (3), one of which is a stationary wall element (4) and the other a rotatable wall element (7), wherein the stationary wall element (4) partially delimits the receiving space (A) with an inner surface facing the central axis (3), wherein the rotatable wall element (7) is rotatable into several rotational positions on a path (5) extending around a rotation axis (6), the path (5) being defined such that the rotatable wall element (7) - encloses a penning cylinder (P) with the stationary wall element (4) in several rotational positions and - in all rotational positions lies at least partially within the receiving space (A) and / or partially limits it, wherein the axis of rotation (6) runs parallel to the central axis (3) through the receiving space (A), wherein each adjustable penning cylinder (P) is at least partially encompassed by the receiving space (A) and is smaller than the receiving space (A).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a beverage holder for a motor vehicle, comprising a receiving space for a beverage container, which has a central axis extending perpendicular to the bottom of the receiving space, wherein the beverage holder comprises two wall elements curved in a bowl shape around the central axis, one of which is a stationary wall element and the other a rotatable wall element, wherein the stationary wall element partially delimits the receiving space with an inner surface facing the central axis, wherein the rotatable wall element is rotatable into several rotational positions on a path extending around a rotational axis, the path being predetermined such that the rotatable wall element - encloses a penning cylinder with the stationary wall element in several rotational positions and - lies at least partially within the recording space in all rotation positions and / or partially limits it.

[0002] In addition, the invention relates to a console for a motor vehicle and a motor vehicle.

[0003] Many vehicles typically have cup holders to securely hold beverage containers, especially while driving. The challenge lies in designing these cup holders to accommodate a wide variety of differently shaped and / or sized containers. For example, the shape and size of a coffee mug or a beverage can can differ significantly from that of a water bottle. Ideally, the cup holder should be designed to securely hold any of these containers. To address this challenge, various cup holder concepts have already been proposed in the prior art.

[0004] JP 2000-229 529 A discloses a beverage holder with a retaining ring rotatably mounted in a circular sliding guide. A section of the retaining ring projects from the sliding guide, and the opening in this section forms a receiving space for a beverage container, which is closed at the front by the retaining ring and at the rear by the sliding guide. Furthermore, the opening in the retaining ring is either elliptical or non-concentric within the retaining ring, allowing the size of the receiving space to be adjusted by rotating the retaining ring within the sliding guide.

[0005] Furthermore, DE 10 2023 001 309 A1 discloses a beverage holder based on the functional principle of an optical aperture. The beverage holder has several circularly arranged holding segments that laterally define a receiving space for a beverage container. The holding segments are adjustable via an actuator, similar to those of an optical aperture. This allows the diameter of the receiving space to be adjusted.

[0006] From DE 102 31 578 A1, a beverage holder is known which has a housing with a cylindrical receiving chamber for a beverage container. The housing contains at least one clamping element which is movable by actuator such that in one position it lies outside the receiving chamber and in another position it partially projects into the receiving chamber. The size of the receiving chamber is thus adjustable.

[0007] A beverage holder is also known from DE 10 2023 104 886 A1, which can hold beverage containers of various sizes. The beverage holder has an extendable, circular bracket which, when extended, defines one side of the holding area. On the opposite side, the holding area is defined by a fixed wall of the beverage holder, from which clamping elements project into the holding area, making it possible to clamp beverage containers of various sizes within it.

[0008] From DE 201 01 540 U1, another beverage holder is known, comprising a stationary base and a movable holding element, the latter being pivotable about a pin to accommodate the diameter of a beverage container. The beverage holder also includes a locking device with a toothed section on the base, through which the holding element can engage with a locking lug on the base. A spring presses the holding element with the locking lug into the toothed section on the base.

[0009] A similar beverage holder is known from DE 199 59 260 B4. The beverage holder described here has a stationary holding element with two arc-shaped clamping arms. Each clamping arm is mounted to pivot horizontally about a respective axis and is pressed inwards by a respective torsion spring to clamp a beverage between the holding element and the clamping arm.

[0010] In current technology, the adaptation of beverage holders to different beverage containers is generally achieved through mechanical clamping, predominantly using spring elements. This is disadvantageous because the mechanical clamping elements wear down over time. Frequent insertion and removal of beverage containers can cause the clamping elements to lose their clamping force or function less precisely than when new. Heavy use of the clamping elements typically leads to a decrease in their clamping capacity.

[0011] The invention is based on the objective of improving a beverage holder, particularly with regard to its wear and tear.

