Container holder for a vehicle for the reversible mounting of a container
The container holder with a movable floor and fluid system addresses the issue of variable secure fixation by adapting to container sizes, ensuring stable placement through fluid distribution adjustments.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MERCEDES BENZ GROUP AG
- Filing Date
- 2026-03-26
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-13
AI Technical Summary
Current vehicle container solutions provide limited secure fixation due to fixed-size recesses, failing to accommodate containers of varying sizes effectively.
A container holder with a movable floor and fluid system, including a flexible clamping and compensating reservoir, adjusts to container size by altering fluid distribution to ensure secure fixation through a locking slide mechanism.
The system provides customizable and secure fixation for containers of different sizes by adjusting fluid distribution, minimizing movement during vehicle motion.
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Abstract
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a container holder for a vehicle for the reversible mounting of a container.
[0002] Vehicles are designed to provide storage options for the belongings of their occupants. Trunks, for example, have existed since the earliest days of vehicles. To prevent these items from shifting while the vehicle is in motion, German patent application DE 10 2019 102 394 A1 proposes a cushion that is reversibly filled with a fluid. The surface geometry of the cushion changes depending on the pressure exerted by the fluid, and this surface geometry can be used to fix an object in place when it comes into contact with it.
[0003] Vehicle users often use containers, particularly for beverages, such as bottles or cups. Current solutions provide receptacles for these containers, typically recesses in consoles or armrests into which they can be placed. However, the secure fixation of these containers is limited by the fact that only recesses of a fixed size can be provided.
[0004] The object of the invention is to provide container holders that allow for more individualized fixing.
[0005] The invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments and embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.
[0006] The first aspect of the problem is solved by a container holder for a vehicle, designed for the reversible placement of a container, such as a cup, bottle, or thermos. The container holder comprises a receiving space for the container, open at the top relative to the vehicle's vertical axis and at least partially enclosed by a side wall. It further includes a movable floor that can be shifted along the vehicle's vertical axis relative to the side wall. The container holder also includes a fluid system comprising a fluid channel connected to a flexible fluid reservoir located below the movable floor, a flexible clamping reservoir arranged at an opening in the side wall, and a flexible compensating reservoir fluidically connected to the fluid channel between the flexible fluid reservoir and the flexible clamping reservoir.The container holder further comprises a locking slide that is movable between an open position, in which there is a fluidic connection between the fluid reservoir and the clamping reservoir, and a closed position, in which there is no fluidic connection between the flexible fluid reservoir and the flexible clamping reservoir, wherein the locking slide projects into the receiving space at least in the open position. The locking slide preferably projects into the receiving space just above the lifting floor, relative to its lowest position along the vehicle's vertical axis, for example by 0.5 cm to 5 cm, such as 1 cm to 3 cm or 1.5 cm to 2.5 cm. The locking slide is located below the flexible clamping reservoir, relative to the vehicle's vertical axis.
[0007] If a container is inserted into the receiving chamber of the container holder, and its dimensions are insufficient to displace the locking slide from the open position, the container holder is designed to direct any fluid in the fluid system from the flexible fluid reservoir to the flexible clamping reservoir when the lifting base is displaced downwards, for example, by the container being pushed in. This causes the flexible clamping reservoir to expand into the receiving chamber through the opening in its side wall. Advantageously, this reduces the free space within the receiving chamber in which the container can still move. Ideally, the flexible clamping reservoir comes into contact with the surface of the container, thus ensuring direct fixation.
[0008] The container holder is further designed to ensure that, when a container of sufficient size is inserted to move the locking slide from the open to the closed position, and when the lifting base is moved downwards, for example by the container being pushed in, fluid in the fluid system is directed from the flexible fluid reservoir to the flexible compensating reservoir, causing the flexible compensating reservoir to expand. The container's contact with the locking slide can already secure it within the receiving space. Once the locking slide is fully closed, the fluid in the fluid system can no longer reach the flexible clamping reservoir and is instead directed exclusively to the flexible compensating reservoir.In this case, the flexible clamping reservoir does not expand into the receiving space through a rupture in the side wall. This is advantageous because a correspondingly large container, for example, a beaker with a capacity of 750 ml or 1000 ml, unlike smaller beakers of 300 ml or medium-sized beakers of 500 ml, generally fills the receiving space almost completely or entirely anyway, i.e., it rests against the side wall or occupies only a small gap from it. Accordingly, additional fixation by an extended flexible clamping reservoir is no longer necessary, especially since fixation may already have occurred through contact with the locking element.In the case of a locking slide located between the open position and the closed position, it can be provided that when the lifting floor is moved downwards, fluid from the flexible fluid reservoir is directed into both the flexible clamping reservoir and the flexible compensating reservoir.
