Holding device for beverages, and vehicle element comprising a holding device

Abstract

The invention relates to a holding device (200) for beverage containers, comprising at least one container receiving area (202) for receiving beverage containers, and a support frame (210) for holding the container receiving area (202), wherein the support frame (210) has at least one clamping element (212) which is designed to be pivotal and which can be at least partly moved, in particular pivoted, through a receiving opening (220) of the container receiving area (202) and is kept pretensioned in and / or on the support frame (210) when the container receiving area (202) is being used.

Description

[0001] Adient US LLC, Plymouth, Ml (US)

[0002] HOLDING DEVICE FOR DRINKS AND VEHICLE ELEMENT WITH A HOLDING DEVICE

[0003] Description

[0004] The invention relates to a holding device for beverage containers, comprising at least one holding element with at least one container receptacle and a support frame for fastening the holding element. Furthermore, the invention relates to a vehicle element with such a holding device.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] From the prior art, holding devices for beverages are known which are made of plastic and have flexible gripping arms for holding a beverage container.

[0007] Task

[0008] The invention is based on the object of improving a holding device, in particular a cup holder, for drinks or drinks containers of the type mentioned at the outset, and of providing a corresponding vehicle element with such a holding device.

[0009] Solution

[0010] This first-mentioned object is achieved according to the invention by a holding device for drinks having the features of claim 1. The second-mentioned object is achieved according to the invention by a vehicle element having the features of claim 10.

[0011] Advantageous embodiments, which can be used individually or in combination with one another, are the subject of the subclaims.

[0012] The holding device according to the invention for drinks or drinks containers comprises at least one container receptacle and a support frame for holding the container receptacle, wherein the support frame has at least one integrated clamping element which is designed to be pivotable and is movable, in particular pivotable, at least in sections through a receiving opening of the container receptacle and is held pre-tensioned when the container receptacle is inserted.

[0013] The support frame can be provided with an integrally formed or integrated joint or hinge, in particular a film hinge or a film hinge. A film hinge or a film hinge is understood to mean, in particular, a flexible hinge or a flexible joint, for example also called a "living hinge," that does not comprise any mechanical parts. For example, the film hinge or the film hinge can be designed as a thin, flexible hinge or joint, in particular as a thin, flexible band hinge or band hinge (also called a fabric hinge or fabric hinge or plastic hinge or plastic hinge). In particular, two, in particular rigid, parts are connected to one another in an articulated manner by the flexible part (film hinge or film hinge), so that the rigid parts can be pivoted or bent along the line of the flexible part.Typically, the rigid parts (clamping element and support frame) and the flexible part are made of the same material, with the flexible part being thinner than the rigid parts to achieve flexibility.

[0014] "Living hinges" are a simple and cost-effective method for connecting, for example, two essentially rigid plastic parts with a flexible hinge. Because the support frame has at least one integrated clamping element, which is pivotable about a film hinge and is guided at least partially through a receiving opening of the container holder and held in a pre-tensioned manner, the number of components and fastening elements can be reduced. This allows for a reduction in the weight of the holding device and manufacturing costs. Furthermore, assembly and disassembly of the holding device can be simplified.

[0015] The support frame and the clamping element can be formed as one piece, in particular integrally. The clamping element can be formed as one piece, in particular integrally, with a frame part of the support frame via a hinge or joint, in particular a film hinge or a film hinge. The support frame, the clamping element, and the film hinge can be manufactured as an injection-molded part, in particular as a one-piece part.

[0016] The clamping element can be a clamp, a clip, a lug, or another clamping means and / or locking element. The clamping element can be held inwardly biased, for example, toward a receiving space of the container holder.

[0017] The clamping element can be configured to hold different beverage containers, in particular container sizes, in the container receptacle, for example, to clamp them, in particular to clamp them. When a beverage container is inserted or introduced into the container receptacle, the clamping element can press the container against an opposite inner wall of the container receptacle.

[0018] The support frame comprises at least one frame opening for inserting the container holder, with the clamping element extending into the frame opening. The support frame can have a conventional frame shape. For example, the support frame can be oval, round, square, rectangular, or polygonal.