[0012] This problem is solved by a beverage holder, a console, and a motor vehicle according to the dependent claims. Advantageous further developments are described in the sub-claims.

[0013] In a beverage holder of the type mentioned above, it is provided according to the invention that the axis of rotation runs parallel to and offset from the central axis and passes through the receiving space, wherein each adjustable cage cylinder is at least partially enclosed by the receiving space and is smaller than the receiving space.

[0014] The receiving space is the area into which the beverage container is placed. It limits the maximum size of the beverage container that the beverage holder can accommodate. The receiving space is partially bounded by the inner surface of the stationary wall element and can be cylindrical in shape.

[0015] In contrast, the cage cylinder is the largest possible inscribed cylinder that extends along the axis of rotation between the wall elements. The cage cylinder is therefore the cylinder that just fits between the two wall elements. It is bounded below by the base of the cup holder and laterally by the wall elements. The term "encloses" in claim 1 is to be understood as meaning that the wall elements at least partially enclose the cage cylinder, with one section of the cage cylinder lying flush against both wall elements, thus extending from one wall element to the other. The cage cylinder is always smaller than the receiving space and forms an intersection with it. It can be understood as an adjustable reduction of the receiving space.

[0016] If a beverage container is placed in the receiving chamber, the size of which is not adjustable, the rotating wall element can be moved into a position where the retaining cylinder is optimally sized to securely grip and hold the beverage container. The size of the retaining cylinder is therefore adjustable and depends on the rotational position of the rotating wall element. In some rotational positions, the wall elements can also be arranged in such a way that they do not enclose a retaining cylinder.

[0017] The path along which the rotating wall element moves follows an arc around the axis of rotation. Since this axis does not coincide with the central axis, but runs parallel and offset from it, the movement of the rotating wall element along this path causes an eccentric rotation of the element around the central axis. This eccentric rotation adjusts the size of the enclosed cylinder. In other words, by rotating the wall element around its axis, the space in which the beverage container is securely held between the two wall elements can be adjusted. Therefore, adapting the beverage holder to different sized and shaped containers is possible simply by rotating the wall element.

[0018] The beverage holder according to the invention thus makes it possible to completely dispense with wear-prone, especially spring-loaded, clamping elements. Complex mechanisms can also be avoided, since the rotation of the rotatable wall element can be implemented relatively simply. Due to the reduced wear and lower susceptibility to damage resulting from the simpler mechanism, the service life of the beverage holder according to the invention can be significantly increased compared to known beverage holders.

[0019] By rotating the wall element, beverage containers of various sizes and shapes can always be securely gripped, ensuring a firm hold even in challenging driving situations. The beverage containers can also be clamped or secured between the wall elements.

[0020] Naturally, the drink holder can also have several stationary and / or several rotating wall elements, whereby the principle of eccentric rotation for adjusting the size of the cup cylinder remains unchanged. For better understanding, the description is based on only one stationary wall element and only one rotating wall element.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment of the beverage holder, the rotatable wall element can be rotated from a home position at one end of a path, in which the wall elements do not enclose a cage cylinder, to an end position at the other end of the path, in which the wall elements enclose the smallest adjustable cage cylinder, and vice versa. The path can extend around the axis of rotation within an angular range of 120° to 300° or 150° to 270°, particularly 180° to 250°. In other words, the rotatable wall element can be rotated in the end position by an angle of 120° to 300° or 150° to 270°, particularly 180° to 250°, relative to the home position. Preferably, the path does not extend completely around the axis of rotation, i.e., not within an angular range of 360°.

[0022] In its basic position, the beverage container cannot be held between the wall elements, as these do not define a pen-like cylinder. The wall elements then lie side by side or nested within each other, and the opening for the beverage container is open on one side. It is only bounded laterally by the stationary wall element and downwards by the base. This allows for easy insertion of the beverage container.

[0023] In the final position, the wall elements limit the smallest adjustable cage cylinder and thus determine the size for the smallest possible beverage container that can just be held or clamped between the wall elements.

[0024] Preferably, the path includes a holding area extending from a holding position between the home and end positions to the end position, wherein the wall elements only enclose a cage cylinder when the rotatable wall element is positioned in a rotational position encompassed by the holding area, thus enabling them to grip and hold a beverage container. The cage cylinder refers to one of the adjustable cage cylinders described above. As explained, the cage cylinder is only confined by the wall elements when the rotatable wall element is in a suitable rotational position. According to this embodiment, this is the case when the rotational position lies within the holding area. If it lies outside the holding area, the wall elements do not enclose a cage cylinder.