[0009] With a sufficiently large container, which causes a displacement of the locking slide, this displacement can extend to the point where the locking slide is completely in the closed position. In this case, the fluidic connection between the flexible fluid reservoir and the flexible clamping reservoir is completely interrupted, meaning that the fluid displaced from the flexible fluid reservoir by the downward displacement of the lifting base can only be directed into the flexible compensating reservoir. Alternatively, with a smaller container, the locking slide can be displaced from the open position towards the closed position without fully reaching it.In this case, the fluidic connection between the flexible fluid reservoir and the flexible clamping reservoir is impaired, but some of the fluid displaced from the flexible fluid reservoir by the movement of the lifting floor can enter the flexible compensating reservoir.
[0010] According to one embodiment, when fluid is introduced into the flexible clamping reservoir, it expands into the receiving chamber through a rupture in the side wall. Accordingly, a portion of the flexible clamping reservoir surrounding the fluid extends into the receiving chamber. According to an alternative embodiment, the portion of the flexible clamping reservoir intended for expansion into the receiving chamber is covered by a protective cap. Consequently, the material of the flexible clamping reservoir itself does not extend into the receiving chamber, nor does it extend exclusively into it. Instead, the protective cap is displaced, and upon further displacement into the receiving chamber, the cap comes into contact with the reservoir.Advantageously, a suitable protective cap can be used to protect the material of the flexible clamping reservoir, and, if necessary, by selecting a suitable material for the protective cap, the fixation of the container can be optimized, for example by using a non-slip material for the protective cap.
[0011] According to one embodiment, the fluidic connection between the fluid channel and the flexible compensating reservoir exhibits a higher flow resistance than the fluidic connection between the fluid channel and the flexible clamping reservoir. For example, a correspondingly higher flow resistance can be achieved by using a smaller cross-section for the connection between the fluid channel and the flexible compensating reservoir compared to the cross-section of the connection between the fluid channel and the flexible clamping reservoir. Thus, it can be ensured with simple means that when a container is inserted into the receiving space and the lifting floor is thereby displaced downwards along the vehicle's vertical axis, the flexible clamping reservoir is preferably filled, at least initially, but filling of the flexible compensating reservoir is also possible if necessary.
[0012] According to one embodiment, the material of the flexible clamping reservoir has a lower stiffness than the material of the flexible compensating reservoir. This advantageously achieves, through a simple measure, that when the lifting floor is moved downwards along the vehicle's vertical axis, the flexible clamping reservoir is preferably filled with fluid, but the flexible reserve reservoir is also filled if necessary. In particular, if a container is inserted into the receiving space and the flexible clamping reservoir is in contact with the container, possibly indirectly via its protective cap, the work required to further fill the flexible clamping reservoir with fluid increases, so that in this case, filling of the flexible compensating reservoir can be prioritized.
[0013] According to one embodiment, the locking valve is operatively connected to a locking element for the flexible compensation reservoir. In the open position of the locking valve, the locking element completely or at least partially prevents the fluidic connection between the fluid channel and the flexible compensation reservoir, and in the closed position of the locking valve, it opens the fluidic connection between the fluid channel and the flexible compensation reservoir. Advantageously, this creates a forced coupling between the position of the locking valve and the fillability of the flexible clamping reservoir or the flexible compensation reservoir. In a further embodiment, the locking valve itself constitutes the locking element. In another embodiment, the locking element is a valve for controlling the flow of fluid to the flexible compensation reservoir, the control activity of which depends on the position of the locking valve.
