Holding arrangement for an object in a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a holding arrangement (10) for an object in a vehicle, comprising a recess (5) and a folding structure (11), which is arranged and designed in a frame-like housing (13) inserted into the recess (5), forming a cover covering the recess (5) in a folded state and several side walls (12) and a receiving opening (15) of an open receiving space (14) for receiving the object in an erected state, wherein in the erected state of the folding structure (11) a base (7) of the recess (5) opposite the receiving opening (15) forms a support surface of the receiving space (14) for the object.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a holding arrangement for an object in a vehicle.

[0002] Object retention devices in vehicles are known in numerous variations. Such devices can be used, for example, to hold beverage containers such as bottles, cans, cups, etc. Prior art vehicle retention devices are often integrated into storage compartments and are sometimes designed to be foldable. These devices are preferably located in horizontal areas of vehicles, often as compartment-like recesses or depressions with corresponding retention elements. It is also known to design the retention device with a separate cover, such as a flap or roller blind, to conceal the recess or depression when not in use. In shallow installation spaces, the retention elements can be folded upwards out of the surface.

[0003] From US patent 2013 / 0126691A1, a beverage holder is known which includes a retractable tray that is movable between an extended position and a stowed position. The tray has a top surface, a bottom surface, and an opening. A cup insert consists of a cup ring, a cup pouch, and a coil spring. The cup ring has an open collar for receiving a beverage container and a flange configured to rest on the top surface of the tray. The cup pouch is made of a flexible material with a substantially cylindrical shape between an upper rim and a bottom. The upper rim is attached to the open collar. A coil spring is arranged between the cup ring and the bottom rim such that it contracts to fold the cup pouch closed.The coil spring is expandable under the weight of a beverage container placed on the bottom of the bag.

[0004] From EP 3 450 246 A1, an extendable beverage holder with a foldable side structure is known. This side structure extends between the top and bottom of the beverage holder and around its circumference. The side structure folds such that, in an extended configuration, the top and bottom of the beverage holder are axially separated. The beverage holder is capable of holding a liquid-containing container. In a folded configuration, the top and bottom of the beverage holder lie side by side. A retraction mechanism is configured to force the foldable side structure into the folded position.

[0005] From DE 10 2012 213 004 B4, a folding box with a base and four side walls projecting from the base is known. The base and side walls are held movable relative to each other between a flat, folded resting position and an erected functional position. At least two side walls are provided with diagonally running fold lines. The base is uniformly dimensionally stable across its entire surface. All side walls are provided with fold lines rising diagonally from a corner of the base in the same direction of rotation. At least two opposite side walls are provided with elastically compliant reinforcing strips at their upper edges. Furthermore, the reinforcing strips are designed as spring steel bands, which are incorporated into the upper edges of the side walls.

[0006] From DE 10 2006 052 785 A1, a storage system for the cargo space of a vehicle is known, comprising wall sections which, in a rest position, are located in a folded state within an interior trim panel of the vehicle and can be moved from this folded state into a usable position to form a container. The construction and handling of such a container are simplified by the fact that at least one of the container wall sections is formed by a movable section of the interior trim panel and has retaining means on a side of the movable section that is not visible in the rest position, to which the other wall sections are attached or can be attached to form the container.

[0007] From DE 10 2006 003 868 A1, a holding device in a motor vehicle is known, comprising a foldable receiving part arranged on the vehicle floor. This receiving part can be unfolded from a non-use position, in which it lies flat in a recess in the vehicle floor, to a use position, in which it protrudes upwards and cargo can be placed into it. The receiving part is arranged on the floor of the footwell of a motor vehicle seat.

[0008] The invention is based on the objective of providing a holding arrangement for an object in a vehicle which, when not in use, has a low profile and is easy to operate.