[0025] In the rotational positions encompassed by the holding area, the axis of rotation runs between the rotating and the stationary wall element. A circle can then be constructed in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation between the stationary and the rotating wall element, the diameter of which is limited by the wall elements in each direction away from the axis of rotation. This allows the beverage container to be securely gripped by the cup-shaped wall elements.

[0026] Preferably, the beverage holder is designed such that rotating the rotatable wall element from the holding position towards the end position reduces the diameter of the enclosed cylinder formed by the wall elements. This allows for easy adjustment of the beverage holder to the beverage container and precise clamping of the container. From the initial or holding position, the rotatable wall element can be successively rotated towards the end position until a rotation is reached in which the wall elements optimally grip the beverage container. It is conceivable that the rotation results in a continuous reduction of the diameter of the enclosed cylinder. For this purpose, the rotatable wall element can be rotated to any position along its path between the initial and end positions. However, a stepwise reduction of the diameter of the enclosed cylinder is also possible.For this purpose, the rotatable wall element can only be rotated between the basic and the end position in predefined rotational positions around the axis of rotation, between each of which there is a larger angular increment.

[0027] The distance between the axis of rotation and the central axis determines the degree of eccentricity and thus the relationship between the rotation of the rotatable wall element and the change in the diameter of the penning cylinder. A greater distance between the two axes allows for a greater change in the diameter of the penning cylinder through the rotation of the rotatable wall element. It has proven practical for the distance between the axis of rotation and the central axis to be at most 50%, 40%, or 30%, preferably at most 20%, of the radius of the receiving space around the central axis.

[0028] To accommodate even large beverage containers, the wall elements are preferably arranged in a particularly compact manner in their home position. It is conceivable that the stationary wall element and the rotatable wall element overlap, particularly completely, in their home position. Thus, the rotatable wall element can be, in particular completely, contained within the stationary wall element in its home position, or vice versa. For this purpose, one of the wall elements can have a recess that is sufficiently large to at least partially contain the other wall element. Additionally or alternatively, the stationary wall element and the rotatable wall element can have adjacent recesses in their home position. The rotatable wall element can therefore lie next to the stationary wall element in its home position, or at least be substantially flush with it.

[0029] It is also practical if the stationary and rotating wall elements are curved in a shell shape with an identical radius, or at least with an approximately identical radius. This allows the wall elements to overlap particularly well and be arranged very compactly next to each other. Preferably, each wall element is curved around a respective reference axis, wherein the radii with which the wall elements extend around their respective reference axis are identical or differ from each other by at most 15%, at most 10%, or at most 5%.

[0030] It is also conceivable that the recording space extends cylindrically around the central axis, with the radius of the recording space corresponding at least substantially to the radius with which the wall elements extend around their respective reference axes. Preferably, at least the radius of the stationary wall element corresponds to that of the recording space.

[0031] In another conceivable configuration, the receiving space tapers conically towards the floor. The wall elements can also be shaped so that, when the rotating wall element is appropriately positioned, they enclose a shell that tapers conically towards the floor. This allows, for example, conical beverage containers, especially cups, to be held securely.

[0032] The rotating wall element can be rotated manually. However, to increase user comfort, the rotating wall element can also be moved in a defined manner by an actuator. Preferably, the cup holder therefore includes an actuator and a control unit for controlling the actuator, the actuator being configured to rotate the rotating wall element about its axis of rotation. In principle, any suitable actuator can be used. Preferably, this is an electric or electromechanical actuator, in particular an electric motor. This is configured to rotate the rotating wall element by means of a, preferably simple, mechanism, for example, comprising at least one gear.

[0033] The actuator allows the rotatable wall element to be moved from its home position to its end position and back again. The actuator thus enables the rotatable wall element to be rotated clockwise and counterclockwise around its axis of rotation. The rotatable wall element can be moved into various rotational positions between its home and end positions. The rotation is preferably stepless to achieve the most precise positioning of the rotatable wall element. However, it can also be performed in steps. A control unit is provided to control the rotation. This unit can be integrated into the cup holder. However, it is also conceivable that the control unit is an external control unit, such as that of a motor vehicle, with the actuator being connected to the control unit via a control interface of the cup holder.