[0014] According to one embodiment of the container holder, the locking slide, which projects into the receiving chamber in the open position, is dimensioned such that when a large container is inserted into the receiving chamber, it is fully moved into the closed position. This ensures that when the lifting base is moved, fluid from the flexible fluid reservoir is not transferred into the flexible clamping reservoir, but only into the flexible compensating reservoir. Alternatively or additionally, the locking slide is dimensioned such that when a medium-sized container is inserted into the receiving chamber, it is moved towards the closed position, but not all the way to the final closed position. This ensures that when the lifting base is moved, fluid from the flexible fluid reservoir is partially transferred into the flexible clamping reservoir and partially into the flexible compensating reservoir.Alternatively or additionally, the locking slide is dimensioned such that it remains in the open position when a small container is inserted, so that when the lifting floor is moved downwards relative to the vehicle's vertical axis, fluid from the flexible fluid reservoir is transferred exclusively into the flexible clamping reservoir. These embodiments, which can be combined, advantageously accommodate different container sizes. According to a non-limiting example, the receiving space and the locking slide, which projects into the receiving space in the open position, are dimensioned such that when a large container, for example with a diameter of 75 to 80 mm, such as 78 mm, is inserted, it is completely moved into the closed position.This advantageously accommodates the large size of the container and the fact that a large container will largely or completely fill the upper part of the receiving space, relative to the vehicle's vertical axis. Consequently, it can hardly move, or not move at all, even when the vehicle is in motion, and therefore a reduction of the space available for movement by means of an extensive flexible clamping reservoir is unnecessary. According to another non-restrictive example, the receiving space and the locking slide that projects into the receiving space in the open position are dimensioned such that when a medium-sized container, for example, with a diameter of 60 to <75 mm, such as 65 mm, is inserted, it is moved towards the closing position, but not all the way to the final closed position. This advantageously allows the flexible clamping reservoir to expand to a certain extent.According to another non-restrictive example, the receiving chamber and the locking slide, which projects into the receiving chamber in the open position, are dimensioned such that when a small container, for example with a diameter of 45 to <60 mm, such as 53 mm, is inserted, it remains completely in the open position. Advantageously, this allows any fluid exiting the flexible fluid reservoir to be completely directed into the clamping reservoir, which expands to its maximum extent and helps to minimize the space available for movement within the receiving chamber.
[0015] According to one embodiment of the container holder, it has a locking device, whereby the lifting platform can be reversibly locked in at least one detent position, relative to a displacement along the vehicle's vertical axis, by means of this locking device. Preferably, the container holder has several detent positions, which advantageously allows a user of the container holder, when inserting a container into the receiving space and displacing the lifting platform downwards, to lock the lifting platform in a position that achieves the desired extension of the flexible clamping reservoir.
[0016] According to one embodiment of the container holder, it comprises one flexible clamping reservoir, two opposing flexible clamping reservoirs, three radially arranged, or four radially arranged flexible clamping reservoirs. Three or four radially arranged flexible clamping reservoirs are preferred. According to further developments, the flexible clamping reservoirs are spaced identically apart.
[0017] According to one embodiment, the flexible clamping reservoir, or, if the flexible clamping reservoir is covered by a protective cap, the protective cap projects a maximum of 5 mm into the receiving space when the lifting floor is in its uppermost position, in which the flexible clamping reservoir is not extended. This advantageously achieves a high-quality design effect. Preferably, the flexible clamping reservoir or the protective cap projects a maximum of 4 mm, a maximum of 3 mm, a maximum of 2 mm, or a maximum of 1 mm into the receiving space when the lifting floor is in its uppermost position. Particularly preferably, in this case, the flexible clamping reservoir or the protective cap does not project into the receiving space, thus being flush with the side wall or located below the plane of the side wall.According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a protective cap is provided whose surface in this position represents a continuation of the side wall. Accordingly, apart from a gap between the side wall and the protective cap, the impression of a side wall extending in a continuous plane is created.
[0018] In another aspect, the problem is solved by a vehicle that includes a container holder as described herein. Such a vehicle enables users to insert containers into the container holder and to reduce or prevent their unwanted movement, for example, caused by vehicle movements, by means of the locking slide and / or the extended clamping reservoir(s).
[0019] The training and further education courses described herein can be combined as desired. All disclosures made herein regarding the container mounting also constitute disclosures for the vehicle, and vice versa.
[0020] Further advantages, features, and details will become apparent from the following description, in which – possibly with reference to the drawings – at least one embodiment is described in detail. Identical, similar, and / or functionally equivalent parts are identified by the same reference numerals.