[0009] This problem is solved by a holding arrangement for an object in a vehicle with the features of claim 1 and by a holding arrangement for an object in a vehicle with the features of claim 2. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0010] To provide a holding arrangement for an object in a vehicle, which has a low profile when not in use and is easy to operate, the holding arrangement comprises a recess and a folding structure. This structure is arranged and designed within a housing inserted into the recess. In its folded state, the structure forms a cover for the recess, and in its unfolded state, it forms several side walls and an opening for an open receiving chamber to hold the object. When the folding structure is unfolded, the base of the recess, opposite the receiving opening, forms a support surface for the receiving chamber. The folding structure includes at least one retaining structure with two stable end positions, designed to hold the folding structure stably in both its folded and unfolded states.The at least one holding structure comprises a dead-center mechanism formed by a rotatably mounted lever and at least one spring element. This mechanism holds the lever stably in both end positions and releases a force-induced actuation movement between these two positions. Such a dead-center mechanism operates according to an over-center snap-action principle and functions similarly to a toggle switch, providing the two stable end positions. Alternatively, the folding structure comprises two holding structures arranged on opposite, vertical fold edges when the structure is erected. In this case, the folded structure has four side walls when erected, defining a square cross-section of the receiving space. Two rigid side wall sections of each side wall share a common diagonal fold edge when the structure is erected.This means that this fold line runs diagonally to the support surface formed by the base. Each side wall section of two adjacent side walls shares a common vertical fold line when the folded structure is erected. This means that this fold line runs perpendicular to the support surface formed by the base.

[0011] Embodiments of the holding device can preferably be used in vehicles to hold beverage containers such as bottles, cans, cups, etc. Advantageously, embodiments of the holding device have a cover formed by the folding structure when not in use. This improves the visual appearance of the holding device. Furthermore, embodiments of the holding device allow for easy unfolding of the folding structure from its folded state to its unfolded state, and vice versa.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment of the holding arrangement, the recess can be incorporated into a flat surface of a storage compartment located in a vehicle interior. For example, the recess of the holding arrangement can be incorporated into a center console, an instrument panel, or a door trim panel.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment of the holding arrangement, the folding structure can be formed in one piece. For example, the folding structure can be manufactured using a multi-component injection molding process. This allows the holding arrangement to be produced with few individual parts and to be replaced easily and quickly.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment of the holding arrangement, each individual side wall can have two rigid side wall sections with a right-angled triangular shape. In this configuration, the two rigid side wall sections of each side wall, as well as one side wall section from each pair of adjacent side walls, can share a common folding edge when the folded structure is erected. At this edge, the two rigid side wall sections are movably connected to each other via a hinge. When manufacturing the folded structure using a multi-component injection molding process, the rigid side wall sections can, for example, be made from a first rigid plastic material, and the hinges can be made from a second elastic plastic material as film hinges. Alternatively, the hinge can be designed, for example, as an elastic plastic strip or an elastic textile strip.

[0015] The at least one spring element can preferably be designed as a leaf spring. In addition, stops for the levers can be arranged or formed on the housing. The folding structure can be erected, for example, by pulling it up on a control element designed as a loop. The folding structure can be folded by pressing down. Such a design of the holding mechanism can react predictably in the event of accidental misuse. Furthermore, no damping of the movement is required. Of course, other suitable embodiments for the control element are also possible.

[0016] 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.

[0017] An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawings and is 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. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a schematic and partial representation of a storage area in a vehicle interior with an embodiment of a holding arrangement according to the invention for an object in a folded state; Fig. 2 a schematic and perspective representation of the holding arrangement according to the invention for an object made of Fig. 1 in an intermediate state; Fig. 3 a schematic and perspective representation of the holding arrangement according to the invention for an object made of Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in an erected state; and Fig. 4 a schematic partial sectional view of the holding arrangement according to the invention for an object made of Fig. 3.