[0034] The freedom of movement of the rotating wall element can be restricted to movement along a path by a suitable guide, such as a guide rail on or in the base of the cup holder. The actuator can, for example, be fixed to the base of the cup holder. The cup holder can also have multiple actuators for rotating the wall element.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment, the beverage holder includes an occupancy sensor configured to detect the presence of a beverage container in the receiving space and to transmit this data to the control unit. The control unit is configured to control the actuator based on the sensor data from the occupancy sensor. Using the occupancy sensor and the control unit, the beverage holder can independently detect when a beverage container is placed in or removed from the receiving space and, based on this detection, rotate the rotatable wall element via the actuator.

[0036] Any sensor capable of detecting the presence of a beverage container in the recording area can be used as an occupancy sensor. The actual detection of the beverage container is preferably achieved by evaluating the sensor data from the occupancy sensor using the control unit.

[0037] Preferably, the control unit is configured to actuate the actuator to rotate the rotatable wall element towards its end position if the rotatable wall element is not in its end position and if, in addition, the occupancy sensor data indicates that a beverage container is present in the receiving space. Alternatively, the control unit can be configured to actuate the actuator to rotate the rotatable wall element towards its home position if the rotatable wall element is not in its home position and if, in addition, the occupancy sensor data indicates that no beverage container is present in the receiving space.

[0038] Thanks to the occupancy sensor, the control unit and the actuator, the beverage holder can securely fix the beverage container independently without any user intervention, whereby the beverage holder can automatically move the rotating wall element back to its starting position when the beverage container is removed, in order to make the entire holding space available for the next beverage container.

[0039] The occupancy sensor can be an optical sensor, such as a light barrier. Alternatively, the occupancy sensor could be a pressure sensor, in which case the presence of a beverage container in the receiving area is detected by the control unit when a pressure value, detected by the occupancy sensor and output to the control unit, exceeds a predefined pressure limit. One or more occupancy sensors can be provided in the base and in each wall element. Preferably, the occupancy sensor, when used as a pressure sensor, can be integrated into the base of the beverage holder.

[0040] In a further embodiment, the beverage holder, in addition to the actuator and the control unit, includes a block sensor configured to detect sensor data relating to a blocking of the rotation of the rotatable wall element and to output this data to the control unit. In this embodiment, the beverage holder is further characterized by a locking device that locks the rotation of the rotatable wall element in a locking position and releases it in a release position, with the control unit being configured to control the actuator and the locking device depending on the sensor data from the block sensor.

[0041] In this configuration, the beverage holder is designed to rotate the rotating wall element towards its end position until the control unit detects a blockage based on sensor data from the block sensor. This typically occurs when the rotating wall element touches or moves against the beverage container. Upon detection of a blockage, the control unit can, without any additional user action, activate the actuator to interrupt the rotation and engage the locking mechanism (particularly the electromechanical one) by means of appropriate control. In this way, the beverage holder can independently move the rotating wall element into a position where the beverage container is securely gripped by the wall elements without being crushed.Furthermore, additional locking of the locking device can prevent the rotatable wall element from unintentionally moving back towards the home position, thus eliminating the need to supply power to the actuator, for example an electric motor.

[0042] Using the block sensor and the control unit, body parts, such as a hand, can also be detected in the recording area. The rotation of the rotating wall element towards its end position can then be immediately interrupted upon detection of a body part in the recording area.

[0043] The control unit can detect blockage by checking if the sensor data from the block sensor, for example a measured pressure value, exceeds a certain threshold. This threshold can be set so that the wall elements not only grip the beverage container but clamp it with a specific force.

[0044] Preferably, the control unit is configured to deactivate the actuator and move the locking device into the locked position if the sensor data from the block sensor indicates that the rotation of the rotatable wall element is blocked. Additionally, the control unit can be configured to move the locking device into the release position if it is in the locked position and if the sensor data from the block sensor further indicates that the rotation of the rotatable wall element is not blocked. In other words, the control unit can be configured, upon detecting that a beverage container has been removed from the cup holder, to move the locking device, provided it is locked, into the release position and rotate the rotatable wall element towards its home position using the actuator.

[0045] Any suitable sensor can be used as the blocking sensor. For example, a pressure sensor can be used, whereby the blocking of the rotation of the rotatable wall element by the control unit is indicated by a pressure value detected by the blocking sensor and output to the control unit, which represents a pressure opposing the rotation of the rotatable wall element, exceeding a predefined blocking pressure. The beverage holder can have one or more blocking sensors in each wall element.