[0019] An outer frame circumference of the support frame and an outer frame circumference of the container holder can have corresponding and / or identical dimensions and / or shapes. An outer frame circumference can be flush with an outer frame circumference of the container holder in the final assembled state of the holding device.

[0020] The support frame can form a base, in particular a support structure, for the container holder.

[0021] The container receptacle can comprise at least one receiving body with a receiving base and a receiving wall projecting perpendicularly from the receiving base. The container receptacle can be arranged in the frame opening of the support frame. For example, the container receptacle can extend partially through the frame opening of the support frame. To mount the holding device, the container receptacle can be guided into or partially through the frame opening of the support frame. The support frame can engage in a groove on the underside of the container receptacle with a positive fit.

[0022] The clamping element can be attached to an inner periphery of the support frame via at least one joint or hinge. The clamping element can be attached to an inner periphery of the support frame via at least one film hinge. The clamping element can be arranged on the inner periphery of the frame, projecting therefrom in the direction of the frame opening. The clamping element can be arranged on the inner periphery of the frame in a movable, in particular pivotable or articulated manner. The clamping element can be connected to the support frame, in particular to the inner periphery of the frame, for example, via a flexible and / or elastic strut or bridge.

[0023] The clamping element can comprise at least one laterally projecting guide element, wherein at least one stop element can be arranged protruding on an inner circumference of the support frame corresponding to the guide element of the clamping element. The stop element can be arranged laterally spaced from the clamping element. The stop element can be arranged on the inner circumference of the frame protruding therefrom in the direction of the frame opening. The stop element can be designed to be essentially rigid. In a final assembly position of the container receptacle in and / or on the support frame, the clamping element can be held by the guide element resting in and / or on the stop element. For example, the clamping element can be finally positioned such that a front guide surface of the guide element comes into contact with a rear stop surface or a stop region of the stop element.

[0024] At least one pre-tensioning element can be provided and configured to pre-tension the clamping element in the direction of the container receptacle and / or against a stop region of a stop element of the support frame in a final assembly position of the container receptacle in and / or on the support frame.

[0025] For example, in a final assembly position, the guide element of the clamping element can be arranged between the stop area of ​​the stop element of the support frame and the preload element.

[0026] When a beverage container is inserted, it can push the clamping element outwards against the spring force of the pre-tensioning element.

[0027] When removing the beverage container, the pre-tensioning element can move the clamping element back to an initial position, in particular press it, until the clamping element is limited in its movement by its guide element resting on the stop element of the support frame.

[0028] The clamping element can have at least one locking element on the rear side, which is configured to receive the pre-tensioning element and fix it to the clamping element. This prevents the pre-tensioning element from slipping on the clamping element during use.

[0029] The object is further achieved according to the invention by a vehicle element, for example a vehicle console or an armrest of a vehicle seat, and a previously described beverage holder. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to advantageous embodiments illustrated in the figures. However, the invention is not limited to these embodiments. They show:

[0030] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a vehicle seat with a longitudinal adjustment device according to the prior art,

[0031] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a holding device according to the invention for beverage containers, comprising two container receptacles,

[0032] Figure 3 is a plan view of the holding device according to Figure 2,

[0033] Figure 4 is a perspective view from below of the holding device according to Figure 2,

[0034] Fig. 5: a side view of the holding device according to Figure 2,

[0035] Fig. 6: an exploded view and an assembly sequence of the holding device according to Figure 2,

[0036] Fig. 7: a plan view of a support frame of the holding device, comprising a plurality of clamping elements in a starting position,

[0037] Fig. 8: an enlarged perspective view of a clamping element of the support frame according to Figure 7,

[0038] Fig. 9: a section along the line I - I in Figure 7 of the clamping element,

[0039] Fig. 10: a plan view of the support frame of the holding device, wherein the majority of the clamping elements are in a final assembly position,

[0040] Fig. 11: an enlarged perspective view of a clamping element of the support frame according to Figure 10, Fig. 12: a section along the line II - II in Figure 10 of the clamping element,

[0041] Fig. 13: a plan view of the support frame of the holding device, wherein the majority of the clamping elements are in a mounting position,

[0042] Fig. 14: an enlarged perspective view of a clamping element of the support frame according to Figure 13,

[0043] Fig. 15: a section along the line III - III in Figure 13 of the clamping element,

[0044] Fig. 16: a sectional view of the holding device in the area of ​​a container holder, wherein the clamping elements of the support frame of the holding device are in a final assembly position, and

[0045] Fig. 17: a sectional view of the holding device in the area of ​​a container holder, wherein the clamping elements of the support frame of the holding device are in an assembly position.