[0018] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figures 1 to 4, the illustrated embodiment of a holding arrangement 10 for an object in a vehicle has a recess 5 and a folding structure 11, which is arranged in a housing 13 inserted into the recess 5 and is designed to form a cover over the recess 5 in a folded state and several side walls 12 and a receiving opening 15 of an open receiving chamber 14 for receiving the object in an erected state. In the erected state, a base 7 of the recess 5 opposite the receiving opening 15 forms a support surface of the receiving chamber 14 for the object.

[0019] As from Fig. As can be seen further in Figures 1 to 4, the recess 5 in the illustrated embodiment of the holding arrangement 10 is integrated into a flat surface 3 of a storage compartment 1 designed as a center console 1A, which is located in a vehicle interior, and has a low overall height H. In alternative embodiments of the holding arrangement 10 not shown, the storage compartment 1 is designed as an instrument panel or as a door trim panel.

[0020] In the illustrated embodiment, the folding structure 11 is formed in one piece and manufactured using a multi-component injection molding process. In its erected state, the folding structure 11 has four side walls 12, which define a square cross-section of the receiving space 14 and each have two rigid side wall sections 12A, 12B with a right-angled triangular shape. In the erected state of the folding structure 11, the two rigid side wall sections 12A, 12B of each side wall 12, as well as one side wall section 12A, 12B of each pair of adjacent side walls 12, share a common folding edge 16. The two rigid side wall sections 12A, 12B are movably connected to each other at this fold edge by a hinge 18 designed as a film hinge 18A. In alternative embodiments not shown, the hinge is designed as an elastic plastic strip or as an elastic textile strip.

[0021] As especially from Fig. 3 and Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 4, the two rigid side wall sections 12A, 12B of the individual side walls 12 have a common diagonal fold edge 16A in the erected state of the folding structure 11. Each side wall section 12A, 12B of two adjacent side walls 12 has a common vertical fold edge 16B in the erected state of the folding structure 11. As can be seen from Fig. 3 and Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 4, the upper sides of the side wall sections 12A of the individual side walls 12, arranged at the top of the illustration, form the receiving opening 15 of the receiving space 14. Furthermore, the lower sides of the side wall sections 12B of the individual side walls 12, arranged at the bottom of the illustration, form an unspecified lower opening of the receiving space 14.

[0022] As from Fig. As can be seen in Figures 1 to 4, the folding structure 11 in the illustrated embodiment has two retaining structures 20 with two stable end positions, each designed to hold the folding structure 11 stably in the folded state and in the erected state. The two retaining structures 20 each comprise a dead-point mechanism 28 formed by a rotatably mounted lever 22 and at least one spring element 30, which holds the lever 22 stably in the two end positions and releases a force-induced actuating movement between the two end positions. As can be seen in particular from Fig. 3 and Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 4, a first holding structure 20A is arranged on the left rear vertical fold edge 16B of the folding structure 11 in its erected state. A second holding structure 20B is arranged on the opposite right front vertical fold edge 16B in its erected state. For operating the folding structure 11, a control element 32, designed as a loop 32A, is arranged on one corner of an upper side wall section 12A of the left side walls 12 in the illustration, facing the vertical fold edge 16B of the first holding structure 20A. To erect the folding structure 11 from the Fig. In the folded state shown in section 1, the loop 32A is pulled. To fold from the position shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. In the erected state shown in 4, the corresponding corner of the upper side wall part 12A is pressed down.