[0046] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the block sensor can also be part of the actuator or integrated into the actuator. For example, the actuator can be an electric motor, with the block sensor being an ammeter integrated into the electric motor, configured to measure the stall current of the electric motor and output it as sensor data to the control unit. If the motor's rotation of the rotatable wall element is slowed or subjected to a load by an external force, the current draw of the electric motor increases. The control unit can then detect the stalling of the rotation of the rotatable wall element because the stall current, i.e., the current draw of the electric motor, exceeds a certain limit.

[0047] The detection of a beverage container being removed from the cup holder can therefore be based on sensor data from both the occupancy sensor and the block sensor. It is also conceivable that, in order to save on components, the cup holder could incorporate a combined sensor in one or more wall elements, fulfilling the functions of both the occupancy sensor and the block sensor.

[0048] The cup holder can also include a timing device configured to output time data to the control unit. The control unit can then be configured to actuate the actuator and / or the locking mechanism based on this time data. Furthermore, the actuation of the locking mechanism and / or the actuator by the control unit can be contingent on the time measured by the timing device reaching or exceeding a predefined waiting period.

[0049] For example, as soon as the control unit detects that a beverage container has been removed, based on sensor data from the occupancy sensor or the block sensor, it can activate the timing device to start a timer. Only when the control unit determines, based on the timing device's data, that a waiting period of, for example, at least 20 or 30 seconds has elapsed since the start of the timer (i.e., since the beverage container was removed), does it activate the locking mechanism and / or the actuator. This allows the unlocking of the locking mechanism and the rotation of the rotatable wall element towards its home position to be delayed by a predefined waiting period. The beverage holder thus retains its state for this waiting period, even if the beverage container is removed.If the beverage container is only removed briefly, for example to drink, it can simply be placed back into the already optimally adjusted beverage holder without having to readjust the beverage holder to the beverage container.

[0050] Similarly, the timing device can also be used to delay the automatic securing of the beverage container after its detection in the receiving area by a predetermined waiting period. The control unit can, as soon as it detects the presence of the beverage container, activate the timing device to start a timer and then only activate the actuator once the waiting period has elapsed. This prevents, for example, hands or fingers from obstructing the grasping of the beverage holder by the wall elements.

[0051] Conveniently, the beverage holder can include a temperature control device, which can be controlled, in particular, by means of the control unit. The beverage container held in the beverage holder can be heated and / or cooled by means of the temperature control device. For this purpose, the temperature control device can have a temperature control medium, such as a heating coil or a coolant circuit, in the base and / or in at least one of the wall elements.

[0052] In addition to the cup holder, the invention also relates to a console for a motor vehicle, which has at least one cup holder according to the invention. All features and advantages mentioned for the cup holder according to the invention thus also apply to the console according to the invention, and vice versa.

[0053] The console can be a center console, typically located in a vehicle interior between the driver's and passenger's seats. It is also conceivable that the console is part of a rear bench seat for a motor vehicle, in particular positioned centrally on the rear bench seat in the transverse direction of the vehicle. In these cases, the console can, for example, include two or more cup holders according to the invention. Naturally, the console can also be part of any vehicle interior trim, including door trim.

[0054] Furthermore, the invention relates to a motor vehicle which has at least one console and / or at least one cup holder according to the invention. All features and advantages mentioned for the cup holder and the console according to the invention thus also apply to the motor vehicle according to the invention, and vice versa.

[0055] If the motor vehicle has a beverage holder according to the invention with a control unit, the latter may be configured for data exchange with a vehicle-side control unit. If a beverage holder according to the invention with a temperature control unit is provided in the motor vehicle, the temperature control unit may be controllable by the control unit, depending on the operating state of an air conditioning system of the motor vehicle, for the purpose of climate control of a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle.

[0056] In general, the beverage holder according to the invention can be controlled via a vehicle-side user interface using a control unit. Operation can be performed by touch, voice input, or gesture control. The clamping force with which the beverage container is held between the wall elements can be adjusted by the actuator and the control unit depending on the current speed of the vehicle, in order to optimally secure the beverage container in every driving situation.

[0057] Further advantages and details of the invention are described below with reference to exemplary embodiments and the figures. These are schematic representations and show: Fig. 1 a top view of an embodiment of a beverage holder according to the invention with a rotatable wall element in a basic position; Fig. 2 a top view of the drink holder of the Fig. 1 with the rotating wall element in another rotating position; Fig. 3 a top view of the drink holder of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 with the rotating wall element in an end position; Fig. 4 an embodiment of a console according to the invention; and Fig. 5 an embodiment of a motor vehicle according to the invention.