[0046] Corresponding parts are provided with the same reference numerals in all figures.

[0047] A vehicle seat 100, schematically illustrated in Figure 1 according to the prior art, is described below using three spatial directions running perpendicular to one another. A longitudinal direction x, in a vehicle seat 100 installed in the vehicle, runs largely horizontally and preferably parallel to a vehicle longitudinal direction that corresponds to the usual direction of travel of the vehicle. A transverse direction y, which runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x, is also oriented horizontally in the vehicle and runs parallel to a vehicle transverse direction. A vertical direction z runs perpendicular to the longitudinal direction x and perpendicular to the transverse direction y. In a vehicle seat 100 installed in the vehicle, the vertical direction z preferably runs parallel to a vehicle vertical axis.The position and direction information used, such as front, rear, top, and bottom, refer to a viewing direction of an occupant sitting in the vehicle seat 100 in a normal sitting position, with the vehicle seat 100 installed in the vehicle, in a position of use suitable for passenger transport with the backrest 104 upright and oriented in the direction of travel as usual. However, the vehicle seat 100 can also be installed or moved in a different orientation, for example, transversely to the direction of travel. Unless otherwise described, the vehicle seat 100 is constructed mirror-symmetrically to a plane running perpendicular to the transverse direction y.

[0048] The backrest 104 can be pivotably mounted on a seat part 102 of the vehicle seat 100. For this purpose, the vehicle seat 100 can optionally comprise a fitting 106, in particular an adjustment fitting, rotary fitting, locking fitting, or wobble fitting.

[0049] The position and direction specifications used, such as radial, axial, and circumferential, refer to a rotational axis 108 of the fitting 106. Radial means perpendicular to the rotational axis 108. Axial means in the direction of or parallel to the rotational axis 108.

[0050] The vehicle seat 100 can optionally include a longitudinal adjustment device 110. The longitudinal adjustment device 110 comprises, for example, a rail arrangement 112 with a first rail element 114 and a second rail element 116. The first rail element 114 is adjustable in the longitudinal direction x relative to the second rail element 116. The first rail element 114, for example, an upper rail 114, is fastened to the seat part 102. The second rail element 116, for example, a lower rail 116, is fastened to a structural element of a vehicle, for example, a vehicle floor.

[0051] Furthermore, at least one vehicle element 120 can be provided in the vehicle. The vehicle element 120 can be, for example, a pivotable armrest 130 or a vehicle console 140, for example a so-called center console. The vehicle element 120 can have a holding device 200 for holding beverage containers. The armrest 130 can be arranged, for example, between two vehicle seats 100 in a rear seat row of the vehicle.

[0052] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a holding device 200 according to the invention for beverage containers, wherein the holding device 200 comprises two container receptacles 202 for receiving and holding beverage containers. The holding device 200 can be arranged and secured in a recess (not shown in detail) in the vehicle element 120.

[0053] The container receptacles 202 can be formed by a cover element 204. The cover element 204 can enhance the visual appearance of the holding device 200 in and / or on the vehicle element 120. The cover element 204 can be made of metal and / or plastic, for example, and optionally additionally coated with a lacquer. The cover element 204 has a cover edge 206. The cover edge 206 can be arranged on and / or in the vehicle element 120 such that a surface of the cover element 204 is flush with a surface of the vehicle element 120.

[0054] The holding device 200 further comprises a support frame 210 for holding the container receptacles 202 and, in particular, for fastening the cover element 204 on and / or in the vehicle element 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the support frame 210 comprises a plurality of integrated clamping elements 212. The clamping elements 212 are designed to be movable. The clamping elements 212 are formed integrally with the support frame 210. The clamping elements 212 are each designed to pivot about a hinge or joint, for example, a film hinge 214, which is shown in more detail starting in Figure 7.