[0023] As from Fig. As can be seen further in Figure 4, the pivot bearings 26 of the levers 22 are each arranged in a bearing area 24 under a cover which is connected to the housing 13. The lever 22 of the first retaining structure 20A is rotatably mounted about a first axis of rotation DA1, and the lever 22 of the second retaining structure 20B is rotatably mounted about a second axis of rotation DA2, which runs parallel to the first axis of rotation. In the illustrated embodiment, the at least one spring element 30 of the two retaining structures 20 is designed as a curved leaf spring 30A. The cover of the bearing area 24 forms a stop for the corresponding lever 22. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the bearing area 24 forms a stop for the corresponding lever 22. Fig. 3 and Fig. In the erected state of the folding structure 11 shown in Figure 4, one edge of the cover forms the stop for the corresponding lever 22. In the case of the Fig.In the folded state shown in Figure 1, the underside of the cover of the bearing area 24 forms the stop for the corresponding lever 22. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 storage 1A Center Console 3 flat surfaces 5 In-depth study 7 Floor 10 Holding device 11 Folding structure 12 side wall 12A first (upper) side wall part 12B second (lower) side panel 13 cases 14 Recording room 15 Intake opening 16 Folding edge 16A diagonal fold edge 16B vertical fold line 18 hinge 18A Film hinge 20, 20A, 20B Support structure 22 levers 24 storage area 26 swivel bearings 28 Dead Center Mechanics 30 spring element 30A leaf spring 32 Control element 32A loop DA1, DA2 axis of rotation H height

Claims

[1] Holding arrangement (10) for an object in a vehicle, comprising a recess (5) and a folding structure (11), which is arranged and designed in a housing (13) inserted into the recess (5), forming a cover over the recess (5) in a folded state and several side walls (12) and a receiving opening (15) of an open receiving space (14) for receiving the object in an erected state, wherein in the erected state of the folding structure (11) a base (7) of the recess (5) opposite the receiving opening (15) forms a support surface of the receiving space (14) for the object, wherein the folding structure (11) has at least one holding structure (20) with two stable end positions, which is designed to hold the folding structure (11) stably in the folded state and in the erected state,and wherein the at least one holding structure (20) comprises a dead-point mechanism (28) formed by a rotatably mounted lever (22) and at least one spring element (30), which holds the lever (22) stably in the two end positions and releases a force-induced actuating movement between the two end positions. [2] Holding arrangement (10) for an object in a vehicle, comprising a recess (5) and a folding structure (11), which is arranged and designed in a housing (13) inserted into the recess (5), forming a cover over the recess (5) in a folded state and several side walls (12) and a receiving opening (15) of an open receiving space (14) for receiving the object in an erected state, wherein in the erected state of the folding structure (11) a base (7) of the recess (5) opposite the receiving opening (15) forms a support surface of the receiving space (14) for the object, wherein the folding structure (11) has two holding structures (20) with two stable end positions, which are arranged and designed on opposite, vertical folding edges (16B) in the erected state of the folding structure (11), to keep the folding structure (11) stable in the folded state and in the erected state,wherein the folding structure (11) in its erected state has four side walls (12) which define a square cross-section of the receiving space (14), wherein two rigid side wall sections (12A, 12B) of the individual side walls (12) in the erected state of the folding structure (11) have a common diagonal folding edge (16A), wherein each side wall section (12A, 12B) of two adjacent side walls (12) in the erected state of the folding structure (11) have a common vertical folding edge (16B). [3] Holding arrangement (10) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the folding structure (11) is formed in one piece. [4] Holding arrangement (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the individual side walls (12) each have two rigid side wall parts (12A, 12B) with a right-angled triangular shape. [5] Holding arrangement (10) according to claim 4, characterized by, that the two rigid side wall parts (12A, 12B) of the individual side walls (12) as well as each side wall part (12A, 12B) of two adjacent side walls (12) in the erected state of the folding structure (11) each have a common folding edge (16) at which the two rigid side wall parts (12A, 12B) are movably connected to each other via a hinge (18). [6] Holding arrangement (10) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the hinge (18) is designed as a film hinge (18A) or as an elastic plastic strip or as an elastic textile strip. [7] Holding arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 or 3 to 6, characterized by, that the folding structure (11) in the erected state has four side walls (12) which define a square cross-section of the receiving space (14), wherein the two rigid side wall parts (12A, 12B) of the individual side walls (12) in the erected state of the folding structure (11) have a common diagonal folding edge (16A), and wherein each side wall part (12A, 12B) of two adjacent side walls (12) in the erected state of the folding structure (11) have a common vertical folding edge (16B).

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