[0021] This shows: Fig. 1: a container holder in a vehicle Fig. 2: a representation of a container holder without a container Fig. 3: A representation of a container holder with a small or a large container
[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows a container holder 10 in a vehicle 12. The container holder 10 is arranged by way of example in a center console of the driver's compartment of the vehicle 12 which is not marked with a reference sign.
[0023] Fig. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a container bracket 10, showing the components behind it. The container bracket 10 comprises a receiving chamber 20, which is at least partially enclosed by a side wall 16, and a movable floor 22, which can be displaced along the vehicle's vertical axis, indicated by a double arrow. In the Fig. In the situation shown in Figure 2, the lifting floor 22 is in its highest position and can only be lowered. The container support 10 further comprises a fluid system 24 with a flexible fluid reservoir 24b, a flexible clamping reservoir 24c, and a flexible compensating reservoir 24d, which are fluidically connected to each other via a fluid channel 24a. The flexible clamping reservoir 24c is arranged in an opening 18 in the wall 16, the further course of which behind the section plane is shown without hatching. The flexible clamping reservoir 24c is covered by a protective cap 28 facing the receiving space 20 and can project into the receiving space 20 when the flexible clamping reservoir 24c expands. The fluidic connection between the fluid channel 24a and the flexible clamping reservoir 24c can be prevented by a shut-off valve 26, which, however, is located in the Fig. The situation shown in Figure 2 is in an open position in which the fluidic connection exists. In this open position, the locking slide 26 projects into the receiving chamber 20.
[0024] Fig. Figure 3 shows the container holder 10 from Fig. 2, where in the left-hand sub-figure A a container holder 10 is shown, into which a relatively small container 14, in this case, for example, a small beverage bottle, has been inserted. Upon reaching the lifting platform 22, the user pressed the container 14 downwards. The resulting downward movement of the lifting platform 22 compressed the flexible fluid reservoir 24b, causing the displaced fluid to be directed into the fluid channel 24a. Since the dimensions of the container 14 are insufficient to displace the locking slide 26 from its open position, a fluidic connection remains between the displaced fluid and the flexible clamping reservoir 24c, which receives the displaced fluid and expands accordingly through the opening 18.The flexible compensating reservoir 24d has a higher stiffness than the flexible clamping reservoir 24c and therefore absorbs no or only a small proportion of the fluid displaced from the flexible fluid reservoir 24b. Together with the protective cap 28, the extended flexible clamping reservoir 24c reduces the receiving space 20 available for the container 14. Accordingly, the container 14 is held more securely, as there is less room for movement. Also considered, although not shown in partial figure A, is the possibility of pressing the lifting base 22 downwards so far that there is no longer any room for movement of the container 14, thus fixing it to the maximum extent.
[0025] Fig.Figure 3, in the right-hand sub-figure B, shows the situation after a relatively large container 14, for example a large beverage cup, has been inserted into the receiving chamber 20. The container 14 is so large that it displaces the locking slide 26 from its open position to a closed position, thus interrupting the fluidic connection between the flexible fluid reservoir 24b and the flexible clamping reservoir 24c. Consequently, fluid displaced from the flexible fluid reservoir 24b cannot reach the flexible clamping reservoir 24c, but only the flexible compensating reservoir 24d. Sub-figure B shows that all the fluid displaced from the flexible fluid reservoir 24b did not reach the flexible clamping reservoir 24c, but exclusively the flexible compensating reservoir 24d.Nevertheless, the container 14 is already restricted in its freedom of movement within the receiving space 20 by its dimensions and also by the locking slide 26.