[0058] Fig. Figures 1-3 show an embodiment of a beverage holder 1 according to the invention. For receiving a beverage container (not shown), this holder comprises a receiving chamber A extending cylindrically around a central axis 3 and having a base 2. The beverage holder 1 further comprises a stationary wall element 4 and a wall element 7 rotatable along a path 5 about an axis of rotation 6. Both wall elements 4 and 7 are curved in a shell-like shape around the central axis 3, with the axis of rotation 6 running parallel to the central axis 3 in the receiving chamber A. The central axis 3 and the axis of rotation 6 are separated by a distance 8, which in this case is approximately 20% of the radius 9 with which the receiving chamber A extends around the central axis 3.

[0059] The stationary wall element 4 is immovable and its inner surface, facing the central axis 3, partially defines the receiving space A. The rotatable wall element 7 is located along the path 5 between a basic position GS at one end of the path 5 (see Fig. 1) and an end position ES at the opposite end of path 5 (see Fig. 3) rotatable into various rotational positions. In several of these rotational positions, the wall elements 4, 7 enclose a pen cylinder P (dashed circle in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) One. This can be interpreted as the outer contour of a beverage container. The corrugated cylinder P symbolizes a beverage container that is partially enclosed and securely held by the wall elements 4 and 7.

[0060] How Fig. As can be seen from 1 - 3, the rotatable wall element 7 lies at least partially in the receiving space A in every rotational position (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) and / or limits it. Furthermore, the penning cylinder P is always smaller than the receiving space A and at least partially enclosed by it.

[0061] Since the axis of rotation 6 runs parallel to and offset from the central axis 3, the movement of the rotatable wall element 7 along the path 5 results in an eccentric rotation of the rotatable wall element 7 about the central axis 3. This eccentric rotation allows the size, in particular a diameter D, of the enclosure cylinder P enclosed by the wall elements 4 and 7 to be adjusted. The beverage holder 1 can thus be adapted to beverage containers of various sizes and shapes simply by rotating the rotatable wall element 7. The beverage container can also be clamped between the wall elements 4 and 7 by rotating the rotatable wall element 7. Therefore, the beverage holder 1 requires no clamping elements, especially spring-loaded ones, which are subject to wear. Complex mechanisms are also unnecessary, as the rotation of the rotatable wall element 7 can be implemented simply.

[0062] Fig. Figure 1 shows the beverage holder 1 with the rotatable wall element 7 in the basic position GS. The rotatable wall element 7 is here received in a recess of the stationary wall element 4 (not shown in the figures). It therefore extends within the stationary wall element 4, so that the wall elements 4 and 7 do not define a pen-like cylinder P and thus cannot enclose a beverage container. However, the beverage container can be placed in the receiving space A, which in this arrangement is open to one side (in Fig. Since the wall elements 4 and 7 are open at the top (1), they can be placed inside particularly conveniently. Because the wall elements 4 and 7 fit together compactly, even large beverage containers can be placed in the receiving compartment A.

[0063] In Fig. Figure 2 shows the rotatable wall element 7, indicated by an arrow 10, rotated further towards the end position ES. Here, it is arranged in a rotational position encompassed by a holding area H, which extends along path 5 from a holding position HS to the end position ES. The rotatable wall element 7 and the stationary wall element 4 enclose a cage cylinder P and can thus securely grip a beverage container. In every rotational position encompassed by the holding area H, the rotatable wall element 7, together with the stationary wall element 4, encloses a cage cylinder P. However, the size of this cage cylinder varies depending on the rotational position of the rotatable wall element 7.

[0064] In Fig. 3 is the rotatable wall element 7, indicated by arrow 10, rotated from its initial position GS by the maximum path and is in the final position ES. In the exemplary embodiment, the rotatable wall element 7 was rotated from its initial position GS by an angle of approximately 185° about the axis of rotation 6. Even in the final position ES, the rotatable wall element 7, together with the stationary wall element 4, encloses a penning cylinder P. However, its diameter D is now significantly smaller than in the arrangement of the rotatable wall element 7 according to [reference missing]. Fig. 2. In the final position ES, the two wall elements 4, 7 enclose the smallest adjustable penning cylinder P.