[0055] For clarity, the term film hinge 214 will be used below instead of the generic term "hinge" or "joint." However, the invention is not limited to such a film hinge 214 and also covers other forms of flexible interfaces for pivoting the container receptacle 202, which may be configured, for example, as a cover element 204, relative to the support frame 210. The support frame 210 and the clamping elements 212 are formed as a single piece and are connected to one another via corresponding film hinges 214. The support frame 210 is provided with integrally formed or integrated film hinges 214.

[0056] The support frame 210 can be an injection-molded part. The clamping elements 212 can be molded, in particular injection-molded, onto the support frame 210 in the same tool. The support frame 210, the clamping elements 212, and the film hinges 214 can be manufactured as a single-piece injection-molded part.

[0057] The container receptacles 202 each comprise receiving openings 220 corresponding to the number and positions of the clamping elements 212. The receiving openings 220 are arranged distributed over a circumference of the container receptacles 202.

[0058] Each of the clamping elements 212 is guided at least partially through a corresponding receiving opening 220. The clamping elements 212 are held prestressed by at least one prestressing element 230, shown in more detail in Figure 4.

[0059] A central axis Ma runs through each of the container receptacles 202. The container receptacles 202 can be substantially tubular, cylindrical, or conical. The clamping elements 212 are preloaded in the direction of the central axis Ma. The clamping elements 212 can be reversibly flexible or deformable. The respective film hinge 214 is designed as a pivot axis Sa, as shown from Figure 6 onwards, for the associated clamping element 212. The clamping elements 212 can be moved, in particular pivoted, between different positions about the pivot axis Sa.

[0060] Figure 3 shows a top view of the holding device 200. The clamping elements 212 protrude through the respective receiving opening 220. The clamping elements 212 each protrude at least partially into a receiving space 208 of the container receptacle 202. The clamping elements 212 are configured to fasten the cover element 204 to the support frame 210 and, in the final assembled state of the holding device 200, to fix or hold different beverage containers in the container receptacle 202. This prevents the beverage containers from moving unintentionally, for example, from slipping or sliding out.

[0061] Figure 4 shows a perspective bottom view of the holding device 200, and Figure 5 shows a side view of the holding device 200. The support frame 210 has a frame opening 216. The clamping elements 212 protrude inward from the outer support frame 210 (into the frame opening 216).

[0062] The support frame 210 further comprises a number of fastening elements 240 which, for example, protrude downwards from an underside of the support frame 210.

[0063] The fastening elements 240 can be designed as fastening hooks, clamps, or clips. The fastening elements 240 are intended to fasten the holding device 200 to and / or in the vehicle element 120, for example, to releasably fasten and / or clamp it.

[0064] The preload element 230 can be an elastic spring element, such as an O-ring, a torsion spring, a tension spring, a rubber band, or a spring wire. The preload element 230 can be attached to the rear of the respective clamping element 212 and apply a spring force to the respective clamping element 212 in the direction of the corresponding container receptacle 202, thereby preloading it.

[0065] Figure 6 shows an exploded view and an assembly sequence of the holding device 200. In a first step, the prestressing element 230 is fastened to the support frame 210, in particular to the clamping elements 212. In a second step, the unit comprising the support frame 210 and the prestressing element 230 is connected to the cover element 204. The container receptacles 202 arranged on the cover element 204 are guided through the frame opening 216. When inserting the container receptacles 202 into the frame opening 216 of the support frame 210, the clamping elements 212 can be moved, in particular pressed, outwards (away from the central axis Ma) against the prestressing force of the prestressing element 230. The clamping elements 212 can be pivoted about the respective pivot axis Sa

[0066] (shown in Figure 7) of the associated film hinge 214. In this case, an outer wall of the respective container receptacle 202 can press the clamping elements 212 outwards. Upon reaching the corresponding receiving opening 220, the clamping elements 212 are guided, in particular pressed, into and through the corresponding receiving openings 220 by means of the pretensioning force of the pretensioning element 230. In this case, the clamping elements 212 of the support frame 210 reach the receiving space 208 of the respective container receptacle 202. A final assembly position P1 of the clamping elements 212 can be defined by a position of the container receptacles 202 and the receiving openings 220 relative in and / or on the support frame 210.