[0026] Although the invention has been further illustrated and explained in detail by means of preferred embodiments, the invention is not limited by the disclosed examples, and other variations can be derived from them by a person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. It is therefore clear that a multitude of possible variations exist. It is also clear that the embodiments mentioned as examples are truly only examples and are not to be understood in any way as limiting, for example, the scope of protection, the possible applications, or the configuration of the invention.Rather, the preceding description and the description of the figures enable the person skilled in the art to implement the exemplary embodiments in concrete terms, whereby the person skilled in the art, with knowledge of the disclosed inventive concept, can make various changes, for example with regard to the function or the arrangement of individual elements mentioned in an exemplary embodiment, without leaving the scope of protection defined by the claims and their legal equivalents, such as further explanations in the description. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION
[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature
[0000] DE 10 2019 102 394 A1
[0002]
Claims
[1] Container holder (10) for a vehicle (12) for the reversible mounting of a container (14), comprising - a receiving space (20) for the container (14) that is open at the top and at least partially surrounded by a side wall (16), - a movable floor (22) along the vehicle's vertical axis relative to the side wall (16), - a fluid system (24) comprising a fluid channel (24a) to which are connected a flexible fluid reservoir (24b) below the lifting floor (22), a flexible clamping reservoir (24c) arranged at an opening (18) in the side wall (16), and a flexible compensating reservoir (24d) fluidically connected to the fluid channel (24a) between the flexible fluid reservoir (24b) and the flexible clamping reservoir (24c), - a locking slide (26) which is displaceable between an open position in which there is a fluidic connection between the flexible fluid reservoir (24b) and the flexible clamping reservoir (24c), and a closed position in which there is no fluidic connection between the flexible fluid reservoir (24b) and the flexible clamping reservoir (24c), wherein the locking slide (26) projects into the receiving space (20) at least in the open position, wherein the container holder (10) is designed to - when inserting a container (14) whose dimensions are insufficient to displace the locking slide (26) from the open position, and when displacing the lifting floor (22) downwards, to direct a fluid located in the fluid system (24) from the flexible fluid reservoir (24b) into the flexible clamping reservoir (24c), causing the flexible clamping reservoir (24c) to expand through the opening (18) in the side wall (16) into the receiving space (20), and - when a container (14) is inserted whose dimensions are sufficient to move the locking slide (26) from the open position to the closed position or in the direction of the closed position and when the lifting floor (22) is moved downwards, a fluid located in the fluid system (24) is directed from the flexible fluid reservoir (24b) to the flexible compensating reservoir (24d), causing the flexible compensating reservoir (24c) to expand. [2] Container holder (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the part of the flexible clamping reservoir intended for expansion into the receiving space (20) is covered by a protective cap (289). [3] Container holder (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the fluidic connection between the fluid channel (24a) and the flexible compensating reservoir (24d) has a higher flow resistance than the fluidic connection between the fluid channel (24a) and the flexible clamping reservoir (24c). [4] Container holder (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the material of the flexible clamping reservoir (24c) has a lower stiffness than the material of the flexible compensating reservoir (24d). [5] Container holder (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the locking slide (26) is operatively connected to a locking element for the flexible compensation reservoir (24d), wherein the locking element, when the locking slide (26) is in the open position, at least partially prevents the fluidic connection of the fluid channel (24a) with the flexible compensation reservoir (24d) and, when the locking slide (26) is in the closed position, opens the fluidic connection of the fluid channel (24a) with the flexible compensation reservoir (24d). [6] Container holder (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the locking slide (26) projecting into the receiving space (20) in the open position is dimensioned such that it - when a large container (14) is inserted into the receiving space (20), it is completely moved into the closed position, whereby when the lifting floor (22) is moved, fluid from the fluid reservoir (24b) is not moved into the flexible clamping reservoir (24c), but only into the flexible compensating reservoir (24d), and / or - when a medium-sized container (14) is inserted into the receiving space (20) in the direction of the closing position, but not until the final closing position, whereby when the lifting floor (22) is moved, fluid from the flexible fluid reservoir (24b) is partially transferred to the clamping reservoir (24c) and partially to the flexible compensating reservoir (24d), and / or - when a small container (14) is inserted, it remains in the open position, whereby when the lifting floor (22) is moved downwards, fluid from the flexible fluid reservoir (24b) is transferred exclusively into the flexible clamping reservoir (24c). [7] Container holder (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the container holder (10) has a locking means (30) by means of which the lifting floor (22) can be reversibly locked in at least one locking position with respect to a displacement along the vehicle's vertical axis. [8] Container holder (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that these comprise one flexible clamping reservoir (24c) or two opposing, three radially arranged or four radially arranged flexible clamping reservoirs (24c). [9] Container holder (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the flexible clamping reservoir (24c) or, in the case of a cover of the flexible clamping reservoir (24c) by a protective cap (28), the protective cap (28) protrudes a maximum of 5 mm into the receiving space (20) when the lifting floor (22) is in the uppermost position. [10] Vehicle (12) comprising a container holder (10) according to any of the preceding claims.