[0065] The rotation of the rotatable wall element 7 from the holding position HS, i.e., the beginning of the holding area H, to the end position ES results in a continuous reduction of the diameter D of the enclosure cylinder P enclosed by the wall elements 4 and 7. Thus, the rotatable wall element 7 can be rotated further to the holding position HS to hold a beverage container with a large diameter, and further to the end position ES to hold a beverage container with a small diameter. If no beverage container is present in the receiving space A, the rotatable wall element 7 is conveniently positioned in the home position GS to facilitate the insertion of a beverage container into the receiving space A.

[0066] To move the rotatable wall element 7, the beverage holder 1 comprises a control unit 12 and an actuator 11, in this case an electric motor, which can be controlled by the control unit. The actuator 11 is configured to move the rotatable wall element 7 continuously in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction.

[0067] To enable the drink holder 1 to automatically adjust to a beverage container, the drink holder 1 includes an occupancy sensor 13 in the base 2 and a block sensor 14 in the stationary wall element 4. Both sensors are configured for pressure measurement and output the measured pressure values ​​as sensor data to the control unit 12, which is configured to control the actuator 11 depending on the sensor data.

[0068] When a beverage container is placed in the receiving chamber A, the occupancy sensor 13 measures a pressure increase, and the control unit 12 uses the sensor data from the occupancy sensor 13 to recognize that a beverage container is present in receiving chamber A. The control unit 12 is configured to activate the actuator 11 when the beverage container is detected in receiving chamber A and the rotatable wall element 7 is not in the end position ES, causing the actuator to rotate the rotatable wall element 7 towards the end position ES. If the rotatable wall element 7 is rotated beyond the holding position HS to such an extent that both wall elements 4 and 7 firmly grip the beverage container, the block sensor 14 measures a pressure increase. This occurs when the diameter D of the enclosure cylinder P enclosed by the wall elements 4 and 7 corresponds to the diameter of the beverage container.The control unit 12 is configured to compare this pressure increase with a predetermined blocking pressure and to stop the rotation of the rotatable wall element 7 by activating the actuator 11 as soon as the pressure measured by the blocking sensor 14 exceeds the blocking pressure. This rotates the rotatable wall element 7 just far enough towards the end position ES to securely grip the beverage container without damaging it.

[0069] If the actuator 11 is an electric motor, the blocking sensor 14 can also be integrated into the actuator 11. It can then be configured to measure a stalling current that increases when the rotation of the rotatable wall element 7 is hindered or blocked by an external force. The control unit 12 can then be configured to switch off the actuator 11 if the measured stalling current exceeds a predefined limit.

[0070] In this case, the beverage holder 1 also includes a locking device, not shown in the figures, which is controlled by the control unit 12. If, during the rotation of the rotatable wall element 7 towards the end position ES, the control unit 12 detects that the pressure measured by the block sensor 14 exceeds the locking pressure, it moves the locking device into a locking position in which it locks the rotatable wall element 7, thus preventing its rotation. The actuator 11 can then be switched off.

[0071] When the beverage container is removed from the receiving chamber A, the occupancy sensor 13 measures a pressure drop. The removal of the beverage container is then detected by the control unit 12 by evaluating the sensor data from the occupancy sensor 13, whereupon the control unit 12 moves the locking device into a release position, in which it releases the rotation of the rotatable wall element 7 again, and activates the actuator 11 to rotate the rotatable wall element 7 into the home position GS.

[0072] The beverage holder 1 can also include a timing device by means of which the actuation of the locking device and the actuator 11 can be delayed by a certain waiting time, for example a few seconds, after the beverage container is detected in the receiving chamber and / or after the beverage container is detected being removed from the receiving chamber A.

[0073] In the present case, the beverage holder 1 for temperature control of the beverage container also includes a temperature control device, not shown in detail, which can be controlled by the control device 12 and has several heating and cooling elements in the base 2 and in the wall elements 4, 7.

[0074] Fig. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of a console 15 according to the invention, in this case a center console, for a motor vehicle. This includes two cup holders 1 according to the invention, which are integrated into a recess 16 of the console 15.

[0075] Fig. Figure 5 shows an embodiment of a motor vehicle 17 according to the invention, with a view of a passenger compartment 18 of the motor vehicle 17. Between a driver's seat 18 and a passenger seat 19, the motor vehicle 17 has a console 15 according to the embodiment of the Fig.4. A corresponding console 15 is also provided on a rear seat 20 of the motor vehicle 17. Several cup holders 1 according to the invention are also indicated, each integrated into the interior trim of the vehicle doors 21 of the motor vehicle 17. All cup holders 1, including those of the consoles 15, are positioned so that they are easily accessible to the occupants.