[0067] The clamping elements 212 are attached to an inner frame periphery 210.1 of the support frame 210 via a respective associated hinge or joint. The clamping elements 212 can each be connected to the inner frame periphery 210.1 via a film hinge 214. The clamping elements 212 can each be arranged on the inner frame periphery 210.1, projecting from the frame periphery in the direction of the frame opening 216.

[0068] An upper side of the support frame 210 can have at least one connecting element 218, for example in the form of a groove or opening. An underside of the cover element 204, in particular of the cover edge 206, can have at least one corresponding connecting element (not shown in detail), for example a hook, a lug, or a pin. This enables a simple plug-in connection. The cover element 204 can be easily plugged onto the support frame 210 via the corresponding connecting elements 218 and connected to it, for example, by locking.

[0069] The holding device 200 can then be arranged as a module in and / or on the vehicle element 120 and connected thereto. The trough frame 210 can have a shape and size corresponding to the cover edge 206 of the cover element 204. The cover element 204 serves to cover and protect the trough frame 210 from external influences. Figure 7 shows a plan view of a support frame 210 of the holding device 200, comprising a plurality of clamping elements 212, each in a starting position P2. The starting position P2 corresponds to a manufacturing position, for example, directly after an injection molding process. The clamping elements 212 are connected to the support frame 210 via integrated film hinges 214. In the starting position P2, the clamping elements 212 are each in an overextended position relative to the associated film hinge 214.

[0070] The respective clamping element 212 can comprise at least one laterally projecting guide element 250, wherein at least one stop element 260 can be arranged protrudingly on an inner frame circumference 210.1 of the support frame 210, corresponding to the guide element 250 of the respective clamping element 212. The stop element 260 can be arranged laterally spaced from the clamping element 212. The stop element 260 can be arranged on the inner frame circumference 210.1, protruding therefrom in the direction of the frame opening 216.

[0071] The respective clamping element 212 comprises two laterally projecting guide elements 250 (also called snap-in stoppers). Two stop elements 260 (also called movement-range limiters) are arranged on the support frame 210, corresponding to the guide elements 250 of the clamping element 212. The guide elements 250 can be designed as guide pins or guide lugs. The stop elements 260 can be hook-shaped, for example, J-shaped or L-shaped. The stop elements 260 can each have a stop region 262 in which a guide element 250 of the clamping element 212 can be arranged or is arranged.

[0072] Figure 8 shows an enlarged perspective view of a clamping element 212, and Figure 9 shows a section along line I-I in Figure 7 of the clamping element 212. In particular, the clamping element 212 can be held in a final assembly position P1, as shown in Figures 10 to 12, by the respective guide element 250 being positioned in and / or on the stop element 260. The stop elements 260 accordingly define the final assembly position P1. The pretensioning element 230 cannot move the clamping element 212 beyond the stop region 262 of the stop element 260.

[0073] Furthermore, the clamping element 212 comprises a locking element 270. The locking element 270 can be arranged below the guide element 250 on the clamping element 212. The locking element 270 can be designed in the form of a groove. The locking element 270 can be provided with a coating, for example an anti-slip coating, and / or with a rubber material. The locking element 270 can be provided to receive the preload element 230 and to fix it to the clamping element 212. The locking element 270 and the preload element 230 can be connected to one another in a form-fitting, force-fitting, and / or material-fitting manner.

[0074] The clamping elements 212 can be moved, in particular about the corresponding pivot axis Sa, when inserting the container receptacles 202 from the starting position P2 into the final assembly position P1 or into an assembly position P3 extending beyond the final assembly position P1, as shown in Figures 13 to 15.

[0075] Alternatively or optionally additionally, the clamping elements 212 can be placed in the final assembly position P1 before inserting the container receptacles 202 and connected to the pre-tensioning element 230. The guide elements 250 can be designed to be reversibly flexible and, when the clamping element 212 is pivoted from the starting position P2 to the final assembly position P1, can move over the stop area 262 of the respective stop element 260.

[0076] Figure 10 shows a top view of the support frame 210 of the holding device 200, with the majority of the clamping elements 212 in the final assembly position P1. The respective clamping elements 212 are held in the final assembly position P1 by the stop elements 260 and by the preloading element 230. Movement of the clamping elements 212 is limited on the one hand by the stop elements 260 and on the other hand by the preloading element 230. Figure 11 shows an enlarged perspective view of a clamping element 212 of the support frame 210, and Figure 12 shows a section along the line II-II in Figure 10 of the clamping element 212.

[0077] Figure 13 shows a top view of the support frame 210 of the holding device 200, wherein the majority of the clamping elements 212 are in an assembly position P3. When inserting the container receptacles 202 into the frame opening 216 of the support frame 210, the clamping elements 212 can be moved, in particular pressed, from the final assembly position P1 into the assembly position P3 against the prestressing force of the prestressing element 230. The clamping elements 212 can be moved, in particular pressed, about the respective pivot axis Sa of the associated film hinge 214 into the assembly position P3 beyond the final assembly position P1. In this case, an outer wall of the respective container receptacle 202 can press the clamping elements 212 outward (from the central axis Ma).

[0078] Figure 14 shows an enlarged perspective view of a clamping element 212 of the support frame 210 and Figure 15 shows a section along the line III - III in Figure 13 of the clamping element 212.

[0079] Figure 16 shows a sectional view of the holding device 200 in the region of a container receptacle 202, wherein the clamping elements 212 of the support frame 210 are located in a final assembly position P1, and Figure 17 shows a sectional view of the holding device 200 in the region of a container receptacle 202, wherein the clamping elements 212 of the support frame 210 are located in an assembly position P3 extending beyond the final assembly position P1. An arrow PF1 indicates the direction of the preload force of the preload element 230.List of reference symbols Vehicle seat Seat part Backrest Fitting Rotation axis Longitudinal adjustment device Rail arrangement First rail element (upper rail) Second rail element (lower rail) Vehicle element Armrest Vehicle console Holding device Container holder Cover element Cover edge Receiving space Supporting frame Inner frame circumference Clamping element Film hinge Frame opening Connecting element Receiving opening Pre-tensioning element Fastening element Guide element 260 Stop element.

[0080] 262 stop area

[0081] 270 locking element Ma central axis

[0082] P1 Final assembly position

[0083] P2 starting position

[0084] P3 mounting position

[0085] PF1 Arrow Sa Swivel axis x Longitudinal direction y Transverse direction z Vertical direction

Claims

Claims 1. A holding device (200) for beverage containers, comprising at least one container receptacle (202) for receiving beverage containers and a support frame (210) for holding the container receptacle (202), characterized in that the support frame (210) has at least one integrated clamping element (212) which is designed to be pivotable and is movable, in particular pivotable, at least in sections through a receiving opening (220) of the container receptacle (202) and is held pre-tensioned in and / or on the support frame (210) when the container receptacle (202) is inserted.

2. Holding device (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that the support frame (210) comprises at least one frame opening (216) for inserting the container receptacle (202), wherein the clamping element (212) projects into the frame opening (216).

3. Holding device (200) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the clamping element (212) is fastened to an inner frame circumference (210.1) of the support frame (210) via at least one joint or hinge.

4. Holding device (200) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the clamping element (212) is fastened to an inner frame circumference (210.1) of the support frame (210) via at least one film hinge (214).

5. Holding device (200) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the clamping element (212) and the support frame (210) are integrally formed.

6. Holding device (200) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the clamping element (212) comprises at least one laterally projecting guide element (250), wherein at least one stop element (260) is arranged projecting on an inner frame circumference (210.1) of the support frame (210) corresponding to the guide element (250) of the clamping element (212).

7. Holding device (200) according to claim 6, characterized in that in a final assembly position (P1) of the container holder (202) in and / or on the support frame (210), the clamping element (212) is held by the guide element (250) in and / or on the stop element (260).

8. Holding device (200) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one pretensioning element (230) is provided and configured to pretension the clamping element (212) in the direction of the container receptacle (202) and / or against a stop region (262) of a stop element (260) of the support frame (210) in a final assembly position (P1) of the container receptacle (202) in and / or on the support frame (210).

9. Holding device (200) according to claim 8, characterized in that the clamping element (212) has at least one rear locking element (270) which is designed to receive the pretensioning element (230) and to fix it to the clamping element (212).

10. Vehicle element (120) for a seat, in particular a vehicle seat (100), with at least one holding device (200) for beverage containers according to one of the preceding claims.

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