Claims

[1] Drink holder (1) for a motor vehicle, comprising a receiving space (A) for a beverage container, the receiving space having a central axis (3) extending perpendicular to a base (2) of the receiving space (A), wherein the drink holder (1) comprises two wall elements (4, 7) curved in a bowl shape around the central axis (3), one of which is a stationary wall element (4) and the other a rotatable wall element (7), wherein the stationary wall element (4) partially delimits the receiving space (A) with an inner surface facing the central axis (3), wherein the rotatable wall element (7) is rotatable into several rotational positions on a path (5) extending around a rotation axis (6), the path (5) being defined such that the rotatable wall element (7) - encloses a penning cylinder (P) with the stationary wall element (4) in several rotational positions and - in all rotational positions lies at least partially within the receiving space (A) and / or partially limits it, characterized by the fact that the axis of rotation (6) runs parallel to the central axis (3) and passes through the receiving space (A), wherein each adjustable penning cylinder (P) is at least partially encompassed by the receiving space (A) and is smaller than the receiving space (A). [2] Drink holder (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the rotatable wall element (7) can be rotated from a basic position (GS) at one end of the path (5), in which the wall elements (4, 7) do not enclose any penning cylinder (P), to an end position (ES) at the other end of the path (5), in which the wall elements (4, 7) enclose the smallest adjustable penning cylinder (P), and vice versa. [3] Drink holder (1) according to claim 2, characterized by, that the path (5) includes a holding area (H) extending from a holding position (HS) located between the home position (GS) and the end position (ES) to the end position (ES), wherein the wall elements (4, 7) only enclose a penning cylinder (P) when the rotatable wall element (7) is positioned in a rotational position encompassed by the holding area (H), so that they can grip a beverage container. [4] Drink holder (1) according to claim 3, characterized by , that a rotation of the rotatable wall element (7) from the holding position (HS) towards the end position (ES) causes a, in particular continuous, reduction of a diameter (D) of the pen cylinder (P) enclosed by the wall elements (4, 7). [5] Drink holder (1) according to one of claims 2-4, characterized by, that the stationary wall element (4) and the rotatable wall element (7) in the basic position (GS) have an overlapping and / or adjacent course, in particular completely. [6] Drink holder (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a distance (8) of the axis of rotation (6) to the central axis (3) is at most 50% or at most 40% or at most 30%, preferably at most 20%, of a radius (R) with which the receiving space (A) extends around the central axis (3). [7] Drink holder (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the drink holder (1) has an actuator (11), in particular an electromechanical actuator, and a control device (12) for controlling the actuator (11), wherein the actuator (11) is configured for rotating the rotatable wall element (7) about the axis of rotation (3), in particular continuously. [8] Drink holder (1) according to claim 7, characterized by, that the beverage holder (1) includes an occupancy sensor (13) which is configured to detect sensor data relating to the presence of a beverage container in the receiving space (A) and to output it to the control unit (12), wherein the control unit (12) is configured to control the actuator (11) depending on the sensor data of the occupancy sensor (13). [9] Drink holder (1) according to claim 8, characterized by , that the control device (12) is configured to control the actuator (11) to rotate the rotatable wall element (7) in the direction of the end position (ES) when the rotatable wall element (7) is not in the end position (ES) and when, in addition, the sensor data of the occupancy sensor (13) indicates that a beverage container is located in the receiving space (A). [10] Drink holder (1) according to one of claims 7-9, characterized by, that the drink holder (1) includes a block sensor (14) which is configured to detect sensor data relating to blocking the rotation of the rotatable wall element (7) and to output them to the control device (12), wherein the drink holder (1) includes a locking device which locks the rotation of the rotatable wall element (7) in a locking position and releases it in a release position, wherein the control device (12) is configured to control the actuator (11) and the locking device depending on the sensor data of the block sensor (14). [11] Drink holder (11) according to claim 10, characterized by, that the control device (12) is configured to deactivate the actuator (11) and move the locking device into the locking position when the sensor data of the block sensor (14) indicates that the rotation of the rotatable wall element (7) is blocked, wherein the control device (12) is configured to move the locking device into the release position when the sensor data of the block sensor (14) indicates that the rotation of the rotatable wall element (7) is not blocked. [12] Console (15), in particular center console, for a motor vehicle, comprising at least one cup holder (1) according to one of the preceding claims. [13] Motor vehicle (1) comprising at least one console (15) according to claim 12 and / or at least one cup holder (1) according to any one of claims 1-11.

Images